Monday, February 4, 2013

New Name Coming Soon

Hey everyone! I'm changing the name to my blog. As loyal as you all are I didn't think it to be fair to just spring it on you. I don't know exactly what the name will be but i've got a few ideas. I'm also open to suggestioins. I want something that explains more of what this blog is about and also describes me a little better. When I first started this blog (not to long ago) I orginally had plans for it to just consist of momma things, but I've been posting things that are more than just baby babble and theres more to my life than just being a momma; even if it is a large chunk. So just as a heads up there will be some changes around here, good changes that is!

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A word from the wise to the wise

{ Via }


As some of you may know I have another blog at tumblr. I'm trying to combine the two and it seems to be a bigger feat than I bargained for. I am just going to bring all my posts over. Here is one that has so much to teach.

This is an email I received from a really good friend! I hope we all learn a little something from this and us Christians speak on it. Maybe we could get our rights back and put God back in place in our country! Here’s to hoping.


Only hope we find GOD again before it is too late ! !
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees… I don’t feel threatened.. I don’t feel discriminated against.. That’s what they are, Christmas trees.
It doesn’t bother me a bit when people say, ‘Merry Christmas’ to me. I don’t think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn’t bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it’s just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don’t like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don’t think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can’t find it in the Constitution and I don’t like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren’t allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that’s a sign that I’m getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it’s not funny, it’s intended to get you thinking.
In light of recent events… terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O’Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn’t want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn’t spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock’s son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he’s talking about.. And we said okay..
Now we’re asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don’t know right from wrong, and why it doesn’t bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with ‘WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.’
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world’s going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send ‘jokes’ through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you’re not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit.
If not, then just discard it… no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don’t sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein

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Happy Nine Month Birthday Little Treasure

This is a letter to my son.

Dear Wyatt,

You have been such a beautiful blessing. I can't imagine my life without you now, nor do I want to. God saw me fit to be your mommy. A mommy to a little beautiful boy. God has given me two of the best gifts, one being my salvation through His son and our savior and two, you. You cant buy either one of these, remember that, little one.

This month you have really began to mimic me and you've started to make all kinds of funny noises. You've also began saying "momma" A LOT! You have the most precious voice and I smile every time you use it. I had no idea how I could care so much about someone or how much love i was capable of giving to another being but you showed me how. You have brought me more joy than I've ever known.

I started planning your one year birthday party last week. I don't know if I'll be able to make it through without being a little sad cause it means we're getting closer to the day you will be grown.
From the first time I felt your little kick in my belly I knew there was no greater feeling.

I love spending my days watching you grow and do your little wounded army man crawl. The experiences we've shared could never be replaced. You have accomplished so much in these nine months and I'm so very proud of you. I'm sorry you're sick on your nine month birthday. Hearing you cough makes me hurt.

Holding you in my arms is my favorite pass time. Your laugh brings me to laugh. Your cry brings me to cry. I wish someone would have told me that the connection between a mother and son is the strongest force and the bond is the strongest bond. Even though you're not physically a part of me anymore I still feel everything you do.

I no longer think of how things are going to affect me but I'm concerned about what it means for you. I've always got you on my mind. Life around here is very different because of you. Your daddy and me have become better people since having you around. We love you oh so much.

Love always,

Your momma



Friday, February 1, 2013

Happy Friday and Happy February




Hey Ya'll! Welcome to the month of hearts and XO's. You will be happy to know that I've been doing some rootin. I have gathered a list of free printables for valentine's day goodies and also a few others just cause I LOVE my readers. I hope you all enjoy and have a beautiful weekend.

 
 
This one I'm sure you've all seen floating around pinterest. It is from craftionary and I have printed off a few myself. It is definitely a great and extensive list.
 
 
 
This list has some that aren't for the day of love but it also has some that could be used for it plus some really great and really cute ones.
 
 
Here is a collection of 20. All of them are Valentine's day themed.
 
 
 
These are for mommas who want to give non-candy valentines to their kiddos. What a cute and great alternative!
 
 
 
There are literally THOUSANDS of free printables out there. I have a ton more on my pinterest board "Printables!" You can find me pinning my heart out under kacemichele. Be sure to thank the designers and bloggers for the free stuff  they worked so hard to give us. And read the terms of use that a lot of them have. A.K.A. give credit where credit is due.
 
Give your lovies some love and a great big smile. Skip the same ol boring routine of chocolates and a dinner. Spice up your life. ( I used to be a die hard spice girl fan. Can you tell? Ha! )
 
 

 
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Monday, January 21, 2013

Liebster Award



Well a very happy and blustery Monday to everyone! (It is snowing here) I'm so excited because I've been nominated for the Liebster award! I was so kindly nominated by jackiejade. Whom I just found out got engaged over the weekend! YAYY!

What is a Liebster award? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. And the award is for new and upcoming blogs that have less than 200 followers. First, can I just say what compliments about my work. Thank you thank you thank you! I'm so honored.

This is what happens now:

1. You must post 11 random facts about yourself.

2. Answer the questions by your nominator.

3. Nominate 11 bloggers (with less than 200 hundred followers) and link them in your post.

4. Create 11 questions for your nominees.

5. No tag back required, but leave a comment on this post with the URL to your Liebster post so I can learn more about you.

That being said here are my answers to Jackie Jade's questions

1. When was the first time you were on a plane? The first time I was on a plane was when me, my mom and my brother went to Texas. It was such a great vacation. We went to six flags. The mesquite rodeo. We visited the house from the show Dallas. We went swimming and did a lot of shopping too!

2. Did you have braces? Yes I did have braces for six long painful years.

3. Do you have a lucky number? Well I'm not superstitious but I have a favorite number and that is number 13. It was my dad's baseball number when he played and It's always been my favorite.

4. What was your favorite subject in high school? My favorite subject in high school was language.

5. Where is one place you really want to travel? I really would love to go to Mexico.

6. Are you a fan of scary movies? No. I don't like them one bit! I have terrible nightmares.

7. Do you have any pets now? Yes. I have a dog named Ozzie. He is a jack russell/chihuahua.

8. What is your favorite tv show? My husband and I are obsessed with Grey's Anatomy!

9. Why did you start your blog? I originally had a blog on tumblr. I still do and I started it before I was pregnant with Wyatt. I just wanted it to be inspiring and uplifting to others by sharing my walk with Christ and giving daily devotionals. Then I had my beautiful boy and I wanted to also share everything mommy. And here we are. I'm working on combining the two, currently.

10. How many siblings do you have?  I have eight total siblings. Seven are adopted and one is blood.

11. Do you enjoy cooking? Yes. I love cooking!


The questions for my nominees are:

1. What do you want your blog to stand for?
2. What is your favorite season?
3. Is the job you currently have the job you've always wanted?
4. What is your favorite kind of cuisine?
5. What is your all time favorite movie?
6. Cats or dogs?
7. Have you ever rode a horse?
8. What is your dream vehicle?
9. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
10. How long has it been since your last vacation or staycation?
11. Do you have any kids?

My Nominees:

Angie @ http://keithandangiepope.blogspot.com/

Kacie @ http://www.mamacase.com/

Jess @ http://citysequins.blogspot.com/

Brittany @ http://thelilyfield.blogspot.com/

Andrea @ http://shabbykitteh.blogspot.com/

Clara @ http://walking-inthe-light.blogspot.com/

Tiffany @ http://girlsofgodsheart.blogspot.com/

Leti Del Mar @ http://bookswithletidelmar.blogspot.com/

Loni @ http://thesportsmanswife.blogspot.com/

Sarah @ http://sarahandderek.blogspot.com/

Allison @ http://www.alittleblueberry.com/

Congratulations to you all and job well done! I'm looking forward to learning more about you.


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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Easy Chicken and Quinoa Fry

Isn't it beautiful!
There is a wide variety of ethnicities living on the islands of Hawai'i. This makes it a mecca for all sorts of food influences. From American to Vietnamese to Japanese and obviously Hawaiian. Living there for two years; I really got the chance to explore these different types of unique flavors. It was such a great experience. So much that it is starting to show in my cooking!

This is my first recipe I've ever been able to actually call mine. (YAY!) I've never written one before either so go easy on me. Please, if you try it, let me know how it turned out. I would really love to hear from you. Now, I didn't picture the stars of the meal because we all know what chicken and quinoa look like! The ingredients are highlighted and each step is bold and underlined.

The Co-Stars


First you want to brown the chicken in the pan. I used five chicken tenderloins and there was plenty for hubby and I plus he took a helping to work. I threw the chicken in frozen and let it cook on low until it thawed then turned the heat up to medium high and added some canola oil.
Second I coated both sides of the chicken with freshly ground sea salt and black pepper and also curry powder. I'm not sure what all the differences in curry powders are but the one I used is pictured.
Third I threw in some mushrooms and chopped garlic. This is also when I added my crushed red pepper flakes but if you're not really into spicy foods the diced tomatoes with jalopeno peppers brings a good measure of heat so add as much pepper flakes as you wish. Turn down heat. Let all of those ingredients get really acquainted. About a minute or so.
Fourth I added the spinach. About two handfuls. Add the juice of half a lemon. Some more salt and pepper. Turn the heat back up and let the spinach wilt.
Fifth Add the cooked quinoa. I had cooked mine earlier in the day and had it in the fridge just waiting for its big shiny moment on stage. At this point you may need to add a little more oil. I also added a half a can of diced tomatoes with jalopeno peppers. Let everything cook together for about two minutes and guess what... YOU'RE DONE!! Plate it up and add your chopped scallions.

Only twelve ingredients people and you've got yourself a healthy, filling and tasteful meal. I steamed some yellow and green wax beans as a side dish. Once they were steamed I added some chopped garlic, salt and pepper but you can use any side dish if you want. There really isn't a need for a side dish since the chicken and quinoa have everything in it but to each his own. Enjoy!
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Monday, January 14, 2013

Top Four Books for Mommas to Be


 
 
 
 

Good day to all! I've been busy composing a small list of books I recommend for new and or expecting mommas. I have come up with four that I don't think I could have made it through the first eight, yes, eight months without.


  • "The Baby Owner's Manual" by Louis Borgenicht, M.D., and Joe Borgenicht, D.A.D.
Oh my goodness this book! It is so entertaining and funny. Not to mention informative. Some of it is like "duh" stuff but still its so stinkin cute.
  • "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Harvey Karp, M.D.
Well obviously it's good. It's a national bestseller. You're mommy reading would not be complete without including this. This book keeps your attention while educating you on amazing techniques to keep you and your baby happy, comforted and calm through your transition into mommy-hood.
  • "On Becoming Baby Wise" by Gary Ezzo, M.A. and Robert Bucknam, M.D.
Again, obviously this book is popular for a reason. The techniques being taught in this book work for a lot of families. Our babies don't know how to sleep through the night. They don't know when it is time to eat until they're to the point of crying. They must be taught.
  • "Infant Massage" by Vimala McClure
All natural approaches to relieve common problems babies face. Infant massage gives a chance for the mother, or father, and baby to get to know each other better and to benefit from the sense of touch. This book is a MUST and there is something in it for everyone.



Remember that nothing beats being prepared. You can't possibly be prepared 100% for being a parent but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try!

Take care.
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