tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68387157266891000222024-03-13T15:47:14.015-07:00Butterflies and BedbugsMiss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-90272293428740783562013-05-31T23:28:00.000-07:002013-05-31T23:28:26.311-07:00<a href="http://www.someecards.com/usercards/nsviewcard/MjAxMy02ZWUwZTAyZmQyNzZkNTU3"><img alt="someecards.com - Everyone's all like " and="" at="" breathing.="" cake="" children.="" e="" garden="" here="" i="" like="" look="" m="" made-from-scratch="" my="" over="" re="" respectful="" src="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/MjAxMy02OTMwZmU1NWJkNDc4OWVl.png" /></a><br />
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Yep. Moved to another blog due to barely breathing these days ... Check it out if you're so inclined.<br />
<a href="http://www.matthew6-34.blogspot.com/">matthew6-34.blogspot.com. </a>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-81462271841909836282011-12-02T00:34:00.000-08:002011-12-02T00:34:41.506-08:00They say it's your birthday ...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's officially ten minutes until my 35th birthday. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">35?!? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yikes! When did that happen? Seriously. I don't know about you, but I still feel like I'm 16. OK, no, I don't <i>physically</i> feel 16, but mentally, I sure do. Where has the time gone?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'd like to say I've got some sage wisdom to share in my (ahem) advanced age, but that's a negative. I feel like, at 35, I'm <i>finally</i> learning about who I am and how best to deal with and accept myself, the way God made me, in His image. I'm still grappling with what I feel are some flaws in His handiwork, but I trust that He has made me the way I am for a reason. A reason I may never know this side of heaven, but that's for Him to decide. I digress ...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I embark on a new year, there are many things I want to improve upon and work toward. I won't bore you with the laundry list, but I will share one of the most important things for me. I want to get my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">FUN</span> back. Yes, it's as trivial as it sounds. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want to recapture my spunk. I think the past year has all but buried my spunk and I'm out to retrieve it, Bruce Campbell style. Out with the old fuddy duddy. In with the renewed vim and vigor of years past.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm gonna lay my burdens down. Lighten up. Get back my mojo. Yeah, baby, yeah! (Said in my best Austin Powers impression)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's to a year of fun and joy! Lots of laughter, silliness, and maybe even a game of Skipbo. Wait, we'd need a goat and a rope for that ... Scratch that. Rewind. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cheers! I can't wait to dance my way through all that 35 has to offer! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uRSNy5Gjgzk" width="420"></iframe></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's one more because I just can't post Sixteen Candles without good old Long Duck Dong!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oily Bohunk</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">P.S. Wanna know a random fact about me? I share a birthday and a last name with Britney Spears (well, my maiden name). I've got five years of crazy on her though. Happy 30th, Brit Brit! </span>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-40125571567379884612011-11-24T01:23:00.000-08:002011-11-24T01:23:58.423-08:00A heart of thankfulness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! In true night-owl form, I am up late enough to usher in the first moments of Thanksgiving 2011. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm up, but not because I'm frantically running around scrambling to clean my house and get a menu ready. I'm just up toodling around, getting some things ready for tomorrow, mostly because I'm like a little kid and can't sleep when a gathering or something exciting is about to happen. </span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I was cleaning earlier in preparation to host my in-laws tomorrow, I felt abnormally relaxed. Usually, I would be bouncing off the walls, shouting demands like a drill sergeant, and tending to every nook and cranny of my home in hopes of achieving the "perfect" Thanksgiving.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But not tonight. I stopped while wiping down a dining room chair and thought, "Hmm, wonder why I feel so relaxed? Why, I don't feel stressed at all." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then it hit me. I realized that Thanksgiving (or any gathering, for that matter) is not about how clean my house is or how wonderful my meal turns out. It's about the love that is going to fill my home, reverberating off the walls and easing the souls that are contained within. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are going to eat. Oh, good Lord, yes, we will eat! We are going to fellowship. We are going to share laughs, hugs, and full tummies all around. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do I care if my floor's so clean my guests can eat off of it? No way.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do I care if my guests feel loved and cared for while they are visiting my home? Absolutely. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>That</i> will be the perfect Thanksgiving. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God bless,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Miss K</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-77942513171657989272011-11-18T15:42:00.000-08:002011-11-18T15:42:42.250-08:00Empty me, Lord<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been in a barren valley of destitution and loneliness for quite a while now. Yes, life has continued to whizz by and I've remained functional, dare I say, even "put together" from the outside. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What's going on inside is a different story though. Altogether different. A stark contrast. I'm a mess. A gross, ugly, hormonal, sleep-deprived mess. I feel like I'm barely keeping it together. Running to and fro, busying myself with life's "needs" and "have tos." And I was SO determined not to let this holiday season run rampant while I'm chasing behind it with one shoe on and tangled hair ... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've come to a realization. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">I. NEED. JESUS.</span> But, wait, you might ask, I thought you were a Christian? I know, confusing, right? Well, let me break it down for you. Anyone who's been a Christian for any length of time will tell you that there are times we get too complacent in our faith; we talk the talk, but we don't walk the walk. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the last ever-so-many months, I've been talking a big game, but I haven't been walking it. I've been hitting the ground running in the mornings, when what I really need is to hit the ground crawling, as in, on my knees. Before the Lord. I need to thank Him for another day (because every day truly is a gift) and ask for His mercies and HIS will in my life for that day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I need to involve God more in my life all day long. Talk to Him, cry out to Him, sing worship to Him, and, most importantly, LISTEN to Him. I need not be so wrapped up in my to-do list that I don't have time for my Lord and Savior. After all, is He not the reason I have life and this to-do list in the first place? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This realization is humbling. It's little ole stubborn me finally saying, "I get it, Lord. I'm not in control. You are. I can't do this alone. Take my life because I'm making a mess of it." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Perhaps it was the Lord who caused me to spill that half-gallon of creamer all over myself and the kitchen a few days ago while pancakes and bacon were burning on the stove and who caused my tank top strap to pop right off as I was hurriedly getting dressed this morning. I think it was. He's trying to get a hold of me; to shake me and wake me up. To tell me that what should matter most to me is HIM. His thoughts of me. His plan for my life. His will. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've arrived. I'm present now at the Lord's feet and waiting for His will to be exacted on my life. Fully. Vivaciously. Richly. I need you, Lord Jesus. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Calm me.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Carry me.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Empty me.</span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make my face a reflection of Yours and my life a reflection of Your grace. Empty me of anything that is not of You, but is of me. I want more of You and less of me. Your grace is sufficient for me. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zl85EU33jgo" width="420"></iframe></span>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-70280988688973197622011-11-14T00:41:00.000-08:002011-11-14T00:41:44.489-08:00Food Beauty ~ Operation Healthy specs to come<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Despite a nasty little cold I've picked up, I'm forging ahead and beginning Operation Healthy tomorrow (or later today, rather, seeing as it's past midnight) as planned. I'm in the last-minute planning stages of it, so all will be revealed then. I would love for you to join in if you so desire. In the immortal words of Winnie the Pooh, "It's so much friendlier with two."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until then, I'm going to share some motivation. Since we became members of our co-op, I have made so many lovely discoveries about food. One of the things I've enjoyed most is seeing all the beauty the Lord offers us through the foods He has provided for us to eat in nature. I thought I'd share a few photos of the beauty we've been blessed by these last few months.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy! Please disregard my amateur photography skills. I'm working on them; I promise.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogtsAenT43E/TsDQLjCbsqI/AAAAAAAAAi0/hD0DZ05XpEQ/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogtsAenT43E/TsDQLjCbsqI/AAAAAAAAAi0/hD0DZ05XpEQ/s320/IMG_0727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Candy-cane-striped beets (just in time for the Christmas season)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE2H6B4-0o4/TsDQoRi07cI/AAAAAAAAAi8/i4jk-CdOONQ/s1600/IMG_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TE2H6B4-0o4/TsDQoRi07cI/AAAAAAAAAi8/i4jk-CdOONQ/s320/IMG_0735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tri-color sweet peppers (red is my favorite)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCEzy7U5aNU/TsDRkRinGWI/AAAAAAAAAjE/u3JsuwE4ZsQ/s1600/IMG_6703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCEzy7U5aNU/TsDRkRinGWI/AAAAAAAAAjE/u3JsuwE4ZsQ/s320/IMG_6703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A beautiful bounty </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Check out the oranges. They're Cara Caras. Find some and dig in. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They're </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 32px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i>increĆble. </i>No joke.)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 32px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;">These pictures make me totally stoked to fill my days with real, nourishing food. Cheers!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;">God Bless,</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;">Miss K</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;">P.S. I'm working on a redesign for the blog, yet again. I'm still not thrilled with the look of it. I'm hoping to debut the new (and, fingers crossed, final) blog design within the next week or two. Wish me luck! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-70842963966892751792011-11-08T11:18:00.000-08:002011-11-08T11:18:08.864-08:00An Epiphany and Operation Healthy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Morning, y'all! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just wanted to share an epiphany I had a bit ago. I just got home from the gym, got showered, and this little thought dawned on me. What is it, you ask. Well, let me tell you ... </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I feel AH-MAY-ZING! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yeah, that's it. Just that little thought. After hitting the treadmill for 45 minutes (with 10-15 of that running in intervals) and doing 20-odd minutes of bis and tris, I feel magnificent. Well, after my shower, that is. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Isn't it funny how moving our body just for an hour can remind us that we're alive? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is an epiphany for me because I am very much about experiences. I like to taste, see, and feel all that life has to offer. This explains my love affair with food. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have, at times, felt that a piece of chocolate cake or some really good cheese enchiladas were going to make me feel amazing. Big surprise, they didn't. I might have thoroughly enjoyed their consumption, but I know I felt bloated and tired afterward. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After working out, I feel energized. Now I know why that darn Denise Austin is always so stinkin' peppy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Exercise gives people endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands." Quick! Name the movie. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, I am in no way endorsing prohibition when it comes to sweet treats and savory delicacies, but I am noticing that I need to create a better balance between my love of food and my love of feeling strong and in control. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, this is the perfect segue into my newest endeavor. This is the point at which my husband would roll his eyes because I am "always" off on a new endeavor, according to him. While it might be true, this endeavor is serious.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm calling it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Operation Healthy</span>. It's in response to my PCOS that is kicking my butt and my general lack of attention to being healthy over these past several years. I'm getting together a plan, which includes scheduled workouts, eating dos and don'ts, and motivation to be a healthier me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll share more on it later today, if my little monster will allow me to blog. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyone who's with me, say "Aye!" </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Get out and move your body today! I promise you'll feel better! </span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-62362472692897050642011-11-07T17:17:00.000-08:002011-11-07T17:17:25.974-08:00Handing Over the Reins<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll spare anyone taking the time to read this (hello, is anyone out there?) my quips about being away so long. I'm just going to own the fact that, for now, I'm a sporadic blogger. Consistency is not my strong point in anything. I'm working on that with several things ... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I blog when it's quiet and I have time to think. For the record, that is not a lot a time with a husband that travels and a three-and-a-half-year-old mini-me on the loose. I swear, my kid's got more energy than that annoying Energizer bunny, but at least he's infinitely cuter. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Right now, the house is quiet and I'm thinking. Who am I kidding? I'm ALWAYS thinking. It's one of my many quirks; sometimes I like it, a lot of times I hate it. My mind never. turns. off. Never. Hello, my name is Krystal and I'm an overthinker. I've been overthinking for nearly 35 years now ... I digress. On to the nitty gritty.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do you ever think about who you are? Why you act/react the way you do? Why you function the unique way you do?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am all too guilty of this. I am constantly obsessing over who I am, why I act/react like I do, and what in the world the Lord wants out of this semi-crazy, but functioning brain of mine.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll take a second to just lay it out there and pronounce that I am an overly emotional person. Meaning, I have enough emotions for at least two, maybe three, people. Nearly everything I do comes from emotion. Thus, you can see the obsession with how and why I act and react as I do.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Running on emotions is like walking a dental-floss-thin tightrope with no safety net. It can be the best of times, and it can be the worst of times. When I'm feeling secure in who I am, it is the best rush of my life. I'm reaching out to people, trying to bless everyone I come in contact with, and generally feeling vivacious and full of the Spirit. It's utter euphoria.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">BUT, and that's a big, strong but, when I'm insecure (which has been my homeland of late), I become a recluse and just want this big, bad world to leave me in peace. I question my relationships, whether I'm good enough, and what my little gestures even really do to make this world a better place. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Much of the time, I feel a tug of war between these two worlds. I can vacillate between security and insecurity with the snap of a finger. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is this a woman thing, or is it just a me thing? Anyone else out there feel this way? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After having a pretty rough go of it last week (progesterone blues, anyone?), I've resolved that I want to live my life on the secure side. I don't want my actions and reactions to be dictated by my surroundings, relationships, mood, etc. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I desire to be a consistent version of me. The best me, the Spirit-filled me. I truly believe that's what the Lord desires of us. To be steadfast, to be strong, to be unwavering in His spirit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After all, if Jesus could look upon his mockers and take the shame of their sins in order to save us all, I can surely go about my days with joy and thanksgiving in my heart. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been given so much; I don't want to wander through life being fickle and insecure. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In doing so, I'm holding God back from what He wants to do with me. I'm barring the door for His light to shine through me to others. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've got to realize that it's not about me, it's about Him. It's not about my try; it's about His will. I need to unclutter my heart so that He can furnish His space there and make it warm and welcoming. Only then will others be able to see Him shine through me and seek to know Him more. That is my ultimate goal. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Search me, O God, and know my heart;</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Try me, and know my anxieties; </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i>And see if there is any wicked way in me,</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i> And lead me in the way everlasting.</i></span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i>~ Psalm 139:23-24</i></span></span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-86078152687955182232011-10-27T22:14:00.000-07:002011-10-27T22:14:58.987-07:00Choosing Strength<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I found this gem on Pinterest today. So fitting and so true.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSK1-qurvxo/Tqo5T63DyoI/AAAAAAAAAhs/lL_SPF6xZ4c/s1600/great-quotes-from-great-thinkers-carlos-castaneda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSK1-qurvxo/Tqo5T63DyoI/AAAAAAAAAhs/lL_SPF6xZ4c/s400/great-quotes-from-great-thinkers-carlos-castaneda.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Great-Quotes-From-Great-Thinkers-Carlos-Castaneda-Posters_i387109_.htm?AID=2020321730"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I choose strength. Because that's what the Lord wants from me. Strength in Him. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Trust in the LORD with all your heart </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>and lean not on your own understanding; </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i>in all your ways submit to him, </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i>and he will make your paths straight.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i>~ Proverbs 3:5-6</i></span></span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-11670457107062355162011-10-27T00:24:00.000-07:002011-10-27T00:32:46.849-07:00Looking for Forward Momentum<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lately, I feel like the life I'm living is in a constant state of "two steps forward, ten steps back." And not in some fun, Paula Abdul and MC Skat Kat kind of way. You know, "Two steps forward, two steps back, we come together 'cause opposites attract ..."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like, for every molehill I surmount, there's a mountain ahead of me I'm going to tumble tragically down. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My kid actually listens one day when I ask him to pick up his toys and does so without any whining, bickering, or ignoring. Then, the next day he pinches someone at preschool and gets sent to the office.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I make a new friend and feel an instant, I've-known-you-all-my-life connection. Two days later, doubt creeps into my mind and I question whether this new friend even likes me at all. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I manage to finally get the house cleaned and feel proud of my accomplishments. The next day, I remember that it's my husband's birthday in two days and I haven't even <i>thought</i> about what to get him. Not to mention, I've managed to miss my brothers' birthdays altogether and now have to tuck my tail between my legs and send the "it's late, so of course it's from me" gift. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some days, I feel like opening my arms and heart to the world, and shouting, "Bring on the day! Let me be a light unto this world and do all the good that I can with all that I'm given." I am Superwoman, trying to be everything to everyone and sincerely wanting to do it all right.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other days, I want to put on the heaviest, thickest body armor around and close myself into my house, barring the windows and the doors, removing any piece of myself from connection to the outside world. I'm wallowing in self doubt and seriously wondering if one iota of my being really even matters to anyone else.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I suppose I could lay "blame" for this stage of my life on many things. Maybe it's life with a 3 1/2 year old. Maybe it's motherhood in general, which is not the most forgiving of professions. Maybe it's my hormones and the PCOS that's ravaging my body. Maybe it's Satan, trying to attack me where both he and God know I'm all too vulnerable. Maybe it's because I don't love myself, so I don't see where others should either. Maybe I'm in a valley of life right now, instead of on a peak. Maybe, and this is the scariest maybe of all, it's all true and I just don't stack up as a person the way I should. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I truly don't know. I don't have the answers. If I did, I would do whatever necessary to remove myself from this rut. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why am I sharing this? Is it just to get anyone who happens to read it (as if anyone's still paying any attention to this pathetic blog) down in the doldrums with me? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nope. I'm sharing this for two reasons. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1) This blog is about my life and I want it to be honest, so I'm sharing my life right now. Pockmarks and all. This is my free therapy session.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2) I hope that it will encourage anyone who reads it and feels the same way I do, and remind them that they're not alone. Alone is not a great way to feel. I feel it often, whether in a crowd or at home. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I long to tie this post up in pretty paper with a neat bow, but I just can't. It's where I'm at right now. I just have to trust that God will meet me right where I am. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Prayer</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By: Henry David Thoreau</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Great God, I ask for no meaner pelf<br />
Than that I may not disappoint myself,<br />
That in my action I may soar as high<br />
As I can now discern with this clear eye.<br />
And next in value, which thy kindness lends,<br />
That I may greatly disappoint my friends,<br />
Howe'er they think or hope that it may be,<br />
They may not dream how thou'st distinguished me.<br />
<br />
That my weak hand may equal my firm faith<br />
And my life practice what my tongue saith<br />
That my low conduct may not show<br />
Nor my relenting lines<br />
That I thy purpose did not know<br />
Or overrated thy designs. </span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-62557884493215561272011-10-10T22:15:00.000-07:002011-10-10T22:15:31.356-07:0031 Days of Natural Nutrition: Day 10 ~ Lacking inspiration and motivation<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm three days behind on posting for the 31 Days of Natural Nutrition challenge. I hadn't planned to post on Saturday because the hubs and I got out of town for the night, so I was giving myself a day off. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One day turned into three, and I'm only posting now to sadly say I'm running out of steam on this challenge. I don't know if it's the day or what I've been eating, but I have literally no inspiration or motivation right now. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's pitiful. I'm going to hibernate until tomorrow in hopes that my motivation will return. I don't like feeling this way. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Perhaps tomorrow will be a more fruitful day (pun intended). Here's to sleep!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm off to let my <a href="http://butterfliesandbedbugs.blogspot.com/2010/07/meatloaf-smeatloaf-double-beatloaf.html">meat loaf</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll leave you with something that truly made me laugh out loud today (found on Facebook).</span><br />
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</span>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-58886174822878165412011-10-07T22:31:00.000-07:002011-10-07T22:31:55.316-07:0031 Days of Natural Nutrition: Day 7 ~ Easy Peasy Veggie Cookin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWzgf5yqpqU/To_a9C79u8I/AAAAAAAAAhg/rp2nkK1YFlw/s1600/31-days-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWzgf5yqpqU/To_a9C79u8I/AAAAAAAAAhg/rp2nkK1YFlw/s200/31-days-logo.gif" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here I am. Posting again. I'm loving this <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2011/08/youre-invited-31-days-of-change.html">31 Days challenge</a> mostly because it's keeping me accountable to my blog and writing consistently. Thus, I'm feeling more inspired. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Head on over to the <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2011/09/31-days-participants.html#comments">Nesting Place</a> if you want to read some of the many other 31 dayers' challenges.</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Day 7 for me was all about easy peasy. After turning my scrumptious chocolate chip banana bread recipe into muffins this morning for MOPS, I was kind of petered out on cooking the rest of the day. (The banana bread recipe is a total necessary share, but was a hand-me-down from my grandmother-in-law, so I'll have to type it up and share later. Stay tuned.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Short commercial: MOPS is not a household cleaning product nor is it a weird syndrome; it's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mothers of Preschoolers. If you haven't heard of it or been to one and you have preschoolers, find a group and GO! Now! Seriously. It's saved my life and made me a better Christian wife, mother, and woman overall. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anywho, still recovering from my cold kept me from planning dinner and left me standing in front of the fridge at 5:15 p.m. thinking, "What in the world am I going to cook?" Meanwhile, hubby's grumbling in the living room because he's already been hungry for an hour. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I decided to throw some chicken in the oven and grill up some of our fresh veggies that were, quite literally, dying to get used. This reminded me of one super-easy thing I could share.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don't know about you, but fresh veggies used to intimidate me. I didn't know how to prepare them, let alone <i>cut</i> them half the time. I'm no pro now, but I've made strides and have found some go-to methods that work in a pinch. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're in a rush and want to (or need to) cook up some of your fresh veggies, here's a little secret. Two ingredients are all you need to make most veggies taste fantastic. Be prepared to be dazzled. Here you go: olive oil and season salt. It really is that easy. Toss your chosen veggie(s) in a blend of olive oil and season salt and either roast them in the oven or toss them in a grill basket and let the magic begin. BAM! Our favorite veggie prepared this way is zucchini. The season salt just makes the flavor explode and grilling them keeps them from getting too soggy, as squash can be prone to do. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've used this recipe with zucchini, all different types of squash, sweet potatoes, etc. It's so simple and relatively healthy. No more Rachael Ray 15-ingredient veggie side dishes around here. I'll save those for when I truly have the time, which may not ever come. For now, we do simple. And simple is good. </span><br />
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</span>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-4881122852308038692011-10-07T22:00:00.000-07:002011-10-07T22:00:43.287-07:00Five Minute Friday: On Ordinary<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here it is almost 10 p.m. PST and I nearly forgot about <a href="http://thegypsymama.com/2011/10/five-minute-friday-ordinary/">Five Minute Friday</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Five Minute Friday this week is on ordinary. Eek. So many thoughts swim through my mind. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">OK, GO!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ordinary. Yikes. That word gives me the heebie jeebies to be honest. It's probably what I'm most fearful of in life, just being ordinary. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You see, I want to be meaningful, creative, visionary. Anything but ordinary. As a stay-at-home mom, there are times, more often than not, that the ONLY thing I feel is ordinary. I often feel like an automaton could come in and take my place and no one else would notice. I feel like what I'm doing is just ordinary, everyday stuff. Dishes, laundry, cooking, cleaning (who am I kidding? I really shouldn't even list this, that's how infrequently I clean my house).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But you know what? God is stretching me and growing me, and SLOWLY (very slowly) showing me that ordinary is an alright place to be. Because you know who God used? Ordinary people. Everyday people. He used the ordinary to do things that were extraordinary. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I pray for that for my life. I want God to use this ordinary mom life I feel I'm living and make it burst with extraordinary for His glory. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Want to hear the tough stuff? It takes me realizing that what I'm doing every day, the ins and outs of mothering and wifing, are anything but ordinary. I have the opportunity on a daily basis to extraordinarily touch the lives of the two people I hold most dear, my husband and my son. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THAT is anything but ordinary. THAT is my calling. I need to answer the Lord's call with a resounding "Yes!"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">STOP!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*I love how God smacks me upside the head at 10 p.m. on a Friday night. He really is SO good to care.*</span>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-46693702713404024732011-10-06T23:20:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:20:07.371-07:0031 Days of Natural Nutrition: Day 6 ~ Spaghetti squashIt's Day 6 and things are looking up. This post will be short and sweet, as I'm posting from my iPad since I'm actually in bed <i>before</i> midnight!<br />
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Today was filled with much healthier choices and feeling better overall. My nutritional share for today is spaghetti squash. It's one of our favorites and oh so easy to prepare. If you haven't tried it, don't be apprehensive. Grab one next time you're at the farmer's market or grocery. <br />
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We use spaghetti squash as a substitute for the pasta in our spaghetti dinner. It's so good, with the only difference being a consistency issue. When I first made it, I cringed upon serving it to my husband because he <i>loves</i> his pasta. Much to my surprise, he prefers the spaghetti squash over the spaghetti noodles. Score! <br />
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Here's what to do with the spaghetti squash. Cut it in half and scrape out all the seeds and "guts" as we'd call them. Then flip both halves over in a baking dish and poke the rind of each half several times with a fork. Throw the dish in an oven preheated to 350 for 30-40 minutes or until done. When the squash is done, you just have to hold each side up and scrape the inside out with a fork. The inside comes out in strands, resembling spaghetti. If you have older kids, they'll probably fancy this pretty cool. My three year old just runs! <br />
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Toss some squash on a plate and top with spaghetti sauce with meat or marinara for a vegetarian option. It tastes fabulous and is truly healthy! No need to hit the couch afterward due to a carb overload! <br />
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Paired with some wine and candlelight, this is a perfect in-home date with your spouse. Molto bene!Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-42466560905526268512011-10-06T09:51:00.000-07:002011-10-06T09:51:53.002-07:00Double rainbow ...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because I feel like the veil is being lifted on this doggone cold I've got, it's a "double rainbow" kind of day. If you don't know what I'm talking about, here you go. You can thank me later. Take the next six minutes of your day and watch these two videos. Trust me. The first is the infamous "double rainbow" discovery, while the second is a remixed "double rainbow" song. You have to watch the first to fully appreciate the remix, which. is. awesome. Enjoy!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When you're finished laughing, which could be a while, continue ...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whoa! What does this mean? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I must humbly thank our friends Mark and Joanne for introducing us to the infamous "double rainbow" videos after we saw this double rainbow on our last day vacationing with them in Kauai. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cheers to double rainbows and today!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-14220307712113245492011-10-05T23:35:00.000-07:002011-10-05T23:35:35.332-07:00Stuff and some such<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Two posts in one night: this is record breaking for my poor blog. ;) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just wanted to share some goings on in our life of late, or what we like to call in our house "stuff and some such." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First up is a biggie for me. I'm seriously considering/might already be training for a half marathon. A friend of mine suggested I do the run with her, and before I could think, I was like, "Yeah, that sounds great." I desperately need to get in shape. I mean, I'm lugging this old jalopy of a body around when God's given me the time and money to turn it into a muscle car. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who am I kidding though? A half marathon is 13.1 miles. I've never even <i>walked</i> 13.1 miles that I can recall. Did I mention that I actually hate to run? I'd rather do the Fox Trot for 13.1 miles than run. If I end up doing this race, I might have to Fox Trot, Samba, or something to be able to even make it to the end. Not to mention it's in <i>four</i> months. That's like 120 days. I've heard of Couch to 5K, but Couch to Half Marathon?!? What am I thinking? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If I do the race (which I'm heavily leaning toward), I will be running for a good cause: <a href="http://www.freewheelchairmission.org/site/c.fgLFIXOJKtF/b.4916275/k.BE91/Home.htm">Free Wheelchair Mission</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/27446956">Run For Mobility</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/fwm">Free Wheelchair Mission</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think watching that video actually made my mind up for me that I will be running. Because I can. For those who can't. I've always had a heart for the physically disabled, so now's the time to literally put my legs behind it and make a difference. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My husband thinks I'm crazy to ask for donations in an economy like this, but I'm out to prove otherwise. Remember how I don't like to be told I can't do something? Be on the lookout for a link to my fundraising page once I officially sign up for the race. I can't do the run alone, but I can do it with Christ. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In other news, I'm super stoked that my little guy is <i>finally</i> into being read to and reading books on his own. Being a bibliophile, I have been bothered that up until now, he wasn't that interested in books and wouldn't sit still long enough to get through one page. I recall wondering if he'd ever learn to love books and see the worlds he could explore through the flipping of the pages. The time has finally come! He loves to sit in my lap and hear stories, and it has become one of my most treasured activities to do with him. We just picked up a couple of new books on a recent jaunt to the grocery store of all places. Here's what we ended up with: </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A beautiful story about finding where you fit in. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A wonderful book about thanking God for each day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We read the two tonight, and my son enjoyed the first, while I enjoyed the latter. Seven dollars spent for treasured time together is not too bad. I'm looking forward to the world of books we've yet to discover! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you have any personal favorites you'd like to share, please do. I am always on the lookout!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lastly, if you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll notice I updated the background. I grew tired of the drab colors of the former background. This new background is much more "me." It has pink, butterflies, and sparkles for crying out loud! Hope you like it as much as I do. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God bless, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Miss K</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-20416659189163376972011-10-05T22:49:00.000-07:002011-10-05T22:49:53.229-07:0031 Days of Natural Nutrition: Day 5 ~ What NOT to do (aka why there was no Day 4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi6fquEthjM/To05ic-l2fI/AAAAAAAAAhM/dJ7eg7cUBEs/s1600/31-days-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi6fquEthjM/To05ic-l2fI/AAAAAAAAAhM/dJ7eg7cUBEs/s200/31-days-logo.gif" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You might notice I was absent from my blog yesterday. Wanna know why? 'Cause I'm a BIG, FAT hypocrite, that's why. I don't think I ate one thing yesterday that wasn't processed in some way nor am I sure I even ate anything in its raw or pure form. Epic fail! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have since dusted myself off from that wagon fall and learned a lesson. I am what I eat. When I eat like crap, I feel like crap. Between a son with a stomach virus and myself with the cold that won't end, it's a veritable germfest in our house right now. Thus, yesterday, all caution was thrown to the wind and we ate whatever soothed our bellies and palates. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The funny thing is that the so-called "comfort food" I ate didn't bring me <i>any</i> comfort. I ended up being disappointed in myself for sacrificing and going to bed with a distended tummy chock full of carbs and high-fructose corn syrup. My prenatal vitamin and extra vitamin C tablet were the only redeeming things to pass through my esophagus yesterday besides water.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I heard a quote the other day that first stung me, then resonated deeply: "What we eat in private shows in public." I may not think those 5 or 10 M&Ms I'm tossing back between lunch and dinner are affecting me, but they are. Especially if I toss 5 or 10 back five times a day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm learning <i>slowly </i>(like at a snail's pace, y'all) that my health/weight/well-being are a combination of <i>when</i>, <i>what</i>, and <i>how much</i> I choose to eat. Living with PCOS (which I discussed in <a href="http://butterfliesandbedbugs.blogspot.com/2011/07/dreaded-d-word.html">this post</a>), I cannot simply follow a reduced-calorie, "less in, more out" type of diet and expect to garner great results. Sure, calorie reduction and increased exercise will help, but it's not enough. A lot of what's going on with my body is in the way it's responding to what I choose to eat. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So you'd think I'd be even more sensitive and follow "the rules" better, right? Nah. I don't like being told I can't do something, so this interferes with the core of trying to eat better. I have to realize that there are things I can't eat (well, maybe I can, but I truly shouldn't) if I want to be the healthiest version of me possible. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It all comes down to this: do I want to be healthy or do I want the momentary pleasure of ________ (insert your choice of comfort food, sugary treat, or calorie-laden drink)? I want to be healthy. That <i>is</i> my utmost desire. The momentary pleasure</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of unhealthy food </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(and that's truly all it amounts to) is just not worth it. Now to train my irrational mind to remember this ideal when it's past lunch and I'm scrambling to find something to stuff in my mouth is quite a different story. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm fresh out of ideas on how to beat my addiction to processed, unhealthy foods. There are many times in a day where I vehemently want to tear through my pantry and fridge, removing any semblance of processing, refining, filling and head to the nearest dump with the stuff. The me that hates to waste is what holds the tiger back. I figure we'll just finish it out and then not buy it again. Maybe I need to just let it go, release my wrath on the kitchen, and not look back. It certainly can't hurt us. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What ways are you successful at eliminating or limiting processed foods in your diet? How do you overcome the urge to consume "comfort" food? What natural foods give you that comfort you long for? </span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-28246181296268235912011-10-03T22:10:00.000-07:002011-10-03T22:10:40.401-07:0031 Days of Natural Nutrition: Day 3 ~ Why Organic?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz_T1urycSg/ToqUxZx9mzI/AAAAAAAAAhI/7oZ2P2sjXx8/s1600/31-days-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz_T1urycSg/ToqUxZx9mzI/AAAAAAAAAhI/7oZ2P2sjXx8/s200/31-days-logo.gif" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Forgive me if these first few posts seem "introductory" to some of you more seasoned nutritionistas, but I figure it will best serve me to flesh out the whys of what I'm doing in an effort to make it stick and remind me of my goals.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today, I want to tackle why we've chosen to go organic. First, I want to post what's called the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean 15." These are lists of the 12 foods to always (or whenever possible) buy organic and the 15 cleanest (least chemically treated) foods. I find these lists help me discern how to make the safest choice when I need to buy conventionally grown produce. The lists are courtesy of the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Dirty Dozen</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Apples</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Celery</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Strawberries</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Peaches</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Spinach</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Nectarines ~ imported</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. Grapes ~ imported</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Sweet bell peppers</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. Potatoes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. Blueberries ~ domestic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11. Lettuce</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">12. Kale/collard greens</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Clean 15</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Onions</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Sweet corn</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Pineapples</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Avocado</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Asparagus</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Sweet peas</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. Mangoes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Eggplant</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. Cantaloupe ~ domestic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. Kiwi</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11. Cabbage</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">12. Watermelon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">13. Sweet potatoes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">14. Grapefruit</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">15. Mushrooms</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Am I posting this info as a scare tactic? Yes, and no. I do want to "scare" people away from buying chemical- and pesticide-laden produce for their families, especially their children. More importantly though, I want to inform people of the situation at hand so they can in turn make informed decisions on what type of produce they buy. I'm not exaggerating in saying that the overuse of pesticides in our society makes me fighting mad. I mean, sure it might've been OK decades ago when we didn't know better, but now we do. We're knowingly poisoning our people little by little. OK, coming down off the soapbox now. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know a huge concern for families in whether or not to buy organic produce is the affordability factor. Budgetary constraints unfortunately do not care whether an apple's organic or conventional. That's why I think the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists can be extremely helpful to a mom who wants to reduce chemical exposure in her home.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Did you know there can be as many as four pesticides on one little apple? Not to mention the wax it's coated with to make it sit there all shiny on your grocer's table. Gag. Raisins are another food not mentioned above, but worth investing the extra money in for organic. Grapes are on the dirty dozen list, so those raisins are highly chemically treated. I don't know about you, but my kid eats A LOT of raisins. I don't want to sweat about what else he's ingesting, so I go organic on those.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I could go on for days on this subject once I get all impassioned, but I'll spare you and only mention one more important food choice we make: organic milk. My husband actually had a doctor he works with tell him that if he was going to do anything organic at all, at least buy organic milk. I know, it's got a high price tag so it hits the pocketbook hard. On the flip side though, it's free of hormones, chemicals, and is produced in an environmentally friendly way. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're new to the world of organic food, I'd suggest doing some independent research to see what will work best to ease your family into the changes. Look into local co-op opportunities, CSAs (community supported agriculture), or even farmer's markets. These options tend to be more affordable and offer better selection than your typical chain grocery store. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's so easy to want to overhaul your family's diet and nutrition in one fell swoop, but one step at a time does it just fine. I say just making the choice to be cognizant about what you're putting on your table is a step in the right direction.</span>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-51176738442564947282011-10-02T10:06:00.000-07:002011-10-02T10:12:56.124-07:0031 Days of Natural Nutrition: Day 2 ~ Fun Food Finds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAwg_8sKi1s/Toia9uODVcI/AAAAAAAAAhE/ToVn9ThrHH8/s1600/31-days-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAwg_8sKi1s/Toia9uODVcI/AAAAAAAAAhE/ToVn9ThrHH8/s200/31-days-logo.gif" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm totally stoked and ready to devote this month to natural nutrition! I can't think of a more basic place to start when talking about our health and how best to take care of ourselves. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thought I'd start off by sharing a few of the foods we've discovered in our house via our wonderful organic produce co-op. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Please don't snicker if these foods are totally obvious to you. We come from limited produce backgrounds in our home. ;) * </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are my fun food finds of late (just typing those three Fs made me giddy):</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DATES!!! (I'm not a three exclamation point girl. Much like one of Elaine's boyfriends in "Seinfeld," I am a strict one exclamation point kind of gal, but I'm that excited about dates that it necessitates three.) Two words on dates: nature's candy. For rizzy. I'd never tried them before this year and I'm in L-O-V-E. Just send me a red hat and a purple boa because I'm officially an old lady. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4us5hQCIaY/ToiSCJkn2JI/AAAAAAAAAg4/T2lMcElvvZ0/s1600/Dates-Medjool-2T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4us5hQCIaY/ToiSCJkn2JI/AAAAAAAAAg4/T2lMcElvvZ0/s1600/Dates-Medjool-2T.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.lovestreetlivingfoods.com/Medjool-Dates-Raw-Organic-Product-of-California-p/dates-medjool.htm">Source</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eggplant is one of our new favorites around this hizzy. Its gorgeous deep purple hue and shiny skin are the purest form of beauty. We do Eggplant Parmesan at least once every couple weeks. If you've never tried it, it's relatively easy and will be voraciously consumed by the most finicky child with nary the blink of an eye (I know from experience). Now that the old eggplant and I are friends, I'm looking to branch out to some more exciting recipes with it. Hint: send good eggplant recipes my way. <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/08/grilled-eggplant-and-olive-pizza/">This</a> sounds to-die-for amazing and easy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpdSAwHh6xw/ToiTlEU9GiI/AAAAAAAAAg8/3SVFMREFUe8/s1600/istock_000005797543eggplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpdSAwHh6xw/ToiTlEU9GiI/AAAAAAAAAg8/3SVFMREFUe8/s320/istock_000005797543eggplant.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.agricultureguide.org/protected-cultivation-of-eggplant/">Source</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Patty pan squash is my new personal favorite. Its UFO shape and exquisite taste are other-worldly. I'm quickly learning that I'm a lover of all things squash, but this one might just be at the top of my list. So far, I've kept it simple and just cut up the patty pans and roasted them in the oven with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Talk about yum! Because of their thicker skin, they keep their firmness a little better than other types of squash, which I prefer. My next endeavor with patty pan squash will be to stuff them with some kind of ooey gooey goodness such as <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/moms-stuffed-pattypan-squash-186027">this</a>. Stay tuned ... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWWFf2cCayg/ToiW6t28sVI/AAAAAAAAAhA/G2_vCT31Wco/s1600/scallop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWWFf2cCayg/ToiW6t28sVI/AAAAAAAAAhA/G2_vCT31Wco/s320/scallop.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.liseed.org/scallopsquash.html">Source</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you haven't had the pleasure of trying any of these foods, get yourself some! I'm a food lover; I promise I won't steer you wrong. Nature's delicacies are too good to miss. Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God bless,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Miss K</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-67919286674080229572011-10-01T13:56:00.000-07:002011-10-05T22:51:01.148-07:0031 Days of Natural Nutrition ... a blogging challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hello there! If you're visiting for the first time, scroll down to read the first post in the 31 Days of Natural Nutrition series. I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.thenester.com/">Nesting Place</a> on this challenge.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://butterfliesandbedbugs.blogspot.com/2011/10/fun-food-finds.html">31 Days of Natural Nutrition: Day 2 ~ Fun Food Finds</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://butterfliesandbedbugs.blogspot.com/2011/10/31-days-of-natural-nutrition-day-3-why.html">31 Days of Natural Nutrition: Day 3 ~ Why Organic?</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://butterfliesandbedbugs.blogspot.com/2011/10/31-days-of-natural-nutrition-day-5-what.html">31 Days of Natural Nutrition: Day 5 ~ What NOT to do (aka why there was no Day 4)</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIwDgHBx6lU/Tod3gsxKxQI/AAAAAAAAAgs/7CDlhfJg9Hc/s1600/31-days-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIwDgHBx6lU/Tod3gsxKxQI/AAAAAAAAAgs/7CDlhfJg9Hc/s200/31-days-logo.gif" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I like numbers. I like challenges. I like making goals and meeting them. I like nutrition and have become very passionate of late about what my family eats. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">SO, I have decided to hop on board for the month of October's <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2011/09/31-days-participants.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">31 Days of ... challenge</span></a> hosted by<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> <a href="http://www.thenester.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Nesting Place</span></a></span>. I actually found out about the challenge via the <a href="http://www.incourage.me/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">(in)courage</span></a> community, which is an amazing online community for women. If you don't know about it, check it out. We need all the encouragement and support we can get as women. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The 31 Days of challenge is a challenge where you choose one topic to devote your posts to for the entire month of October. I didn't have to give my topic more than a moment's thought because it's been on the forefront of my mind over the course of the year and this is just the kick in the pants I needed to get it going full force. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My topic is 31 Days of Natural Nutrition. Why natural nutrition? First off, I have a love affair with alliteration, so the word choice was only natural. Pun intended. Secondly, I have been on a journey this year to strip down our food choices in our home and restore our diet to natural, traditional, wholesome foods. It has been a roller coaster ride for me, as I'm a foodie without necessarily the most distinguishing of palates (cheese puffs, anyone?). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've begun to explore what <i>real</i> food is, not just foodstuff or artificial filler. It's been no picnic and most days I feel guiltier for what I'm eating than what I'm not, but progress has been made and we're the better for it. We started by joining a local co-op where we get mostly organic produce, as well as locally farmed meats, cheeses, natural body and household products, and more. It's been fantastic so far, and I've learned so much about food. The funny thing is I realize there is still so much yet to learn. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Over this month, I will strive to share what healthy, natural nutritional choices we've been making in our home, what we've steered clear of, and ways we have benefited. This will come in the form of recipes, food finds, and definitely some what-not-to-dos if I know myself and my propensity for all things junk food. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's high time we clean up our eating around this house. Our bodies are temples to the Lord and I'm feeling the push to polish this temple and make it shine for the Lord's glory. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope you'll join me on my journey and throw in any healthy, natural tidbits, recipes, helpful hints, etc., that you would like. I can use all the help I can get. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the immortal words of Cosmo Kramer, "Giddy up!" </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*As an aside, this is all-too-fitting timing given the fact that I crashed my truck into one of those poles (you know the ones that guide you around the drive-through) at McDonalds yesterday afternoon on the way to pick up my natural, organic produce from co-op. Nice. Intervention accepted. </span>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-23036448089685708892011-09-30T21:19:00.000-07:002011-09-30T21:19:43.679-07:00Five Minute Friday ... Go!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><center><a href="http://thegypsymama.com/category/five-minute-friday/"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_lCeOMfY0_fQ/TWly2m-jN_I/AAAAAAAAFEY/k8HJ__cvkws/s200/5%20minute%20friday.jpg" /></a></center></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This edition of <a href="http://thegypsymama.com/2011/09/five-minute-friday-on-friends/">Five Minute Friday</a> is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">On Friends</span>. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Giddy up!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Friends. Wow. A loaded word for me. A tough one. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can safely say at nearly 35 years old, I may be finally figuring out how to be a friend. I blame it on my being reared as a military brat. Moving every few years gives you a sense of less attachment, less responsibility to people because, I mean, what's the likelihood you'll ever see them again once your dad gets restationed? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, now that we've been putting down roots in our community for seven years and we've come full circle to pretty close to the area we went to high school, I'm learning to make friends and how to be friends. Sad, huh? I'm getting a slow start. I am socially inept. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">However, I finally surrendered the desire of my heart to the Lord. I called on him and acknowledged with my words that I desperately needed REAL friends. In that moment, things began to change. I think He was just waiting for me to speak the truth and speak my desire to him, not just wallow in it and wait for Him to make it happen for me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recognition is powerful. So, now, at the tender, young age I am, connections are being made that have great promise, old connections are being strengthened. I'm seeing friends for who they are and what they mean to me. I'm seeing that you live through ups and downs, mood swings, dirty diapers and dishes, and you learn to love one another for what you've got. No expectations, just reality. We all have our faults. My friends accept mine, so I need to accept theirs. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Done.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Phew! Five minutes goes fast, but boy is it worth it. Why don't you join me next Friday to see what's in store? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-49320703125681334472011-09-26T22:19:00.000-07:002011-09-26T22:22:48.491-07:00Trying to finish strong<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hi Peeps,</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just stopping in to say a quick hello and not necessarily leave you with a whole lot, except plans for blog posts to come. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You see, I've been doing this <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/bible-in-90-days-reading-schedule/">Bible in 90 Days Challenge</a>, oh for about 78 days now. Need I mention I'm actually on day 66 of the reading? Which means it's time to hunker down and git 'er done. I'm behind, but not beaten. So, I've been using the majority of my spare time reading the Word and spending some time with the Lord. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's been nothing short of amazing. Stealing moments here and there to fit a chapter in, spending three tranquil hours reading while my son was in preschool one fine day, and striving to meet this goal in real time. Thus, I've been taking some time off of blogging to devote to the challenge. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I get caught up, I'll be back! There's so much I want to write about; it's hard to keep it from all getting jumbled in my little brain. I want to talk more about the Bible challenge itself and how inspiring it is. I also want to talk about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.blogsugar11.com/">Blog Sugar</a></span>, and all the wisdom and encouragement I gleaned from it. I want to pursue new directions for this blog (that were mentioned before but never started by my procrastinating self) and infuse this blog with the spirit it's been lacking due to sporadic posting.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">High hopes. Pie in the sky hopes. But, hey, what's life without hope? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stay tuned ... </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I'll leave you with a picture of the cutest kid on the planet (OK, I'm biased) on his first day of preschool. Yes, I survived. He's enjoying it, and I'm finding I enjoy the Mommy time, too. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwhSW7S7NwM/ToFceNyqNVI/AAAAAAAAAgo/r4uQiyCmuhs/s1600/IMG_7716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwhSW7S7NwM/ToFceNyqNVI/AAAAAAAAAgo/r4uQiyCmuhs/s400/IMG_7716.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God Bless,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Miss K<a href="http://www.blogsugar11.com/">http://www.blogsugar11.com/</a></span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-31922300929518938782011-09-16T11:19:00.000-07:002011-09-16T11:29:38.585-07:00I've got the joy, joy, joy ... where?<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Down in my heart? Do I?</span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Joy. Hmm. Why, as a Christian woman, is that a tough subject to write on? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think it's because I feel like I yearn for it. It's not as if I have no joy at all; it's just that I desire a consistent joy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sure, my days are sprinkled with moments of joy. Watching my little guy sleep or learn something new, baking something amazing, reading words or listening to music that captures my soul. I find many sprinklings of joy in my days. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's the in between time that I'm concerned about. The moments that come all too frequently where I completely and utterly forget about all that is to be joyful about in my life and give in to the enemy's temptation to be angry and bitter. Over stupid things. Miniscule things. Things that don't even matter. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I tend to let situations dictate my mood. Steal my joy. Inconveniences. Hurt feelings. Things that were said in error. Why? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want to be in a consistently joyful state. On a day to day basis. Because I should be. There are not many things not going right for me in my life. I can create drama where it's not or I can choose to relish in what I have that's right ... that promotes joy.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This topic is difficult. More often than not, I feel overwhelmed by life and not entirely joyful for all the Lord's given me. Isn't that selfish? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think it starts with more prayer. More heart to hearts with God. He knows all of what I'm feeling, so why do I try to pretend He doesn't? I'm going to start working on consistent joy.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*I'm jumping in and linking up to <a href="http://thegypsymama.com/2011/09/five-minute-friday-joy/">Five Minute Friday</a>. I think it's such a wonderful idea and look forward to what it reveals to me. Check it out and join in!*</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNyUSlqyLic/TnOVD2g865I/AAAAAAAAAgk/r_RueWdG-Z0/s1600/5+minute+friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNyUSlqyLic/TnOVD2g865I/AAAAAAAAAgk/r_RueWdG-Z0/s1600/5+minute+friday.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-10964128335619164582011-09-11T21:33:00.000-07:002011-09-11T21:34:36.618-07:00God bless America<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have nothing profound to say about today, the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on America. I have nothing to say that hasn't already been said, and I'm no less patriotic for not saying anything. </span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love this country, I love our military, I love our freedom, and I love my God. I'll sum up my feelings with this photo, which stirs such emotion for me:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3VSOGYdFIU/Tm2K1w6Q_QI/AAAAAAAAAeA/zM9pLgRcd7g/s1600/Old+Glory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3VSOGYdFIU/Tm2K1w6Q_QI/AAAAAAAAAeA/zM9pLgRcd7g/s400/Old+Glory.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taken on October 31, 2006, looking up at Old Glory through the roof of the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Long may she wave!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God bless the United States of America!</span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-42469409154291841262011-09-05T21:58:00.000-07:002011-09-05T21:58:22.858-07:00It's a sad day in Mudville ...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's a holiday. We had a wonderful family day together, taking in brunch at Goofy's Kitchen (if you've never been, it's a must go when at Disneyland), walking briskly through the Magic Kingdom (too crowded and hot to stay long), and resting together for what we call "Family Nap Time" (FNT) around these parts. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But something makes me feel like I've just had the Last Supper. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You see, my baby starts preschool tomorrow. (Before you ask, yes, I have a flair for the dramatic). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just want to know how we got from this:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DhJ3LNyELQ/TmWgU1UgyRI/AAAAAAAAAd4/zpHNFpRkY84/s1600/Gideon+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DhJ3LNyELQ/TmWgU1UgyRI/AAAAAAAAAd4/zpHNFpRkY84/s320/Gideon+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to this:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFy_NfuAWzE/TmWhIwIFyfI/AAAAAAAAAd8/0mS1BZPFOIQ/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFy_NfuAWzE/TmWhIwIFyfI/AAAAAAAAAd8/0mS1BZPFOIQ/s320/IMG_7471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">SO QUICKLY! I feel like I blinked and three-and-a-half years went by. Three and a half of the best years of my life: raising, loving on, coddling, scolding, wrestling with, chasing after, napping, and dreaming with my sweet little man. I now take back ALL those times (and they were numerous) I wished he was in school because the time has now come, and I don't want him to go. It's truly a sad day in Mudville. I'm not sure if I'll even sleep tonight. Sheesh, what a baby I am. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just feel like this is the end of an era. From tomorrow on, he is a school boy. I am more excited for him than I can contain, but nervous for how he's going to do and definitely not sure how <i>I'm</i> going to do. For goodness' sake, I nearly broke down in tears when I dropped off his paperwork and they showed me his cubby. His cubby, for crying out loud! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The bond between mother and child runs so deep; it cuts right to the bone. I love this boy more than I could ever imagine loving anything and I want so desperately to see him succeed and grow to be a godly man. Which is why I have to send him off tomorrow, smiling on the outside while I'm crying on the inside, and let him know I'm giving him room to grow. It's just so hard. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I feel like this begins the process I'll go through over the next 15 years of letting go. Bit by bit, as time goes on, I'll let go a little more to give him a little more room. But not too much. The best I can do is entrust him to my heavenly Father and ask that He will walk the steps with my son that I am not there to walk. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Father, please be there when he trips going up the steps to class and skins his knee, when he gets his feelings hurt from being teased by a mean classmate, when he's stammering to get out a word as he learns to read, and all those little times where mama's love would work wonders. Be my eyes, my ears, my heart, and my arms when I'm away from my boy. Father, <i>your</i> love works wonders greater than I can ever imagine. With You by his side, my boy can do anything. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So can <i>I</i>. I can do anything through Christ because He strengthens me. So, tomorrow morning, I'm going to put on my big-girl panties and send my little champ off to preschool, knowing we'll all make it through the day. There will be tears and lots of photos, but there will also be faith that things will go well because God's in control.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh, and if you see someone's hands being pried off the door handle of the preschool, it's definitely not me. </span>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838715726689100022.post-89433460613655767442011-08-31T11:55:00.000-07:002011-08-31T11:55:56.660-07:00Being in the moment<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Right now, sitting in front of my computer at 11:21 a.m., my to-do list is swallowing me up and choking the life out of me. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I often feel like I could get it all done if I had just ONE day alone. ONE day of utter concentration, no distractions, no kid, no phone, no husband, just me and this mess of a house and life. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Would that really happen though? Chances are, I'd probably waste the day away blogging, catching up on Facebook or the like. Or I'd get busy "trying" to be productive and get lost in the stack of year-old magazines flipping through and cutting out recipes or things to make/do. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I need to face it. I'm probably NEVER going to have ONE day of utter un-busyness. Life is not that way. I've got to work with what I have, realize my strengths, curb my weaknesses, and move on. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Procrastination is one of my major weaknesses, as is overcomplicating things. My brain gets going one-hundred miles a minute, and I can't even start to keep up. The irony of procrastination is that I think I'm putting things off to enjoy the time I have at the moment, but the procrastination just creates more to do in the long run and the things I haven't done eat at me during the time I'm enjoying "the moment," so I'm not really enjoying it at all. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My very wise and uber-productive husband has diagnosed me with a condition termed "paralysis by analysis." It basically means I'm not getting anything done because I spend too much time analyzing how to get something done (e.g., trying to look at all the brands of a food to see which one's cheapest, planning to redecorate a whole room when all it really needs is a good vacuuming, etc.). I spend SO much time thinking about things I want to do and very little "real" time doing them. The plans in my mind are grand, I tell ya. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My Superman of a husband just gave me this wonderful advice via email: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "Focus on checking off your to-do list as you accomplish tasks, but don't think about the next tasks while you're completing the current one. STAY in the moment." I asked him for prayer because I am lacking motivation, but have tons to do. What a wise man. He knows the lazy, procrastinating me and loves me anyway. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, with that grand advice, I'm off to start my day. Yep, at noon. Hey, it ain't pretty, but it's honest. That's life. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyone have any tips/tools/tricks for getting more done during the day? Mantras you live by? Scheduling musts? I'm in dire need of anything I can get my hands on as motivation and structure for my day. I'm a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants gal, and that doesn't jive with being a stay-at-home mom. Reason numero uno why I cannot homeschool. Our days would look like a Jackson Pollock painting. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Send help, please. And a dozen donuts. OK, just kidding about the donuts. Not really. </span></div>Miss Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884118264368366806noreply@blogger.com1