Food based Russian Roulette

Now being the nutritionally savvy person I am, I like to think I have a grasp on food. I know what is good for your body and I know what is bad. I can cook awesome food that is super healthy without even thinking about it. It's like a gift I have. Normally our food has been really good. We have the odd indulgence but we definitely eat better than the average North American.

You know what though, little baby sweet pea doesn't give a rats ass what Mommy thinks about eating healthy.

What do I get cravings for? Something deep friend, smothered in gravy and cheese. Yes my current love is poutine. You should have it if you haven't before, it is awesome. I want salt and lots of salt. Like I'm telling you I could just crack the sea salt right into my mouth and be happy. Now I know this isn't all the good for me. I know we need to balance food.

But little baby sweet pea still doesn't give a rats ass. If I don't give my little fetus what my body is craving I get to vomit. That's seems to be my choice right now. Eat what I crave or hug a toilet. This really isn't too hard of a choice. The problem comes when I want something but I have no idea what. This create a very emotional time because I know if I don't eat I will be sick and if I eat the wrong thing I will be sick. Kinda feels like I'm running around blindfolded in the grocery store with a gun to my head... pick the wrong thing and DEATH. Yes that may sound a touch dramatic but unless you have experienced this level of sickness and heartburn you can't possibly understand.

Yes so what's for breakfast, lunch and dinner .......... who knows???????

I'm sure the other children can survive on what they can reach and what I can throw on a plate without being sick, right? I'm sure. Oh and what dad makes when he is home. ( He is awesome like that )

Trying to make a change

You know what you want to do with your health. Though the big question is what are the steps that you need to take? Do you need to do a complete diet overhaul? Join a gym? Get a trainer? It all can get very overwhelming. Particularly if you are a busy mom with little ones it can seem like too much.

So what do you do?

Well remember back in school the " K.I.S.S" acronym? If you don't then you really need to know about this. It is quite easy and can be applied in many aspects of life.  Keep It Simple Silly ( or whatever "S" word you choose to use)

Thats about it. Keep it simple. Your body got the way it was over years, it wont change in just a few days it will take time and effort. Making small simple manageable steps will keep you going. Major over hauls get exhausting. Cutting out all your fave foods suck ass. You can make the change you want you just need to start smaller.

Start with going for a evening walk with the family or without if that will help sanity. Bring up the pace mix up the terrain. ( I have no shortage of hills in my area) Look up different workout routines on YouTube. Some of them can be really fun. Go try a yoga or Zumba class. For classes I wouldn't suggesting getting a long membership right off the bat go for a month or two before shelling out the big $$$.

Try for one or two carb & sugar free dinners a week. Add raw veggies to all your lunches. Grab something new from the health alse next time you are in the grocery store ( not the treats, the real food)

Small and simple differences can make for better changes. More lasting changes.

If you choose to do a detox or cleanse keep the timing short but at least 21 days. It is said that it takes 21 days to make a habit. You don't want to do a sugar cleanse just to binge after it.

What small and simple changes have you made this week towards better health

What's for dinner?

Steak, Gnocchi,green beans & Honey Sesame Yams

Farmers Sausage, tortellini, & roaster carrots and brussle sprouts

Fruits salad with dragon fruit, apples, watermelon,pineapple, kale & chia seeds with a drizzle of honey

Gluten free pasta with cheese and hemp seeds with veggies on the side

Portabello mushroom pizza caps

Dealing with exclusion

You know what sometimes homeschooling really does have it's setbacks. The long days when you aren't feeling well, and dealing with friendships. See when you are sticking your children with other kids all day five days a week they will generally form a bond with one another. It is different when homeschooling, they don't see the same kids everyday. It depends on the activity and where you are as to who there is to interact with. I strive very hard most days to get the boys out and about. They are very social kids and they have no qualms with playing with anyone else.

The problem is trying to help create that bond. Most people search for the solid friendship with another human being. Most people look for their best friend. Sure in the younger years your best friend may only last a few weeks, but it is an important relationship building experience.

Now I live where there are apparently lots of kids but you don't see them. Any of them, seriously. I can throw rocks at an elementary school from my front door and except for morning and after school I really don't see other children. Sure when we go over to the park there may be one or two but there isn't a ton. I have tried connecting with other families in the homeschooling. It seems that connecting is hard and limited. At least for us. The strange thing is we have a very fluid schedule. It feels like others just don't want to connect with us. :(

It is hard knowing that you are being excluded. It is even harder knowing that your child is being excluded. When that sweet smiling face looks at you wanting to know if they can go play with the other child and you have to tell them that they are busy. Then they hear at the next group gathering how they  were playing with another child. Then he looks at you with his loving kind blue eyes and asks why don't they want to be his friend and play with him anymore. I have to smile back at him and tell him that I have no idea. I really don't.

Some people think that homeschooling you will be free of bullying and peer exclusion. They are wrong. You can limit it, but it can almost be worse. Not only is another child excluding your child, but their parents are actively facilitating it. It sucks, it really does.

As a victim of excessive bullying, I strive to teach my children to be kind to others. It pains me when he doesn't understand why others are unkind. It just doesn't come to him, he wants to play with everyone. I guess I just live in a slightly different world from those around me.

Have you had to deal with your child being intentional excluded? How did you deal with it?

Emotional turmoil

Have you ever been on a roller coaster? One of the real awesome ones that go up and down and fling you all around? You know the one that are better if the are faster and go upside down? Well roller coasters are just awesome. They give you an amazing thrill that just can't be beat for some people.

web credit

You know what roller coaster is not awesome an emotional one. Pregnancy puts me on a steep emotional roller coaster.  Add in some stress and the situation can get a little dire. I will be sitting thinking about something or nothing and I will have an overwhelming urge to cry. Or the bread isn't fluffy enough so I just want to punch the entire loaf and chuck it out the window. I'm not usually this irrational( a bit but not this much) but this time it is so much worse. I feel a little crazy and a lot unstable. I seriously have no idea how I'm going to react in any situation. Some days it makes me want to just stay home because it is just easier that way.  It would be wonderful if I had people who understand how I feel and what I am going through but alas that isn't seeming like it will happen anytime soon. When you are going through emotional turmoil it seems like everybody sucks.

Why I have been MIA

You may have noticed a  distinct lack of posts over the past....... oh say few months.

Yup we are expecting a bundle of joy to join our family. Number 4 will certainly enrich our lives to a new level.

How am I feeling? CRAPPY & SICK

I'm at 16 ish weeks and still spending once or twice a day smiling at my toilet bowl. I'm hoping I will be feeling much better soon. I will be updating every now and then with how I am feeling, emotionally and physically. 

As for right now emotions are still on random high alert. You never know how I am going to be feeling from day to day, heck from minute to minute. Physically still very run down and exhausted. It may have something to do with three other children but who knows. ;) Starting to feel a bit of movement which is nice.

All will be be good and we are very excited to welcome our new little one before the end of the year.

Everybody has a disorder nowadays, but .....

Have you noticed the labelling going on these days? Either they have a label or they are seeking a label or they have been told by someone that they should have a label.

Why does everyone one want some sort of disorder diagnosis? Is it a badge of honour? Does it excuse you for poor behaviour?

This is personal for me. I have a diagnosis  and it is hard to deal with. I really should see someone and have all the labels figured out and put on paper. I have been medicated, I have lived with people knowing I have a messed up brain chemistry. I have dealt with the looks and stares because I can just not be like everyone else.

I am currently not on medication because I don't think the way normal people do even when on medication. I moderate myself with my diet. I have to stick to my diet or the issues arise again. I often fail. I often have to pick myself back up and remind myself that I am worth it. Just because I am not like everyone else, doesn't make me less.

Having yourself labelled doesn't always make life easier. It actually can make it harder. While you may now understand that it is just they way your body is. You still need to learn how to function in society  You still need to learn how to just move little bit consistently so you don't have the build up of energy that makes you want to jump and and run around a room screaming. You have to learn how to read the company you are in as to how much you can talk and what you can talk about. You have to learn coping mechanisms with your own personal issues because people will just think you are bat shit crazy if they knew what really was going on in your mind.

I have a diagnosis of ADHD ( attention deficit hyperactive disorder), I also have chronic depression, dealing and anxiety and paranoia. I have been medicated in the past when I have had bad episodes. I don't like being on medication, I can't think right, sure I may not have the feelings of restlessness or debilitating sadness, but I just have a cloud in my head.

This is why I use food. good food, whole food. When I eat a clean unprocessed diet, I feel better in my body. I need to eat whole fats like butter, cream, avocados and fish. I eat lots of vegetables and fruits. I limited my grain intake. I try and stay away from artificial dyes and processed white sugar. I know what happens when I eat stuff that I shouldn't, my body hurts and my brain fritzes.  This way though I know what is going into my body.

Having a label doesn't give you a free pass to act like a jerk. It should be to make you accountable for yourself. knowing that you have something that is off give you responsibility to learn how to act. It is harder, it is a challenge. We are unique individuals who think differently, having a label doesn't make you special. You are special you already know that. Having a label does give you a special badge, it is not something to brag about. It does not put you into an elite club. It gives you more challenges, pretty much daily.

Don't take a diagnosis lightly, it is not funny or a game to those of us who deal with the challenges daily. It is not something to get extra attention or money for. It is not something to make your life easier. Sure  there may be benefits right now, but once you have that label you have it for life. A misdiagnosis can follow you for the rest of your life.

Mother's day

This Mother's day was pretty nice, it was a pretty relaxed day.

I got a flower from Bug. They made it at Beavers and it was really nice little gift. He hid it from my and took care of it all week till Saturday.

Hubby took the time while we were at Beavers to make a Mother's day craft with the other two kiddos. I was so happy to get this creative little craft. <3 it just made my heart swell these are gifts that I really like.

My bought gift was a stackable planter set for my herbs so that they can be on the deck instead of down in the garden where I can access them easier. 

All in all it was wonderful day with me feeling up and down on the wellness scale with the pregnancy but I was surrounded by those I love I didn't have to cook or change diapers. What more could  mom ask for?

Going outside the box

Do you get into a cooking rut sometimes? Find yourself making the same things over and over?

Well think outside the box. Try something different!

Here you see a stir fry with onions, carrots, peppers, farmers sausage, celery, noodles and yes brussel sprouts.

Take a moment and get adventurous with your food. you never know what you will create.

Take thing you know you like and things that you know are good for you and have some fun.

Getting out of the box can be the best thing for your menu. Stale menu's lead to not wanting to cook or eat the same thing over and over again. Food can be a good friend but there always needs to be a bit of fun and respect in the mix.

Works well with others.........

What does it mean to work well with others? Seriously? Everyone put it on their resume and it is such a token comment in any interview. It is something that children are graded on in school even. I'm looking at the world and wondering what does it really mean "works well with others"?

Honestly in my opinion the expectations of today's society there is a major change in the wording needed, to explain what is expected. Works well for others! This is what is really wanted in most situations. Some one who is compliant and does what they are told with no resistance. This makes me sad, especially for children. Adults have more choice in the matter. If they don't like the situation they are allowed to change it, children not so much.

Now when I think of a good team scenario I think of people who compliment each other, all having different strengths and weaknesses and corroborating together. This far too often isn't what really happens in many situations, sure in some but really in most it isn't. You have your boss and they tell you what to do.

I personally find it more and more that "works well with others" really is meaning I listen well and do as I'm told. Very rarely are people wanting someone with drive and ambition, who are wanting to move forwards and makes changes where they need to be made. What is wanted is someone who will put their head down and work, won't cause confrontation or problems. Just simply do as wanted.

Is that who you want your child to be? Is that who you want to be? If you do then great, but I don't. I want to work with others. I want to be free to make choices and decisions  I would like people to be open to new ideas, not just what corporate wants. I do not want to be a drone and I don't want my children to be forced into becoming one. I want them to love life and enjoy.

Mamavation Monday ~~~~ Working on getting out of my head

I am my own worst enemy when it come to dealing with that little voice in my head. You know the one. 

"You can't do this"

                              "It's too hard"

 "You'll always be a size 10 or higher"

                                              "You have no willpower"

I know it is all in my head. I know I can conquer this. I also know that I might need some help. It is a hard thing to admit for some.  Now with my weight-loss goals on hold, I just need to keep the gain in check. Which means continuing exercise and watching the intake of food. I need to not let the cravings and lack of desire to eat to not take over.

I know I create most of my failure. I'm scared to get out of my comfort zone. I am afraid to succeed at things sometimes because then next time I will have to do even better. I have a view in my head and it is someone who is not me. It's not even my body type which makes my goals often completely unrealistic. 

I also wonder what the point really is in this time of my life. What is the point of killing myself to lose weight when it will all come back once I get pregnant again? Well there is a point and I know it , I need to be healthy. not skinny, healthy! But knowing and doing is very different. 

I need to keep working, I need to keep moving forward. I need to get out of my head.

Raising them up

I saw this on Facebook today and it made me think

Who are our children becoming? Are we concerned about the children and the stewards they are going to be? I know I am but are you?

Now a days we can't seem to do anything right as a parent. It sucks.  There are how to books for you to learn how to be a better parent. There is the older generations who have their ideas and they just aren't allowed any more. 

"Yes Grandma I know you were spanks and switched and you learned your lesson, but if I even thought about it for too long Little Timmy would be taken away and put into foster care."

Now I'm not supporting spanking or violence but things are different then they were back then.  So often the older generations idea would end up getting us into a lot of trouble for even considering it, never mind actually acting on it. With the abuse rates so high and getting higher hitting is not something to be joked about. There are times though where I have either had my child or seen another child and thought " Man that kid need a swift kick in the butt." 

So with Grandma and Grandpa's parenting techniques nixed, on to the self help books. THERE ARE SO MANY! Once again they cover a range from forcing children to cry and become independent to completely coddling or letting the child run wild with freedom.  There seems to be no base line and any kook can write a parenting book and get published these days it seems. 

So what do you do. well I think you need to figure out what you want for your child and go from there. Do you want someone who is scared of you and will always do your biddings? Do you want a child who is rude and demanding and treat others like crap? Do you want want some one who is kind?

Who you want to see your child as is who you need to parent them to be. If you see that your child is going in the opposite direction of the behaviour and attitude you want then maybe you need to change your parenting. You can still be a loving and kind parent with rules and boundaires. You don't have to hit your child because they are wayward. You do though have to think about who you are leaving in this world. It is our job as parents to rasie respectable human beings and honestly there are a lot of us failing. We as parents need to step up and think about it a bit further.

We have children to raise them. We can raise them up to be good people or we can not. It really is up to our parenting to whom we leave this world to when we are gone.

Cuca-apple Salad

Cuca-apple  Salad

This is a nice quick salad. Easy to throw together and different from you normal.

6 Mini Cucumbers
1 cup of diced Tomatoes (fresh)
2 rings of Pineapple ( fresh is best)
1 handful of Mint (fresh)
1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
2 tsp Chia seeds





Chop up the fruit and veggies and place them in a bowl. Dice up the mint and add it to the bowl. Top with balsimic vinegar and chia seeds. toss. Place in the fridge for about 1/2 an hour to let all the flavour mingle. Toss again and serve.

Servings for approximatley 3 people

Check out

So I hope by now it is pretty apparent that we are all a little different. Now two people are exactly the same. Also no two parents deal with their children the same way. Everyone has their little grievances that grate their nerves a bit more. But that is okay!

As long as your child is happy and thriving, people should support you, right!?!?!?! WRONG

People judge, they are all Judgey McJudgersons. It's true, it a fact. The internet is full of them the blogging world is full of them. You can't do much with out some one judging you. You can't look at your phone at the park. You can't just take a "me" day and let the kids watch TV and eat junk all day. You even can't be the most doting parent who preps every meal in cute shapes and spends every waking moment playing and engaging with their child.

I have been judged for a lot of things. Sometimes things I do or don't do. The nature of it is it sucks. In this world sometimes I feel like I'll never be enough. I can't do it all. I don't even want to do it all. I love my kids but yes some days I'll lock myself in the bathroom to have a moments peace. That doesn't even work because they on right on the other side of the door. Some days my hubby gets home and all I can think about is leaving the house with out the tiny beasts. Does it make me love them any less? No, it quite simply means I know my limits. I don't spend every waking moment with my best friend for days on end without needing a me break. With out phasing out and checking my phone to see what is going on or if I have e-mail. Some times we just need space.

So I would love to say stop judging me, but you wont. Honestly I'll judge you too! If you know I see you doing something that I think is totally awful and horrible. Like totally helicoptering over your poor child who just wants to play. But hey we are all human, at least I think we all all, unless you are a cyborg. If you are that is cool too! Can we just show a little bit of love.

While  yes it would be awesome to be able to do something without being climbed over, but you know what my kids love me and they know I am hear for them so if it takes, you know, an hour to write a small post. It happens. Yes I get annoyed sometimes and completely pissed off other days. I'm a mom who spends many of her waking hours with small  people  who can be very demanding and in my face ALL THE TIME. They are only young for a bit and some day I thank God for that. Other days I wish they would stay little for a bit longer because they are growing up too fast.

I love my kids and some days  in order to love them better. I need to check out!

Do you check out? You know you do, it's okay to admit it!

Wordless Wednesday ~~~~~ Offering Healthy choices

Mamavation Monday~~~~~~ For the love of the run

Today the world was once again shocked but the actions of others. Today there was an attack on the Boston Marathon. It is easy to say that it shook the world. Even non runners know about this marathon, it is the holy grail for most runners to even be able to qualify for it.

Today was scary for everyone but especially for many runners, who aspire to run in high profile races. I hope in the days to come we can get some answers for this. 

I will still continue to run on my own but right now high profile races are off my radar. I know everyday there are risks and some I just choose not to take. While in Canada the levels of bombings are much lower, taking the risk still feels too scary today. 

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

So yummy and so good for you. There are times when you are changing your diet and things get hard. You don't know what to do or how to stay on track.

Trying to find good easy healthy things to make can be a challenge. Enter Spaghetti Squash. I really like it for it's versatility, an awesome sub for pasta as well. With this recipe it was quite simple and you can change it for what is in your fridge.

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

1 Spaghetti Squash 

1/2 beet grated

1 carrot

1 avocado

1 cup artichoke pieces

1/4 onion

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Take the squash and cut it n half and scoop out the seeds and goop.Pleace them on a baking sheet, insides up. Lay the beet around the inside of the squash. Take the rest of the vegetables and lightly saute them. Then place them evenly in each squash half. Place in oven and cook for approximately 30 minutes, or till squash is soft and pokeable.

Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. scoop out and serve. Top with hemp hearts for added protein :)

stuffed squash with kale chips and walnut"meat"

Calorie- smalorie

Who hate counting calories? I know I do. So what do I do about, well I simply don't count.

I know it's crazy right. How can you possibly be trying to lose that last bit of baby weight and get into shape if you don't count calories or points. How to I work towards my desired weight? Well I make smart choices. I eat whole real food. I'll be honest I tried to count calories for or about 6 days. Drove me crazy. I don't eat much for pre packaged food so I would have to input my entire recipes with quantities , ugh and figure out servings and all the stuff. I like cooking, not figuring stuff like that out. So I stopped, really was sucking the joy out of cooking for me.

I don't have anything agaisnt people who do calorie count. It is something that I just can't figure out.


Now I do fully acknowledge calories on processed foods. I can see the calories on the package, that I understand. When I go out or have a packaged snack I keep in check those calories. Mainly because I do not have full control of what is in the products. I like to know what is in my food and because I can't dissect everything and ingredient lists don't always appear fully forth coming with big fancy words that hide different things.

I also don't fully understand how you get your calories burned unless you are on a tread mill and have it monitoring for you. I understand that you need to record your heart rate and all that but another fancy tool that I just don't have the time or the money for.

I prefer really to keep it simple. what what I eat, keep it whole food high in nutritional value. keep processed foods low. And keep your body moving, find exercise in everything thing you can do. Keep pushing and keep moving.

Do you count your calories? If you do how do you do it?

Mamavation Monday ~~~~~ Travelling & Eating Healthy

We just had a wonderful family vacation

Las Vegas and Disneyland! It was a wonderful vacation, full of lots of walking, most days ended up with 8-12 + hours of walking). So we got our exercise in, and I was carrying Lil Squish most of the time in the carrier. Where we didn't do as good was our diet.  With our place in Las Vegas we were n a condo with a full kitchen, wonderful we were able to cook our meals, money savings and much healthier foods. Once in Buena Park CA our hotel had a "kitchenette" which equates to a microwave and a bar fridge. Not quite what I was expecting but we made it work.

Breakfast usually was just cereal. It is quick and easy. I am not a morning person. We packed snack for the kids , natural granola bars, oranges for the kiddos to eat. Lunch we would go back to the room, and have what Bobo likes to call a snack lunch, Veggies, fruit and a sandwich. Dinners we another thing some days. Often we were going out, looking cheaper options too to keep the budget friendly Unfortunately when you are going for cheaper it is hard to get quality. I tried my best but some days I just felt like I couldn't win. 

I accept it though, travelling and things will slip. I did what I could with the resources I had at the time. Plus side I didn't gain weight on vacation like I often do, so I guess we can all have a little win. 

A little Vegan Sex in a Dish

The other day I was poking around on some blogs and I found this little gem. Vegan Sex sounds super yummy to me so I figured I had noting to lose with trying it. Due to the fact that following recipes is not really my forte I took a few liberties. This is the second go at it. We tried the lemon first and it was too strong and because I was out of lemon but had a lime we used that and OMG!

Ingredients

1-2 roasted sweet potato/ yam ( depending on where you are they are called different things, the orange one!)
1 lime juiced
1/2 cup quinoa
10 cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber
1 avocado
Salt & pepper


Preheat the oven to 425 and place the pierced sweet potato/yam on a baking sheet. ( trust me on this on I just put it on the rake and it oozed and burnt and smelled like burnt marshmellows)
Cook the half a cup of quinoa according to package ( usually a 2:1, so full cup of water for this) Chop up the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite sized pieces and set aside. Take the avocado  lime juice and slat and pepper and blend together to make a nice creamy bunch of deliciousness  :) Once the sweet potato / yam is roasted.,about an hour or so depending on the size. ( we had a giant one on steroids ) Remove the skin and mash it up, feel free to add butter if you you feel the need but we didn't. Take cooked quinoa and add the cucumber and tomatoes and mix. Next put some sweet potato/ yam on a plate top with the quinoa salad and then the avocado dressing. Pair with a yummy salada and there you go. Enjoy!

Serving ~ 4-5 people

What is real health

Health is really a holistic thing, it is not about just doing one thing. You, all of you, body, soul and mind all need to be going towards a common goal of health.

For most people the place they tend to start is the idea of getting healthy is working out hard and getting skinny. Big thing right there. SKINNY DOES NOT EQUAL HEALTH. I want that permanently etched in to your brain. Yes healthy people tend to be leaner and their body portions tend to proper. Though just because some is skinny does not mean they are healthy.  The same can go the other way, just because you aren't skinny doesn't mean you aren't healthy. We all have different shaped bodies, there is no mold everyone is a bit different.

Your Body: You need movement it is a need without you will waste away. You know the saying " use it or lose it". This couldn't be more true. Stretching, lifting walking moving your body in many different ways is best for your health. Also getting checked by people who special in bodily health ( massage therapists & Chiropractors) is really good for the things you can't do yourself.

Your Mind: You thoughts even fleeting ones can shape you. If you have regular toxic thoughts in your mind, the toxicity will be in your life. You need to be thinking healthy to move towards being being healthy. Are you think that it is hard and something you could never do? Then it will be hard and something you will never do! Your thoughts are amazingly powerful, let them have the power to help you

Your Soul: Whether you believe in any sort of divinity or not is irrelevant. You have something about you that controls and centers you. Many people work on focus with yoga, meditation and prayer. yours needs to be positive and believe in you. Before others can believe that you will make the change you have to believe that you will make the change.


Think about you as a whole not just the parts that make you whole!

And in the end all you need is LOVE

Is this what you have seen for the last day all over Facebook? I this what is covering your news feed on Facebook? It has mine. 

Now there are a few facts that I need to lay out about me before I go further. 1. I believe in Christ and a loving Heavenly Father 2. I believe in agency and the freedoms we are given here on earth.

This was taken off of Facebook I don't know the original credit

I fully support equal rights in marriage. We claim that now the days of forced marriages for profit are over and that we marry for love. Love what a wonderful thing. Most everyone wants, desires and seeks love. A personal connection, a true deep connection. When you find the person who you can share that deep love and connection with you only hope that you can spend forever with that person. <3 <3 

Yes there are nay sayers against equal rights marriage, some claiming all sorts of awful damnation. You know what though? This is where choice and agency come in. I believe we are here to live our lives, to love, to enjoy, to be happy.  

Now there are people who spout that same sex relationship are the devils handiwork. I don't know about that,but that is your choice to believe that. If you choose to not support same sex marriages then don't attend one. If as a religious group you do not support same sex marriages then don't have them in their buildings. 

We need to step away from hating what we fear and do not understand. 

Now is the time for people to step away from their interpretation of what God likes and doesn't. We need to remember that above all we need love and compassion. 

Also if we really want to get biblical " So when they continues asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He who is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her"  John 8:7

I know very well that every single person sins at least once a day and as long as you wish to have a heterosexual relationship you are allowed to marry. Let's stop casting stones at those who sin differently then you and remember to go back to the core fundamentals of love. In a world that need a whole lot more love and a whole lot less hate, let's get back to basics. 

If you take this person to be your lawfully wedded spouse. For richer or for poorer, through sickness and health. Then so be it!

We are a developing people we believe in truth, beauty and love. Let's start showing it.

I love you for who you are. I think that you should be allowed to have a civil marriage with a justice of the peace if you should choose. I also believe that if you choose to live a lifestyle that is not condoned be a certain sec of people that you should not expect them to change any more then they should expect you to change. Have you marriage of the land and love your spouse with all your heart..

Religions of the world to stay out of politics and mind your own business. If you do not agree with them, you must love them still but you are free to close your doors. Extinguish the hate, learn to love and accept. My brothers and sister of the world that is your choice and your freedom.

Mamavation Monday ~~~~~Who is YOUR Inspiration?

Isn't that a big question? Who inspires you to make the change in your life?

For me my inspiration come in varying sizes. Small, medium and large as I often tell people. I have three beautiful wonderful amazing little boys that inspire me everyday. They are so full of life and excitement I just want to experience everything with them. I want to play and run and jump. I want to be with them and have fun.

Are they just sweet little bundles of inspiration.

Now some people think I'm a little off when I tell them that my children are my inspiration for the things that I do. People expect that inspirations are supposed to be older people that you look up to and want to follow their example. Well there is a few people that are older than me that I do look to for guidance but for true inspiration I look down. Why? Well they are really who I want to be as a person, happy friendly, loving and kind. Yes they are not always that but really most of the time they are awesome people. They make me proud to call them my boys every day. 

No scale or non scale victories to report, still recovering form a few weeks ago :( and now I'm sick.

Call to Moms of Boys!!!!

We need to help our boys!
We need to have our boys know that they are good human beings!

With all the news of rape this past few days it is appalling the rape culture we live in. The confusion between what is and isn't consent. The lack of respect for another person just is wrong.

As mothers of boys we have a responsibility to raise up boys that quash this stereo type. We have to talk to our boys. We need to love them and we need to show them how to love others. We need to teach them about respect for them selves and others. We have to tell them that they are responsible for their actions, right from an early age.

It more then teaching them about sex and that when a girl says no to stop. It is so much more than that. The respect needs to start before. It is not just about saying no or yes it is about the respect that is mutually there before sex even come up.

We have a stigma that needs to be changed and it needs to change with the boys. For years we have been attacking girls telling them that they must act differently, dress differently, just be different so they didn't lure our men into situations where they would rape them. Yes things need to change, but how about giving our men some control and telling them that they are responsible. I don't know of a woman who gets dressed in the morning with the thought of " This is so going to get me raped, this is what I am going to wear today!"

Accountability needs to be on both parties some times but really there needs to be a really big change on the male half. They need to know that no matter how much money they spend how much they are attracted to her, there is never NEVER EVER an excuse to take something that does not belong to you. Just to also clarify, since we don't have slavery, she doesn't belong to you!

Moms we need to help our boys. They are going into a world where in general it is believed that all men are potential rapists. How are we going to hep them? We can start by opening the conversation NOW! Talk to them about what is going on. It is a reality and you can't hide it. If you don't talk, someone else will and it wont always be the message you want. We need to encourage them to stand up for injustices, we need need to let them know that being a good person is good. We need to stop putting our head in the sand and thinking that it will never happen. We need to respect and love our sons enough to talk to them about this. They need to learn about sex and what is really is. We need to change this rape culture so that women can stop living in fear and men can been seen as respectable individuals.

Now I am going to have to put it out there that yes I am aware that rape goes both ways but the stats are far against the men. The discussion should be with both girls and boys, but as a mom of boys I am very passionate about working to change this world where you can effect change. I can effect change with my sons. I encourage you to do the same with your children. You will each have your own set of values and morals that works for your family. I would prefer to teach my children to wait till they can see themselves being with some that they would want to raise a family with. Everyone is different and will raise their children with their own values, but the conversation needs to start.

Sex should not be hidden away in the family setting, children should know that they can come with questions. They should have a safe environment to talk in, where they know they will get honest answers. If you don't talk they will seek out the answers, through peers and the internet. Children are resourceful they will find the answers but will they be the answers you want them to find?

Have you opened the discussion in your home?

Mamavation Monday ~~~~ Lunch time grumble

Lunch. That mid day meal that can strike fear in the heart of the most seasoned mom, especially when it is close to shopping day. What to fed the little beast to keep them happy, fed and busy. I think for moms who have kids in school it can cause even more of a panic attack. You can pack them an amazing healthy lunch, but are they going to eat it? Are they going to trade what you made them for a *shudder*pudding cup? Sure they may taste yummy and all that but you know the rest of the day will suffer. Then they will want something to eat as soon as they get home. Depending on how on your game you are it may not always be the best then a few hours till dinner. Do they eat something else and then they wont eat dinner? Ugh, lunch has so much riding on it.
Now I am fortunate, at least I think so, in the lunch time battle. My kids stay home so I don't have to worry about them trading stuff away. I do though have to think on the fly some days as to what I am going to feed them. Now if you think back a few weeks to my post about picky eaters, my boys eat just about everything. So the issue isn't usually what they will eat it is what I want to make that is going to provide a balance meal for the energetic boys.
When we need to go out sometimes I get a bit stressed out and wonder what we will bring. We don't always have quick to go foods. Part of the not having many processed foods in the house. Though we make do with some quick go to foods.

• hard boiled eggs
• tuna fish or salmon
• cheese
• celery with peanut butter
• cherry tomatoes
• cheesy pasta
• avocado

Sometimes we have just pb&j. I love looking at creative lunches on pintrest but I can't figure out how to make all those cute things.


“This post is sponsored by ReUsies™ & Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women. I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

Mamavation Monday ~~~ When the world crashes

Just keep going. Life will go on with or with out you.
Ever have those weight-loss moments when you feel like nothing you do is ever going to work? When you don't understand why you can't seem to lose weight. You change your diet, you eat right, you exercise. Nothing changes though...... Or worse the weight goes up. Really really lame!
Yup this has been battle I knew a few issues were on I had trouble getting enough calories into my body for what I was doing. I wasn't hungry but my body was starving. I really have been trying to change this but it is hard. The second reason I suspected but hadn't confirmed due to wonky hormones. I was pregnant. Unfortunately was is the key word. This has been very saddening, but it happens  it just sucks. So we are on the path of working to heal my body a bit more and get it ready to grow another person when the time is right.
Getting back on track in a few days. Just need a few moments to process.

When she finds her power......

Today marks International Women's Day. It is the 102 anniversary, an admittedly the world is very different then it was back then. There has been many strides in rights for women, we now vote, become educated, we can hold just about any position in first world developed countries. We are women hear us roar!!!
It is not all sugar coating and candy though. It is still very hard for women. Everything from our reproductive organs, the clothes we wear to when and where we are allowed to pray, birth or breastfeed are under attack regularly. Yes to some these are very first world issues and there are always bigger issues at hand. Though why are we doing squabbling about small thing when there are bigger issues.
What are some big issues?

Work, Pay & Education
While women now are allowed in the work place there is still many male dominated fields. While many nay sayers will say that women are very welcome in many male dominated programs, the graduation rates show differently. In Canada only 3.7% of enrolled student are women and at a staggering 1.5% represent the graduation numbers. Now yes there are defiantly female dominated fields like nursing, teaching. There are many more field that are male dominated for post secondary education. The big shocker for that is more women are going to post secondary school. In 2006/2007 women represented 56% of enrollment and 59% of graduates.( Status of Women Canada)
Now we know that women have the education. Though women still often make less money then men for the same position. Now why is that?
Another argument I see is why women are not often seen in the position of power and authority. They are not often in the forefront of the organizations, even if they hold higher positions. Where are the women?
Violence against women
This is heart wrenching to think about. One in three women, TODAY, will be a victim of violence. That is over 1 billion individuals. That shocks my heart but I know it is possible the the numbers are much higher. There are things that are not currently included in what classifies violence against women most particularly obstetric violence. For more info on that please check out www.humanizebirth.org
Women living in conflict zones fear daily for them and their families. Most of the world refugees displaced by conflict are women and children. The levels of rape also increase in conflict areas increasing the violence against women. For some shocking facts look here http://www.canadianwomen.org/facts-about-violence
These are really the main arguments I hear about when I hear people stomping around about women's rights. We want freedom with our bodies and if we choose to go to work we want to make the same amount of money!
Double Standards equation
There are a lot of double standards in the world. We need to be eliminating this thought ad stigma.  Feminism is about rights and freedom for women. Surprisingly it is not about crushing men. Equality is attainable if you stop the crushing and allow people to do what they desire and stop trying to control.

Find your power
Today recognize that you are a strong beautiful amazing person. Capable of doing whatever you desire. Whether it is to become a plumber or architect or stay home with the children. You have my support. Lets celebrate women. We have a far greater influence in this world then we often realize. Find your power and realize with good intentions how far you can go with it.
How will you be celebrating today?

Wordless Wednesday ~~~~ Happy 2 Birthday Little Squish

Mamavation Monday ~~~~ When they just wont eat

Do you have a picky eater in your home? 

How do you manage healthy meals with picky eaters in the home?

You know what I don't have this trouble but I have friends who do. I feel at a loss when their kids are over and they wont eat what I feed them. Nothing really edges me off as much as a kid who sticks their nose up at good healthy food. When they start making gross noises and complaining about what they are being served, I can't help but think of the kids out there who would love to even eat today.
I try to be very understanding with kids who have sensitivities  Ones who have texture issues or allergies. Though kids who just down right refused can really frustrate me. I try to remain somewhat level headed. There are times where I fail, just like any other person. I put a lot of effort into the food I create.
I do though have a few tricks for getting my boys to eat new things.
By now most people have heard about the Deceptively Delicious Cookbook. It is all about getting the nutrients into the kids who down right refuse to eat anything that is unprocessed. This can be a good tool to keep the nutrients in their diets.  How can you change the attitude towards healthy options?

My answer is super simple. Don't offer the unhealthy ones anymore. Don't even let them be an option. Yes it may suck for you as an adult that you now no longer have some yummy things in your house. Still having treats once in awhile is good. But take away whatever they are substituting for real food! Also keep offering keep the veggies on their plates. Let them see YOU eating them and enjoying them. Encourage them to try them at every single meal. They don't have to like it but they do have to try it. It sounds harsh to some people, but it is a fact that for some thing you have to try something at least 3 and up to 15 times to develop a taste.

For people with babies start you babies on veggies as soon as they are ready for real food around 6-9 month feed you child real food. ( monitored of course ) If you look at new feeding suggestions by many national health groups you will see what I am talking about.
For children who do not have special needs, sometimes tough love is needed. There is always food available  don't like it don't eat it. I don't make special dinners for those who choose to not eat. I do listen to the children  and if they truly don't like it then I wont make it again. This is dinner and if you follow me on instagram you will see the yummy things I cook.

Food is important, it is the fuel your body uses. It is the only body you have and will ever have! Think about it!

“This post is sponsored by Roni Noone and Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”