Pizza Pizza!

Tonight we did something 'different' for dinner. Rather than ordering pizza we made it at home!

It was DELISH!

We did a regular Ham and Pineapple for J. That's his favorite! And for me I did a Chicken, Artichoke and Feta Cheese pizza.

Here's what you'll need for my Artichoke pizza!

1  Frozen or Fresh pizza crust (We used Pilsbury)
5 tbsp of Extra virgin Olive oil (I infused mine with garlic)
1 cup cooked cubed Chicken breast
1 small jar of Artichoke hearts in oil or water. Chopped
1 small onion cut into rings then in half
1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon (Bacon bits work well too)
1/4 cup feta cheese

Prepare your pizza crust as the directions say.

Saute onion in 1 tbsp of oil until tender. Remove from heat.

Once your pizza crust is partly cooked remove from oven and brush with Olive Oil. Add sauteed onions, chicken, bacon bits,and artichoke hearts. Then crumble the feta cheese all over.

Bake in over till crust is golden brown.

Let stand for 3-5 minutes and then cut.

ENJOY!

This was SO delicious. I will be doing this again!

Happy Monday

xoxo

So out of shape

I've never been a real exercise girl. To be perfectly honest I hate it. While in school, it was required to take P.E. (Physical Education), I gritted my teeth and took it. But I didn't like..nope not one bit. Now there were a few things I did enjoy like Volleyball, and hockey oh and Badminton. But other than that ugh. From the ages of 10 - 17 I was in dance. Now not to typical ballet or jazz. I was in..get ready for it...

Square Dancing! Yup! And I was damn good at it too! So there was my activity for the week. Twice a week I was at dance. Wednesday's were squares and I probably danced for 4-5 hours. On Sunday's I did round dancing which is very similar to Ballroom dancing..sorta.

I told myself for this year I will get back into shape. Easy peasy right? WRONG! I didn't realize HOW out of shape I really am. I went for a run/jog/walk today and just about died 10 minutes in.

This is going to be a lot more difficult than I first thought.

I'm determined though. I will get back into shape..eventually!

Happy Friday!
Enjoy your weekend

Much love
xoxo

Taking the plunge

After a lot of research and a lot of questions I have decided to switch to mama cloth.

Are you asking what "Mama cloth" is? - Cloth menstrual pads. Yup..you read that right.

Now I had heard of mama cloth before, but my first thought was 'gross' and so did C. The first thing he wanted to know was what I would do with them. I chucked but then thought about it, and I couldn't fathom keeping them in my bathroom.... I could just picture it. One of our nosey friends snooping around our bathroom only to find a wet bag filled..... ok so you get the picture.

I just couldn't so it.

So after multiple visits from Aunt Flow I started to add up what it cost me each month for sposies (Tampons and liners. I hadn't used pads since after J was born) I was spending at least $15.00 a month. And that would be a good month! Crazy!! After adding it all up, what it would cost me for the year (approx. $180.00 a year) Now that doesn't sound too bad but if you add that up over a lifetime it's costly!

So I stated researching brands, fabrics etc. And to be honest I had no idea what I was so afraid. I told myself that I would hide the wet bag and make sure to wash every other day. So all the snoopy people would get an eye full of.. well... I was now excited to try Mama Cloth...then we got pregnant.

So I didn't really need anything for at least 9 months... but I thought I would use them after the baby was born. So I started to research postpartum Mama Cloth (Which by the way look SO much more comfy than the hospital ones)  But sadly as you know we miscarried in December.

After the miscarriage my doctor told me strictly "NO TAMPONS" ..ugh I hated pads. I felt like I was wearing a diaper and I hated how they crinkled and bunched plus they cost a lot of moola. So I dove right in and started to purchase Mama Cloth. Then I decided to reach out to companies to see if they would let me do reviews. Thus came the blog event.

A good portion of the event is just Mama cloth review but there will be other products as well, so don't fret.

I'm very excited for this. I hope it all goes smoothly.

Happy Thursday.

Much love
xoxo

A New Year, A New Me Going Green - Update!

Here is an update of the companies who have signed up to be apart of the blog event! Some awesome reviews and some super awesome giveaways!

Blossom Pads (Mama Cloth) + there will be a giveaway as well.
MomsCrafts4U (Mama Cloth)
Homestead Emporium (Mama Cloth)
Randumosity (Mama Cloth)
Lunapads (Mama Cloth) + a giveaway
Cuppow - This one I am so so excited about.
Green Bumkins (Cloth Snack Bags)
Sling Sisters Wet Bag
Natures Natural Solutions (Lotion & Lip Balm) + a giveaway
Rockin' Green + a giveaway

I'm still looking for a unpaper towel review, I might just bite the bullet and purchase some. But first we have to get our car looked at! Don't forget about the extra entries opportunities.

Much love
xoxo

Wordless Wednesday - Sneek Peek

Copywrite JayBird Creations

Much love
xoxo

Interacting with others

There are times when I feel really bad that J doesn't get to play with other children. Our group of friends are just starting to get married. So there are no other children for him to play with.
We just recently found out that at our Recreation Centre there is a program called "Roaming Rascals". C took him yesterday to see how he liked it and guess what.. he had a blast!! It's from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. They get to run around a huge gym that has toys galore!!

I'm always afraid that J will act out or another child will hurt him. Today when we took him a little boy was playing on one of the slides and as he was trying to get down - kicked J in the chin. My Mumma instincts kicked in. While I know it was an accident, I still didn't like it.

J has a lot of fun running around and playing with the kitchen that they have. I think it will be a good learning experience. He will have to learn how to share and play nice. By the time we get home he's ready for some food and a nap!

We are hoping to be able to take him at least 3 times a week. Plus he will also have his swimming
lessons.

Busy little boy, but I'm glad he's staying active.

I am also hoping to get into some sort of aquatic exercise class. My MIL is going to Tidal Toners. She says there are a lot of 'older' ladies but doesn't see why I couldn't do it. So I am hoping to start that soon!

Hope you are all enjoying your week!

Much love
xoxo

Weekend Update

So sad to see the weekend come to an end... HA! Just kidding!

This weekend was filled with a lot to do. On Friday the whole family just stayed in. We had chili for dinner and just relaxed. I said a little prayer to Mother Nature because we had a family photo shoot the next day and the weather wasn't looking too kind.

C and I again stayed up late...AGAIN (He was playing video games and I was reading) Not really thinking that we had to be up and out in Ladner by 11:30. J woke up at 1:00am and didn't want to go back to sleep. I tried to bring him to be with me BUT once we got into bed he just shouted and yelled NO! So C took him back to his bed and he fell back asleep.

Silly me, I forgot to set my alarm. I hate.. and I mean really HATE being rushed. I would have been up at 7:30am to have a shower and get ready but..oopsi... J woke us up at 9:30. Oy!

So we rushed to get ready for out shoot. I looked outside and thankfully it was not raining. Yay! We met with Mrs.Jay...She has done out family photo's since J was 6 months. I love her work and she's just a lot of fun to shoot with. Plus she can make J laugh so we always get some good shots.

We decided to go to a little nature trail by the water. It was mucky and cold but it was a perfect spot to shoot. J wasn't really into at first but he soon turned on his charm and Jay got some great photos. We got some of the whole family, some of just J, J and Chris, J and me etc. Then she took some of just C and I.

I cannot wait to see what she captured. I am always so amazed at the special moments she gets. I will share once I receive my CD!

Today was a relaxing Sunday. I knew the 49er's were playing today so I had to put on my game face and cheer my little heart out for C's team. Sadly they lost. That's all I have to say about that. Hehe

I made my first batch of Beef  Bourguignon and Graham Wafer pie. MMMMmmm DELISH!

That pretty much sums up my weekend. Looking forward to the new week... there even might be some baby making..wink wink

Have a great week! I will have a new review up.. and possibly a giveaway.

Much love
xoxo

Boogie Wipes Giveaway Winner!

A winner has been chosen. After I picked the first winner .. yes I said the first winner.. I am sad to say they were disqualified due to not completing mandatory entries. I hate disqualifying people, so please make sure you have completed the entries fully. With that being said... the winner is....

Comment #66 - Jillian!!

http://mommyadventures-leasha.blogspot.com/2012/01/boogie-wipes-review-and-giveaway.html

An email has been sent. She has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected! Congratulations!!


Didn't win this time? That's ok, there will be more giveaways coming up! So keep your eyes peeled!

Hope you all have had a great weekend!

Much love
xoxo
 

Extra Entries - Event Button

Grab it while it's hot! Hehe. I made my very own event button!! If you grab it now and place it on your blog and comment below you will earn 5 extra entries to all the giveaways for the upcoming "A New Year, A New Me Going Green" event.

I still have not locked down a date yet, but I am hoping for mid February.

Much love
xoxo

A New Year, A New Me - Going Green - My first blog event!

Ok, I have decided to organize my very first blog event! I was thinking I would run it mid February and depending on how many products I have, run it for a week. But that all depends on product reviews.

So now I am on the search for some awesome companies to work with.

I do have some products lined up already:

Blossom Pads (Mama Cloth) + there will be a giveaway as well.
MomsCrafts4U (Mama Cloth)
Homestead Emporium (Mama Cloth)
Randumosity (Mama Cloth)
Lunapads (Mama Cloth)
Cuppow - This one I am so so excited about.
Green Bumkins (Cloth Snack Bags)
Sling Sisters Wet Bag
Natures Natural Solutions (Lotion & Lip Balm) + a Giveaway
Rockin' Green

I was hoping to make it more 'Green' - household products, mama products etc. SO if you have any suggestions please email me at thegreatmumadventure@gmail.com - If a company you suggests comes aboard you will get 5 extra entries into any of the giveaways.

I now have to find someone to make me a blog even button.

Much love
xoxo

 

Two years - a Not so Wordless Wednesday

Today my baby turns two! I cannot believe how fast the last year has gone. He really isn't my baby anymore.

James,

You are the most amazing person I have ever met. Your smile lightens up my day and chases away all the dark clouds. I look at you, and feel so blessed that you are mine. Your personality is like no other. Always smiling, laughing..and up to no good! You are determined, stubborn, loving and caring. Your infectious laughter when I do something funny, brings a smile to my face. You love to play and joke around. So bright and very curious.

I cannot imagine my life without you. There are no words to tell you just how much I love you. The love I have for you is unlike any other. My heart swells when you say "Mama" or when you sneak a kiss on my cheek. Each day you grow more and more and I'm so lucky to see you develop and learn each day. I am so proud to be your mum.

James, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.

You are my sunshine, my light, my life and my heart.

Happy Birthday James. Mummy loves you more than you will ever know.

My sweet baby boy... today you turn two. I am excited to see what the next year has in store for us.

Much love

xoxo

  

WOOHOO SNOW!

FINALLY! The snow has made an appearance! I have a love/hate relationship with the fluffy white stuff. I love playing in it with J, I love the look of fresh fallen snow, but I hate driving in it... and I hate when it starts to melt and everything looks...gross.

We didn't get a WHOLE lot but enough to make it fun to play in!

On the sled for the first time!

He always let go of the wheel. No fear.

My little snow man

I really hope it snows some more. It's great to be able to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Much love

xoxo

Birthday Weekend

On Saturday, we celebrated J's 2nd Birthday!! Now he doesn't actually turn two till Wednesday, but we decided to celebrate the weekend before, since we will have our family photo's taken this coming weekend!

The party took place at my in laws. Our place is just TOO small to house the amount of family and friends who were to attend. During the day Nana let him play with her camera.. I think I have a little photographer in the making here. We tried to keep him busy until the party started.

I originally decided to just do a cake, but in the end I did 2 dozen Cookie Monster cupcakes and an Elmo cake. I must say, I think they turned out well!

We had hamburgers and hot dogs, along with other party foods. Like Chips, and dip...spinach dip (which never lasts long!!) We also watch San Fran beat New Orleans!! (GO SAN FRAN!!)

J ran around, and got to visit with some of his favorite people. We all had dinner and then it was time for cake. Last year J cried while we were singing Happy birthday to him, but this year he just clapped his hands and shouted with excitement. He wasn't to sure about his cupcake.. so instead I gave him a big 'ol slab of cake and he devoured it!

After cake, we opened gifts, I always let people know that gifts are 100% optional. I don't like to put pressure on our Friends to bring him gifts, but they always do.

This year, he received some awesome gifts, like a new Lacrosse stick, 2 more sessions of swimming lessons, a firetruck that he is constantly driving around the house. He also got some new "Momo" characters, and some great clothes! He also got some great Mr. Men books! They were my fav growing up. OH! and I cannot forget..a keyboard to go along with his Rockin Elmo! (yay...)

He had a blast opening them up as well as playing with the new toys he got.

His new Lacrosse stick, from Uncle Scott!

By the time everyone left, he was more than ready for bed and went down like an angel. After he was asleep, we cleaned up and then had some adult time with our friends. It was so nice to have everyone come together and celebrate our little man's special day. He is so loved by all.

I do have a confession to make.. I am SO glad I only have to do this once a year. (Well, until there is a second little one hehe) But even still..it takes a lot of time but so worth it in the end!

Much love xoxo
 

Oops!

Date: January 13th 2012
Time: 1:53am PST

WHY AM I STILL UP!!!??? Darn you books...I need some sleep!

Much love!
xoxo

Just one of those days

I feel so..off today. I'm exhausted and cranky. I thought maybe..just maybe it was cause we hit the jackpot and we conceived (The doctor said it was totally fine to start again right away) but I took a test today and it was negative, so that's not it. Now I'm just waiting for AF to show up... Kind of hoping she does.. then I know we are back on track.


My mood could also be because I've been staying up till god awful hours reading.. then I drag my but into bed only to be woken by J. He has been sleeping with us..every night. Which is odd, cause when he was a baby, he never liked the whole co-sleeping thing...which I was fine with. But now he wants to sleep with us. I don't mind. I really do love his cuddles and I love waking up in the morning to see his angelic face. BUT he's a bed hog.. and likes to roll around and it takes him FOREVER to fall back asleep.

I've been in a dead sleep and then all of a sudden I'm wide awake and J is poking me in the eye.. "MAMA!! DADA!!! ME!" Then we both get kisses and he falls asleep. Only to wake 4 hours later. I guess we will just have to get use to it. We do put him to bed in his own bed, but then we comes into our room... Like I said, I don't mind - I just wish he would fall back asleep rather than playing for an hour or so. Anyways, I'm hoping I can get out of this funk soon... we have a party to throw for my not so little man!!

Thanks for letting me rant!

p.s. - fingers crossed that we get our BFP soon. I miss being pregnant. 

Much love
xoxox

Wordless Wednesday - A trip to the park

Have a great day!

Much love xoxo

Just keep Swimming

Today J had his very first swimming lesson! Ok, we are kind of late on getting him started, but it's not our fault...REALLY! We had him signed up last October but the class was cancelled due to insuffient sign up..but this time around there are enough children!

His lessons are twice a week, for 30 minutes each time. I never took any sort of swimming lessons. My mom couldn't afford to put all three of us (my two sisters and I) but she did take us every Sunday with my dad while growing up..so in a way we kind of had lessons...C on the other hand, did take lessons and loved them just as much as J does.

C and J went earlier...juse to see how J was going to react to the pool. He has been in the water before...and loves swimming but today he was fussy and grumpy so C thought it would be better to see how he would be. When I got there, he was laughing, and splashing and dunking himself under water.

The class started and I off they went. It was so loud that I couldn't really hear what the inscructer was saying..but C and J did as they were told and they looked like they were having a lot of fun. The other children were a lot younger than J. I think they combind the two younger classes together since J didn't take the first class.. so after these are done we have to wait till he is three to get into the next level. We hope to keep up with the pool even if there are no lessons.

His next lesson is on Thrusday... and I'm pretty sure he will be happy to go back. If he is anything like his father, J will love spedning time in the pool and when the summer comes he will want to be in lake Osoyoos!!

Our weekend!

C has been off of work now for almost 3 weeks. Sigh. He was laid off which has never happened, but it's ok cause J and I LOVE having him around during the day! Our weekend was quiet and relaxed.

On Friday we went over to the in laws for dinner, which was nice since that meant I didn't have to cook! Mom made a lasagna and Cesar salad! YUM! Then we just came home and put little J to bed.

On Saturday I had to work a 4 hour shift, but again we didn't do much. I got a couple of funny shots of J trying to open C's can of Bud. The child is enthralled with cans. Any type of can. But this picture is especially funny as he was actually trying to open it (Please do not send me hate mail. He was kidding around and J never got close to opening the darn can!) We had dinner and J went to bed..but 3 hours later he woke up..and was WIDE awake! So rather than fighting with him to go back to sleep we let him stay up and watch SNL with us. Then after that (1:00 am) we all headed to bed. J slept with us that night. Which is odd for him. He's never been one to 'co sleep' but the last little while he has been crawling into bed with us...I don't mind. I love the cuddles.

Sunday was a write off. We didn't want to do anything. We pretty much stayed inside and played or Aquadoodled. But we did venture out for some grocery shopping and then went to the in laws again for our Sunday dinner. Something we do EVERY Sunday.

I love weekends at home. I don't mind at all... since this weekend coming up we are celebrating J's 2nd ..OH MY his second birthday!! I wanted to take it easy..I have lots to do this week.. like prep food and what not as well as work and back a cake and cupcakes but i will be taking photos of everything.. including J's birthday cake.. I'm making an Elmo one for him!! Should be fun!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!




Daddy's little man



Shaving with daddy. I gave him a frosting spatula.

We finally got a day without rain. First thing he went to..his WEE!



What his room looks like AFTER he's played all day!


Much love
xoxo