Recipes needed

After 3 months of breaking out in hives, we have FINALLY figured out everything I am allergic too.  It is not so bad that I will get sick, my throat will close, or any of those things.  The worst that will happen is that I will get hives and itch.  I can deal with it; however, I want to limit my exposure to those foods.  Below is the list of things I should not eat. 

Strawberries
Shellfish
Citrus
Tomatoes
Capsaicin (hot sauce, chili's, etc)
This list pretty much eliminates almost everything I love:  Tacos, chips and salsa, pasta with marinara sauce, lasagna, pizza, shrimp, crabs, etc.  I am not a meat and potatoes kind of girl.  That said, if you have any good recipes for Mexican or Italian food that does not include any of the above ingredients, please send them my way:  kfinck4@gmail.com.  Thanks :)

Weekend Finds...

Once again, I walk into Target with the intention of buying 1 thing (a bedskirt) and walk out with $100 worth of crap.  Well...not all of it was crap.  I did score these super cute flats for $15



They didn't have a bedskirt that would fit Mia's new twin bed, but we did end up with new bows and a mattress cover for Mia's new bed. 
Hope everyone had a great weekend. 

Happy 5th Birthday, Bereket

Dear Bereket,
Since we started sponsoring you through Compassion International in June 2011, you have enriched our lives in so many ways.  I look forward to your letters and hearing about your family, what you are learning in school, and your favorite foods and sports.  Getting a letter from you makes me week so much better.  I reread them at least a dozen times.  I love the pictures you draw for us as well.  You are such a special little boy. 
I hope you are doing well and enjoy your special day today.  We are thinking of you and wish we could celebrate with you. 
Love always,
Karen

Compassion International is a Christian child development organization dedicated to releasing children from poverty. Today Compassion works in 26 countries.  Sponsoring a child costs $38 a month. It's a significant commitment, but the incredible difference it makes in the life of a child is invaluable.  To learn more about sponsoring a child, click on Compassion International now. 

You're gonna do whaaaaat?

So, after months of my Dr. pressuring me, I finally got up the courage to go for a consultation for a colonoscopy.  Yes, I am younger than the typical patient, but I have a history of colon cancer and polyps and have a few other "symptoms" as well.  I've been putting it off for over a year now, but after my Dad's recent colon cancer surgery, my New Years Resolution was to get it done and not be such a chicken. 
So, today I met with a super nice Dr who immediately put me at ease.  My appointment isn't until May, but I am putting a positive spin on this.  I'm viewing this as a cleanse and a quick weight loss fix to get me ready for bathing suit season.  This may gross you out, but I like to make light of situations that make me totally uncomfortable.  So, for your reading pleasure.....here are some jokes about Colonoscopy's. 

Three men met at a party, and it wasn’t long until the conversation got around to their line of work and what kinds of cars they drove.  “I’m a veterinarian,” said the first fellow.  “So, naturally, I drive a white ‘Vet.”
As they smiled and nodded, the second man said, “I own a sign company, so I Drive a purple Neon.”
Now the third guy was suddenly quiet until he was egged on by the other two.  “Well,” he finally admitted, “I’m a gastroenterologist…and I have a brown Probe.”

A gastroenterologist claims these are actual comments made by patients during colonoscopy:
• “Take it easy, doc, you’re boldly going where no man has gone before.”
• “Find Amelia Earhart yet?”
• “Could you write me a note for my wife, saying that my head is not, in fact, up there?”
• “Are we there yet?”
• “Can you hear me now?”

A man went in for a colonoscopy.  The gastroenterologist examined him, and then turned him onto his side to begin the procedure.
The doc immediately noticed a large piece of lettuce protruding from the gentleman’s posterior.
“Sir,” she said, “did you know that you have lettuce hanging out of your bottom?”
“Yes,” replied the man, “but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Make A Wish

This was not the original blog post that I had planned for today; however, I I feel the need to call for Volunteers for an organization that I have grown to love.  The area in which I live is extremely short on Wish Granting Volunteers.  I'm sure other parts of the country are short staffed as well so I wanted to share information about how you can help!

I've been a Wish Granter with the Make a Wish Foundation for about a year now.  It has been a very rewarding and humbling experience.  I've gotten to know several families and grown to truly love and care about these kids.  As a Wish Granter, you make your own hours and take on as much or as little as you like.  I can tell you, I work full time, I am a mother with 2 toddlers at home, I have a commute that is over an hour each way, and I volunteer doing other things in my community as well.  If I can make time for this, you can to.  You serve as the liaison between the Make a Wish foundation and the family and child. You meet with the family, take the information about the child's wish, complete the paperwork, and send it to the Make a Wish foundation.  During the process, you keep in touch with the family and send small gifts (countdown calendars, cards, etc) to keep the child excited.  When the wish is granted, you deliver the product (trip itinerary, computer, etc.) as well as a cake and balloons to help them celebrate.  Seeing their excitement and their smiles is amazing.  These children and families are so strong.  To find out more about the foundation, go to http://www.wish.org/.  You can use the main website to search for your local chapter.  They should have volunteer opportunities on their page.  I hope you will consider giving back, whether it is with Make a Wish or giving back in other ways. 

So what Wednesday...

I'm linking up with Shannon again for another edition of So What Wednesday. This week, I'm saying:

 

• So what if I don't snap my son's onesie.  Changing him is difficult enough.  I do not have the energy to continue wrestling him to snap a onesie.
• So what if I allowed my 19 month old to play in the aisle last night at the pancake dinner at church.  Yes, he was in everyones way, but he was QUIET and I got to eat while my dinner was hot.  Sorry to everyone who had to step around him, but it's church so you can't really get to mad at us, right? 
• So what if I am already stressing about how to handle my flight to AZ.  Have I mentioned that I hate flying?  I hate it.  I hate it even more when I am not with my family (husband and kids).  I am a wreck already and it's still over a week away. 
• So what if I am thinking of using one of my spa treatments for a make up consultation.  Yes, I know you can get them free in any mall, but maybe this one will be better?  Maybe they will know the secret to getting rid of dark circles and bags under your eyes?  The older I get the worse they get. 
• So what that looking at Shannon's birthday list of cute clothes makes me want to make one of my own.  My birthday is only 2 1/2 months away.  It's never too early to make a list, right? 

What are you saying so what to this week?

Terrible 3's

I know this face looks so sweet and innocent...

But let me assure you....at 8pm every night, she goes from being my sweet little princess to being a difficult, tantrum throwing, stubborn little 3 year old who is absolutely exhausting.  I thought they were the terrible 2's, but let me tell ya...it's the terrible 3's!  Every night, we go through our bedtime routine (brush our teeth, reading 3 books, singing 2-3 songs, and saying our prayers).  Right now, Mia is in the habit of "laying in our bed for 1 minute" before she goes to her room.  When she finally goes to her room, she comes out at least 10-15 times for everything (potty, needs a drink, needs to clean her ears, her eyes hurt, needs a stuffed animal), I've heard it all.  So, right now, I'm looking for help.  I am a sucker.  I'll be the first to admit it.  I hate to make her cry.  I hate to see her sad, especially when she is calling for ME.  It breaks my heart.  How do you do it?  How do you get your kids to stay in bed?  Are there any tricks I can use that won't make her so upset and upset me in the process? 

Dry Shampoo

A lot of people have been talking about how great dry shampoo and how great it is.  I was skeptical.  I have oily hair.  If I don't wash my hair everyday it looks gross.  Yuck.  I did not think dry shampoo would work, but I was wrong.  I'm still shocked.  I tried it yesterday as I am off work today (I didn't want to risk it on a morning when I had to get up at 5am for work). 
I used this kind of dry shampoo.  It was cheap, only about $5 AND...to make it even better, there was a $3 coupon in the newspaper this week.  I figured for $2, I couldn't go wrong. 

So, this is terrible picture, but it's the best I could do. 

My hair doesn't look greasy.  Yay.  Ignore the fact that I"m in my mommy attire (fleece pants and a sweatshirt).  So, if you haven't tried dry shampoo yet, I highly recommend it.  I don't think I'll use it all of the time, but it's great when you are running late and need a quick fix for your hair. 



Firm Friday and Hair Color

I really thought that by linking up with Kristen for the Firm Friday challenge, I would be motivated to get back in shape as I don't like to look like a big fat failure week after week; however, here I am, on week 6 and I have done absolutely nothing. 

This week, not only did I NOT work out, I also did not eat well.  I made it my personal mission to drink as many fountain cokes as possible this week, knowing I will be giving them up next Wednesday for Lent.  I hope everyone else did better than me.  Hopefully, I'll have some better news to report next week. 

On a side note, I could use some hair advise.  I'm getting the itch to do something new.  I'm thinking of coloring my hair again.  I haven't done this in about 6 years.  This was the last time I had blonde highlights:

I was letting them grow out in this picture.  It seems the older I get, the darker my hair gets.  See the picture below of my current natural color.

I'd love any suggestions you may have for a new color---or even a new cut/style.  I currently have bangs...see below

So...any ideas??? 

Thanks Oprah!

Last year, my bff Melissa and I took a trip to Chicago to see Oprah for one of her last 30 shows.  We were there for the Best Friends Show.  The audience was full of people who had been best friends for years.  To win tickets, Melissa submitted a story about our friendship and pictures of us together. 

Melissa and I have been friends for 12 years.  This is her holding Paxton after his baptism.  She is his Godmother. 

I'm getting off track....At the show, we won tickets to Mirval Spa  (complete with airfare, clothes, and spending $).  And finally, 8 months later, we are planning our adventure.  In 2 weeks, we will be heading west for some R and R and maybe some zip lining too!  Woo hoo!  So, thank you Oprah for the amazing gift.  I can't wait to share pictures and stories of our adventures!

So what Wednesday...

I'm linking up with Shannon again at Life After I Dew for So What Wednesday.  This week, I'm saying so what if....

• I had planned to cook dinner last night for Valentines Day until I realized that the salmon was still frozen.  Oops.  Therefore, Chris had to stop and pick up pizza on the way home.  
• It is taking approximately 1 1/2 hours to get my daughter in bed at night.  She will not stay in her room.  I regreting moving her into a toddler bed.  Where's super nanny when you need her?
• I'm flying all the way to Tuscan, AZ in 2 weeks for about 48 hours.  Keep in mind, it's a 5-6 hour flight each way.  Seems kind of ridiculous, but its free so I guess I can't complain.
• I'm hesitating in applying for a new job that a friend told me about.  Honestly, I'm a big chicken. It pays significantly more, but I'm not sure I'm qualified for the position and I'm afraid of failure.  I also have a great boss and I'm scared of not having the same flexibilities that I have now.  Decisions Decisions....
• Oh, lastly, I've had mini (desktop) Christmas trees in each kids room now for officially 16 months.  Wow...I don't even know what to say for myself.  The rest of the Christmas decorations are down, but I always forget to do their rooms.  Guess they will stay up for another year :).  Good thing they match their room decor/colors and don't look too Christmasy. 

New at Blogging...

So, I've seen a lot of people link up with Neely at A Complete Waste of MakeUp to introduce themselves and their blogs.  Since I'm pretty new at this, I thought I'd join in. 

I'm Karen...  I'm not a great writer.  I write the same way I talk.  This blog is mainly about my adventures in being a mom.  Occassionally I may write about losing my son.  I may sometimes write about my DIY failures, reality TV, celeb gossip or whatever.  This is really just an outlet for me, a way to document our lives, and hopefully make new friends in the process.

This is our family.  Seriously this was the best picture we took during our whole photoshoot.  Notice, my daughter clinging to me and though you can't tell, my son was trying to escape.  Ha!  Story of my life. 

As for me...I work in HR.  I teach Sunday School (3 year olds).  In my spare time, I volunteer with Make a Wish and March of Dimes because I believe in the mission and I just absolutely love children (though I do not want anymore).  I am addicted to shopping.  More so online now that taking my kids to the mall is more like running a marathon (chasing them).  I love a good deal.  I love reality TV, specifically the bachelor (though I really dislike Ben), survivor, Jerseylicious, the Voice, So you think you can dance, and millionaire matchmaker.  Oh...and any of those wedding shows like Four Weddings or My Fair Wedding. 

I dislike frogs, birds, and anything touching my nose (I'm a little claustrophobic).  I hate camping.  I don't want to be anywhere where there is not running water and my own bathroom.  I don't see the fun in sleeping on the ground when I can be in a nice warm bed. 

So, that's about it.  I am looking forward to reading some of the linkups!

Valentines Day

Happy Valentine's Day!  While we do not really celebrate Valentine's Day, I do like to do things to make my kids feel special (on Valentines Day and every other day). This year, thanks to pinterest, I decided to make encouraging hearts for their doors. 

This is Mia's door.  She loves them and asks me to read them to her every night.  I love it because it let's her know how special she is.  I wrote things that we love about her.  Some examples are "you are a great singer, mommy and daddy love you, Paxton loves you, you are a great big sister, you are sweet, you are smart", etc. 

This is Paxton's door.  It was so much fun thinking of things to write for the kids.  Paxton's says things like, "you are sweet, you are brave, you are adventurous, you are a great dancer, Mia loves you, Mommy and Daddy love you", etc. 

All in all, the kids had a great time.  Mia loves to have her picture taken and insisted that I take this one.

This is a picture of Pax in his Valentine's shirt....the shirt says it all :)

Happy Valentines Day!

Disney on Ice

Friday, we took the kids and met up with our friend, Lara and her daughter, Ella for Disney on Ice.  This was the first one for Paxton and I gotta say....I was impressed.  He sat still and he loved it.  He especially loved seeing his favorite characters from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  He was in awe.  It was so cute. 

Ok, he was not sitting still for this picture, but this was before the show. 

This was during the show....

Mia dressed as Cinderella....

Paxton does not like dressing up so we let him wear a cowboy shirt, similar to Woody's from Toy Story. 

Mia and Ella love the Disney Princesses. 

Mia was excited to be there with her friend, Ella.  Can you believe they are only a couple months apart?

It was a busy morning so Paxton napped on the way home.  Hope you all had a great weekend!

Firm Friday Week 5

I missed linking up with Kristen yesterday for firm Fridays.  This week has been a little different.  I purposely did not stick to my "diet"; however, I did exercise a little.  Here's the scoop....

On a positive note, I walked 7 flights of stairs twice 4 days last week.  Honestly, that is the only exercise I got in other than carrying a nearly 30 lbs toddler around the First Marinar Arena in Baltimore yesterday for Disney on Ice. 

As for my eating....I've lost a lot of weight.  I'm actually not really happy about the amount that I have lost.  I am not doing it intentially.  I was initially trying to lose about 5 lbs; however, I've now lost 20 lbs and I am not trying.  I know....people would kill to have this problem, but on a serious note...I"m seeing a Doctor to get some blood work done.  For the past 3 months, I've been breaking out in hives (5-7 days/nights a week).  I've seen my General Doctor and a Dermotologist.  I was just told to take Clariten.  That is not good enough for me.  I need to know what I am allergic too and if it is related to my weight loss.  So, yesterday I had an appointment with an allergist.  I tested negative during the first round of tests.  Today I was sent for blood work so we will see what that brings.  In the meantime, I'm trying to gain about 5 lbs so I"m on a diet of ice cream and candy bars.  (ok, you can hate me for that one). 

I'm still hoping to tone up.  Despite my size, I still have a flabby belly and thighs.  We are getting ready to buy a treadmill so hopefully I can start running soon.  It is a little too cold outside to run here.  Hope everyone else did well for their Firm Fridays. 

March for Babies

The March of Dimes March for Babies is less than 3 months away and the fundraising is about to begin.  This march is so special to me.  It is a way to keep Parker's memory alive and a way that I show my children how much they are loved and how much they are wanted.  It is a day full of emotion and a day that is totally and completely dedicated to children.  The March of Dimes is such a special organization.  They help to prevent birth defects and help families with children in the NICU.  To donate, please go to my page:
http://www.marchforbabies.org/Nahas

Here is a look back at our past 3 marches.  This was us at the March in 2011.  It was rainy, but we still participated.  My BFF, Renee joined us with her 2 kids, Daniel and Lizzie. 

Below are some pictures from 2010.  Much better weather. 

This is my friend Carol, her hubby Mike and 3 kids, Jaxon, Leila, and Phoebe. 

This is all of us.  Our family, Carol's family, and our friend's Scott and Gina and their girls Sarah and Anna

This is Mia in the car we decorated for her.  It says "Rollin for my twin brother, Parker Kennedy Nahas, September 11, 2008"

This is Chris pushing me.  I was on bedrest so I did this walk in a wheelchair.  I was pushing Mia.  It was a long 3 miles, especially for Chris

This is Gina and I with her girls, Sarah and Anna signing the canvas for 2010.

Us in 2010

I couldn't find this picture in color, but this is our first walk in 2009.  We had Chris's mom, his brother Doug and his kids, his sister Jan, and our friends Scott and Gina.  It was such a special day and one that I will remember forever. 

Our Love Story

I'm linking up today with Becky today to tell our love story, in honor of Valentine's Day next week. 

Taken Ladies

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?   We starting dating July 1, 2005 and got engaged January 1, 2006 (exactly 6 months later)

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}  We met in July 2000 when we were both working at Enterprise Rent a Car.  We worked in different offices and Chris came to my office to trade cars and "meet" me.  We became friends immediately, but didn't officially date for another 5 years. 

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}  We've been married just over 5 years. 

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding?  If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?  We got married in Easton, MD.  We invited just over 200 people.  It was hard as we both have large families.  Our wedding was definitely an event to be remembered....as everything was stolen (including our car).  More on that another day.

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!  Not really.  I hope that doesn't make us too boring. 

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.  His big heart, his eyes, his smile, his sense of humor...so many things. 

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?  Chris proposed on New Years Eve/Day in 2005/2006.  He did it in his parent's sun room in front of his whole family.  I was not expecting it and was incredibly happy.  I had always known I would marry him. 

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?  Neither.  We don't celebrate Valentines Day (mutual decision).  We do cards, but that's it.

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?  Both.  I love the beach, but I also love to kick back on the couch and watch tv or a good movie. 

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?   I have always wanted to ride a gondola in Venice, Italy. 

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.   Working...nothing special really, though we are utilizing the baby sitting services at church this Saturday so we can go to dinner. 

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?  We are not doing gifts. 

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.  Communication...and lots of it. 

14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.



Paxton Update

As you may or may not know, Paxton is not eating solid food or talking yet.  We are working with the Infants and Toddlers Program in our county.  We had our 3rd speech therapy session today.  Paxton is learning sign language.  He knows a few signs now and we watch our signing times DVDs at least 4 times a day.  He just gets so frustrated when he can't communicate what he wants or needs.  I'm hoping this will help.
We have had no improvement in his eating.  He will still only eat pureed baby food or yogurt.  We are trying different exercises like drinking out of a straw, blowing bubbles, etc., to help develop his jaw muscles.  Hopefully, this will improve by September when he is supposed to start nursery school.  I will try to keep updating this as he progresses.  In the meantime, here is a cute picture of my handsome little man.

Photo a Day: Buttons

Paxton's favorite buttons....

Photo a Day: Dinner

Cap'n Crunch...it's what's for dinner. 

Half Time Show and Pinterest Superbowl Fare Review

Let me start by saying, I did not watch the superbowl.  I was too busy getting the kids ready for bed and then sleeping to care about football (though I was rooting for the Giants as  they are Chris's team).  I did; however, make sure to catch the half time show as I have been a Madonna fan since elementary school when she came out "Like a Virgin" and "Material Girl".  I cannot believe she is 53 years old!  According to one of the radio personalities this morning, only 20% of people liked the half time show last night.  Seriously?  Madonna is a pop icon.  She is amazing.  The only criticism I have is that the pon poms were a little corny.  "Like a Prayer" with Cee Lo was a great finale.  L-U-V Madonna....

As for our superbowl fare...we did not have a party, but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun food!  We enjoyed steak and shrimp.  I also made a couple of recipes from pinterest.   

I highly recommend trying this recipe.  It was quick and easy and delicious!

The fruit dip was amazing.  The chips were just ok.  Next time, I may just try graham crackers. 

Photo a Day: 10am or....well, 10:30 in my case.

I missed the 10am mark as my sunday school class was doing music time.  So, these are 3 of the 3 year olds in my class (including my little princess in pink).  It's play time once our lesson is over.  What a group of cuties I get to teach every Sunday!

Red Neck Stranger

Day 4 is a picture of a stranger.  I know the quality of this picture is terrible; however, I could not resist.

There are just no words....

Firm Friday Week 4

I had high hopes that posting every week would motivate me to get my butt in gear and tone up.  I have not been exercising the way I had planned; however, I didn't do completely horrible this week. 

On a positive note, I walked up 7 flights of stairs 2x at work on Wednesday and Thursday.  Shew....I am so out of shape.  I was out of breath by the 3rd flight!  While on vacation in Fl this past week, I also played a lot of red light green light, simon says, played at the park, and went on several "nature hikes" with the kids.  Though it isn't what I had planned (crunches, lunges, etc.), at least it was something.

As for eating healthy....well, if you call wine, margaritas, choco tacos, and dark chocolate milky ways low fat, than I did great! 

Next week, I have signed up for yoga again on Monday and I plan to do pilates on Thursday as well.  I've recruited a few friends to go as well so hopefully, that will motivate me.  

and....just for my husband  GO GIANTS!

Photo a Day: Hands

There are 3 pair of tiny hands and feet that I will hold in my heart forever. 

Parker 2008

I will remember when you are tall, that your hands were just this small. 

Mia January 2012

Paxton July 2010