Thursday, February 26, 2009

Bedroom Troubles- hehe

I guess I went a totally different way on the baby's room!
I had been going crazy over what bedding/colors/style I wanted for this princess and have lost much sleep over it :)
I finally went to Pottery Barn Kids and without a second thought- GOT THIS!!!!

So I am so in love with this- Her walls will be painted the same color pink as one of the flowers in the bedding. I will then try to paint the same flowers on her wall. I am so in love with this- the best part- It has a big girls bedding that is the exact same so when the little girl turns into a big girl we don't have to redecorate her room- Everything will still match perfectly. I love how its not to loud and its pretty settle. Even though there were some other bedding out there I might have like the same or a little more, I thought this would be much calmer for her and it will be something she can totally grow with. I had to order it so when it comes we will be buying paint and Ryan will be getting to work! I cant wait to start updating this blog with pictures of her room.






Tuesday, February 24, 2009

ARTS AND CRAFTS :)


Found this imagine on the web- I wish I could tell you where the idea came from but I don't know. I still want to give credit where credit is due so- It wasn't me and some other awesome arts and crafter did this super cute project!
This is one of my next crafts- For baby.....'s room.
I know she doesn't have a name yet so I really cant buy anything because I don't know how much or how little I need to get but Its on the top of my "to-do" list when we pick a name. Ryan and I have had NO luck with names- We don't like ANY now! We had a few we liked and thought about but now- we hate them all! I feel like I'm shaping my daughters life with one simple little decision. I dont like this kind of pressure.
Do you know why I love you so much?
I guess its more than the sigh of relief knowing your next to me- knowing nothing will ever happen if you're there.
Its more than the hugs and kisses you give me telling me you missed me today.
Although I love you for working so hard everyday and continuing to work when you get home its more than that.
You surprise me everyday-
Thank you for loving me Ryan- Thank you for making me a Mom and thank you for loving this baby more than words could ever express before she has even breathed her first breath.
Thank you for being you!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Happy Birthday little Addison

(Addison with whip cream on her nose :)
Happy Birthday Addison!
Another one of our little nieces turns 1 year old today!
Her fabulous party will follow tonight so more pictures are to be posted.

Happy Birthday Ms. Sarah

Happy Birthday to Sarah!!!
My little niece Sarah bear who lives all the way in Idaho is celebrating her 3rd birthday today! Hip Hip Hooray!
As you can see by the amazing cake her mother made it was a "Strawberry Corkcake" birthday party. I sure wish I could be there with you Sarah- I cant believe how big you are. When you were born I couldn't believe how perfect you were. I have missed seeing you every morning- ahh those were the days :)
I love you so much Sarah and Happy Happy Birthday!
PS. I still owe you a present!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

B-E-E-R B-E-L-L-Y

This is a weird picture but the best I could get... I was in PJ's so don't make fun of the seriously miss-match clothing choice...
There is the bun in the oven... Cooking away!

Happy Birthday Randy!!!

It was my father-in-laws birthday on Sunday!
We went over to Ryan's parents house for some great food and fun. I was to busy taking pictures of this cute little girl I forgot to take some pictures of the birthday boy!

This is the beautiful Addison! She is almost 1... I cant believe how big she is getting-
Oh and she has THE cutest smile EVER....
Happy Birthday Randy!!!
I love to see Ryan and his Dad together. Ryan is the spitting image of his Dad and his Grandpa. They love the same things, they talk the same way and they look alike. Its so fun to see them together and hear them make the same grunts and groans. Randy is such a wonderful father to his kids which include his son and daughter in law. He loves his family so much (Very much like Ryan) he is not a touchy feely- wears his heart on his sleeve kind of guy but you know by how patient and kind he is how much love he has for everyone. I am so grateful he has taught Ryan so much of what he knows (or think they know) He has given me an amazing husband and an amazing father to be.
I also have to also say he has the best laugh- and not the chuckle laugh but his fully on belly GIGGLE - its so awesome!


** Ryan and his Dad at the Cabin

Just a love filled weekend.

What a weekend of LOVE! We went to Johnson Mill in Midway UT. It was so beautiful. The picture I posted before of our room didn't turn out to be our room but I think our room was just as beautiful! We had 2 balcony's over looking acres of land. I loved loved loved the bathroom. I asked Ryan to build me one like that someday. The bath tub had a huge window over looking the pond and again acres of land. I had such a great time just watching animals roam around and pretending to swim in the HUGE tub. The B&B was recently remodeled so its updated and very nice. Throughout the mansion was fun things like this log that went from the basement to the top floor.







We checked into the B&B around 4 and relaxed for a few hours before our dinner at Blue Boar Inn. Again another beautiful place. It was very rustic/log cabin feeling and very elegant. The service was amazing and the food was really good- although pricey.



The next morning the B&B made crapes for breakfast. They were very yummy- I wish I could have asked for seconds. We hung out a little longer before taking off into the snow. We had to pick Harley up from the doggie hotel before noon.



It snowed quite a bit there- Its hard to see in this picture but it was very heavy and thick.



Even though the B&B was really our Valentines- Ryan still surprised me with flowers and candy at home. We ordered Chinese on Valentines night and had an amazing time.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

im just dreaming!!!!

Of a weekend here!!!!

In this room!!
Happy Valentines day to my husband- I am surprising him with a little getaway. I feel inlove with the rooms/facility/views of this place! I cant wait to run away tomorrow. Harley will have a great weekend to- She is booked for a weekend of fun at a doggie hotel! She loves this place and im sure cant wait to get pampered. Plus her days are full of playing with her fellow doggie friends~
We are trying to get a few of these in now because as I have read- NO CHILDREN ALLOWED!
** If you havent noticed there has been a serious lack of personal pictures on here. My camera is a little broken and I need to fix it before this weekend- so hopefully Ill have some pictures of our getaway to share on Monday!
AND HEIDI- Ill try to get the courage up to post a picture of my GROWING belly :)
(Sigh) Is it Friday yet?

someone say bathroom?

Yes, I know you all are wondering who the new pearly white babe in the pictures is! Well its actually a picture of my latest best friend... It may sound extremely disgusting but I am being extremely seriously- I never realized that getting pregnant meant that for 9 months my bladder will shrink to the size of seriously- A PEA- and my child would use it as a soccer ball or squeeze toy every waking moment (and sleeping moment) of my life. I have had more than one "oops" since being pregnant and its because I haven't figured out yet that I can no longer wait a few more minutes to run to the bathroom- I need to drop whatever I'm doing, put my running shoes on and book it to the nearest facility to relieve myself.
I read all about the "more frequent urination" in the pregnancy books I have read but this is not "more frequently" this is like I should probably start wearing a diaper frequently.
**I'm sorry if my latest BFF offended anyone!

Bedding!!

I have narrowed down the bed room set I want to get this baby GIRL to the following. Please help! Give me your advice as to what style/color/theme you like best. We will be painting her room around whatever bedding we choose. I'm anxious to pick this out so within the next month Ryan can start the HUGE renovation on her room. (It needs some serious help)
Option 1

Option 2


Thursday, February 5, 2009

Surgar and Spice and Everything Nice

That's what My little GIRL is made of!

That's right!!! Ryan and I found out yesterday that we are going to have a baby GIRL!
Bows, ribbon, pink and purples. Ready or not is all about princess and flowers!
so I guess as we sat in the room hearing about her special area and that it was definitely a GIRL- I look over at Ryan who has the biggest smile on his face I have ever seen! Okay this is from the same guy who was determined this was going to be a boy and be his little man. I was a bit nervous hoping he wont be a little sad he isn't having that little shadow he wants but with that smile on his face. I don't think he really cared. When we got home and look in her closet that is already full of CAMO clothing- he kept saying that she is going to be Daddy's girl and will still sit next to him on all their hunts and she will still wear all that camo (With a bow of course)
Its still sinking in that we are having a baby and now knowing its a girl, I am so unbelievably happy. I cant believe how blessed my life is to be given the opportunity to bring a beautiful baby girl into this world! I do have some worries- She already had a bit of an attitude as she kept swatting at the monitor. I guess if someone was jabbing me I would get a little upset to :)

To update you- I am not suppose to have my ultrasound at the doctors for another 4 weeks but with to much excitement Ryan took me to Fetal Fotos last night. We planned that both our Mothers would be there next apt to find out the sex of the baby but since we didn't wait- Only Ryan's Mom was able to make it which was amazing. It was so great to have her there and be able to see her for the first time. I know she is going to be so incredibly loved by her Grandparents.

So there she is! Our baby girl... Its now time for the details- Decor and Names are on our top priority for right now. Any ideas let me have them!








Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Thats how I roll

- Well this is how my baby will roll...
I have been eyeing all the car seats/ strollers awaiting the best deals on the best rated products. I was told when I first got pregnant- don't skimp on your car seat. Now as many out there might know- these things can be $$$$ pricey! I was looking into how each car seat was rated and comparing prices. You could go as high as the luxor of car seat/strollers and grab yourself an orbit (you will see this stroller linked to stars like
Jessica Alba and Tori Spelling) the price tag on that $900
(at least, this is a stage thing so the bigger the kid the more things you need to buy)
I was also looking at the fancy Peg Perego... Nice stuff but still well over $300 just for the stroller! I checked amazon, KSL, Babies R Us and many other places. I have always loved the Chicco and seen it listed as the #1 rated car seat a few different times. I was having a really hard time coming to terms with spending $350 for the travel duo and thought I might have to find something else when I saw the big RED letters in the USA baby window- SALE!!!
I was lucky enough to get the color and the exact brand I wanted for under $250. I couldn't pass this up! Whoo Hoo. So now the lovely pair sits in my front room- staring at me- waiting for me to put a widdle tinny baby in it!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Help... I need some body... Help

Just a little cry out to all those baby mamas or soon to be baby mamas-
Where oh where did you get your clothes? I'm not so good at this! I went on a fabulous shopping trip with my Mother and sister in law however- Those adorable clothes that are screaming my name in my closet just don't fit right now. I can fit into SOME jeans that I have always worn but my work pants are DUNZO~ I am wearing the amazing bella band but when it comes to work pants- I worry a bit. I don't want to be chillin at my desk all the while my bella band slips out of place and I get up to (what else) go to the bathroom and oops- there goes my pants! Now don't think I'm crazy- This almost happened once. Good thing I have been very conscious of this and grabbed the suckers before anything HR related happened.
Boy oh Boy... or
Girl oh Girl...
This stage is really not all the super duper so in love with my changing body the world is full of sunshine and lolly pops! (MMmm. Lolly pop)
I am feeling plump! I have discovered a new curve each morning, Head aches/ Migraines are now a daily issue, I am super lazzzy which means my house is in utter despair, I have given up on getting comfortable at night, the couch, the bed and the floor have all left me with sleepless nights (NO those prego/body pillows don't help). I cant keep on top of the shaving business because my body has all the sudden decided hair in all places is in! Okay okay the one good advantage- my locks-o-love are growing in pretty fab (in my opinion, but you may of course see differently)
So with longer locks-o-love I have to also see the other positive and say my skin is baby soft! I have had those annoying bumps on my arms for years but all the sudden they are gone! Lets hope it lasts forever. All in all I am very much enjoying being pregnant. I cant tell you how exciting it is to wonder if today will be the day I can feel it for the first time. This is so far one of the longest yet shortest life changing experiences ever! What a great ride so far!
So- for clothes- where did you shop?

Sarah the Lion

My sister Lisa who lives in Idaho- gave us a scare when she said she found a Lion in her house!
Now- I have to say this is the cutest little Lion ever. I wish one would wonder into my house :)


(Little Sarah in her Lion Den)

Grandpa Arvel

Ryan's Grandpa Arvel passed away on Friday. This guy was seriously one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Not only did he have the best personality but he had the biggest heart for everyone who meet him. He just celebrated his 90th birthday in November and we had such a great party to celebrate! From the time I first met Ryan's Grandparents I was amazing at how much love they had for each other.
It was so refreshing to see 2 people have so much love for each other that you can just feel it.
Although its so great to know he is happy and with his family in Heaven he is going to be missed so much by everyone here!

Arvel LeRoy Brown

Arvel LeRoy Brown 11/25/1918 ~ 1/30/2009 Arvel LeRoy Brown, 90, passed away peacefully in his home January 30, 2009. Born Nov. 25, 1918 to Joseph Hyrum Brown and Hilda Llewella Blum. Married Jane Parker on Dec. 1, 1938 and was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Arvel and his son Roy took care of Jane for many years before her death in 1996. Arvel married Dorothy Romero Gallegos on Mar 22, 1997. Arvel was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was retired from KCC after over 40 years of employment as a pipe fitter. Arvel served in the US Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping at Flaming Gorge with his boys, and his beautiful roses and peonies. He was a good cook and especially loved a tasty dessert. Arvel was a loving husband and father, and was respected by many. He was a great example of patience and kindness and will be greatly missed. Survived by his wife, Dorothy, sons: Francis (Terry) Brown and LeRoy Brown; daughters: Mona (Byron) Case, Maggie Higginson, MaryAnn Davis, Becky (Randy) Webster, Carma (Bob) Owen; 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his first wife Jane; sons-in law: Tommy Higginson and Richard Davis; brothers: Joseph, LaVerle, Robert and Francis; and sister Lila. The family would like to express their appreciation for the kindness and gentle care provided by Hearts for Hospice. Funeral services will be held Tues Feb 3, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

heartburn

Oh the loveliness of heartburn while pregnant. It started for me months ago and has progressively worsened as time goes on. People keep telling me that means the baby will have hair-
This kids pretty dang cute. He kind of reminds me of a baby duck and those Easter peeps in one!
I love Easter peeps and I love little baby ducks. I would love to have a little one I could squeeze and hug and love on all day long!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Harley Harley Harley!

OH HARLEY! This dog never gives us a boring moment!
I don't understand why but her nails wont grow for months- they stay very short then all the sudden they are talons scratching our faces off! I have attempted the nail clippers which resulted in me being the worst person by making her bleed. I have been traumatized since and wont let anyone but the professionals get near her nails. So when Ryan bought the Pedi Paws (you may recognize this from TV) I was pretty worried he wouldn't stop filing and file her nail right off! He assured me everything would be fine- He would just do a little every other day. After Ryan wrestled the dog to the ground and pretty much laid with all his weight on her so she wouldn't run away, he started trimming. After he was done and got up (no blood by they way) he turned to walk away and I saw this

IN THE SCUFFLE HARLEY MANAGED TO PEE ON RYAN! hEhEhE!


Harley at one point was finally given the opportunity to not be locked up during the day- She was able to roam the house and be free. Her privileges were soon revoked when she decided the house was more fun to chew on than simply relax in so she was sent back to the cage. Now this is no ordinary cage- its about 3 1/2 feet by 3 1/2 feet. We put her toys, blanket and food in there to keep her happy. When we came home last night- We found her trying to hide in the corner. When Ryan went to get her out her nose was bleeding! We still don't know what she did- whether she was trying to get out, her hard toy cut her or what. I felt so bad all night- I kept putting neosporin on it last night and it does look better this morning. Crazy dog!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Funny Noise

So at our doctors apt yesterday we got to hear the heart beat... It was really amazing knowing that was our baby but made me laugh a bit because it was actually a funny noise. The baby kept kicking and swimming around so it would cut out the heartbeat and make this big whoosh sound! I was very happy to hear the doctor said everything looks great- all my blood work has come back great and there is no concern anywhere. Poor Ryan had to get his blood drawn to see what blood type he is. I have O- so there might be a chance I will need to get an extra shot if he has a certain blood type. No biggie but he sure didn't like the fact that he had to be poked at :)
Our next apt is March 5 and we will get to find out the sex of that baby! I'm so excited because not only will that week mark me half way done with pregnancy but it also marks that I'll be half way done with School!

Monday, January 26, 2009

oh happy day

OH happy day... oh happy day...
What a great weekend! You wouldn't believe I would be so happy after spending 3 days glued to my school books but its so great to actually be ahead! Yes school has only been in session for 2 weeks but I already felt behind. Its great to have things done before the night before its due! On Saturday morning while Ryan, his brother Shaun and his Dad went to shot their bows I had a fun breakfast with my Momi. We made waffles and bacon and sat around and talked for hours. That night my very besty Allie came over with her amazing family Derek and Emma for dinner. We had a great time just eating, watching Emma (what did we do before kids) and talk all night. Allie is only 3 weeks behind me in her pregnancy! I am so excited to see both of us balloon up and wobble around this summer (okay just me- Allie will still look amazing) I cant wait till we both know what were having and be able to have our kids be so close in age! Sunday night we went to Ryan's family's house and had a fun night full of wii! Other than his sister Brooke kicking everyones butt in everything :) we had a blast.
oh happy day... oh happy day...
and now for today!!! Its Monday so that means no school and a night full of spending time with the hubby but before that- its baby time. We have another doctor apt today and I am hoping I get to schedule my ultrasound apt to find out the sex of the baby! It will still be another month away but I just need a date on it.
On Friday while catching up on school work I decided I needed to get into the baby room and clean that place up. We have been stocking up on little things here and there along with everything I have had from Devlin and Teagan. I went through it all- put piles of diapers in the closet, hung up the unisex clothes and boxed up the boy/ girl clothes into separate boxes so when we find out- I can put away one and bring out the other. I organized all the soaps, lotions and toys I have and cleaned up the previously used baby equipment that has been slobbered on by Ms. Teagan Mae! (PS. I miss those babies) After everything was done- I realized- I didn't have near as much as I thought I did. Greattt! More baby shopping for me :)

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A New Day

Funny thing... The person who had to knock some sense into me was the board of parole (Ill call him parollie- He was this adorable bald man so he reminded me just for a second of a rollie pollie).

Yesterday went like I expected. My father has an unofficial release date- much sooner than i thought. My outlook has changed though- unlike the feelings I had yesterday I feel peace today. The board always seem so incredibly educated. I find it fascinating when we have gone to these, listening to them be so neutral in such a difficult and sensitive situation. Yesterday was no different and parollie for the most part didn't disappoint. Among almost giving the "I had a dream" speech he gave a pretty good reality check to my father. He told him that their is a label on him whether he likes it or not and he will forever have that label. However- its up to him to live off that label. I never thought I put a label on myself- in fact I thought I tried really hard not to. Of course I had some extra drama like moments but I thought I was doing good. After realizing that just the thought of my father made me feel 11 again I knew I was labeling myself. I didn't like that and I am not that person. I have been labeled that in court and in other titles through this ordeal but I didn't really think I put it on myself to. I had some tears and some anger but I wiped them away and thought back to parollies wise words of not living by my label and seeing that its a new day. Not only me and my family but the whole country can make everyday a new day. Yesterday was a day many people have been waiting years and years for. With this new start in a new day who knows what amazing things could happen for everyone!

** Thank you everyone for your sweet and encouraging words!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

January 2009

January 2009 has come. A while back I wrote this is the month I am not looking forward to- Today is the day. I leave in 1 hour to head out to the point of the mountain to attend my fathers parole hearing. Its been 8 years he has been out there. I don't even know what my feelings are at this point. What do I want to have happen? Other than the letters I have been receiving over the last year or so I have had no contact with him. I don't feel scared just completely numb. I have been lost in my thoughts all morning. I have literally pushed this day out of my head until today. Realizing its finally here has almost made me pack my bags and run away. Today I don't feel like Kendra- married with a baby on the way in a wonderful life with amazing people surrounding me everyday. I feel like I'm 11.
I guess I cant keep living like that- My life need to be focused on something and someone else. I have a new little person coming into this world in a few short months and I cant keep being the child again. I will keep going today and I will get through it all- tomorrow is a new day and I am in a new life.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

6:30 AM

and so its begun. a new semester! mine started this morning with my 6:30 am class. as i drove to school with the moon still shining and my cup-o-oj sitting next to me i couldn't figure out what prompted me to lose my mind and sign up for this class. HELLO! to make matters worse, its a communications class- a communications class at 6:30 am. please, i don't communicate at that time in the morning so to open my brain and talk about public speaking, interviews and resumes i almost fell out of my chair. 8:00 am rolls around and im still running around the campus trying to find my next class. i didn't even realize slcc has trailers over the river and through the woods but to my surprise they do. i did make it to history. history can be interesting when the information isn't flying over my head- unfortunately for me it usually does. not just flying but sores. i don't know why and i take note after note but cant grasp- who did what now...
hmm.. so lucky for me i have a great boss who will work with my school schedule and on tuesdays and thursdays i come into work by 10 am. so after the hour and a half of watching vikings and
1000 ad fly over my head- its time for work. its winter and im pregnant so i will be darn if im going to wear my work clothes (heels and all) to truck through the campus. so i do my specialty and make a little clothing switch-eroo in my car and hurrying inside to be greeted by 3 people already standing at my desk asking for one thing or another! thanks to my blog life it helps me escape the chaos for a bit. now after my regular day in the office and checking on my online classes during lunch you would think its almost over- but i have math tonight at 5:30!!!

*to all the others out there who go to work and school! we really should get some kind of award. and if you have kidos you deserve a nobel prize... that really scares me!

Friday, January 9, 2009

20 healthy food for under $1

Okay just thinking of little ways to cut back in my own home I found this article and thought I would share. Its always great to buy cheap and healthy!
1. Oats High in fiber and complex carbohydrates, oats have also been shown to lower cholesterol. And they sure are cheap—a dollar will buy you more than a week’s worth of hearty breakfasts. Serving suggestions: Sprinkle with nuts and fruit in the morning, make
oatmeal cookies for dessert.
2. Eggs You can get about a half dozen of eggs for a dollar, making them one of the cheapest and most versatile sources of protein. They are also a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may ward off age-related eye problems. Serving suggestions:
Huevos rancheros for breakfast, egg salad sandwiches for lunch, and frittatas for dinner.
3. Kale This dark, leafy green is loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, and calcium. Like most greens, it is usually a dollar a bunch.Serving suggestions: Chop up some kale and add to your favorite stir-fry; try
German-Style Kale or traditional Irish Colcannon.
4. Potatoes Because we often see potatoes at their unhealthiest—as fries or chips—we don’t think of them as nutritious, but they definitely are. Eaten with the skin on, potatoes contain almost half a day’s worth of Vitamin C, and are a good source of potassium. If you opt for sweet potatoes or yams, you’ll also get a good wallop of beta carotene. Plus, they’re dirt cheap and have almost endless culinary possibilities.Serving suggestions: In the a.m., try
Easy Breakfast Potatoes; for lunch, make potato salad; for dinner, have them with sour cream and chives.
5. Apples I’m fond of apples because they’re inexpensive, easy to find, come in portion-controlled packaging, and taste good. They are a good source of pectin—a fiber that may help reduce cholesterol—and they have the antioxidant Vitamin C, which keeps your blood vessels healthy.Serving suggestions: Plain; as applesauce; or in baked goods like
Pumpkin-Apple Breakfast Bread.
6. Nuts Though nuts have a high fat content, they’re packed with the good-for-you fats—unsaturated and monounsaturated. They’re also good sources of essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and protein. And because they’re so nutrient-dense, you only need to eat a little to get the nutritional benefits. Although some nuts, like pecans and macadamias, can be costly, peanuts, walnuts, and almonds, especially when bought in the shell, are low in cost.Serving suggestions: Raw; roasted and salted; sprinkled in salads.
7. Bananas At a local Trader Joe’s, I found bananas for about 19¢ apiece; a dollar gets you a banana a day for the workweek. High in potassium and fiber (9 grams for one), bananas are a no-brainer when it comes to eating your five a day quotient of fruits and veggies.Serving suggestions: In smoothies, by themselves, in cereal and yogurt.
8. Garbanzo Beans With beans, you’re getting your money’s worth and then some. Not only are they a great source of protein and fiber, but ’bonzos are also high in fiber, iron, folate, and manganese, and may help reduce cholesterol levels. And if you don’t like one type, try another—black, lima, lentils … the varieties are endless. Though they require soaking and cooking, the most inexpensive way to purchase these beans is in dried form; a precooked can will still only run you around a buck.Serving suggestions: In salads, curries, and
Orange Hummus.
9. Broccoli Broccoli contains tons of nice nutrients—calcium, vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, and fiber. As if that isn’t enough, broccoli is also packed with phytonutrients, compounds that may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plus, it’s low in calories and cost.Serving suggestions: Throw it in salads, stir fries, or served as an accompaniment to meat in this
Steamed Ginger Chicken with Asian Greens recipe.
10. Watermelon Though you may not be able to buy an entire watermelon for a dollar, your per serving cost isn’t more than a few dimes. This summertime fruit is over 90 percent water, making it an easy way to hydrate, and gives a healthy does of Vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that may ward off cancer.Serving suggestions: Freeze chunks for popsicles; eat straight from the rind; squeeze to make watermelon margaritas (may negate the hydrating effect!).
11. Wild Rice It won’t cost you much more than white rice, but wild rice is much better for you. Low in fat and high in protein and fiber, this gluten-free rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates. It packs a powerful potassium punch and is loaded with B vitamins. Plus, it has a nutty, robust flavor.Serving suggestions: Mix with nuts and veggies for a cold rice salad; blend with brown rice for a side dish.
12. Beets Beets are my kind of vegetable—their natural sugars make them sweet to the palate while their rich flavor and color make them nutritious for the body. They’re powerhouses of folate, iron, and antioxidants.Serving suggestions: Shred into salads, slice with goat cheese. If you buy your beets with the greens on, you can braise them in olive oil like you would other greens.
13. Butternut Squash This beautiful gourd swings both ways: sometimes savory, sometimes sweet. However you prepare the butternut, it will not only add color and texture, but also five grams of fiber per half cup and chunks and chunks of Vitamin A and C. When in season, butternut squash and related gourds are usually less than a dollar a pound.Serving suggestions: Try
Pear and Squash Bruschetta; cook and dot with butter and salt.
14. Whole Grain Pasta In the days of Atkins, pasta was wrongly convicted, for there is nothing harmful about a complex carbohydrate source that is high in protein and B vitamins. Plus, it’s one of the cheapest staples you can buy.Serving suggestions: Mix clams and white wine with linguine; top orzo with tomatoes and garlic; eat cold
Farfalle Salad on a picnic.
15. Sardines As a kid, I used to hate it when my dad would order sardines on our communal pizzas, but since then I’ve acquired a taste for them. Because not everyone has, you can still get a can of sardines for relatively cheap. And the little fish come with big benefits: calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. And, because they’re low on the food chain, they don’t accumulate mercury.Serving suggestions: Mash them with parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil for a spread; eat them plain on crackers; enjoy as a pizza topping (adults only).
16. SpinachSpinach is perhaps one of the best green leafies out there—it has lots of Vitamin C, iron, and trace minerals. Plus, you can usually find it year round for less than a dollar.Serving suggestions: Sautéed with eggs, as a salad, or a
Spinach Frittata.
17. Tofu Not just for vegetarians anymore, tofu is an inexpensive protein source that can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. It’s high in B vitamins and iron, but low in fat and sodium, making it a healthful addition to many dishes. Serving suggestions: Use silken varieties in
Tofu Cheesecake; add to smoothies for a protein boost; cube and marinate for barbecue kebobs.
18. Lowfat Milk Yes, the price of a gallon of milk is rising, but per serving, it’s still under a dollar; single serving milk products, like yogurt, are usually less than a dollar, too. Plus, you’ll get a lot of benefit for a small investment. Milk is rich in protein, vitamins A and D, potassium, and niacin, and is one of the easiest ways to get bone-strengthening calcium.Serving suggestions: In smoothies, hot chocolate, or coffee; milk products like low fat cottage cheese and yogurt.
19. Pumpkin Seeds When it’s time to carve your pumpkin this October, don’t shovel those seeds into the trash—they’re a goldmine of magnesium, protein, and trace minerals. Plus, they come free with the purchase of a pumpkin.Serving suggestions: Salt, roast, and eat plain; toss in salads.
20. Coffee The old cup-o-joe has been thrown on the stands for many a corporeal crime—heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis—but exonerated on all counts. In fact, coffee, which is derived from a bean, contains beneficial antioxidants that protect against free radicals and may actually help thwart heart disease and cancer. While it’s not going to fill you up like the other items on this list, it might make you a lot perkier. When made at home, coffee runs less than 50¢ cents a cup.Serving suggestions: Just drink it.

My enemy the laundry


Every week I find it hard to understand how 2 people wore so many clothes, dirtied so many towels and used so many mis. things like sheets or rags. I have never thought much about it, just sucked it up and do my weekly LARGE load of usually 4-5 loads of laundry. I have to mention Ryan works at a steel factory so he usually wears 2 sets of clothes a day- this is everything from shirts to socks and all in between. I wear my work clothes and change into my regular clothes as well. Since both sets are only worn half days I usually get 2 wearings out of some items like pants and some shirts. I still don't understand how it piles up so fast. I never feel on top of the laundry. I usually start on either Saturday or Sunday. I don't stay on top of it which inevitably makes me forget about at least one load which stays in the washer to long and I then have to wash it again.
Have I said laundry is my enemy? So the last few weeks as Wednesday or Thursday have come and I finally haul my 2 baskets full of clean yet wrinkled clothes upstairs to fold and put away I have thought- what the heck am I going to do when I have an infant at home throwing up or pooping on everything a few times a day? How in the world will I keep up on his/her things? Again I really have not thought of any ways to solve this problem but something needs to change. I was reading this website called CEOMoms when I saw the article in the corner "Do laundry the CEOMom way"
I couldn't click the link fast enough!!!
So here I am- WITH A NEW- NEW YEARS RESOLUTION (for at least 2 weeks for a trial)



Here's the big laundry secret (ready for this – it's a deep laundry thought): You wash today what was worn yesterday. You got it? You don't wash what was worn last Tuesday. That was washed on Wednesday.
Here's how it works. Your husband goes to work, your kids go to school, you are dressed for the day and any kids at home are dressed. You scoop up all the jammies and clothes worn yesterday and you stick them in the washing machine. A family of four can fit in one load. You may need to keep a few whites out if they need to be washed separately, but the majority of clothes can be washed together (cold water, cold rinse). Do this in the morning. When you have a moment a bit later, put the clothes in the dryer. When you have another moment, put the clothes away.
Before it would have taken you a long time to put the clothes away. Now it's easy. We're talking jammies that get put in drawers, a few pairs of pants and a few shirts (and some underwear). It's not like those old loads of laundry where there were 15 shirts that needed to be hung on hangers. You'll be shocked at how easy it is. You absolutely have to swear under no circumstances (unless you go into labor and even then send your husband home after the baby is born to do it), can you go to bed without putting away the load in the dryer. Really this won't be a problem. You'll be so amazed at how stress-free it feels to be on top of your laundry instead of buried, that you'll want to put it away. It feels good. Give it two weeks and you'll feel it too.
Ill give an update in 2 weeks so all those other people who have laundry as their enemy know if this really makes life much easier!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Boy or Girl

What do you think it will be?
Disney Princess or Land before time
Ryan is certain its a boy. I really would love a boy first but I only dream about girls. Then again I only dreamt about twins until the doctor advised us of only one! I'm excited either way. I have had a few people I work with do little games like a chin on my hand and how it swings will tell me what I'm having. I have had people say heartburn will tell me one way or another or being sick. Things I crave will tell me. Its all be very interesting!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails