This Week...cancelled

Well this week has been interesting. I not only had the usual full schedule of teaching piano lessons, library day, playgroup, etc. But this week I also had a 2-year-checkup for Miss L, a doctor's appt. for me, a husband with finals, visiting teaching lunch scheduled, a song to practice for enrichment, a friend with a birthday lunch, and my M-O-L is coming on Saturday, so my house needs to be immaculate too. But....all that was canceled.

Miss L did way too much partying Sunday night and came down with a case of the stomach flu on Monday. She's never had this before, we've thrown up, but they were single episodes, not this. We thought it was food poisoning, because it was gone by Monday afternoon, but reemerged during enrichment Tuesday night with Gary at hand.

It is mostly terrible to have a little sicko, Wednesday morning she just curled up at 9:30am and wanted to lay in bed, poor little thing. We did a lot of hugging, about 20 loads of laundry (and I am not exaggerating) and because all of her toys were played with Sunday, I bleached them all, as well as her bed, the floors, my kitchen. My piano has been clorox wiped at least 35 times. I guess on the bright side, we've all lost weight (although she and Gary didn't need to lose any) and Gary and I did not get sick which is really a blessing. In addition, I got to cuddle with my little girl all week and make her feel better, which I actually liked, she is not much of a cuddler...unless she is sick, and my house is pretty clean (although at the moment not up to M-O-L standards (which my mother-in-law probably would not care, but I of course create unrealistic expectations for myself). And lastly, it was kinda of nice to have no commitments, I am quite ready for some now (I volunteered myself to play at our neighborhood home tours Saturday, because quite frankly I need to get out of the house).

Fortunately, Miss is L is over it although I have kept her off all dairy (How long are you supposed to monitor diet?) because I can't usually eat normal for a couple weeks following the flu. Poor Miss L is now starving and I don't know quite what to give her. She can not live on bananas, rice, saltines, apple juice, and gatorade. What she wants is cheese, I think that is no go for at least a week.

Today we are getting out of the house, and have about a million errands to run, food to buy, and a house to get spotless.

So two questions:
1) What to feed her?
2) Because I blame every sickness on the devil nursery at church, is it wrong to keep her away from those kids for another week? I don't want her sick again right before Christmas. This week was tough enough on that little body. (I also do not want her to eat the snack... I don't know what they feed them, but I can just picture dirty little hands sharing snacks with each other. We like to refer to it in home as "the den of contamination").

ps. I really like our nursery leaders, it is just the common uncleanliness of the age group and that fact that I am just am sick of her coming home from church weeks in a row with a cold and now this.

HACKED again

Well I decided to hack Pam's blog again to bring you the most annoying and disturbing Christmas card ever. - G

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my favorite girl in the World!!!

I have some very darling pictures to post, but I think they will have to wait, because I can't find my camera at the moment.

We had breakfast in bed, presents (which I think the exciting part was getting to rip paper), a wonderful dinner of honey ham, which was absolutely fabulous made by Gary, and a few little friends for some cake and candles. It was a nice day. I got to spend it mostly with the 2 people I care most about in the world. And one of them is 2 now!!!

Today I am greatful that I have a little family. I am greatful that they are my everything.

Pigtails and Errands

My little companion and I had a rather uneventful, but thought provoking morning. We ran errands.

First to church so I could practice the organ. L proceeded to reorganize all the choir hymnals and crawl across the seats. It may have been a little irreverent, but that what I've got to do if I want to practice. I learned that my daughter is the cutest thing in the world, trying to sneak under me to play the organ pedal, and that I really really love playing Christmas.

2nd was to the post office, which was quite uneventful, but the library (and therefore toddlertime) is right next door. We had a ball with the "little girls" bathroom in the library, L could have sat on the tiny toilet and flushed it all day, I'm hoping this will warm her up to potty training (that will start when Christmas). I learned little tushes are soooooo cute especially when they want to do it "all by myself", and who knew you could get so excited about a potty.

3rd was Old navy, where we tried to find a belt for this little girl. Unfortunately they don't sell them and she fell fast asleep with her pig tails in. What a good girl.

4th and completely selfish I learned chic-fil-a has the most incredible sandwiches, which actually look like chicken breast inside and not processed meat. I haven't had one in about 15 years, and I am definitely sold. Throw in a fresh bun and some good honey mustard, and the best part, thanks to Gary finding every internet deal in the world, it was free.

5th Gary got "promotional" box of Danish cookies with one his internet purchases, and I love them. I used to take them in my lunch for school when I was I was little. I don't think they will last long, and my waist will show where they went, but I don't care. In fact, I am eating them right now.

That's my day.

Thankful to be busy

Today I was grateful for the busy confusion of the day, including playing Thanksgiving songs on the organ, teaching my class about tithing, and a medical school pie party at my house. This week has been a little eye opening. Gary starts his first test tomorrow morning and to honest with the week mostly off from piano teaching, I have been a little lonely. Gary has been incognito with studying, and it made me realize just what I will be dealing with come January with clinics starting.

L and I did our best to keep busy, Wednesday I cooked like mad, Thursday morning I made rolls (and L made rolls with her play dough), we had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast at Leslie's, Friday we went to the zoo, then went shopping for sun glasses (L's request) and Christmas lights, and then got pizza. Saturday I snuck out and practiced the organ for a while then came home and decorated the house for Christmas. I wasn't going to do it until after L's birthday, but I don't think we will be doing a party this year, and I needed something to do.

This is the first Thanksgiving weekend (Wed-Saturday) without the bustle of family in the house, and it was a little lonely. I guess it makes me all that more thankful for good friends to share holidays with and time with my family when we can.


And I am thankful for Dec. 14th when Gary is mine for two whole weeks.

Favorite Things

Some of my favorite things this week:

1) L has begun to open doors, and although it has its down sides, when she peeks out of her bedroom in the morning with a big smile in the morning it is worth a whole lot to momma.
2) A husband that works really hard in school...
3) Salads with home grown tomatoes, candied almonds, and raspberry vinaigrette. I think I have had one everyday for a week.
4) Houston in November, not only do love walking to the park, I still have tons of tomatoes, beans, basil (this one is slightly a pest though), but my sugar snap peas and squash are emerging.
5) A Church within walking distance, hopefully we will be here for that.
6) A phone, my in-laws/husband decided I need a phone. I was a little resistant, but it is pretty cool, and RELIABLE.

L's favorite things:
1) Puppies (her stuffed animals)
2) Tacos- a new discovery
3) Lollipops

Relaxing Day

Today during Lily's nap I wen to the store by myself. I never realized, or maybe I just forgot, that shopping can be really fun. I hit three stores in 3 hours, and took my time the whole time, but I was on a mission. I have started a little coupon binder, and with all of Erika's good deals, like free Celery at Target, and stuff, I had to take advantage.

These are my deals of the day:

1) Free Celery
2) 2 big bag of holiday M&M's=$.50
3) Big bag of Cheetos=.$50
4) Stove Top $.29
5) A nice Sirloin steak for 2.50 (Orig. 4.99/lb, we just have to eat it tomorrow, which I will)
6) 1lb Butter= $1.25
7) Tabasco sauce= $.39
8) Phily Cream Cheese= $.22
9) Brown sugar $.60

I saved $20 in coupons. I was excited. Plus, I was able to try on a few clothes at Target, and get a new shirt and pants. I love the clearance rack, but its been a while (like a 8 months) since shopping was anything pleasant. I came home excited about my purchases and more excited about my savings. Yeah for coupons.

On a different note, we go pick up L's big girl bed (bunk beds) in about an hour. I am excited, even though we probably won't set it up for a while. Thanks to a friend it was wonderful deal I couldn't pass up. Probably will post about this when it looks girly and cute.

So I'm Back

After a month long Hiatus, I a back.

You may ask, why did I take a Hiatus? Well 3 reasons:

1) I was very involved a certain piano recital that took place last Saturday, which included lots of extra lessons (and my kids did great!!!!)
2) I went to see my sister in LA!!!
3) My family has been sick for A WHOLE MONTH!!!!

And this final reason is what really kept me away. Gary thinks we had this, but that sounds a little lethal. It started with Gary, and knocked him out for about a week, that is a week of no school! etc. I was so worried about L, so an over anxious trip to the doctor, showed nothing but a cough, but preventive antibiotics, just in case something hit while we were in LA. Then it hit me, the night before I left for LA, so unfortunately I was pretty sick the whole time I was there, luckily, my sister is the best sister in the world, and did a lot of pamper L and catering to my every food desire. Not to mention we still had a blast. Here are the highlights:

1) Trunk or Treat with L and A
2) Walking through beautiful Rose Bowl neighborhoods
3) Taking the train downtown
4) The zoo...
5) Elvira Street
6) Shabu-Shabu, a definate must in LA
7) WICKED!!!! And now I sing the entire CD by request. Only had one coughing attack during the performance, thank goodness.
8) The wonderful breakfast, lunch, and dinner fed to me everyday, and someone to watch L and paint her toenails while I took up to four naps.

And now back to real life, which isn't bad either, but LA was HEAVEN, even though I was sick.

So the last few weeks we have been recovering. L ended up getting a pretty substantial ear infection the day we got back(despite the fact she was on antibiotics), so she was pretty much out the next week with that (and we were out too because L can't sleep at night when she has ear infections...neither can I). And my energy still isn't back to par, but I can't complain, because I don't feel bad at least, and it gives me an excuse to go to bed early, which I'll take any day. So between L, my piano students, and keeping food on the table, and my house in some kind of order, I have been pooped.

But I'm back now...

Happy Birthday

I have a really special birthday today. As I was contemplating the reason why I love my husband, I have come up with a couple really good ones:

1) Gary teaches me not to take life too seriously. Sometimes I still do, but I laugh a lot too.
2) He is a really good dad. He is the type of dad who lives for playing with L, and she is crazy about him.
3) He is an excellent financeer.
4) He is a very good friend. People are lucky to have him as a friend.
5) He is very compassionate.
6) He loves to cuddle....me too.

I love him more than I know. Happy Birthday, G!

Ode to Erika

Just used my first CVS ECB's today, quite exciting. Bill totalled $11, with $11 ECBs in return. Need to get two cards so I can get double the deals, and I still haven't figured out the coupon thing, but I'm getting the Sunday paper this sat.

Thanks, Erika

Garage Sale

Last Thursday I cleaned out Lily's closet, because her clothes were starting to not fit. I had a box of bigger sizes from several people, but I realized she still was lacking in a few departments, like shirts, Sunday shoes, and few other things.

So 7am after working at the peanut factory all night (that is a side story I might indulge in one day) I went to the Sienna garage sale. It was a success. I had to sort through many things, but here is what I found for $22. That is 13 things!



And this dress too.And yes, she didn't NEED the cowgirl boots, but they were so cute. And she has this shirt that say "Got Boots" with a picture of red cowgirl boots, that won't fit until next year, but she loves 'em. They were my only indulgence.

Vive Mexico!

This weekend deserves several posts, but first I will indulge in this one. We just came back from a Mexican birthday party. It was crazy. My friend Tahira (an Indian who grew up with only her mom), who married into a Hispanic family used to tell me how crazy parties were, but this was my first. The party started at 4 pm. L and the daughter don't know each well, but are nearly the same age, and very nice, so I thought it would be fun to attend so they could get to know each other better.

First of all, despite the Father and his whole family being American, I think I was the only one for the first three hours that spoke only English. I felt a little out of place, but even more out of place when Gary (my translator) left for priesthood session at church.

I knew at 6 when the food was still not served, that it was going to be a long party, and I guess according to Mexican etiquette, you do not arrive on time, (an hour or two late is fine).

L absolutely had a ball. Between the marionettes, dancing, pinata, learning Happy Birthday in a different language, Vive Mexico chants, and wonderful brisket filled tacos, it was quite the day. She cried when we left.

She did have candy, jello, and cake to feed her for a week, and was asleep within five minutes of getting home.

I'm tired too. I bet the birthday girl's mom is too. Mexicans sure know how to party.

This makes me kinda miss not having lots of family around. I don't know how many were family, but I am assuming the majority, besides that the Hispanic culture has an openness about them where everyone feels like family. I love that when my other Hispanic neighbors comes over I always get greeted with kisses, and friendliness.

To recant we got there about 4:15, and left the party about 8:15 (we didn't wait for opening of presents.) The party is still going strong, and I am going to bed.

Hill Country

Remember when I was researching this. Well funds from that expedition allowed us to have a very fun trip this weekend. Gary finished his marathon of two weeks of tests Thursday.

Friday, we headed up to Austin, and stopped at the Bluebell Ice Cream factory in Brenham for a tour and lots of ice cream. Lily really enjoyed that part.

When we were all stuffed full of ice cream we headed into Austin and camped here. It was a smaller park than I anticipated, but that means we got to see about everything we wanted to. We went swimming Friday in the waterfalls, which Lily badly needed. It was hot. There were lots of turtles, and I had to keep reminding myself that there are not alligators in Austin.

We camped in a primitive campsite, which means we had a to haul a lot of stuff about 100 yards, but it was right next to a river, very pretty. Friday night we went and looked at Gary's old home when he lived in Austin, which was quite close to our park. It was fun to see his old stomping ground, the high school he went to, and I think he was pretty excited about it. We came back to the camp and had delicious foil dinners, and Lily enjoyed staying up past dark.

Sleeping was kind of a disaster. We brought the pack' n play, but because L could see us, and she was not in a home, her orientation and mood were off. We finally evacuated her out of the campsite much to the satisfaction of our neighbors. Gary ended up driving around for a while until she was out cold. He brought her back to the tent, and we then we slept pretty peacefully, although I had to get up to go the bathroom once (which noone like to do camping) and it was a little cold.

The next morning we had nice hot showers and went into downtown Austin. We went to Zilker park, which is actually is gorgeous, and the weather was beautiful. Barton Springs is damned to form a giant swimming pool. We let L get out all her energy at the this giant playground, then we walked along the springs for a while. The area around Zilker park is set on rock cliffs overlooking the river. There are a lot of little outdoor restaurants and cantinas and we stopped for some breakfast burritos.

L was out at this point and to keep her out we decided to drive for a while. We went downtown and stopped at a farmer's market that was actually having a nice demonstration encouraging breast feeding and to support the local breast bank. I didn't even know there was such thing as a breast bank. I guess you learn something everyday. Lots of woman showed up to breastfeed at exactly 11 am, and Gary was fortunate to be there for the "unveiling". Kinda odd, but all a part of the experience.

We planned on going to the capitol and UT Austin and the LBJ library, but when we got downtown, we realized there was a football game that day, and the city was madness. There were tailgate parties everywhere. Who brings a big screen with them in the car to watch pregame? Crazy Longhorns. So we headed out of the city.

Our next stop allowed L to sleep along time, which was badly needed, considering the night before. But we ended up going here.


It is called Hamilton pool, and was absolutely gorgeous. The water was a unnatural jade, but it was very beautiful. We swam in the cold water, Lily wasn't happy about the temperature, but she did like playing in the waterfall, which surprisingly was very warm water.

Then we headed to the Salt Lick. Gary has been talking about this restaurant since I met him, and although in the middle of nowhere, it definitely was the best barbecue I have ever had. Just to give you an idea, at 3:40 the restaurant was packed. Everything was good. Their story was that a local man married a Japanese woman and started the Barbecue Restaurant. I think there is something to that Japanese influence. The sauce was the best sauce I have ever had, the meat was the best as well, and the sides weren't your ordinary sides. The cole slaw definitely had an Asian flare, (no mayonaise, yeah!) and the potato salad was also better than normal. The prices were very reasonable and we left with full stomachs and some take-out too.

Then we headed home. The weekend definitely boosted the family moral, which was good too. I think L needed a little parent time, and I definately needed some Gary time.

Birthday

My birthday was a hit. Despite having the hardest test of the 2 week period yesterday, Gary still managed breakfast in bed.

He earned extra brownie points and quite frankly almost made be cry with his present to me which apparently my family knew about, sneaky family..a trip to see my sister (who is moving to Japan shortly) next month.

The day was full of people making me feel loved, which is nice too.

The only down side was that I thought I deserved a nap (and L was wide awake, so I put on a movie). She woke me up and showed me what she had colored. Red marker on every piece of furniture I own including the couch and carpet. Now, I know this is mostly my fault for leaving a marker tempting in my piano stuff. Luckily it was a washable marker, and hot spot really works, but I am sure next time I need a nap she will have to go in the crib with some stories, and also markers have been banned from my house.

Later in the day my mom topped of Gary's gift with tickets to see Wicked when I am in L.A. with Shelley...a musical I have been dying to see. I play the music daily. In fact I told Gary last month that when we actually have money (10+ years) the first excursion I want is to see Wicked. He hinted this to my mom who generously obliged.

Last night was a wonderful dinner with just Gary and I at a local restaurant.. La Escondida. I actually didn't like my dinner at all but I really liked Gary's which was amazing steak, and he obligingly switched me.

I didn't think I liked steak anymore, and actually stopped buying it. I realized last night that it is the meat I buy (usually on sale) not steak itself. Every now and then I think I need some good red meat.

Overall a very nice day.

She is cuter than ever...

By popular demand...or grandma demand. Here she is....Her favorite song is "Six little ducks that I once knew..." She goes around the house quacking .
Here's the family. We are definitely sad about the pool closing in a week....especially Lily. I am afraid she will forget how to swim.

Scrimp or Splurge

This idea was taken from Leslie's post. I am gonna be honest, I grew up in a very privileged family, and although we were still frugal in my opinion, I never worried about money. And since money is tight during student/raising kids years, I also have money on my mind a lot. A lot of times I think people are ridiculous in how they spend their money, but I am sure people would look at me and think the same thing. So here goes:

Splurge:
1) I always have parmesan cheese in the fridge, usually I can get the Kroger or Walmart brand, but it is always in there.

2) Lawn product: Our lawn looked like a disaster pit when we moved in. After a whole summer of weeding (yes, the lawn) and transplanting grass after Gary sprayed some weed killer on it that killed a lot of it, we take pride in fertilizing, buying miracle grow. And believe me, miracle grow for your garden and your trees (our front tree grew at least a foot this summer) really works. As far as plants I have been dividing and transplanting plants around as well, and the front bed now looks really good in comparison to last summer.

3) Fun with friends- now this doesn't mean going out to lunch every week, but I don't hesitate to come if it costs (a reasonable amount obviously). I think it okay to buy my visiting teachers lunch every once in while, albeit we have to budget a little differently, but I never want my friends to think I am cheap at their expense. This also includes gifts, which right now is mostly baby gifts, but again, especially for a first child, people deserve something nice and new, which you can usually find on sale too.

4) Trips to see my family- my family covers a lot of these, but we have covered a few especially to see the sisters. I want my kids to know it is important to build relationships with family, even when they live far away, so the effort is worth it. And I always want my family to know they are welcome to come see me. I will make them dinner every night. Now having Shellza move to Japan will be a little tough...

5) Our computer- this one is not mine. As long as it has Internet it would be fine, but unfortunately this is Gary's hobby, so it is updated almost every month with some sort of thing so I would say it is a definite splurge. Definitely high speed Internet, but luckily we can write that off.

6) Toll-way- Gary takes it to school everyday, and I would rather have him home 40 minutes earlier, so we budgeted this in when we moved and we are using it. And it costs a lot.

Scrimp:

1) Phone: Anyone who knows me knows what a psycho phone I have, and why do you ask...it's free. Yes, Gary, computer junkie that he is maneuvered it so that it is free, albeit a little quirky at times, some of my friends can't call me. This is one thing I could live without, or shall I say splurge a little more on, but its Gary pet project, so I can't touch it.

2) Clothes: Luckily I have my mom and L's aunts and grandmas to bail us out on this one. I don't ever buy knew clothes...except for those 2 new shirts from Target 5 months ago. But my mom usually takes me on a shopping spree to fulfill that requirement when I come home. L gets all her clothes from my piano students or the neighbor or grandmas and they are cute so I don't think too much of it.

3) Toys- all L's toys are hand-me-downs or presents. I have never been a toy person, I kinda think little kids don't know the difference between the expensive-must-have toy and measuring cups...I am sure this will change as she asks for things, but I rather save up for activities and educational things (like preschool and soccer).

4) Furniture- most of our furniture is from Gary's aunt who passed away, all hand me down, but I have to say we splurged on our couches (which I saved up 3 years for) and our piano (which I love). So this is kinda half-way.

5) Activities for L- She has never been to gymboree or little gym, we did not hire baby proofers inc. to come baby proof our house. This has definitely been the hardest. I think she doesn't really know the difference between going to a playgroup and those activities, but she will soon enough. We have a little playgroup here of first time moms and they all signed up their kids for a gymboree music class. This has been the hardest. Now I think I could probably teach a better class, but it is still hard to be the one left out. I definitely think we will budget in for gymnastics, soccer, or swimming when that time comes, because L is so athletic. We'll let her pick, then it will be special.

We'll stop it at that otherwise I will start thinking I am doing without everything...but at least not parmesan cheese.

Look like me?

While I should be researching Native Hawaiians and cancer statistics...don't ask, I am tired of it... I instead am looking at blogs and decided this is the haircut I want:

compliments of J. Crew and this blog

So Katie, prepare for cutting my hair to this style come Christmastime. This should be your sole purpose, never mind general surgery rotations. Okay, maybe I will have to give this to a hair dresser.

There is something about long hair that I just like. Until a certain age that is, and I haven't reached that certain age and won't for a long time.

Cooking Fetish

Lately, I have had a fetish with cooking. I really like to eat really good food. And because of certain HDR (husband diet restriction) I have to be pretty healthy and very creative.

Rules with cooking:
1) I really like to make recipes really good which mean 10-12 times to perfect them (especially for baked goods
2) I utilize leftovers (because waste not want not)
3) I like to use things from my garden, which currently included chives, basil, beans, STRONG romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions. (Just a side note, L and I planted the garden Friday with all sort of yummy fall produce aka. cilantro, squash, and sugarsnap peas. Now we just need a new tomato plant, zucchini plant, and acorn squash seeds, and we will be set.
4) I don't eat a lot of meat. I am not vegetarian, but I do like smaller meat portions the majority of the week.

Here are some things I made had recently:
1) Mushroom Pasta: with minor modification of losing the cheese, chicken, and half and half, and replacing with leftover roast beef and gravy with a little milk.

2) Won Ton Soup: Did you know won tons are pretty healthy and freeze really well. Good thing we have such a great chinese grocery store so close. For those who haven't been, warning there is a fish market in the back that smells like uh...fish. This recipe also utilized all the carrots left in my garden, romaine lettuce (which considering the variety I have taste a lot like bok choy)

3)Curried Squash Soup: Very gourmet, quite tasty, but a little thin (as you puree everything) However, L gobbled it up. Found some squash in the freezer.

4) Whole Wheat Sour Dough Pesto Pizza: I just found a recipe I actually liked for pesto to utilize the basil in my garden. I brought it to Gary's AMSA potluck last night, but sadly did not win the prize. I also put the basil on some leftover pasta for lunch. It was really good. Here is the pesto recipe from a friend:

Basil Pesto
1 cup basil
1-2 cloves garlic
2 T. pine nuts
dash salt
dash pepper

Blend the above in a food processor, adding olive oil until pesto consistency,

add 1/4 c shredded fresh parmesan, and 1-2 T. ricotta

cheese.

The cool thing is that you can freeze the pesto (before adding the cheese). We'll see if it tastes as good.


A project I am currently working on:

1) San Fransisco Sour dough bread: My good friend's husband who just moved to Utah, and is an avid experimental cook...gave me the starter. I have been working with it to get it to taste like the store.

I've tried a whole wheat sourdough recipe, which failed to rise after 15 hours, but tasted great, albeit dense. I did add a slightly larger amount of whole wheat flour than listed.

I've also tried a recipe that adds yeast. Actually I made rolls out of this which I took to relief society last week and were gobbled up, but still it didn't taste like sourdough. It did rise well, though.

This is currently sitting on my counter. Again it needs to rise 15 hours. We'll see if it works.

Any tried and true recipes for sourdough out there?

Language Test

Your Linguistic Profile:

65% General American English 20% Upper Midwestern 5% Dixie 5% Yankee 0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

I got this from Leslie's blog. The results are kinda interesting considering my background is Southern Indiana, and I have 0% Midwestern. However, my parents are not from there, so I suppose how I spoke was greatly influenced by them.

She loves her friends.

Let keep it pretty wordless today. These are some L's friends. And boy does she love them.

Soy Joy

So, I am on this new kick. Let me explain how I got there.

L drink whole milk , 2 gallons a week. Gary drink 2% Lactose-free milk (which is pretty expensive and not extremely tasty(when drinking a glass). I usually buy 1 gallon of 1% and it goes bad by the end of the week because I only go through a 1/4....and milk price went up by $1.00 to 3.50 if I buy 2 gallons.

So, I switched to Soy. Although it is more expensive, it lasts longer, and I am getting my soy in, which every women should have (due to the genestein which prevents things like osteoporosis etc. )

And the best part I love it. It is creamy, great for a glass of milk, albeit taste a little funny on my cereal. And the best part is, it is good for me, and less calories than my milk (and still creamy). It is very yummy, kinda like a treat. Soy milk has come a long, long way.

Perhaps some of you think (why not just switch to 1/2 gallon of skim but I was turned off to skim in Provo, where they added powdered milk (probably to increase the watery nutritional content).

We'll see how long this kick lasts.

Living by Family

Today I am grateful for many people who help me out with church assignments so I can go see my husband's cousin's baby (who is the perfect angel baby and never cries) blessed. It was a fun evening catching up with Gary's extended family gossip and remembering that we do have family close (albeit two cousins 1 hour and 2 hours aways, respectively).

Visiting made me want to live much closer to family, made me a little baby hungry, because that child was so little and very adorable. I also realized that family is an important thing to have around.

Cons: I know there are plenty of cases against it, like parents/in-laws interfering and having to attend every dance/piano recital of every niece and nephew. I know sometimes family can be clingy and not let you breathe. I think also we do not develop close friendships with other when we have our family right there.

Pros: I like the family thing too. I never grew up around cousins or grandparents and really never developed many relationships there (although I did later on with one set of grandparents). I feel pretty out of loop on my sister's lives currently. Traveling becomes very expensive when you live as far as I do, (and with the phase of life we're in is going from twice a year to maybe once this year. ) I want my children to have relationships with their cousins (which I don't know if they will considering the only cousin on my side is moving to Japan in January.

Compromise:
1)Live close, but not too close.
2) Be extravagantly rich and fly to all locales of family
3)Let everyone breathe if I live close, and maybe make a habit of not expecting everyone to attend every event in my life.

With that said I don't know if I can realistically live close to anyone I am related to. At least not for now... (Japan's out, Evansville ??, Utah out, California out, Portland?) However, I have opted to in my future life to make a fund for my children to be able to travel and meet up on extended family vacations at all the various stages of life they may be in (thanks for the idea Aunt Marvia)

Any pros or cons I didn't see?

Any suggestions?

It is raining the effects from this Tropical storm we are dealing with. With all the thunder, lightning, and periodic cloudbursts, all I want to do is turn on a Disney movie for Lily and read a good book. The only problem is I had a good book to read (Harry Potter), but finished that at 4am Monday (Yes, my family was not too happy with me Tuesday, but that is a different story). So I need a another good book. Any suggestions?

Any suggestions for fun indoor activities for little girls approx. 20 months?

Otherwise I think we have face the storm and go visit Target, the library, and the bank. What we need is some warm brownies, big glass of milk, and a chic flic...

another recipe...

Remember when I told you about this. Well here is new one, I have been splurging and buying bleu cheese the last two weeks and eating this salad every day....cuz it is so good (especially if you have home grown cherry tomatoes). Thanks to the new church cookbook...

Bleu Salad
Bleu Cheese
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Sugar-coated almonds or pecans
Celery
Chopped Red Onion

Dressing:
1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
3 tbs. dijon mustard
3 tbs. honey
1 clove garlic minced
1/4 tsp. salt and pepper

Thoughts on life...on Miss L

With the tv...blaring the morning ritual of "Sesame street" I take a break from daily life. I was thinking about motherhood a lot lately, probably because Lily is 20 months old and several piano parents have been been inquiring "When is the next coming" the mysterious of motherhood and other such wonders in life.

I am very passionate about different issues but of course have the right to change my passionate opinion at a moments notice. Right now those issue include Motherhood (naturally), Self-fulfillment (which if pursued correctly can enhance your family's life), and an optimistic attitude (which I yearn to have, however, in most situation I see most of the negative potential outcomes before seeing the positive ones) Vague, yes, well let me keep it that way.

And all of that thinking stresses me out and I want to eat a popsicle and watch Sesame street with L....

Life seem a lot less complicated for 1 year old. L has been very funny lately. She is really into taking off her clothes to sit on the potty (or rather play in the bathrooms for hours on end) Is this a normal phase? She also is really interested in body parts as well. The other day at the pool she poked a little girl in the belly button who was behind her in the line for the slide. I was mortified.

A break

Dinner's on the stove, and L's in bed (yes I know at 5....), and Gary hasn't come home yet... just a quiet time to blog.

Today was a stay home day. I wasn't feeling all that well, I am just getting over the cold Lily had here. So it was kinda nice to just veg. I did a lot of coupon clicking (thanks to Erika getting me pysched about CVS Extra Care Bucks).

I also went to the pool, did some reflecting on the piano lesson schedule babysitting situation we are going to start with Lily. I think she needs to be more social. More to express on that when I make some decisions.

But overall it was a good day. Lily and I made banana bread for my visiting teacher (who I hope likes banana bread, because I find you either like it or hate it). Note to self: Ask VT what she likes to eat.

Lily also helped me do the dishes and play we played hide and go seek. I think I was meant to be a kid.

I think she needed a rest day too, after yesterday.

Hold it there, kid.

Today has been a tough one. Let's be honest...although most moms praise their kids to high heaven (and I do too) some days you want to rip your hair out. Let this be one of them. I don't quite know what the problem is.

It started early, but not too early. By nine I had a 2-year-old throwing a tantrum in the grocery store. Nothing was right. Didn't want to sit in the car attached to the cart, didn't want to not sit in the car, didn't want to be held or push the cart. Just wanted to roll around on the floor. This has been a problem in the past but not quite to this extent. It is not naptime at 9am and I did feed her. Library time was about not sharing with the girl sitting in the adjoining seat, and distracting her until we left the library so screaming would not resume. She's not sick. Where did my happy girl go?

I've got to quell the grocery store weekly rampage somehow..... and don't get me started on getting her teeth brushed, every night is a battle of wills (luckily Gary and switch off in this regard) Any help in the area? Neil?

I'll tell you...can't wait till I'm off shift today.

At least she left the green barette in her hair.

Grateful Sunday

I am grateful for Sundays. They are a break from the week, and they make me love my family more. I have a challenging primary class, but I love the kids, and each of them has individual challenges and talents. I have wonderful friends at church as well. Lily is hard in sacrament meetings, but she looks forward all week to nursery (she could go last week because she was feverish). The whole day has an effect on me. I am lucky to have sister-in-law visiting who graciously helped me with my primary class, and who made me Chinese food for dinner, won tons, noodles, and eggs with tomatoes (and brownies which will be done shortly....they sure smell good. I like my house clean, but I also love kids that really enjoy building legos/block/book forts because it means they are enjoying themselves.

I have been thinking a lot today at the fact that everyone has different challenges. Some are visible to the eye, some are not. Some are known only by our families or spouses. I think for those reasons we can't really judges those around... So my goal this week....to be a little more understanding of those around me.

Swimming with the cousins

Lily did something for the first time...



Double click on the video for full screen.
Direct Link

Doggie have a Temp?

L is getting better. She made sure her dog did not also get sick. I found her doing this this morning. Love it that her pants are on backwards. Dad dressed her.

I'm done for today.

The fabulous cousins get here TOMORROW! I am really excited. In fact, I just remembered that I still needed to get a car seat for them from my neighbor. Good thing I am blogging...

Well today has been major cleaning day. Bathrooms, mopping, carpets, kitchen, laundry....I am exhausted from that AND L and I got up and ran this morning before that cleaning extravaganza. (Well, I ran, L sat in the stroller and drank her cold milk.) Needless to say it has been a long time since we performed the daily run to the clubhouse...followed by Lily and I doing our squats see here. Exercise has been badly need by my thighs. But it felt good, that is until I got slightly woozy from the heat and the fact that I hadn't eaten breakfast. Note to self* eat breakfast before running in Death Defying Sauna. Lily also skinned her knee on the squats. On a more positive note, I did lose 3 pounds on this 1.5 mile run... of course I gained it back after drinking about a gallon of water on my return.

Other highlights of the day include watching Snow White with Lily. I was sorely disappointed in Snow White's ability to defend herself against anything, and to not realize as her potential as someone other than Prince Charming's girlfriend. Glad Disney's girls today have a little more personality...Belle, Mulan.

I will sleep well tonight!

Sunday Again

The week has flown by. I get absolutely nothing done when Gary is here, but I still love it. All that changes tomorrow, because school starts again. I am glad we've had the past four weeks off.

Things I am grateful for:
1) My piano lessons, I really enjoy teaching kids. I love to see them get excited(However, I am glad they are private lessons and my kids are over at five (most of them). Who would've thought a science geek/lab rat would cross over.
2) My daughter who teaches me not to complain. L woke up with a runny nose. She was upbeat and not at all moody so we decided to go to the first church meeting and see how she fared. She was her usual self, happy and upbeat. At the end she still had a runny nose with some sneezing and the decision was made NOT expose her to other germ-laden children (and her to them obviously) I know she is not feeling good, but she has still been happy the entire day. When I am sick I am such a baby. How contradictory...
3) I am grateful for my health.
4) I am grateful for a genius husband, who found us a phone company after ours went mysteriously out of business...don't know how I feel about internet phones.


Things to Do:
1) Be really nice to Gary.
2) Clean my house major... we have cousins coming Tuesday!!! Yeah!
3) Not get sick, and get Lily better.
4) Start a better scripture study program.

Sunday

Today the talks at church were all on pioneers. I decided that the pioneers in my family are my Grandpa D, and my mom. Each made a choice to have a different life, and for that I am grateful.

I am also grateful for my beautiful neighborhood and wonderful friends. ...and brilliant sister who passed her boards with flying colors (hopefully Gary will do the same next year) and my brother in the MTC, and my very generous in-laws and parents who make travel possible on a med school budget. I feel like I take so much for granted, but at the top of my list is an amazing husband who is much better than I.

Goals: Judge other less & try to see opportunities serve others more.




Reminiscing on my trip here is my Grandma D. I am glad we got to see her and most of all have Lily see her.

no more Mama...

So with my family I am known as Pam. With 8 people at my home calling me Pam, and 4 people at Gary's home calling me Pam... guess who came who came home calling me Pam? That's right L. It drives me bonkers. She is only one in the world who can call me Mama. And although she has started saying her own name, (which is extremely cute) It is not okay to say mine. It actually makes me intensely upset, to which I then find myself laughing at being so upset. But what do I do? Like I said it drives me crazy.

Unfortunately, she is really cute, and hard to scold.

I'm Back.

After three glorious weeks away from home, I am back. I like going away for a while, because then when I come home, I am ready to come home. This trip was very fun...

I will use the next few days to discuss some high lites, because as I made a list, it brought more and more memories to share.

In retrospect, this trip was for me. Both my mom and my mom-in-law pampered me. I really needed a little pampering. Mom took me on a shopping spree, which has extended my wardrobe, and more importantly made Me feel pretty once again. My clothes actually fit at the moment and they are not too big or post pregnancy looking. My mom-in-law used her connections to get me a really cute hair cut. And it is has been a year since the last. Oh, hair having your hair cut can make you feel so cute. Don't worry no drastic changes, just lots of layers.

I realized over the extend of this vacation that I probably need a little more pamper time for myself as it does wonders to my self esteem. I also realized, that although I like to keep my house clean, and my yard neat, and plant a garden, and put in flowers, and keep L respectable looking, and create good meals, maybe I need to focus a little more on how I look and dress, because it really does make me feel better about myself.

In addition, I got attend three weeks of church responsibility free. It was wonderful. I got to sit in relief society and Sunday School and sacrament meeting (my relatives took over L) and feast on spiritual topics and I haven't had that opportunity in about a year. I think this is something I needed as well. All in all the trip was a very rejuvenating one.

I also got to go on a date with G and see the new Harry Potter movie. I love the books, and hopefully will get my hands on the next one (which comes out this Saturday) relatively soon. We'll see.

From Gary Films LTD

Gary RULES!!!

Well Pam is out of town, so I thought it would be fun to hack into her blog and post some of her risky pictures. Then I realized it might be more fun to post a recent movie about our family. If you can't get the movie to work in your browser, click on the direct link below. Enjoy!


Double click on the video for full screen.
Direct Link

Another sewing project...

Whoa, have I been on a sewing kick lately. See here and here. But I went to a garage sale to look for an umbrella stroller and came home with the cutest Gap skirt and empire waist shirt. The shirt looked pretty easy to copy, and I couldn't make the shirt without making a hat. Total cost: $.70. It is a nice thing kids are so small, and take so little clearance material from Walmart.

On a different note...I love jeans...especially skirts. my favorite outfit last year was her jean overall dress (it would go with any shirt) and now I think it is this skirt (again because it is cute and goes with any shirt. (and cost $2 at a garage sale).

I think this outfit will have to say hello to Grandma on Friday.

I like the light in this one too. Not so much detail of the clothes, but definately a beautiful profile shot out the window.



This is Lily's personality. Ride the horse so hard till it tips over.

Here is the whole outfit. I do like making her cute.

Random...

Sorry guys, my blog has gone private. For a number of reasons, but mostly because I think it is probably a good idea that only people I know are looking at pictures of my family.

Anyway, if I left someone out of the list let me know.

On a different note, I want to cut my hair. Actually I want long layers, like Angeline Jolie. Gary says he won't attempt it. Where is are you Katie when I need you? So I am may have to go to the beauty salon. We'll see. I'm still trying to convince him. He did this, and I thought it looked good.

At the end of the day....

Today:

5:30-Got up and went and worked out at our neighborhood gym per Gary's bet

6:10-8:45 cleaned bathrooms and dusted 1/2 of the baseboards, picked up Kitchen, fed L, bathed L, scrubbed tile, scrubbed tub, took a shower

9:00 Went to teach a new piano student at their house

9:45 came home, put L down for a nap, made lunches, packed swim bag

10:00-11:30 piano lesson

11:45 Head to play group at pool with friends

1:30 Head home, deal with a dirty swim diaper (YUCK!) Give L another bath

2:00 Dr. Appointment for L, and 3 shots, and a dealing with a baby screaming for 45 minutes. she is normally so good.... I think she remembered last time

3:00 Bank, Grocery Store, Post office

5:00 Piano Lessons

6:00-6:20 Dinner

6:30-7:45 Piano Lessons

8:00 Blog....

...

What a day.... I don't think working 9-5 was so hard after all... and we got free massages where I worked. But I guess I have benefits too...namely my girl... which makes my boy happy.

To my sister

From: L

To: My favorite Aunt who lives in Argentina:

Hi...I am making you a present.
I am working really hard on it.

Oh, it looks so good. (I am admiring my work).

Let me just get it turned around.

Sunday ...not much to report

Highlights from the weekend.

.. lots of yardwork by me, ... while G studied. Giant tests are coming up

..I took 3 more piano students...done taking students, but I did give someone free lessons for a church service project that I intend to have them redeem during the summer

.. went on a date ...played tennis with G, very fun while L was babysat

.. went to two playgroups....which is good since I haven't really had the motivation to be social the last week. I think it is the heat... I have turned into a home body.

.. taught my primary class...today was more of crowd control in sharing time though...



Things I am grateful for:

1) My family

2) My friends who motivate me to come and be social.

3) My husband and his mad tennis skills.

4) My daughter and her ability to repeat anything... like a parrot.



this has been my project the las few months, moving around plants to make this look not so bare, it still isn't perfect, I am not crazy about the color scheme, but I definate improvement from last summer.

Walmart Blah!

When I moved to Texas I thought only "rich people" shopped at Kroger, HEB, Randalls, and us po' folks on students budgets shopped at mostly Walmart. Walmart in Utah seemed very okay, though the produce wasn't great, but it was clean and not scary.

Here in Texas I am learning it a different story, and slowly...I have been changing my ways, due to the iffy things going on. Today was one such experience. My outing today included stops at Walmart, Autozone, Library, and Randalls.

Walmart is great for things like tupperware, office supplies, diapers, batteries, and even sometimes fabric. In the food department I really like the price matching. I can rely on the canned goods, marshmellows, and pillsbury products (which are insanely cheap). Produce still struggles, but I have always thought the meat looked clean and didn't smell....that is until today.

I picked up a family size pack of drumsticks to price match against my Food-a-rama ad. And something smelled nasty. I put it back and now smelled my hand which smelled VOMIT NASTY.

.

Now, being the microbiologist that I am I will tell you I have smelled VERY nasty things and can identify most of them ( at least roughly). Now my stomach can handle a lot of smells do the nature of my former line of work and current line of work (diaper duty), but this was BEYOND NASTY. Not to mention that it could have POTENTIALLY BEEN SOMEONE'S FOOD!

Most chicken has bacteria, but not bacteria cultured (hence the smelliness) on the OUTSIDE of the package. This i what I'm guessing it was. I am also guessing that this particular chicken didn't reach the refrigerator or freezer in the Walmart store quite as quickly as it should have....

...

.....I swiftly made my way to front of the store and to the ladies room for a thorough bath ....with child in tote.

No more meat from Walmart....

Sewing again

Oh what fun we had today. After morning piano lessons, Lily and I (yes both) made a hat. This time we used a pattern, last time we didn't. So this time the edges are a little more finished. It is a little funny, but we needed a good "block the sun when I go swimming" hat. So it works.

She's still my girl.

Lily helped me pin (not a good idea) and threw away my scraps. She also dethreaded my sewing machine at least three times, and got out all the bobbins so I could choose one. And oh, she modeled. In fact in the precursor stages, she only wanted to be in front of the mirror.

Sunday Again

Well after a whirlwind week. It is Sunday again.

Things I am grateful for:

1) Walks on the beach.

2) My husband and his willingness to drive 600 miles to take me to Florida and then study in a condo for 3 days.

3) My daughter and her excitement with Pelicans, sand, the pool, floaties, and sunglasses.

4) My parents for inviting us.

5) My dad and his hobie, Florida wouldn't be the same without it.

Here are some highlights:

Uncle Michael....

My Mom pulling Lil on the boogy board. Dad and the boys in the background with the Hobie..Note the colors on the sail. We helped pick those.

She fell asleep getting pulled through the tide pool (florida style of course