{Laughter}

I've been dying to share this sweet photo of the girl and what a more perfect time then for a photo challenge with Laughter as the theme :)

She's just perfect...

{Happy Mother's Day!}

I hope each of you have a wonderful, blessed day! Whether you are a Mommy, a soon to be Mommy or are celebrating your Mom I hope your day is filled with lots of love!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

{To Immunize or not to immunize...}

This post is not to spark a debate. I am sure all the information I can present to you...someone will be able to come back with just as much information for the the opposite point.

I recently read an article in a magazine that I receive and I found the numbers very interesting as to how many children are not receiving their immunizations or are receiving altered schedules for immunizations. I will put it out there that I do believe in immunizations. Yes, there are circumstances in which I believe they are not in the best interest of the child (ie too young, immunocompromised etc) but overall I think it is incredible the advancements that have been made for our children....our future.

I decided after reading the article that it was best that I went to the actually source of the information. So off to the American Medical Association web page I went :) The information on there is incredible. I highly recommend you check it out just so that you have the information you need when making this life changing decision for your children. I found in particular the information regarding the MMR injection in regards to Autism very interesting. The AMA shows the flaws in Dr. Wakefields studies and shows you other studies that are for the opposite debate.

What I find most interesting is that any medical site I go to supports immunizations and will give you the research to support it (hello...I'm a nurse....we LOVE when something is support by research!) Among some of the sites you might what to check out when making your decisions...
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Infant Immunization Not Shown to be Harmful...AMA
Relationship between MMR and autism...AMA
Pediatric Vaccines...AMA

Again, this is not to spark a debate. I believe this is a topic for you to discuss in length with your health care provider but I feel that you should too have the information to bring to your health care provider so that together you can make the proper decision for your child. I would love to hear your thoughts but please remember this is not a debate and it is more of presenting information to others. This is not to be judgmental against those who choose to immunize and those who do not....it is merely a way to make sure everyone has ALL the information to make a sound, educated decision.






**If you have proper medical research that you would like to present for the other side please email me.  I want to be fair in my presentation of the information so if you know of a supported study for the opposite side of the debate I would like to see the information. Thanks!**


Michelle_thereallifemom@yahoo.com

{Soft & Sweet}: I heart faces

Just for fun I thought I would participate in the I heart Faces photo challenge this week. The theme is Soft & Sweet and I just thought this was the most perfect photo from our trip to Sea World yesterday.

{Chicken Pasta Salad}

So I've debated for awhile on whether or not to share this. You see this is one of my "signature" dishes and once the secret is out everyone will be onto me with how truly easy it is!

But I decided that it is so good that I just could not keep the secret from my friends any more. This makes such a great side dish for a BBQ, Baby shower, Bridal shower etc etc. And it is so very simply.

What you'll need:
1 bag Tri Colored Pasta (you can really use any pasta I just like this for the color!)
1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken
1 bundle of Purple Grapes
1 Jar Mayonnaise (You will need about 15 oz. I like to use the light just to keep the calories down a bit :) )
Adobe Seasoning
Assortment of Seasoning (pepper, salt, oregano)

To start, season chicken with Adobe Seasoning and grill on stove. I like to use a little olive oil in the bottom of the pan. Set aside to cool.

Next, cook Pasta and drain. While pasta is cooking cut grapes into 4ths (cut more for large grapes). Then once chicken is cool cut into bite size pieces. I like to use my kitchen scissors for this. Mix the chicken, pasta and grapes in a large bowl. Add the mayonnaise (you may need to add more to taste). Finally, sprinkle with adobe seasoning and rest of the assortment of seasonings. This is really the only "tricky" part if you will and will only be tricky for those of you who really like exact measurements. I simply add the seasoning, mix and then taste. And add more seasoning as needed.

Place pasta salad in the refrigerator to cool and thats it! It is a delicious, refreshing and I think very summery salad. The secret is in the Adobe seasoning. It gives such a nice flavor! You can find it in your grocery store usually in the ethnic food isle.

Bon appetit!



I to like Share!
Bella Before and After
Tatertots and Jello

{Puppy Love}

I belong to a facebook Mommy group and this week we shared photos of our children and their puppies. I thought it was such an adorable idea and thought I would share with you one of my favorite photos of Averee and her puppy.

Av and Bella have been BFF from day one. Bella couldn't wait to greet her when we came home from the hospital and they have literally been inserparable since. When we leave the house Averee continually asks about Bella and as soon as we pull in the driveway she begins to chant her name. I love this special bond that my "two girls" have! Happy Saturday!!!

{Finding Frugal}

This is a good GREAT week at Publix. There are some really great stock up and save type of sales that you should totally take advantage of. We recently purchased TONS of chicken a couple weeks back when it was on sale and we have an organic delivery coming on Thursday so I was able to really maximize our budget this week.

Here's what I got:

(2) Tyson Chicken Nuggets (Averee's favorite)
(2) Tostitos Family Size bags
(2) Nature's Own loafs of bread
(2) Heluva Good Dips
(8) Playtex Tampon
(4) BIC Razors (4 ct)
(3) Lean Cuisine meals
(3) Sundowns B6
(4) Pace Salsa
(2) Simply Milk (I even splurge and got Chocolate for Ian...his favorite :) )
(1) Greenwise Organic Whole Milk
(2) Mahatma Spanish Rice
(3) Voskos Greek Yogurt
(2) Juicy Juice

Want to know how much I spent?? Check it out...

Spent $40.09 for $146.02 worth of grocery's. 

Not bad for an hour's worth of work (I put together my whole list together during nap time today...and thats while functioning on only 3 hours of sleep so I know that you can do it too!)

Best Deals?

Playtex Tampons... $0.90/box 

BIC Razors...I was paid $0.26/pack to take them home

Sundown's B6 vitamin...I was paid $0.44/container to take them home

Heluva Good Dip...$0.50/container (Sure hoping it's Heluva Good! Alright bad joke but seriously working on 3 hours here!)

Voskos Yogurt...$0...Free :)

Happy Savings!