For My Children

Ginger is 13 months and Milton is 2 years and 5 months

These two beautiful little people are my entire world.

Ginger's personality is coming out more and more everyday.

She is a beautiful little soul.

She is playful and sassy, stubborn and opinionated.

She has gone from walking to running and her daddy is teaching her to dance.

I love her with all my being!!

Milton is becoming a little boy.

He is so smart. Watching him, he amazes me on a daily basis.

He is learning to spell and count, he knows all his colors, animals, and is very much a boy..............he loves monster trucks and tractors.

He is learning to share and be gentle with his little sister.

I love him more than words could ever express.

No matter what..................These two little angels make everything okay.

My world can be falling apart but as long as I have my babies, I know I will be okay.

Honestly, they save my life on a daily basis.

The amount of love that God has given me to love these children astounds me everyday.

I have never been so grateful for anything in my entire life, two beautiful healthy children.

Thank you for blessing my life and allowing me to be your guide.

I promise to fill your life with an abundance of love and light.

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Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian Food Lovers........This Post's For You!!! 

I swear to you this is the absolute BEST Chicken Tikka Masala recipe I have EVER tasted. Better than ANY restaurant., I swear. 

If you have interest or taste for Indian food please make this. You will be craving it for the rest of your life. My husband begs for it!!!! 

Seriously! 

Ingredients

• 1 large container of plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
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• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 4 teaspoons salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to 24 hours.
2. Drain chicken in a colander prior to cooking got get rid of all excess yogurt then Heat a large skillet to medium high and cook the chicken pieces for about 15 minuets stirring every few minuets. They should be just tender. Set Aside, you can finish cooking the chicken for a few minuets once you have the sauce prepared.
3. Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and 3 teaspoons salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro.Serve with jasmine rice and peas.

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Desicions........Desicions!!!

Hmmmmmmm................................

 Well folks, once again I find myself at a crossroads!  Let's just get one thing clear right away....no I am not yet pregnant!!!!

 My husband asked Little Milton very casually in the car the other day if he wanted a baby brother or sister........WHOA!!!!!   Little Milton immediately responded, "sister" and then after he thought about it for a moment, he said "brother"

 

 Then yesterday we all playing in his room and he looked at me and in a questioning voice said over and over again,  Another Baby?Another Baby?Another Baby? I replied, Do you want mama to have another baby Milton? and he said "OKAY!!"  

 My husband and I have always wanted a family..........probably on the bigger side. We haven't talked extensively about this but all of a sudden it just seems "RIGHT"
  Well, it seems right to me at least. My only reservation is money. We are in dire straights financially but my children are my everything and I would love to grow our family. On the other hand I feel like it is a little irresponsible on my end as we can barley make it in the world as a family of four. 

 Sooooooo......................I have butterfly's in my stomach about the possibility of another baby. I feel excited, giddy, like a little kid on Christmas but realistically I know we are in for A LOT more stress that we even know. But, in my heart I think there might be one more little soul out there waiting for us.

My Birth Necklace!! My wonderful, fantastic, romantic husband surprised me with the ruby when my son was born and then surprised me again with the emerald when my daughter was born. 

  I know once we start trying I will be pregnant immediately. I got pregnant with Milton the first time we ever tried and Ginger was a very happy surprise. So I'm not worried about that. 

And I  have a marathon or so to run before we can make it a reality but the wheels are in motion......I think??? YIKES!!! I'm scared. Mom's of 3, got any recommendations? Also take into account that my first 2 are only 14 month apart and we don't want his one left behind so this would be a fairly quick decision.   What do you think?????I'm dying to hear your opinion!!!   
Dress: {MOD CLOTH} only $44 dollars. a total steel! Shoes: Bought in Italy, brand is Franco BarbieriBracelet's: My aunt brought from India

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Brutal Truth is a Beautiful Thing with Cori from La Vie Petite

I have started a little interview process called  "Brutal Truth is a Beautiful Thing."

I'm doing this because I love to get to know the "real" people behind their blogs. I think so many of us are afraid to tell the truth whatever it may be. We want others to like us. We want others to read our blog. We don't want to scare anyone away.

Me included!! 

You can read my itnterview anytime {HERE}   For the first year I never really shared a lot of personal information because I didn't think people wanted to hear it.I posted my recipes and a few cute pics of the kids and that's it. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes, people still want all the fabulous recipes and cute photos but they want to know me. I have gotten the biggest responses from my "on my heart" posts. People want to know you, what makes you you, the person you are. They want to know how you live your life. They don't want a bunch of  nonsense about how fancy your car is and perfect your life is. I think we all want to be able to relate to each other and NONE of us are perfect!!!

Today's Interview: Cori from La Vie Petite

What's your greatest Weakness?

I'm impatient.  With myself, with things I want to happen in life, and sometimes with my littles.  But, I'm working on it... daily.  

What's your greatest strength?

Persistence. I don't give up.  I've always been extremely miniature.  When I was a child this meant that everyone was always telling me that I "couldn't" do something because I was too small.  It developed in me a kind of willful defiance where I won't let anything stop me.  Especially being the underdog.  I have my height (or lack thereof) to thank for a lot of the things that define me.  If I wasn't so short, I don't know if I ever would have learned to sew and design my own clothes, and now that is such a huge part of my life.

What has emotionally crippled you in your lifetime? 

The times when I have engaged in self-pity.  Everyone is carrying a heavy load in life.  Everyone has had some sort of trial or other, but I truly believe that wallowing in it only makes it worse.  My husband (I call him Mr.) has taught me more about this than anyone I've ever met.  The man never feels sorry for himself, he's infinitely forgiving and never holds a grudge.  He is the most happy, proactive person I have ever met.  It's so refreshing to live with someone who decides to be in a good mood everyday no matter what life throws at them.  And I can testify that following his example has changed my life into something so much more wonderful than I could have ever imagined.

What has elated you with joy in your lifetime?

My marriage and being  mom to my 3 littles.

Have much have you evolved since your teenage years? Are you a similar person? 

Essentially, I'm still very much the same person I was as a teenager.  I have the same values that I had then, the same personality.  But growing up, going to college, having a family, being married to Mr. has taught me so much about who I really am.  I understand myself far better now than I did then, I'm more patient (definitely) and probably a lot more understanding and kinder to other people as well.  I also have much more reasonable expectations.  I realize that there are seasons to everything.  But I'm still the same, the roots where always there, I just had to wait for them to break out.

What's something you don't want to tell us about?

I used to be very insecure.  It was crippling, and turned me into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Choosing to be insecure is very poisonous. I'm glad it's in the past.

When the world is crashing down on you, where do you go?

Straight to my knees.  My faith in God has pulled me through so many things.  And to Mr.  As I mentioned above, he's about the most ideal person in the world to go to when you need support.

 Do you have any goals? What are they?

Yes.  So many.  More than is reasonable for a mother of 3 littles.  But a few of them are:


1. To raise well-adjusted, kind children; who get an education and are upstanding citizens.


2.  Always have a fabulous marriage.


3. Launch my own clothing line (working on this now-- eek!)

Can you honestly say you love what you do?

Yes!  I love being a mom.  Every wonderful thing about being a woman is wrapped up in motherhood.  I completely embrace my femininity.  I cherish it.  I believe in it's strength.  I am proud that Mr. works his booty off so I can be there for my babies at all times, so I can see their faces when they get off the bus everyday.  I know that I could be doing a lot of things in the world, I have talents unique to me, just like everyone else, and for me it was a choice between giving those talents to others or my babies.  I choose them.  I know that everyone doesn't feel that way, and that I am so blessed to have the opportunity.  And I thank Mr. everyday when he gets home from work. ;-)


I also love to write.  I always have.  Someday I want to be a real published author, but until then, blogging is a lovely way to put my thoughts on paper-er the internet...


And of course, what girl doesn't love great clothes?  I love the pure creation of the design process.  Painstakingly obsessing over the pattern, the measurements.  I love the cutting, pinning, ironing, and when a piece of clothing comes together it's one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.

Who has been the single most influential person in your lifetime thus far?

I have 2.

My Brother.  He has taught me more about compassion than any other person on this earth.  And growing up with someone like him shaped who I became and the way in which I view the world.

And Mr.  I am extremely fortunate in my choice of spouse.  I'm so lucky that 20-year-old me chose so well, because I married an amazing man.  Being his wife has made me a much much better person.  He treats me like I am everything I should be, and it makes me want to be that.

Honestly, we are all striving for something, what is your greatest goal in life? I'm not talking about money!

To be the very best version of myself, in every aspect of my life.  Especially as a wife,  mother, and daughter of God.  I think if I could get there, everything else is collateral success.

Name your most defining moment!!!
The day I truly came to understand myself, nothing brilliant happened, I just suddenly woke up and realized who I really was.  It was awesome.

Also, the day I became a mother.  Like whoa.

Are there people in your past that you wish you could make amends with?

Yes, but they aren't really interested in it I think.
I'm  learning that sometimes people just don't like you, and there's nothing you can do about it.  So I'm nice, and I move on. What else can you do?

What memory will be forever burned in your mind to the point where you can smell the room and feel the energy?

The day my brother was diagnosed with cancer.  Worst. day. ever.

What movie and/or book speaks to you? 

Aw, so many.  I am such a reader.  And I love great films.


Books:


Anything Jane Austen.  Those are my kind of love stories.  I absolutely adore Pride and Prejudice. Also, her characters often have a very strong bond with their sisters, and I have 4 sisters who are my very best friends in the world.

 "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society." I know.  It has the strangest name ever, but it is such a wonderful book.  When I read the main character, it's like reading myself.  Also, it's takes place just after World War 2 and I am obsessed with that time period.  Amazing book.


"Atlas Shrugged."  I won't get political on you, but I think every responsible citizen should read this book.  It's a beast (almost 1,100 pages, I think) but so captivating.  I don't agree with every single idea in the book, but for the most part she is spot on.  It was written like 60 years ago, but the stuff she writes about is so relevant to today, that it's almost prophetic.


Movies:
Penelope.  I have a huge crush on James McAvoy (which Mr. is fully aware of) and I love everything Christina Ricci wears, plus the movie is just darling.


Strictly Ballroom: I used to be a dancer, and I can't help but love this movie.  There was a time when my sister and I were completely obsessed with this offbeat, quirky little Aussie film, and I will forever love it.


It's a Wonderful Life: I love Jimmy Stewart, and this movie makes me weep.


So many more, but that's all I can think of right now.


Music:
Technically this isn't on there, but Mindy Gledhill's music just speaks to me.  Her album "Anchor" is my most favorite in the world.

What is your greatest wish right here and now?

To be able to have another little.  The Mr. and I have been trying for quite some time for our 4th, but no luck yet.  I had a really hard time with it for awhile, but I'm okay now.  I realize how blessed I am to have the 3 littles that I have.  But if I'm completely honest, I really, really want one more.  Fingers crossed.

Thank you Cori so much for sharing your truth with us today!

I A*D*O*R*E Cori and her blog. She has an amazing sense of style and her family is beautiful!!! And, She makes drop dead gorgeous clothing. I personally own 3 of her skirts and I am IN LOVE with them!!!!! You can find her shop {here}, however her skirts sell out almost instantly so the best way to get one of her skirts is to follow her on {facebook} where she alerts you when she has posted new skirts for sale. Trust me, they are worth every penny!!!!! Please check out Cori's blog La Vie Petite {here}

You May read the entire series of "Brutal Truth"

 Interviews {HERE}

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Freedom

Running...........is FREEDOM.
It has become MY FREEDOM!

  Freedom from everyday life. Freedom from my problems. Freedom from stress.   It has become one of the biggest blessings in my life!

 It the greatest discipline in my  life. Everyday, it takes persistance, time, endurance, commitment.      I push through pain, wind, cold, exhaustion on a daily basis and mentally I am becoming a warrior. An even stronger warrior than I already was.   Just like becoming a mother adds another layer to your being, so does running and it makes you a very dynamic person. It is something to be very proud of. It takes an incredible abount of work and perseverance.     When I first started running for the first three weeks I literally  thought I might keel over and die. EVERYDAY!   So no I was not some "natural" runner. I don't think such a thing exists. Running is a very difficult sport and you must train to be good at it.   Then, slowly it got easier and it started to become enjoyable.   I started to become proud of my self. I would feel great if I could run just a little faster or a little longer than I had the day before.   When I started out I ran 12 minuet miles. I am now running Under 10 minuet miles, usually 8.52 -9.3   I have been running 15-30 miles a week for about 5 months now. I have seen DRAMATIC changes in my body......not weight wise, just visual wise.

Bow: {MUCH LOVE ILLY}

  Running makes me feel like an incredibly strong woman. I feel like I can do any ting when I run. I know when I finish my full marathon regardless of my time, my life will be forever changed.   It already is.

  I'm fairly sure at this point I will never go back. I am a Runner for life. It consumes me. It's all I can  think about. I can't stop reading books about it, researching gear,  and meeting other runners. I love it.   When I run my mind goes into some state of zen. I think about a huge gamut of topics in the hours I run. Really,  I think about everything and nothing and nothing at the same time, it's more like a beautiful meditation. Fleeting thoughts come and go but nothing lingers, nothing bothers me. By the time I get home,    It doesn't matter what kind of mood I was in before I left because when I return I am glowing..........serene, content!   My self esteem has improved 10 fold . Forget loosing 110 pounds......TO know I can run 15 miles with no problem makes me feel like a warrior, like I can do anything, I can overcome anything and I know I can! I have a feeling once I finish my first marathon this feeling with become greater and greater, almost as if I am unstoppable.  

I never feel lonely when I run. I love the feeling of being all alone; my feet striking the pavement. I can hear my breath and feel my heart beat. I can tell weather I am running a nine or ten minuet mile just by my breathing pattern. It's amazing!!! 
Everything about running makes me feel amazing!! I truly hope I never stop! I hope to be a marathon runner for life.    My 1/2 Marathon is in less than a week and I am PUMPED!!! I can't wait to see how much fun this is and how my time comes out!!!!   When I get home I am going to dive head first into FULL marathon training!!! I can't wait! I am on my way to fulfilling a life long dream. I'm shooting for a Marathon on May 5th. So I better get crackin'; doesn't give me much time!!!    Please friends if you have a goal, no matter how big, please go for it!!!!!! It will become a reality if you make it.   

WHEN I RUN I AM FREE!!!!!   So I will be absent for a week starting at the end of this week or maybe earlier. I have a full work to complete PLUS pack for 2 adults and 2 babies for 7 days...YIKES!!! I have lists coming out the wazoo.   I will have 7 whole days just to soak  up my family. I am so grateful!!!   I have a few guest bloggers for you and an amazing giveaway. I will miss you all terribly but I promise I will make you proud and you can expect a full post about the race when I get back!!!!!   Ciao for now!!!! Wish me luck!!!!     Dress: {MODERN VINTAGE BOUTIQUE} Bow: {MUCH LOVE ILLY} Pumps: Steve Madden Sunnies: Kohl's for Loran Conrad  Pin It

A Valentine's Day DIY and my Valentine's Recipe Recap

Have a million broken left over crayons you don't now what to do with?

Me too!!! I have your solution!!! 

VALENTINE'S RECIPE RECAP!!!

Recipe for these fabulous heart cookie lollipops {HERE}

Recipe for these hot pink chocolate chip cookies {HERE}

Recipe for these decidant Triple Chocolate Bombs {HERE}

Recipe for these gorgeous Hot Pink Valentine's Day Pin wheel cookies {HERE}

Recipe for these Stuffed Nutella Muffins {HERE}

I sincerely hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's day with someone special.

Ciao for now lovelies!!!

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