Ninja Fanatic!

I first discovered Ninja blending systems a couple years ago via an infomercial on early morning tv. It was AWESOME! It attacks fruits and vegetables like they are butter. They showed all these amazing recipes and health benefits (and some party drinks) that can be made faster and smoother with these different blenders. I probably watched their infomercials a couple thousand times over the past couple of years. Always wishing.... We just couldn't afford it yet.

Well, Christmas 2012, Santa was supposed to bring me the Mega Kitchen System but he hurt his shoulder and didn't work for several months so he tried to order it on the easy-pay plan. They don't accept debit cards and we don't have a credit card so it was never ordered but didn't tell us. So I was watching the mail every day in excited anticipation for a blender that wasn't coming. So frustrating. Then I checked the site's "Where's My Order" option and it had no record of my hubster's phone number or email. FUMING MAD!!! I thought he didn't order it. He called their support line and it took over 30 minutes for their very own rep to determine it was because he tried to use his bank card and they don't accept them for easy-pay.

I tried really hard not to let disappointment settle in, but it was difficult. This blender was the main ingredient to our life improvement goals this year. Our regular blender just can't handle the raw food blending that we are trying to start. It takes f o r e v e r to blend one smoothie. And they aren't very smooth.

After some serious discussions and research, we decided that we could start with a smaller set instead of the Mega System and then upgrade after he gets back to work. Then, I was blessed with a 20% off coupon for Bed, Bath and Beyond in my email inbox yesterday. I forwarded it to the hubster and GUESS WHO GOT HER NINJA YESTERDAY!!!!! :) We got the Ninja Professional 1100W with two travel cups. We'll get the Mega System in a few months. I'm quite happy with that decision.

I was so excited when I got home! Our first blend was silly and mostly for entertaining Tristan. It was just strawberry milk. Then, in the travel cup, I added some blueberries, plain yogurt, milk, honey and agave and blended for just a couple minutes. It was so smooth! And incredibly yummy! I put some in a cup for Tristan but it was too thick. So, we made him a bowl of baby oatmeal and stirred the smoothie into it. He loved it! He ate two bowls of it. Then he was a happy boy. He was laughing, playing, hugging and kissing. He climbed up into my lap and we were talking and he passed out. Mid-giggle. So sweet!

This morning, I blended blackberries, banana, honey, agave, Vi-Shake Mix, and milk for a yummy breakfast smoothie. In less than half the time of my regular blender. Fantastic! I would advise anyone who wants to start raw food blending to get a high speed blender. I especially recommend the Ninja because it is so affordable compared to some of the others.

Hope you all have a happy Friday and great weekend!

In His Love,

~Melissa~

Ch-ch-ch-CHIA!!

Happy Thursday morning to you! As part of my life improvement goals in 2013, I've been doing research on different health foods and their benefits.

I recently discovered chia seeds.

I did hours of research and reading prior to deciding that it sounded like the perfect additive to the raw food blending that my hubster and I are starting. So, I bought a bag at The Vitamin Shoppe on Tuesday after work and added 1 Tablespoon to my Vi-Shake on Wednesday morning. Can I just tell you that I was not starving at lunch time. In fact, I ate lunch late because I was still comfortable and not really hungry at all. Then, I added another Tablespoon to my soup when I finally did eat lunch and I was not starving on my date last night. Normally, when hubster takes me to Panda Express, I BINGE on the food and clear the plate. Last night - I got less than half of the food down before I was comfortably full. I only had a couple handfuls of popcorn during our movie and did not snack at all when we got home. Incredible!

Even better - I slept for 6 solid hours and did not wake up hungry. Amazing. I feel really good this morning. So, I added it to my Vi-Shake this morning and to my Chinese left-overs for today. I haven't touched the chocolate in our office candy dish or felt the need to snack at all today.

This chia stuff... just might be the real deal! I'll keep you posted on how things progress as I continue to use these wonderful little seeds. :)

Until next time...

In His Love,

~Melissa~

Happy New Year

Yeah, right. It's 8:30 pm and I haven't left my bedroom/bathroom once today. I woke up vomiting and other unpleasantness for some reason this morning. I've slept almost all day between trips to the toilet, have eaten nothing, and drank a few sips of hot tea - which I later threw up. I saw Tristan, Brianna, and Ciara each for a minute and Hubster is checking on me via text. He doesn't want my cooties. Today has sucked but I am thankful to be alive and surrounded by family. Even if they won't come anywhere near me right now. O.o

In His Love,

Melissa.

New Year's Eve

Today is the last day of 2012 and it can't go by fast enough. My family has seen do much death and disappointment this year. It's been a hard year. We've had many blessings too though. I got my job at Flaherty & Collins, watched our grandson grow from an infant into a bundle-of-fun toddler, and many other blessings. Our kids are safe and healthy and Brian is on the long, slow, painful mend after his shoulder procedure that gave us a scare.

Today, I'm working till 3pm and then running off to meet my hubster to get groceries for tonight. We're spending the evening with Brianna, AJ, and Tristan. Ciara is celebrating with friends. I'm sure it will be a fun and enjoyable night. Just hope I make it to midnight!!!

What are your plans? I'll post an update on our night later on...

In His Love,

Melissa

Gone mobile...

Woah! Blogger has an iPhone app! My friend, Jenn, and I were just discussing the fact that I have sorely neglected my blog in 2012. Seriously, July 29th was my last post? Sad, sad blog. The good news is that now I have the app I can blog anywhere, anytime. That's fantastic! I might actually write more this way. Lol I made a whole list of topics that I'd like to write about in the new year. I'm counting on you to bug me and remind me if I go too long between posts. I will try to do a 2012 recap blog before midnight on Monday (no promises though) so I can start 2013 fresh!! Until then...

In His Love,

Melissa

Show 'n' Not Tell

I had to write an essay for my Advanced Composition today that expressed through my descriptions and combinations of words exactly how I felt about someone. Check it out below...

It was October 6, 2011 at 3:06am when I first met him. He was very quiet with enormous blue eyes that curiously took in everything around him. He did not cry for more than a second as he protested the cold air in the hospital room and instantly quieted as he was placed in his mother’s waiting arms. He was so tall for someone so new. He was perfect in every way. We counted his fingers and toes, tested his hearing and eye sight and watched as he was weighed and measured. I snapped a multitude of pictures of the labor, delivery and first hour of his life. It felt like I had been waiting forever for him to get here.

After he was wrapped up, nursed for the first time and satiated, we were allowed to hold him. I looked into those deep blue pools of wonder and saw my whole life come full circle. I was amazed at the overwhelming emotions I felt holding this amazing little boy. My blood was racing; my eyes were teary; and my heart was melting all at the same time. Exhaustion disappeared during these thrilling moments as I treasured this little extension of my daughter. I felt warm and tingly and instantly protective. 

It is now almost ten months later and this boy has grown like mad. He is gotten taller, grown some hair and cut 6 teeth. His eyes are bluer than ever and his personality is hilariously amazing. He is learning so quickly and mimics everything we do. He is our little alarm clock and makes sure that we know when it is time to feed him or give him a “ba”. He loves the A, B, C’s and Row Your Boat but his favorite song is Baby Boy sung to any tune. We snuggle and watch Veggie Tales, splash in the bath tub and take turns making funny noises. His piano is a source of entertainment as we pound out melodies that Bach and Beethoven would be jealous of. He says mama, meh (grandma) and pa (grandpa) and struggles with saying something for Ciara, his aunt. Usually he just points at her and yells. He also loves the big puppy and reaches out for him to get lots and lots of kisses – gross.

Because they live with us, I get to start every single morning with hugs and kisses from this little man. He is such a morning person that he starts my days with a smile and feeling of joy. There are, literally, hundreds of pictures of him on my iPhone and, aside from bible verses; he is what I talk about on Facebook and Twitter. When people at work ask me how my weekend was, I usually regale them with stories of what the baby did over the weekend. When his mother brought him to see me at my office, I said “This is my grandson, Tristan.” Then, a couple minutes later, “Oh and this is my daughter, Brianna.” I have heard that happens when you become a grandparent.

In case you cannot tell, my show ‘n’ not tell essay was designed to show you my overwhelming love and pride for my grandson. He truly does make my life better every single day.

Did you miss me??

Wow, where has the summer gone? I missed most of June and all of July on here. It isn't like I was doing anything fantastically important either. lol Mostly school work and cooking and cleaning. Loads of fun. I'm really sad that we couldn't take a vacation this year - being broke will do that to you.

Things are beginning to look up for us, however. I GOT A JOB!!! :) Finally, after three full years of being mostly unemployed (Bath and Body Works was fun, but not the office job I wanted and certainly not enough hours!), I am going back into an office where I will feel useful again. I know, I know, being a great wife, mom and student should have been enough, but with our ridiculous house payment, there has been LOADS of financial stress. Monday, I will grace the offices of Wiley Publishing in Indianapolis with my presence. hehehe It starts off as a temp assignment, thank you to Office Team, and will hopefully lead to something full time once the project is over. Keep my family in your prayers that this works out for us!!

Tonight, the hubster and I are headed to Harrison College to schedule our fall classes. I'm thinking mine might have to be all online or directed studies again due to the schedule for my new job. Monday through Friday, 10am to 6:30pm. Different, but I still don't have to fight early morning rush hour or even afternoon rush hour. I'll take it!! hahaha  After scheduling, we might just pop on over to Anderson University to check out the Colts. I'm so excited for football to be back in action! I would love to meet Dallas Clark. That would be the ultimate!

Have a great day everyone! Remember to treat others the way you want to be treated and surround yourselves with positive self-talk!

In His Love,

Melissa