Why Having Kids Are Like Getting A Tattoo

Having kids is like getting a tattoo. Once you have one you keep wanting more. You forget the pain you go through and how expensive they are. You may love and also dread the fact you'll have it forever! 

Some don't turn out the way you expected. Some you love to show off to the world. Always make sure to make the decision with a clear sober mind. Some kids and tattoos will alter your image.

Before you get that itch to have one know the facts and that whenever and if  you decide to have or get one it will be a part of you forever!

"Having a baby is like getting a tattoo on your face. You really need to be certain it's what you want before you commit." Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love 

Share Your Story Quote

What's Holding You Back

I have written books & poems, created paintings & art and my husband always asks why I don't publish anything or put things out there to share. I finally knew why...I don't want my work criticized or judged. 

It's not just the negative feedback that people often have a hard time accepting but even compliments. We also feel we could do better, be better and are a little possessive of our "work".  

So I have decided to NOT be this way anymore and decided I will let my free spirit shine through! I know timing isn't  best since I have a newborn but I decided at night I will try to "work" again and will even start painting again. Stay turned... And I WELCOME your criticism as I share it with all of you!

What has been holding YOU back?

"When you put yourself out there you must be prepared to receive criticism as well praise!" JCF

Remembering 9-11

Today's a day to remember how grateful we all should be to be here. We fly all the time. We go to work. We kiss our families goodbye without a thought that we would  be victims of acts of terror attacks. Those people did not deserve to die! Hopefully one day we all could live in a world of peace and no fear! Never forget! 9/11 

Retail Therapy Humor

Mommy with Her Three Little Girls

There isn't a moment that goes by that I don't look at them and think how truly blessed I am! I wish I could live forever just so they will never be without me and so I never miss a moment being with them!

What Makes Your Soul Happy?

The Reason Men Are The Way They Are

I have been with my husband for a long time, long enough to have learned how most men function, how they think and their truth behind their actions. Although men and women are different in so many ways they are also similar in many ways! I have learned men who have little respect for women or lack commitment or are scared of commitment or settling down have had a woman in their life that once broke their heart.

Think about the "womanizers" you know. Sometimes these women set back to their teenager years. Sometimes it is not just a girlfriend who did the damage but the lack of love from a mother. 

See men need love as much as women. Men need stability too! So if there's a man in your life lacking commitment look for the source that damaged him and I am sure it will lead to the opposite sex! And lesson learned for the women out there the damage you cause to a man, even though he may act like he is ok, will stick with him and influence his future relationships so chose what you do wisey. Your actions can and will effect him!

             

"Behind every damaged man is a woman who once broke his heart!" JCF

Life Quote

Not Perfect But a Good Mom Quote

"There's no way to be a perfect mother, and a millions ways to be a good one!" Jill Churchill

Thyroid Cancer Awareness

Let Go Of Your Anger

I turned 30 a point in your life where you should be happy in your skin and content with life. I wasn't. I went through a rough couple years in my early 30's. I only had my oldest daughter and trouble getting pregnant, my husband and I fought a lot, I hated working from home and always wanted to be out, I partied more then I should have, I smoked, I ran a lot- it helped release stress. It should have been the best years of what was yet to be and it wasn't. Thankfully it got better but I had a lot of anger in me. Not so much anger as in rage but anger in trying to figure out what I wanted in life and where I was going and who I was and what made me happy. I was sick of doctors and being poked at for trying to get pregnant, my husband wasn't happy where he was in his career, he was angry too and crabby which would make me crabby.

I needed some soul searching! 

The first step in making your life better is owning and admitting the fact you need to make it better. I wanted my relationship with my husband to be better, I wanted to be that care free soul again, I wanted more children and I was happy with working from home as long as I knew I was having more children to care for. I didn't want to party anymore or be unhappy or fight or not know what I wanted. 

I let go of all of that, woke up and said I want another Baby and a good happy marriage and worked on it and it happened. 

It was not easy but it was better. My house and marriage was my bubble. It was my escape from the outside "noise" and drama and when that bubble gets interrupted or effected and was no longer my escape it was hard to find comfort and happiness. 

Find your happy place. When we are unhappy it means we are lacking something in our life. Figure it out and then work towards making things better. Let go of any anger and what ifs and unhappiness. Own up to what is making you angry or unhappy. 

Those years took years off my life. It was awful to have felt that way. Now the peace I have has given me a new life and outlook on things and who knew two more babies later, and dealing with thyroid cancer I would be back to feeling good about life like I did in my 20's. 

September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month- What's YOUR Story?

I had symptoms, symptoms that were pretty common and associated with random things but never did I think it would be Thyroid Cancer! Increased hair lose, a lump in my throat that I never followed up on, PCOS, hard time getting pregnant, insulin resistance, my medical list went on but for some reason it never occurred to anyone it could be my thyroid causing everything. 

I failed my 1 hr glucose pregnancy test while pregnant with my 2nd daughter. My OB insisted I see a specialist. Specialist felt a lump, I had thyroid cancer. 4 nodules full of Papillary Thyroid Cancer.  My saving Grace was it didn't spread! My daughter she saved my life!

After getting my whole thyroid removed, RAI treatment and monitoring of my levels I got pregnant.  Today I am here with my family alive and well and grateful. So grateful. I have been Cancer free for 16 months. I am so lucky. My scar is not noticeable, my voice is back to normal. My hair loss stopped.  I met an amazing friend who also has thyroid issues that gets what I am going through. I have a huge support system. I have three amazing daughters that I wake up everyday and thank god for. 

I survived Thyroid Cancer! I am grateful for my amazing doctors! Dr Randolph in Norwalk and Dr. Carlin in Yale. My OB Dr. Kerr saved my life, she insists my daughter did all the work but she pushed me to see someone, so to her I am forever grateful. Listen to YOUR Body! Make sure you have good doctors. Never ignore what could be happening to you.  

Share YOUR story with me!

Black Bean Salad

So one day I noticed we had beans and didn't know what to do with it so I created this awesome, refreshing cold black bean salad. I have had similar recipes at restaurants. Sorry if measurement isn't accurate but these are the basic steps and ingredients. 

1big can Goya black beans

2 tablespoons Olive oil

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1 cup corn

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/2 cup chopped carrots

1/2 cup chopped celery

2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

Drain beans and mix with rest of ingredients. I cut corn off cob. Add more vinegar, salt and pepper based on preference. Serves 4 people as a side dish. If making for a picnic double recipe. 

Chill over night. 

Being Mom Quote

" I know how to do anything- I'm a Mom." Roseanne Barr

Life's Adventures

Who do you want on your journey?

Best Friend Humor

Feel Good Song: Sia Chandelier

1st Grade Huge Change Who Knew and Transition from the BaBa

This was a big week for my two older girls, my oldest started 1st grade, my middle one transitioned off the baba. So far both seem to be doing ok!

1st grade is a huge transition...who knew? I didn't even think twice about it. I mean she was going to the same school and I knew she would have friends in her class so I didn't give it any thought until she came home after the 1st day and insisted she didn't want to go back!

She no longer had a restroom in her class so now my little girl had to get a bathroom pass and walk alone to the bathroom. Sounds so silly but what a huge thing. Ironically she said she felt more comfortable walking in when no me else was there vs. when kids she didn't know where in there. Her words "I looked at them and thought I wonder what they think when they look at me. I thought maybe they thought she seems like a cute sweet little girl, but I still didn't know so I was uncomfortable!"  So needless to say the 1st day she didn't use the rest room at all, second day she used it once, third day twice. Guess she's getting the hang of things. 

In Kindergarten the teacher waits for the parents to arrive to release the kids once the bell rang, in 1st grade you went out with the whole school!  The first day is always a mob scene. Parents hovering around the door waiting for their children. Always the oldest spill out first, later the younger stagger outside. Once the bell rang I moved closer and closer to the door until I peeked in and saw my little one in a line. "Mamma I didn't see you so I waited in line" Of course it was a line the kids created on their own because in 1st grade teachers released kids from their class and they were off to fend on their own. Huge change I know!!

 Day 2 I inch closer to the door to hear this little voice shouting "Mamma Mamma" Shoot I thought, could that be my kid?!? Then I see her dress in a distance and could tell she was all nervous. I run up to her and she's all shook up "I wasn't sure if you were here yet and I got scared". Day three we picked a spot outside that who ever would be picking her up would be waiting at so she could walk right out and up to the spot. Seemed to work. So lesson learned:1st grade is a huge change, they transition from being hand held doing everything to being independent.  Do I agree with it...not really. I mean after all she will always be my little girl but it is nice to see her being independent. 

Say bye to baba. I just kind of  took it away. I mean my kid was drinking her baba more than eating and it came to a point she would have outbursts for it, plus she was falling asleep drinking it and it would leak all over causing a mess and lots of laundry for us  So I stopped it and switched to a sippy. 

1st day she didn't drink it at all! She refused! She ate so much and napped so longer with a full belly. I felt bad but didn't give up. Then after doing some reading I decided to try the sippy cup with a bottle nipple. Ran out to two different stores and bought a bunch. I know you're thinking "defeats purpose" but really her drinking from a sippy will transition her to move to next type of nipple. So I collected all my bottles and put away the liners and she started to slowly adjust. She doesn't drink it as often as before but she will drink it before bed and it comforts her again. Next up I will attempt to potty train her. She's 18 months and grabbed a wipey to wipe her butt...a sign it may be time!

Overall I must say I am a proud mamma and felt its been a big and successful week in my household! And lesson learned...every new adventure is a big adventure no matter what it is!

Best Banana Smoothie

Lately I have been on a smoothie kick. Since bananas ripe so fast I have been freezing them and making smoothies. My girls love it. 

What You Need:

* 2 ripe banana (optional if frozen or not)

* 1 cup milk ( prefer organic whole milk)

* 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

* 2 tablespoon of Chobani vanilla yogurt  

* 4 ice cubes (optional)

If you are using frozen bananas then let them sit out 20 mins. Mix all ingredients and serve with a fun kid straw. 

Baby Number Three

"It started off with one and we fell in love so sweet that lead us to number two to make us feel complete. Then to our great surprise we got blessed with number three to throw us for a loop with this unexpected little treat . All together our family is now officially complete with three amazing little girls hanging by our feet." JCF

Final Day Before I Meet My Third Child

No matter how many pregnancies you have it's always magical when you hear your baby's first cry. I still can remember both my daughters. My first was short as sweet. Three cries and that's it. My second went on and on and then and there I knew she was spunky. The minute they brought her to me and she heard voice she stopped. It's an experience like no other.  

It's hard having a c-section because you depend on so many people to help you after you give birth. I am so grateful and lucky to have both sides of our family near by willing to help. But preparing to be depending on others stinks. I stocked the fridge. Cleaned the house. Picked out outfits for my kids for the next four days. It's like preparing for a vacation when all you want to do is rest. 

Today is about packing my last minute items for hospital, taking care of all bills, making sure I stop by bank to have cash on us. Cameras need to be charged. Laundry needs to be finished. Gratefully my husband is capable of helping. I am trying to squeeze in a big nap and want my kids to have my attention too. 

Tomorrow I will officially be a Mom to 3 daughters. Crazy I know, but also so amazing!!!

Infused Water

I am on this kick of infusing my water with fruit and herbs. Being pregnant you do not always like the flavor of water.  You try not to drink juice because of the wasted calories and you cannot have a lot of soda, so I started to infuse my water and it's great!

All you have to do is add fruit, veggies and or herbs to your water. Let it seat at least 30 mins, or over night is better, and the water is naturally flavored. I use frozen fruit if I am letting it sit all day and most nights I prepare it the night before. I have done strawberries with cucumbers, mango with blueberries, oranges and cucumbers. My husband likes mint with strawberries and cucumbers. Basically you can do whatever combo you like!

Here's the idea:

Infused Water Bottle

You can purchase these online, I got mine at the grocery store on sale. There are a ton of sites that list the benefits of certain combos.

Sick of plain water than give this a try!

Feel Good Song: Coldplay - A Sky Full Of Stars

Great Song!

Choose Your Battles!

My soon to be 1 1/2 yr old doesn't like to sleep. She tosses and turns and screams and calls out for me even when I am laying in bed next to her. Being 37 weeks pregnant I want to sleep. I want to wake up feeling as refreshed as possible but being up through the night makes it impossible. Most days I wake up nauseous from lack of rest.

One morning was rough. I was up with my daughter from 1-4:00 am. So when I woke up at 6:00 I felt like I didn't get any sleep. I came downstairs and prepare to start morning. I am in rough shape and moody and crabby and asking god when will I EVER get some sleep! 

Then I found out a friend of my lost her daughter. A sweet little baby girl to cancer. It was heart breaking. A sense of guilt came over me. Here I was so angry that my little one was up all night, cuddling with me and I couldn't sleep and yet a mother was grieving the lose of her child. 

Choose your battles! Choose the things in life worth being angry about. My kids love me, are happy are healthy and want to be by my side. Sleep is overrated. I mean I can function on little sleep. I will get those hrs of sleep back one day. 

Kids grow up, life changes, nothing stays the same forever! Wake up and be grateful.  I know some days are rough, trust me I know, but we are all here for a short period of time. Let's cherish the time we have!

Bitter Sweet Feelings- 4 weeks to Go....

After dealing with my Thyroid Cancer I really thought I wouldn't have any more children. I knew my husband wanted a 3rd but I wanted to focus on being and staying healthy for the two I had so I came to terms with having two and I was sooo ok with it.

Now that I am pregnant and soon she will be here I am having bitter sweet feelings. I mean I am huge! At times I feel like my belly will pop but this is my last final no matter what pregnancy. I do not feel my body can handle another pregnancy. I will have my tubes tied when I deliver my daughter so it is a bittersweet feeling for me.

When the house is quiet and I feel the baby moving I am in awe with what a miracle it is to have a baby in my stomach. It really is an amazing, miracle that is hard to explain. You hate the growing pains, nauseous not able to physically do what you want but you love this miracle you have growing in your body. No matter what mood you are in you become happy when you feel that flutter in your belly.

It's hard too because I worry how I will split myself into three. I love my two so much and already find it hard to give them my individual quality time. Now with a third it will be even harder. I had an amazing 4 years with my first before my second came. We bonded did everything together, she is my buddy. When my second arrived I felt like she was cheated because I had to deal with my thyroid surgery and was focused on healing and treatment and numerous doctor appointments. So once I started feeling better I took advantage and spent a lot of time with her doing classes or taking her out. Now she is sharing me again!

They say as a parent your heart and love is be enough to love all your children, equally for who they are and are able to give them what each individual needs. I know baby #3 will be as great as my other two, I just want to make sure I am as good as a mother to her as I am to the others.

 

Appreciate What You Have Quote

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."  Frederick Keonig

Celebrating 10 Years!

Today was my 10 year wedding anniversary. So hard to believe. I have been married to a kind, loving, hardworking man who is an amazing Dad and amazing support system to me. You never really think that your vows would put your marriage to the test. I mean think about it. For richer and poorer- how many of you could use or would like more money? We all go through a chase or rocky time. In sickness and in health- I had cancer. I was young. I am still seeing my dr regularly to check my levels. My hubby was my strengthen. You know it's love when you are sick and you want your husband around to help take care of you. He was with me all the time I was lucky to have my moms help and other family's help too but most of all I wanted my hubby by my side and he was. In good times and in bad- I mean who hasn't had their bad times? I had mine a couple years ago. We had a rocky time in our marriage but we worked through it. We managed to make it work and to be good again!

Don't take the vows so easily people. Don't jump into a situation unless you are really ready and able

to take on what you are dealt. Some days are great some are rough! Of course you learn along the way. Some make it. Some don't. 

Stepping Stones Deal

I love this place! It's always clean and safe and my girls always have a blast AND this deal is PERFECT for families looking to save some $. Check out this link to receive 50% off family memberships here:

Link for Stepping Stones Deal.

I am still here....5 weeks to go!

Being pregnant with your 3rd is completely different then being pregnant with 1st or 2nd. I have NO free time. I fall asleep on the couch almost every night by 8. I look great because I am constantly running after my two little ones. It's been rough! I just took out some newborn clothes to wash. I gained about 32 lbs. I am mostly belly and rarely have cravings because at times I eat whatever I can quickly scarf down. 

I promise to post more. I am at the final count down and soon will be back to myself! As always thanks for your support!!!

 

Turning 34

"God puts people in your life for a reason and at times takes them out of your life for a reason too!"

I turned 34 over the weekend. It didn't bother me this year. I mean I am 34, have two 1/2 children- one of the way and been happily married for 10 years this July. I have met a ton of people and those who stayed in my life have made me a better person. Those who left taught me something and kept me moving forward. 

You see we all have lessons to learn from one another. Some lessons are painful, some are amazing, some we wish we never had. But in all they shapped me to be who I am. 

Granted it's sad those who left was due to passing a way but even then we learned something from them. I read an article today that mentioned how we attract positive and negative in our life. When we reflect negative towards someone we take a piece away from them and us. So let's try to remember that. When we reflect positive we attract more positive. Remember that as well!

Be Yourself Quote

"What is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” Anna Quindlen

Be yourself, love yourself, be true to yourself!

Mommyhood Quote

"No matter how difficult it is and at times it really is, it's worth it every single minute of it!"

1 Year Thyroid Cancer Free

1 year Cancer Free for Me!

I remember a year ago driving to Yale and turning to my husband and saying "I can't believe this is happening to me" I cried walking into the hospital. I wanted to be home with my new baby. I still wasn't fully recovered from my c-section. I was angry I was going through this. 

Having thyroid cancer sucked! I was in pain, lost my voice for a while, couldn't loose weight-especially the baby weight I had. I feel I got cheated since I had a newborn at the time and really couldn't focus 100% on her. I broke down when I started loosing my hair. The prep for treatment haunts me. The treatment was awful. But through it all I was never ever alone. I had my family my in laws my friends all around to help with everything and anything. My husband was amazing keeping me positive. My daughters helped me smile. My doctors were honest and real and good to me. 

Through the year I have met amazing people and doctors and friends and the strengthen I received from my children really helped heal me. Being pregnant again didn't allow me to have my follow up body scans but my blood work and ultrasounds all look good. 

I survived my first year and I feel damn good about it! 

I truly with all my heart wish those who have a battle in life the strengthen to overcome it and most importantly the support system to help them get through it! Nothing in life comes easy but knowing you aren't facing it alone is what helps you overcome it! 

I am grateful everyday for the support I have and had. I am grateful where I live because it gave me access to the most amazing doctors. I will never let anyone say Thyroid Cancer is an easy cancer. No cancer is easy. Nothing in life is easy. But I thank God everyday I am still here!

Save with Perrigo Nutritionals Products, Plus GIVEAWAY

With a third child on the way it is only normal to start to cut spending in areas where we can but when it comes to food we always focus on Taste. Well I had the great pleasure of testing out some Perrigo Nutritionals Products and I must say you def save on price without skimping out on taste with their products plus my 1 year old LOVES them!

Cost Saving Tips:

Did you know that you  can save up to 50 percent on infant formula by choosing a store brand over a national brand**

· Store Brand Formula is nutritionally comparable to the national brands, yet are typically up to half the price, and can save you about $600 a year

· Perrigo Nutritionals is the largest supplier of Store Brand Infant Formula and nutrition products in the world and one of only four companies recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for meeting the strict FDA requirements for safety, nutrition and quality for infant formula-manufacturing in the United States

· Same standards and expertise used to develop infant formula applied to toddler foods

· Toddler foods are appropriately developed for variety of stages of growth and motor skills with quality, nutritional ingredients to create foundation of good nutrition

More Tips:

Wife, mother, blogger extraordinaire Crystal Paine’s new book, “Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life”, is full of advice on how to not only save, but set priorities and manage time and money. Check out here to purchase a copy

GIVEAWAY: ENTER BY April 1st

Tell me what's your favorite money saving tip and you too can enter a chance to win a gift pack from Perrigo which includes:

A copy of “Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your  Passion for Life” by Crystal Paine

1 container of store brand formula

9 assorted Puree Pouches

5 assorted Puffs

4 assorted Yogurt Bites

 Add a Comment below for a chance to win. Winner announced April 1st. Please check back then   

**The Perrigo Nutritionals product, information and two gift packs have been provided by Perrigo Nutritionals.

What New Parents Don't Need

I am having baby #3 and I am NO expert BUT I like to think I have some good advice and enough experience to share with Parents-to-be. 

Gadgets New Babies Do Not Need:

*Scented Wipes: Babies skin are so sensitive that there really isn't a need for scented anything to touch their bodies. 

* Footless Sleepers: I never understood this concept. Babies feet don't sweat like us. Our goal is to keep them warm and cozy and footless sleepers just means you have to make sure they keep their socks on through the night. 

*Teddy Bears: Save them for when they are older. It's not safe to have them in their crib and they can't hold anything until they are a couple of months old so wait until then. 

*Jeans: Ever see a new baby wearing jeans? Very awkward and not comfortable. In time you can dress them up to look like little people but for now when you dress a new baby think comfort comfort comfort is what I feel it's all about. 

Again being a mom third time around doesn't make me an EXPERT but I did want to share some tips!

Focus on the Future

"Stop nurturing the memories of the past and focus on the future!"

We tend to hold on to things that has ALREADY happened to us. Let them go. I know it's hard trust me. But when you waste so much time focusing on the past the present passes right by you. Let it go and move forward. Focus on a better future. Focus on what mistakes you do not want to repeat and cherish the present moment. 

Your Children's Happiness

It doesn't matter how much money you have or how big your house is. At the end of the day as long as your kids are happy than you know you're doing something right. You can't put a price on that. 

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I don't know what it is about being pregnant that makes me more edgy. I mean I let some of the smallest things bother me. 

The crazy thing is some things will never change and you have to accept it. I have come across some selfish people and feel like they can be changed but they can't. 

I have learned some people really only do care about themselves and its not our job to have them act another way. 

I always try to give someone the benefit of the doubt but then it backfires. So to protect yourself let go of those who make your blood boil. Avoid those who care only for themselves and don't sweat things you can't change. 

You are in control of you and yourself only. No one will ever love you like you. No one will change until they want to change. 

Oh Baby Baby Baby

To my great, unexpected, unplanned surprise the stomach virus that " never went away" was really signs of my body telling me I was Pregnant with baby #3.

I am still in shock. The baby is due in August. I feel like it will be our boy but to be honest I am so in love with my daughters that I would be just as happy if it was a girl. 

My first two babies were planned so to be 3 months pregnant without planning it sure is taking me by surprise. My baby just turned 11 months so will be kindof nice to have then grow up together so close in age. My oldest is 5 and helps our sooo much that I know she will be great with the baby. 

Life sure is funny and unpredictable. 

But like any other event that has taken place over the last couple of years, I have learned that you need to take the good in every situation and keep moving forward!

Life Has a Plan For You!

Amazing how no matter how much you try to plan your life things will happen out of your control. I always was a planner but these last couple years I learned life has a plan for me. Some things will go wrong some things will be amazing. Regardless you have to sit back and enjoy the ride. If I had read my life before it happened I wouldn't believe it. But today I survived it and count my blessings. 

Be prepared for the unexpected but savor the moment and enjoy the big and little things life brings you. Pain will teach you lessons. Joy will bring you happiness. Life will beat you up and then be good to you. 

Search Within Quote

"Sometimes all you have to do is search within to find the answers. After all they do say we are responsible for our own happiness." 

Cheers to Love, Health & Wealth. Happy 2014!!!

Happy New Year everyone. Wishing you all Love, good Health and lots of Wealth. For love helps heal us and when you have love and good health well that's the best wealth you could get. Cheers to another year and may it be your best one yet!!!

Love This Moment

"Love the moment you are in, for every second life changes."

Thyroid Cancer is Not an Easy Cancer

On our way home tonight My daughter asked who would take care of "her mamma" if I got sick. Of course I told her not to worry cause I will never get sick. But I really wanted to tell her how lucky I was to have her amazing daddy our amazing family and amazing friends help me. As the year comes to an end I am reminded how forever grateful I am for those near and far who helped me when I was sick and continue to help me! 

I never really dealt with my cancer because I am a mother. I have to take care of my children and put them first. But every 6 weeks I go to the doctors and for blood test and it's at that moment I realize what I have been through. It's funny because there's this young lady at the lab I go to that is not friendly at all. But the minute she reads my lab slip and sees thyroid cancer in the notes for a diagnosis code her tone changes. 

Thyroid cancer is not easy. No cancer is easy. No disease or diagnosis or pain is easy. Yes the survival rate of a thyroid cancer is high but I hear the mark is 10 yrs before you are in the clear. Our body cannot function without thyroid hormones. So I take replacements in the middle of the night since you have to be fasting, which are either too low and make me fat or if they get too high can trick my body into making thyroid tissues which they are afraid will come back as cancer tissue. Nothing easy about that!

 I pray for us all to be healthy in 2014. I also believe that although at times I break down and vent to my husband or thyroid buddy, I truly believe what doesn't kill us really does make us stronger. 

Every lesson in life makes us stronger!

Merry Christmas

It's not just about the presents but the magic the day brings. Embrace it and love those around you!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Holiday Song: Hallelujah

Merry Xmas Eve

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours!

Her 1st Recital

It was her 1st recital. I was a nervous wreck for her. To be on such a big stage infront of all these people is huge for a 5 yr old- you would think. But it didn't phase her. She was great and I was so proud!

Cupcake Wreath- Holiday Dessert

This was so much fun to make. I did it with my daughter and I must say I was impressed with the results. 

You Need:

1 box cupcake mix

2 tubs of frosting- I got the holiday one so came already colored green

Green food dye

Festive sprinkles 

Follow directions in back of box. Once cupcakes cool. Ice. Line in a circle.

Fill empty spots with icing. Add food coloring to make a darker green. Fill a zip lock bag with icing and cut tip. 

Fill in not grooved areas with decorative sprinkles. 

Sweet eats!

Feel Good Song: Celebrate Me Home

Easy NonTraditional Holiday Dishes

Happy Soon to Be Turkey Day!

I love Thanksgiving, I love it so much that I thought it was SOOO appropriate that my daughter was due on Thanksgiving. Every year we throw her a birthday party I try to gear the menu AWAY from Thanksgiving traditions just so we do not get sick of it. So below are some EASY non traditional holiday dishes you can serve for the holidays or at any event.

Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches- all you need is chicken salad and mini croissants. Make the salad or pick up your favorite at a local store. Toast croissants and stuff with salad. Awesome and yummy, and fancy too!

Pigs in a Blanket Artist Style-Every year I make the number my daughter turns out of crescent rolls and hot dogs. This year she turned 5 so I baked it in the shape of a 5. It is so cute and yummy.

Bean Dip- This is SO easy and yet SO yummy. Let the cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes so it is easy to spread. In a Pyrex spread cream cheese on the bottom, next top with refried beans (I used can ones, I know easy to make from scratch but who has time for that) last top with shredded cheddar. Warm up in microwave for 3 mins or until all cheese is melted. Serve with nacho chips.

Spanish Rice- Yum Yum Yum. I love the Goya yellow Spanish rice. I follow directions on package but about half way before it is done I add a cup of frozen peas and a teaspoons of salt. Then finish cooking. So Semi homemade!


Happy Eats :)

Path to Success Quote

"Believe in your strengthens and acknowledge your weaknesses!" 

JCF

Success Quote

"Success will never happen without some sacrifices!" unknown author 

Happy Halloween

Take Chances Quote

"If you want something in your life you've never had, you'll have to do something you've never done." JD Houston

A New Venture

I will never forget in business class learning why birds fly in a "V: and why when they do they are so

loud. Well that's because the leader, the bird at the front, is taking the impact of the pressure of the wind making it easier for the birds following to get less of an impact. They are also super loud because they are encouraging the head bird, giving it strengthen to carry on.

In life people are kind of the same way. When we go through a struggle in life or a rough patch we tend to find strengthen in other peoples encouragement. I have been through a lot this past year with my Thyroid Cancer and having a new baby. Now the company I have been working virtually for is sadly closing their doors. WELL, because of the great encouragement I have received I have decided to open a new door. I will be keeping my clients and working for myself independently doing the same thing. Hoping in the near future to expand and focus on more of the things I really enjoy.

I did not plan for this, but in a way I kind of did. I really enjoy working virtually. Have built a great professional relationship with my clients these past 4 years and taught myself a lot. I knew one day I would want to branch off on my own, this soon, no but sometimes in life you need to take an opportunity that is staring you head on.

I would never have been able to come out this past year as strong as I did without the love and support I received by so many people. Unfortunately there were some people close to me that made situations harder or felt having Thyroid Cancer was not a big deal or my treatment but luckily the ones who did help made up for it.

 

Never ever feed into some one else's negatively. Never think whatever you are dealing with at the moment is not hard or not a big deal. If it bothers you or impacts your health or life it is a big deal. Turn to those who encourage you. Remember like the birds to root for the one taking a big impact in life, they need your encouragement to be strong.

As for my new venture. I will add more details once there are more details. But for now I am going to take everything one day at a time!

Life Changes quote

"Your situation is never permanent. It's what you make of it. Life isn't solid, it's fluid. It changes." Author Unknown 

Trials of Life Quote

"Today's trial is Tomorrow's testimony"

Author Unknown 

Blessed In So Many Ways

Her baptism was a little emotional for me. I remember planning it while I was pregnant to later put it on hold when I was diagnosed with Cancer. I couldn't plan it any more I didn't know what was going to happen to me. I didn't want to be sick for it, I didn't want people coming to this beautiful celebration with sorrow in their eyes for me so I waited. I waited until my surgey was over, til my treatments were complete and until I had a chance to heal. I am so happy I did because Sunday, the day of her Baptism was wonderful. There was a sense of peace in the air, everyone was happy, food was delicious, baby was well behaved and I felt good. It was a blessed day!

Sweetest Registry Deal Ever From Babies R Us PLUS GIVEAWAY

Having a baby for the first time is so exciting. There are so many things to think about. One HUGE thing is your baby registry. This is critcal because most people only get to register once so it is important to make sure you zap EVERYTHING you think you will need for your baby to be.

 I will never forget registering with my husband. He zaped everything he saw, while I took my time researching every product. Today as a MOM of two, I can honestly say these are MUST items: -

Gerber NUK 4-Pack Bunch-A-Bowls & Lids: I still use these for my soon to be 5 year old. These are GREAT portable containers that hold their food, snacks and cereal. I ALWAYS try to buy these for new mommies to be!

Butt Paste: LOVE this product even more then I love the name. Doesn't have a strong odor and works instantly!

Nail Filers: Not sure why but babies nails grow super fast. They are so fine that you can not cut them but you can file them!

Read More of My Must-Haves Here. 

Babies R Us is the best place to register! And now for the first time ever, you can get up to $200 for purchases made from your registry. Simply create your Baby Registry here between Sept. 16 and Nov. 15!

Then you’ll receive a Promotional Gift Card e-mailed to you approximately 10 weeks after your expected arrival date, valued at 10% (up to $200) of the items purchased from your registry.*
AMAZING!!!


GIVEAWAY:
You could win a $50 Babies "R" Us Gift Card. All you have to do is help my pregnant Readers by naming some items you feel are a MUST for their baby registery. One winner will be annouced by Sept 23rd. Post your comment below on this post to enter a chance to win! 

*The Babies“R”Us information and gift cards have been provided by Babies“R”Us.*

9-11 Never Forget

Today's a reminder to never take life for granted, to spread peace in the world and to support our troops who protect us everyday!

A Child's Innocence Quote

"There's a brief moment in a child's life where you can capture their true innocence, and in that brief moment your only wish is that they could stay that way forever!"

Life So Short and Can End Too Soon!

Life is short and sometimes we need to be reminded of that. It's crazy to know that everyday someone dies. You think death happens to only old people and even though its still sad we can at least say they lived a long life. Not Lately,  there have been alot of deaths involving young adults. People ranging between 25-48. It's been due to random acts like a heart attack, addictions or car accident. Some have been sick with cancer or another disease but its times like this that you stop and think man life is short. 

We, and I will even admit, are all so caught up in life that we let it pass by. We wait for the next best thing instead of enjoying what's infront of us, we complain about money and let money rule our emotions and best judgement. We live in a fast paced society where we are always trying to catch up. 

Stop, life is short. We all have a timeline that will eventually come to an end. I am not saying this to depress you. I am saying this to help you see what we are missing.

Don't miss out on life. Enjoy it and leave a positive mark on it!

VTech Cora the Smart Cub™ & Giveaway

With so many toys and dolls on the market it is great when you find one that you can personalize without having to spend a fortune. VTech’s latest addition to its line of infant and preschool toys, Cora the Smart Cub™ introduces children to early learning skills and helps establish a lifetime love of learning. Children are introduced to valuable every-day life skills such as their daily routine, first words and emotions. Cora knows exactly what time it is and children will grow and learn with their smart cub every day through daily morning greetings, bedtime music, and holiday and birthday wishes. 

Parents can share in the developmental journey online through VTech’s app store, the Learning Lodge™, and personalize the smart cub with their child’s name, special holidays, favorite stories, favorite songs and more. 

Right out of the box, Cora includes 40 phrases, four sing-along songs, two stories and 30 melodies. Plus, parents can easily download 130 melodies, 20 stories and many more activities Perfect for Ages 6-36 months, MSRP: $19.99

GIVEAWAY: 

This cuddly Cub can be yours! With Fall around the corner name the number one reason why YOU love Fall and you can enter this giveaway. One winner will be selected to win their very own VTech Cora the Smart Cub™ Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles are all welcome to join in on this giveaway. 

Hurry Giveaway Ends September 10th 

*The VTech product, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by VTech. 

Just Take a Moment

She drove me crazy today my little one. No matter what I did she wasn't happy. We played 5 minutes later she started with the "Eeeeeee". I try to find humor in it and say "i-E-i-E-i-O"but after a while the humor fades. When my husband came home even he saw her frustration. She's been teething, 6 months old and a tooth already broke through. Young but beginning of the teething journey ahead. I spoke with a girlfriend today and joked how when they are babies we blame their moodiness on their teething and when they get older we blame it on their hormones.

I think she felt my energy. I was tired and a little frustrated. They say kids feed off of our moods. Sometimes I believe it. 

She finally fell asleep. She had some milk still on her lips as she closed her eyes. I normally run to place her in her crib. But not tonight. 

Tonight I laid her on my chest. I could feel her heart beating and hear her little breathes in my ear. If felt good. It helped calm me and her. Just for a moment everything else I needed to be doing could be put on hold. This peacefulness was good for my soul. 

Rules to Live By





Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

“Strengthen me by sympathizing with my strength, not my weakness.” Amos Bronson Today I am 5 months Cancer Free! What an amazing thing to say. It's also 1st day of September which is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Something I hold dear to my heart. My experience was very rough and took a toll on me even though I never showed it. Sometimes being strong is what you convince yourself you have to be when you are afraid of being weak. But sometimes facing your weakness is what ends up making you stronger.Everyday I still battle what my day will be like. Will my body ache, can I do it all without needing a nap. It's a constant battle. We all have our own story to tell. We are surviors in life and I gratefully can say I survived Thyroid Cancer! Check Your Necks!

Being Mommy...

"Being Mommy is so challenging yet rewarding, means eating last, cleaning constantly, and turning your dining room into a kid friendly area where it's safe to eat play and paint or color all at the same time."

Never Change...Baby Girl Starts Kindergarten

My only wish for my lil girl is to never ever change! 

Nothing is Perfect so Just Be Happy

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.” Similar Quotes

Feel Good Song: Brave Sara Barielles

Feel Good Song: Safe and Sound

Thyroid Meds Still Off ...Need a Nap

"I survived Thyroid Cancer and now I need a nap!"

This is exactly how I feel. My Meds are still not right so my body is living off a combination of synthroid and cytomel. I love my cytomel. Oh my its like the perfect meds to help me feel somewhat myself again. However,unfortuanelty my doctor is weaning me off of it, she doesn't recommend it be used for people who had thryoid cancer and she believes once I get the right dose of synthroid I will feel normal again. 

  "NORMAL" is the key word in my life. Not exaxtly sure what that means but not forgetting things, living without hot flashes and not having horrible dry skin sounds great to me and having a metabolism that actually works is the type of "normal" I need in my life again. I have a good 25lbs to lose to get back to my pre pregnancy weight but without the right amount of thyroid Meds my weight will no budge.  I am losing about a half a pound a week if that, since my radioactive iodine treatment but at that rate I will be lugging around this extra weight for another year and well I rather not. 

I must say I turn to food for comfort and I am soooo tired that I haven't been to the gym in months. I need more motivation. Being a mother of 2 definitely has put a toll on me. Along with dealing with the thyroid cancer which I will like to now believe I am a survivor. I am waiting for a blood test to confirm next month. 

I should have a shirt made that says "oh no I am not fat. I just had a baby and thyroid cancer" Not sure though how people won't look at me like I am crazy! But then again aren't we all a little crazy anyway!

So I will find out in 6 weeks if "normal" is in my near future if not she will up my meds. In the meantime I will try to sneak in a nap as much as I can. Afterall, naps aren't just for kids anymore!

Take Some Time For Yourself

I finally did it. I went for a well needed long overdue pedicure. I know sounds so silly but when did I really have an hour to spare. I am either working or with my kids are at the doctors so I decided I need to put my crazy schedule aside and take a little me time. 

I must say it's amazing how much unnecessary things take up our time. I find myself wasting time trying to organize or prepare for the next thing! Meanwhile we have a vacation planned and I have nothing packed. Didn't shop. And dropped everything cause I knew it was time to finally have a pedicure. I walked in wearing my sweats. Hair tied back and figured this next hour will be for me. I almost had a little anxiety while trying to relax. 

Why do we do this to ourselves? We hardly take time for ourselves. Take a little time for you. To do something that makes you feel good   Once I feel better and build the energy I am going to run or go to the gym. I need to focus on more of me time. As a mom I am so consumed with taking care of others that honestly I know my body hasn't healed 100% from surgery and treatments. I need a time out and think you all do too.

What have YOU done lately to focus on YOU?

My Second Chance

I feel like since healing from my Thyroid Cancer I have been given a 2nd chance in life. I built new relationships, apologized when I have been wrong and took the time to show others my appreciation. See we all know one day we are going to die but we go through life not living like we can die at any moment. 

If we did we would be a little nicer, help people more, love more.  I feel I have been given a 2nd chance and want to leave a positive mark in this world. I want to do things I wouldn't have been able to do. Right now my medicine isn't where I should be so I have had some rough days. Tired, extremely achy, moody. I have tried to have more patience. But when things get rough I try to look at how amazing life is. 

Not everyone is lucky enough to get a 2nd chance. I believe we all have a purpose in life. I have yet to fulfill mine. So I am taking the time to live my 2nd chance. I haven't done anything so extreme but I have worried about things a little less, treated people more kindly and literally stopped and smelled the roses. I have taken moments to admire how beautiful the sky is, how calming it is to watch the clouds glide by. 

I have thanked friends and loved ones. I have let go of anger and been true to people. I say I love you more, I live life as best as I can. I anticipate to live a long long time and really am grateful for my 2nd chance in life!

Enjoy Your Life and Laugh Quote

"Whenever possible try to always fill your life with lots of laughter."

Couscous Salad..Simple Yet so Refreshing

This recipe is so simple yet very refreshing. Every picnic I bring it too I have been getting the same feedback: "what's in this salad it's so good and so refreshing !"

What You Need:

-1 box of couscous- I like the garlic flavored one

-1  cup of celery chopped

-1 cup of cucumbers chopped

-1 cup of red pepper chopped

-2 carrots cut- use organic if you can 

- 1/2 cup Olive Oil

- 1/2 cup Vinegar

-Salt 1/2 tablespoon

Follow directions on back of couscous package. Chop vegetables bite size. Once couscous is cooked let it sit to cool down. Then mix all ingredients.  Chill over night in fridge. Serve cold. 

The flavor of the couscous mixed with the crunchiness of chopped veggies is so refreshing and lite. It is totally a crowd pleaser!!!

Feel Good Song: Woman's World by Cher

How amazing is Cher!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

Feel Good Song: My Wish... My Baby Turns 4 Months Today

My baby turns 4 months today :)

We All Have alot to Learn From One Another

"We all need to learn to speak up and help one another. Once you open up its amazing how many people are experiencing what you are going through or went through.  In a society so open we act sheltered at times, it's  really amazing what you can learn from one another once you open up!"

Back on Mommy Duty

I bathed my girls got them ready for bed. Fed the baby and then she spit up on me and I thought "yep I'm officially back on mommy duty" and I loved every minute of it. 

My scan was great today. They said in a couple months I will have to do a blood test that will check to make sure I don't have any traces of Thyroid cancer and that's when we will know 100% if the treatment had worked. Which from the way I was feeling I would say it did work. 

It feels great to be home and great to feel better. Thanks for being a lending ear!

The Day of Judgement...Thyroid Cancer Free We'll See

I waited 8 months for today. My post treatment scan. Today I find out if I am officially Thyroid Cancer Free. I have my apt later today and woke up a little nervous. I mean today is the day I find out if my treatment worked, I am safe to be around my kids and am finally, hopefully, gratefully, can say I am Cancer Free.

I learned alot these past 8 months that I hope I don't forget. I learned who really truly cares and loves me, I learned ignorance is bliss, I learned that sometimes we get so caught up into something that its hard to see good around us. I found out that if you find peace within really find peace you can be happy and enjoy the simple things in life.

I pray none of my readers, family, friends or loved ones ever have to experience great pain in their life. I hope you walk by a flower and stop and appreciate it. I hope you live today like yesterday is really gone. That tomorrow can be good and different that there's good out there.

I hope you all find someone who truly makes you happy, who truly loves you through the highs and lows of your life. I learned that my husband was built to help keep me strong to see laughter through some dark moments in my life. That even though we had rough patches that at the end it was him who helped me keep it together.

I learned being a mom helped heal me. I hope today I can walk away saying all my doctor appointments, blood work, testing, scans, surgery and treatments helped me survive Cancer and beat Cancer.

• I hope today I can come home and be the Mom, Wife, Person I want to be!

It Doesn't Just Happen in Fairy Tales

I met my husband tonight for dinner. I haven't seen him in 5 days. Driving there was emotional because it was hard to be without him so to distract myself I turned the radio station dial in search of a happy song and the rock n roll song "Pour some sugar on me" came blasting on the radio. Perfect can't cry to this song. 

I dressed up a little even though dinner was at a local pub so we could eat up and he could be back home to get the kids who hopefully I can be with on Thursday. It was cute meeting for dinner as if we were meeting on a date. It was great to see him and knowing in a couple days we will be together again helped.

We said our goodbyes, and drove our separate ways. I know sad, but just then I flipped through the stations and our wedding song came on, I pick up my cell call him and put it on speaker. The tears start to fill up my eyes and then we realize it's in Spanish. It was the Spanish version and we crack up!

Life is about the tears but also the great laughter that follows the tears. I wish you all more laughter in your life even if it has to be after your tears!