ABC's of Me

There is a popular blogging Q & A going around the Blogiverse and I thought it would be fun to join in.  I've had so much fun reading other blogger's, so I hope you enjoy mine as well!

A. Attached or single? Attached!  I am married to a great man who makes me laugh and I am proud to share my life with. 

B. Best friend - I have several best friends; one I have known my whole life, several from high school, and a couple that live in the same town as me now. 

C. Cake or Pie - I am more of a cake girl.  I don't like pie, unless it's rhubarb....I LOVE rhubarb pie. 

D. Day of Choice - Even though I'm a stay-at-home Mom, I still love Saturdays.  I read the Saturday paper, relax, and enjoy time with my family. 

E. Essential Item - My iPhone.  I use it for social media, reading books, and keeping in touch with family and friends. 

F. Favorite color - Teal green and blue. 

G. Gummy bears or worms - I like either as long as they are sour. 

H. Hometown - Small town Saskatchewan.

I. Favorite Indulgence - Coca Cola.  I know it's an awful habit, but I can't help.

J. January or July - January in Saskatchewan means -40C, blizzards, and howling winds....so I'm going to have to go with July.  I love July because it means spending time in my backyard, campfires with my kids, and relaxing outside. 

K. Kids - I have a daughter and identical twin sons.  My children are the light of my life.  :)

L. Life isn't complete without - Family...my children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles & cousins.  I didn't realize it when I was younger, but I come from a very close-knit family.  I am so fortunate to have such a great support system!

M. Marriage date - February 25, 2006

N. Number of brothers/sisters - 2 younger brothers

O. Oranges or apples - I'm an apple girl...with a strange twist.  It started when I was pregnant with my daughter...I craved apples, cheddar cheese, and green olives.  Sounds strange, but it really is great!!

P. Phobias - I am afraid of flying and earthquakes...it makes the week before I leave for Disneyland a little stressful.  The happiest place on earth is worth it though!!

Q. Quotes - "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." Bill Wilson

R. Reasons to Smile - My three children make me smile every day. 

S. Season of choice - A few years ago, I would have said spring or fall.  I didn't like the heat or the cold, so the shoulder seasons were perfect for me.  Now, I love the summer.  Summer means days spent outside, supper on the BBQ, campfires with my family, and a beer relaxing with my hubby at the end of the day. 

T. Tag 5 People - Anyone who hasn't done this survey yet but would like to.

U. Unknown fact about me - I don't like to do one thing at once, so I always try to double up.  For example: Talk on the phone & do dishes, fold laundry & watch a movie, knit & watch TV....oh, look at that....another fun fact about me...I can knit.  :)

V. Vegetable - Roasted asparagus

W. Worst habit - Why can I not think of a bad habit?  I know that I have a ton of them and right now I am at a complete loss to think of any??  This makes no sense!! 

X. X-ray or Ultrasound - Most recently?  When I was pregnant with my twins, we had a lot of complications and I had hours and hours and hours of ultrasounds. 

Y. Your favorite food - This is a tough one.  I'm going to choose my favorite "fancy" food combo....filet mignon with bernaise sauce and lobster.  Not everyday food at my house, but it's my favorite "going on a celebration date" food. 

Z. Zodiac sign - Taurus

There you have it...the ABC's of me.  I can't wait to read more of yours as well! 

Energybits Review & Giveaway

Hello everyone!  I am so excited to be sharing my first product review & giveaway all on the same day!  A few weeks ago, the kind folks over at Energybits sent me a sample of their product to review.  Twitter and the blogging world has been buzzing about this product and I was so excited to be given this opportunity! 

I mentioned here that my computer crashed and then I was busy on the weekend having a date with my hubby.  Last week, my son had eye surgery and since I wasn't getting a lot of sleep, it seemed like the perfect time to test out Energybits.  After a particularly short night of sleep, I felt like I was hitting the wall by 10:30 in the morning. I pulled out the Energybits tin I received.  The letter I received said "We suggest you take atleast 30 tabs
10 - 15 minutes before your next run or workout to experience their steady flow of energy and to improve mental alertness or stop hunger.  More is always better." 

My first impression of the tabs was that they smelled like a fish tank, or the fish department in a pet store.  Energybits can be chewed, but I swallowed mine.  I don't mind swallowing pills and the tabs are quite small, so I had no problem with this.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but I did feel a VERY noticeable energy boost after taking the tabs.  I perked up and began feeling less tired and more mentally "clear" (not sure how else to describe it).  Before taking the Energybits, I wasn't sure how I was going to get through the day without a nap.  After taking them, I ended up feeling way more alert and when my hubby came home at lunch, I went on a 3 mile brisk walk.  Even after my walk, I was feeling energized and ready for more.  Wow!!  I am a believer!! 

There are many other features of this product that I am in love with (on top of the fact that they work!!).  All of the following information is straight from the letters and hand-outs that Energybits sent me. 

Energybits offer "the highest concentration of protein in the world and deliver a "steady stream of energy without sugar, caffeine, chemicals or stomach distress."  These bits are NOT a supplement, they are food! 

I love that these bits give you energy without all using a natural product.  We put so many chemically manufactured ingredients in our bodies these days that it's refreshing to see something straight from nature!

Energybits have just one ingredient - 100% organically grown spirulina algae, yet they contain 40 vitamins and minerals, Omega 3 and 64% protein. 

One ingredient!  It's not very often we see that!  And each tab contains only 1 calorie, so I got a HUGE boost of energy...both physically and mentally...for only 30 calories.  I am in love!  :)

Check out www.energybits.com for all the products this company offers.  They also have Recoverybits, Vitalitybits, and Skinnybits.  I can't wait to try more!

Energybits have offered to send one of my readers a tin of bits to try as well.  Enter below...I can't wait for someone else to try this amazing product! And for everyone who doesn't win, the great folks at Energybits are giving everyone a 10% discount off of bits.  Enter the code "BLOG" into their coupon box when ordering and the discount will be instantly applied. 

Please stop by and "Like" my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter @EveryDayGirl5. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Question of the Day: Tell me why you would love to try Energybits?

Date Night

So, I've been MIA again for a while.  And I'm sure many of you thought "Oh, there goes Becky dropping off the face of the earth for months at a time AGAIN".  (Oh, by the way....my name is Becky, not Every Day....but you probably already assumed that).  My computer crashed and I went without for a few weeks.  I haven't yet attempted to blog post from my phone, although I am thinking I should soon.  So, basically, I disappeared.  Then I got my computer back, but hubby and I spent a day in "the city" (also known as anywhere that has a store open past 5:00 on Saturday). 

Here's a peak into our "date day".  Our first stop was at an irrigation store to pick up more sprinkler heads (cause we're romantic like that).  Next, we made a few stop to look at chimineas (fire pits).  We got a beautiful clay one as a wedding gift, but it broke this spring and we are in the market for a new one.  I loved our clay one and can't find another one, so looks like we'll be going to a new material. 

Good-bye clay chiminea! 

 

After that, it was 4:00 already so we decided to go sit on a patio somewhere and relax, and then have an early supper.  We decided to eat at The Keg.  This was our "Mother's Day, Father's Day, Celebrate Seeding Being Done" date and we were feeling in a steak-y kind-of mood. 

Summer Sangria (hubby's) & my favorite Reisling white wine

We relaxed on the patio, had a drink, and talked.  With hubby working a full-time management job and then helping out at the family farm so much since his Dad's accident, we haven't saw much of each other lately.  When he is home, our focus is on our children and spending time with them.  It was nice to just be together, talk, and enjoy each other's company.  Day's like this remind me of how much I love my husband, how fortunate I am, and why I married him.  He makes me laugh all the time and is my best friend. 

I forgot to take a picture of our appetizer, but we shared the calamari.  It was delicious!  It was mixed with jalapeno and red peppers and had a nice flavor without being too spicy!  Totally recommend it!  For an entree, hubby ordered the filet mignon with crab legs and mashed potatoes.  (I forgot to take a picture until he was half done). 

I ordered the filet mignon with a lobster tail and twice-baked potato.  It was delicious!  Seriously, I am actually getting hungry thinking about it.  The filet was wrapped with applewood smoked bacon and cooked to perfection!  The Keg serves their filets with a bernaise sauce that I loved!  Hubby didn't enjoy it quite as much, but I thought it was amazing!  

 

We noticed a young couple that were obviously on their first date (or very early on in their relationship).  There were lots of smiles, awkwardness and laughter.  As a random act of kindness, we asked our waitress to take them a complimentary dessert and bill it to us.  I told her to tell them to "pay it forward" some day.  I hope they do, and I hope in a few years they are married and have a fun story to tell about one of their first dates. 

 

After that, we headed home to pick up our kids from my Mom & Dads house.  All in all, it was a great day!  We talked, we laughed, we held hands.  I can't speak for other's, but I know how important it is for my husband and I to spent time just ourselves.  It's easy to neglect when children, work, or life are all calling for attention too, but it makes our marriage so much stronger.  Our son had eye surgery on Tuesday, so it was nice to get away before the stress and worry of that came. 

 

Stay tuned for my Energybits review & FIRST EVER giveaway!  (Can you tell I'm excited about this great product!!)



If you aren't already following me, look me up on Twitter @EveryDayGirl5.  I'd love to connect with you!

Question of the Day: What do you & your significant other do to "bond"?

Tasty Tuesday

Good afternoon!  Sorry for my late posting today!  Today I am going to share another soup recipe (I know, I know, enough with the soup recipes).  I got this recipe from my girlfriend who is vegan and gluten free and it's great!  

Lentil Soup

2 Leeks, sliced, white part only
3 - 4 carrots, sliced
3 - 4 stalks of celery, sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
3-4 cartons vegetable stock (12 - 16 cups)
1 - 2 tbsp. basil
Seasoning salt & pepper, to taste
Bob's Red Mill Veggie Soup Mix (1/4 - 1/2 cup)

In a large soup pot, sauté leeks, carrots, celery & garlic in a little bit of water or vegetable stock until a little soft.  (You can use oil if you want) 

Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer to add basil, salt & pepper.  Rinse veggie soup mix in a strainer with cool water and add to pot.  Let simmer until lentils are soft (approximately 20 - 30 minutes). 

NOTES: I didn't use the Bob's Red Mill soup mix because I couldn't find it where I live. I did use a mix of lentils and pot barley, but I think next time I would add more like 1 cup of lentils instead of a half a cup.  I also added a cup of mushrooms and a cup of Kale.  The mushrooms and Kale were a great addition.  I ripped the tough stems off the baby kale, and next time I would use more.

You can mess around with the amounts, but this is a great, hearty soup that offers lots of nutritious foods! 

Enjoy!

Random Acts of Kindness

Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's reading this!  I hope you get a day full of whatever you were hoping!  Last night, my five year old daughter brought out some nail polish and lotion because she wanted to give me a foot rub and paint my nails.  No spa could compete with that service!!

 

M's favorite movie is Brave, so I found the YouTube video of Merida being inducted as a princess at the Magic Kingdom yesterday.  We watched it as our nails dried and snuggled on the couch.  

When I woke up this morning, I got a beautiful card from hubby and snuggles from my boys.  M surprised me with her card and present she made in Kindergarten.  So cute!! 


In non-Mother's Day related news, runDisney released pictures of the medals for the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend and Dumbo Double Dare races. 

Source



 The Disneyland Half Marathon probably won't ever work for me to make, the timing is just all wrong.  That doesn't stop me from being mega-jealous of everyone who will be earning these medals.  Good luck and have a blast everyone!!

You can read how this started (along with my first reported Random Act of Kindness) here or the second one here. 

Random Act of Kindness #3: Maybe this doesn't count as an "act of kindness", maybe it's more of a favor??  I'm not sure, but it put a smile on someone's face and it was in the right spirit, so I'm putting it down.  This week, I heard through the small town grapevine (yes they exist) that a friend of mine was taking her two small son's to the Mother's Day event at the school (the Grade 1 - 4 class invite their mother's in for pampering).  The day was supposed to be for her, but she didn't know what to do with the other kids so she was bringing them along.  I called her up and offered to watch the smaller children so she could enjoy her time with the older ones.  She was happy and it was no problem for me.  My kid's got to play with some friends and she got to enjoy her mother's day experience.  Everyone wins!  :) 

 

Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's, mother-in-laws, step-mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures (aunts, cousins, babysitters, etc).  The world is a better place because of your love for children!!  Hope you have a great day!!

 

 





Real Beauty



 

This past week has been a lot of things...overwhelming, frustrating, heartbreaking and ultimately enlightening.  My father-in-law, who suffered from a farming accident (read more here) isn't healing properly and had to go back into surgery.  A project I have been working on for over four years came to completion and we have been swamped by it.  But most of all, my heart is hurting for my daughter. 

 

My daughter, M, is five years old.  She is one of the sweetest, kindest souls I have ever met.  She is empathetic and wise far beyond her five short years.  She is beautiful in every way possible.  And at age five, she came home from school crying because one little girl in her class told her "you aren't pretty", "you aren't my friend", "you aren't good enough".  Big, sloppy tears fall down my cheeks now even as I write this.  You aren't good enough!!  At age five!  It breaks my heart that any child can say this and that any child has to hear this.  Truthfully, I think I am taking this harder than her.  After talking to her for a few minutes, she felt better.  She knows that she is beautiful, on the inside and out and she knows that she has friends who love her for who she is.  I know this won't be the last time she encounters these sorts of comments, but I wish I could bubble wrap her little heart and protect her forever. 

 

Then it gets me thinking even further, isn't this what many women feel; we aren't pretty enough, we aren't good enough.  How do I raise a daughter who knows her worth; who knows how important she is, how special she is, how beautiful she is on the inside and the outside?  First things first...show her.  Show her that I think I am pretty, important, special and loved.  And hopefully, she will follow suit and learn the same.  When she looks in the mirror, I want her to see what I see in her.     

 

A few weeks ago, a friend shared the Dove Real Beauty video on Facebook.  The first time I watched this video, I cried big, ugly tears and immediately shared it with my friends.  

 

I love this video but it also makes me sad.  As women, why do so many not see our real beauty?  When we look in the mirror, why is the image so different than what others see. 

This week, I pulled out my wedding pictures.  My brother-in-law told me my wedding pictures looked like I could be a model, so this week I looked at them with his eyes.  Seven years ago, I didn't see it, I almost thought he was being sarcastic.  This week, I looked with gentler eyes, and there was a beautiful, happy young lady looking back at me.

My pledge is to look at myself with kinder and gentler eyes.  Not only for me, but for my daughter.  I want her to love herself and there is no better way to teach than by example. 

Question of the Day: Do you see yourself how others do?

Tasty Tuesday

Good morning!

Sorry for dropping off the earth!  The past week has been...well, it's been...more on that later.  For now, here's another yummy recipe. 

Beef Shishkabobs  

Cut beef into cubes - sirloin steak or sirloin tip roast work well.  (I use 3-4 steaks to feed my family, but you can do use as much or as little as you'd like.)

Marinate for 3 to 5 days in the following (some people use this recipe and marinade longer) I use the Tupperware Jr. Season-Serve container to marinade and flip a couple times a day.  You can use anything, just make sure you stir regularly so all meats gets thoroughly marinated on all sides:

2 tbsp. soya sauce
1 tsp. ginger
2 tbsp. vinegar
2 tbsp. parsley flakes
1 clove garlic or a little garlic salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. honey
1/4 - 1/2 c. oil
1/2 tsp. salt

Double the marinate for a large amount of meat.  Here's a picture while it's marinating (just mixed it up this morning).

This is a local favorite recipe.  I don't know where it originated, but it's been passed through our community over and over again.  It is DELICIOUS!  Pair your kabobs with baked potatoes on the BBQ, garlic bread, and grilled veggies for a delicious summer meal. 

Are you following me on Twitter?  Check me out @EveryDayGirl5.  I'll tweet a picture later this week when these shishkabobs are cooked. 

Tasty Tuesday

This weekend, we had beautiful, sunny spring weather and began to think that spring was really here. This morning, we woke up to this.

That means there has been snow on the ground EVERY day since October 22nd.  For those of you thinking that might be normal for Canada...no, not at all!  It was almost completely gone after this weekend, but we still did have one big pile left. 

Since winter decided to rear her head again this morning, I decided to make some hearty, warm soup for lunch.  (Sorry, no pictures because I am just starting to chop the vegetables and haven't assembled it yet.)  This recipe was my Great Gramma's and has been passed down for years.  I love the few differences from an "average" hamburger soup; like shredded carrots.  Enjoy!

Hamburger Soup
1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef - browned
1 medium onion, chopped
1 - 28g can tomatoes
3 cans consumme
2 cans tomato soup
2 cans of water (use one of the empty soup cans)
4 carrots, grated
1 - 3 bay leaves
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 tsp. dry parsley
1/2 tsp. thyme
8 tbsp. barley
1/2 tsp. dill seed
salt & pepper, to taste
Brown meat, drain fat.  Add all ingredients to slow cooker.  Cook on medium in large soup pot for 3 - 4 hours. 

I like to serve with buns or biscuits, and a nice, light tossed salad.  This soup is very filling and I always get compliments on it.  It can also be made in the slow cooker, and it freezes great!  I will often make a batch in the slow cooker and one at the stove, at the same time.  Then I freeze half for another day. 

Question of the Day: Will spring every come to stay?  :)

Random Acts of Kindness

Last week, I wrote that each week I would be performing one random act of kindness in honor of the kids from Sandy Hook, victims at Boston Marathon, and all the other victims from senseless acts of violence.  You can read that post here. 

Source

This week, I bought a $5 Tim Horton's (a popular Canadian coffee joint) gift card and placed it under the windshield wiper of a stranger's vehicle.  I wrote on package, "To: You   From: Me   "Hope you get a smile, pass it on."  I don't know who got that card, but I hope it brought a smile to their face.  I'm disappointed in myself because it didn't occur to me at the time to take a picture. :(  Oh, well, next time! 

In other news, on Friday the blogosphere was a-buzz with new runDisney news.  You can read the full press-release here.  If you haven't heard, to sum it up: runDisney has announced they will have a new challenge at the 2014 Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World.  Similar to the newly announced Dumbo Double Dare and Dopey challenges, there will be an all-new 10k race offered Princess weekend.  If you complete both the 10k race and the half marathon, you will complete the Glass Slipper Challenge and receive an additional medal. 

As new in 2014, there will be a special edition Coast-to-Coast Race Challenge Medal for those who complete the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in Disneyland in January and the Princess Half Marathon in February. 

Source

 

What do these new announcements mean to me?  I'm not sure.  All along, I have been planning on running the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in January.  Being from the Canadian Prairies, Disneyland is a lot quicker and easier to get to.  At Disneyland, we can stay across the street and walk to the parks.  BUT, the Glass Slipper Challenge is throwing a wrench into my plans.  And the special edition Coast-to-Coast Race Challenge Medal is really messing with me.  I have myself questioning whether there's anyway I could fit a solo trip to the Princess Half Marathon to get them all! 

 

 

Question of the Day: What would you do if you were in my shoes?  Tinkerbell Half Marathon or Princess Half Marathon?



Disney California Adventure Park

Last year my hubby and I, along with our 3 children and my parents visited the Disneyland Resort.  You can read more about our Disneyland adventures here.  Since it's Friday, it's sunny, and it seems like spring has arrived, I wanted to share something fun.  Here are a few pictures from DCA. 

Paradise Pier lit up at night.

 

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror  - one of my favorite rides!

 

Hollywood Boulevard (yes, we went during the slow season)

 

 Ariel's Grotto



We had lunch one day at Ariel's Grotto.  It was the only character meal that we did, and chose it because my daughter loves the princesses and the food had good reviews.  We loved it!  Yes, it was costly, but felt it was well-worth the meals we got and the character interaction.  I have never done a character meal and can guarantee I will be doing more on every trip now. 

We were very fortunate that our two year old twins easily fell asleep and had great naps in their stroller.  The stroller reclined completely and had big sun canopies that kept them covered.  Grampa had to resort to benches to have his afternoon nap. 

Wow, I realized I really didn't take very many pictures in DCA.  I will have to get my Mom's disc again and see if she has more because I'm sure there is.  Bottom line: This vacation was a blast!  We heard a lot of "negative" comments about taking three little children to Disney.  I am so glad that we ignored them and went ahead because it was one of the best vacations I have ever been on.   The joy as they experienced Disney was incredible and a year later, my daughter still talks about it on a regular basis.  I'm VERY excited to go back and experience Carsland.  I have to HUGE Cars fans in my house and they will be over-the-moon happy to see it! 

If you have any questions about travelling with young children, please feel free to ask me!  Also, are you following me on Twitter yet?  Check me out  @EveryDayGirl5.  Drop me a line that you came from my blog and I will be sure to follow you as well.  I'm enjoying making friends in the Blog/twitterverse and looking forward to hearing from you!! 

Tasty Tuesdays

Good afternoon!  It's a bright and sunny day today and I am feeling like spring might be on the way!  We still have snow, but are able to see the ground in places now. 

Since the snow is almost gone, I thought I'd take this opportunity to make one of my family's favorite "winter" lunches, Cream of Mushroom soup.  Since I made it for lunch, I'll share the recipe with you as well.  

Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced (I use 2 cups)
2 tbsp. butter (I used unsalted)
3 cups chicken stock
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp. onion, chopped
2 tbsp. flour
1/2 c. cream (I use half and half)
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg OR 1/4 tsp. thyme (I use thyme)

Slice mushrooms through cap and stem.  Cook mushrooms with onion in butter for 5 minutes.  Blend in flour, add stock.  Cook and stir until slightly thickened.  Cool slightly, add cream and seasonings.  To serve, heat to just below boiling point. 
*I use extra mushrooms because 1 cup doesn't seem like very many.  My husband likes a "heartier" soup, so this gives it more substance.  I also use unsalted butter because I find when using salted butter it is just too salty.  Now that my family has grown from just hubby and I, I always made a double batch of the soup.

I serve this sandwich with a sandwich or tossed salad.  Today, I am made turkey/apple/cheddar Panini's.  The first time I ever tried this combination was at a lunch bistro and I was amazed by how great it was!  I spread garlic aoli on ciabatta bread, then topped with sliced apples (skins removed), cheddar cheese, and turkey breast.  Enjoy!!

I found this recipe in a local family cookbook and have adapted it to my liking.

Question of the day: What food combination have you tried that was surprisingly good?    

26 Random Acts of Kindness

This past week has had me thinking, a lot.  I started a post back in January, but never completed it and it has been sitting in my "Drafts" for months now.  After the Boston Marathon bombings, I have felt the need to complete this post and share it. 

Source: http://danceteacherwebblog.com/?p=2273

 

The Sandy Hook shootings started a movement across the internet.  26 Random Acts of Kindness.  Facebook, Twitter, blogs, everyone was putting out the plea to complete 26 Random Acts of kindness in honour and memory of the 26 victims of Sandy Hook.  This movement touched me and I began looking for ways in my everyday life to make a difference to someone else.  I began doing little things to put a smile on someone's face: complimenting a new outfit, paying for the vehicle behind me's coffee in the drive-through, etc.  I found that not only did those little things put a smile on the recipients face, but they put a smile on mine.  Everything I did for someone else also made me feel happy.

"When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace."    The 14th Dalai Lama (1935)



After the Boston marathon bombing, I think it's even more important to show kindness to others.  These horrific events shake people right to their core.  Small acts of kindness can remind us that people care.  The human spirit is alive and a few evil people are not the majority. 

"Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference."   Kevin Heath

Every week, I will share with you one of my random acts of kindness.  Sometimes they cost money, and sometimes they are as simple as a compliment to someone who needs it.  For me, this isn't done after 26 acts of kindness.  I will be doing this to honour the victims of Sandy Hook, Boston Marathon, 9/11, Montreal Massacre, etc. and for all the victims of tragedies that we don't hear about. 

Random Act of Kindness #1: On Friday, I was speaking on the phone with a friend.  I could tell she was having a bad day and feeling insecure.  I told her what a great job she was doing: as a mother, a friend, a volunteer board member, etc.  I told her how valued she was and how fortunate we were to have her in our life.  She paused for a long time, and I was worried that she was annoyed with me (there's my own insecurities rearing their head).  Then, I heard a small sob and she said "Really?  Thank-you.".  All the wonderful things about herself that I could see, she wasn't seeing in that moment.  She needed to hear it to get her self "back in her lane" (as Oprah says).  Friday evening I received the following message from her "Thank-you so much for what you said to me.  Today, I was feeling like I was doing everything wrong and wasn't making a difference to anything or anyone.  Thanks for picking me up when I needed it and making me feel better." 

"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness.  Every act created a ripple with no logical end."  Scott Adams (1957) 

If we all pledge to commit one Random Act of Kindness per week, think of the good that will be spread in the world.  The smiles on strangers and friends faces alone make this all worthwhile.   Please commit to this, and then share it.   Let's all make the world a better place. 
"Pass It On...." Thank-you!!

Question of the Day: Will you commit to 1 Small Act of Kindness per week? 

A Statistic

I had a different post planned for today, but decided to share this instead. 

Last week my family became a statistic.  A very lucky statistic, an incredibly fortunate statistic, but a statistic none-the-less.  Five days ago, my father-in-law was seriously injured in a farm-related accident.  He came out incredibly lucky, but his life will be changed.  I struggled with whether I should share this story on here, but ultimately decided I would.    Most of you reading this are probably not from a rural area, and you may not have anything to do with the agriculture industry.  Maybe one person reads this and is a little extra careful tomorrow at work.  Because this isn't only just a story about farm safety, it's a story about workplace safety and many occupations have hazards associated with them. 

Source: http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/farm_safety.html

 

Studies indicate that annually, between 5% to 10% of the agriculture population are injured in non-fatal accidents.  (Source: here)  On Friday, our family farm became part of those statistics.  My husband's family operates a mixed farm; a grain and cattle operation.  My father-in-law was moving grain out of a bin using an auger. 

Source: www.brandt.ca

 

This is a busy time of year at the farm.  They are calving (the process where cows have their babies) and preparing for seeding (planting of the crops in the spring).  It is a busy time of year with an endless amount of jobs to be done.  In a split second, my F-I-L took one wrong step and instead of stepping into the bin, stepped into the auger.  He has been around them his entire life and knows how careful you need to be....all in took was one second of not paying attention.  Thankfully, the auger stalled and he was able to pull his foot/leg out before even more damage was done.  He was rushed by ambulance to the hospital and hours later had surgery.  His toes were gone and he had severe damage at the end of his foot.  The Doctors made the decision to amputate the front half of his foot.  He is left with his ankle, heel and back half of the foot.  He will be able to get a prosthetic so he will be able to walk, golf, and return to the career he loves.  The spectrum of the farm may change, as he will not likely be able to keep up with cattle, but he can return to work the land. 

Source: Private Photo

The bottom line is: he was lucky.  There are a million different things that could have happened to have this ending be different.  If the auger hadn't stalled, it could have sucked in more of his leg, or worse if he had fallen into it.  Each year, there are many deaths due to farm accidents.  We are incredibly lucky to not be part of those statistics. 

Source: Private Photo



Please take your time and be careful.  Whatever industry you work in and whatever job you do, there is someone who loves you and is worried about you.    Please return home safely to them. 

 

For Boston

I had another post planned for today, but like others, I felt compelled to comment on yesterday's horrific events in Boston.  My heart is breaking for the victims, their families & friends, for the runners, for the spectators, for the volunteers & first responders, for the city of Boston, and for the United States of America. 

As a Canadian, I am proud to have neighbors to the south who value the same things we do: freedom, equality, free speech, the list goes on... When events like this occur, my heart breaks for you.  As a country, you are my friends, and I am sick to see this happen to my friends. 

Then, I saw this picture circulating through the internet.  Suddenly, I felt something else.  I felt hope.  Hope that each of us standing up in Boston's defence and to show solidarity will show the evil in this world that they will not win.  Because this quote is true.  There is always more good in this world than evil.  The community of Boston, the runner's community, the people in America, the people in North America, the people of the world, all of mankind will stand arm-in-arm.  We are resilient.  Whether it be by giving blood, donations, opening your homes, hugs, kind words, pictures on the internet, tweets, Facebook posts, going for a run, and tears shed.  We all stand behind Boston and everyone affected by this horrific event. 

Today, I run for Boston.  And I run for hope.  I hope that the victims and their families know that they are in the hearts and prayers of people from all around the world.

Today my thoughts and prayers are for Boston.

An Evening With Oprah

Yesterday, I had an incredible experience.  Myself and three of my best friends, (along with 14,000  other people) spent "An Evening with Oprah".  Oprah's final stop of her Canadian tour ended with a last-minute additional stop: Saskatoon, SK.  The tickets sold out and more than 14,000 women traveled to Credit Union Centre to hear Oprah speak.

After appetizers and a glass of wine, my girlfriends and I made our way to CUC (the big events centre).  I hadn't really looked at our tickets, so I was shocked to see that we were in Row 9, on the floor.  What does that mean?  There were 8 rows of chairs in between us and Oprah on stage.  Wow!  They were incredible seats! 

Before the show, looking at the stage from our seats.

 

Just as a little comparison, this is our view looking behind us. 

 

The show was slated to start at 6:00 pm, but didn't get going until 6:30.  The traffic was INSANE in the parking lot and the event organizers decided to hold off the event so most people would be in the building when it begs.  I was so glad we had taken a shuttle and come early.  Instead of fighting traffic, we were relaxing in our seats and visiting.   

 

Soon enough, Oprah Winfrey was walking onto the stage and the applause was thunderous.  I have to say, I am not an Oprah "super fan".  I enjoyed her show, but only watched it occasionally.  But, when Oprah walked on stage, I had goose bumps.  To be in the presence of someone who has influenced so many lives was amazing.  Our seats added to the program for me.  She was so close, we could make out her facial expressions and it was so real watching her live on stage, not having to focus on the big screen from the back of the stadium. 

 

My photos don't do this justice.  Cameras were not allowed, but you could take pictures with your phones.  I'm using my iPhone 4 and the quality leaves something to be desired.  But, honestly, I don't even care.  The fact that I was this close to Oprah was enough!

After she spoke for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, she did a question and answer period with one of her staff members. 

 Question and Answer period



  
I could write 10 posts on all of the things Oprah spoke about.  I understand now why people brought notepads and took notes during her show. It was amazing and inspiring.  Instead, I'll focus on one thing, that I think is doable for each and every one of us.  At the end of every day, Oprah recommends making a list of 10 things that you are thankful for.  By keeping a "Gratitude Journal", it makes you look at life differently.  During the day, you find yourself looking for things to be thankful for.  Some days, it's the little things like someone holding the door for you.  Some days, it's big things, but every day you are looking for things to be thankful for.  It changes your way of thinking from "I wish I had, I wish today had been...to I am thankful for.  What an incredible message! 

So, here is my list of what I am thankful for from last night:
1. I am thankful for my children and their health.  This isn't something I take for granted because my children's health wasn't always a guarantee.  A day doesn't go by that I am not thankful that they are here with me today and are healthy and active.
2. I am thankful for my husband.  He is a kind, supportive, hard-working man who in the midst of difficult times encouraged me to take today and spend the afternoon with my friends because I needed that.  The easy route would have been to ask me to stay home, but that's not the path he took.
3. I am thankful for my extended family; my parents, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and my in-law extended family.  I am thankful that I was raised and am surrounded by the kind of people who make me want to do my very best.
4. I am thankful my father-in-law is with us today.  (More on this story another day).
5. I am thankful for my "old" friends.  I am thankful that in elementary school I met people who would be by my side for my life.  We don't see each other enough or spend enough time together, but I know they are always there and I know they will always be there for me.  Spending the afternoon with these girls reminds me how fortunate I am.  In every stage of life, I think we make different friends, new friends, and they are all important. But, it is nice to have people in your life who have known you your whole life.
6. I am thankful for the country, province, town, and house I live in.  I am thankful I live with freedom and peace. 
7. I am thankful for my health.  These days, it seems like everyway you turn, someone is getting sick.
8. I am thankful for the ability to laugh.  Because I am so fortunate in my life, I can laugh. Deep, rumbling, uncontrolled-sort-of-ugly, teary-eyed laughter.  We all have stress in our lives, but because I am surrounded by such incredible people, they help to bear some of that stress.  Laughter really is the best medicine and when you can relax enough to have uncontrollable laughter is enlightening.
9. I am thankful for modern medicine, both "eastern" and "western" varieties.  I am thankful because modern medicine saved the lives of my sons.  It has helped my father-in-law and helps ease his pain.  Holistic medicine has helped many of my family members as well. 
10. I am thankful for the shuttle buses from CUC.  Instead of sitting in traffic separately, waiting in a parking lot for an hour or more, my friends and I hopped a shuttle bus to a different non-crowded parking lot where our vehicles were waiting.  We got to spend an extra half hour together, laughing and joking, instead of in a vehicle getting road rage. 

So, there you have it.  A brief recap of my "Evening With Oprah", and the first entry in my "Gratitude Journal".  If you ever have the opportunity to listen to Oprah speak, I would highly recommend it.  She was a captivating speaker and had the whole audience in awe.  Her story was incredible and she spoke with warmth, passion, and a candour that made you feel like you were listening to an old friend.  It was an amazingly uplifting day spent with good friends and a great message. 

As Oprah would say "Turn up the volume on your life.  Live out loud!"

Question of the day: What are you most thankful for?

Strong Moms Empower

Yesterday, I took a pledge.  A pledge to not judge other Moms, to not look down on others' decisions, to stop giving "the look".  You know the one.  I originally saw this pledge here, on RuralMoms.com.  They have a great article about "the look" and judging others, I'd recommend going to read it here. 

 

 

 You can sign the pledge by visiting: http://strongmomsempower.com/.  After you've signed, they give you a choice of a bunch of buttons to grab and share.  I couldn't decide on just one, so I took three.  :) 

 I love this one.  It's exactly how I feel.  Before I had children, I had all the answers of what I was going to do.  I wanted to be the perfect Mom.  Now, I'm in the thick of it and some days, I consider everyone lucky if I don't run screaming out of the house.  Don't get me wrong.  I love my children with my whole heart, I would do anything for those little sweethearts.  But being a mother isn't as easy as I thought. And it certainly doesn't make it any easier when your friends, neighbors, or family members are looking down at you for your parenting decisions and/or how you are doing things. 

 

We're all doing this the same way.  One step at a time. There's no manual, no magic book to tell us exactly how to get our kid's to sleep through the night (and if there was, trust me, I would have paid big money for that thing).  There's no "one way" to produce well-adjusted, happy, kind adults.  And let's face it, that's what every parent wants.  We want our children to grow up to be happy, successful, well-adjusted people.  I think any mother would tell you she would do anything to know how to make that happen. 

 

So, instead of judging that mom down the street who bottle fed right from day 1, or your cousin who breast fed until her child was 3...how about we just say "to each his own".  And support one another.  When you are shopping and you see children screaming and misbehaving, instead of looking at the mother and thinking "get your children to behave"....look a little closer.  You'll see someone just like you.  You might see how tired she is or how frustrated she is.  Just remember...she doesn't want this to happen either, and she's doing the best she can.

 

I took the pledge.  I pledge to not judge.  I pledge to empower other moms.  I pledge to support other women.  When someone looks like they are at their witts end, I pledge to do something to help, not hurt.  Because God knows those eye rolls, looks, and judgemental comments do hurt.  I know I'm not the only one to say I've come home from an outing with my children and shed a couple tears over hurtful comments other women have said to me. 

 

Please, consider taking the pledge too. Then share the button on Twitter, Facebook, wherever you can!  Awareness is the first step towards change.  Let's change!!



Take the pledge at http://strongmomsempower.com/. 

Very Inspiring Blogger

Wow!  That's all I know how to say.   Recently, I was nominated by Rebecca at Running Around the World as a Very Inspiring Blogger.  I am honored that she considers my posts inspiring and interesting.  And to be honest, I'm thrilled and a little overwhelmed.  I can't stop smiling and I'm so dang excited that someone is reading my little blog.  So, thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!  I was also VERY honored to be in the same nomination as Heather at Through Heather's Looking Glass and Rachel at Runner's Tales.  These are two blogs I've been following and two incredible running ladies! I hadn't checked out Kimberly at Love Every Mile before, but I sure have now.  Please bop over and check out Rebecca's  blog, it's awesome!  I LOVED her Marathon recap and her travels through Europe.  Keep up on the awesome posts Rebecca!! 

Here are the rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who nominated you. 
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Nominate 15 other bloggers and comment on their blogs to let them know. 

So, here we go...7 things about myself:

1. I love Disney.  A lot.  I am currently trying to determine how I will decorate my kid's playroom/family room in the basement (on a small budget) to look like a Disney park.  If you have any suggestions or ideas, please let me know!!
2.  As of Tuesday, I am "officially" unemployed.  Sort-of.  I will be a full-time Mommy to my three small children, as well as volunteering on various boards and organizations in our community.  I am excited and thankful for the opportunity I have to stay with my children.  Truthfully, I am also feeling a little lost.  I have been with the same company for 11 1/2 years...since I was 20.  As silly as it sounds, I feel like a little bit of my identity has been taken away. 
3. I love fresh flowers.  Well, almost any flower, I'm not a real carnation lover, but everything other than that, I love.  I think a few fresh flowers on the table make the room "pretty". 
4. I am so lucky to still have my Gramma M.  She is 85 years old, going on 55.  She is active and healthy and is an inspiration to me.  My Gramma is one of the kindest people I know and makes an effort to get t know everyone.  I have never seen her in a bad mood and she keeps in touch with her entire family .(four children + spouses, 14 grandchildren +11 spouses, 14 great-grandchildren)  Gramma makes friends wherever she goes and can always find a connection to each person she meets.  My Gramma is the glue that keeps our family as close-knit as it is and she has taught us the value of family. 
5. I am secretly (well, not so secretly anymore) hoping to get picked for the
runDisney Meet-up at the Tinkerbell Half Marathon.  I actually get butterflies in my stomach and a little jittery when I think about it.  Like right now...I have a big silly grin on my face and am already playing it over in my mind.  Again. 
6. When I was young, I always wanted to be a writer.  I loved writing everything: poems, stories, essays...loved it all.  I won several awards from when I was aged 8 - 17.  In Grade 12, I placed 2nd in the province (Canada's version of a state) in an essay competition. But for some reason, I never pursued it further.  Guess it's not that far-fetched that I wanted to start blogging.  :)
7. I love spring.  And I really, really wish it would hurry up and get here.  I hate to be a complainer...I am very fortunate to live where I do.  We have fresh water, clean air, and our freedom....things that many in this world do not.  We have also had snow for almost six months straight!  And there is still lots of it left, last night it was -15 C and the weatherman is calling for another blizzard this weekend.  It is starting to feel like winter 2013 is never ending!  It's not uncommon that we get a snow in April, but usually it has melted by now.  I am so ready for this winter to be over and spring to come.  I can't wait to get outside! 

Nominations:

1. We Run Disney
2. Running At Disney
3.  Flowers croon (where the birds sing words)
4. 2 Princesses on the Run
5. ...Just Me and My Running Shoes...
6. Pumpkin to Princess
7. Running Toward the Prize
8. Live, Run, Grow
9. Twins Run In Our Family
10. Running Happily Ever After
11. Finding The Skinny Geek Within
12. Menybyvicky
13. Through Heathers Looking Glass
14. Running Random
15. C Talley Run

Some of these are blogs I have been following for years and some I have only found in the last few months through Twitter and other bloggers.  Some of them have tons of followers and some only a few.  But they all have something in common: THEY ARE AWESOME!   Each of these bloggers write interesting & inspiring posts.  You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves because you truly are inspiring!  You've inspired me to get back to working out and taking control of my life.  Speaking of which....it's time for Day 3 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. 

Thanks again to Rebecca at Running Around the World for the nomination and for all the awesome, inspiring posts you share!  I would have been nominating you if you hadn't beat me to the punch. 

I have an exciting day planned on Sunday and can't wait to share it with you.  Have a great weekend!!

Tasty Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Today I am super excited to share a recipe that I just discovered yesterday.  It was soooo good that I wanted to share it immediately.  I have been a salt & vinegar chips girl my whole life.  I love them...and the more salty and vinegary, the better.  Unfortunately, salt and vinegar chips are not really "healthy" (by "not really", I actually mean "not at all") healthy options.  I have struggled to find something that will fill those cravings with less calories..or at the very least more nutrients.  I have found it! Thanks to Angela at Oh She Glows for publishing this recipe!  I copied it straight from her website, but head on over and check out more of her recipes.  My mouth starts watering just reading them!

 Salt & Vinegar Chick Peas

 

Ingredients:

 

2 cups canned chickpeas*

3 - 4 cups white vinegar

1 tsp coarse sea salt

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

 

Directions: Line a baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper. Take chickpeas and vinegar and place in a medium sized pot. Add a dash of sea salt. Bring to a boil and then remove from heat. Let sit in pot for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 425F. Carefully drain chickpeas. Place on lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and sea salt. Massage with fingers until fully coated. Roast for 45 minutes, flipping once half way through. Keep a careful eye on them after 35 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t burn. The goal here is crispy and golden chickpeas, not black…lol. Enjoy as a high protein snack or as a side to a lunch or dinner.
*Note: I assume you could also use dry chickpeas and cook them in vinegar from scratch. Also note: When I brought the cooked chickpeas to a boil, some of the peas split open and some of the skins came off. Not to worry if this happens-it will turn out regardless!

I forgot to take pictures, so check out Angela's below.
Read more: http://ohsheglows.com/2010/08/03/easy-salt-vinegar-roasted-chick-peas/#ixzz2PzFlm7EZ

 

These were awesome straight out of the oven and still great a couple hours later as a snack.  They didn't last long!  All three of my kids loved them as well, and my husband couldn't get over how great they were. 

 

Question of the day: What's your favorite guilty flavor?  Salt, chocolate, sweet, tangy, sour?



Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone!  I hope you have time this weekend to spend time with family and enjoy your loved ones. 

Dopey Challenge

I'm jumping on the bandwagon...excited about the new Dopey Challenge that runDisney is offering for the 2014 Disneyworld Marathon Weekend. 

In 2014, runDisney will be adding a 10k option to the marathon weekend.  I LOVE this plan because I think that the 10k will open runDisney to a whole new running clientele.  Many runners aren't interested in running a half marathon, but want something more than an un-timed 5k.  There really is something for everyone now!!

In the past years, "Dopey" has been an unsanctioned event at marathon weekend: complete the 5k, half-marathon, and marathon and you can call yourself "Dopey".  This year, runDisney has decided to change that.  Runners have the option to earn 6 MEDALS!!  If you run the 5k on Thursday, 10k on Friday, half-marathon on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday, you will be Dopey.  You will receive a medal for each of the races you run, as well as the Goofy medal (for running the full and half marathons) and the Dopey medal (for running all four). 

Six medals for 48.6 miles over four days.  Next January, will you be Dopey?  Here is runDisney's invitation to join them.

Source: www.disneyparks.go.com/blog



 

For more information, check out the Disney Parks blog, www.disneyparks.go.com/blog for all the details. 

 

Unfortunately, I don't think I will be making it to marathon weekend next year.  I'm planning on running the Tinkerbell Half marathon and since I'm coming from the Canadian Prairies, I don't think it's realistic to think I can get to both.  But hhhmmm....maybe that will all change?  I'm excited to see if runDisney has any new plans for the Tinkerbell race weekend?  Adding a 10k options seems to be a trend, will it follow through with Tinkerbell and Princess race weekends?

 

Question of the day: Will you be racing at the 2014 Disneyworld Marathon Weekend?  If so, will you be going Dopey?