tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32639412717469537872024-03-05T15:30:48.949-08:00NurturingtheNaturalMamaIt's not Nature vs Nurture, it's that it's Natural to Nurture :)Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-14995666627952513392013-11-14T19:06:00.000-08:002013-11-14T19:06:40.719-08:00#TBT ~ Advent Begins December 1st - Make It a Family Celebration, and Not Just Counting Down Chocolates... <h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">
#ThrowbackThursday to what we did last year for Advent, and will repeat this year with a twist- WATCH for my Advent 2013 post <i>Coming Soon.... <3 </i></h3>
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Advent 2012</h3>
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This year our family is working on strengthening our relationships with each other, and with God and our <a href="http://www.fpfcme.org/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">church</a>. Having historically been what I would describe as more "spiritual" than religious in the past, I am learning a long with my kids, the story of the Bible and the birth of Jesus.<br />
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We have decided to celebrate Advent this year DIY style :)<br />
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It cost only 99 cents for the bags. Much cheaper than the traditional cardboard or chocolate laden advent calendars from the store.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #222222; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1vD31BtIjXIkRYgCo4Rr5bYP7gRfX9ZEO0yuCkjhOJecdFSrN8md5s_ub8WlQHTSaeTWTXhL5RaBMJgx_2wbx-H33yd3qlWmWUqcfFMqfm00X9HPvBrVmbw8q4KII6Y5DL97wXfhqOM/s1600/blogholiday+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1vD31BtIjXIkRYgCo4Rr5bYP7gRfX9ZEO0yuCkjhOJecdFSrN8md5s_ub8WlQHTSaeTWTXhL5RaBMJgx_2wbx-H33yd3qlWmWUqcfFMqfm00X9HPvBrVmbw8q4KII6Y5DL97wXfhqOM/s320/blogholiday+1.jpg" height="191" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px;">I modified this idea from something I saw on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Pinterest</a>.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #222222; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrdi3UfA3b-85s7H6WZQGnoMOmDCsyTffPyXy-CnqMd-7g5J8WwEKzb7sm2jb3dkfH1pajATFIsiM_TCgxuxpULIBAPFwcUYjti4OLJzTjiM2c9n3EQQthJs2kw3_GWrblgYVNkqZ-1o/s1600/blogholiday+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrdi3UfA3b-85s7H6WZQGnoMOmDCsyTffPyXy-CnqMd-7g5J8WwEKzb7sm2jb3dkfH1pajATFIsiM_TCgxuxpULIBAPFwcUYjti4OLJzTjiM2c9n3EQQthJs2kw3_GWrblgYVNkqZ-1o/s320/blogholiday+2.jpg" height="320" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px;">I filled each bag with a line from, essentially, the Nativity story. Although also modified, for my 2 and 5 year olds ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoi52-Z0_asRx7dg1VCyXXmrEboy8n3ZX7-VpAZqdHmT_yo0r66FFleLVSDC4olO9VFOcMLvf_5e1qO3lEqGe0leE7SlPeC2734CTHCjBtgc5i-BOrK5gcOldndt2lrbsShuQdRwI4FE/s1600/blogholiday+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoi52-Z0_asRx7dg1VCyXXmrEboy8n3ZX7-VpAZqdHmT_yo0r66FFleLVSDC4olO9VFOcMLvf_5e1qO3lEqGe0leE7SlPeC2734CTHCjBtgc5i-BOrK5gcOldndt2lrbsShuQdRwI4FE/s320/blogholiday+3.jpg" height="320" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px;">of course we also added some treats!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #222222; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdTxcCyumlWFFwxcBrfDigmP_FS5ebKBt_ceNT0SQE8mrSzXnAJ7l29sqZ_2o15vfL-7IJQ8uMXivOFRXqoG2BmaF_vPw4ZE4xXhF17Fw5BfmL_9FajRn_xcOrJ7c3sfJ35Pc_6aqyvY/s1600/blogholiday+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #33aaff; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdTxcCyumlWFFwxcBrfDigmP_FS5ebKBt_ceNT0SQE8mrSzXnAJ7l29sqZ_2o15vfL-7IJQ8uMXivOFRXqoG2BmaF_vPw4ZE4xXhF17Fw5BfmL_9FajRn_xcOrJ7c3sfJ35Pc_6aqyvY/s320/blogholiday+4.jpg" height="191" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px;">they got prepped and HUNG today over ribbon with clothespins!</td></tr>
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What are some different things, DIY or otherwise, you're trying this year??</div>
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-51657148451439521652013-11-12T06:40:00.000-08:002013-11-12T06:40:01.419-08:00Cold Weather Doesn't Just Mean the Flu for Your Kids... It Could Mean Harmful Chemical Exposure! <div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<em>Originally published by The Clean Bedroom (www.thecleanbedroom.com) November 11, 2013. </em></div>
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<em>By Theresa Sirois, blogger </em></div>
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As some of you may remember, I also blog for <a _mce_href="www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com" href="http://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a00d834207e6353ef00d834207e6853ef/post/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096c1c2970b/www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com" target="_self">NurturingtheNaturalMama</a>, and I recently received an email question from a reader that I think may best be persued here, with <a _mce_href="www.thecleanbedroom.com" href="http://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a00d834207e6353ef00d834207e6853ef/post/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096c1c2970b/www.thecleanbedroom.com" target="_self">The Clean Bedroom</a>. Why? Because as I researched an answer to my reader's question, I found myself referencing several websites, <em>including <a _mce_href="www.thecleanbedroom.com" href="http://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a00d834207e6353ef00d834207e6853ef/post/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096c1c2970b/www.thecleanbedroom.com" target="_self">The Clean Bedroom</a></em>! So since I'm busy gathering a bunch of information on <a _mce_href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Natural_Bedding/Comforters/Crescent_Moon_Alpaca_Wool.htm" href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Natural_Bedding/Comforters/Crescent_Moon_Alpaca_Wool.htm" target="_self">alpaca products</a> for you anyway, I figured now would be a great time for this post! </div>
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The question I was asked was: "What are some healthy recommendations for babies/toddlers in the winter that are warm and not laden with toxic chemicals? We are renovating my kids bedroom and need some ideas... they are starting to get into new sizes, and I am wondering if organic clothing is worth the price?..." </div>
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<span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Here are some things to think about:</strong></span></div>
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<strong>Flame Retardent Pajamas</strong></div>
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<strong><a _mce_href="http://aviary.blob.core.windows.net/k-mr6i2hifk4wxt1dp-13110220/9284a0c1-99dd-476f-bf7a-b8d724a26ba0.jpg" class="asset-img-link" href="http://aviary.blob.core.windows.net/k-mr6i2hifk4wxt1dp-13110220/9284a0c1-99dd-476f-bf7a-b8d724a26ba0.jpg"><img _mce_src="http://thecleanbedroom.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096581d970b-120wi" alt="Wool pajamas" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096581d970b" src="http://thecleanbedroom.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096581d970b-120wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Wool pajamas" /></a><div class="photo-caption caption-xid-6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096581d970b" id="caption-xid-6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096581d970b" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 10px 0px; text-align: center;">
from www.simplymerino.com</div>
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<strong> </strong>You can check out this great article, <a _mce_href="http://healthychild.org/avoid-cold-weather-nightmares-pick-pjs-free-of-flame-retardants/" href="http://healthychild.org/avoid-cold-weather-nightmares-pick-pjs-free-of-flame-retardants/" target="_self">Pick Pajamas Free of Chemical Flame Retardents</a>, from <a _mce_href="http://healthychild.org/" href="http://healthychild.org/" target="_self">Healthy Child, Healthy World</a> which says that PJ's labeled "flame resistant" are actually <em>not </em>the ones you want to purchase. They contain flame retardent chemicals which have "...been linked to a variety of health effects including genetic changes, cancer promotion, and liver and nervous system damage". </div>
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<br /> We've all seen the lables on the jammies that say "this garment is meant to fit snug. this garment is not flame resistant". Clothing with this label are "... free of toxic flame retardant treatments", and are thus a much safer option! Additionally, wool clothing is toasty, breathable and chemical free. You can check out some great selections via <a _mce_href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?page=1&q=wool+pajamas&view_type=gallery&ref=related" href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?page=1&q=wool+pajamas&view_type=gallery&ref=related" target="_self">Etsy</a> or sites like <a _mce_href="http://www.simplymerino.com/" href="http://www.simplymerino.com/" target="_self">Simply Merino </a>. </div>
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<a _mce_href="http://aviary.blob.core.windows.net/k-mr6i2hifk4wxt1dp-13110221/6b5f6a1b-15bf-4da2-811f-c4c33d181d87.jpg" class="asset-img-link" href="http://aviary.blob.core.windows.net/k-mr6i2hifk4wxt1dp-13110221/6b5f6a1b-15bf-4da2-811f-c4c33d181d87.jpg"><img _mce_src="http://thecleanbedroom.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096ab99970b-120wi" alt="Sleeping baby" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096ab99970b" src="http://thecleanbedroom.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096ab99970b-120wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Sleeping baby" /></a><div class="photo-caption caption-xid-6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096ab99970b" id="caption-xid-6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096ab99970b" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 10px 0px; text-align: center;">
(shameless pic of my youngest daughter, Baby B .)</div>
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<strong>Blankets & Nursery Items </strong></div>
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Since we're talking about a full nursery/bedroom renovation, I directed her to the <a _mce_href="http://healthychild.org/hidden-dangers-in-your-babys-nursery/" href="http://healthychild.org/hidden-dangers-in-your-babys-nursery/" target="_self">Healthy Nursery Toolkit</a>, also by <a _mce_href="www.healthychild.org" href="http://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a00d834207e6353ef00d834207e6853ef/post/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096c1c2970b/www.healthychild.org" target="_self">Healthy Child, Healthy World</a>. This infographic gives you all the information you need on what to replace or purchase if looking to build a chemical-free and totally "green" nursery! From the <a _mce_href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/Pacific_Rim_Cribs.htm" href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/Pacific_Rim_Cribs.htm" target="_self">crib</a> to the <a _mce_href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/Naturepedic_2_in_1_Organic_Cotton_Ultra_Crib_Mattress.htm" href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/Naturepedic_2_in_1_Organic_Cotton_Ultra_Crib_Mattress.htm" target="_self">mattress</a> to the<a _mce_href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/Oeuf-Merlin-6Drawer-Dresser.htm" href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/Oeuf-Merlin-6Drawer-Dresser.htm" target="_self"> furniture</a> to the <a _mce_href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/paint-products/natura-waterborne-interior-paint?lang=en_US&role=H#advs=0&tab=2" href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/paint-products/natura-waterborne-interior-paint?lang=en_US&role=H#advs=0&tab=2" target="_self">paint</a>- they have it covered! And, of course, so do we here at <a _mce_href="www.thecleanbedroom.com" href="http://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a00d834207e6353ef00d834207e6853ef/post/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096c1c2970b/www.thecleanbedroom.com" target="_self">The Clean Bedroom</a>, ready to assist you in all your <a _mce_href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/organicbabynursery.html" href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/organicbabynursery.html" target="_self">organic baby nursery</a> needs ;) </div>
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In the world of all things kid-warm-and-snuggly, I've decided to just go with a personal winner in this department. My kids all have <a _mce_href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Natural_Bedding/Organic_Duvet_Covers/Coyuchi-Winter-Weight-Duvet-Down-Inserts.htm" href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Natural_Bedding/Organic_Duvet_Covers/Coyuchi-Winter-Weight-Duvet-Down-Inserts.htm" target="_self">down comforters</a> and <a _mce_href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/organic_baby_blankets.html" href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/organic_baby_blankets.html" target="_self">organic cotton</a> blankets. Except the baby, who before this winter, had nothing but <a _mce_href="http://www.adenandanais.com/" href="http://www.adenandanais.com/" target="_self">muslin blankets</a> in her crib for breathable safety! (less blankets, warmer jammies for infants). The muslin can also be used for swaddling of course~ which keeps babies warmer and safer (says the <a _mce_href="http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/AAP-Expands-Guidelines-for-Infant-Sleep-Safety-and-SIDS-Risk-Reduction.aspx" href="http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/AAP-Expands-Guidelines-for-Infant-Sleep-Safety-and-SIDS-Risk-Reduction.aspx" target="_self">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>) in their cribs.</div>
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<strong>Air Quality </strong></div>
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Most of us are aware that lead paint, asbestos, and smoking in the home are 3 major ways to pollute the air in your home, and all of which are particularly concerning if you have children. <a _mce_href="www.consumerreports.org" href="http://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a00d834207e6353ef00d834207e6853ef/post/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096c1c2970b/www.consumerreports.org" target="_self">Consumer Reports</a> tells us more about <a _mce_href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/06/is-poor-indoor-air-quality-making-you-sick/index.htm" href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/06/is-poor-indoor-air-quality-making-you-sick/index.htm" target="_self">Indoor Air Quality</a> and here are two easy ways to clean up your in-home air: </div>
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<li> test all your smoke detector batteries regularly and ensure you have a smoke detector in each room of your home. If they are not combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors- install CO2 detectors as well, and also be sure to check those batteries regularly. Unlike smoke, CO2 in odorless and invisible!</li>
<li> put an <a _mce_href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/hepa_air_purifiers.html" href="http://www.thecleanbedroom.com/Organic_Nursery/hepa_air_purifiers.html" target="_self">Air Purifier</a> in the most used rooms of your home, especially in a child's bedroom. This will help allergy and asthma sufferers, and make for a healthier night sleep for all! </li>
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Our hope here at The Clean Bedroom is to be a place you feel comfortable and confident coming to seek information on all things "healthy sleep" for your whole family. We warmly welcome, and always encourage you to ask questions!</div>
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Feel free to reach out to us via <a _mce_href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCleanBedroom?ref=hl" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCleanBedroom?ref=hl" target="_self">Facebook</a> or <a _mce_href="www.twitter.com/thecleanbedroom" href="http://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a00d834207e6353ef00d834207e6853ef/post/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096c1c2970b/www.twitter.com/thecleanbedroom" target="_self">Twitter</a> or email us at info@thecleanbedroom.com. </div>
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<em><strong>SHARE with us YOUR # 1 must-have for your childs' room! #TCBkids</strong></em></div>
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<em><strong>***************And head on over to The Clean Bedroom and let them know NNM sent ya! <3 </strong></em></div>
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<span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Also, be sure to mark your calendars: </strong></span></div>
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<strong><a _mce_href="http://thecleanbedroom.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834207e6353ef019b00f6697c970c-pi" _mce_style="float: right;" class="asset-img-link" href="http://thecleanbedroom.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834207e6353ef019b00f6697c970c-pi" style="float: right;"><img _mce_src="http://thecleanbedroom.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834207e6353ef019b00f6697c970c-120wi" _mce_style="margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" alt="Twitter party" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834207e6353ef019b00f6697c970c" src="http://thecleanbedroom.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834207e6353ef019b00f6697c970c-120wi" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" title="Twitter party" /></a></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Thursday, December 19th for our Organic Nursery <a _mce_href="http://blog.thecleanbedroom.com/2013/10/join-the-party-.html" href="http://blog.thecleanbedroom.com/2013/10/join-the-party-.html" target="_self">Twitter Party</a>.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Let's hear from YOU today~ #TCBgreenbaby on your favorite "green" nursery or baby product! </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>In the meantime, check out our <a _mce_href="http://www.pinterest.com/thecleanbedroom/green-nursery/" href="http://www.pinterest.com/thecleanbedroom/green-nursery/" target="_self">Green Nursery Pinterest Board</a> </em></strong></div>
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<em><span _mce_style="font-size: 8pt;" style="font-size: 8pt;">As always, you can get the most up to date info from NNM from our <a _mce_href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=hl" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=hl" target="_self">Facebook</a> page or <a _mce_href="www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com" href="http://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a00d834207e6353ef00d834207e6853ef/post/6a00d834207e6353ef019b0096c1c2970b/www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com" target="_self">blog</a>.</span></em></div>
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Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-54631968229235926442013-11-03T20:21:00.003-08:002013-11-03T20:21:45.157-08:00Letter to My Husband So many of you know, by the 'button' to the left and by following me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=hl">Facebook</a>, that I have been in the midst of following several different Bible Studies relating to being a wife.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha22uNi7zKAVdxmPRFYubmNvEnvzU3Hex76Gn1ix0tKDbWEhUwijn7qMrYdfrP3XzmXh98tRLk32iyCcDlvFaid9_wDGBJZYUFcrkB5PZrhqP5BlOrPnbUq51k4Hv2djzYmPAUihipxd4/s1600/wedding2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha22uNi7zKAVdxmPRFYubmNvEnvzU3Hex76Gn1ix0tKDbWEhUwijn7qMrYdfrP3XzmXh98tRLk32iyCcDlvFaid9_wDGBJZYUFcrkB5PZrhqP5BlOrPnbUq51k4Hv2djzYmPAUihipxd4/s320/wedding2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First, I completed the 30 day devotional, <a href="http://unveiledwife.com/wife-after-god/">Wife After God: Drawing Closer to God and Your Husband</a> by Jennifer Smith (aka <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unveiledwife?fref=ts">Unveiled Wife</a>), and then followed that by hosting a 12 week study of this devotional in my home with several women from my community.<br />
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I am now following along with <a href="http://biblicalhomemaking.blogspot.com/">Biblical Homemaking</a> as she explores the newest book <a href="http://biblicalhomemaking.blogspot.com/2013/10/women-living-well-book-study-week-1.html">Women Living Well</a> by Courtney Joseph (aka <a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenlivingwell?fref=ts">Women Living Well</a>), and also following along with the weekly LIVE <a href="http://womenlivingwell.tv/">webcasts</a>.<br />
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So while I'm sure the idea of this sounds lame, if not very 1950's, to many of you; I have to say that personally, this has been a wonderful and much needed journey. Having been divorced once and also experiencing an additional failed relationship, I needed to do some significant work on myself. Not just for my husband, but actually <i>for </i>myself, and what I've since learned: also for God.<br />
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I've talked about my <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2011/04/welcome-to-easter-at-our-house.html">spiritual beliefs before</a>, and no, I don't consider myself some born-again Christian. I consider myself someone who finally opened the Bible, and found it relatable. And dare I say (gasp!) helpful, and inspiring!<br />
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Am I asking all of you to open your nearest Bible and BELIEVE or stop reading my blog? Absolutely not.<br />
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But I wanted to share with you THIS. THIS was a "homework" assignment in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wife-After-God-Drawing-Husband/dp/1481866885">Wife After God study</a>, and this week in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Women-Living-Well-Find-Your/dp/1400204941/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383537493&sr=1-1&keywords=women+living+well">Women Living Well </a>study, we are in the "Complete Him" in your marriage challenge- week 1, and I felt compelled to refer back to THIS assignment.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP26Y2uLsKSnsttruYO_ypiZt80xZlAN5MACsMjJJJgkzw0TPacIz-rnuD5hK7an8OJdFEVYffblfCnypQV_4vi8P1wjg8cgKHeCyGJaFjMvWQSw2CUnOPevBhsjXZwWgFBimWVa4yMdc/s1600/wedding1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP26Y2uLsKSnsttruYO_ypiZt80xZlAN5MACsMjJJJgkzw0TPacIz-rnuD5hK7an8OJdFEVYffblfCnypQV_4vi8P1wjg8cgKHeCyGJaFjMvWQSw2CUnOPevBhsjXZwWgFBimWVa4yMdc/s320/wedding1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my hubby & me, at our wedding in 2009</i></td></tr>
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THIS ladies, is a <a href="http://unveiledwife.com/category/letter-to-my-husband/">Letter to my Husband.</a> And it is sometimes even more fun to reflect on, than it was to write. </div>
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<b><i>I'd like to take a moment to suggest all of you married or seriously involved folk, take a moment (religious or otherwise) to your significant other/spouse/DP/etc and just SHARE what you LOVE about them, SHARE what you know YOU need to work on, and that you're aware of it, and then take INTENTIONAL action to do so. </i></b><b><i>After all, isn't your relationship worth it???</i></b><br />
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<b><u>Letter to My Husband </u></b><br />
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<i>Dear Hubby, </i></div>
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<i>I am so thankful to God for our marriage. I am thankful for our health, our family, and our love.<br />The past 30 + days I have been working on putting you and your needs, and the needs of our marriage, above all else. </i></div>
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<i>Admittedly, I have been far from perfect ;) but I hope you have noticed at least some improvement! </i></div>
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<i>I am well aware that I have much to work on. But in completing these weeks of study, and continuing with the WLW Study and webcasts; I have been able to read, meditate over, and pray about my actions and feelings as a wife. I will continue to study and pray about God's clear description in Ephesians, Corinthians, and most importantly; Proverbs 31 in how to be the best wife I can be for you, and for God~ mirroring Christ's love for the church. </i></div>
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<i>Please know that, as always, I am so appreciative of you loyalty, dedication, and tirelessness in providing for our family. Please also know that I am making significant and intentional efforts to improve myself in the areas of grace, patience, trust, respect, and [appropriate] submission; just to name a few! :) </i></div>
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<i>I know I have a ways to go- but you and our marriage are worth it! </i></div>
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<i>I am forever thankful that you are as forgiving as our own Lord Jesus: and that every time I repent and He restores, you accept. </i></div>
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<i>...then I make a mistake or misstep and we start all over! ;) </i></div>
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<i>But in all honesty, I can't imagine doing this with anyone else! THANK YOU for being you! </i></div>
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<i>I love you more and more everyday! </i></div>
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<i>....Yes, even when you're being a$$h*le! ;) </i></div>
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<i><3 Me xoxoxoxox </i></div>
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<b>Christian or not ;) I invite you all to follow me for the most up to date information & inspiration on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mymackey">Twitter</a>, & <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mymackey/nurturingthenaturalmama/">Pinterest</a>! </b></div>
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<b>What is your # 1 thing you LOVE about your partner? Let's all share some love! Comment HERE or #NNMlovefest </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqmXgn6JHaUO-Q7s6nRfiEEn9osFe2lshlrhQgO26LJggcDK-kWJCHOBXalWLuW4NfiVNN6jA-Dg_IHLNJXkVWPtUx9VTA5oAieCCg9ytg42KWSuF8IslufgwguDSJW3JtllaA0YyBqM/s1600/wedding3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqmXgn6JHaUO-Q7s6nRfiEEn9osFe2lshlrhQgO26LJggcDK-kWJCHOBXalWLuW4NfiVNN6jA-Dg_IHLNJXkVWPtUx9VTA5oAieCCg9ytg42KWSuF8IslufgwguDSJW3JtllaA0YyBqM/s320/wedding3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>L-R hubby, me, Spiderman, & Sissy at our wedding <3 </i></td></tr>
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<b><i><br /></i></b>Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-13238468130902709612013-10-17T14:55:00.004-07:002013-10-17T14:55:32.990-07:00Trick or Treat! Glam BLACK is BACK! <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you all know I have a strong affinity for <a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/">gdiapers</a>. I have written about them many times <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/yes-you-can-cloth-diaper-your-baby.html">before</a> and am in love with the ease & flexibility of the hybrids! And I just LOVE the style & fit of the gdiapers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As many of you prep for the holiday season, first up is a night of pumpkins, candied apples and of course, costumes! So why not make it easy on yourself? This sleek black number can be worn with a festive top for any of the upcoming holidays- or even for a formal evening at playgroup ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whatever the event, <a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/shop/little-gpants-diaper-covers/glam-black-gpants">GLAM BLACK</a> is BACK! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsIOb3p8F_jg3JTV-HW4Y5lcSJ3r-ZEBfMcueU4hwwPOUeog8adO9oighJ8-3L5cm5s-1h0b71rwuhLTigVApCaIcRc3k-SoAO9H1Vktrg3n19IRWdIKhMQ7BoxLFLS3srmmEoWMM090/s1600/glamblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsIOb3p8F_jg3JTV-HW4Y5lcSJ3r-ZEBfMcueU4hwwPOUeog8adO9oighJ8-3L5cm5s-1h0b71rwuhLTigVApCaIcRc3k-SoAO9H1Vktrg3n19IRWdIKhMQ7BoxLFLS3srmmEoWMM090/s1600/glamblack.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">www.gdiapers.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I should add, so are some of my other favorite gdiaper accessories: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlsRKsUbUCLek9PcMCy_S5gWPOLQmGTpFHho0fARZhbCbORCj2u5hfH1Om040vCrBCSB1_PBrboSo5ljcqAa04sotoJw5yv55YzYAKZAdd0UUYGdRnKMS0fNyuIV5X__Ek_qMh_RDlr4/s1600/gsippy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlsRKsUbUCLek9PcMCy_S5gWPOLQmGTpFHho0fARZhbCbORCj2u5hfH1Om040vCrBCSB1_PBrboSo5ljcqAa04sotoJw5yv55YzYAKZAdd0UUYGdRnKMS0fNyuIV5X__Ek_qMh_RDlr4/s1600/gsippy.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">from www.gdiapers.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh my gosh! And I would be amiss without adding that there is now another extremely adorable addition to the gdiaper accessory family: the gbeanie!!! Really? Could it BE any cuter?! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRnF_evTFD5Fpwfu_1Wi5gRnMZ21iasZzRGXm_zNYs-9ERXrr4asxQYDGT6JO8p94olMimepRdXI9rYTrba3z0SxzmAUjpRKh9f4BvoJD3vJlEvbU7M-bA0cP-q06itkiahBE_uzGHK8/s1600/gbeanie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRnF_evTFD5Fpwfu_1Wi5gRnMZ21iasZzRGXm_zNYs-9ERXrr4asxQYDGT6JO8p94olMimepRdXI9rYTrba3z0SxzmAUjpRKh9f4BvoJD3vJlEvbU7M-bA0cP-q06itkiahBE_uzGHK8/s1600/gbeanie.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">from www.gdiapers.com the gbeanie </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And for a limited time, <a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/shop/getting-started/gbaby-bundle-newborn-baby-diapers">recieve $20 OFF the newborn bundle</a>. You can order by clicking <a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/shop/getting-started/gbaby-bundle-newborn-baby-diapers">HERE </a></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So be sure to follow NNM via the blog, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=br_tf">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mymackey">Twitter </a>and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mymackey/nurturingthenaturalmama/">Pinterest</a> for the most up to date info on all things natural mommy AND, of course, gdiapers on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gdiapers">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/gDiapers">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/gdiapers/">Pinterest</a> for all things gdiaper.</span></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Show of hands for how many <a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/the-g-story/gmum/gmum-signup">gmums</a> we have in the group? Post here, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=hl">FB</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mymackey">Twitter</a> #gmum. </i></b></span></div>
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-73646483858041996392013-10-02T10:55:00.005-07:002013-10-02T10:55:57.785-07:00RE PUBLISH: Too Beautiful for Earth, Heaven's Newest Angel Baby is Mine ...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>This article has been re published in honor of </i></b><br />
<b><i>October, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month </i></b><br />
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<br />
Some say they are too beautiful for this Earth, others say they are so special God hand picks them as his Angels... however you phrase it, Heaven has it's newest Angel Baby... mine. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wA2KS7xHxrXRAPv-kF9Y0MMRO0js-FKzxAHYtChm_eSmQqcipeUoZr_GC3WAbN_DieI-WHOvQE_VWHVr99C7pDJD0I4qTnx4A7XVWtExgMOYLnCIi6uwDKFnlR_y0Xw1rniMEFjD1l0/s1600/pregnancy+loss+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wA2KS7xHxrXRAPv-kF9Y0MMRO0js-FKzxAHYtChm_eSmQqcipeUoZr_GC3WAbN_DieI-WHOvQE_VWHVr99C7pDJD0I4qTnx4A7XVWtExgMOYLnCIi6uwDKFnlR_y0Xw1rniMEFjD1l0/s1600/pregnancy+loss+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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The Doctor said I had been "struck by lightening twice"- I have now conceived twice while on the <a href="http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-pill-4228.htm">pill</a>. And I get it, with so many women who struggle with infertility out there, how is it that someone like me conceives TWICE on the pill? I have no idea. First time I can chalk it up to perhaps imperfect compliance, this time- I have no explanation. Nonetheless, it happened.<br />
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So just as anyone who thought they were being "safe" that finds out they're pregnant would do, I freaked. I had a complete and utter panic attack. I have a nine month old, I'm still on medication for <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/postpartum_depression/article.htm">PPD</a> (the label for which says it can cause birth defects), I've been taking the pill, and drinking alcohol! EEK! So I go to the Doctor, who draws some blood... assures me I'm probably early enough where it won't matter... and talks me down of my stress-cliff. I go home more self assured and semi- ready to try and explain this to my husband.<br />
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Needless to say, by the next day the thoughts have sunk in and we're ready to dig in our heels and make our growing family fit into our tiny apartment, and even spent well into the night before chatting about names and the other idle chit chat that goes along with the beginning stages of pregnancy.<br />
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That's when we got the call.<br />
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I would need my bloodwork rechecked the following day at my OBGYN's office. When my OB called, the conversation started with "I am so sorry..."<br />
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What?! You're sorry about what???....<br />
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My HCG levels had dropped, and I was told if I hadn't already, I was having a miscarriage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jsvXXvLWpnqckKqW93jqJdW6zNNlVkMce2frH2IbJQNZ-tHw0l1YeeGDM8crqN43VgxRvfw6-Ljt0g51YcOmlLgz5U720sMSGDnaX2hGW1oTM1VpjXbOLkNAFLk3VLOVhyiiMIkYjGs/s1600/angel+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jsvXXvLWpnqckKqW93jqJdW6zNNlVkMce2frH2IbJQNZ-tHw0l1YeeGDM8crqN43VgxRvfw6-Ljt0g51YcOmlLgz5U720sMSGDnaX2hGW1oTM1VpjXbOLkNAFLk3VLOVhyiiMIkYjGs/s320/angel+baby.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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"This is not a viable pregnancy." What does that even mean? Simple translation: Your baby is dead. Now I get it, to some this seems dramatic- especially for someone who was probably only 6- 8 weeks pregnant. But my baby's heart was beating. My baby was alive, and is now dead.<br />
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The few family members we had told have attempted to console us with the ever popular "something just wasn't right", or "your body just wasn't ready", or "everything happens for a reason"- and while I can appreciate all of that, it still means my baby is gone. And what makes me feel the worst, is that s/he was so tiny at such an early gestation.... I get a lump in my throat even just THINKING about typing this... that s/he probably got.... gulp..... flushed down the toilet.<br />
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I, for all intents and purposes, could have flushed my baby down the toilet.<br />
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This devastates me most of all.<br />
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But the biggest lesson I have learned from all of this, is that miscarriage is such a silent and lonely struggle. You don't tell anyone because you don't want people to think you're just seeking pity, but then everyone around you is going on with their daily lives, talking about the night out with friend A, or their trip to the bar with friend B, and you were just told your baby is dead. And no one ever knew your baby even existed.<br />
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How do you get support? Who do you talk to? You're certainly not going to go around asking 'hey, have you had a miscarriage? I just did and I'm not sure what to do next'.<br />
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I have at least found the following links which have either brought some peace/support to me, or I feel could help others:<br />
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<a href="http://www.myforeverchild.com/store/WsAncillary.asp?ID=54">My Forever Child: Memorial Jewelry</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Were-Gonna-Have-Angel-Instead/dp/0972424113">We Were Gonna Have a Baby, but we Had an Angel Instead</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.jillstanek.com/2007/03/bethanys-baby/">Bethany's Baby</a> from Bethany's <a href="http://bethany.preciousinfants.com/">blog</a><br />
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And I have found much needed solace in my husband, and in our Church. And tonight, as I rocked my baby A to sleep, I held her a little tighter, kissed her forehead a bit longer, drew in a deeper breath of her warm baby smell, waited for her own breathing to even, and then laid her down and watched.... and then did what I haven't done in ... well, I think my whole life... I prayed. I prayed to whoever this God is, that my other babies stay safe. And that I wanted to thank Him SO much for the blessings I DO have in my life. My two existing, healthy, happy babies... my wonderful husband.. my beautiful step daughter... my family.... my friends...<br />
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and then I asked Him, pretty please, if He could just take tonight, to rock my baby to sleep...Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-5635148308339189912013-09-21T17:59:00.001-07:002013-09-23T13:19:25.589-07:00mymackey : Saying Goodbye<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So, yet again, it has been a while since I blogged last. Which, I know, in the blogging-world, is a huge no-no if you want to maintain your subscriber base and social media following. </span><br />
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But, truth be told, I've been in a bit of a funk- I'll save that story for another day. </span><br />
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But I felt the need to write today because Thursday, I euthanized my faithful companion of almost nine years. My dog Mackey, named after Vic Mackey from the FX show The Shield, had been my steadfast, loyal friend through the most challenging and simultaneously delightful years of my life. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZmXuhyphenhyphenAhMTxmdfNgseut0zP9kXzQsC7A02IE8aMFRg4hvV8SILtiljnC2SsSYsRkmJ_YPfQWdjkwTfkQZb-FCOkZYzsgPnt5qOTS9obtKSx6stHw39pmcLAekGo62wlQx7oSEPtNVQY/s1600/doodlebug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZmXuhyphenhyphenAhMTxmdfNgseut0zP9kXzQsC7A02IE8aMFRg4hvV8SILtiljnC2SsSYsRkmJ_YPfQWdjkwTfkQZb-FCOkZYzsgPnt5qOTS9obtKSx6stHw39pmcLAekGo62wlQx7oSEPtNVQY/s1600/doodlebug.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">They say God places Angels among us. </span><br />
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Call me nostalgic just because of the timing, but I have no doubt Mackey was that angel for me. Through a divorce, a separation, 3 children, then 4, a new marriage, and moving 8 times.... Mackey has been there (that is, when she wasn't running away- she was a winter breed you know ;)) </span><br />
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We often called here "Eeyore" because of her pure apathy towards life. Unless life involved a squirrel. That was different... </span><br />
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She was happy to sit around all day as I figured out this parenting thing, or just didn't want to get out of my jammies. And she was equally as happy to jump in the car and visit friends or family or go for a hike. She never woke us up at 3am to go out, she could go allll day if she had to, never had an accident in the house, and was far too apathetic to be destructive. Her only vice was food. She was a begger. And a food stealer if you weren't looking. And our under-the-table-vacuum, and dishwasher-pre-rinser. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jp-p21seK_CziJfza93W80Si12Bex2DhE_W8xiWE6X0RaHwD3qyG5nV4Iz8C4gtP0a5OKsbjRheDrbcbvUc5Tj3Rp8HPNEig-pvmGgtnwqEcK5Wd4xT9dECOSZd7xumLVmQ7A63m0M0/s1600/mackeypup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jp-p21seK_CziJfza93W80Si12Bex2DhE_W8xiWE6X0RaHwD3qyG5nV4Iz8C4gtP0a5OKsbjRheDrbcbvUc5Tj3Rp8HPNEig-pvmGgtnwqEcK5Wd4xT9dECOSZd7xumLVmQ7A63m0M0/s1600/mackeypup.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I went to get her with my first husband, when she was just 12 weeks. I printed out her picture online, filled out the applications, and went to pick up... her brother. Yep, that's right. I did NOT want a female dog. Sadly, her brother had already been chosen. So my then-husband and I looked around at the other puppies running amok and jumping on us and chasing other puppies or pieces of paper around this woman's garage... when I spotted the sister. The sister I said I didn't want. </span><br />
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There she was: sitting in the corner, far too bored to be bothered by all this commotion. And what was that? She was missing a toe?? It looked like it probably needed surgery, and I was working at a vet. So that was it. We took home the lemon. </span><br />
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After repairing her foot, spaying her, training her, and getting her used to her new routine of going to work with mommy every day- her many days at the vet as a greeter also suckered her in to being subject to an extra cautious mom- extra bloodwork, teeth brushing, daycare, and several ultrasounds. A combination of which soon proved that she had <a href="http://www.dogenes.com/rdfacts1.pdf">renal dysplasia</a>, a congenital defect of the kidneys. It was unlikely she would live past the age of three. </span><br />
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Seven years later... yep, seven.... we had what I suspected was nothing more then a little skin tag removed from her gums above her canine tooth. We sent it out for pathology (again, extra stuff because I worked at a vet) and it came back as <a href="http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/fibrosarcoma-tumors-dogs">fibrosarcoma</a>, a form of cancer. </span><br />
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A little over a year later, I noticed a lump on the opposite side of her gums, about the size of a nickel. Within weeks, it had swelled into her nasal cavity. We essentially hospice-d her here at home, with the help and guidance of her veterinarian, for the last several months. It became more and more difficult for her to breathe- and despite her normal days and attitude, normal appetite, and normal activity level- the nights were getting so hard on her- trying to breathe laying down. We knew it was time to say goodbye. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaMJ9lEa500h-vkFY-SRo407Uwq5uyQDK2pSvVMOLSfLM7kPUlgumjR60OLHZDfV7ce-LZMVF-UrKGZNQietn-mEAsH7o-1N8fyl0w38jvRMgARA86ZXyc7DQxwkOnz9bNVCbBUop6HQ/s1600/mackey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaMJ9lEa500h-vkFY-SRo407Uwq5uyQDK2pSvVMOLSfLM7kPUlgumjR60OLHZDfV7ce-LZMVF-UrKGZNQietn-mEAsH7o-1N8fyl0w38jvRMgARA86ZXyc7DQxwkOnz9bNVCbBUop6HQ/s1600/mackey2.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">She wouldn't lay down- which I knew she wouldn't.... I held her head and neck, and had one arm under her chest. As her body became heavier and heavier, I was able to easily scoop her onto my lap and continue to stroke her face and kiss her head. I reminded her what an amazing friend she had been. And that I hoped she would remember us too. </span><br />
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We were blessed to have so many weeks to say good bye. </span><br />
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I am afraid someday I will forget those last few minutes... and I hope I don't. I hope I don't forget that feeling of her resting her head on my shoulder.... the warmth and "Mackey" smell of that huge tuft of fur on the back of her neck..... her seemingly peaceful gaze into nothingness.... </span><br />
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Fly away home, babygirl.... fly away home.... </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mackey</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">March 22, 2005- Sept 19, 2013</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60f1oCAa4jc0es-eQ8SMnYuhMB9Q0yHuwTeI1yPXLmJA_Rb5WOhfSfTdpO2bm2cxrMIKoQNjp4iQS8LuGu0kWmjkgZivzxiAnsY4jkO1-b_EXfNdoBcVYUOXjcWXG0vNmvMNy4TxL8D8/s1600/mackey3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60f1oCAa4jc0es-eQ8SMnYuhMB9Q0yHuwTeI1yPXLmJA_Rb5WOhfSfTdpO2bm2cxrMIKoQNjp4iQS8LuGu0kWmjkgZivzxiAnsY4jkO1-b_EXfNdoBcVYUOXjcWXG0vNmvMNy4TxL8D8/s1600/mackey3.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope she has found her friends who have gone before her, and her<a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2011/05/too-beautiful-for-earth-heavens-newest.html"> brother or sister</a> who would now be turning 2 in a few months. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have YOU ever lost a pet? What resources did you find helpful? Comment below, or find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=hl">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mymackey">twitter,</a> or <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mymackey/nurturingthenaturalmama/">Pinterest. </a></span></b></div>
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Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-75448147784419257232013-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:002013-07-19T19:37:05.252-07:00Birthday Depression... and NO, not my OWN Birthday! It's the eve of Baby A's 3rd birthday.... wow, 3 years! Seems crazy!!! She was my only "easy" delivery ;) Came on time, on her scheduled C section date [you can read more about her delivery <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-experience-with-postpartum.html">HERE</a>] and it was, overall, a relaxed hospital stay. No major complications like with <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2011/06/4-years-of-my-little-spiderman.html">Spiderman</a>, and I had full family, friend & hubby support.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSTlxgesDjNvOq4gFcuUI-BZoRYVrYyvuCQl4pO1p1b-rBkvZa_HObFoyGuLbiyfgUxHtYNzz3DiXrn23NInCsVOi_-r2jGHaDEsqqdJ-wYfTkdSy6YIpFtoDYyx_GFVHK7gawWcsQDc/s1600/baby+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSTlxgesDjNvOq4gFcuUI-BZoRYVrYyvuCQl4pO1p1b-rBkvZa_HObFoyGuLbiyfgUxHtYNzz3DiXrn23NInCsVOi_-r2jGHaDEsqqdJ-wYfTkdSy6YIpFtoDYyx_GFVHK7gawWcsQDc/s320/baby+a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby A's first photo <3 Just seconds after her birth <3 </td></tr>
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But as I scroll through pictures and memories, as I often do when my children's birthdays approach.. I am not reminded of the ease of her actual birth. I am sucked back into a vortex of never-ending screaming. My stomach begins to curl into a knot as I recount the endless visits to chiropractors, pediatrics, medications for reflux, the pain of nursing with a poor latch, the use of the <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2012/08/happy-breastfeeding-week-now-lets-talk.html">SNS</a>, and still sitting (or as we often did, pacing) throughout the night (and day) with an inconsolable child.<br />
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There are no words. As soon as I even start to THINK of those first 12 months (yes, I said 12 months) I am immediately brought to tears. I can't fathom HOW I made it through! How WE made it through!<br />
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It reminds me also though, that there is an important message in this story <i>besides </i>what I learned about "colic" or <i>why</i>, in retrospect, I think Baby A was colicky- the message is essentially NOT to judge a book by its' cover.<br />
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Now, we hear this again and again- but here's what I mean: those 12 months were the worst of my life. Trumping my divorce, the horrible war that ensued following the demise of Spiderman's dad and I's relationship, my moving, financial struggles.. it trumps all! I tried going back to work at 6 weeks, but I couldn't- there was no way. She wasn't sleeping more than 15 minutes at a time then. (and NO, I am not exaggerating.)<br />
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So thankfully, my employer had a position open when I called back about 6 months postpartum. I started work then, but rarely slept, and now was just even more hurried during the day to get things done while still attempting to get 2 kids to daycare, one kid to high school (both in towns about 30 minutes from each other) and then get to work (another half hour away) and then do it all over again on the way home. As I'm sure every working mother experiences, it was impossible.<br />
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I felt crappy. I felt like work wasn't happy as I scurried in in the morning and shot out in the afternoon; my kids weren't happy as they were the first dropped off and last picked up; my hubby wasn't happy because I was stressed, tired, and the financial strain of the commute and daycare was just too much. I was desperate.<br />
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<b><i>Desperate. </i></b><br />
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On top of all of this, I felt a constant barrage of 'you're a bad mom', 'you're unstable', 'you can't concentrate', 'you don't seem motivated', 'you're too emotional' from ALL areas of my life.<br />
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No one outside our home could have understood the <b>utter despair </b>that I was going through at that time. YOU choose to say something to someone, or implicate something in someone's direction, and you have NO IDEA how much they are actually holding on their shoulders....<br />
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... I was actually supermom then.<br />
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SUPER. MOM.<br />
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I felt like no one else could have gone through what we went through and come out on the other side. No one.<br />
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Now, no doubt there are some other colic-survivors that hear what I'm sayin here! And no doubt, there are mothers and fathers of EVERY family that have their own trials and tribulations that could preach the same message: and THAT is precisely my point.<br />
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You never know what happens inside someone's home. Inside someone's heart.<br />
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Please, new parent or old friend... do NOT prejudge a situation, or a reaction, or an overall demeanor. Ask questions, offer support, and provide love/friendship/companionship/fellowship.<br />
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<b><i>Today though, as I push the trauma of those first 12 months aside, I am astounded at how far we've come. We are now delighted with our diva-licious, princess, girly-girl, mama-in-the-making, mothers-helper, mini-me... and my bestest girl in the whole world! <3 </i></b></div>
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<b><i>We love you Baby A- and can't wait to celebrate your 3rd Birthday with you tomorrow! muah! xo </i></b></div>
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-84288926317746583362013-06-25T18:24:00.001-07:002013-06-25T18:24:35.144-07:00We're baaaaaack (again), and we have a Graduate! Wow, I am so sorry. Yet again it has been too long since I have inserted my two cents into the world of mommy-blogging and virtual-parenting. Albeit it is mostly because I have been busy, well, parenting.<br />
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We did also experience some technical difficulties here at the Sirois home for a short stint which got me out of the blogging habit- never a good thing.<br />
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Anyway, here I am.<br />
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And I have a Kindergarten graduate. Can you believe that?!! WHERE does the time go?!<br />
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Graduations and birthdays are often a time of reflection, and it is no different now for us, as we watch Spiderman graduate from kindergarten, and turn 6 on Thursday.<br />
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6 years old.<br />
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My little man has NO idea what has happened in that 6 years. And really, retrospectively, I am glad it has only been 6 years.<br />
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As I 've mentioned before, such as in <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2011/03/in-between-parenting-how-do-you-handle.html">in between parenting </a>, my ex bf and I share custody of Spiderman, and it hasn't always been an easy, or even existent for that matter, co parenting relationship. Nonetheless, as I reflect today, I am happy to see how far we've come.<br />
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I can see past the initial anger, and the hurt - to see the gorgeous, wonderful, happy, spirited, and intelligent little man we have raised - together.<br />
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Together with each other, our spouses, Spiderman's siblings, his grandparents, his aunts and uncles, his friends, our friends.... he is ONE LOVED LITTLE BOY <3<br />
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And I am so proud at how far he's come, how far we've come, and what a magnificent life he has set before him. SO much love surrounds him from all sides- he can't lose!<br />
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I thought I would share some of my favorite "glimpses" of him through the years <3<br />
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Oh, my little Spiderman, how much has changed since you first <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-spiderman.html">entered kindergarten</a>. I am so proud of the little man you are becoming, and so proud and honored to be your mommy <3 I love you! </div>
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<br />Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-27912813073976225622013-04-10T20:34:00.001-07:002013-04-10T20:34:15.218-07:00gWhat??!!! and JUST in time for SPRING!<div style="word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">gWhat?! gDiapers launches spring fashion
for babies.</span></b></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">--<span> </span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">it’s gStyle from top to bottom </span></b>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby A modeling her gdiaper- the original face of NNM <3 </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>gDiapers launches gStyle for spring 2013, coordinated top and bottoms for baby boys and girls. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">* The gWhat tee asks the
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKhkMrEPQQDU5J-S7wNNRObjGvTtsj1AzrC_HFY73w903_PN03KpTOvTg7M6xygpuG3A-KoCTFliwApNVaEU2oNX0UvDyJVxFkfQ71cHGMfcim7DJXfMZbIyInKzIK2EKhJwcQ51_r7U/s1600/gdiaper3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKhkMrEPQQDU5J-S7wNNRObjGvTtsj1AzrC_HFY73w903_PN03KpTOvTg7M6xygpuG3A-KoCTFliwApNVaEU2oNX0UvDyJVxFkfQ71cHGMfcim7DJXfMZbIyInKzIK2EKhJwcQ51_r7U/s1600/gdiaper3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from gdiapers, used with permission </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">* The
sleeveless gFleur dress is a lavender and light green floral print that pairs prettily
with the gFleur gPants. </span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7-1BWjSZhOrELQ_j1tYhgW38TrcFS7jGWOQgAypOP2nEXkpybHOeZGDbibm3qx4heMBpGzdN7iLKuCI95luYX38lsXbtCdN1NRMvGothpZ0GG4QGF1pAhWQ5DWHvHTccURItkWYFybg/s1600/gdiaper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7-1BWjSZhOrELQ_j1tYhgW38TrcFS7jGWOQgAypOP2nEXkpybHOeZGDbibm3qx4heMBpGzdN7iLKuCI95luYX38lsXbtCdN1NRMvGothpZ0GG4QGF1pAhWQ5DWHvHTccURItkWYFybg/s1600/gdiaper2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from gdiapers, used with permission </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/where-to-buy/store-locator/"></a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Both are available NOW at <a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/shop/global-love-gpants" target="_blank">gDiapers.com</a> <span style="font-size: small;">and <a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/where-to-buy/store-locator/">select retailers</a></span></span></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvrEV0L50g_KDHNKcwfdVe6ZtWh84WOc8EnPFQT3Wnsxa1JPK7ya-OiXiaiTDGiF4E9vHodGmDcx6FfgFnRiZO6Mmtpzh2OR2C4RoLPgQ6bu1P2VJ8yhfhHSUT32_eGkb9p6ZJzV51WA/s1600/gdiapersMAIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvrEV0L50g_KDHNKcwfdVe6ZtWh84WOc8EnPFQT3Wnsxa1JPK7ya-OiXiaiTDGiF4E9vHodGmDcx6FfgFnRiZO6Mmtpzh2OR2C4RoLPgQ6bu1P2VJ8yhfhHSUT32_eGkb9p6ZJzV51WA/s1600/gdiapersMAIL.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can't WAIT for Baby B to ROCK hers!! <3 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
<b><u>About gDiapers:</u></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Kim
and Jason Graham-Nye founded gDiapers in 2005. They had a baby on the
way and a diaper decision to make. They found out some staggering, and
literally earth-shattering news about conventional disposable diapers:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>- </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">20 billion diapers get thrown in the landfill every year in the US. They are the third largest contributor to landfills.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>- </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Symbol;"><span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It takes up to 500 years for disposable diapers to biodegrade.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>- </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Symbol;"><span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">90% of Americans use disposable diapers.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Today,
gDiapers offers a colorful line of adorable diaper covers with 100%
biodegradable* disposable inserts. gDiapers are as gentle on the earth
as it is on babies. </span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div>
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<div>
<b><u>NNM and gdiapers:</u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You first learned of OUR experience with gdiapers when I explained that <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/yes-you-can-cloth-diaper-your-baby.html">you (yes, YOU) can cloth diaper your baby</a>. In the almost 3 years we have been using gdiapers, I have only recently added some other brands to our stash. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Those of you that follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=hl">Facebook</a> know that we have been dealing with some HORRIBLE stink issues as of late! I have never had that problem until now. My g's are still our favorite ;) </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC0ryzuIGUXLHD9Mrp7rhQ_-C-iAvJAFKMqD-S38EgLRwnXNzXAD80wsg1wxOdwOeYDi8IdCgsuHA4wfvxCha1_s7EGloliHK9teEJvUTKM9vn93i8K8Kyxkk1sMfOjcZ_Q-Pls-qs-M/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC0ryzuIGUXLHD9Mrp7rhQ_-C-iAvJAFKMqD-S38EgLRwnXNzXAD80wsg1wxOdwOeYDi8IdCgsuHA4wfvxCha1_s7EGloliHK9teEJvUTKM9vn93i8K8Kyxkk1sMfOjcZ_Q-Pls-qs-M/s1600/laundry.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our stash of small and newborn gdiapers (plus our two <a href="http://www.blissfulbooty.com/">Blissful Booty</a>'s in the back) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
We also, of course, have a FULL stash of mediums and larges. <3 I am a LOVER of the hybrid. And I love being able to flush the gdiaper insert so my trash doesn't stink like diaper all day (don't be fooled- diaper genies don't work!) Poop goes where it belongs- in the toilet! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Plus, HOW CUTE ARE THEY?? </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfGRhMplCm3hrJirbRCzSOFo8CV-OIubvJGizKEGbeJ1yBwL0bZi2KjKtSJYc8BD2pLlxQMxLCo2qiHwWSRndvMRLZIgYSJGUoMR4qn8QyYIuc_a0JRj6WNHuhsN23_OclqBCxzcYuds/s1600/braylee+g+butt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfGRhMplCm3hrJirbRCzSOFo8CV-OIubvJGizKEGbeJ1yBwL0bZi2KjKtSJYc8BD2pLlxQMxLCo2qiHwWSRndvMRLZIgYSJGUoMR4qn8QyYIuc_a0JRj6WNHuhsN23_OclqBCxzcYuds/s1600/braylee+g+butt.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby B's g-butt (photo credit <a href="http://www.photographybykay.net/">Photography by Kay </a>) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>SHOW SOME LOCAL LOVE and Share your favorite gdiaper retailer below! </b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-16374153638938087122013-04-09T19:24:00.000-07:002013-04-09T19:24:13.556-07:00Orange Rhino Update- OMG I'VE STOPPED YELLING!!! (oops!) ;) <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ok, so I have a ways to go still... but I have made significant progress in my attempt at the <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/02/riding-momentum-for-2013.html">Orange Rhino Challenge</a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiogkdrMZ9LIbeauhTZIPGI-Eu_gW_aF-6ozjLkY-Ej6tt8PRgJG_GTe7XwxyhwQ1hVdPdDll96vOLsB4_gI1_OKTjoAuzSQhjII7d7AS3XFXD2nStrjG1xEsQ38w_pMAaaMZ_lWB42w/s1600/rhino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiogkdrMZ9LIbeauhTZIPGI-Eu_gW_aF-6ozjLkY-Ej6tt8PRgJG_GTe7XwxyhwQ1hVdPdDll96vOLsB4_gI1_OKTjoAuzSQhjII7d7AS3XFXD2nStrjG1xEsQ38w_pMAaaMZ_lWB42w/s320/rhino.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am FINALLY at the 2 week mark of NO YELLING! Ok, do I need to work on not yelling at my husband??? Yes. That's next ;) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But after spending way too much time feeling like a <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/03/orange-rhino-update-im-failing-are-you.html">failure </a> </span>, <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am happy to report that I have not only <i>mastered </i>catching myself before I raise voice towards my kids... but I also have taken more significant steps at figuring out my triggers, and essentially making sure those triggers don't exist! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For example: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* getting out the house in the morning : I now make NO plans first thing in the am. This will of course NOT work once Baby A starts school, but everyone will be older then, so I suspect it will go easier at that time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now, we have Spiderman who has school in the afternoon... daddy takes Sissy to school... and Babies A and B and myself make NO early plans when we can avoid it. This alleviates the morning hustle and mommy freak outs ;) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now this theory obviously isn't going to work for everyone, especially our working mamas... but when we DO have something to do in the morning, I make sure I prepare <i>everything </i>I will need ahead of time. Lunches, diaper bags, laundry, clothes out; all that is done the night before. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* boredom: kids get bored and whiny + infant = mommy loses her $h*t ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here in Maine the weather is finally getting nicer and we are <i>finally </i>escaping hibernation- thank God! Now, I make more of an effort to eliminate boredom. After breakfast, baby B goes in for a nap around 9:30 or 10am- so then the rest of us do yoga (on demand or a DVD at home) or color until we go outside around 11:30am. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjtCIbFLw7AG9j7rxtrGp2vu8l_Lu6bzj5LHEbeODyTdveZKFXVs5c1HLELHC4E9CURVvcRmv-TuLzueoumXkpcUt-PgyPTPETWiQtCCNAQTIaV84NgAGIdrHCdDqMd5r3vorU8KlSCs/s1600/parkmarch20113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjtCIbFLw7AG9j7rxtrGp2vu8l_Lu6bzj5LHEbeODyTdveZKFXVs5c1HLELHC4E9CURVvcRmv-TuLzueoumXkpcUt-PgyPTPETWiQtCCNAQTIaV84NgAGIdrHCdDqMd5r3vorU8KlSCs/s1600/parkmarch20113.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I just need to keep my mind on finding ways to remain relaxed during a normal day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While well meaning friends and family always tell me, "take some time for yourself!" "go for a walk" or just "take a nice bubble bath"... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* my fellow NNM mamas know that a SAHM with a husband that works sometimes 7 days a week- there is no "time for yourself". </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* If I go for a walk, it's with all the kids- and honestly- it's usually NOT fun at all. The two older kids are bickering, Baby A is complaining that she's in a stroller and not walking, and Baby B gets bored after about 5 minutes whether she's being worn or in a stroller. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">NOT relaxing. Usually results in yelling ;) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* and I can't even PEE by myself, how am I going to take a bath>??!!!! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Regardless, getting outside means a more relaxed and less-likely-to-yell mama. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHFRQhhkqP0duvIO_Xi71UoM2kDkfgKgwMoqPLD5hyT-mBe1tkHimk7tPV9YmLrUre7erCWYqM2PWxNGTL9p5H7_bTXLAcSf8NFuQeEmUWpMbVZPuNOXJEP-gK1FJaSw0SSmaDiA26vg/s1600/christmas+2012+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHFRQhhkqP0duvIO_Xi71UoM2kDkfgKgwMoqPLD5hyT-mBe1tkHimk7tPV9YmLrUre7erCWYqM2PWxNGTL9p5H7_bTXLAcSf8NFuQeEmUWpMbVZPuNOXJEP-gK1FJaSw0SSmaDiA26vg/s1600/christmas+2012+25.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How are YOU doing with your Orange Rhino Challenge? Have you <a href="http://theorangerhino.com/the-challenge-details/">JOINED</a> the challenge yet? JOIN ME! </span><br />
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-77902376762487528632013-04-09T19:06:00.000-07:002013-04-09T19:07:18.305-07:00My Kids Have Celiac, Now what?! <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So it's official, all the tests for Babies A and B have come back and they both have Celiac Disease. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8myQcvNh-0ohC2s9IQrYt_XfdLVOHUpA3tg3bldrIN-91GbGFv_NiODnkeHlWO_BBS8hTt_tiZiW-I5xRUIYVactKfRmKBJu1ELoYZVGcR-fKAOwBV9KbUpJwctfj5trd5jBTVYmEYSQ/s1600/GLUTEN_FREE_Green_LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8myQcvNh-0ohC2s9IQrYt_XfdLVOHUpA3tg3bldrIN-91GbGFv_NiODnkeHlWO_BBS8hTt_tiZiW-I5xRUIYVactKfRmKBJu1ELoYZVGcR-fKAOwBV9KbUpJwctfj5trd5jBTVYmEYSQ/s1600/GLUTEN_FREE_Green_LOGO.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are still new to our gluten free journey so we are sharing our findings with you in our new <a href="http://www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/04/adventures-in-gluten-free-series-part.html">Adventures in Gluten Free Series</a> . We have started to make many of the accommodations per the Doctors request, like a separate toaster to prevent cross contamination of foods since Hubby and Sissy are still NOT gluten free. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XTB32EMzV3BeKu2bWFHO4Df5QVyTbnPBvh2bS1gAlE68dvwfREk0ojXBoDmevVjie5lOusKxXpgfiF_EpcKHcHJ1pqBFQNW9skaORZ2liC7snNEa5Yn19ZQl5TeqhCWK_5v13iXsy8Q/s1600/gf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XTB32EMzV3BeKu2bWFHO4Df5QVyTbnPBvh2bS1gAlE68dvwfREk0ojXBoDmevVjie5lOusKxXpgfiF_EpcKHcHJ1pqBFQNW9skaORZ2liC7snNEa5Yn19ZQl5TeqhCWK_5v13iXsy8Q/s1600/gf1.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this toaster was only $16 at WalMart- so changes do NOT need to be expensive! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So here's some menu item updates that you may want to add to your repertoire: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* We are <i>obsessed </i>with Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WwxmMDPBiZMKwJiHDbXRzFXccOGIXWM4cLI9Ema23EotafmSdFF2JPj41vZEZg1bF-wmpRp8vTSPalCTcpNP8Lfgz5ryPHBsqndPtR12e8rXs_OgvugFt6jmhZVQTCJyKb9M3MDIdSM/s1600/gf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WwxmMDPBiZMKwJiHDbXRzFXccOGIXWM4cLI9Ema23EotafmSdFF2JPj41vZEZg1bF-wmpRp8vTSPalCTcpNP8Lfgz5ryPHBsqndPtR12e8rXs_OgvugFt6jmhZVQTCJyKb9M3MDIdSM/s1600/gf3.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blueberry pancakes. recipe on back of bag of Pamela's Mix. I just add whatever fresh berries I have on hand!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have used it to make pancakes, muffins, scones, coffee cake and biscuits. All have been DELICIOUS. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* We have connected with different companies via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest; and we scored <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/2013/04/05/easy-gf-baked-meatball-subs/">THIS</a> gem Sunday from <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/">Udi's Gluten Free Foods</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnB3Zddpus6J7itM7ARNgnrQZ43jxnDIUtXokZ8-XdxI-qLeFNp9ifLeIwrMbLW9u-nksaEJq1Iht6I5DehwyxvDnbQpgcXQGHwuTQKzPhETk4xXO1fMmBBe2ABPdGBPrwXqrmN5yMVhs/s1600/GFUdis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnB3Zddpus6J7itM7ARNgnrQZ43jxnDIUtXokZ8-XdxI-qLeFNp9ifLeIwrMbLW9u-nksaEJq1Iht6I5DehwyxvDnbQpgcXQGHwuTQKzPhETk4xXO1fMmBBe2ABPdGBPrwXqrmN5yMVhs/s1600/GFUdis.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from <a href="http://bit.ly/12ob6CC">HERE</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I made our meatballs
out of ground beef, salt and pepper, chopped spinach, 1 egg, shredded
Parmesan, a few tablespoons of soy flour to make them easier to form.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskGCgaZfg1jmeOC8THIIvF8XpFl0xrzTb__-JHo6qDrpvAioFechyphenhyphenh6QTHXsalzodDe6sFOOv2CqmrbTl3w07wu3o2gN3aiNW7m0SxDTcT81FsyBQ3wcyy8ImO0ZZ56HB7i0JfEdjZ2c/s1600/gf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskGCgaZfg1jmeOC8THIIvF8XpFl0xrzTb__-JHo6qDrpvAioFechyphenhyphenh6QTHXsalzodDe6sFOOv2CqmrbTl3w07wu3o2gN3aiNW7m0SxDTcT81FsyBQ3wcyy8ImO0ZZ56HB7i0JfEdjZ2c/s1600/gf2.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have NEVER claimed to be a food photographer ;) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* Another night we tried <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66850375691005723/">THIS</a> recipe I found on Pinterest, but the zucchini at our grocer that day did not look that great, so we substituted summer squash. Still came out good and all the kids ate it! <3 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrPl2RPqTqCzA11RDVnjnPf31uy-CEScopXD5g2XIcs_O2opz-pnq3-1UMK0Feb1zLUeUk20bAM3MuIEt5PM4IWGOOIa0iboDgK5rX7j2IGKpIUj74nbhjtOop4J0oKU9N3hsZyPRlHA/s1600/gf5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrPl2RPqTqCzA11RDVnjnPf31uy-CEScopXD5g2XIcs_O2opz-pnq3-1UMK0Feb1zLUeUk20bAM3MuIEt5PM4IWGOOIa0iboDgK5rX7j2IGKpIUj74nbhjtOop4J0oKU9N3hsZyPRlHA/s1600/gf5.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And if you're wondering why I always have tinfoil under my food lol, it's because it was another method the Dr recc for avoiding cross contamination with NON GF items ;) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And we have always enjoyed fruits and veggies regularly, so being GF has clearly not changed the girls snacking habits much : </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbEuJjPFhaCNPimWWn3YBjTesyRLFQxrN2N-3xI3aruqmZaoYgibVIt_7hXLMtCNzTM2NQm9cjNRuWw4gMMsj2EQgjEgobCNbeUhMdLXrr4UFCyRl-qZk_63-CLvgd0PlIFXUksanJ9M/s1600/gf8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbEuJjPFhaCNPimWWn3YBjTesyRLFQxrN2N-3xI3aruqmZaoYgibVIt_7hXLMtCNzTM2NQm9cjNRuWw4gMMsj2EQgjEgobCNbeUhMdLXrr4UFCyRl-qZk_63-CLvgd0PlIFXUksanJ9M/s1600/gf8.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blackberries right out of the carton. Yep, that's about right ;) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dB-D94d9RkJD0UKHNUHrVZhgh1Y13FAdNZ3hhsXLLgYeV9GTtTP-V1VcjGd7ZG_iiK3XORu80JzUN9T5zZX7_tFd_2XjyAqEpydv8AU4jjI-t_tTHJ0QEvb3VKEv2XnSCIQaOkJIT2Q/s1600/gf7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dB-D94d9RkJD0UKHNUHrVZhgh1Y13FAdNZ3hhsXLLgYeV9GTtTP-V1VcjGd7ZG_iiK3XORu80JzUN9T5zZX7_tFd_2XjyAqEpydv8AU4jjI-t_tTHJ0QEvb3VKEv2XnSCIQaOkJIT2Q/s1600/gf7.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yep, the blackberries that day were a hit! <3 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Enjoy! <br /><br />What is your favorite ALLERGY FRIENDLY website or FB page? </span><br />
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-11982852726171395752013-04-02T18:03:00.002-07:002013-04-02T18:03:24.506-07:00Adventures in Gluten Free series: Part One <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since our journey into the world of Celiac disease and eating gluten free, we have had to make some (albeit not too significant changes) to our diet. I would say our diet itself has not changed dramatically, but paying attention to cross contamination is what we find most challenging thus far. I'm assuming (and also hoping) this gets easier with time and more knowledge! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVz_tOBwZNNEBPgMODBkBGJySkk3k5akX5HrzT6u4QFeL92ihxxuhSl-TYSnGUCo0RguSbkanK10XybYO213o0Vm7IwRkseTdTp5D_tnefcB99PO-Xvq7zLmlqVxMIofWdUroFr4wd3A/s1600/GLUTEN_FREE_Green_LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVz_tOBwZNNEBPgMODBkBGJySkk3k5akX5HrzT6u4QFeL92ihxxuhSl-TYSnGUCo0RguSbkanK10XybYO213o0Vm7IwRkseTdTp5D_tnefcB99PO-Xvq7zLmlqVxMIofWdUroFr4wd3A/s1600/GLUTEN_FREE_Green_LOGO.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from www.piecesofamom.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, here are our faves so far in the categories of products and recipes. As we continue with this series, I will post more pictures (although admittedly I am NOT a food photographer ;)) and more complete recipes HERE for easy access. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My hope with this series is that others with allergies or Celiac disease will benefit from the products and recipes here to feed their families gluten free, and on a budget <3 </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Top 5 Necessity Products for our family of 6: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. fruit of all kinds, we are trying to stick more now than ever, with what is in season as to add some variety to our menu! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. veggies. frozen are cheaper and contain the same, sometimes even better, nutrients. The only fresh we stick to are arugula for salads and baby carrots- a kiddo fave <3 and then whatever I might need for a particular recipe, of course! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. meat. we buy organic when we can- cage free, grass-fed all that stuff. but sometimes, it's just not economical and Gluten Free can be <i>expensive. </i>So we are not below taking advantage of the managers' special! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B008NURNZE">Pamela's Products </a>Baking and Pancake mix: we make <i>everything </i>with this! Pancakes, scones, coffee cake, biscuits- you name it! and it all has been DELISH <3 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B000CQ26E0">Annie's microwavable Mac n Cheese </a>(yes, we have 3 under 5, this is a necessity ;))</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Top 5 DELISH treats or premade wonders we have discovered thus far: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B005BD8BRU">Larabar</a>, preferably the choc chip cookie dough which is a house FAVE </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B005XLDNH8">cooksimple</a> dinners made easy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TeamMlee?ref=ts&fref=ts">Visalus shakes</a> adult and kid friendly, FULL of protein and nutrients, DELISH, easy and GF! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's</a> Gone Bananas- dark chocolate covered banana slices FROZEN </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/our_products/product.php?catID=39&id=472">Cabot Greek Vanilla Bean yogurt</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Top 5 recipes I have made so far that the WHOLE family has liked! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66850375691094458/">Garlic & Feta Baked Shrimp </a>OMG YUM is all I can say! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66850375691234574/">Polenta Lasagna </a>: I modified this recipe a bit though, and used ready made polenta and just made a "standard lasagna" replacing the noodles for "disks" of polenta. I used marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and arugula within my layers and it was delish! a bit watery, and I'm not sure why still, but next time I'll try less sauce. (we served this at a dinner party with other non-GF ers and everyone loved it!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66850375691138948/">Lemon & Thyme mushrooms</a>, I served ours over polenta and cooked spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Caprese quiche: I just made a crust less quiche with 8 eggs, a splash of milk, goat cheese, basil, and 1 tomato. YUMMO breakfast/brunch idea and everyone had seconds for dinner with my stand-by sausage in the crock pot (pkg of mild Italian sausage in marinara sauce. place in crock pot on low for 6- 8 hrs) mmmmmm....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/66850375691093813/">Parmesan Baked Tomatoes </a>make an incredible side dish or quick lunch! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Now, share your FAVORITE recipes, sites, blogs, PINS, anything GF here! Then go and get cooking!! :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJMtBuGOnlf82_PGZQPb4mX3dgfVzuEm72cKbPHLSp-XEAhchlMNI-ZdLLmmixK5b0sxDfuQ3wPFT9I0xm0C2EQneFzYmfwvgIVjIHT_-EwAGtDwTtCcYgZRfQ-OlSLYH_dgSWenVnh0/s1600/blogRealmama+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJMtBuGOnlf82_PGZQPb4mX3dgfVzuEm72cKbPHLSp-XEAhchlMNI-ZdLLmmixK5b0sxDfuQ3wPFT9I0xm0C2EQneFzYmfwvgIVjIHT_-EwAGtDwTtCcYgZRfQ-OlSLYH_dgSWenVnh0/s1600/blogRealmama+1.jpg" height="115" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What makes you interested in GF cooking/foods? Are you gluten intolerant, trying to lose weight, have Celiac Disease???? Other reasons???? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and What would you like to get out of our Adventures in Gluten Free Series? </span><br />
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<br />
<br />Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-82420620266002282712013-04-02T15:07:00.000-07:002013-04-02T15:07:52.631-07:00Ignorance is NO excuse for Booby-trapping Moms! <div style="text-align: center;">
Breast is best. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Regardless of diet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Formula is not "bad", and just as we at NNM welcome and support formula feeding moms (we nurse and bottle feed here)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5R3KHF_GuyBAW6pf8RLtkfrXZuzAy_czA4afycBW4s8wUg6A5nERpSzLNc4JDxmA1xD7xbidahfoAo7rchTNdc9wX42gE_DGU55-LCwYTSrENKB8FmZIAsqNK9qKjVKG3kLYKR1DYwx4/s1600/latch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5R3KHF_GuyBAW6pf8RLtkfrXZuzAy_czA4afycBW4s8wUg6A5nERpSzLNc4JDxmA1xD7xbidahfoAo7rchTNdc9wX42gE_DGU55-LCwYTSrENKB8FmZIAsqNK9qKjVKG3kLYKR1DYwx4/s1600/latch.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
But SCIENCE supports that breastmilk is the best food for our babies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is why starving and malnourished moms in third world countries still breastfeed...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this is why WIC promotes breastfeeding to low income families... </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can easily <a href="http://www.google.com/">Google</a> images and stories for ; </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tribal breastfeeding</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NICU breastfeeding</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
breastfeeding miracles</div>
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breastfeeding during the depression</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha0DyRhx-E0YiR_VKMlkK6JTw7vDrDDIeOrYNsFelkE0_jXKvVUgv_cZxO9HnJaVcBw9VmI8_jMOf6s0UMEjJCe0-HvZP5ix_pdWKdz56-xm2oJ9iGvj3w4adM21i0CUSv1z8qEd9Q-s/s1600/dadandbabybottlefeed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha0DyRhx-E0YiR_VKMlkK6JTw7vDrDDIeOrYNsFelkE0_jXKvVUgv_cZxO9HnJaVcBw9VmI8_jMOf6s0UMEjJCe0-HvZP5ix_pdWKdz56-xm2oJ9iGvj3w4adM21i0CUSv1z8qEd9Q-s/s320/dadandbabybottlefeed.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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Breastfeeding has (obviously) been around since the beginning of time, regardless of changes in diet as the times have changed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some SCIENTIFIC articles to familiarize yourself with before listening to the booby traps (like we don't have enough already, right?) by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehealthyhomeeconomist?ref=ts&fref=ts">the healthy home economist </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>* African American Women and Breastfeeding <u>Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Health Policy Institute (2007)</u></i>: <i> </i></div>
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<i>The Courage to Love: Infant Mortality Commission Implications for Care, Research, and Public Policy to Reduce Infant Mortality Rates</i></div>
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* <a href="http://www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com/content/1/1/1">International Breastfeeding Journal </a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
* <a href="http://ijahsp.nova.edu/articles/vol6num3/pdf/story.pdf">Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Practice </a></div>
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You can also check out : </div>
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<a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/">Best for Babes</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lli.org/">La Leche League</a></div>
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and some of my personal faves: </div>
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<a href="http://www.kellymom.com/">Kelly Mom </a></div>
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<br /></div>
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and </div>
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<a href="http://www.theleakyboob.com/">The Leaky B@@b</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Do NOT use resources like TheStir, or CafeMom for <i>true, reliable </i>breastfeeding advice. Hope this helps you to come to your OWN conclusion on what is best for your family <3 </div>
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Much love, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Theresa, NNM </div>
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Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-56836143630388457372013-03-28T14:47:00.002-07:002013-03-28T14:47:46.515-07:00We went from "Failure" to THRIVING! Find out HOW! <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Many of you have been following the struggles of our youngest daughter, Baby B, and her "designation" as <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/02/failure-to-thrive-does-not-mean-you-are.html">failure to thrive</a></span>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUa6U1M1EH50k2F7_XVVlauh-arJcwCk9zxcQxCcZ2JBDgYym6B6ckrMUg6Fb5KW61QEWjBcEJXAOTAyGafBdupBo_F3KBBKNog0CsqbCcxB0EKvIjiCyADEeEDU1hWr02qDP2icvi_I/s1600/braylee+march+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUa6U1M1EH50k2F7_XVVlauh-arJcwCk9zxcQxCcZ2JBDgYym6B6ckrMUg6Fb5KW61QEWjBcEJXAOTAyGafBdupBo_F3KBBKNog0CsqbCcxB0EKvIjiCyADEeEDU1hWr02qDP2icvi_I/s1600/braylee+march+15.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby B, tonight at dinner <3 </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She will be 10 months on April 1st. She has seen her pediatrician for weekly to bi weekly weight checks since she was 4 months old. Up until the middle of February, she was a mere 10 and 1/2 pounds. Yes, that's 10 and 1/2 lbs at 9 months old. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She has seen an immunologist, a gastroenterologist, and a nutritionist. She has always been what I would describe as a "good eater", but still failed to gain weight. In fact, she regularly lost weight. She has had extensive bloodwork done, and was tested for both <a href="http://www.cff.org/AboutCF/">cystic fibrosis</a></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and <a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/allergies/celiac_disease.html">celiac disease </a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Between her last two visits with the Gastroenterologist, she went from almost 12 pounds, back down below 11lbs. As I described in my previous post about her <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/02/failure-to-thrive-does-not-mean-you-are.html">condition</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">her ped was at the point of placing a <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000182.htm">naso gastric tube</a> when I decided to just try the gluten free diet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>Reasons NOT to try gluten free for a possible Celiac infants: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* if there is a pending endoscopy, the results could show a false negative without gluten actually in the system </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* there are only a few formulas that actually contain gluten, most do not. Also, there is little evidence that gluten is transferred from breastmilk. so depending on the age of the infant, there is little likelihood they are consuming much gluten anyway. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* many pre made GF foods are highly processed, so can be even less safe for infants if you don't have the time or energy to cook and bake from scratch. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPfUkjRUqLZh-VQ_Tgp8t_9TlMerhhAHKWSFChtSL4_8oAtnGtuT9XbMsyPQLnq2Fb8iuJYxEV6nhrarTkHFyFcdvbGYFEpTiaQIid1SzoswWuLBGvg8z3lJWFQDvf7VzeD60mCaxYUY/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPfUkjRUqLZh-VQ_Tgp8t_9TlMerhhAHKWSFChtSL4_8oAtnGtuT9XbMsyPQLnq2Fb8iuJYxEV6nhrarTkHFyFcdvbGYFEpTiaQIid1SzoswWuLBGvg8z3lJWFQDvf7VzeD60mCaxYUY/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale5.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby B, earlier in the week, enjoying a GF <a href="http://www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/03/hot-tamale-yep-giveaway.html">cooksimple</a> meal </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For us, the switch to gluten free was a huge success. In just under 5 weeks, baby B gained 4 pounds and was over 14 lbs!! <3 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She is now maintaining between 14 and 15 pounds. Also what I fail to believe is a coincidence; her hair is finally growing in and she suddenly has 2 teeth! In other words, she is now <i>thriving!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am going to be starting an Adventures in Gluten Free series to share recipes, tips, and products that have worked for us in the event that are other mamas or papas out there going through the same thing, or just attempting to switch their kiddos over to a GF diet. <i> </i><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>TRUE Celiac Disease diagnosis: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* because she suffers from <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001476.htm">an immune disorder</a> , the blood test for Celiac is inconclusive</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* the only way to get a true diagnosis, is with an endoscopy. Her GI recommends we re visit this option at or around 24 months, but as stated above, we will need to reintroduce gluten for this to be accurate. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* there is also a genetic test, which while it does not "test" for Celiac Disease; it can be a rule out. Negative results would mean it is NOT possible for that person to suffer from Celiac disease. Versus a positive result which would mean that we would <i>have </i>to do the endoscopy as recommended by the GI. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>We had this genetic test done last week, and are still awaiting results. Should Baby B's results come back negative, our Dr is recommending we continue on the gluten free since there has been such a good response. Just because she may not be a true Celiac, does not mean she cannot suffer from gluten intolerance. </i><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>Celiac Disease vs Gluten Intolerance (from www.celiac.com) </b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b> </b></span>Celiac disease is, by definition, a condition in which
the <a class="HelpLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3263941271746953787">intestinal</a> wall is damaged as a result of eating gluten. It is a chronic
illness in which the symptoms wax and wane for reasons that
are not yet understood.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b> </b></span>On the other hand, gluten sensitivity is characterized
by antigliadin <a class="HelpLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3263941271746953787">antibodies</a>. This condition afflicts at least 12% of the
general population and is found in patients with a wide variety
of <a class="HelpLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3263941271746953787">autoimmune</a> diseases...These patients are mounting an immune response to the most common food
in the western diet, yet many practitioners consider gluten sensitivity
to be a non-specific finding, frequently counseling patients to ignore
these test results.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QWF4oFZnh5m8kAcDf6cif5PcpCWZa6esVvaLMF6Za34cJhQDj5FciYuCVLNoym_EsWboaO7kWoVzNvqUGKfB_H7aedOw-aB4gWGzQdRI6thoEYHIIt5IQ8Iv-2k1bLzPwYUZIrWmWJA/s1600/blogEasterceliac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QWF4oFZnh5m8kAcDf6cif5PcpCWZa6esVvaLMF6Za34cJhQDj5FciYuCVLNoym_EsWboaO7kWoVzNvqUGKfB_H7aedOw-aB4gWGzQdRI6thoEYHIIt5IQ8Iv-2k1bLzPwYUZIrWmWJA/s1600/blogEasterceliac.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/0982871104">Mommy, What is Celiac Disease? Childrens' book </a></td></tr>
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</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* Untreated celiac disease carries an added risk for a
wide variety of additional autoimmune diseases. The most likely cause
of this predisposition to additional autoimmune disease is a condition
sometimes referred to as leaky gut syndrome. We know that
gluten causes intestinal damage. We also know that this damage allows
large undigested and partly digested proteins to leak into the bloodstream
through the damaged intestinal wall. This leakage results in immune system
production of antibodies to attack these foreign proteins as if they were
invading <a class="HelpLink" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3263941271746953787">microbes</a>...
we are producing
antibodies that attack both the foreign food proteins that are leaked
into our blood through the damaged intestinal wall, and similar amino
acid sequences in our own tissues, often resulting in further autoimmune disease (s). </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b> </b><i>- also from www.celiac.com</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>Questions about if your child has Celiac disease? Check out www.celiac.com and call your pediatrician today! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>Stay TUNED for our Adventures in Gluten Free recipe and product series! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>In the meantime, stay on top of our menu by following Babies A and B on <a href="http://pinterest.com/mymackey/baby-a-and-baby-b/">Pinterest</a> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>and NNM on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=ts&fref=ts">Facebook</a> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span>Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-53425758985148246872013-03-25T18:56:00.000-07:002013-03-25T18:56:00.605-07:00Hot Tamale!!!! Yep, A GIVEAWAY!! <br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As many of you know, our house is newly gluten free because our two youngest, babies A and B, have been recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease. In an effort to make our menu choices as quick and healthy as possible, we were granted the wonderful opportunity to check out some top choices by cooksimple. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfpA5pigMt7cILtPKgJKJRxlO3Bf8oKSoAShUJ6mRFIkVfQFd3MaXoEle1YlJFzUHB6KVZmK0yPtFEemQ4YOiTNS-1fr_5i-wFywalOjyZdhxaWymEw7F2EV8585GC9Ad75yQATf9mzI/s1600/blog+cooksimple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfpA5pigMt7cILtPKgJKJRxlO3Bf8oKSoAShUJ6mRFIkVfQFd3MaXoEle1YlJFzUHB6KVZmK0yPtFEemQ4YOiTNS-1fr_5i-wFywalOjyZdhxaWymEw7F2EV8585GC9Ad75yQATf9mzI/s1600/blog+cooksimple.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Check out how <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B005XLDNH8">cooksimple</a> began: </span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The story of cooksimple™ founder Keith Lauver is one that resonates
with many people. Keith was in his early 30s with a new baby at home,
traveling weekly for work, eating out most nights, and paying little
regard to his personal health. In November 2002, he walked into a clinic
for a life insurance medical exam and walked out with three numbers
that changed his life: Cholesterol=260, Triglycerides=586, Weight=194.
What did these numbers equate to? Keith was considered twice as likely
to die as the “average guy.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This wake-up call convinced Keith to make some major changes<strong>...Taking control of what he was eating was the key to building a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.</strong> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
...The company was founded on the principle that people will eat
healthier if doing so is tasty, easy, and accessible. cooksimple™ has
designed a product line to do just that by removing the largest barrier
for everyone: the lack of time to cook at home. The recipes are a breeze
to prepare, flavorful, satisfying, and inexpensive, while also
delivering superior nutrition.</div>
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from their website, www.thehealthypantry.com <br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, Can <a href="http://www.thehealthypantry.com/">cooksimple</a> really impress me <a href="http://www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/03/cooksimple-can-gluten-free-chili-really.html">twice</a> in a row? Let's see! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last night we tried the tamale pie; </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhD6Qe8L8dQZppXzY-h_pcug3vpK7OOsZZ1bEYwQeOoPJwN7rc1HSWzdJCi3UqXoS_LxKS8EqmyRUfUdLLKMVDxU7e63HR5ChX4deypnCIGOxiSt5_M5MD74J1IAF5nBn-IEXY8ygbGk/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhD6Qe8L8dQZppXzY-h_pcug3vpK7OOsZZ1bEYwQeOoPJwN7rc1HSWzdJCi3UqXoS_LxKS8EqmyRUfUdLLKMVDxU7e63HR5ChX4deypnCIGOxiSt5_M5MD74J1IAF5nBn-IEXY8ygbGk/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale2.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, so clearly I am NOT a food photographer ;) but here's what you get with the Tamale Pie kit </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Like the <a href="http://www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/03/cooksimple-can-gluten-free-chili-really.html">white bean chili</a>, you need to add ground meat, and this time, diced tomatoes. I didn't have any ground meat on hand this time, so I pulled some pork chops from the freezer and again, stuck them in the crock-pot in the am with the can of diced tomatoes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Right before I was ready to make the pie, I took them out and shredded them quickly with a fork, gave them a quick chop, and threw them back in the slow cooker. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ug-ySM_K-MEcWzAxuJUzFvg0-Q1xWbGpGw6NMKO8gNDjCHF5hKi6uVk4ABdQL0slnPTru6r31321HnqQ13d5BpaGveq67-rM-k1cz3p62pB_izyveMnj74zL90_2Pxnaft3Q0vWWMG0/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ug-ySM_K-MEcWzAxuJUzFvg0-Q1xWbGpGw6NMKO8gNDjCHF5hKi6uVk4ABdQL0slnPTru6r31321HnqQ13d5BpaGveq67-rM-k1cz3p62pB_izyveMnj74zL90_2Pxnaft3Q0vWWMG0/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale1.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What did I have to do next, you ask? Add the spice packet and some water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yep, that's it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I waited for it to bubble, as instructed, and at the last minute, added the instructed amount of shredded cheese. Here's what it looked like; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now you'll see that there is also a cornbread topping for this dish, so again, super easy to prepare, and then just you pour it over top- 19 minutes later..... BAM: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9obt7xDuuFcdYkwVGzm_s69LXh64OVSxpl6L3OAy35HpWhuWExoxAHbFiOHU-5rgu8nFZym6sBO8oPogKfi6gmeSzacecQaqT-_Scxy4_KgpuxPDazzGoViIcpqFNzXc42RNi5bpugE/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9obt7xDuuFcdYkwVGzm_s69LXh64OVSxpl6L3OAy35HpWhuWExoxAHbFiOHU-5rgu8nFZym6sBO8oPogKfi6gmeSzacecQaqT-_Scxy4_KgpuxPDazzGoViIcpqFNzXc42RNi5bpugE/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale4.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b><i>Review: </i></b></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, we were SO impressed with the <a href="http://www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/03/cooksimple-can-gluten-free-chili-really.html">White Bean Chili </a></span><b><i> </i></b>, <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">that I think I psyched myself out for this one. I served this, as I did the chili, with a simple arugula salad with balsamic honey dressing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I really enjoyed the chili/tamale part of this dish. A little more of almost a curry-ish taste to this one, but was a nice compliment to the peppery arugula. I was not, however, a fan of the cornbread topping. A bit to thick and dense for me. I think if I made this again, I might only use half of the cornbread mixture overtop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hubby and Sissy on the other hand, LOVED the cornbread! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><u>Other pluses:</u> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* Made enough to feed 5 of us. For 2 nights! ;) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* Everyone enjoyed it: Mom, Dad, Sissy, Baby A (2 yo ) and Baby B (10 mo) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>* Again, SO EASY! (LOVE THAT!) </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>2nd night (tonight)- we had the leftovers heated and topped with sour cream and salsa and dipped blue corn chips into it. DELISH! <3 </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrXDSDoT9dgXAhyMT5qvTG0qWul4glAsVWSi34LtMS2M-3uI7fYMVkBwsdsiJSZsC2sT8Bhkc6itiXHf7hSemWrdIoyGJko8UeS7qywQz99CYVw5uvh10U1QiQCCHqfuhS4eGaaLk31c/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrXDSDoT9dgXAhyMT5qvTG0qWul4glAsVWSi34LtMS2M-3uI7fYMVkBwsdsiJSZsC2sT8Bhkc6itiXHf7hSemWrdIoyGJko8UeS7qywQz99CYVw5uvh10U1QiQCCHqfuhS4eGaaLk31c/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale6.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby A enjoying her tamale pie with shredded cheese, blue corn chips, and Silk Chocolate Milk </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPfUkjRUqLZh-VQ_Tgp8t_9TlMerhhAHKWSFChtSL4_8oAtnGtuT9XbMsyPQLnq2Fb8iuJYxEV6nhrarTkHFyFcdvbGYFEpTiaQIid1SzoswWuLBGvg8z3lJWFQDvf7VzeD60mCaxYUY/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPfUkjRUqLZh-VQ_Tgp8t_9TlMerhhAHKWSFChtSL4_8oAtnGtuT9XbMsyPQLnq2Fb8iuJYxEV6nhrarTkHFyFcdvbGYFEpTiaQIid1SzoswWuLBGvg8z3lJWFQDvf7VzeD60mCaxYUY/s1600/blogcooksimple+tamale5.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby B enjoying hers chopped up with some shredded cheese and some water! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b> <u>Giveaway:</u> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We want YOU to enjoy a gluten free night on <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B005XLDNH8">cooksimple</a> as well! So HERE is how YOU can WIN: <b> </b> </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mandatory Entries: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">* Subscribe to NNM via Google Friend Connect and comment below that you have done so</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>Additional Entries: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><i>In order to keep track of all additional entries, for each entry completed, you MUST comment below here that you have done so (other wise I can't track everyone!) :</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><i>* FOLLOW NNM on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mymackey">Twitter</a> </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><i>* TWEET this giveaway using #NurturingtheNaturalMama #giveaway and tag @mymackey and @cooksimplemeals </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>Aaaaand GO! Goodluck! WINNER will be chosen at random Friday March 29th at 8pm, EST </b> </span></div>
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-82402483178056381172013-03-21T18:24:00.001-07:002013-03-21T18:24:25.364-07:00Natural Dental Care is HERE! Review and GIVEAWAY! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's right, you heard me! Featured in the <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/03/2013-eco-baby-gear-buying-guide-thats.html">2013 Eco Baby Gear Buying Guide</a> from <a href="http://www.greenchildmagazine.com/">Green Child Magazine</a>: </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VZjedxYQa2jUYgRI8o-o2aRX2q21zthnQqpVdtY1piSvoX07PX7qCPfdKgiQ6dNCJ2nUYnfm7ujoe3EYUVdEBC4czIv8zjOY6PCMabo29wsqWYFKPAs4wNx2kMwEORPVPM0oWCJS2zo/s1600/blogJacknJill+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VZjedxYQa2jUYgRI8o-o2aRX2q21zthnQqpVdtY1piSvoX07PX7qCPfdKgiQ6dNCJ2nUYnfm7ujoe3EYUVdEBC4czIv8zjOY6PCMabo29wsqWYFKPAs4wNx2kMwEORPVPM0oWCJS2zo/s1600/blogJacknJill+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via Instagram @mymackey</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jack n Jill Natural Toothpaste and dental care supplies! Review and <b>GIVEAWAY</b> to follow! Stay tuned! </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, be sure to follow Jack n Jill on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JackNJillNaturalToothpaste?ref=ts&fref=ts">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/jacknjill">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.jackandjillkids.com/">on the web </a> and let them know NurturingtheNaturalMama sent ya! </span></div>
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-76411474670286373882013-03-21T18:04:00.002-07:002013-03-21T18:04:45.640-07:00CookSimple: Can Gluten Free Chili really be easy and delicious? <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I recently received some <a href="http://www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/03/new-items-received-today-review.html">samples</a></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">from <a href="http://www.thehealthypantry.com/">CookSimple</a></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">when they discovered we had entered the gluten free world, thanks to babies A and B! I was delighted at the prospect of an easy, healthy weeknight meal. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfpA5pigMt7cILtPKgJKJRxlO3Bf8oKSoAShUJ6mRFIkVfQFd3MaXoEle1YlJFzUHB6KVZmK0yPtFEemQ4YOiTNS-1fr_5i-wFywalOjyZdhxaWymEw7F2EV8585GC9Ad75yQATf9mzI/s1600/blog+cooksimple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfpA5pigMt7cILtPKgJKJRxlO3Bf8oKSoAShUJ6mRFIkVfQFd3MaXoEle1YlJFzUHB6KVZmK0yPtFEemQ4YOiTNS-1fr_5i-wFywalOjyZdhxaWymEw7F2EV8585GC9Ad75yQATf9mzI/s1600/blog+cooksimple.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Being new to gluten free, I feel I have been doing pretty well in our dinner combinations, without straying too far from our usual menu. For example, one night a week we always had pasta as an easy dinner, and now we just substitute <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B003TRFU06">gluten free pasta</a>. Most nights though, we stick to our usual: some kind of meat and a vegetable. Occasionally, we include a starch- so we're not really missing out on too much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B005XLDNH8">cooksimple products</a> I received all have only one or two ingredients you need to add, and each contain all actual, readable ingredients: spices, beans, etc. I was pleased from the start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So last night I made the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B005XLDNH8">white bean chili</a> . The box called for me to add shredded chicken, or any meat of my choice. The recommendation was a rotisserie chicken for the easiest option since it is precooked. I chose to use the boneless chicken thighs I had in the freezer. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5VGm_SPndkuwI5_7oYTlhI4xFOFrkxrsKkk5h7eBYh5S64HxgqCwWdshHyq1rSzfxv-6nESEUzjRm-kUrTv3BzU8fg_8-x3RZEAbiCYCvLXyCRnllRfhy_32-bkOP1hEgLeESYHIM-w/s1600/blogcooksimple+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5VGm_SPndkuwI5_7oYTlhI4xFOFrkxrsKkk5h7eBYh5S64HxgqCwWdshHyq1rSzfxv-6nESEUzjRm-kUrTv3BzU8fg_8-x3RZEAbiCYCvLXyCRnllRfhy_32-bkOP1hEgLeESYHIM-w/s1600/blogcooksimple+4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via Instagram @mymackey</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So yesterday morning, while I waited for the coffee to brew, I threw the thighs in my crockpot with a chopped onion, about 1/2 c of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B000XHTD1W">barbecue sauce</a>, and a splash of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B00B7E2D9Y">raw apple cider vinegar</a>. By the time I was ready to make dinner, chicken was done and easily shredded with a fork. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh1Jkj0xBfXhYCzHLfR0VILh6J-RW56Jl2iGt5q54XoMrQ_5KVQK1161Qq7YazRsSyyP7qSb1bcPh-nPncFw4BJfemkg7zYUP_cclspgQ0M-kS3kHBTEan5QHIJZDYypNv5SkwmMr26s/s1600/blogcooksimple+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh1Jkj0xBfXhYCzHLfR0VILh6J-RW56Jl2iGt5q54XoMrQ_5KVQK1161Qq7YazRsSyyP7qSb1bcPh-nPncFw4BJfemkg7zYUP_cclspgQ0M-kS3kHBTEan5QHIJZDYypNv5SkwmMr26s/s1600/blogcooksimple+2.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The box calls for you to boil the packet with 4 cups of milk (or water)- I chose milk. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitevWhiQYY8XpjkoPxF_JN_0lBJfiSnWOtdsZJazO-_nlbr8Z6GrBnHuu6FR1YFUUy091CheKJy2aJeJGK_YaRoZWDjZM5CQAuzv10afjiPVREaUr_81FEBgnO3yV7_yaBBzTtTnPRoTM/s1600/blogcooksimple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitevWhiQYY8XpjkoPxF_JN_0lBJfiSnWOtdsZJazO-_nlbr8Z6GrBnHuu6FR1YFUUy091CheKJy2aJeJGK_YaRoZWDjZM5CQAuzv10afjiPVREaUr_81FEBgnO3yV7_yaBBzTtTnPRoTM/s1600/blogcooksimple1.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then add your meat and simmer for about 20 minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No, for real.... like, that's it! :) </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW10jbMGZjG8UO6Cb39zC3nDierUiSoEBdQ_CVoDTf0RfkefEzhIO59YWc23VU8l4BBVXr38iTC9s85_VYgReF4xPt1cJhVssMjsE0rOvvEmzmeWL1-Glk5fWqXDBLPEQsuQB_A11-mk/s1600/blogcooksimple+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW10jbMGZjG8UO6Cb39zC3nDierUiSoEBdQ_CVoDTf0RfkefEzhIO59YWc23VU8l4BBVXr38iTC9s85_VYgReF4xPt1cJhVssMjsE0rOvvEmzmeWL1-Glk5fWqXDBLPEQsuQB_A11-mk/s1600/blogcooksimple+3.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is what you see when you open the box </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was a bit skeptical about the <i>amount </i>in the box. We had 5 of the 6 of us home, so I was unsure that the seemingly tiny box would feed our whole family. Again, a pleasant surprise, was that it fed us last night AND tonight! WOOT WOOT! Any busy mom LOVES leftovers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Both nights I served the chili with a simple arugula salad, which I got from a dinner I had with <a href="http://www.theeconomicaleater.com/">Michelle Collins from the Economical Eater</a>, and my new favorite Ken's Chefs Reserve Creamy Balsamic with Honey salad dressing! YUM! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I found the chili ended up super creamy, just spicy enough (if you want SUPER spicy- you'll need to add some crushed red pepper, or what we opted for: Hot salsa!), no bizarre "boxed food" aftertaste, and something that I can't wait to make again to put over nachos! There has GOT to be gluten free nachos right???? ;) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi69N3Mrtmjid4YxWX3cm802bbrXOPGTGpQw8TYbUccn6jAVyxy6hXV6bsQPVjIAPKHkjrhEkwvdTGJzaN1clDllHT6hkdWmao_UWDyXE77KUrn0LcZaGGMY0cpL6XN32OeCBLSgs9fVA/s1600/blogcooksimple+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi69N3Mrtmjid4YxWX3cm802bbrXOPGTGpQw8TYbUccn6jAVyxy6hXV6bsQPVjIAPKHkjrhEkwvdTGJzaN1clDllHT6hkdWmao_UWDyXE77KUrn0LcZaGGMY0cpL6XN32OeCBLSgs9fVA/s1600/blogcooksimple+6.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To give you an idea of how it turned out as a <i>family </i>meal: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sissy (age 16 and picky ;)) ate it in a tortilla (she is NOT GF) and ate 3 of them! ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hubby ate 2 bowls... last night AND tonight! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Baby A (age 2 and 1/2) ate hers topped with sour cream and had a second bowl today with lunch with some cubes of cheddar cheese. No weird faces or complaints ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Baby B (age 10 months) ate mostly the chicken. squished around the beans. I would say that's pretty age appropriate ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So in conclusion: a wonderful success! This weekend: <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B005XLDNH8">Tamale Pie </a>and I can't wait! Stay tuned, because one more review and there will be a <b>GIVEAWAY </b>for you to try your own cooksimple meal! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QUW2v75tn58CY4faw7LlrpUSU7C2Y9gULl3NvztrnX37n5voimXEY665kcSVCJqNBGbHm8iC64115ingy8YqsDQi1hOiJs6Z3V_F6SXsYQJ7NzjrNJMYTfj6trufdGMfMHEx_6_gkB0/s1600/blogcooksimple+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QUW2v75tn58CY4faw7LlrpUSU7C2Y9gULl3NvztrnX37n5voimXEY665kcSVCJqNBGbHm8iC64115ingy8YqsDQi1hOiJs6Z3V_F6SXsYQJ7NzjrNJMYTfj6trufdGMfMHEx_6_gkB0/s1600/blogcooksimple+5.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Be sure to follow cooksimple on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cooksimplemeals?ref=ts&fref=ts">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/cooksimplemeals/">Pinterest</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/cooksimplemeals">Twitter</a> and tell them NurturingtheNaturalMama sent you! </span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You can also get many of the items mentioned here at the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20">NurtureMe Store</a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Have you tried cooksimple meals? Which is your favorite?</span></div>
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-36029361729186849932013-03-19T17:46:00.003-07:002013-03-19T17:46:46.933-07:00Orange Rhino Update: I'm Failing ;) Are YOU doing the Challenge?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I am determined... and I mean: d.e.t.e.r.m.i.n.e.d to become a non-yeller. Shortly after the new year, I signed on to participate in the <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/02/riding-momentum-for-2013.html">Orange Rhino Challenge </a>. Sounded simple: start with a goal of 30 days without yelling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As you can see by my ticker to the LEFT: I suck. Yep, I'm a yeller. I've always been a yeller. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT giving up. I have no doubt I WILL become a non yeller... it's just clearly not going to happen overnight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Also please do not be mistaken: I am not a screamer... I do not torment my children by yelling 24/7... and nor do I ever (and I mean EVER) berate my children when I do yell. I am simply a loud person anyways (ask Hubby ;P) and when my children don't listen... which is seemingly all the time... I feel like talking LOUDER (ok, yelling) will somehow get them to HEAR me, even though it has clearly yet to actually work! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiogkdrMZ9LIbeauhTZIPGI-Eu_gW_aF-6ozjLkY-Ej6tt8PRgJG_GTe7XwxyhwQ1hVdPdDll96vOLsB4_gI1_OKTjoAuzSQhjII7d7AS3XFXD2nStrjG1xEsQ38w_pMAaaMZ_lWB42w/s1600/rhino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiogkdrMZ9LIbeauhTZIPGI-Eu_gW_aF-6ozjLkY-Ej6tt8PRgJG_GTe7XwxyhwQ1hVdPdDll96vOLsB4_gI1_OKTjoAuzSQhjII7d7AS3XFXD2nStrjG1xEsQ38w_pMAaaMZ_lWB42w/s1600/rhino.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">photo from the Orange Rhino on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheOrangeRhino?ref=ts&fref=ts">Facebook</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The kids have been patient with me. Despite my inability thus far to complete a full 7 day stretch, I DO see improvement! I am at the point where I can at least catch myself (if my kids don't catch me first by yelling "Orange Rhino!") As always, I have no shame in apologizing to my kids- they know all too well that I am NOT perfect. But I hope in some way this helps them as they get older. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Giving the illusion that you're perfect, or a perfect parent, in my opinion just sets them up for failure when they make a mistake, or feel "imperfect". Also, they know <i>how </i>to apologize. Lord knows they've heard one enough! ;) </span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRjS_5wtFoi5FimRPeDHagk6sWfqk97pVK_4gAJyYNmb2eyYJr39r5Gp6txfaNwxPj4oC5XcGFRx0dcJ9R3xStVvULMo6dJVulgzSqbF5dXDHEv8tt83cudjI53aOQkemEIXOeft_eaE/s1600/FANFeb20132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRjS_5wtFoi5FimRPeDHagk6sWfqk97pVK_4gAJyYNmb2eyYJr39r5Gp6txfaNwxPj4oC5XcGFRx0dcJ9R3xStVvULMo6dJVulgzSqbF5dXDHEv8tt83cudjI53aOQkemEIXOeft_eaE/s1600/FANFeb20132.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> At our last <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/02/making-family-time-special-for-everyone.html">Family Appreciation Night </a>we unveiled the Orange Rhino Challenge and each child got their own Rhino to remind ME, Hubby, and themselves- that yelling is not ok. We keep each other in check. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have also recently ordered some orange gear in hopes this will help me on my quest to become a non yeller: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OM4LSDl159dLh03YfjSluE3j9yaI2NflZXsqOnl1N6iD4NWbLM05DtOaTEOIV3S9oVLeeVfm1ZZpVBbmQO0ZLPl4LJIWTs0CQr3CDucS8kfGXvGrFV5hdYpvfuArdNJgAe7yW9JFOzI/s1600/blogOrangeRhino1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OM4LSDl159dLh03YfjSluE3j9yaI2NflZXsqOnl1N6iD4NWbLM05DtOaTEOIV3S9oVLeeVfm1ZZpVBbmQO0ZLPl4LJIWTs0CQr3CDucS8kfGXvGrFV5hdYpvfuArdNJgAe7yW9JFOzI/s1600/blogOrangeRhino1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B009WO1UG8">something</a> for Spiderman </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiLORL6cosMu7cyzAaQMT9xamHtiQqBskXAN7zJN0Csp9q50F4MVosf5Zlk-Khn9vBuxgCAqFBIHAATevqJPyl9SaqqRMlF3RFgpmBCL0Ngu2mlntKzBiSkP2GY_mEkqigOtndXlZ1ds/s1600/blogOrangeRhino3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiLORL6cosMu7cyzAaQMT9xamHtiQqBskXAN7zJN0Csp9q50F4MVosf5Zlk-Khn9vBuxgCAqFBIHAATevqJPyl9SaqqRMlF3RFgpmBCL0Ngu2mlntKzBiSkP2GY_mEkqigOtndXlZ1ds/s1600/blogOrangeRhino3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B00AF59290">something</a> for Baby B </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekN2kcg4h7t6RqmrK5pifFACh4KWG02oQD6Gnkqs6_74Zcdp1oFNqsODcNdBEhyphenhyphenzpMZ9JlK0jPVXHP0rpjR6YNsjljn_oa64q1NBrnzVHVH7gMorcmtvYz-uP8QRrlmgjqKLswxG2R8Q/s1600/blogOrangeRhino2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekN2kcg4h7t6RqmrK5pifFACh4KWG02oQD6Gnkqs6_74Zcdp1oFNqsODcNdBEhyphenhyphenzpMZ9JlK0jPVXHP0rpjR6YNsjljn_oa64q1NBrnzVHVH7gMorcmtvYz-uP8QRrlmgjqKLswxG2R8Q/s1600/blogOrangeRhino2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B007T3FHTK">something</a> for Baby A </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Hopefully the orange in my face will be enough of a reminder now that I'll keep my voice down. <a href="http://www.theorangerhino.com/">Orange Rhino</a> had a recent post up about <a href="http://theorangerhino.com/the-emergency-yell/">"the emergency yell"</a></span>- <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">do you agree? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How are YOU doing with your goals so far for 2013? Share them here, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=hl">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/mymackey/nurturingthenaturalmama/">Pinterest</a>, or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mymackey">Twitter</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-70501152104933097142013-03-19T17:07:00.002-07:002013-03-19T17:07:44.087-07:00Easter Books for Kids: Are YOU sending the right message?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Want some nice Easter books for your kidlets that have a nice balance between explaining the real story and the Easter bunny? Here are the ones we have in OUR house and are enjoying this week and next ;) </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqK0UyZyO6prGtSPkP_GceGWfnnPo2tDTjOzoHf_gpkdEsXF900hvBJ2qroBaVoYi5EHf0AASb84H4cmzeAit2CIyy314YhA6lNvy0LpDJc_gn__MomeTGb0EQF40mtf6SHPGl_fH0RS4/s1600/blogEasterStory1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqK0UyZyO6prGtSPkP_GceGWfnnPo2tDTjOzoHf_gpkdEsXF900hvBJ2qroBaVoYi5EHf0AASb84H4cmzeAit2CIyy314YhA6lNvy0LpDJc_gn__MomeTGb0EQF40mtf6SHPGl_fH0RS4/s1600/blogEasterStory1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/0824955315">The Easter Story</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">without needing much explanation, tells the true story of Easter </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE0rc4F_2vN3uLyLNwXIApBrkuVKAe-7uDn8vV34hjnWs6YOEEHw8jtGudzqR1-IBNJfzpvVn9vE-IIuYIXhSoHW35EVgUc6bOB4oMRtNDmGSt_vvco_tw5kS_8RdpLgLhS7SLqidVN8/s1600/blogEasterStory2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE0rc4F_2vN3uLyLNwXIApBrkuVKAe-7uDn8vV34hjnWs6YOEEHw8jtGudzqR1-IBNJfzpvVn9vE-IIuYIXhSoHW35EVgUc6bOB4oMRtNDmGSt_vvco_tw5kS_8RdpLgLhS7SLqidVN8/s1600/blogEasterStory2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/0064434907">The Story of Easter </a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">has great pictures, and also sticks more closely to the true story of Easter </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHoa9Jvj9X9OEi2Yldgae7k1IPuL_s4l6FKUWspgLMdUwldgb1IEHF6C-arNV7NG0oc1_oxAkUpuerpIrXigYl9VrqI4hCxNKuzKJFpNKzVbAWKSJ9PDsaH1UsSNuXBTegbjdsIl-FEM/s1600/blogEasterStory3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHoa9Jvj9X9OEi2Yldgae7k1IPuL_s4l6FKUWspgLMdUwldgb1IEHF6C-arNV7NG0oc1_oxAkUpuerpIrXigYl9VrqI4hCxNKuzKJFpNKzVbAWKSJ9PDsaH1UsSNuXBTegbjdsIl-FEM/s1600/blogEasterStory3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/0824966392">What is Easter? </a> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">is a great compromise! A light, rhyming, fun tale that differentiates between the Easter bunny, jelly beans, dressing up- and the story of Jesus' resurrection. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> In other news: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our kiddos are getting some new books in their Easter baskets this year, so I thought I'd share for those of you that can benefit; </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TOwXBRb5sVnJ9hvin8qikMf02zSbkyvwwDdg8rje8PiTDKn698vq-1C6kidQpROydFwYImn82wPunO6RwdRjq4cTierypPijqyQmnqSXWLU7ucAiBd95Ts_sVaXQW07fxuIZzZShPfw/s1600/blogEasterStandingon+my+own.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TOwXBRb5sVnJ9hvin8qikMf02zSbkyvwwDdg8rje8PiTDKn698vq-1C6kidQpROydFwYImn82wPunO6RwdRjq4cTierypPijqyQmnqSXWLU7ucAiBd95Ts_sVaXQW07fxuIZzZShPfw/s1600/blogEasterStandingon+my+own.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/0843132213">Standing on My Own Two Feet</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This has been Spidermans' favorite book since I first bought it for him when he was just over a year old. All the pages are torn and now there are two missing, so he is getting a brand new copy in his basket! <3 This is a great tale that compares the child's two feet- with his/her two homes, two schedules, etc. and that mom and dad both love him/her no matter what <3 </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QWF4oFZnh5m8kAcDf6cif5PcpCWZa6esVvaLMF6Za34cJhQDj5FciYuCVLNoym_EsWboaO7kWoVzNvqUGKfB_H7aedOw-aB4gWGzQdRI6thoEYHIIt5IQ8Iv-2k1bLzPwYUZIrWmWJA/s1600/blogEasterceliac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QWF4oFZnh5m8kAcDf6cif5PcpCWZa6esVvaLMF6Za34cJhQDj5FciYuCVLNoym_EsWboaO7kWoVzNvqUGKfB_H7aedOw-aB4gWGzQdRI6thoEYHIIt5IQ8Iv-2k1bLzPwYUZIrWmWJA/s1600/blogEasterceliac.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/0982871104">Mommy, What is Celiac Disease? </a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This one is obviously going to be for baby A (well, and Baby B- but she won't appreciate it yet ;)) I just found it on <a href="http://pinterest.com/mymackey/nurturingthenaturalmama/">Pinterest</a> the other day, and thought to look it up today! I will keep you posted once I get it in how good of a read it is for the little ones! <3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Easter In Our House: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I typically boycott all the hullabaloo that goes along with the commercialization of Easter. Not for any religious opposition, but simply because I hate it. I hate spending money on cheap <a href="http://www.nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2013/03/simplifying-holidays-revamp-those.html">crap</a> . I avoid candy like the plague, because frankly, my kids go insane. We decorate eggs, and the "Easter bunny" hides them around the house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Although honestly, I'm not sure even my kids believe the some big bunny comes tromping though our house to hide EGGS! But whatever, the hunt is fun, and the kids get baskets at the breakfast table. Here is what we did last year: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx8uz-GDQoA3egNM7KxVCdWt7k9TOvBc9ohjFlwa9xtkYaDvNEgRm_AdWBpMo00E21S_jqkm0m1QnFQe8COqfyqDLfHo3IfDVYvhaGTtOLqUlXma3WnyjMAUWioYohL3bwuSowPTEgrs/s1600/blogEaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx8uz-GDQoA3egNM7KxVCdWt7k9TOvBc9ohjFlwa9xtkYaDvNEgRm_AdWBpMo00E21S_jqkm0m1QnFQe8COqfyqDLfHo3IfDVYvhaGTtOLqUlXma3WnyjMAUWioYohL3bwuSowPTEgrs/s1600/blogEaster.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> We decorated our eggs (which we then eat btw- nothing goes to waste here!) We got <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B00331U83M">biodegradable easter grass</a> and each basket ($1.00 section at Target) hold 2 pieces of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20/detail/B001QEZ7TS">egg shaped sidewalk chalk</a>, and they each got a new chapstick (also the $1.00 section at Target). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Two easy, and low waste, and NO CANDY Easter baskets for less then $10.00. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What have you done to "green up" your Easter? </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjkzET5sV9q0AzZk-d2oYwN3D8o2vp6PjDBmupz9IY509dxG4zyh32n727B6U-27WghAu49BBUqWkCDh05By9u3_rkxFnUwX1VRw3C6b-Sk8LcslmOlenOM47RCZKrzq0Nsom5LUhKHo/s1600/easter+basket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjkzET5sV9q0AzZk-d2oYwN3D8o2vp6PjDBmupz9IY509dxG4zyh32n727B6U-27WghAu49BBUqWkCDh05By9u3_rkxFnUwX1VRw3C6b-Sk8LcslmOlenOM47RCZKrzq0Nsom5LUhKHo/s1600/easter+basket.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo compliments of Christine Barney </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And don't forget! You can always find items featured here in the blog, and others that are NNM approved at the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/nurturi0e-20">NurtureMe Store </a> </span></div>
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Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-81350876342326219262013-03-15T20:12:00.001-07:002013-03-15T20:13:04.712-07:00Are YOU a FOLLOWERRRRR??? <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">NNM has some EXCITING NEWS! We have no exceeded the 500 mark in our # of "LIKES" on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=tn_tnmn">Facebook</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> This may seem rather trivial, but our # of "LIKES" and subscribers actually enables us to provide you with more great guest post articles, thus more information, and of course, more deals and GIVEAWAYS!! In celebration of reaching 500 likes,<b> I will be posting a #giveaway starting Monday March 18th, so STAY TUNED! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thank you to all our readers, we hope we provide you weekly with plenty of deals & steals, as well as posts that you find inspiring and informative. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Besides what we post here on blogger, you can also find a plethora of tips, deals and steals on our FB page, and on <a href="http://pinterest.com/mymackey/nurturingthenaturalmama/">Pinterest</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i>Please always feel free to email us with your comments/questions/suggestions at: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i>siroismama@gmail.com </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i>THANK YOU! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i>-NurturingtheNaturalMama <3 </i></b></span></div>
<br />Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-86025728079531935562013-03-14T13:05:00.000-07:002013-03-14T13:05:15.984-07:00NEW Items received today! Review & Giveaway from CookSimple <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Check out the new items I received today: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0LX-uxyMBgPqlKmE6PKfOz3cIHss_4OjTLzuBFckQ2yTb8N3xd0tAiUdro1qobWbtm4U8BeZsdN2I4VzDwe-RH8prcet7qVTm0GG2C7gtq9WUjRIOZpKCEwhmLUnSctrC7nBvue5K8c/s1600/blog+cooksimple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0LX-uxyMBgPqlKmE6PKfOz3cIHss_4OjTLzuBFckQ2yTb8N3xd0tAiUdro1qobWbtm4U8BeZsdN2I4VzDwe-RH8prcet7qVTm0GG2C7gtq9WUjRIOZpKCEwhmLUnSctrC7nBvue5K8c/s1600/blog+cooksimple.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gluten free cooking kits from CookSimple that I can't WAIT to review! One of these kits will be offered as a GIVEAWAY!!! That is, ifffffff I can part with them ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stay tuned! </span></div>
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-45691213339861115802013-03-13T19:54:00.001-07:002013-03-13T19:55:26.727-07:00SAVE Marine Animals: Yep, there's an APP for that! <div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dolphins and Other Underwater Friends Will Be Nurtured Through EnviroPop App</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">guest post by AppLabsDigital, Inc. </span><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7TUCDgzphPtYhTKd918gdpLaRmKRAIYEoujIYv5eFDDOP1wLbqzDtmNoff1Xp9FJ3zhjA7uxdN__qdkpg3mv2uevH_YFxSpRy9Blx6ZcT-O-ONd7r1hS6yjjwyMUsgEfIp-vLPAs4fU/s1600/enviropop+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7TUCDgzphPtYhTKd918gdpLaRmKRAIYEoujIYv5eFDDOP1wLbqzDtmNoff1Xp9FJ3zhjA7uxdN__qdkpg3mv2uevH_YFxSpRy9Blx6ZcT-O-ONd7r1hS6yjjwyMUsgEfIp-vLPAs4fU/s1600/enviropop+blog.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of AppLabsDigital </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />A lot of marine animals are facing extinction because of man-made pollutants and hazards. It is sad that<br />while these marine treasures are given to us as gifts to be valued and taken care of, man is depressingly<br />harming them. Worse still, man is actually one of the reasons why certain species are facing extinction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Dolphins are one of the marine species that are being endangered because of man's own recreational<br />menace. Trawl nets trap the dolphins when they are swimming across the ocean, and even if they manage<br />to escape the nets, they will still acquire serious cuts and wounds which can cause them to die. Marine<br />pollution such as cyanide and oil spill from tankers also poison the dolphins and cause them health<br />problems that greatly affect their reproduction and velocity.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.sitenet.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />We love watching dolphins when they trail boats and when they shepherd people that are mounted on<br />ships. Hoping that these aquatic wonders will not be wiped out soon, World Wide Fund for Nature<br />(WWF-Philippines) and AppLabs Digital Studios Inc. are bringing an environmental application called<br />EnviroPop to the app nation. This altruistic project takes advantage of the modern technology to impart<br />learning and awareness to smart phone users.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />EnviroPop is puzzle game which showcases six different marine species (including the beloved Dolly the<br />Dolphin!) stuck between marine hazards and pollutants. The gameplay is very easy as players only need<br />to tap at least three hazards and swipe them off the screen within a minute.<br />The objective of the app is to inform users about WWF-Philippines' advocacy to conserve the marine<br />biodiversity and to save the endangered sea creatures. One of the educational tools found in the app<br />is “Enviropedia” where users can view the importance of the featured endangered sea animals to the<br />submerged ecosystem. Users can also learn about the marine pollutants that are posing a threat to the<br />marine biodiversity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>EnviroPop is available on iTunes now for only $0.99</b>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFOnzpuWEPIrUGZQEFIUJAB5dUQdVcESNwfSnclZY-BpLDhLoRHfMyVsqd4zA_Y0dYi3qzaBD8A1I9iCtLO2EMg5lVY-iIphFlrDuYBiS9lmBgYZJTN6kDNYrzWUBopOKYmnNqbm-yO4/s1600/enviropop2+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFOnzpuWEPIrUGZQEFIUJAB5dUQdVcESNwfSnclZY-BpLDhLoRHfMyVsqd4zA_Y0dYi3qzaBD8A1I9iCtLO2EMg5lVY-iIphFlrDuYBiS9lmBgYZJTN6kDNYrzWUBopOKYmnNqbm-yO4/s1600/enviropop2+blog.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of AppLabsDigital </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For every download of the environmental app, proceeds will swim its way into WWF-Philippines' marine conservation program fund. This fund will help aid the status of our dissipating marine biodiversity. The app isn't just created to bring entertainment for people, but also to encourage them to learn and do their part.</span><br />
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<b>You can find the Enviropop App on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EnviroPopApp?group_id=0">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/enviropopapp">Twitter</a></b><br />
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For more INFO:<br />
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<a href="http://enviropopapp.com/">EnviroPop App</a><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/enviropop/id595868152?mt=8">EnviroPop Full Version on iTunes</a><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/th/app/enviropop-lite/id595946060?mt=8&ignmpt=%20uo%3D2">EnviroPop Lite Version on iTunes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.applabsdigital.com/">AppLabs Digital Studios Inc</a><br />
<a href="http://wwf.org.ph/">WWF-Philippines</a><br />
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<i>Be sure to like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter, and tell them NNM sent you! Enjoy! </i>Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-76200693445221044652013-03-11T07:06:00.000-07:002013-03-11T10:54:20.193-07:002013 Eco Baby Gear Buying Guide that's FREE? Count me IN! <a href="http://www.greenchildmagazine.com/">Green Child Magazine</a> is in their 3rd year of publication! This bi monthly, online only magazine has been connecting parents with green options for their family with the goal of getting us back to raising our children the way nature intended.<br />
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I just got my SNEAK PEEK of the SPRING issue, which comes out TOMORROW! Inside you'll find (just to name a few):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cover photo, compliments of Green Child Magazine </td></tr>
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* the 2013 Eco Baby Gear Buying Guide <br />
<i>includes essentials in carriers, creams, nursery accessories and MORE! </i><br />
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* a nice SHOUT OUT to our local friends, <a href="http://www.givingdiapersgivinghope.org/">Giving Diapers, Giving Hope</a><br />
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* ways to celebrate Earth Day- OUTSIDE <3 and a fun game from <a href="http://www.naturerocks.org/">Nature Rocks</a><br />
<i>we all know it's important to get our kiddos outside, but it can prove difficult with working families and busy kids. Earth Day can be a great excuse and GCM shows you easy ways to get out and have FUN! </i><br />
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* tips for breastfeeding premature babies<br />
<i>breastfeeding can be more difficult with premies, but is more important than ever! </i><br />
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* 10 ways to join Screen Free Week April 29- May 5th<br />
<i>omg, after the winter we've had here in Maine: my family cannot WAIT for SCREEN FREE week! </i><br />
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<i><b>WANT YOUR OWN <u>FREE</u> SUBSCRIPTION??</b></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjiPR2yx7_ekoBXC9I4-2JIpeNbYW34DwBPFhA2CQ_V2-SOTkfezbNXzB8eYN5NxKEbZxzEK80arlF5yP_5_992XFpq9LRorTqfmfjgXfqj-lBGhEMNr4u-4K2mCNYeSA7FAYBCHywxo/s1600/blog+Green+Child+Magazine+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjiPR2yx7_ekoBXC9I4-2JIpeNbYW34DwBPFhA2CQ_V2-SOTkfezbNXzB8eYN5NxKEbZxzEK80arlF5yP_5_992XFpq9LRorTqfmfjgXfqj-lBGhEMNr4u-4K2mCNYeSA7FAYBCHywxo/s1600/blog+Green+Child+Magazine+2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from The Green Child Magazine on Facebook </td></tr>
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<b>CLICK <a href="http://www.greenchildmagazine.com/subscribe-2/">HERE</a></b></div>
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<b>You can also find them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Greenchildmagazine">Facebook</a> </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://twitter.com/GreenChildMag">Twitter</a> </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://pinterest.com/greenchildmag/">Pinterest</a> </b></div>
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<b><i>Let them know you're NEW and that NurturingtheNaturalMama sent you! </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Don't forget to make sure you're also following US on; </i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/NurturingtheNaturalMama/169353866444245?ref=hl">Facebook </a> </i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.twitter.com/mymackey">Twitter</a> </i></b></div>
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<b><i>and </i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/mymackey/">Pinterest</a> </i></b></div>
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<b>Comment below, or on FB or Twitter with your favorite part of the Green Child Magazine <a href="http://www.greenchildmagazine.com/">website</a><i>! </i> </b></div>
Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-18682937367148396282013-03-07T20:45:00.001-08:002013-03-08T05:12:13.045-08:00Strong Marriages Beget Strong Families <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Your Marriage Isn't About YOU: And other things I've learned the second time around.... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk_z66lWWqVsVDLpvtfb-VZr4EcgiR6eSxWvaeuPe82LnyWGQXeOY-5hkBkgPz6sjqfMpnI1bkasvZ870VUKoDN1GXZJ8EH72gTts32ao2-tFYuL75T3TJIr7A3k0DWLkXe_DejvH5nM/s1600/love+7+aug+23+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk_z66lWWqVsVDLpvtfb-VZr4EcgiR6eSxWvaeuPe82LnyWGQXeOY-5hkBkgPz6sjqfMpnI1bkasvZ870VUKoDN1GXZJ8EH72gTts32ao2-tFYuL75T3TJIr7A3k0DWLkXe_DejvH5nM/s1600/love+7+aug+23+2009.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let's start at the beginning: I was married in 2005 to my high school sweetheart. We had been together by that time, going on 11 years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We filed for divorce in 2006. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know, I know... Not much better than Britney Spears, right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So FAST FORWARD to 2009 when I marry my now husband, conveniently for purposes of the blog, called "hubby" ;) When we decided to get married, having both been divorced and both having children, we knew this had to be a calculated move. We decided to truly commit to one another, and to assist us in cementing this ideal, we wrote our own vows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now, perhaps the words "truly commit" sound rather redundant when talking about marriage...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While I can only speak for myself (meaning I'm not sure Hubby would relate verbatim to what I'm going to express here): I am certain that the <i>commitment </i>is what was missing from my first marriage. And no fault of my ex husbands. We had been together so long that marriage was just the next step! I was 24 when we got engaged... dreaming about getting married... I couldn't wait to plan the wedding... and then just naively expected that everything else would be immediate and always happy. To break it down to its' simplest form: I was a selfish brat. I expected the hardest part of being married to be planning the wedding. Epic Fail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I didn't know then what I know now: Marriage is work. Marriage is HARD work. MY marriage is NOT about ME. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_N-lxgUZ_S4TtbrFLQqy3acRM1kkf1sQFAfPoAi9PO7ukV6kesr9UgwvKpAAHiafao7Y0tC-PosyqGhyphenhyphen9w27lnOtn4Fy4_iKfxoJjha8PHydTQZM13hDoJhrE93QiyFr4zoHJ92FhgtU/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_N-lxgUZ_S4TtbrFLQqy3acRM1kkf1sQFAfPoAi9PO7ukV6kesr9UgwvKpAAHiafao7Y0tC-PosyqGhyphenhyphen9w27lnOtn4Fy4_iKfxoJjha8PHydTQZM13hDoJhrE93QiyFr4zoHJ92FhgtU/s1600/love.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from www.unveiledwife.com </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> It is work, just like parenting. But, just like parenting, it can be infinitely rewarding. In retrospect, I had spent too much time (even in the beginning of my current marriage) being a bit of a feminist. My emotional struggle with "giving in" and my holding onto own expectations were overwhelming my ability to be a good wife. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Attempting to put all of this into words that make sense is proving harder than I thought! But sometime right before the birth of <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2012/06/baby-b-birth-story-totally-rocked-vba2c.html">Baby B </a>,I learned the term <a href="http://womeninthescriptures.blogspot.com/2010/11/real-meaning-of-term-help-meet.html">helpmeet</a> and it changed my marriage;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was learning the <i>true </i>meaning of this seemingly strange word that gave me the emotional permission to <i>work for my marriage instead of expecting it to work for me. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCD-UQ6ZBN1dTl5rAoAWXcDJtonyuvfEGlW0obI29gJq_SlEVEEko80jT322EYQo7B-FQlRAxmbTMRxCDC-mwUQLmRy0SqMIRvUhNZh8GAXi5dxsSUwX_dSJKYEn35feYZJ6_hcyy7Q0/s1600/vow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCD-UQ6ZBN1dTl5rAoAWXcDJtonyuvfEGlW0obI29gJq_SlEVEEko80jT322EYQo7B-FQlRAxmbTMRxCDC-mwUQLmRy0SqMIRvUhNZh8GAXi5dxsSUwX_dSJKYEn35feYZJ6_hcyy7Q0/s1600/vow.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i> </i>I had spent so long working (emotionally) at not becoming someone's doormat, that I felt like if I had to work at my marriage, I was somehow "settling" or jeopardizing my womanhood. Enveloping the role of helpmeet has made me feel more like a <i>wife </i>than ever before! For someone who struggles with anxiety, feeling like a "good" wife in turn makes me feel like a better mom, I feel like I accomplish more during the day, I am more motivated, I am happier... it even makes me feel more, dare I say, sexy! Ok, ok, so I still have quite a few pounds to lose before I feel really sexy ;) But putting all the emotional energy that I was using toward "not being a doormat" and redirecting it toward showing unyielding appreciation, love, and affection to my husband has improved our marriage, and our family, dramatically. </span></div>
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<b><i>Eve was not designed to be exactly like Adam. She was designed to be his
mirror opposite, possessing the other half of the qualities,
responsibilities, and attributes which he lacked. Just like Adam and
Eve's sexual organs were physically mirror opposites (one being internal
and the other external) so were their their divine stewardship designed
to be opposite but fit together perfectly to create life. Eve was
Adam's complete spiritual equal, endowed with a saving power that was
opposite from his.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Opposite but still equal. In its simplest terms: He envelopes his role (in OUR family, at THIS time) as leader, husband, father and breadwinner; and I envelope my role (again, in OUR family at THIS time) as wife, mother, and caretaker. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are by no means suddenly time traveling back to the 1950's. We just make it a point daily to bring everything back to our commitment to each other. Whether we are blissful, tired, bickering, or barely speaking ;) we both are <i>committed. </i>Since I <i>know </i>that we are both working towards the same goal as a team, I feel comfortable letting go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That's right. I relinquished the control ;) and my life hasn't been happier. He is our leader. Like the mature lion in a pride, we look to him for our next step, our daily affirmations, and of course, the money for our bills! <3 </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcBYsMU27got7KyGl4jsHXDwmzqw-DjXGzXHIhbaRzJVDEJQpWcUgPekNbl0oI_u3j85JbBmS2P39oQaeLmWQIpMgn_x4WE2gCoujFmQ0qA8HmpStbqEza4FelofTJ4bjKVYsi9VN7h8/s1600/jules+wedding+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcBYsMU27got7KyGl4jsHXDwmzqw-DjXGzXHIhbaRzJVDEJQpWcUgPekNbl0oI_u3j85JbBmS2P39oQaeLmWQIpMgn_x4WE2gCoujFmQ0qA8HmpStbqEza4FelofTJ4bjKVYsi9VN7h8/s1600/jules+wedding+15.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I find ways to appreciate my husband daily regardless of the type of day we're having</span>. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I find the most inspiration from <a href="http://www.unveiledwife.com/">Unveiled Wife </a>and <a href="http://www,happywivesclub.com/">Happy Wives Club</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And this is a two way street. I do not feel depleted in any way. All the energy I expend is returned. I am replenished daily by hubby's appreciation and commitment to me and our family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2012/11/forget-attachment-parenting-its-called.html">Family Appreciation Night </a>has been a way for us to extend the same display of commitment and appreciation to each and every member of the family. We all share responsibility and we all share LOVE <3 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How have YOU shown your spouse/partner/kids that you appreciate them today?? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Give a SHOUT OUT your favorite site for FAMILY or relationship inspiration below! </span></div>
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Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263941271746953787.post-88501301480158978212013-03-07T10:43:00.000-08:002013-03-07T10:43:53.058-08:00Simplifying the Holidays: ReVAMP those Easter baskets! (Re publish) Avoid the basket of crap.<br />
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Yes, crap. Crap plastic,
crap stuffed animals which will collect dust and never be looked at
again, crap candy, and commercialized cards and other trinkets. This
will save you money, piece of mind, and probably a few pounds on the
scale :)<br />
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As I read the <a href="http://celebrategreen.net/eco_easter_ideas/">Eco-Easter basket ideas</a> available through <a href="http://www.celebrategreen.net/">Celebrate Green</a> today, it got me thinking about all of this..... well, crap. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-z2-AxoXd_no8AC_02cs-03DGFIL9jBAbpKEdNM0W8kdLUdYCdsAH-VGRGCq6K_XSoovKVPdeyRpkSWMdEFL8tVTu13IjAmBgSGiGLZnF8JjlRpCYFprAcnIk96ZDAoXkkgZcG3OwUHQ/s1600/candy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-z2-AxoXd_no8AC_02cs-03DGFIL9jBAbpKEdNM0W8kdLUdYCdsAH-VGRGCq6K_XSoovKVPdeyRpkSWMdEFL8tVTu13IjAmBgSGiGLZnF8JjlRpCYFprAcnIk96ZDAoXkkgZcG3OwUHQ/s320/candy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I described in <a href="http://nurturingthenaturalmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/crafty-mama.html">Crafty Mama</a>,
how I simplified the Christmas holiday for my family this year. We, as a
family, do not typically celebrate what I have branded as Hallmark
holidays like Valentine's Day. However, this year my toddler did make
adorable all-natural versions of the Rice Krispie treat at school, which
were adorable and delicious (although I only got a bite, since he ate
the rest lol)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S-cokGSNHE7wDveldrtLslo8RKhjPN0Ck6sauCCIFrfU6mkbxJRrj6S3MhgG-t8CY-tyj0z6ZBoym_iSFnRWFkGsfTlT6GC5jKlNfkPTDg1txh3N0hZhZ24pWG_hXxhhQEQUrtqU1m0/s1600/DSCN1700.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S-cokGSNHE7wDveldrtLslo8RKhjPN0Ck6sauCCIFrfU6mkbxJRrj6S3MhgG-t8CY-tyj0z6ZBoym_iSFnRWFkGsfTlT6GC5jKlNfkPTDg1txh3N0hZhZ24pWG_hXxhhQEQUrtqU1m0/s1600/DSCN1700.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So
for Easter, what do you do? Do your kids really need a bucket full of
chocolate and some marshmallow type substance pressed into the shapes of
bunnies and chicks? Probably not (just a guess) :)<br />
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And no, they also do NOT need a real bunny for Easter! <a href="http://www.rabbit.org/easter/">Bunnies and Easter DON'T MIX</a><br />
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Are there alternatives?<br />
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YES!
1, which I did last year- No gifts. Have them paint some eggs with food
coloring you already have in your house, then hide them, and my toddler
had a blast finding all his eggs! That was enough for him, and my
wallet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pPDNMuXczllrquIfL937w5VlxUN5RjqLjRBDMIRnpd0QuqsjgEff3HSHyPY5pE60HgvkXzF5AKTFVIw8kWG8O9t78OyMAsUJLiXDwD_KBfMCdoSi5B5YzfOmyjSbL3uqiJj8H21oCDg/s1600/spring.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pPDNMuXczllrquIfL937w5VlxUN5RjqLjRBDMIRnpd0QuqsjgEff3HSHyPY5pE60HgvkXzF5AKTFVIw8kWG8O9t78OyMAsUJLiXDwD_KBfMCdoSi5B5YzfOmyjSbL3uqiJj8H21oCDg/s320/spring.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My friend Christine, who wrote an article for <a href="http://www.rethinkingeverythingmagazine.net/">REThinking Everything Magazine</a>, came up with the following natural option for her toddler;<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjkzET5sV9q0AzZk-d2oYwN3D8o2vp6PjDBmupz9IY509dxG4zyh32n727B6U-27WghAu49BBUqWkCDh05By9u3_rkxFnUwX1VRw3C6b-Sk8LcslmOlenOM47RCZKrzq0Nsom5LUhKHo/s1600/easter+basket.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjkzET5sV9q0AzZk-d2oYwN3D8o2vp6PjDBmupz9IY509dxG4zyh32n727B6U-27WghAu49BBUqWkCDh05By9u3_rkxFnUwX1VRw3C6b-Sk8LcslmOlenOM47RCZKrzq0Nsom5LUhKHo/s320/easter+basket.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Other
ideas include one natural toy, filling a small basket with some exotic
fruits and a small handful of all natural candy or other treats they
don't normally get. Grab a coloring book or some recycled paper and a
pack of new crayons or markers (there are also natural options, like the
ones available at <a href="http://hipmountainmama.com/naartsu.html">Hip Mountain Mama</a>) and create some Easter-theme crafts together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh-QaQ7D9EiAOxsh5fiTp3vu-xyzr4BL9_j0ipkMT-3ULOKaHlENFWAOMqGfdceq6NaZY1qGLSFX_XGYeZLkxeZsFAbOXP5PUosZYMDF8pT5vjNRLeLxngVNp3YbU5YSF1vHNjARhGis/s1600/african-american-greeting-card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh-QaQ7D9EiAOxsh5fiTp3vu-xyzr4BL9_j0ipkMT-3ULOKaHlENFWAOMqGfdceq6NaZY1qGLSFX_XGYeZLkxeZsFAbOXP5PUosZYMDF8pT5vjNRLeLxngVNp3YbU5YSF1vHNjARhGis/s200/african-american-greeting-card.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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You
can find a lot to do/make/enjoy this Easter holiday that does not
involve synthetic plastics, large stuffed animals, mass produced cards
which waste paper, and the previously ever-popular basket full of candy!
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Disclaimer: This short blog is focusing solely on the
commercialization and artificiality of many holidays, I am well aware
that there are religious implications which I am (purposely) completely
ignoring.<br />
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Lastly, you WILL see me at some point before
the end of April, enjoy my one decadent (albeit artificial and probably
utterly disgusting if I ever took the time to read the label) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadbury_Creme_Egg">Cadbury Cream Egg</a> :) Spring just wouldn't be the same without it.<br />
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How do you simplify your holiday(s)? And what's your guilty pleasure?Theresa Jean Siroishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06341293249801855089noreply@blogger.com0