Be a STAR

I believe we define and shape our children. Now, I am not saying we are 100% responsible as I would like to believe that the Colorado Shooters parents didn't raise a child to kill people.  However, how we speak about things in our home does affect our children. If you spew hate, racist language, intolerance etc...your children are more likely to continue that on in their lives. Children are taught hate. They don't come out of the womb hating. So it is up to us to be the voice to help stop bullying. We can't protect our kids every day but we can educate them and give them good resources.

I had dinner with a friend last night and had to listen to her talk about her son, in elementary school, who is bullied by another kid in the locker room. Her son told her about it and asked for help. It takes a lot to ask for help. It did break my heart to hear though...I get teared up just typing this out. Where does a 8 year old learn to me mean? 

Have you been bullied?

I was bullied when I was in high school. Nothing horrible but I was always teased for my last name, DeBuse, kids would ask if I abused my parents. I remember kids telling me to go back to my own culture, etc... While it didn't define me I do remember it. Bullying has always been around...maybe you were the one doing the bullying...change can start today. I hear from friends and family about their children being bullied and as young as elementary school. It is up to us parents and educators to make a change.  STOP THE HATE.

Personally, I really just don't understand why we have to hate. It is so easy to either not say anything at all or be nice to one another. So it is our responsibility to teach tolerance. Don't be a bully, be a Star...Show Tolerance and Respect

Be the Change you Want to See in The World!

Be a STAR!

The Ally Coalition

There are very few things that I feel very strongly about, however one of the biggest things that I am passionate about is Gay Rights.  As we enter 2013 I am shocked and appalled by the ignorance in our society everyday. As my husband has stated, this is our generations civil rights movement. It is time to be an Ally.

When I was young AIDS was just coming on the scene. I remember (even in elementary school) how the media made us in fear.  I was fortunate enough to be raised by a mother who supports Gay Rights and always taught me that everyone is equal. That even if you don't like someone you treat them with respect. As I grew up I had friends of different backgrounds, religious beliefs and sexual orientation. I never looked at someone as "My gay friend Todd," he was just Todd. Or that is my Jewish friend Kelly, just Kelly.  It truly believe what makes us amazing is our diversity.

After bringing my son home my whole world changed. It was no longer the world that I lived in, it was the world he was going to live in. My husband and I are supporters of the Gay Rights Movement and do our best to donate and make our voice heard as "straight" people who support Gay Rights. I want my son raised in a house that teaches love and equality. To understand that no one is better then the other. This is an every day movement. Take a look around people, kids are killing themselves! Why? Because they are bullied for her they are; gay or straight. It is not the time to be silent...it is the time to stand up and make your voice heard!

Here is the link to The Ally Coalition JOIN TODAY!

So from my family to yours, "Be the Change You Want to See in the World" - Ghandi

Juice Train

I do have to say January hit our house hard with colds and stomach bugs. As we enter February I do feel that it is time to get back on the juice train.

I have an Omega Juicer 8006 and here are some fun recipes to share. Since there is a spinach shortage in the States right now I would definitely sub Kale or Chard.

Here are some of my favorite concoctions!  I don't tell you how many as it is all desired on your own personal taste. You will see that I use similar ingredients in a lot of mine and that is do to funding. Juicing can be expensive, until you can plant your garden. I found sticking to some basics made it affordable.

• Carrots, Beets, Spinach (sub other green), Blueberries, Apple
• Carrots, Beets, Cucumber, Apple
• Carrots, Spinach, Kale, Cucumber, Apple
• Apple, Kale, Cucumber
• Beets, Strawberries, Kale, Carrots
• Cucumbers, Apples, Kale, Celery, Ginger
• Mango, Watermelon, Blueberries (Cy loves this one)
• Tomato, Celery, Spinach (sub other green), Carrots, Garlic, Onion, Lemon and a little hot sauce -- you have yourself a yummy Tomato Juice!

 Please share with me some of your favorite juicing concoctions as I am a HUGE fan of new juices!

Peace and Love and may 2013 bring everyone health, adventure and prosperity!

Hawaii 5.0

I have always thought of Hawaii as a place that I could never afford, a sort of bucket list trip.  Well that was until now. While looking for a family Disneyland trip I got notification of $500 round trip airfare to Honolulu. I freaked out in excitement as I have never seen tickets to Hawaii that low.  We had 2 free tickets waiting to use for our rewards but we had to be under $600, well this justified it!  So Jeremy and I thought about it for a few days (prices slowly creeping up) as we really were not thinking a big vacation since 2012 was so big, but free airline tickets to paradise...yes please!  So we booked them AND we got a SWEET condo, 5th floor, ocean view...and when I mean ocean view...steps away from the beach for $1900 for 10 days! That is like a $190 a night! You seriously can't do any cheaper! Plus the condo has a full kitchen so we can cook.

Here is the bonus, we really wanted to go with family so Irene (my mother) is coming with us. She really hasn't traveled that much and she said this will be her first big flight!  She is retired, what more does she have to do than to travel.  Plus, she is fairly easy travel companion. She drives me a little crazy, but she gets her own room, TV, bathroom and patio area. We are so excited to have her join us.

Some people might think we are crazy traveling with a toddler...but what better place. There is really so much to do! We might miss out on sailing and stuff but really we can do almost everything, we just have to take turns. Our place is so nice that even if Cy got sick...not a bad place to hang out for a few days. Our condo is right next to Disney's new resort too so we get to take advantage of that a little without paying the Disney cost. I was excited as I am really hoping we get in to a character breakfast. We also can walk over and rent their paddle boards (that is really what I want to do the most). We have all the cool places on Oahu written down so that we can keep our options open.  We also found the Costco so we can buy groceries and cook (saving money some more).

Bonus, Jeremy has loved helicopters since he was a little kid. So as we save up money (because that isn't a cheap activity) he is going on a helicopter ride! He is just deciding if he wants open or closed doors. Eeeek! So excited for him!

Hawaii you ask when there are beaches in the US. Well EVERYONE we know and I mean everyone who goes and some are usually not totally sold come back in LOVE! The selling point was a friend of my husband's who stated Hawaii was never on her list of destinations but after coming...she fell in love. That carried a lot of weight. I welcome the history and diversity of the island.  We are actually staying in Kapolei which is about 45 minutes Northwest of Honolulu. I am excited to not be staying in some big high rise building. What is nice about our place is that it is right on beach! So after nap time we are hanging out in the city!

Mahola!

Happy New Year 2013!

This has been the most challenging and amazing year filled with so much love and personal growth! I feel so blessed for having an amazing family, wonderful friends, great job and good health. I told my boss before I left I am not use to having such great things that I feel like I am always waiting for something to happen...and you know what...sometimes life can just be good.

Beginning this year Jeremy and I will start on Sunday, January 6th for out 5 day Clean Cleanse.  What is a Clean Cleanse you ask...well I will tell you! It is a cleanse that lets you eat plenty as long as you forgo processed food, dairy, gluten, refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol. This program is suppose to help you relieve holiday bloat, improve digestion, boost energy and strengthen immune system. 

I started on my Pinterest page a board called Clean Cleanse Recipes. I go by Sarah Nelson or MrsNelly! Find me and follow the yummy recipes!

From our family to yours...I wish you a wonderful, adventurous, safe and healthy 2013 and beyond!

Happy Holidays!

Our first holiday season with Cy at home is amazing! I can't express how thankful I am to have him in our  home! I thought for sure I would be going crazy on gifts for him this year and I have to say I am WAY more subdued than expected. As I am running around doing last minute shopping I find my self overwhelmed with all the toys and thinking I am just so happy to have him home.  It is kind of crazy the whole present thing. I am a giver and love to receive but when it comes to children I swear it can be to much. This family was actually arguing in Toys R Us yesterday about the gifts for their child. I was blown away as I found myself just standing there staring at them.

The holidays are always special to me but will forever take a different perspective after having my son. Such gratitude and thankful will be upon me every season for Cy being in my life.

Here are some of the gifts that I LOVE that we are getting Cy this year:

Strider Balance Bike

Automoblox

Take time this holiday season to put the presents aside and enjoy time with family and friends! My life has changed so much for the better this past year. I have spent so much time with my amazing family, making new friends and fostering such strong friendships with old and current friends. Such an amazing year with only many many more to come! We are truly so happy, thankful and grateful!

Peace and Love from the Nelsons!

Cleaning Out the Closet

I just went through Cy's closet and I have to admit...it wasn't horrible.  I was kind of surprised by a few of the Gap shirts, but I shopped subconsciously smart. Overall, I was pretty excited that I didn't have to throw out his whole closet. He has a few sweaters with a touch of wool and polyester, however I think if there is a shirt on underneath we should be okay.  Jeremy wanted me to just throw it all out, but I held on a little to a few pieces. We had to throw away almost all of his pajamas away, Gymboree, Hannah Anderson and Babys R Us brand survived the cut...all 100% cotton! I personally LOVE shopping at Baby's R Us clothes and everything I purchased was all 100% cotton!  Yeah me!

Cy was sleeping in a polyester kids sleeping bag, which he loved and I threw that one out the window! Seriously, I can't believe we were letting him sleep in that thing! I purchased some new sheets, 100% cotton and checked the sheet on his bed and it was 100% cotton. I feel pretty good in that respect!  Now we probably need another blanket/comforter for him. He sleeps with the blanket my friend Kristi made him but he needs a little bit more coverage.

A child with eczema is all about helping them live with it. We knew Cy had eczema when he was in Korea...but we didn't have an outbreak or anything really dramatic so we didn't think much of it. These past few weeks have been horrible for the little dude. I am hoping that cleaning house a little might help. I also can't say enough for having a house cleaner come every few weeks! One of the smartest things we did.

Well tomorrow is the allergy test. I really hope he isn't allergic to much, but the rash around his mouth and hives makes me think he might be allergic to something. From my puffy boy and me...talk to you later!

Favorite Retailers for 100% Cotton!

• Tea Collection
• Hannah Anderson
• Gap - But make sure you read label. There are things that have polyester and wool!
• Babys R Us! Cy has a lot by Amy Coe and everything is 100%. Even the $10 cute Santa pj's are 100% cotton.
• Gymboree - Make sure to check labels
• Old Navy - Make sure to check labels

Peace and Love!