11 Things Redux & A Few Awards

I am so blessed by the lovely friends I've acquired through blogging.  After submitting my original 11 things post, I got tagged in 2 others, so I'm going to go ahead and share a little more, answer 22 questions…and pass along a few awards I received.  :)

11 More Random Things:

1.  I have an inordinate love of mushrooms.  I'm obsessed.  With all kinds of them.  And I can eat them in anything.  My favorite mushroom variety?  Morels.  Delicious cooked up in an egg scramble or frittata!

2.  My husband says I have hobbit feet.  Before you run in horror, I assure you they are not hairy and flat, he just makes fun of my longer second toes.  Yep, my second toes are longer than my big toes.

3.  I used to be a big-time raver.  I was a part of Seattle's underground rave party scene, and I may have gone by several different raver alias names.  The worst one: Magenta Rave Girl (so creative)…because I sported a Magenta wig.  I will have to dig up old rave pictures for shock value one of these days.  I still love deep tribally progressive house beats and can dance pretty well.

4.  Speaking of dancing, my husband is pretty great…but I wowed him when we first started falling for each other by dancing all night (until 4am) at a Chelsea bar.  I brought little tennis shoes in my purse because I was THAT serious about dancing.  (I really miss dancing on the regular!)

5.  I want to take a family Karate class.  Not only to learn the technique and skills, but also because I think we'd look cute in our white uniforms together.

6.  The longest friendship I have ever had is with my best friend from 6th grade, Elisia.  She is still ultimately my best friend and has been there and stayed in touch throughout the years.  Recently I was in her wedding as her Matron of Honor.  (She was my Maid of Honor)  I know we'll be friends all our lives.

7.  I worry about my ability to have more children.  I know I am only 30 but I still know the reality that there is no guarantee that it will be easy for me to conceive a 2nd child.  At the same time I'm not obsessing about it enough to try desperately to conceive.  It is just a continuous concern in the back of my mind.

8.  I'm a yeller.  Well, it's not that I intentionally yell, but when I am passionate or my emotions are stirred up, my volume rises exponentially.  I have improved a bit at recognizing when my tone is too loud, but I still have a long way to go.

9.  When I was a little girl I wanted to be Madonna.  I loved her…and still do love her music.  It was, however; kind of sad to see her Superbowl performance and see her trying so hard to appeal to a generation that will never appreciate her the way I do.

10.  The best band I have EVER seen live is Linkin Park.  Sometimes seeing a band live can be the worst thing, especially when live they sound horrible…(Everlast was painfully bad live)…but Linkin Park actually sound BETTER live than on their cd.  I would love to see them live again soon!

11.  "Ready, O-K!" I was a cheerleader in high school.  I loved cheerleading but it was riddled with controversy and disrespect at our small (under 300 students) high school.  I would have LOVED to go on to cheerlead in college!


And now the Questions:

Kelley's Q's:

1. What natural disaster freaks out you the most?  I would have to say that tornados freak me out quite a bit.  They seem to leave nothing but utter destruction in their paths.
2.  What period of history would you like to go back to?  I would love to go back to Israel when Jesus was alive or shortly after he rose from the Garden tomb…I'd like to be involved in the early church and feel the awe and wonder of what had just taken place vividly and from first hand accounts.
3.  Manicure or pedicure?  Definitely pedicure…they ALWAYS seem to mess up my mani's, and I love having my feet rubbed.
4.  What time period in your life would you like to live again? I'm pretty satisfied with the time period I'm living right now, so perhaps I will look back in a decade and be nostalgic for right now.
5.  What kind of a parent do you think you are? (Or will be) I think I am pretty balanced in my approach…I'm not really sure how to answer this in all honesty.
6.  How do you keep your patience with your kids/husband when they are driving you crazy?  I take a Wooo-saaaahhh.  I take a time-out and do some deep breathing.  It works.  Screaming into a pillow also helps if it is a really bad day.

7.  Favorite thing on TV.  I love New Girl, Once Upon a Time and Revenge.  :)  Suburgatory and Up All Night are fun as well.
8.  How interested in celebrity gossip are you?  I glance at the headlines now and then but really could care less.
9.  What did you major in in college?  Would you change it now? (Or would you have gone if you didn't?) I had a full tuition scholarship to a pretty University of Washington, but my mind wasn't focused at the time, and I blew it.  I will always wonder what life would be like had I stuck it out, or had more support.
10.  Are you a firearm owner? No, not yet.  I want to be.
11.  Favorite thing about yourself (looks or personality).  I like my personality but I'm not sure it is my favorite thing about myself.  My favorite thing about myself is really my love for Jesus and faith in him.


Jen's Q's:

1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream…well, on 2nd thought, hmmm….Veggies with Hummus?  
2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?  Not enough.
3. What is your favorite blog to read? (mine, right? hehe)  Brock Paper Scissors
4. If you were not blogging right now what would you be doing?  Probably catching up on my Hulu queue or cleaning.
5. What is your favorite movie? Ever After is one of my all time favorites.
6. Side, back or belly sleeper?  Fetal position, always.
7. What book do you recommend?  Happiest Toddler on the Block, Dr. Harvey Karp
8. Do you keep your nails painted? I wish…keeping my nails pretty seems to fall lower and lower on the priority list.  But I'm rocking press-on nails right now.  :) Cheating feels good.
9. Favorite holiday besides Christmas?  Anyone I care about's Birthday!!  I just love celebrating the people in my life.
10. Favorite phone app?  Instagram.  :)
11. Bachelor or Grey's Anatomy?  Bachelor…for sure!

Speaking of the Bachelor…by the end of the season I was totally team Courtney…and I found her on a box of hair dye:

Jen also gave me a Liebster Award:

This award is given to bloggers who have less than 200 followers, as a way of creating new connections. Liebster is German and means 'dearest' or 'beloved' but it can also mean 'favorite'. When you receive the award, you then pass it onto 5 other deserving bloggers as a way to pay it back and spread the love. 

My 5: Melissa, Joanna, Elizabeth, Carly, & Amanda

And my friend April gave me a Kreative Blogger Award:

I get to answer some fun questions (the form below), 

then list 7 random facts about myself (I already listed 11 above!), 

and pass the award on to 10 other bloggers.

The form

• Name your favorite song: Currently: Somebody I Used to Know, Gotye
• Name your favorite dessert: Chocolate Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups
• What pisses you off: Injustice and Double Standards
• When you're upset, you: Listen to angry, sad or whatever music matches my emotions, vent to someone I love that won't judge, and then release my cares to God
• Your favorite pet: I love cats & dogs.
• Black or white: White
• Your biggest fear: Leaving before my work here is done
• Best feature: My faith
• Everyday attitude: Go with the flow.
• What is perfection: God (agreeing with April)
• Guilty pleasure: The Bachelor / The Bachelorette episodes (Me too April!)

Passing this award on to these bloggers:  Kristina, Kim, Jen, Lish, Beth, Melissa, Mallorie, Nicole, Six Sisters

And finally I received this award a while ago from the lovely Ronni:

To Accept the Award I have to:

1. Link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Answer award questions.
3. Award as many blogs you think deserve this award.
4. Make sure you let those you give this award know that you awarded them.
5. Tell something you have never told before in your blog.

Award Questions:

1. What is your go to make up product?
bareMinerals foundation system
2. What’s your favourite fashion trend of 2011?
Jeggings
3. What is your favorite dessert?
Chocolate Peanut Butter (anything with that combo)

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4. Favorite color?
Blue - in any shade
5. What is your middle name?
Rhiannon
6. What was the last song you listened to?
Bedrock Eleven by John Digweed
7. Cats or Dogs?
Both.

I already mentioned a few things I haven't before, and I'm feeling all tagged out, so I will only tag a couple more for this award:  Sara, Christa, Claire & Kelli

The Weekly Wrap {3.17.12}

 I met up with some lady friends that I haven't seen in way too long.  

We went to Shecky's Girl's Night Out and had Asian fusion for dinner.

(This was my first and definitely last Shecky's experience might I add).

 Hubs & Zion took pictures and sent them to me while they stayed home.

 Now that the weather is warming up, doing a lot more grilling...

 …and unfortunately we had some unwelcome house guests come out of their winter hibernation...

 …at least we've been getting to the park often!  Central park…here we come!

 Took Zion to Target & Marshall's for a little mommy-daughter shopping.  Pizza for lunch at Target!

 Picked out a cute new outfit for Zion complete with jeggings, and investigated carseat and outdoor furniture prices.

Zion picked up a little cold at the end of the week, so lots of relaxing and cuddling are in order.

Happy St. Pat's to you all! Hope you had a great week and have a safe holiday!

The Weekly Wrap {3.10.12}

 Top: Date-Night at Dave & Busters….Bottom: Scored New Outfit ($5), Freshly Manicured

 Top: Playing with Bumbo Seat, FaceTime with the Hubs, Bottom: iPad with Daddy, Laptop Car-ride

Saturday Breakfast while doing Laundry

How was your week?

Unscripted: No Safe Place

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. Psalms 10:14-18

I've been angry, heart-broken and sickened lately by the injustices committed against children in our world.  Yes, I'm angry at the LRA/Kony crimes that have recently headlined social media and the news.  But there are so many more examples of children being used and abused, some a little too close to my heart.

I'm burdened.  Thinking about the mistreatment of children not only angers me, with what I can only describe as a righteous fury, it brings me to a place in my past that I don't want to talk about or remember. But here I am, faced with the ache in my heart for the lives and well being of the millions of children suffering at the hands of others in our world.  Here I am remembering what it feels like to have no where to turn, no safe place.

Let me be clear that: in no way do I pretend to know what it is like to be abducted from my family and forced into submission as a child soldier.  And in no way do I pretend to be able to fathom what being forced into sex-trafficking is like.  That, thank God, is not my story.  I do know what neglect feels like, I know what abuse feels like, and I know what being used as a weapon of retaliation looks like too.

I've touched on the brokenness of my family before on this blog, and feeling unwanted as a child.  I have yet to talk about the custody battles and family court, and being a "ward" of the state as a result of my biological parents selfishness and bitter hatred for one another.  I have yet to talk about the seeds of poison planted in my heart by the continuous barrage of manipulative messages bent on warping my heart towards one parent or another.

The last week has been especially trying on my heart, as I've been praying for two little girls who are experiencing this same kind of trauma and fear.  They fear not being taken care of, they fear threatened physical violence, and they fear total abandonment.  They feel they have no safe place.

Through becoming a mother, God has put a deep longing in my heart to be a safe place for these children.  I don't know exactly what this looks like, and I don't have all of the answers, but I trust God to reveal his plan day by day.  I want to protect these little girls, I want to rescue others like them.  I want them to know how much they matter to God, how much they are loved, even those I have yet to know, I have loved.

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Muffintop Meltdown {v.11} Ouch!

Progress! Points! & Looking Forward:

Measurements:Chest: 34"Arms: 11.5"Waist: 27" (-.5")Hips/Butt: 39" (-1.5")Thighs: 22" (-.5")Muffintop: 32" (-.5") So close to being gone forevs! 

Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 0!! Finally hit that plateau!

Total Weight Lost: 18 pounds

Inches Lost This Week: 3.5!!

Total Inches Lost: 28 inches

Points Earned:

This Week: 60

Points Balance: 137

I am so sore.  And tired. I always know that I've had a great workout when it hurts to sit on the toilet seat.  Oh the pain of daily workouts with Jillian Michaels.  This lady knows what she is doing!  It isn't helping that Zion has been waking up in the middle of the night lately and I'm getting fragmented sleep which cannot be great for muscle recovery.  Today is day five of the 30 day program and tomorrow I'll be adding a little more intensity by using weights.  (I started by just using body weight to get the hang of things).  

Today I thought I'd share with you a couple of the things I want when I get to my ideal weight, and feel confident enough:

 The first thing I want and will need is an updated wardrobe.  Yesterday I bought a new pair of jeans a size smaller than I've been wearing.  I realize it will soon be time to get smaller shirts too.  Most of all though, I really want to buy clothes that I love, that really represent my style.  I think when I've reached my goal, I'm going to be honest about my closet…you will see that I've been stuck in wearing things that have either been given to me or are just simple and plain because I didn't want to buy anything until I reached my goal.  I can't wait for my big shopping date…I'm believing it will be right before my 4 year wedding anniversary! :)

I've been wanting to do a few crazy and fun things to my hair, but have always worked in a corporate environment…that is until becoming a stay-at-home mom.  I am by all means a wild colored hair, nose piercing type of girl, but because of forced conservatism I've not had the opportunity to break out of the doldrums.  This is going to change.  I feel like I can only pull off the look I want at my ideal weight.  So, unless I get there, the extreme makeover - mama gone wild edition will have to wait!

What rewards are motivating you to stay on track with your goals?

This Week:

I'm proud of these choices:

I've been getting up every morning and doing the 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels (and my hubby!)

Not really by choice, but I've been drinking way less coffee since I started working out.

I'd like to work more on:

I NEED SLEEP, I REPEAT I NEED SLEEP!

Eating at the scheduled times: I've been slacking on eating in the first hour upon waking, plus not consistently eating every 2-3 hours! 

I totally cheated when:

I've been cheating a bit, but wait, it isn't what you think.  I have had more calories than I would if I was just sticking to the plan, but they have been good calories: extra veggies, a bit more lean protein.

Okay, I confess I did have a few bites of coconut ice cream at lunch on Sunday…but I promise…it was less than 1/4 cup!

How did you do this week?

Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?

Muffintop Meltdown V.1-V.10

21 - 22 Month Update

 Happy (belated) 21 Months & 22 Months Zion!

Every single day you do something new and wonderful.

Yesterday, you started jumping on the regular floor for the first time.  Up until this point, the only actual jumping was limited to Mommy & Daddy's bed, but now…you can jump from a stationary position.  You get so excited and giggly every time you do it.

 I now understand why those who have  older children always tell me to take videos as frequently as possible, tons of pictures, and write everything down.  It is because each day with you now is filled with wonder and awe as you experience new things and gain new understanding.

Your joy is infectious.  Your giggles and laughter are worth more to me than all the riches of this world.  When you look at me and tell me you are happy, I can't help but smile and feel grateful for the lovely little girl you are quickly becoming.

 You have recently started forming full sentences.  In fact, after we got back from Texas your vocabulary began to flourish.  Your daddy was so surprised by how quickly you went from two word phrases to putting together fully understandable sentences.

And now, your daddy and I talk somewhat nostalgically each night as we retire those baby words that are no longer, and accept your revised proper pronunciations.   A few biggies:  Instead of "I wah tee" you now say "I Love You."  Instead of "Tee tee" you now say "Thank-You".   And there are several others but I must admit I get a little bit choked up as I think about it.

 You are smart, observant and adventurous.  Willful yes, but also well-behaved.  You are learning to express yourself in healthy ways , and have fewer tantrums and meltdowns.  Although when you do, oh wow…those fits you know how to throw are quite a dramatic sight to behold.

Luckily you and I have been working on communication, and when you feel heard and understood, you do very very well.  I've learned a few things from improving our communication that have actually helped mommy and daddy communicate better too!

 Activities you currently love:  playing outside, tea parties, painting, coloring and other art, playing dollhouse, pushing your baby doll in her baby stroller, walking, running, helping out around the house, doing things all by yourself, getting up on the stepping stool, jumping, somersaults, watching Backyardigans, Wonderpets, Dora, Diego and Blues Clues.

Foods you enjoy: chicken, salmon, fish sticks, turkey bacon, oatmeal, apple sauce, apple juice, plums, bananas, grapes, strawberries, Popsicles, roasted seaweed, beans, rice, macaroni & cheese, turkey burgers, bread (toasted…always toasted), chocolate milk, water (you drink a ton daily), goldfish crackers, string cheese, yogurt, animal crackers, anything that comes with a dipping sauce: including veggies…(thank you Lord!), and treats of any kind.

 You still do the squirrelly face on command, please, do not ever give that up.  :)  You also started saying, "Oh goodness" whenever you fall down or do something clumsy.  It is so adorable.  You say "Hi People" to people on the subway, walking down the street and pretty much anywhere you go.  You sometimes follow that with, "How Doin?"  Another thing that is really cute that you say is, "So yummies!" about anything that tastes good to you.

You made Daddy's day last Friday when he got home before you were in bed, and you told him, "Daddy, So happy to see you."  He may not admit it to you but it put tears in his eyes.  You sure know how to make your mommy and daddy feel loved.  Speaking of love…you are growing in your relationship with God, "Big Dada" as  you call him, daily.  You pray every night with me and always say your own prayers when I am done.  Sometimes I hold back a little giggle when you pray that God would help you to use the stepping stool to get something that is just out of your reach.  Such a sweet innocence.

Darling Zion, Daddy and I are so proud of the little girl you are.  We are blessed beyond measure…so grateful to God for letting us share life with you every day.  I would ask you to slow down a bit, but I know it will do no good.  You are soaring.  You are beautiful and sweet and kind and funny.  Pure joy.

We love you so much.
Mommy

Having Each Other's Backs...

I recently watched an episode of Up All Night, where Christina Applegate's character Reagan goes on a mean-spree through the airport in her stress of traveling with an infant, all the while her husband Chris, played by Will Arnett, follows behind her apologizing for her and trying to play it cool.

Source

At one point, Reagan just looks at her husband Chris, and asks him, "Why can't you just have my back?"

What I didn't expect is that, a couple days after watching this show, I was confronted with a similar sentiment from my husband.  Find out how it all went down over at Dominique's Desk, where I'm guest posting today!

{Immediately} Improve Communication with your Toddler

The challenges and privileges involved in raising a child through the toddler years can seem endless.  On top of power struggles and picky eating, the most obvious challenge is communicating in a way that your toddler will listen.  

In the book, "The Happiest Toddler on the Block," Dr. Harvey Karp shares practical advice and tips to transform day-to-day life from a constant battle of wills, to an opportunity for learning and practicing better communication.  .  If you've never heard of him, I'd like to kindly nudge you to take a moment and glance at his bio.

 Today, on Green Eggs & Moms I am sharing two fantastic tips from the book, that will help you (immediately) improve communication with your toddler.

Moments of Solitude

Solitude.

Why is does it seem so elusive for us mothers?

Perhaps, we make it more complicated than it has to be.

What exactly does solitude require of us?

Find out, over at MameMusings where I'm inviting you to take a little time out for solitude today.

"Pinning!" 12 Healthy Salad Recipes

Welcome to "Pinning!"

A Weekly Pinterest Link-Up

(Share pins, meet others who love "Pinning", get inspired!)

First timer?  It's simple:

 Please follow your hosts: Courtney & Kimberly

then

 Link up your favorite pins post for the week

and

Link back to the party

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Each week a winner will be chosen to flaunt the title of "Pinning-est" for successfully wowing us with the best Pinterest find.  The winner will be featured/announced in the following week's post!

Since adapting to my new way of eating I've discovered a new love of salads, so this week I'm sharing 12 delicious, healthy salad recipes I'm dying to try:

1. Farmer's Market Salad

2. Over Easy Salad

3. Tossed Salad w/Peperoncini's and Feta

4. Sunshine Citrus Salad

5. Spinach & Spring Berry Salad

6. Bean Tahini Chestnut Salad

7. Israeli Salad

8. Seared Chicken Salad w/Green Beans

9. Shaved Squash Salad with Toasted Walnuts

10. Avocado Wasabi Salad

11. Tangled Thai Salad

12. Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad

I can't wait to see what you have been pinning this week!

THANK YOU for Linking up last week!  

Check out this week's Pinning-est:


Natassia of Nat'sKnapsack

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See more of her pins here!


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Are you "Pinning"?  

Come on, everyone is doing it.  

Join us MONDAYS for weekly sharing of Pinterest finds.