Wordless Wednesday-Dr Seuss Week

In celebration of Dr Seuss's birthday the kids get to dress up to a new fun theme each day this week.

•  Monday-Silly sock day
•  Tuesday-Crazy hair day
• Wednesday-Whacky day

Unfortunately my oldest is out sick :( but no worries, he's sitting here with his shirt turned inside out so even though he may not be in school he's still participating.

I was hoping to find my pipe cleaners so I could have done pippy long stocking type hair on my daughter on Tuesday but since that was a no go we did four braids instead. And today I kind of ran out of ideas (shame on me I know). Even though this week has been a whacky week I still think she looks absolutely adorable!

For more inspiring photos be sure to check out:

The Bonafide Life, Better in Bulk, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist, High Impact Mom, BrainFoggles, The Centsible Life, Rachel Ferrucci, Lil Kid Things, Resourceful Mommy and Zensible Mama and don't forget to link your own photo stories.

 

Tuesday Tunes-Train Drive By

One thing I love about the radio is the volume button, and the ability to switch the channel if you don't like a song. If you ever ride in a car with me I apologize in advance for changing the channel and million and one times. I am constantly switching back and forth between stations to find a song I like. I may not even listen to the entire song before changing the channels again. Annoying right? Heck I even annoy myself sometimes while I am doing it but I can't help it. I get bored very easily listening to the same songs over and over. That's one of the down sides when songs become popular. They get way over played, sometimes ruining the appeal of the song. At least that's how it works in my mind.

That being said I HOPE that this song isn't one that falls into the over played category simply because I am selfish and really like this song and would like to continue to keep it on my upbeat happy go lucky play list.

Oh yeah, what song am I talking about might be helpful information huh. Drive By by Train. I am not really a big Train fan, they have a few songs that are catchy most of them are too poppy for my taste but I just love Drive By. Yes it's poppy and catchy and I sound like a complete hypocrite but it's also romantic and I can't seem to help but turn up the radio whenever I hear it and start singing along and dancing.

Instructions: Do not listen to this song on low volume, you can only appreciate it if you blast it. You're welcome.

If you'd like to participate be sure to link up over at Amandas site High Impact Mom! You can also check out Rachel Ferrucci & The Morris Bunch for more fun tunes.

Dealing with phobias in children

I wrote this post in May of 2010 but for some reason it never made it to the published folder. My daughter has started to grow out of her phobias, well some of them, not all but I still wanted to share this advice and hopefully get others opinions and/or advice on this subject. 

The other week the kids and I were driving to pick my husband up from work when the older two started freaking out. There was a fly in the car. Now my oldest has always been a little panicky over little things so I was used to his reaction. What I wasn't prepared for was my daughters. She was in full breakdown mode. Shaking, lots of tears and you could tell just by looking at her she was terrified. We had a similar experience a few days ago while she and I were running some errands. This time the bug was no bigger then the tip of a pencil. When I parked she climbed into my arms and told me she didn't want the bug to kill her. This just broke my heart hearing her say this.

So I started researching phobias in children. The definition of phobia is a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that leads to compelling desire to avoid it (from Dictionary.com). Anxiety and phobias are completely natural in children. It helps them grow. When your child goes through separation anxiety, it is a phobia of being away from you. According to Kidshealth.org some of the most common fears are as follows:

• Babies experience stranger anxiety, clinging to parents when confronted by people they don't recognize.
• Toddlers around 10-18 months old experience separation anxiety, becoming emotionally distressed when one or both parents leave.
• Kids ages 4 through 6 have anxiety about things that aren't based in reality, such as fears of monsters and ghosts.
• Kids ages 7 through 12 often have fears that reflect circumstances that may happen to them, such as bodily injury and natural disaster.

Every child experiences these phobias/fears differently. My son used to be afraid of the dark and sleeping. This was caused from how many times we moved in a short period of time. Adjusting his sleeping situation really caused havoc on him feeling safe in his own home. There were many nights spent sitting on the floor next to his bed holding his hand or stroking his cheek until he fell asleep. Here are some signs/symptoms of having a phobia (Taken from Kidshealth.org).

• becoming clingy, impulsive, or distracted
• nervous movements, such as temporary twitches
• problems getting to sleep and/or staying asleep longer then usual
• sweaty hands
• accelerated heart rate and breathing
• nausea
• headaches
• stomachaches

While my daughter is facing her fears (she notices a bug) I hold her and tell her the bug will not hurt her and that I am here for her. I do this over and over until she calms down. We saw a snake a few months back and it brought on nightmares for a week. Soin addition to her normal bedtime routine we also held her hand as she closed her eyes since that was usually when she would have the hardest time. We also explained all about snakes while she was awake and answered all of her questions. I've found that children have an easier time dealing with their fears if they know all about what it is they fear. A lot of fears are simply because it's unknown to them. So educating them is a great way to help them.

Now, how do you handle this with your children? Are there certain tricks that have worked with your little one?

Wordless Wednesday-Our first snow

The other week the kids got to experience their first snow in Oklahoma. To say they were excited would be an understatement. I felt bad that my oldest had to go to school so he didn't get to play in it here at the house but hopefully he had the chance to play at school for a little bit in it. 

This was the face he gave me when I asked if he wanted to go play outside

I actually had a hard time getting a decent picture of my daughter this time around, she just kept running everywhere

He may look sad, but don't worry, he was just worn out from all the running and playing :)

For more inspiring photos be sure to check out:

The Bonafide Life, Better in Bulk, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist, High Impact Mom, BrainFoggles, The Centsible Life, Rachel Ferrucci, Lil Kid Things, Resourceful Mommy and Zensible Mama and don't forget to link your own photo stories.

 

 

 

Tuesday Tunes-Bringing back the classics

Okay so my generation may not view this band/singer as a classic but in a way it's my own personal classic because hearing any song by Genesis and/or Phil Collins instantly brings me back to my childhood. The good ole 80's. Yes I was an 80's baby. You have two types of 80's people. The people who were old enough to rock it through the 80's and feel those born in the 80's aren't "true" 80's people, and then those of us who were actually born in the 80's. We might not have been able to rock the 80's but that time period still had an impact on our lives. For me it was the music. The hair bands, the new metal and of course the bit of easy going music such as Genesis, Peter Frampton, R.E.M., Michael Jackson, Madonna, Kenny Loggins, Tears for Fears, Fleetwood Mac. I could go on and on but I wont because the list is seriously too long. But you get the idea.

One song that I absolutely LOVE is Land of Confusion by Genesis. I am not sure why it doesn't get much airplay anymore. It is one of those songs that you can see the video playing even though you may be listening to it on the radio. Don't say I am crazy because I see cartoons playing in my head. If you haven't seen the video you might not understand how awesome it is. If you have five minutes to spare sit down and watch this video.



See what I am talking about? That song & video were pure genius.

I remember when this CD came out in 1991. It was the first CD I owned. That and Michael Jacksons Dangerous album. It seems like a life time ago that these bands were the it bands, that music was sang by people with real voices, talent and no machines to duplicate their voices. And that is why I titled this post with the word classics in it. Not to be confused with the real classics from the 1950's and before.

So there you have it. This weeks Tuesday Tunes. If you'd like to participate be sure to link up over at Amandas site High Impact Mom!

*Image Credit Genesis Picture: Amazon

Sunset Sunday-Fire at sunset

Three years ago during fire season a fire broke out in Southern California that was near our town. Not too close that we were in danger but it was pretty darn close. I remember taking the kids to the fair along with my Mom and wondering if we should really be outside because the smoke, while not over us was like looking at a giant wall. It was a spectacular sight to see and one I will never forget. The smoke had turned into clouds and it was almost an ominous sight.

These were taken as we were leaving right as the sun began to set.

Craig from Stay Adventurous and I have teamed up to help spread the word on Sunset Sundays. We would love it if you would join us in sharing the simple joys of sunsets & the memories they bring back for you.

Ghirardelli Milk & Truffles squares

If you are a lover of chocolate I am sure you have heard of Ghirardelli. For many they are know as the finest chocolate makers. A statement I cannot argue with because...well have you tried their chocolates! I was given the opportunity to try out a new line of chocolates they are now offering called Milk & Truffles squares. Now who am I to turn down trying chocolate.

I am no connoisseur but I do enjoy chocolate. Here are my opinions on the Milk & Truffle squares. The outside of the chocolate is made with milk chocolate. Smooth but hard yet not too hard. Only enough to provide a slight crunch when you bite into it. The filling is a chocolate truffle filling that is again, smooth but it is also rich & delicate at the same time. The richness is not overpowering, it's a perfectly blend of dark and milk chocolate with a hint of truffles.

In other words, absolutely divine.

Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle squares are currently sold at Target, Walmart, Walgreen & at other major retail stores. You can search for a store near you here. They come in in 4.63 ounce bag and while some may say that's too small you have to remember these aren't the type of chocolates you are supposed to chow down & devour in a matter of minutes. These are to be savored. On the bottom of the bag it says "Moment of timeless pleasure" and that is exactly how these should be enjoyed. As a little timeless escape, savored and enjoyed.
You can find Ghirardelli online via Facebook right here or directly at their site here.


*I wrote this post while participating in the SheSpeaks Ghirardelli campaign in which I received a sample of chocolates to try. All opinions expressed therein are solely my own. I received no monetary compensation.*

Tuesday Tunes-Tunes that speak to you

Every once in a while there is a song that comes out that completely takes your breath away after hearing it for the first time. You know it's a great song when it continues to do so each and every time you here it there after. For s singer to pull that off with not one but many of their songs takes pure talent. There's no way around it folks. You just cant pull some rhymes out of your bum and expect to be an instant hit.

I recently purchased Christina Perri cd after getting sick of always having to go to YouTube to hear one of her songs. So as I sit here and listen to the cd, I also have it in the car and on my phone. Obsessed much? Eh not really, I just can't stop listening because her music speaks to me.  I first heard of her about two years ago (my timing may be a tad off just because I am bad with timing, but it was some where around 1.5-2 years ago). I am sure you have heard of the song Jar of Hearts. No? Well here, listen....I'll wait.



You hear that natural talent. No special effects on her voice. Just raw beauty. The first time I heard this song I loved it and I have continued to love it every time I hear it on the radio. Then the other day I heard a new song of hers and again, instant love (also if you love Twilight it's on the new soundtrack for the last movie).



I don't know if I can express what it is I love about her music but I will try. Her voice, hello it's amazing. It's real, raw, beautiful, natural. Her lyrics, I am a romantic and I feel that a lot of her songs have to do with romance/love in some way. Not all of her songs do but a few of my favorites do. Ink, she has tattoos which I know some people see as a turn off but I think they're hot. They add to her look and in turn adds a piece to her. Tattoos in my opinion are an expression, a piece of art just not in a showcase room but the showcase is your body. I love tattoos and I am of the mind frame, the more the better.

So there you have it. This weeks Tuesday Tunes. If you'd like to participate be sure to link up over at Amandas site High Impact Mom!

And just because I love you all I will leave you with another one of my favorites.

Wordless Wednesday-Completely random

I had planned on this weeks Wordless Wednesday being completely wordless (seeing as I can't seem to do a completely wordless post) but as I sat down this morning to decide which photo to use I realized that my Lightroom gallery was empty. Completely empty, not a single photo in there. Nada. And to top it off I cannot access any photos on our server from my laptop. Will.not.panic. Must.remain.calm. Wooosaaaaa.

So in the mean time all I have are some photos from last week that I put on Facebook.

My boys at the park. My oldest is not a big swing lover so just that he sat with his brother so they could swing together completely melts my heart.

Random sunrise photo with our local oil rig. It makes me giggle that they put trees around it attempting to make it "pretty" since they are building homes right behind it. Still some might see as an eye sore but now I am actually starting to enjoy the view. Makes it feel a little bit country.

Now excuse me while I go wake my husband and have a mini freak out session.

For more inspiring photos be sure to check out:

The Bonafide Life, Better in Bulk, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist, High Impact Mom, BrainFoggles, The Centsible Life, Rachel Ferrucci, Lil Kid Things, Resourceful Mommy and Zensible Mama and don't forget to link your own photo stories.

 

Tuesday Tunes-Written in the Stars

I like a lot of different types of music. I know I have said I am a metal girl at heart and while I am I still listen to other genres of music and enjoy them equally. Country is not one of those genres though. Now don't go bashing me because I don't like country, I don't hate it but it's just to...twangy for me. Back in the day there were a few country artists I did listen to but not anymore. I am not quite sure why I even brought Country music up as it has nothing to do with my song choice this week. Guess I just wanted to give you a little history. Anywho, being one that tries not to discriminate against different genres I wanted to share something other then heavy music today.

For some reason this song doesn't seem to get much airplay. I am not sure why because I think it's an amazing song. Not only is the beat along with the harmony beautiful but the song itself speaks volumes and has such a good message behind it. From the first time I heard it I stored it in the "favs" memory bank. If you watch the video I dare you not to be touched by it.




I have been known to pull this song up on YouTube and blast it while I am cleaning, and possibly putting it on repeat. What, don't tell me you've never done it ;)

I love finding songs that reach down in you and make you really think. Thing about what the day holds, what life could have been and what life is and in the end being thankful for everything. To me this song does that. Not in a selfish way because I know there are people out there that struggle but it brings a sense of calm and hope that they will all be okay. Not naive, just hopefull. 



Don't forget if you are participating in Tuesday Tunes to head on over to High Impact Mom and link up so we can all listen to each others tunes! Click here to be brought directly to the linky.

Sunset Sunday

I love those moments when you're out driving around and all of the sudden you realize how gorgeous the sunset is at that exact moment. There's nothing you can do except pull over and enjoy it. And if you're lucky you can catch a picture of it. Seeing as my camera isn't really light enough to carry with me all the time I am grateful technology is as awesome as it is and I take pictures with my phone.
Two nights ago I had just dropped my son off at a friends and as I was climbing back into the car I looked up and knew I had to go find a spot to take a picture.

 Craig from Stay Adventurous and I have teamed up to help spread the word on Sunset Sundays. We would love it if you would join us in sharing the simple joys of sunsets & the memories they bring back for you.

Chicken a la Shana-Serrano Chicken Recipe

Get it??? Like Chicken a la King but since this is my recipe it's Chicken a la Shana. Actually I don't even know what Chicken a la King is but I like saying it, so it helped me name my recipe that has been nameless for seven years.

:::::WARNING::::: 

If you do not like spicy dishes turn away, do not, whatever you do, do not look at this recipe and see it's deliciousness scream at you and invite you to try a bite of it's spicy goodness. 

When I made this prior to having kids I would occasionally double the amount of peppers. What can I say I love me some spiciness. 

Chicken a la Shana

5 chicken breasts

1 whole red onion (chopped)

2 Serrano chili peppers (sliced long way & seeds removed)

1 red Jalapeno (sliced long way & seeds removed)

3 garlic cloves (minced)

Pepper
Sea Salt

Garlic Salt

Onion Powder

Cayenne Pepper

Oregano (I use a ground up powdered version so measurements may vary)
Tomato Sauce (2/15oz cans or 1/28 oz can)
Olive oil

De-seed and slice up your peppers. Make sure not to rub your eyes after handling these babies

Season your chicken with the salt and pepper. Cook approximately six-seven minutes on each side in one tablespoon of olive oil

Chop your onion. I left the pieces a little chunky because my oldest is not a fan of onions so I usually pick them out for him and then put them on my plate. Waste not right

 Put another tablespoon of olive oil in the pan and cook up the onions, garlic and peppers for two-four minutes. I like my onions slightly crunchy so I typically only cook them for two minutes

 Next add in the tomato sauce

Put the chicken back in

Add in remaining seasonings (oregano, garlic salt, onion powder and cayenne pepper)

 Simmer on low for 15 minutes

Whala....Chicken a la Shana

Wordless Wednesday-A beautiful sight

This morning started off with a bang. Somehow my after I snoozed my alarm it went into silent mode so when it went off again there was not a single noise being made to actually wake me up! It wasn't until 7:19 when my youngest came strolling in that I jumped out of bed. As we rushed to get out the door and get my oldest to school I noticed the sunrise and ran back inside to get my camera. 

I know you're probably shaking your head at me. No worries, I would did to but it's something deep wired in me, if I see something spectacular I have to get my camera, running late or not. So enough talking, this is supposed to wordless after all.

Now I am no weather specialist so I will not make any claims as to what that thing is coming from the cloud that looks like the beginnings of a cyclone, I will say it was really neat to see it though.

For more inspiring photos be sure to check out:

The Bonafide Life, Better in Bulk, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist, High Impact Mom, BrainFoggles, The Centsible Life, Rachel Ferrucci, Lil Kid Things, Resourceful Mommy and Zensible Mama and don't forget to link your own photo stories.