We often find ourselves alone with out little ones while Daddy is working, out of town and for some Mommas, out of the picture. The days can be long and lonely. We get tired and impatient. One of the most important thing for us Momma's is to teach and find joy in the monotonous tasks everyday. Here are a few practical ideas to implement when you feel like you just can't do it anymore and it needs to be bedtime at 4pm!
1. Take a long bath with your baby or throw all your kids in the tub. I draw a hot bath with lavender and bubbles, no matter what time of day if I feel like I need a break. Annabelle and I can sit and play for an hour easily. We sing funny songs, make bubble hats, learn the colors of all the bath toys and count them when we put them away. We learn the names of the human anatomy and learn to brush our teeth.
2. Play outside or go for a long walk. It sure would be stressful to keep our kids clean all the time. I get my cup of coffee and let Annabelle play outside. She picks up little flowers, vines, rocks, plants and we pull them apart and count the seeds. We water the flowers and watch them grow. It's very relaxing to play outside and if kids are restless they should go outside and play more often.
3. Have a picnic. I like to have meals at the table with Great Granny so she learns to sit and be patient, but sometimes its good to have a picnic on the floor with all your stuffed animals. Boiled eggs, plain yogurt, toast with nut butter and bannanas make a great, easy and healthy breakfasts for children with little prep and quick clean up.
4. Go to an indoor play place. Some days I feel like I just have to get out of the house after a long day of whining. Go to Chic Fil A and enjoy the indoor play area with other kids. By the time you get home, it will be time for a bath and bed.
5. Clean something together. I think this needs to be implemented very young and should always be fun with singing and praise. Small children can help vacuum, dust, put away dishes, wash the floor, really anything! Many hands will make light work and the children will see they have a part and responsibility in your home.
6. Cook and bake together. We count the eggs as we crack them in the pan, shake in the spices, stir the soup and whip the potatoes! Sometimes we make a big mess, and I never get upset about that, because then afterwards, we have fun cleaning it up.Newborns can be worn and involved as well!
7. Have a dance party. We put on music, I hold her hands and snuggle my little girl and dance!
8. Have one date night a week and or a planned outing with no kids. Its important to nurture your relationship, and also have some sanity. You do exist outside your children. What did you enjoy before children? Make a scheduled date night you'll look forward to all week, or a time out of the house with friends. You'll come back feeling refreshed and ready for a new day.
9. Take time for yourself everyday. Whether its closing your eyes to pray, call your mom, Workout, draw, yoga, meditation, listening to an audio book while you do the dishes, or all of the above, you can find time to care for yourself in busy motherhood.
The best way you can take care of yourself is to choose joy.
What activities do you make part of your everyday life to help with the long days?
Monday, December 18, 2017
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Meal Prep HACKS and Meal Prep 101
Lifestyle Change 101 by Rebecca Byers
70-80% of your results are what you EAT!
Eating out HACKS!
The “I haven’t slept in a week, my baby pooped on the carpet and my rabid dogs are missing meal plan” This is ok to follow once in a while, not ideal for your wallet.
Breakfast
Dunkin Dohnuts
Black Coffee with Skim Milk, hold the sugar
Turkey sausage and egg white on Flatbread (2, eat only one flatbread, hold the cheese)
Snack
RX bar
OR
Fruit and nuts
Lunch
Chic Fil a
Grilled Chicken nuggets (8 count)
Kale superfood salad
Fruit cup
OR
Chipolte
Burritto bowl or salad bowl
Chicken or tofu with all the veggies, pico de gallo, lettuce, about 1-2 TBs of beans, ½ cup BROWN rice
Hold the sour cream and cheese. Eat half your guac portion.
Dinner
Chili’s
Spicy southwestern salad Add Salmon or chicken
Fajitas on a salad
Steak with sweet potato
Busy working Gal’s meal prep Hack
Pick one night that works with your schedule. Make meal PLAN. Write down all ingredients you need to buy and what night you will eat what(use the chart I gave you of allowed foods). I usually grocery shop FRIDAY and meal prep SUNDAY night. I boil, peel and bag eggs, cook chicken, chop veggies, make tuna for breakfast and lunch…it only takes an hour. As far as prepping for dinner, I always PULL out of the freezer whatever meat we will eat the night before. You can even assemble the whole dish and store in the fridge until it is ready to cook. I also love the crock pot and dutch oven! You can also pre-prep dinner by precooking your dishes. (add 2 hours to meal prep, no more cooking the rest of the week!)
It is THIS simple:
Pick a protein
Pick a veggie
Add a carb
Add a sauce and seasoning
I always google or pinterest for cooking temps and different spice and sauce recipes.
Breakfast
A. Boiled eggs (salt, pepper and bag two at a time)
And overnight oats
OR
Whole wheat Toast/bagel ½, English muffin ½
OR
B. Plain, lowfat yogurt layered with fruit, oatmeal, seeds, nuts
Snack
Apple and peanut butter
or
Carrots and hummus
Lunch
Turkey Lunch meat slices on romaine with veggies
or
Tuna salad on Whole Wheat
Or
Quinoa Pasta Salad (oil and vinegar, TONS of your favorite veggies and turkey lunch meat! )
Dinner
Crockpot Meal!
Pulled chicken, beef or pork tenderloin (cook on high for 4 hours with a sauce recipe below!)
Add a Veggie and Sweet potato or brown rice (if you have carbs left!)
Or prepare sheet pan with veggies, meat, potatoes. Cook at 325 until veggies are tender and meat is up to temp!
Dessert
Frozen plain yogurt and strawberries
Oh Baby Barbeque Sauce
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Yields: 12 servings
Serving size: 1/4 cup
Ingredients
2 cups tomato paste
1 cup water
½ cup apple cider vinegar
5 Tbsp Molasses
½ Tbsp ground black pepper
½ Tbsp onion powder
½ Tbsp ground mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Asian Awesome Sauce
¼ tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 thin slice fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce (I use and prefer Liquid Aminos! Soy sauce substitute)
1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. tomato paste, no added sugar
2 tsp. hoisin sauce (optional)
1 tsp. pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Skinny Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ cup milk or water (I used fat free half & half)
• ¾ cup of plain greek yogurt (I used 0% fat)
• ½ - ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• optional: ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta noodles, cooked
Instructions
1. In a medium sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder. Stir in milk (or water). Remove from heat and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in greek yogurt.
2. Add parmesan cheese to sauce and stir until melted. (If the cheese doesn't melt completely because the sauce is too cool, return to stove on low for a couple of minutes) Add salt and pepper to taste and toss with your favorite WHOLE WHEAT cooked pasta noodles.
Don't forget to measure and Track on a paper how much of what you've ate! I always forget if I had a piece of fruit, or miss veggies!!
70-80% of your results are what you EAT!
Breakfast
Dunkin Dohnuts
Black Coffee with Skim Milk, hold the sugar
Turkey sausage and egg white on Flatbread (2, eat only one flatbread, hold the cheese)
Snack
RX bar
OR
Fruit and nuts
Lunch
Chic Fil a
Grilled Chicken nuggets (8 count)
Kale superfood salad
Fruit cup
OR
Chipolte
Burritto bowl or salad bowl
Chicken or tofu with all the veggies, pico de gallo, lettuce, about 1-2 TBs of beans, ½ cup BROWN rice
Hold the sour cream and cheese. Eat half your guac portion.
Dinner
Chili’s
Spicy southwestern salad Add Salmon or chicken
Fajitas on a salad
Steak with sweet potato
Busy working Gal’s meal prep Hack
It is THIS simple:
Pick a protein
Pick a veggie
Add a carb
Add a sauce and seasoning
I always google or pinterest for cooking temps and different spice and sauce recipes.
Breakfast
A. Boiled eggs (salt, pepper and bag two at a time)
And overnight oats
OR
Whole wheat Toast/bagel ½, English muffin ½
OR
B. Plain, lowfat yogurt layered with fruit, oatmeal, seeds, nuts
Snack
Apple and peanut butter
or
Carrots and hummus
Lunch
Turkey Lunch meat slices on romaine with veggies
or
Tuna salad on Whole Wheat
Or
Quinoa Pasta Salad (oil and vinegar, TONS of your favorite veggies and turkey lunch meat! )
Dinner
Crockpot Meal!
Pulled chicken, beef or pork tenderloin (cook on high for 4 hours with a sauce recipe below!)
Add a Veggie and Sweet potato or brown rice (if you have carbs left!)
Or prepare sheet pan with veggies, meat, potatoes. Cook at 325 until veggies are tender and meat is up to temp!
Dessert
Frozen plain yogurt and strawberries
Oh Baby Barbeque Sauce
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Yields: 12 servings
Serving size: 1/4 cup
Ingredients
2 cups tomato paste
1 cup water
½ cup apple cider vinegar
5 Tbsp Molasses
½ Tbsp ground black pepper
½ Tbsp onion powder
½ Tbsp ground mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Asian Awesome Sauce
¼ tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 thin slice fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce (I use and prefer Liquid Aminos! Soy sauce substitute)
1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. tomato paste, no added sugar
2 tsp. hoisin sauce (optional)
1 tsp. pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Skinny Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ cup milk or water (I used fat free half & half)
• ¾ cup of plain greek yogurt (I used 0% fat)
• ½ - ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• optional: ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta noodles, cooked
Instructions
1. In a medium sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder. Stir in milk (or water). Remove from heat and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in greek yogurt.
2. Add parmesan cheese to sauce and stir until melted. (If the cheese doesn't melt completely because the sauce is too cool, return to stove on low for a couple of minutes) Add salt and pepper to taste and toss with your favorite WHOLE WHEAT cooked pasta noodles.
Don't forget to measure and Track on a paper how much of what you've ate! I always forget if I had a piece of fruit, or miss veggies!!
Monday, September 18, 2017
Designer Drug: Doritos. How to beat a junk food addiction.
It’s 9pm, you put the kids to bed and sit down with Netflix and your new favorite show to binge watch. You just ate a delicious dinner and the cabinet is calling your name. You know there is a bag of Doritios in there. The bag is calling your name. You sit down, eat half the bag and then go to the freezer. You pull out the ice cream! Sound familiar?
How about, you sit down to a delicious homemade meal and rather you were biting into a melty, cheesy, crunchy Crunch Wrap Supreme.
Numerous studies have shown eating junk foods and sugar flood you with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centers. Dopamine also helps regulate movement and emotional responses, and it enables us not only to see rewards, but to take action to move toward them.
Sugar also has some effects in the brain, the same way the brain is manipulated by drugs like heroin and morphine.
This is why highly processed, sugar-laden foods can lead to over eating. They take over the brain pathways the same way drugs do.
The food companies KNOW they are doing this. Almost all packaged foods are laden with MSG. Monosodium Glutamate is put in food causing you to eat more and never feel satisfied. This is why you may crave foods like chips, flavor blast goldfish, pretzels and fast foods.
People often confuse cravings with hunger. They are not the same thing. This is because cravings are not about satisfying your body's need for energy, instead it is your brain calling for "reward."
When you crave a sugary, salty or fatty snack, it is your brain driving you towards that dopamine/opioid signal, the same way drug addiction works.
In a study, lab rats were given a diet full of sausage and sweets for 40 days—even though regular lab rat chow was available. When the high fat and augsr foods were taking away the rats would refuse to eat their standard chow for an average of 14 days.
Steps towards breaking your food addictions and overeating:
1. Cut out all junk foods and sugars completely. If you just cut back, your brain can't recover from the addiction.
2. Replace old habits with new habits. Replace chips and ice cream at night with frozen plain yogurt and fruit, or veggies and dip.
3. Remind yourself how you will feel after you eat the junk food. Unsatisfied and guilty. Once you understand the way your brain is working, it will be easier to say no.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Food addictions and overeating are as powerful as drug addictions. You are not alone and counseling is available!
Stay tuned for more health and fitness posts! Comment below!
Resources Used:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/addicted-to-fat-eating/
https://experiencelife.com/article/beating-food-addiction/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/
http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-similarities-between-junk-foods-and-drugs#section11
How about, you sit down to a delicious homemade meal and rather you were biting into a melty, cheesy, crunchy Crunch Wrap Supreme.
This is why highly processed, sugar-laden foods can lead to over eating. They take over the brain pathways the same way drugs do.
People often confuse cravings with hunger. They are not the same thing. This is because cravings are not about satisfying your body's need for energy, instead it is your brain calling for "reward."
When you crave a sugary, salty or fatty snack, it is your brain driving you towards that dopamine/opioid signal, the same way drug addiction works.
Steps towards breaking your food addictions and overeating:
1. Cut out all junk foods and sugars completely. If you just cut back, your brain can't recover from the addiction.
2. Replace old habits with new habits. Replace chips and ice cream at night with frozen plain yogurt and fruit, or veggies and dip.
3. Remind yourself how you will feel after you eat the junk food. Unsatisfied and guilty. Once you understand the way your brain is working, it will be easier to say no.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Food addictions and overeating are as powerful as drug addictions. You are not alone and counseling is available!
Stay tuned for more health and fitness posts! Comment below!
Resources Used:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/addicted-to-fat-eating/
https://experiencelife.com/article/beating-food-addiction/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/
http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-similarities-between-junk-foods-and-drugs#section11
Monday, September 12, 2016
Birth Story of Annabelle Estelle Byers
Wednesday August 3, 2016 I woke up around 5:30am with mild cramps. I made a protein shake and tried to go back to sleep. I snuggled up close to my husband Tony and held him close, thinking this may be the last time it was the two of us. I noticed my cramps were getting stronger and came in waves and was unable to go back to sleep. I texted my photographer, who is also a close friend, “today might be the day!”. I was 41.3 weeks and was SO READY to meet my baby. I took a hot shower and went back to bed, rocking my hips with each wave. I started to slowly moan with each one and Tony woke up asking if I was ok. “I think we might have a baby today.” I was careful to not get too excited. My prenatal midwifery care couldn’t have been better and they prepared me for every circumstance. I knew labor could start and stop, or last for days. I got up and woke up Mom and Livy who had come for a week in advance from New York. We spent the week going to the ocean, the movies, and trying to walk and swim the baby out! Finally the day was here! Mom made me oatmeal, which tasted like onions to me. I ended up eating some toast with butter. With each wave getting stronger I would go alone into the dark office and took in a deep breath and exhaled a low “ohhhh” until the wave passed. Tony left for work for a few hours with the expectation labor may last at least 24 hours for first time moms. As the waves got stronger I said “call my doula”. For the first time in her 15 years she was at another birth and said her back up Ginger was on the way.
My birth team arrived one at a time. Ashley my photographer and friend came first and rubbed my lower back as I rested on the birthing ball. Mom and Livy blew up and filled the birth tub. Ginger my doula arrived. I never opened my eyes or saw what she looked like until I was in transition to the final stage of labor. She put essential oils behind my ears and applied a “natural epidural” by applying pressure to my back. She said to imagine a yellow ring circling around my head, going down my spine and circling my baby with each breath and contraction. The yellow ring never left my mind for the remainder of the birth. I rocked my hips and swayed with each contraction. I wanted to get in the tub, but knew it was my last option for pain relief. I ate some yogurt and honey. And drank lots of water. We called the midwife. I didnt want to call her too early, but I wanted her to check my progression to see if it was too early to get into the water. I didn’t know how much stronger or longer labor would get. They said they wouldn’t tell me how far I was, just if it was time to push. They said I was progressing beautifully and it wasn’t time to push. I went through a hormone change and shivered uncontrollably.
Tony came home early and waited outside with favorite cousin Nils, 21 year old scotch and Cuban cigars. Birth is a place for woman, was his belief and I fully supported his level of participation.
I started feeling a lot of pressure and intensity. I asked Ashley to pray with me, and she did. I wanted to lay down and rest between contractions. The midwives said it sounded like the contractions were getting less intense as I was laying down, so to try and sit on the toiled or squat. Time did not seem to exist in birth land. I existed in between each contraction, leaving my birth cave to see everyone in the dining room. I asked for more yogurt and honey. I decided it was time to get into the birth tub. "blow out the candles, no voices, no music". Everyone happily followed my every wish. I go into the birth tub and squatted. My “ohhhhs” got louder and stronger. "everyone!" I requested. I wanted everyone to use their voices with me. I felt like I needed to hear their strength to get me through. I felt like I couldn't do it anymore. "i just want you to take the baby out!" I gained a new energy and got really hot. I grabbed who ever would gave me their hands, my eyes never opened in my dark birthing cave. I started grabbing the handles of the birthing tub and lifted myself out of the water and shook or rocked my hips with each contraction. I wiped my head like a wild animal and threw myself over the side of the tub to rest in between each contraction. I felt the baby’s head descending deeper and deeper down. My body started pushing on it’s own. My “ohhhhs” turned into a wild groan. The midwives told me to reach in and touch my baby’s head. I felt the soft bag of water, which hadn’t broken, about one knuckle in. Tony came in from outside. The midwife was monitored the baby’s heart beat with each contraction and looked into the pool with a flash light. They said I could hold my breath and push down with each contraction to get the baby out. Margo supported my peranium from behind me as the baby’s head crowned. I felt the burn all the way around, but I didnt care, I was so excited I was so close. Angie got in my face and yelled “Rebecca stop pushing, blow out the 100 candles.” They had told me in one of my last prenatal visits about this slow birthing of the head technique, and I blew out my candles. With the next contraction the baby’s head was born. “On your next contraction you will meet your baby.” They told me to reach down and touch her head, but I just wanted for it to be over. My next contraction seemed not to come for over a minuet. Finally it came and with no effort, the baby was born at 4:22pm. “reach down and catch your baby Rebecca”. I lifted her up and placed her on my chest. She was born en-caul, and Margo pulled off the sac. Only one in 80,000 babies are born in their caul.
“My baby my baby. I love you baby. I love you baby.” Almost everyone sobbed.
I wish I could relive this moment everyday for the rest of my life. NOTHING could EVER top this feeling. This love. I kissed her slimy sweet head as she let out a gurgling cry.
We had waited until birth to know the gender. I looked between her legs and the umbilical cord was in the way, I though it was a boy. I moved it and saw she was a girl! Tony smiled, this whole time he was determined she was a boy! We needed this little girl in our life.
The rest of the day all I could say was, “I’m so happy.” Baby girl who would remain nameless for the next three days was weighed 7.7lbs and 21 inches after We had skin to skin, she nursed, and Daddy held her.
I needed no stitches. The midwives examined me and helped me into the shower. I almost passed out and they put me back to bed with a shot of Pitocin.
We layed in bed the rest of the day. We all had Birthday cake. Mom fed me shrimp and rice and it was SO GOOD.
I remember no pain and I would birth a thousand more babies just to relive that moment of meeting Annabelle Estelle.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PROJECT PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY. Ashley Wright
http://ashley-wright.com/book-your-session/
My birth team arrived one at a time. Ashley my photographer and friend came first and rubbed my lower back as I rested on the birthing ball. Mom and Livy blew up and filled the birth tub. Ginger my doula arrived. I never opened my eyes or saw what she looked like until I was in transition to the final stage of labor. She put essential oils behind my ears and applied a “natural epidural” by applying pressure to my back. She said to imagine a yellow ring circling around my head, going down my spine and circling my baby with each breath and contraction. The yellow ring never left my mind for the remainder of the birth. I rocked my hips and swayed with each contraction. I wanted to get in the tub, but knew it was my last option for pain relief. I ate some yogurt and honey. And drank lots of water. We called the midwife. I didnt want to call her too early, but I wanted her to check my progression to see if it was too early to get into the water. I didn’t know how much stronger or longer labor would get. They said they wouldn’t tell me how far I was, just if it was time to push. They said I was progressing beautifully and it wasn’t time to push. I went through a hormone change and shivered uncontrollably.
Tony came home early and waited outside with favorite cousin Nils, 21 year old scotch and Cuban cigars. Birth is a place for woman, was his belief and I fully supported his level of participation.
I started feeling a lot of pressure and intensity. I asked Ashley to pray with me, and she did. I wanted to lay down and rest between contractions. The midwives said it sounded like the contractions were getting less intense as I was laying down, so to try and sit on the toiled or squat. Time did not seem to exist in birth land. I existed in between each contraction, leaving my birth cave to see everyone in the dining room. I asked for more yogurt and honey. I decided it was time to get into the birth tub. "blow out the candles, no voices, no music". Everyone happily followed my every wish. I go into the birth tub and squatted. My “ohhhhs” got louder and stronger. "everyone!" I requested. I wanted everyone to use their voices with me. I felt like I needed to hear their strength to get me through. I felt like I couldn't do it anymore. "i just want you to take the baby out!" I gained a new energy and got really hot. I grabbed who ever would gave me their hands, my eyes never opened in my dark birthing cave. I started grabbing the handles of the birthing tub and lifted myself out of the water and shook or rocked my hips with each contraction. I wiped my head like a wild animal and threw myself over the side of the tub to rest in between each contraction. I felt the baby’s head descending deeper and deeper down. My body started pushing on it’s own. My “ohhhhs” turned into a wild groan. The midwives told me to reach in and touch my baby’s head. I felt the soft bag of water, which hadn’t broken, about one knuckle in. Tony came in from outside. The midwife was monitored the baby’s heart beat with each contraction and looked into the pool with a flash light. They said I could hold my breath and push down with each contraction to get the baby out. Margo supported my peranium from behind me as the baby’s head crowned. I felt the burn all the way around, but I didnt care, I was so excited I was so close. Angie got in my face and yelled “Rebecca stop pushing, blow out the 100 candles.” They had told me in one of my last prenatal visits about this slow birthing of the head technique, and I blew out my candles. With the next contraction the baby’s head was born. “On your next contraction you will meet your baby.” They told me to reach down and touch her head, but I just wanted for it to be over. My next contraction seemed not to come for over a minuet. Finally it came and with no effort, the baby was born at 4:22pm. “reach down and catch your baby Rebecca”. I lifted her up and placed her on my chest. She was born en-caul, and Margo pulled off the sac. Only one in 80,000 babies are born in their caul.
“My baby my baby. I love you baby. I love you baby.” Almost everyone sobbed.
I wish I could relive this moment everyday for the rest of my life. NOTHING could EVER top this feeling. This love. I kissed her slimy sweet head as she let out a gurgling cry.
We had waited until birth to know the gender. I looked between her legs and the umbilical cord was in the way, I though it was a boy. I moved it and saw she was a girl! Tony smiled, this whole time he was determined she was a boy! We needed this little girl in our life.
The rest of the day all I could say was, “I’m so happy.” Baby girl who would remain nameless for the next three days was weighed 7.7lbs and 21 inches after We had skin to skin, she nursed, and Daddy held her.
I needed no stitches. The midwives examined me and helped me into the shower. I almost passed out and they put me back to bed with a shot of Pitocin.
We layed in bed the rest of the day. We all had Birthday cake. Mom fed me shrimp and rice and it was SO GOOD.
I remember no pain and I would birth a thousand more babies just to relive that moment of meeting Annabelle Estelle.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PROJECT PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY. Ashley Wright
http://ashley-wright.com/book-your-session/
Friday, October 24, 2014
To the one I love most
You have an appointment today. To read this. It was planned before time, so you might have hope.
I was prompted to get out of bed and write this after having a nightmare about a terrorist attack that would end America.
So what is scarier then that?
A hopeless eternity.
There is life after death. There is one book in the whole world that tells of it and has been preserved for thousands of years without error.
The Bible.
Why would God allow things like this to happen? Why is there so much suffering in the world? WHY IS THE SYSTEM SO BROKEN?
Because it's our system. The humans. "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
Just like poor decisions have consequence's in the everyday world, all our human wrongs (sin) cannot go without consequence before the good, perfect, loving, just ruler of the universe. "For the wages of sin is death......" Romans 6:23( don't worry there is a good part coming up!)
We are eternally lost without hope, which we cannot find! Why aren't I happy? What is missing? What's going on in the world right now?
But you have a decision to make.
"THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD." (Romans 6:23)
He sent His son, His only son to die for the SINS OF THE WORLD! Its' done. There is nothing you or I can do! But accept that. Believe on it!
This God I share of, He is the only one. There is no other ruler of the universe that already paid for your consequences. He is more powerful then death and raised His son Jesus from the dead. He is alive today.
I tell you because I NEED to! I need to tell you how amazing this God is! The only God. The one true God.
Without accepting this,eternity is as dark and hopeless as things seem now. The Bible is clear there will not be a second chance. Just like when you are convicted and tried for a crime, you are not able to be retried. God is just!
Don't ignore the tearing of your soul on this one. Surrender everything in you. May you have hope, and no matter what comes my love may I see you in eternity!
I was prompted to get out of bed and write this after having a nightmare about a terrorist attack that would end America.
So what is scarier then that?
A hopeless eternity.
There is life after death. There is one book in the whole world that tells of it and has been preserved for thousands of years without error.
The Bible.
Why would God allow things like this to happen? Why is there so much suffering in the world? WHY IS THE SYSTEM SO BROKEN?
Because it's our system. The humans. "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
Just like poor decisions have consequence's in the everyday world, all our human wrongs (sin) cannot go without consequence before the good, perfect, loving, just ruler of the universe. "For the wages of sin is death......" Romans 6:23( don't worry there is a good part coming up!)
We are eternally lost without hope, which we cannot find! Why aren't I happy? What is missing? What's going on in the world right now?
But you have a decision to make.
"THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD." (Romans 6:23)
He sent His son, His only son to die for the SINS OF THE WORLD! Its' done. There is nothing you or I can do! But accept that. Believe on it!
This God I share of, He is the only one. There is no other ruler of the universe that already paid for your consequences. He is more powerful then death and raised His son Jesus from the dead. He is alive today.
I tell you because I NEED to! I need to tell you how amazing this God is! The only God. The one true God.
Without accepting this,eternity is as dark and hopeless as things seem now. The Bible is clear there will not be a second chance. Just like when you are convicted and tried for a crime, you are not able to be retried. God is just!
Don't ignore the tearing of your soul on this one. Surrender everything in you. May you have hope, and no matter what comes my love may I see you in eternity!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
What is life all about anyway?
How many of you are let down and lost this this life? None of it seems to make sense. It's too busy for quality time with those we love. we have to drive around town jumping through hoops, to just survive. Work long hours to put food on our tables. and then look at the rich and famous.Popping their pills and slitting their wrists because they thought money and fame should make them happy.
We all have a hole. We fill it with things we think will bring us happiness but always leave us emplty.
i havent found "the secret to happiness", but I will tell you I have something more important to blog about then eating healthy.
did you know when you were born, you knew there was a God? to the atheistic and agnostic- what happened in your life when you decided there wasnt a God anymore? Just because you dont believe in Him, doesnt mean He isnt there!
Did you know we are all set apart from God because He is a holy, perfect God. We do things every day that are unacceptable in the eyes of the GOOD God who created the world. To the evoulustionist- contrary to popular belief science actually proves the Bible right.just research it if you dont believe me - and that means both sides of the story!
Did you further know God sent his son in human form to the earth to be the payment for us. So we can be in the presence of Him, today and forever with God when we die! We dont have to be afraid of what happens after this life. so you dont believe in heaven and hell....does that mean it isnt there?
GOD SENT HIS SON JESUS CHRIST TO DIE FOR YOUR SINS.
Thats a good God. He loved you and knew you before you where even born! God chose to make a way for you, he didnt have to! Bad things do happen. to good people and bad people.The earth isnt bad because God made it bad- its because WE are bad! Dont you see WE messed it all up!
We have been lied to. God IS loving. He doesnt care if you are gay, alcohalic, addict or purple. He wants you to know this truth! Dont believe in the Bible? How about you pick it up and try to prove it wrong yourself. its a dare.
I tell you this because Ive let you down. Ive heard dear friends ask these quetions, and these are the answeres! I wont keep my mouth shut anymore! I want you to have hope! that is why I tell you!
you've been hurt, let down and lonely. God is waiting. Dont believe the lies you hear. think outside the box here!
To those who say they believe this:( including myself): Is my life letting people know I have hope? what comes out of my mouth at work, with friends. do I confuse them by numbing myelf to the pains of this world with drugs and alcohal just like everyone else? Do i keep my mouth shut when friends dont have hope and are clearly searching?
I pray you will know this hope friends and family. Because i love you and I know this makes some of you angry even! Well its time. its time to acknowledge God! Its time you accept jesus died for you. thats all. faith. not science.
We arnt arguing about whether marajuana should be legal, hobby lobby provide pills, chic fila dance in the gay parade or even abortion....we are talking about you need hope and I need to live like I have it!
We all have a hole. We fill it with things we think will bring us happiness but always leave us emplty.
i havent found "the secret to happiness", but I will tell you I have something more important to blog about then eating healthy.
did you know when you were born, you knew there was a God? to the atheistic and agnostic- what happened in your life when you decided there wasnt a God anymore? Just because you dont believe in Him, doesnt mean He isnt there!
Did you know we are all set apart from God because He is a holy, perfect God. We do things every day that are unacceptable in the eyes of the GOOD God who created the world. To the evoulustionist- contrary to popular belief science actually proves the Bible right.just research it if you dont believe me - and that means both sides of the story!
Did you further know God sent his son in human form to the earth to be the payment for us. So we can be in the presence of Him, today and forever with God when we die! We dont have to be afraid of what happens after this life. so you dont believe in heaven and hell....does that mean it isnt there?
GOD SENT HIS SON JESUS CHRIST TO DIE FOR YOUR SINS.
Thats a good God. He loved you and knew you before you where even born! God chose to make a way for you, he didnt have to! Bad things do happen. to good people and bad people.The earth isnt bad because God made it bad- its because WE are bad! Dont you see WE messed it all up!
We have been lied to. God IS loving. He doesnt care if you are gay, alcohalic, addict or purple. He wants you to know this truth! Dont believe in the Bible? How about you pick it up and try to prove it wrong yourself. its a dare.
I tell you this because Ive let you down. Ive heard dear friends ask these quetions, and these are the answeres! I wont keep my mouth shut anymore! I want you to have hope! that is why I tell you!
you've been hurt, let down and lonely. God is waiting. Dont believe the lies you hear. think outside the box here!
To those who say they believe this:( including myself): Is my life letting people know I have hope? what comes out of my mouth at work, with friends. do I confuse them by numbing myelf to the pains of this world with drugs and alcohal just like everyone else? Do i keep my mouth shut when friends dont have hope and are clearly searching?
I pray you will know this hope friends and family. Because i love you and I know this makes some of you angry even! Well its time. its time to acknowledge God! Its time you accept jesus died for you. thats all. faith. not science.
We arnt arguing about whether marajuana should be legal, hobby lobby provide pills, chic fila dance in the gay parade or even abortion....we are talking about you need hope and I need to live like I have it!
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Fermenting Frenzy
I'm kind of obsessed with fermenting right now, and when I enthusiastically tell people about my ventures, I usually get a look of disgust. Well your guts are probably digusting, if you don't know about fermented food.... Don't worry, its nothing to fear! It's quite easy and you can do it too!
First you may ask, why ferment?
"Fermented foods, as a group, are highly nutritious and digestible. Fermentation pre-digests foods, making nutrients more bioavailable, and in many cases fermentation generates additional nutrients or removes anti-nutrients or toxins. Ferments with live lactic-acid-producing bacteria intact are especially supportive of digestive health, immune function, and general well-being." - The Art of Fermentation Written by Sandor Ellix Katz
And if you haven't heard, a healthy gut is a happy life! No seriously, all sorts of problems stem from you guts and you can heal yourself by changing the food you eat. (ADHD, PMS, depression, mood swings (I've heard of these but never experienced them...jk)..ETC ETC
You can ferment practically anything with these simple ingredients.
Distilled water
salt (An ideal salt for fermenting is whole, unrefined, and full of natural vitamins and minerals- regular table salt will not work)
Vegetables of your choice (should be organic)
Secret ingredient, Whey (not required but speeds up the waiting process!)
How to make Whey: Whey promotes the growth of the good bacteria, and stops the growth of the bad!
Purchase organic, plain, whole milk yogurt
Scoop half a cup or so into a coffee filter or cheese cloth
Let the yogurt drip through filter into a jar overnight
Left in the filter you have Cream cheese!
Left in the bottom of your jar- WHEY! No way! (see photo below)
So far I have fermented pico de gallo , cabbage and carrots and cucumbers. All using this method. The Pico de gallo is practically the best thing I have ever eaten(still waiting for the sauerkraut and pickles). The pico de galls tastes like a thousand dancing flavors of happiness in your mouth and I have already eaten an entire jar. My husband loves it too, and he says he usually doesn't like home made "salsa" (yes, he knows its fermented)!
Well here it is. Lacto Fermented Salsa
•1 large onion, cut into chunks
•6 large garlic cloves, peeled
•2 jalapenos, finely chopped, removing seeds (wear gloves so your hands don't burn all night like Genevieve Emrick)
•1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves
•2.5 pound diced tomatoes
•juice of 1 lemon and lime
•3 tablespoons Himalayan salt
•1/2 cup whey
•1/4-1/2 cup water
Directions
1. Chop all Veggies.
2. Add the lemon juice, sea salt, and whey.
3. spoon the salsa into jars, leaving 2-3 inches of head space. Add water to submerge the salsa if there is not enough natural juice to cover the veggies.
4.Close lid tightly and leave at room temperature for a few days, until bubbly and fermented(taste to see after about three days)
During this process the solid vegetables may separate from the liquid.
5.Refrigerate when fermented to your liking.
Happy Fermenting!
First you may ask, why ferment?
"Fermented foods, as a group, are highly nutritious and digestible. Fermentation pre-digests foods, making nutrients more bioavailable, and in many cases fermentation generates additional nutrients or removes anti-nutrients or toxins. Ferments with live lactic-acid-producing bacteria intact are especially supportive of digestive health, immune function, and general well-being." - The Art of Fermentation Written by Sandor Ellix Katz
And if you haven't heard, a healthy gut is a happy life! No seriously, all sorts of problems stem from you guts and you can heal yourself by changing the food you eat. (ADHD, PMS, depression, mood swings (I've heard of these but never experienced them...jk)..ETC ETC
You can ferment practically anything with these simple ingredients.
Distilled water
salt (An ideal salt for fermenting is whole, unrefined, and full of natural vitamins and minerals- regular table salt will not work)
Vegetables of your choice (should be organic)
Secret ingredient, Whey (not required but speeds up the waiting process!)
How to make Whey: Whey promotes the growth of the good bacteria, and stops the growth of the bad!
Purchase organic, plain, whole milk yogurt
Scoop half a cup or so into a coffee filter or cheese cloth
Let the yogurt drip through filter into a jar overnight
Left in the filter you have Cream cheese!
Left in the bottom of your jar- WHEY! No way! (see photo below)
So far I have fermented pico de gallo , cabbage and carrots and cucumbers. All using this method. The Pico de gallo is practically the best thing I have ever eaten(still waiting for the sauerkraut and pickles). The pico de galls tastes like a thousand dancing flavors of happiness in your mouth and I have already eaten an entire jar. My husband loves it too, and he says he usually doesn't like home made "salsa" (yes, he knows its fermented)!
Well here it is. Lacto Fermented Salsa
•1 large onion, cut into chunks
•6 large garlic cloves, peeled
•2 jalapenos, finely chopped, removing seeds (wear gloves so your hands don't burn all night like Genevieve Emrick)
•1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves
•2.5 pound diced tomatoes
•juice of 1 lemon and lime
•3 tablespoons Himalayan salt
•1/2 cup whey
•1/4-1/2 cup water
Directions
1. Chop all Veggies.
2. Add the lemon juice, sea salt, and whey.
3. spoon the salsa into jars, leaving 2-3 inches of head space. Add water to submerge the salsa if there is not enough natural juice to cover the veggies.
4.Close lid tightly and leave at room temperature for a few days, until bubbly and fermented(taste to see after about three days)
During this process the solid vegetables may separate from the liquid.
5.Refrigerate when fermented to your liking.
Happy Fermenting!
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