Who knew?

I did not start this blog for money or for fame like some do. I decided to open my heart and use this

This is me!!!

as an outlet for myself to hopefully relate to someone other than myself. No one focus, just raw honest truth. Allowing myself a platform to inspire others to do what makes them happy.

Writing has always been a way of expression for me, when I feel like I cant say what I feel I just write. Most don't know this, but I have always been afraid of judgement against me. A fear of people not excepting me for ME! Even though I seem like I have it all together and could care less what people think of me, I really and truly have always cared. That is something I am constantly working on. Writing is just one of many of my loves.

When I was younger I wanted to be only one thing (a teacher) because I thought that, that was all one could do... ONE thing!!! I mean who knew that people could juggle more than one love? I sure as heck didn't. That is until I graduated from high school and went through the loss of my first pregnancy. I was not sure if my loss had me confused about the career I wanted or if indeed there was no one particular job out there for me...

For a while after my loss, I battled with career paths. A few months after my miscarriage I found out that I was expecting again. While I was scared and nervous about being pregnant once again, I knew that I wanted a career. I needed a career, after all I was expecting a blessing. So, I started college. I was going to be a teacher. While in school I noticed that I was not that satisfied with the career choice that I had chose because honestly teachers are over worked and very much underpaid.... I decided that I was going to change my career because I was unhappy with my choice. I meet with my career counselor to help me set up courses that I needed to become a crime scene investigator. I started my classes only to find myself saying "girl you cant pass the physical portion of this job" so guess what I did???????

Yep, you guessed it... ON TO THE NEXT CAREER.... I made sure that this time I was not going to waste my time but get that education I wanted so that I could have the career I have always dreamed about. I met with my career counselor again and talked about some options for me.

Now by this time I had already had my first child and was now pregnant with my second. I not only wanted a career but, felt like I needed it more than ever. I went to school during the summer and did very well, but once I had my second daughter I decided to stay home and put my career on hold.

I loved being a mommy, but hated that I felt like a complete failure. While all my other friends were at college I was at home raising babies and letting my man take care of the household financially (ladies I felt like a complete and utter mess). That was until one day a great friend of mine that went to school to become a Medical Assistant told me all about it. I instantly was in love. Who knew that in less than a year I could have a job in the Medical field and still be a mom and a wife?

My friend went with me to check out a school and helped me to get on track to start my career. I signed up for school and let me tell you I did very well. I was a mentor in my class as well as a
4.0 student with perfect attendance and honor roll. It felt great to graduate at the top of my class, but that was short lived. I put my heart in my schooling but, all the jobs out there when I graduated were not what I had expected.

Still feeling unfulfilled in my career path, I chose to go back to school. I was so excited because now I was going to go and work hard to become a Physician Assistant. Yes, honey I was going to provide a better life for my wonderful family. Until, the school I lived by didn't offer any classes for my career of choice. I would have to drive well over an hour and a half just for school. I could not do that I had two little ones under the age of 3. Again, I felt unfulfilled and defeated.

So, here I am now a mother of 3 and wanting to go back to school. I thought hey one of my favorite things in this world is cooking. I can go to culinary arts school because honey she can cook. That is until my world stopped when I found out that my favorite school on this planet wants $40,000. That is not with interest honey.... I nearly passed out and while I really was considering it, I thought to myself.... "Now Kayleigh, is this smart of you to do? How are you going to be able to pay that off? Will you be able to find a great job in this field? Will you ever have financial freedom if you take loans out like that?" This all came to my mind. So I posted on Facebook to see if anyone could give me some true insight on this school. It seems as though I had no one in my corner to help with insight even though I know people that have attended here, but that is neither here nor there (get out of your feelings girl).

I decided that I was not going to go because I don't want to put myself or leave my family in debt because I want to go this school. Then all of a sudden a light bulb came on and I finally figured out why I had to go through all of these career changes.....

Because, none of these one jobs are for me on there own. I am a teacher to my children each and everyday. From the moment they wake to the moment the go to bed. Even then I am still a teacher, because I am correcting homework and looking over at their work from the day. I am a crime scene investigator when I tackle their room (Lord help me in there, LOL) trying to figure out what the hell happened. When they are sick and not feeling well I am their Medical Assistant (Nurse Mommy to the rescue). I nurse them back to health because that is what mommies do.... Last but not least, I am my own chef. Who said that I needed to go to culinary arts school to be a chef? No one. I am chef mommy.

The reason I wanted to write this today is because I feel like someone needs to hear this (well, technically read this). Your life is not over because you have had obstacles in your way. Look at it from all angles. I promise that it will all come together in the end.

The next chapter in my book...

I am not sure if anyone actually reads these or not, but I still feel a need to share...

I started my journey a little over a month now and boy has it been rough for me. I knew it wasn't going to be easy when I started and I am not expecting it to be, but I really want to see results. I am working out hard and eating clean. Before I get into full detail let me give you a little back story to why I decided to embark on this next chapter in my life...

Since giving birth to my beautiful baby boy I have noticed a dramatic change in my body and have lost myself. I don't remember it being this hard with my first two, which are my princesses. I have tried to start working out many of times and then a week into it I become unmotivated to continue. So, I do what is easy and give up... Not very smart of me, but at least I can become transparent with you all (whoever you are)...

So, once we finally made the decision that we are staying in Nevada, I located a doctor and made an appointment. A little disclaimer (Don't wait until everything in your body is going wrong, I should have went over a year ago before I actually saw my physician, but I was scared to hear what the doctor would tell me).  I had been having chest pains for quite sometime and was always tired and out of breath, even if I was just walking up the stairs to my house. I started to always taste salt in my food (like everything, even if no salt was added to it). I would swell up even though I have always watched my salt in take (I cant even wear my whole wedding ring, I am only wearing one band). Always dizzy and very off balance. I knew things were off with myself.

I met with my doctor and explained all my concerns and he actually listened to me (I have worked for many doctors that don't). He ordered tests and sent referral's immediately. He told me that it would take a few weeks of course to get approvals but, in the mean time to go do blood work.

Although I have not been to all my appointments yet because they don't have many new appointments open right away, I did get my blood work back. I received a letter in the mail explaining that I am pre-diabetic and some instruction for me, also that I needed to follow up with my doctor as soon as possible.

I meet with him and we went over a few things that I could do to insure that I wont become a diabetic. Foods to stay away from, as well as some exercises that I never knew could help. I went to MA school (Medical Assisting) and never heard that weight training and resistant band training can help the diabetes flee. I have also changed the way that I eat. I am very consistent with watching all starches, because they are very bad for you.

So while I am still waiting on future tests for all my other issues I figured now is the time to get healthy.

A few things that I have changed:

• no fried foods
• no soda or added sugar drinks
• cutting out white rice, pasta, potatoes and white bread
• nothing greasy
• working out (at least 30 mins cardio everyday, and weight training/resistant band as well)
• WATER, WATER AND MORE WATER
• did I mention WATER!!!

There is a lot that is going into this journey but, this is just some of it. I have a beautiful family that needs me and how can I be here for them if I am not healthy? I cant. So, I would love to start an accountability group, If anyone reading this is interested please let me know, and I will do a blog about it... 

Thank you all for taking the time to read  my blogs and know that I love you all for reading... TTYL!!!

A Journey, A Lifestyle

Have you ever wanted something so bad and cant seem to figure out why you are not getting the results you want? When you really sit and think about it you are only dedicated to working maybe 33% of you time for that goal? I think we have all been there. Its always something... "Im too busy, I have too many kids, I am tired.". You know its true!!!

The reason I ask today is because I am not were I want to be nor have I ever been happy about were I am. I feel like I try and try but yet I am still stuck... I know that I have been gone for a while on blogging and I definitely needed to be. I have had a few things that have been happening in my life and now that I understand what to do I am ready but, that is for another blog....

I want to help you get to a place of new beginnings. First things first you need to have a mindset for change... That is the key to being successful in your journey. That is what this is "A JOURNEY, A LIFESTYLE."

Right before you begin this journey I strongly suggest that you go to your primary doctor and make sure that your health is okay. Now remember what works for one might not work for you (I have learned this). Now you can start easing your way into this journey before your doctors appointment, but remember to start out slow.

Some people like to go cold turkey and then they wonder why they end up falling off around week 2 or 3. Slow and steady is the best way to begin.  Now here are the steps.

1. Meditation (This is all about your mindset)
2. Changing bad habits (Drinking everyday, smoking, etc.)
3. Clean eating (fruit instead of candy)
4. Working out (Fuels energy)
5. Dedication/ Perseverance (Sticking with it and pushing forward)
6. Food journal (What am I eating?) 
7. Accountability group (People that are in your corner)

It is a start that everyone needs to take, lets do this together. Who is with me? If your ready to change your life today let me know. I am here to help you in this journey. I am still in mine and would love some great company.

Am I the only one?

It seems like there are not enough hours in the day to do all the things you want to and need to do. You wake up get yourself ready and then the kids. Give them breakfast, drop them off at school (if they are in school) and then run errands. By which now it is time to go to work. You do your job then get off and get home around 9:40 pm or later, eat dinner hop in the shower and sit down to relax and realize you didn't get everything accomplished.

Mimi and Riah!!!

Am I the only one that feels like this? I cant be!!! I would not change my life for anything even  though I am sure I have big bags under my eyes, half my makeup smeared off and I'm sure my kids are climbing up the walls, lol. I am just kidding people, calm down already................

Well now that the kids are out of school and its time to prep them for next year. I am so excited to be having two children in elementary now. Riah just got her final grades in and she has made me very proud. She made Honor Roll again. That makes for all year!!! My baby is doing so well in school. I couldn't be any more proud of her.

Mimi is counting down the days now till Kinder. My big baby girl has been so patient when it comes to school. She is already 5, but because of being a December baby she had to wait. She keeps asking "Is school tomorrow?" LOL!!! My big baby girl cant wait.

Logey Bear!!!

Logey Bear is finally walking everywhere. You cant get that boy to sit, but when he is sleeping. It is the cutest thing ever in life. He kind of runs while walking, if you can picture that. It is a beautiful thing. People always say that each baby is different and it is so true. This baby is truly a boy, Wholeheartedly. He lets you know when he is mad. I am working on him right now with his cute but very hard attitude. He has a thing for hitting and throwing things when you tell him "no". So, with that being said we are working with him right now.

My life is so full right now and I am truly blessed. Regardless of the craziness I call "LIFE" it is my life and I am grateful to be in it. I love my beautiful family. It is all mine!!!

I love you for reading and I hope that you enjoyed... Till next time... Peace, Love and Blessings!!!

Finally, Back again!!!

I am so excited to be back!!!

That moment that you sit back and say to yourself " Why am I wasting time and not doing the things that I love?"... I started this blog because I had things to say and I wanted to be able to help other moms and or women in general. What is going on Kay?

Well, everyone if anyone even cares "I AM BACK!!!".

I have been wondering when I would get the strength to get back at it and now I feel great. It has been so long..... I guess I should catch everyone up on what has been going on...

For one I am no longer a stay at home mom anymore ( I actually do miss it) this momma is a working...LOL. My oldest is almost finished with first grade and has maintained A/B Honors all year long (proud mommy moment). My second daughter is getting anxious for kinder next year, she even asked "Do I start tomorrow?" to the lady in the office, and my baby boy is already 1 and walking around getting into everything. I tell you I don't know where the time has gone. Next thing I know they are going to be asking "Mom, can I go out with my friends?", and I will be home crying my eyes out because my home is empty...

I tell you hold onto them and enjoy every moment you have with them. They are so special and precious to me. I am truly a blessed women.

I for one am looking forward to an amazing summer. With the trials and tribulations that I have experienced in 2014/2015 thus far, I am grateful I haven't jumped of the ledge (metaphorically speaking people). Well with that being said I just summed up very briefly what has been going on in our lives and I cant wait to get back into the world of blogging. I love it very much and cant wait to poor my heart back into it....

Jot down!!!

As I sit here while all my kids are asleep I feel like it would be fitting to sit down and jot down some feelings. After all this is like my open diary. So Week 1 is complete and I am feeling like "I got this". Now although I don't think I did as well as I know that I could have, I am proud of myself. I feel like I have more energy and I feel great about this new "ME".

My one down fall has been food. Now although I am meal prepping and I have healthy snacks, the fat girl in me always wants some type of chocolate something. LOL. Or bread. Now I know that I am not the only one out here that loves bread.... Maybe I am just the only one to openly admit to it. Anyways, I can have just ate my food and I smell garlic from a Chinese restaurant. O M to the G I start craving it right then and there. It is totally a hot mess.com

So I am trying to find alternatives to the things I so love. Now don't get me wrong I am not going to starve myself or totally deprive myself of things I love. It is all about moderation and portion control. Some people can go completely cold turkey and never look back. Well I am here to say "that aint me."

I know what my weaknesses are and I am willing to work on them in hopes to achieving my personal goal. "Looking great and feeling good." I am so blessed to be on this journey and with other women as well.

If you are looking to get it in and get fit let me know. I am not a recruiter. I am just looking to help inspire others like I have been inspired.

I love you all for taking the time to read...

Smiling through!!!

Temptation is all around us and sometimes it is so hard to fight through them. The one thing I am doing is pushing through all of the temptations around me. I may not pass them all and that is something that I am learning to be okay with. I cant be so hard on myself that I lose focus of the end result. If you constantly get mad at yourself, you might just give up all together.

Some people don't give themselves a break during the week (a cheat day for some). I think it is totally up to the person that you are. If you are a person who needs consistency and cant go off track for one day then don't, but if you are like me and find that you deserve one day to relax and not worry so much, then take one day to yourself.

I am enjoying this journey. I have set in my mind what it is that I am looking for. It isn't about a number for me. How much weight did I lose, but more so about how I look and feel. I want to be healthy first and then like what I see. I don't care if I am 175 or 150. If I am not liking what I see in the mirror it totally defeats my purpose in this journey.

The one thing I absolutely love about this journey, is my kids in it. I love how Sariah and Kamille participate with me in T25. It is so cute. Now they do get in my way and I have to ask them to move over, but it is amazing. We influence our children. If all they see is us eat Mc Donald's then that is what they are always going to want. If we never workout are children wont. What they see is what they become accustomed to.

With that being said, I am loving everyday and I am smiling through every workout. It is time to get it in... Why not today? Why wait for tomorrow to better  yourself and your family? Lets do this TOGETHER!!!

Thank you all. I love you for reading...

Just do it!!!

I decided that the most important part of this journey is remembering that it is not going to happen over night. If I don't have to work hard for it then I  wont appreciate it. That's where my mind is. Think about it.... When you find out that your pregnant, it would be nice to have that baby in your hands right then and there, but realistically if you did it would be a miscarriage not a healthy baby. God has us wait 40 weeks maybe a little sooner but usually around 40 weeks to meet that beautiful blessing. So that the moment that we meet them we totally appreciate them.

I am not giving up at all. I am so excited to work and to see the results. I know that I might not see them for a while, but mentally i am okay with that.

One thing that is in the back of my mind is do I really set a goal weight, or just work for feeling good about myself when I look in the mirror? I've never been a girl who is about numbers. I just want to love the women I am through and through. I decided that this is my time to shine. I'm ready for this journey.

This is the dress that I purchased at Forever 21. I can wait
to get into this!!!

So I went to the mall yesterday and I've always loved Forever 21 clothes but I hate that I have to buy a size 2x in order to actually fit them. I did something that I would have never done before. I took a leap of faith and purchased a dress that I aspire to fit in by February 24, 2015. My anniversary. The size is large which would be my pre-pregnancy size before all of my kids.

I am the type that if I don't have a set date then I might fall off. I have a goal and I am excited to reach it. Today is September 22,2014 which means that I have 5 months and 2 days to get there. I am very optimistic. I believe in myself and that is the most important thing ever.

I didn't workout over the weekend. I cant even begin to front like I did. So I am counting today as day 1, week 1. I am fine with that. I hope that my journey will help someone else out. I love you all for reading.

Here goes nothing. Lets get it in!!!

Fit Journey

Day 2 Done!!!

Got it in today
I did my best by the way
Starting out I felt like I was struggling with it
But i pulled through and didn't call it quits
This journey is a new step for me
Eating clean more frequently
I'm so used to doing as I please
I forget the important things
Like health and longevity
in life that is....
I want to be able to run and play with my kids
At the park at the beach
anywhere that suits their needs
It is my goal to lose weight and get fit
I wont allow myself to lay down and rot in a pit
You will see me everyday giving it my all
Girl Imma look fly when I walk through the mall
No one can bring my down or make me stop
I am the only one and I'm climbing to the top
Just give me a few months to get where I want be
You want to join in this journey
Come tag along with me
Here goes nothing
or maybe here goes everything
You will never know unless you try
I'm ready, fat its time to go BYE BYE....

I tried to do a little something different today with my blog. I hope that you all enjoyed it.
I love you for reading...
See you tomorrow!!!

This journey

Why continue to put off getting fit? Laziness, no determination, no will power. There are so many

Fresh after my T-25 workout!!!

reasons. I am not willing to continue on this path of feeling and looking horrible. I have others that depend on me everyday. If I am not at my best how can I help them to be their best? It cant be done.

I am starting my journey starting today. 09/18/2014. Its my time to get in the best shape of my life. I am committing myself to a fitness challenge with my favorite You Tuber GabeandBabeTV. Starting today I restarted T-25 and this time I am fully committed to the program and my well being.

I don't know exactly what each day is going to bring, but I am not giving up on "ME". As a person that battles every day with anxiety and panic attacks I've learned working out helps for me. I'm not saying that it is going to be easy at all, but I do know that the only person that can stop me is me. Joining Gabe and many other strong beautiful women is definitely a  plus for me. I need an accountability group that will make sure I don't fall off.

If any of you are looking for motivation and need that extra push I recommend you checking out Gabe's journey. It has made me look at life much different. If she can get it in we all can too. She is a full time mom and full time you tuber, not to mention a full time amazing wife. We can all learn a lot from her and her beautiful family.

After Logan!!!

Today is the day, and I am excited. This is a journey not only for me, but my wonderful husband is doing it too. I am very excited for our health.  Shawn has been having a lot of high blood pressure issues and I alot of dizziness associated with stomach issues. It is time to fell better and look better.

Here it goes everyone. 1...2...3... Blast off!!! I love you all for reading.

I am being realistic in my goals. This round of T-25 I am not going to look for just numbers. I want to feel good and look good. Not based on a set number.

Starting weight:207 pds
Goal:175
Time Frame:As long as it takes. I am not giving up

Check out Gabes journey!!!
http://youtu.be/hUWwahcstXE?list=PL4zuarGuHzGJKAoo_nvv9nG1Tk2Pi1-EJ

I love it

The joys of being the mother to 3 beautiful children are really starting to show now. It amazes me how when I sit here in front of my computer all i can do is pour my heart out at how amazing these kids are. Yes they may act out at times, but they are kids. MY KIDS..

Yesterday as me and Riri were doing her homework, she asked "mom can we go to the playground"? I said "Yes". She reached over to grab me and gave me a big hug and whispered "you are the best mom ever"!!! How my heart just melted. I was having a bad day because i wanted to go to California but didn't want to drive by myself with 3 kids. So i could not go. I wanted to surprise my little cousin for her baby shower., but it is a fail. My daughters were so sad Sariah even started to cry about it. I felt horrible. When she said I was the best mom ever, it made it all better.

Putting Logan down for his naps are starting to get hard. He is really starting to fight me on laying down (unless he is just so worn out he falls asleep on his own). Well, the one thing that actually works to get him to sleep.... is me singing. Yes, i said singing (and i cant even sing, lol). I am not sure if it is the fact that i sing so bad that knocks him out, or if it is the fact he just likes his mommy's voice. Whichever it is, he absolutely loves it. He is out like a light with in seconds. It is the cutest thing ever.

So the other day on Tuesday me and my mom went to K-Mart with Kamille and Logan because Sariah was at school. K-mart always seems to carry the "whats in style now", for little kids. My girls are obsessed with two things. Sofia Grace and Rosie and American Girl Dolls. Well long and behold the moment that we walked in to the store there was dresses (which are Kamilles favorite). She picked it up and noticed it was a "Sofia Grace and Rosie dress, she immediately asked if she could get it. I said "no" because she has one to many dresses already. So we come home and the more i think about it, I feel like she deserves to have it because Sariah got so many new clothes and Kamille didn't. So i told Shawn about the dress and he said just get it for her if you want. So the next day we go and take her to K-Mart, she was so excited you should have seen her light up like a glow worm. She said "mom, i love it and you are the best". Ahhh my kids really know how to make me feel all warm inside.

I am so lucky to have these three beautiful amazing children, I get to call "MINE"!!!

She is growing!!!

Finally I have sometime to just sit down at my computer and put my thoughts in it. I have been so busy with Sariah starting school and adjusting to her not being her. It has been crazy, but I think that I got it all down packed now.

I cant believe how fast time has gone. My oldest is already in first grade and I so feel like I just had her. Her birthday is in less than two weeks and I don't know where the time has gone too. As I sit back and think about the moment I found out that I was pregnant with her, I remember being scared and nervous, while feeling joy and excitement. I was scared because 5 months prior I had just lost a baby. I didn't know if anything was going to happen during my pregnancy with her. Although I gained more than I would have liked to with her she was by far the easiest pregnancy.

August 25, 2014 was her first day of First grade, as we walked to school I felt those same feelings all over again (scared and nervous, while feeling joy and excitement). Weird, but so real. I look at her now and thank God for this little one. When I am not feeling well about myself (confidence) she always finds a way to let me know that she loves me and thinks that I am beautiful no matter what. How lucky am I?

My baby isn't a baby anymore, but she will always be "my baby". I am grateful for her attitude about life, school, friends and family. For only being 5 she is very smart. She notices everything around her (so i have to be careful with what i say because she totally gets it). It has its positive and negative sides to it. LOL!!!

Well She is now becoming a big girl totally not a little toddler girl. Who was I to think that she was going to stay a little innocent girl that is totally oblivious to life? Crazy. I have a smart, beautiful, talented princess on my hands.

I love you Sariah. You are already doing well in first grade. Mommy and daddy are very thankful that God decided to give you to us.

I love you for reading. Thanks again.

First grade here we come!!!

I am so excited my oldest baby girl is going to first grade. Time sure is flying by, before I know it she will be applying to colleges and wanting to leave home. I don't even want to think about that. We have been getting ready and preparing ourselves for this day.

Do you buy your kids a new backpack every year? New clothes, and shoes? It is something that I think is a must. I buy Sariah two backpacks because she is still rough,  and with just one it wouldn't work. I am teaching her how to be careful with her stuff, but it is a work in progress.

This year is special because she is going to be at a new school in a new area, and I want her to feel safe. I want her to be happy and look forward to what is in store for her. First grade is when they really take flight and start to really step into their own. I am so excited.

We have 8 days left and we are 100% ready for the day. She has clothes, shoes, school supplies and a whole lot of accessories. I was hoping that her school was going to be uniform but unfortunately it isn't. So of course you have to spend a little more on their outfits. 

I made sure to get things on sale. This year I did it a little different I allowed her to choose the items that we bought. It so exciting to see her excited about getting ready. I don't remember being into what I was wearing in first grade, but times are definitely changing.

So I am praying for her protection from the ignorance of the world. People that think negatively about life and don't want anything better for those around them. I am asking that Lord you keep your angels around her at all times and allow her to be the best her she can be. I thank you in advance for her placement and her education. First grade her we come. 

Next blog I will post everything we bought. From where as well...

I love you for reading. Talk to you tomorrow!!!

What is really going on?

Hey everyone, how have you all been? I hope truly well. I know that I haven't been blogging and I am going to be totally honest on why.

We are all human and have feelings. True feelings. People can hurt you without even knowingly doing so. Even though on the outside I look tough, like I have it all together I don't. But, again I am human and I cant always have it together. Anyways if you read my blogs daily then you probably noticed after my "You are a mother" blog I kind of slowed down. Well I got way into my feelings. I spent a lot of time with that blog. Reading emails, Facebook messages and texts in order to make it what it was. I was thrilled about it. Excited to do something for you all, my readers.

I spent all night setting it up so that in the morning it would post and everyone would see how special we women are. Well on blogger you can see how many actually read your blogs and where they are at, like what state. I noticed that the views weren't as good as they usually are. People weren't reading the blog. I noticed that most people were reading the "graduation, a loss and a new beginning". I didn't understand. It was just hard for me to know I did it for you, and you weren't reading.

I know those of you that did because you let me know personally how you felt. I am sure their were a few that read it and just didn't say anything, but when you comment and or share it lets me know I am writing and you all are enjoying it.

So yes I got in my feelings and that is okay because I am "human". I just really enjoy your feed back. I love you all genuinely for reading my blogs. I know everyone has busy schedules and for you to take even 5  minuets away to read really makes me feel good.

I love you all for reading. I am back and better than ever. So blogs will be back up everyday. Please feel free to let me know some topics that you might want to hear about.

Book, books and more books.

Who loves doing things with your kids? I know I do. How about doing things that they will love that cost you absolutely nothing? Even better right? Yes!!! So, I am pretty sure that I have mentioned this once or twice, but me and my girls love going to the library. Especially during school time., but since I spend probably way too much money on books and right now is saving time to buy our house, I figured why not head out for a morning trip and explore our new library (its not new to the city, but since we are new, it is new).

Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen (if any men read this). When I tell you that this library blew me away from the moment that I walked in. Honey I didn't want to leave, 38 books later.

I am going to tell you exactly why I am in love. Over the last 25 years of my life I have been to numerous amounts of library's, and have never found one that has baby (0-18 months) books. I mean a full section dedicated to them. Okay! The icing on top of the cake: During the week activities for free just for them.

How exciting? I know, I am probably a little to geeked up, but when I tell you that one of our family favorite things to do is read. I am not joking. If I have $10.00 left to my name and my kids want a book, I would buy it. That is how crazy we are about books.

This library had the sections, sectioned out into easy reading to full on chapter teen reading. I mean beginner sections, baby sections, first grade, second grade and so on and so forth. They offer homework tutoring for all grades. How great is that? They also do story time during the week for different ages. Also are hosting healthy cooking for children with the college.

I am so excited to go back next time and get more books. Moms and dads if spending money on books is not something you can afford (because let me be honest they are expensive) check your local libraries. I am sure they have activities as well. Just ask the clerk for a calendar, and ask about activities for the kids.

If you have a busy schedule and cant go during the week they usually will have 1 on the weekend.

Its crazy because thinking back on my baby showers, I wish that I would have got books. They are so sentimental. You can use the inside cover as a card with a message to the little blessing (the baby) that will one day be old enough to read and cherish. Whenever I buy a special book for my girls, I write a personal message to them about the reasoning behind the book. Its just a little something that can go along way. (Leah, I hope you will enjoy this one, love you).

Love you for reading!!!

Food to make them grow!!!

"Carrots, num, num, num"!!!

So Logan did great on his apples. I decided that carrots and green beans were both next to make. Of course I wont give him both at the same time. I am so in love with how easy it is to make him his baby food. Nothing is more better than knowing what is going into your babies body.

So the carrots and green beans were just as easy as the apples. The cooking process is exactly the same, except for the length in cooking time. Every fruit and vegetable is going to be different. Some fruits you wont even have to cook. Like bananas, just warm up a little breast milk or formula and add it to your cut up bananas and there you have it. Put in your blender and puree away.

So for the carrots: (please buy organic).
Simply wash them good and cut off your ends and tips. Peel off the tough outer skin and cut into same size pieces. Remember the key is to cut small so they cook faster. The longer you have to cook, the more nutrients you lose. Add water to the pot, just enough to steam, then bring to a rapid boil. Turn
down to low.
After put carrots into your double broiler add lid, and cook for about 15-17 min. It really depends on your stove and how soft you need them to become to blend to a smooth consistency.
Once finished cooking pull off and let cool for just a second or two. Add your liquid. (now some just use the water from the cooking process, but for Logan I wanted it to be smooth and creamy. I warmed up some breast milk and used that for my liquid.

Blend till you get your liking of consistency. Pour into glass container, let cool. About 8-10 min. Stirring every now and again.
Once cooled completely down, spoon into your ice trays, plastic wrap and leave in freezer over night.
Remove and place in freezer safe bags and label.


Green beans: (please buy organic).
Wash them, and snap off the ends. Cut into small equal pieces, wash again. Add water into bottom of pot bring to a rapid boil, place your green beans into the double broiler and put lid on top. Cook for about 10-12 mins, check and see if they are fork tender, if not place lid back on for another 3-5 min. Remove once finished and let cool down.
Place your green beans in to your choice of blender and add your liquid. I used warm breast milk again because I wanted a creamy consistency for little man.
Once you've got the creamy consistency you want, pour into the glass container. Let cool for about 8-10 min. Stirring every now and again.
Once all the way cooled down, spoon into your ice trays, plastic wrap and leave in freezer over night.
Remove and place in freezer safe bags and label.

Now you have two more foods to add to your babies collection of homemade food. Logan loves his apples and now he loves his carrots. I will try his green beans next week and let you know how he likes them.

Hope your babies will enjoy.
Love you for reading.

Needing me.

As Sariah is about to enter into first grade I feel like my baby is leaving mommy. I am afraid that she

may not need me the way I want her to need me. These kids are growing up so much faster and maturing more than I can even remember when I was little. I so needed and wanted my mom in first grade. To be honest I didn't care about getting prepared for school.

Let me tell you why I feel like this. So Sariah will be starting school in about 20 days and we have been school shopping for her clothes, shoes and supplies. Well, when I was younger I cant remember even having an opinion about what my mom bought for me. I didn't really care. Lol. Times have so totally changed. My 5 year old, beautiful little girl sure has an opinion and she is not afraid to tell you if she doesn't like the things that you do.

We went to the mall and she wanted to choose everything out. She has great taste I have to say, but she doesn't understand price. Too funny. So we were able to narrow down what she wanted and got them. Choosing her shoes were so much harder, because I am very picky with the kind that she buys. Have you seen some of these shoes that are being made now? Ugh!!!

I didn't want her to buy red colored chucks because I honestly just don't like them, but I let go and let her get them. This summer her favorite color has been red, so Shawn and I let her get the color that she wanted. Even though she doesn't really own any red clothes. I was having a conversation with her and she was telling me that she needed all new clothes, shoes and she needed to have all the best supplies for school. Really? Where are they doing that?

I cant for the life of me understand what is getting into these kids. I just hope that as she goes into first grade and meets new friends that she wont forget about mommy. I am not trying to sound like I am overreacting but we only have our kids for a short amount of time and then before we know it they are all grown, and off to college. I really just want her to be my little baby forever.

Well here goes the count down till my baby goes off to school. Today is the 4th but, it is the end of the night so I am considering this to be 20 days till she is off to school.

Has anyone else felt like this?
Love you for reading. Thank you!

Baby food crazy!!!

When feeding your baby you always want to give them the best. You want it to be fresh and healthy. With my first kids I didn't really know about anything. I just pretty much did what the pediatricians said or the books told me through reading.

This time around I wanted to make sure that I knew what Logan was eating. If I couldn't read the ingredients and understand them, then he cant have them. Seriously, people all those added ingredients aren't necessary for a baby.

I decided there is nothing better than knowing what's in their food. So I decided that I would make his food this time. I know books and doctors like to say "don't feed them till they are 6 months". I don't agree. My son is always hungry. Breast milk and formula doesn't keep him satisfied. I am not going to shut him up with sticking a bottle in his
mouth every hour. Not happening.

Once Logan turned 4 months I started him on baby cereal. Not a lot, just enough to make sure he would be okay with eating it. Now the key thing to remember, if your baby is not good at being a supported sitter you should not try it yet. Wait until they can sit in their highchair, or bumbo and they aren't falling all over the place.

Kids can be allergic to food so you need to be smart when starting out. The number one fruit that is recommended to start is apples. So I prepared homemade apples for little man, and it did not disappoint him. He loves them.

It took me less than an hour to make them. Not bad. The biggest thing for me was it only cost me $3.71 for 6 apples which would make about 20oz. Cant beat that.  Now I only did 3 apples because I wanted to make sure he was going to like it before I made them all.

Here is what you will need to make your own:

1. Nutri-bullet or any blender
2. 6 organic apples (of your choice)
3. Apple slicers
4. Pairing knife or peeler
5. Glass container
6. Double broiler
7. 2 ice trays
8. Freezer bags
9. Label's
10. Water
11. Plastic wrap
12. Spoon/fork

Wash your apples before you start. Slice the apples with your apple slicer. Remove the unwanted core. Now, you can peel them first with your peeler, but I liked the pairing knife much better. So if you didn't use the peeler first, use the pairing knife to remove the skin. Then dice your apples up in to little squares (all the same size).
Add water to the bottom of your pot (I used a cup) your steaming your product not submerging it. Start on high to bring up to a rapid boil. Now add your apples to the basket of your double broiler and add the lid to cover. Once your water is boiling turn all the way
down to low.
The apples took 11 mins to get to the tenderness you need. Remove the apples and let cool for 2 mins (don't throw out the water. You may need it). Now add your apples to your Nutri-bullet or blender. I added maybe 2 tablespoons of the hot water. Now blend away.
Once it has reached the consistency of what you want for you baby, pour it into the glass container to cool all the way down before putting it in the ice trays.
Once it is completely cooled, spoon the apples into the ice tray (fill them up all the way) and wrap with plastic wrap.
Place in your freezer over night. Pop them out in the morning into the freezer bag and label.

How to label them:
DATE:08/01/2014 CONTENTS: APPLES

Now you can store them in individual bags or in one big freezer bag like I did. For me it is all about saving so no wasting here with individual bags.

I hope your kids enjoy, I know Logan does.
Next either carrots or green beans. I cant wait. I truly enjoyed making these for him.

Note: Mix the food with baby cereal until about 6 months, then you can just do the food alone.

I love you for reading.