These guys are serious and so are we...
Aaron and I started running too. Sorry about the naked guy but that was the best one. Anyone can join us. The guy in the bank is! Love you all!
10 years ago
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
So I am just checking in with my fabulous girls! I have started to get on track and work out more because I was letting myself go! I have made some long distance running goals and I am way excited to carry them out! I am not really sure what made me want to run a half marathon but I do. Maybe it's the realization that we only live once and I want to accomplish a big goal like that in my lifetime. I think of you all often and pray for you always. Much love!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
just a little spontania!!
ok peoples....this is sad! well......i shouldnt really be talking because i have blogged....once?
but anyway, i just wanted to say, i thought of the coolest qoute ever!!! and i thought it up all by myself!
ok here it is......
the only excuse to stop living is to die
isnt that so awesome??? well, just wanted to say that!!
<3 <3
but anyway, i just wanted to say, i thought of the coolest qoute ever!!! and i thought it up all by myself!
ok here it is......
the only excuse to stop living is to die
isnt that so awesome??? well, just wanted to say that!!
<3 <3
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Musings on a Beautiful Life
A few things I love:
Progresso Lentil Soup
Salad with Mazzotti's Italian (of course) dressing
Knitting washcloths
Talking with my kids
Talking about my grandkids
Dusting with a Swiffer
Pita bread hot with just butter
I look forward each night to brushing with my electric toothbrush
Singing, really singing
Feeling not-full
A stormy ocean
Teaching Mariah piano
Using my green bags when I go grocery shopping
Singing the Lollipop to Ruby all day
Looking for alligators in Florida
Wearing and buying earings
Going to sleep when I am tired
Giving my sister her shot everyday
Being so ridiculously busy that finding a moment to pray is my only truly essential task
Among other things...
Progresso Lentil Soup
Salad with Mazzotti's Italian (of course) dressing
Knitting washcloths
Talking with my kids
Talking about my grandkids
Dusting with a Swiffer
Pita bread hot with just butter
I look forward each night to brushing with my electric toothbrush
Singing, really singing
Feeling not-full
A stormy ocean
Teaching Mariah piano
Using my green bags when I go grocery shopping
Singing the Lollipop to Ruby all day
Looking for alligators in Florida
Wearing and buying earings
Going to sleep when I am tired
Giving my sister her shot everyday
Being so ridiculously busy that finding a moment to pray is my only truly essential task
Among other things...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
10 minutes
The family is hiking today. They are going where they don't want to take me--frightened of certain elevation configurations. So I go around assessing what I can do in the quiet of solitude. The Email. Oh Jared has a new post. I have neglected to examine his new photo blog. I have been on it to glance, but today I sat and watched the most beautiful thing ever. Each photo spoke to me and I was caught a number of times blinking. Jared carries his talent as all of you do, confidently, joyfully, gently. Thank you, son, for the gift of your heart--forever to be shared with all who choose to leaf through your folders. It was a lovely 10 minutes.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
A Renewal of Commitment to Health!
Well, I have been enjoying everyone's posts a lot, so happy to see that Rachel is drinking soda... I don't even do that!
I have a few exciting things to share!
For my birthday, my present to myself was an elliptical! Jared, Miriam and Aaron came up from Utah Valley to surprise me that night and they helped me put it together while Sean went to the ER due to him smashing the heck out of his finger. I love this machine! I have worked out every day since and it totally motivates me to eat healthier.
I found a few great discoveries at Costco last visit (as seen above.) The soup is ZERO points!! And, it's good! These twists are super good too and only ONE point each. Super yummy treat.
I also found a website that is a point calculator that is pretty cool:
http://www.webmilhouse.com/pointcalc.php
Love you all, keep up the posts!
I have a few exciting things to share!
For my birthday, my present to myself was an elliptical! Jared, Miriam and Aaron came up from Utah Valley to surprise me that night and they helped me put it together while Sean went to the ER due to him smashing the heck out of his finger. I love this machine! I have worked out every day since and it totally motivates me to eat healthier.
I found a few great discoveries at Costco last visit (as seen above.) The soup is ZERO points!! And, it's good! These twists are super good too and only ONE point each. Super yummy treat.
I also found a website that is a point calculator that is pretty cool:
http://www.webmilhouse.com/pointcalc.php
Love you all, keep up the posts!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Burn Baby Burn!!! Disco Inferno!!!!
ok so i have heart burn and i dont know what to do about it. you know how sometimes theres something you can eat or do to help? well is there any thing that will help for that? i was going to email rachel and then i remembered that my happy place was waiting!!!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Parents Came to Florida.
This is what we've been up to! Mom and I are eating carrots and jawing away. She organized my kids' books!!! We have discussed healthy eating habits (whilst eating pudding w/chocolate chips). It's been lovely. They have been here one day and I never want them to go back home. We have the best family and parents. We miss everyone!The end.
Friday, January 9, 2009
HELP
ok i am making dinner for my apartment on tuesday and i have no idea what to do. i am on a very low almost non existant budget. any ideas?? i also am trying to think of things that i can have here just for me to eat that are healthy and not too involved. i have fruit and bread and that but i can go more tahn a few days on that. this is my fist time at this... help me out ladies!!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Sitting
I sat on the chair the day he left and scrolled through the pictures he took over the years. Each one has a voice, and the greatness of his heart saturates each one, the keen eye catching what is within. Those understanding eyes, that voice so full of calm, how I miss them already. Get me that kleenex box!
I sat after I hung up the phone. He sounds so good, so wise and capable. Beyond my thinking. I try to keep the dam from breaking. He will leave the place he has come to love. He will leave a part of himself there. I still hear him in my heart. The telephone click at the end was loud. I sat for awhile and then let the tears go.
I sat down for awhile when she left. Kevin took her with him. Lucky guy. Her life is utter adventure, in the sky type. I love her voice, her laughter, her pursing of lips when I am not hard enough on the 12-year-old, her unconditional love and forgiveness towards me, the delicious hugs. I sat down and wondered and tears stung.
I sat down the night she left, in her room still dotted with clutter and untossed trash sacks. The bed was noisy, no clock hummed and no laptop glowed. She takes with her the ability to find photos for me, pick up the kids, play for my recitals and cry on my shoulder. I sat, then I laid down and smelled her sweetness awhile. And mixed it with a little sobbing.
I sat down when she left. I am often a little lost when one of my little girls gets married. Will she call me? Will she think of home sometimes? Will she be loved by her sweetheart as much as I am by mine? Will she have enough problems to make a fantastic marriage? Will she wish I was making her practice? Will she want to know how I did it? Did what? It all just happened, and now she leaves and I am saying good-bye. And I am just sitting, and crying again.
I sat down in the passenger seat, the drool still enshrined on my cheek. Still warm are the hugs from the mothers in my life, the beautiful, amazing, lovely mothers of my 5, 3, 2 & 1 year old girls. They towered over me with their athletic ways with Lilly. Passing her between them like they were not two, but one. I looking on in awe. I sat all the way home, wishing for one more laugh, one more hug, one more moment in the temple. My tears find their own way home.
So I sat a lot this past two weeks. They flew and I sat. I don't know whether to love it or grieve. Maybe both. I still sit as Tammy turns 17, Bethany plays endlessly on the piano and Isaac makes breakfast for Tammy this morning. I want to do something, but if I do, I may miss all this. So I'll sit, and cry, and sit some more.
And though I am so very busy, I will be sure to sit much. It is everything.
I sat after I hung up the phone. He sounds so good, so wise and capable. Beyond my thinking. I try to keep the dam from breaking. He will leave the place he has come to love. He will leave a part of himself there. I still hear him in my heart. The telephone click at the end was loud. I sat for awhile and then let the tears go.
I sat down for awhile when she left. Kevin took her with him. Lucky guy. Her life is utter adventure, in the sky type. I love her voice, her laughter, her pursing of lips when I am not hard enough on the 12-year-old, her unconditional love and forgiveness towards me, the delicious hugs. I sat down and wondered and tears stung.
I sat down the night she left, in her room still dotted with clutter and untossed trash sacks. The bed was noisy, no clock hummed and no laptop glowed. She takes with her the ability to find photos for me, pick up the kids, play for my recitals and cry on my shoulder. I sat, then I laid down and smelled her sweetness awhile. And mixed it with a little sobbing.
I sat down when she left. I am often a little lost when one of my little girls gets married. Will she call me? Will she think of home sometimes? Will she be loved by her sweetheart as much as I am by mine? Will she have enough problems to make a fantastic marriage? Will she wish I was making her practice? Will she want to know how I did it? Did what? It all just happened, and now she leaves and I am saying good-bye. And I am just sitting, and crying again.
I sat down in the passenger seat, the drool still enshrined on my cheek. Still warm are the hugs from the mothers in my life, the beautiful, amazing, lovely mothers of my 5, 3, 2 & 1 year old girls. They towered over me with their athletic ways with Lilly. Passing her between them like they were not two, but one. I looking on in awe. I sat all the way home, wishing for one more laugh, one more hug, one more moment in the temple. My tears find their own way home.
So I sat a lot this past two weeks. They flew and I sat. I don't know whether to love it or grieve. Maybe both. I still sit as Tammy turns 17, Bethany plays endlessly on the piano and Isaac makes breakfast for Tammy this morning. I want to do something, but if I do, I may miss all this. So I'll sit, and cry, and sit some more.
And though I am so very busy, I will be sure to sit much. It is everything.
Steering
At the wheel? I've been hunting for that wheel for months now. Someone else is steering this baby and I am losing stuff, watching the clutter and the pounds piling up, forgetting to call people, crying during both receptions I missed...
I have taken control of one aspect of my life for the past two weeks--WHAT I EAT. Dad made a small goal a couple of months ago to not eat after 6:00pm (or after dinner) which he has now abandoned for better choices. Within about five days, he started to ask me how many points for this or that. I handed him a journal and he is now an amazing 10+ pounds down!! Now, mind you everyone, because he is taller and a male, he gets to eat nine more points a day. Well I showed him how I felt about that--I didn't control my eating. Eventually, with gentle encouragement and a fantastic example in front of me, I am now in control. I have seen a little difference weight wise, but mostly just the confidence and energy. There is something magic about writing down what I eat. I can't explain it.
I can't control the tears when the car drives away with my children inside, heading off to home or college. I can't control the worry when my surfer dude does not call me two hours after leaving to tell me another dip found him safe again. I can't control the passing of time and rising of elevation in the children. I can't control the longing to spend lots of time with those sweet granddaughters. I can't control broken-down cars and busted ovens. And I can't control the headaches on Fast Sunday. But I CAN control what goes in my mouth, and I CAN write it down. This one change will be my blessing. I owe it to myself. I owe it to all of you. I owe it to this great country where I CAN control this!!!
I have taken control of one aspect of my life for the past two weeks--WHAT I EAT. Dad made a small goal a couple of months ago to not eat after 6:00pm (or after dinner) which he has now abandoned for better choices. Within about five days, he started to ask me how many points for this or that. I handed him a journal and he is now an amazing 10+ pounds down!! Now, mind you everyone, because he is taller and a male, he gets to eat nine more points a day. Well I showed him how I felt about that--I didn't control my eating. Eventually, with gentle encouragement and a fantastic example in front of me, I am now in control. I have seen a little difference weight wise, but mostly just the confidence and energy. There is something magic about writing down what I eat. I can't explain it.
I can't control the tears when the car drives away with my children inside, heading off to home or college. I can't control the worry when my surfer dude does not call me two hours after leaving to tell me another dip found him safe again. I can't control the passing of time and rising of elevation in the children. I can't control the longing to spend lots of time with those sweet granddaughters. I can't control broken-down cars and busted ovens. And I can't control the headaches on Fast Sunday. But I CAN control what goes in my mouth, and I CAN write it down. This one change will be my blessing. I owe it to myself. I owe it to all of you. I owe it to this great country where I CAN control this!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
No More POP!!!
AAAHHHHH! Ok, Sarah, OK!! I'll write something.
I, too, have plummeted down into the depths of un-health-nut-ness. I started drinking soda from time to time. The last time I ran...let's see...about three weeks ago. So I am trying to huff and puff and lumber toward the bandwagon and try to jump back on...1st step...no more soda pop, period!
Rach
I, too, have plummeted down into the depths of un-health-nut-ness. I started drinking soda from time to time. The last time I ran...let's see...about three weeks ago. So I am trying to huff and puff and lumber toward the bandwagon and try to jump back on...1st step...no more soda pop, period!
Rach
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Chub Continues.
Girls, this is getting ridiculous. We need to make it a new year's resolution to post more. Mom? I know you're getting this in your email, but we need to hear from you. You're the one at the wheel, remember?
So I've gone off the deep end. I don't exercise and I eat whatever I want. Let that sink in. Then let it be known that I am consequently not happy with my body. Help me. I need more energy, I need more time! Should I try a morning workout? Or after the kids are in bed? Or perhaps just bench press Lillie a hundred times? Or dance to Mama Mia with Grace... Those are just a few options. I'll try and figure it out by myself, since NO ONE IS POSTING ON HERE ANYMORE.
Get with the program ladies.
So I've gone off the deep end. I don't exercise and I eat whatever I want. Let that sink in. Then let it be known that I am consequently not happy with my body. Help me. I need more energy, I need more time! Should I try a morning workout? Or after the kids are in bed? Or perhaps just bench press Lillie a hundred times? Or dance to Mama Mia with Grace... Those are just a few options. I'll try and figure it out by myself, since NO ONE IS POSTING ON HERE ANYMORE.
Get with the program ladies.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
From the dead....
Or really, should say just dead to the world.
I'm glad you sent out a post Sarie, good for you. I've actually still been trying to be conscious of all the intake and output (being excersize) and have been trying to stay on top. I ran for what seemed like forever today on the bonneville trail up above provo on the mountains. Both Aaron and I were dead so that goes to show that it was a good workout. Im going to run a 5K next monday, finally! I've always wanted to. I missed the last one cause Jared took the north exit instead of the southbound...and then got pulled over. So, tragic but true, we missed the 5K down in Payson. But I'm going to do this one, so I'll post the results.
I'm also in a weightlifting class now and am excited about that too.
Best of wishes to everyone!
I'm glad you sent out a post Sarie, good for you. I've actually still been trying to be conscious of all the intake and output (being excersize) and have been trying to stay on top. I ran for what seemed like forever today on the bonneville trail up above provo on the mountains. Both Aaron and I were dead so that goes to show that it was a good workout. Im going to run a 5K next monday, finally! I've always wanted to. I missed the last one cause Jared took the north exit instead of the southbound...and then got pulled over. So, tragic but true, we missed the 5K down in Payson. But I'm going to do this one, so I'll post the results.
I'm also in a weightlifting class now and am excited about that too.
Best of wishes to everyone!
It's Been A While
Well aren't we getting ridiculous?? It's been over a month! Where is all the love? Let me see... I think I'll recap some recent events. Rachel made the Golden Knights, Naomi got accepted to BYU-I and is moving to Idaho. Miriam got engaged to Aaron "the stud" Hone. Kayla turned two. Hannah is experiencing some major changes as far as jobs and school. I am buying a house. Jared is getting married... oh wait, no he's not. Nevermind. Jared's mostly maintaining his shrewdness as a business man. Gideon is coming home. Bethany and Isaac are working on their radness. Dad probably lost some more hair, and Mom is doing 1,002 things probably as I write this. Lillie cut two teeth, Grace got a love note from a boy and Ruby learned how to say "the" instead of "duh".
Other items to note:
I have eaten crap for the last month and still lost five pounds. Gotta love nursing.
We will ALL see each other very very soon!
We will gain a brother in law.
Cheers to eating, not eating, losing, gaining, and change in general.
LOOOOVE to everyone.
Sarie
Other items to note:
I have eaten crap for the last month and still lost five pounds. Gotta love nursing.
We will ALL see each other very very soon!
We will gain a brother in law.
Cheers to eating, not eating, losing, gaining, and change in general.
LOOOOVE to everyone.
Sarie
Friday, October 10, 2008
Look!
I found a WW points calculator online!
Also, I wanted to share a really fun 1 point treat! As seen above, the hostess 100 Calorie packs are really yummy, three cupcakes and ONLY ONE point for the whole pack. Can you believe it? This has been a really fun thing to have a s a treat. There are 5 grams of fiber in the pack!
Keep posting you guys, it is always such a treat to see your posts!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Missing.
So...
I added Bethany's email to our updates and also invited her to this blog.
I added her blog on our sidebar.
I changed a few things around.
When I get photoshop (that Jared and Aaron got for me from the student store) in the mail in a few days, I will definitely make a new banner for the top. This is, after all, our meeting place.
I miss everyone. So much. I've got Lillie's hot little baby body on my chest, wrapped in a blanket and sleeping. She smells like a dream and wears hand me downs from her sister AND Kayla! I love it. I miss Kayla! She probably says so many words now and runs around like crazy! She was not even walking when we left. Ahh, so sad. I will see you all soon I hope! I talked to Dad today about Gideon's release date and it's January 29th, so I'm hoping to see Mom and Dad a few days before, and then have Gideon come back down here for a day so we can have a blessing for Lillie. If all goes well, it'll be one of the best weeks ever.
Love love, miss miss.
Sarie
I added Bethany's email to our updates and also invited her to this blog.
I added her blog on our sidebar.
I changed a few things around.
When I get photoshop (that Jared and Aaron got for me from the student store) in the mail in a few days, I will definitely make a new banner for the top. This is, after all, our meeting place.
I miss everyone. So much. I've got Lillie's hot little baby body on my chest, wrapped in a blanket and sleeping. She smells like a dream and wears hand me downs from her sister AND Kayla! I love it. I miss Kayla! She probably says so many words now and runs around like crazy! She was not even walking when we left. Ahh, so sad. I will see you all soon I hope! I talked to Dad today about Gideon's release date and it's January 29th, so I'm hoping to see Mom and Dad a few days before, and then have Gideon come back down here for a day so we can have a blessing for Lillie. If all goes well, it'll be one of the best weeks ever.
Love love, miss miss.
Sarie
Thursday, October 2, 2008
just a share...
im sitting here and its past midnight and i should be finishing my homework thats due tomorrow but i wanted to share.
today, we tabled on campus. we have a table with church and missionary sort of stuff and tell people about the church if they have any questions. we meet some interesting people to say the least. the elders serving in the branch come and help us out. i have become really good friends with both of the elders and i was talking with one of them and was telling him about when i was talking to a friend yesterday, he asked some questions about the church. i didnt really know how to answersome of them and i got upset with myself. i wanted to know how to answer but i was like uhhhh. it felt annoying. so i told elder allen about this(mind you hes going home in 12 days so hes on a spiritual peak) and told me all i can do was bare my testimony in situations like that. we dont always have the answers for everyone right off the bat and thats ok. pretty much we talked about that sort of thing and other spiritual stuff and before i knew it 45 minutes had gone by. it was so awesome.
it just felt really good that i could talk to someone like that who can sit with me here and now and see eye to eye with me and listen and understand what im talking about. i know i can talk to any of you girls but it was just so nice to have that spiritual talk with someone that i see all the time. i dont know if he knew how much that meant to me.
well i just wanted to tell you guys about that cuz it was a cool experience that i had today and i feel really good about it!!
Loves to you all, nomes
today, we tabled on campus. we have a table with church and missionary sort of stuff and tell people about the church if they have any questions. we meet some interesting people to say the least. the elders serving in the branch come and help us out. i have become really good friends with both of the elders and i was talking with one of them and was telling him about when i was talking to a friend yesterday, he asked some questions about the church. i didnt really know how to answersome of them and i got upset with myself. i wanted to know how to answer but i was like uhhhh. it felt annoying. so i told elder allen about this(mind you hes going home in 12 days so hes on a spiritual peak) and told me all i can do was bare my testimony in situations like that. we dont always have the answers for everyone right off the bat and thats ok. pretty much we talked about that sort of thing and other spiritual stuff and before i knew it 45 minutes had gone by. it was so awesome.
it just felt really good that i could talk to someone like that who can sit with me here and now and see eye to eye with me and listen and understand what im talking about. i know i can talk to any of you girls but it was just so nice to have that spiritual talk with someone that i see all the time. i dont know if he knew how much that meant to me.
well i just wanted to tell you guys about that cuz it was a cool experience that i had today and i feel really good about it!!
Loves to you all, nomes
Friday, September 26, 2008
mom
so i love mom sooooo much. she has loved me through everything. i have worn the most rediculous things sometimes and all she does is look at me and smile.
the last few months have been hard with joe leaving and the last few weeks she has been awesome. she has listened to all of my blubbering at 11:30 at night when she was about to go to bed but she would stay up and talk to me. she usaed to stay up with me to finish book reports the night before they were due but now we stay up to talk. if i get home at 10pm she is dead tired but will stay up for a while to talk about how my day went and how i was doing. i love her a ton for that.
i dont know what i would do with out mom in my life. she has done so much for all of us and i know there is no way to thank her. all we can do is love her as much as we can back!!
i love you mom!! you are truly the best! love your little naomi
the last few months have been hard with joe leaving and the last few weeks she has been awesome. she has listened to all of my blubbering at 11:30 at night when she was about to go to bed but she would stay up and talk to me. she usaed to stay up with me to finish book reports the night before they were due but now we stay up to talk. if i get home at 10pm she is dead tired but will stay up for a while to talk about how my day went and how i was doing. i love her a ton for that.
i dont know what i would do with out mom in my life. she has done so much for all of us and i know there is no way to thank her. all we can do is love her as much as we can back!!
i love you mom!! you are truly the best! love your little naomi
Well I have a second while Kayla babbles an intense conversation on the phone she has pressed up to her ear. (which is actually the iPod)
I just wanted to share that I have been keeping a food log again for three days now. I could tell I was really off track and decided I needed to get focused again. Yesterday I ate too much but today I have kept it to a minimum so I can indulge a little bit for dinner!
Life is too short too stress out about it, but it feels great when you feel like you are on track huh?
Love you all
I just wanted to share that I have been keeping a food log again for three days now. I could tell I was really off track and decided I needed to get focused again. Yesterday I ate too much but today I have kept it to a minimum so I can indulge a little bit for dinner!
Life is too short too stress out about it, but it feels great when you feel like you are on track huh?
Love you all
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Returning from the Wild...
hey, i'm not a slacker. i love you guys and am dropping a post just to let you know i love you all and haven't abondoned healthiness...although it may have abondoned me. But we're all working on it.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Mostly Stuff
Well I think we know who the slackers are in the family... (N, R, and M).
I wanted to say hallo to all the Medley girls. And say that I am officially in pig out mode again. I can't help it. I'm hungry all the time. It's nursing, I know, of course, but I do need to exercise some self control. On the brighter side, I think I've lost five pounds. I've been more active lately and just getting up and doing more. I would have lost a lot more if I would have been eating better!!
One of my favorite late night snacks is steamed edamame, so that has really helped! I bought a double stroller finally and plan to really use it this coming fall and winter. These seasons are the more 'active' seasons in Florida since the summers are too hot to do anything.
All of my love and keep posting! I miss you all in my Florida exile! :)
I wanted to say hallo to all the Medley girls. And say that I am officially in pig out mode again. I can't help it. I'm hungry all the time. It's nursing, I know, of course, but I do need to exercise some self control. On the brighter side, I think I've lost five pounds. I've been more active lately and just getting up and doing more. I would have lost a lot more if I would have been eating better!!
One of my favorite late night snacks is steamed edamame, so that has really helped! I bought a double stroller finally and plan to really use it this coming fall and winter. These seasons are the more 'active' seasons in Florida since the summers are too hot to do anything.
All of my love and keep posting! I miss you all in my Florida exile! :)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Mom as wife
Hey, I remember meeting her when she was a young woman. Literally. She was a senior in High School and I was a freshman at HSU. We dated. Once we decided to get married - we kept pushing up the date. We were excited to do all that cool stuff that goes with marriage. You know. The stuff you dream about - washing clothes together, going to Church together. All the stuff marrried couples enjoy. Ah, the passion of youth. She was what today is termed 'real'. No makeup. No funky hairdo. Just a down to earth, righteous hippy type. That was about 35 years ago. We still enjoy married life. You know. Washing clothes together, going to Church together. All the stuff marrried couples enjoy. Some things never change... Dad
Monday, September 15, 2008
Spotlight on Mom
I am totally in on this idea, Hannah, it's perfect!!
Mom is friendly. She can talk to anyone, anywhere. She never holds back, acts shy or acts too cool for anyone. We have followed her example. She lifts up the broken hearted, sad, and lonely everywhere.
Mom is thorough. This is something I appreciate now that I'm older and don't have any chores for her to inspect! When someone asks her to "plan a treasure hunt" or "be in charge of Women's Conference", you better believe it's going to be the most well-thought-out, most prepared task you will ever witness. The same goes for everything in her life.
Mom is thrifty. I haven't been back to Eureka in over a year, but I bet money she's still using the same tupperware containers for baking soda and salt that she did 20 years ago.
Mom is complimentary. This is something that as a mother is so important! She was constantly telling us that we as her children were the greatest piano players and were gifted in so many ways. It was such a confidence builder and has really carried over into my confidence as an adult. I can honestly say that I have no manic issues associated with my mother at all. Which is more than some can say!
Mom is loyal. She sticks with you. Especially the scouting program. She still, at the age of 50, involves herself and her whole heart into the small ward scouting program in Eureka. She had us attend and support the small youth program in our ward. No excuses. She's been Grama Dotty's support even when times got tough. She's got friends that she's had for a thousand years. Because people love her and she sticks with people, even if she's sick of it.
Mom, you've got amazing qualities and I'm so thankful the Lord has given us to you.
Love.
Sarie
Mom is friendly. She can talk to anyone, anywhere. She never holds back, acts shy or acts too cool for anyone. We have followed her example. She lifts up the broken hearted, sad, and lonely everywhere.
Mom is thorough. This is something I appreciate now that I'm older and don't have any chores for her to inspect! When someone asks her to "plan a treasure hunt" or "be in charge of Women's Conference", you better believe it's going to be the most well-thought-out, most prepared task you will ever witness. The same goes for everything in her life.
Mom is thrifty. I haven't been back to Eureka in over a year, but I bet money she's still using the same tupperware containers for baking soda and salt that she did 20 years ago.
Mom is complimentary. This is something that as a mother is so important! She was constantly telling us that we as her children were the greatest piano players and were gifted in so many ways. It was such a confidence builder and has really carried over into my confidence as an adult. I can honestly say that I have no manic issues associated with my mother at all. Which is more than some can say!
Mom is loyal. She sticks with you. Especially the scouting program. She still, at the age of 50, involves herself and her whole heart into the small ward scouting program in Eureka. She had us attend and support the small youth program in our ward. No excuses. She's been Grama Dotty's support even when times got tough. She's got friends that she's had for a thousand years. Because people love her and she sticks with people, even if she's sick of it.
Mom, you've got amazing qualities and I'm so thankful the Lord has given us to you.
Love.
Sarie
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A Fun Idea.
Okay guys, so i was thinking that it would be really fun to do a spotlight on someone and keep it going so everyone gets a chance.
I think that we should name a reason or two or three about each person in our sister blog group (could be a memory, quality, etc).
We will start with Mom then go Oldest to Youngest. The last person that posts about Mom will start the next circulation with Rachel, hope that makes sense.
MOM:
Mom's personality is full of charismatic qualities.
Mom loves us even when we are not showing perfection in our lives.
I know that Mom loves me individually and also loves each of her children individually.
Mom is the perfect example of patience and long suffering (she suffered long with all of us)
I feel like Mom always supports my decisions.
Mom is always so happy to share ideas, insights and listen to my stories.
Mom, thank you for teaching all of us to love eachother and love life.
Love you MOM!
****Now every one takes a turn in posting a spotlight blog for Mom! Have fun!
I think that we should name a reason or two or three about each person in our sister blog group (could be a memory, quality, etc).
We will start with Mom then go Oldest to Youngest. The last person that posts about Mom will start the next circulation with Rachel, hope that makes sense.
MOM:
Mom's personality is full of charismatic qualities.
Mom loves us even when we are not showing perfection in our lives.
I know that Mom loves me individually and also loves each of her children individually.
Mom is the perfect example of patience and long suffering (she suffered long with all of us)
I feel like Mom always supports my decisions.
Mom is always so happy to share ideas, insights and listen to my stories.
Mom, thank you for teaching all of us to love eachother and love life.
Love you MOM!
****Now every one takes a turn in posting a spotlight blog for Mom! Have fun!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
itsa me! anaomi!!
ok so here is a little bit about my health and happiness at the present time. my health has been great until wednesday when my face decided to break out into this weird rash. we thought that it might be herpes or something but i went to doctor craigs and he said it looked more like a reaction to something. so i have had to deal with this on my face for the last half of the week.
this is something that i have done to contribute to my happiness. i was down cuz of the thing on my face, i got up friday morning and made myself a "feel-good breakfast." eggs with some 'meatless meat' that rachel got when she was here, toast with blackberry jam and a glass of milk. my friday got off to a great start.
so this is my first blog post. short and sweet. i've gotta get used to it!
10 Reasons I Love This Blog
1. It is a place I can talk freely because my girls and I think alike, we laugh at the same things and value each other's differences.
2. I don't have to maintain a blog of my own and worry that no one is reading it.
3. It movitates me to do something worthy of writing about, which is always a good step for me.
4. I am not alone in my weight loss and general health and happiness issues.
5. I can laugh at myself safely, and have plenty of giggling company.
6. I love trying new recipes, sharing ones of my own and giving advice.
7. The name of the blog is perfect because it reminds me that we are not about weight loss in this family, but truly our health and happiness.
8. I know all of you are reading this.
9. It is a connection for all of us, my closest friends and most beautiful people in the world.
10. We can blow our horn or bear our souls and the love just deepens.
2. I don't have to maintain a blog of my own and worry that no one is reading it.
3. It movitates me to do something worthy of writing about, which is always a good step for me.
4. I am not alone in my weight loss and general health and happiness issues.
5. I can laugh at myself safely, and have plenty of giggling company.
6. I love trying new recipes, sharing ones of my own and giving advice.
7. The name of the blog is perfect because it reminds me that we are not about weight loss in this family, but truly our health and happiness.
8. I know all of you are reading this.
9. It is a connection for all of us, my closest friends and most beautiful people in the world.
10. We can blow our horn or bear our souls and the love just deepens.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Lose for Good
"Lose for Good" is a current drive Weight Watchers is doing for the next six weeks. Each member's weight loss is recorded for each of the six weeks and then we sent them in to corporate, where they add it to all the weight lost in the world through WW. Then WW will donate the equivalent of one pound of food for every pound lost by the members during the drive, up to one million dollars.
Let's have fun and do that amongst us girls (and the guy(s) who can afford to join us). You call (or email) your loss for the week, or whatever, then I will put on the counter a pound of food for each pound lost by us in the next six weeks and then I will take a picture of it, post it on this blog and then I will take it to the St.VDP soup kitchen or the Food For People. It can be our little monument to something more than just our own weight loss. Starting a week or so from now, either email or call in your weight loss and I will post the total here. No more than 1-2 lbs each is healthy, but I will take whatever you give me and add mine in too. I am needing this way more than all of you! Be sure to weigh yourself today (unless you went to WW and weighed in this week already). Very important.
Questions, just call me.
In 2000, 1.1 billion people were underfed in the world. And 1.1 billion people were overweight.
Let's have fun and do that amongst us girls (and the guy(s) who can afford to join us). You call (or email) your loss for the week, or whatever, then I will put on the counter a pound of food for each pound lost by us in the next six weeks and then I will take a picture of it, post it on this blog and then I will take it to the St.VDP soup kitchen or the Food For People. It can be our little monument to something more than just our own weight loss. Starting a week or so from now, either email or call in your weight loss and I will post the total here. No more than 1-2 lbs each is healthy, but I will take whatever you give me and add mine in too. I am needing this way more than all of you! Be sure to weigh yourself today (unless you went to WW and weighed in this week already). Very important.
Questions, just call me.
In 2000, 1.1 billion people were underfed in the world. And 1.1 billion people were overweight.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Back from the Dead...and left a little behind...
Hey wonderful sisterhood of the thinning-pants...I'm back.
I realized how much I've been out of the loop when I got on and there is a slew of posts that I haven't even ever seen for scrolls on end! But school now starting and having my own apartment, my life might be a little more even paced...but then again, maybe not.
Meanwhile here is a good success story that I didn't even see coming.
So, a few days back Aaron and I both bet each other a foot massage (don't be alarmed mom) that we weighed more than the other. The kid is a beanpole like Jared so I was quite confident that I would win. We finally came across a scale in Sports Authority today and jumped on to determine the case. Aaron weighed in at 138.8. Oooh, it was in the bad, I thought. Last weigh in at weight watchers was 145-ish and having eaten terribly lately I though there was only one wat it could go. So, I hopped on for my turn...140.1....uh, I was rather shocked. Granted, I weighed more than him, but only by 1.3 pounds! So, I won the bet AND I've lost weight. I couldn't believe it.
So, there you have my unexpected success story. And this is good news since I'm working towards running a 5K next friday night. My first...and maybe my last. No, I'm excited. It's one of my life aspirations. I'll give a report.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A Very Happy Wednesday
So... I was feeling a little less than up beat today after work and knew I needed a little therapy. I decided that I was going to search the pantry and throw together a healthy meal. Here is what I found:
5 frozen chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Zesty Italian Dressing
Garlic powder with parsley
course ground pepper
Frozen bag of edemame (Rachel bought it when she was here and I forgot it was still there!)
salt
half a bag of red potatoes
canola spread
milk
First, I made the sauce for the chicken by mixing the cream o muchroom, a bit of zesty italian dressing, garlic/parsley powder, black pepper and a little water.
Then, I thawed and trimmed the chicken.
Next, I placed the chicken in a casserol dish and poured the sauce on top. I baked that at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
I boiled the potatoes, cut up. Then I drained them and added the milk and canola spread to taste and texture. Then I added black pepper and garlic powder.
Next, I boiled the edamame for a few minutes, drained and salted the heck out of it.
I really don't know why but this was so theraputic. I have been spending so much time studying anatomy and physiology with sean and so much time worrying about school and money that I have been forgetting to do little things like that for myself. It was fun and it made a Wonderful dinner!
5 frozen chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Zesty Italian Dressing
Garlic powder with parsley
course ground pepper
Frozen bag of edemame (Rachel bought it when she was here and I forgot it was still there!)
salt
half a bag of red potatoes
canola spread
milk
First, I made the sauce for the chicken by mixing the cream o muchroom, a bit of zesty italian dressing, garlic/parsley powder, black pepper and a little water.
Then, I thawed and trimmed the chicken.
Next, I placed the chicken in a casserol dish and poured the sauce on top. I baked that at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
I boiled the potatoes, cut up. Then I drained them and added the milk and canola spread to taste and texture. Then I added black pepper and garlic powder.
Next, I boiled the edamame for a few minutes, drained and salted the heck out of it.
I really don't know why but this was so theraputic. I have been spending so much time studying anatomy and physiology with sean and so much time worrying about school and money that I have been forgetting to do little things like that for myself. It was fun and it made a Wonderful dinner!
Lean times are the best times!
Being on a budget, tight or loose is the lot of many and brings tears and frustration as well as enterprise and adventure. I am afraid I have succumbed to the former way too often, missing out on the adventures. Working full or part time and being a mom adds a lot of stress as well.
Humbly I suggest a fun exercise that has helped pull me out of a few slumps in my attitude:
Take a piece of regular paper and fold it in half to make two columns. Write on the top of one column "lower cost" and the other "expensive". Now I know that there are times in our lives when EVERYTHING is expensive, but just work with me here and even pray about it if you need to.
Now for a week or two, carefully fill out the paper during trips to the store, or looking at newspaper ads. Write only healthy items, placing them in the appropriate column. Write it in pencil so you can change things around if you need to. Write approximate prices as this will help as the list gets longer. You will face a long list of expensive things, believe me, but make finding less expensive things a mission of yours. Be sure to avoid the one trip/complete the list technique. This can lead to losses of findings that take several forays.
When the list begins to speak to you, start making notes on the meals, recipes and menus that can be created for your family. Letting go of the treats that cost a lot is the biggest challenge, but with herbs, spices and determination, it can be done. Remember that someday it won't be so hard (I am still awaiting that day!). When family helps financially sometimes, be sure to write thank you notes and then resist the urge to satisfy the spurge urge. Wise use of these generous offerings brings strength and trust.
Hope this helps. I think it is time for me to do it again. My paper is sitting right here folded and ready to go. Let's share our insights as we go. Being rich is never this much fun! Of course, how would I know?
By the Way, do any of you remember the month that I served the exact same dinner every night? Turkey, steamed rice, vegetable medley, and salad. It was so inexpensive, nutritous, simple and I appreciated what much of the struggling world doesn't have (and what we do have). I bought one turkey which lasted the whole week, a bag of rice lasted the whole month, vegis I bought every few days. It took you all about a week and a half to notice we were eating the same thing every night!
Good luck, girls.
Love you all so much. Mom
Humbly I suggest a fun exercise that has helped pull me out of a few slumps in my attitude:
Take a piece of regular paper and fold it in half to make two columns. Write on the top of one column "lower cost" and the other "expensive". Now I know that there are times in our lives when EVERYTHING is expensive, but just work with me here and even pray about it if you need to.
Now for a week or two, carefully fill out the paper during trips to the store, or looking at newspaper ads. Write only healthy items, placing them in the appropriate column. Write it in pencil so you can change things around if you need to. Write approximate prices as this will help as the list gets longer. You will face a long list of expensive things, believe me, but make finding less expensive things a mission of yours. Be sure to avoid the one trip/complete the list technique. This can lead to losses of findings that take several forays.
When the list begins to speak to you, start making notes on the meals, recipes and menus that can be created for your family. Letting go of the treats that cost a lot is the biggest challenge, but with herbs, spices and determination, it can be done. Remember that someday it won't be so hard (I am still awaiting that day!). When family helps financially sometimes, be sure to write thank you notes and then resist the urge to satisfy the spurge urge. Wise use of these generous offerings brings strength and trust.
Hope this helps. I think it is time for me to do it again. My paper is sitting right here folded and ready to go. Let's share our insights as we go. Being rich is never this much fun! Of course, how would I know?
By the Way, do any of you remember the month that I served the exact same dinner every night? Turkey, steamed rice, vegetable medley, and salad. It was so inexpensive, nutritous, simple and I appreciated what much of the struggling world doesn't have (and what we do have). I bought one turkey which lasted the whole week, a bag of rice lasted the whole month, vegis I bought every few days. It took you all about a week and a half to notice we were eating the same thing every night!
Good luck, girls.
Love you all so much. Mom
Monday, September 1, 2008
Seeking Ideas, Please Help!
I need a little help and I know there are good ideas floating out there!
So this semester and for the next about 6 months we are super duper poor, like poorer than we have ever been since we have been married. (this is due to a few factors such as, school books, hospital bill for surgery, tutor for Sean and other various things). Since I have been all about the health, I have been able to afford things like fresh fruit, All Bran crackers, almond thins from Costco AND I just ran out of all the one and two point bars that I got in Eureka.. sad! So now that I am fresh out of sweet tooth satisfiers and have very very little to buy food, what do I do? I am lost without my fresh fruit, all bran crackers and Weight Watchers treats! So since we have all experienced "shopping within a budget" in our lives, I know that you all must have some great ideas. Please help! Love you all:)
So this semester and for the next about 6 months we are super duper poor, like poorer than we have ever been since we have been married. (this is due to a few factors such as, school books, hospital bill for surgery, tutor for Sean and other various things). Since I have been all about the health, I have been able to afford things like fresh fruit, All Bran crackers, almond thins from Costco AND I just ran out of all the one and two point bars that I got in Eureka.. sad! So now that I am fresh out of sweet tooth satisfiers and have very very little to buy food, what do I do? I am lost without my fresh fruit, all bran crackers and Weight Watchers treats! So since we have all experienced "shopping within a budget" in our lives, I know that you all must have some great ideas. Please help! Love you all:)
One Point Bran Muffins
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix in bowl:
2 cups Kellogs All-Bran Cereal
1½ cups cups skim milk
Set aside for 15 minutes.
Then add:
1¼ cups flour
¼ cup sugar
1TBS+1tsp baking powder
1½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup no-sugar applesauce
¼ cup egg substitute
½ raisins
Mix together until just blended. Pour into 12 muffin cups and bake 20 minutes.
Served hot is best.
You can substitute for the applesauce ¼ cup apple butter or ½ cup chopped fresh apple or .
And instead of the raisins, you can use ½ cup blueberries or ¼ cup dried cranberries, although the cranberries will raise the point value, I'm afraid.
They are very satisfying and delish. I got it from a friend who had found it a few years ago in a Weight Watchers Cookbook. It is not on Core, but for a low point breakfast using one of your 35 point allowance, it is great.
Mix in bowl:
2 cups Kellogs All-Bran Cereal
1½ cups cups skim milk
Set aside for 15 minutes.
Then add:
1¼ cups flour
¼ cup sugar
1TBS+1tsp baking powder
1½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup no-sugar applesauce
¼ cup egg substitute
½ raisins
Mix together until just blended. Pour into 12 muffin cups and bake 20 minutes.
Served hot is best.
You can substitute for the applesauce ¼ cup apple butter or ½ cup chopped fresh apple or .
And instead of the raisins, you can use ½ cup blueberries or ¼ cup dried cranberries, although the cranberries will raise the point value, I'm afraid.
They are very satisfying and delish. I got it from a friend who had found it a few years ago in a Weight Watchers Cookbook. It is not on Core, but for a low point breakfast using one of your 35 point allowance, it is great.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Soup 101
I know this is too late to rescue Sarah, but I want to share a few tips for soup magic.
In your pantry, always have some cans of broth such as beef, chicken and vegetable broth. Also bouillon powder or cubes. I like Knorr chicken cubes (found around the Mexican food section) and powdered beef bouillon. I am never without granulated garlic, basil, cumin, hot chili powder, pepper and vinegar. I rarely add salt to my soups. Also I always have some kind of canned beans on hand, that's just me and my love affair with beans in every recipe and soup. (And I complain about the gas?)
Once you have a base broth going, anything can go in it. All herbs and vinegar go in at the beginning. Leftovers are heavenly because it is so fast, but throwing any fresh or frozen vegetable in and cooking it in the soup makes the flavors soak in.
Meat is always optional, precooked is best. I never cook meat in the soup because I don't care for the fat layer it makes. Try turkey sausage sometime, YUM.
Starches are fun and make it hardy. As I said before, any kind of beans are my all time favorite. Canned or precooked, it is the same, just as long as they are cooked and well rinsed before adding them in. I like day old baked potatoes which have been cooked to just tender (not mushy, although mushy is great for the thickening effect). Onions are a must and mushrooms (sauteed beforehand) are an extra treat. I always cook noodles in the soup, unless I am using leftover pasta. And I never put in uncooked rice, always cooked. A handful of cornmeal is fun although it may sink to the bottom.
Creamed soups are easy, just add hot milk (non-fat is as good as half and half) at the end with mushy potatoes or potato flakes. A little butter is very good, although I never add it or I will get used to the heavenly taste again and lose my control. A more time consuming but more reliable thickener is making a small pan of white sauce, to which you can also add cheddar cheese in vegetable soups, then slowly pour it hot and thick into the soup stock, stirring well while pouring. We have used canned refried beans (not in creamy soup) to thicken it as well, but it would be a little weird to explain this to guests. In fact we call soup we have added refried beans to "Bum Stew".
I sometimes add a can of Tomatoes to add color and a new flavor. Nothing comes close to my home canned tomatoes, even though I use store bought when I don't have any of my own. I always cut them up small before adding.
This took a while to write but it is fast and easy, especially if you have the basics on hand and after you get a bit of practice doing it. You don't need those high salt, expensive soup starters. Nothing like doing it yourself. Master status brings great honor to you, for soup is a favorite of everyone.
In your pantry, always have some cans of broth such as beef, chicken and vegetable broth. Also bouillon powder or cubes. I like Knorr chicken cubes (found around the Mexican food section) and powdered beef bouillon. I am never without granulated garlic, basil, cumin, hot chili powder, pepper and vinegar. I rarely add salt to my soups. Also I always have some kind of canned beans on hand, that's just me and my love affair with beans in every recipe and soup. (And I complain about the gas?)
Once you have a base broth going, anything can go in it. All herbs and vinegar go in at the beginning. Leftovers are heavenly because it is so fast, but throwing any fresh or frozen vegetable in and cooking it in the soup makes the flavors soak in.
Meat is always optional, precooked is best. I never cook meat in the soup because I don't care for the fat layer it makes. Try turkey sausage sometime, YUM.
Starches are fun and make it hardy. As I said before, any kind of beans are my all time favorite. Canned or precooked, it is the same, just as long as they are cooked and well rinsed before adding them in. I like day old baked potatoes which have been cooked to just tender (not mushy, although mushy is great for the thickening effect). Onions are a must and mushrooms (sauteed beforehand) are an extra treat. I always cook noodles in the soup, unless I am using leftover pasta. And I never put in uncooked rice, always cooked. A handful of cornmeal is fun although it may sink to the bottom.
Creamed soups are easy, just add hot milk (non-fat is as good as half and half) at the end with mushy potatoes or potato flakes. A little butter is very good, although I never add it or I will get used to the heavenly taste again and lose my control. A more time consuming but more reliable thickener is making a small pan of white sauce, to which you can also add cheddar cheese in vegetable soups, then slowly pour it hot and thick into the soup stock, stirring well while pouring. We have used canned refried beans (not in creamy soup) to thicken it as well, but it would be a little weird to explain this to guests. In fact we call soup we have added refried beans to "Bum Stew".
I sometimes add a can of Tomatoes to add color and a new flavor. Nothing comes close to my home canned tomatoes, even though I use store bought when I don't have any of my own. I always cut them up small before adding.
This took a while to write but it is fast and easy, especially if you have the basics on hand and after you get a bit of practice doing it. You don't need those high salt, expensive soup starters. Nothing like doing it yourself. Master status brings great honor to you, for soup is a favorite of everyone.
Fruit Compost...er I mean Compote!!
Hey all...well for my first post, I'd like to just pass along a very simple recipe for a delicious fruit-sauce topping for light vanilla ice cream or froze yogurt. It's actually called "compote" which dad likes to call "compost" which of course brings lots of laughter to the dessert table. Here it is:
(all amounts are approximate and very flexible)
1 carton fresh strawberries cut up
1 pint fresh blueberries
1 bag frozen raspberries (no sugar added, just fresh-frozen whole fruit)
Lay the frozen raspberries out on a cookie sheet and allow to thaw for about 30 minutes. In the meantime, cut up the strawberries into hawaiian-haystacks-tomato-sized pieces. Rinse the blueberries and chuck them right into the bowl with the strawberries. By now the raspberries should be soggy. Spoon them into the mixture and use the spatula to scrape all the juice in. Use a big fat spoon to mix it all together, then cover with plastic wrap and let it sit awhile. This will allow the raspberries to thaw fully and the juices will blend together. Now you have an awesome, all-natural, no sugar added, tart and tasty topping. As long as you are smart about what you put it on, this can be a low-guilt dessert!
Try these bases:
Light vanilla ice cream
Vanilla frozen yogurt
Light angel food cake squares
Plain yogurt (this may be a bit tart since there is not a ton of sweetness in the berries)
Chocolate cake squares
Enjoy and if you think of variations, please post!
Rachie
(all amounts are approximate and very flexible)
1 carton fresh strawberries cut up
1 pint fresh blueberries
1 bag frozen raspberries (no sugar added, just fresh-frozen whole fruit)
Lay the frozen raspberries out on a cookie sheet and allow to thaw for about 30 minutes. In the meantime, cut up the strawberries into hawaiian-haystacks-tomato-sized pieces. Rinse the blueberries and chuck them right into the bowl with the strawberries. By now the raspberries should be soggy. Spoon them into the mixture and use the spatula to scrape all the juice in. Use a big fat spoon to mix it all together, then cover with plastic wrap and let it sit awhile. This will allow the raspberries to thaw fully and the juices will blend together. Now you have an awesome, all-natural, no sugar added, tart and tasty topping. As long as you are smart about what you put it on, this can be a low-guilt dessert!
Try these bases:
Light vanilla ice cream
Vanilla frozen yogurt
Light angel food cake squares
Plain yogurt (this may be a bit tart since there is not a ton of sweetness in the berries)
Chocolate cake squares
Enjoy and if you think of variations, please post!
Rachie
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Good Soup
Mom- I need a good soup recipe to cook tonight or tomorrow. Nothing creamy, and not too many weird things (Jake is a simple man). But something that has a good, savory broth to it. And of course, not too hard to make.
Love,
Sarie
Love,
Sarie
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Another midnight vigil
Hey girls! It is seriously 1:37am and I am, this time, waiting for the applesauce to get done in the boiling water bath. Scene: Mom and Isaac slicing and inspecting a total of three lugs of apples, cooking them down, one batch at a time, spooning the steaming soft apples into the Victorio while Isaac cranks out every last crank, adding cinnamon, filling the jars, wiping the rims, setting the caps, twisting the rings, processing them in four batches, taking each carefully out and admire the handiwork, while listening to the pop of the sealing of the 32 jars here and there over the next few hours. In fifteen minutes I will join the rest of the family (including Isaac who had to be forced to quit helping me) for a short night's sleep. And by the way, every one of the 32 pints we canned tonight are for Grandma Dotty. Tomorrow we will finsh up the last ones for us.
I am a bit over the top as I have stacked in the hallway all the fruit boxes as they empty just so I can admire (and remember) the volume I have accomplished over the last two weeks. Seeing how far we have come is essential to our vitality. Journals, before photos, memories and gatherings at family reunions when we remenisce (sp?), all help us keep our perspective.
I just learned how to play speed scrabble. Move over Settlers of Zarahemla! I am hooked. As I nuked the field with the highest score, Naomi, having a lousy hand that round says, "Like my life sucks right now!" I have no idea why it struck me so funny--not able to talk, cheeks in a state of permanent seizure, everyone in a laughing fit over my sudden grip of laughter--but it did. Like Sarah said, with Naomi every day is like a musical, or in this case, a tragedy (or was that a comedy?).
I am a bit over the top as I have stacked in the hallway all the fruit boxes as they empty just so I can admire (and remember) the volume I have accomplished over the last two weeks. Seeing how far we have come is essential to our vitality. Journals, before photos, memories and gatherings at family reunions when we remenisce (sp?), all help us keep our perspective.
I just learned how to play speed scrabble. Move over Settlers of Zarahemla! I am hooked. As I nuked the field with the highest score, Naomi, having a lousy hand that round says, "Like my life sucks right now!" I have no idea why it struck me so funny--not able to talk, cheeks in a state of permanent seizure, everyone in a laughing fit over my sudden grip of laughter--but it did. Like Sarah said, with Naomi every day is like a musical, or in this case, a tragedy (or was that a comedy?).
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Control, etc.
Hannah, sometimes when I eat something that I know I shouldn't, I think of it like this. In college, sometimes I would go out with, hang out with, or even kiss a guy that I knew liked me but I didn't want to date him. I always felt guilty. But I knew it was up to me, and I knew that I would end up cutting him off because I just didn't think it was working out. Well, this is a horrible example, I'm sure, especially since Mom reads this blog :) but I think we should realize that we have to indulge sometimes. We have to have some white bread because it tastes good, but not feel guilty because hey, we can enjoy life at times. We are entitled to at least that. And you know that you're not going to have white bread every single day. You know that you just had some that day and that you are ultimately in control. If you are in control and you made the decision, then that food has no control over you, remember that!
Ok so I went on one of my long tirades...
Back to business. I am on my fourth day of eating nothing after dinner. Last night I was hungry and guess what I ate at 10pm? A handful of almonds and a huge glass of water. And my hunger for more was not there anymore. And those laffy taffys? I just laughed at them. They had no control over me.
Love you girls.
Sarie
Ok so I went on one of my long tirades...
Back to business. I am on my fourth day of eating nothing after dinner. Last night I was hungry and guess what I ate at 10pm? A handful of almonds and a huge glass of water. And my hunger for more was not there anymore. And those laffy taffys? I just laughed at them. They had no control over me.
Love you girls.
Sarie
Friday, August 22, 2008
Kicking the Guilt
So today we went to a place called Rumbi Island Grill with Sean's parents. I love this place. They have great salads and rice bowls with brown rice, tons of veggies and your choice of Shrimp, Chicken, or pork. When I went today I decided I would try something a little different. I thought I would get a Hawaiian grilled chicken sandwich. The sandwich also came with a mix of sweet potato fries and regular fries. When it came out to the table, it was a white and fluffy as can be burger style bun! I started to feel bad. I enjoyed the sandwich and the sweet potato fries were soooo good dipped in that dang thousand island type sauce. So my question to you is, how do you kick the guilt? Should I feel super bad when I do that? Why is it that most of the time I make the healthier choice such as a half portion brown rice bowl with chicken, or a Hawaiian chicken salad, but once in a while I make a decision like a sandwich, only to regret it later.
This is the never ending battle.
Anyway, I love and miss you all. This blog is heaven- sent and it is so delightful to read and write and feel connected to the girls most important in my life!
This is the never ending battle.
Anyway, I love and miss you all. This blog is heaven- sent and it is so delightful to read and write and feel connected to the girls most important in my life!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Some Goals
So I've decided. I'm not going on a diet. I'm not eliminating sweets or carbs. I'm not joining a gym. I am merely writing down two things that I am committing to for now: No eating after 7pm. And I am going to walk at least a mile every day. The exercising might be hit and miss, because I don't have a double stroller, I have to rely on Jake's mom to walk with me and push one of the girls (Grace will be in school so I only have two girls). So there it is. Eliminating my late-night binging will do wonders for me I think! And Oh--- I almost forgot! Most importantly. In bed by 11pm!!!! No excuses (unless Lillie creates one for me). But if I stay up later, it can't involve anything except a glass of ice water.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Stuffed Bell Peppers
So, when the girls were in town (so much fun by the way), Rachel bought a lot of super good and healthy food. She dazzled us with her artistic food preparation, it was great! When she left, there were still 5 green bell peppers left over. I decided to get creative and cook stuffed bell peppers. They are in the oven as we speak. Here is the summary of what I did:
1. Cut off the tops of 5 bell peppers and gutted them.
2. boiled them for 5 minutes.
3. Put them in a casserole dish
4. Stuffed them with a throw together type of sauce (Marinara, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ground turkey, brown rice, spices, and whatever else sounds delish.
5. Bake on 350 for 20 minutes covered with foil.
6. Take out and sprinkle low fat mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cook uncovered for another 10 Minutes.
8. Indulge and Enjoy
1. Cut off the tops of 5 bell peppers and gutted them.
2. boiled them for 5 minutes.
3. Put them in a casserole dish
4. Stuffed them with a throw together type of sauce (Marinara, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ground turkey, brown rice, spices, and whatever else sounds delish.
5. Bake on 350 for 20 minutes covered with foil.
6. Take out and sprinkle low fat mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cook uncovered for another 10 Minutes.
8. Indulge and Enjoy
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Sore Muscles are Motivating
So, Rachel inspired me and Hannah affirmed my resolution to add muscle strengthening to my exercise routine. For some reason (I've heard it all a million times), I finally realized that muscle toning is just as important and effective in your weight loss program as are cardio exercises.
So, after going through Rachel's ab workout yesterday and being sore after just 20 minutes of her exercises, I'm inspired to keep going and aniticipate some exciting results!
So, after going through Rachel's ab workout yesterday and being sore after just 20 minutes of her exercises, I'm inspired to keep going and aniticipate some exciting results!
Gas issues
Result of nectarine experiment: I lost 1.6 lbs this week.
This week we shall try peaches. It is 1:30 pm and I am already well into the numbers.
The known results of any of these experiments is the yearly gas situation.
Lets just say that it is a good thing it is summer and we can keep the doors and windows open during the day.
This week we shall try peaches. It is 1:30 pm and I am already well into the numbers.
The known results of any of these experiments is the yearly gas situation.
Lets just say that it is a good thing it is summer and we can keep the doors and windows open during the day.
Mental Illness at Midnight
Ok, so I am writing here at 12:30am because I have nothing else to do while waiting for the canner to finish boiling up the tomatoes. We did 24 jars in four hours. This is while the four youngest Lund children are staying here (due to a reunion trip their parents are taking) through Sunday, Daniel 9, Alison 7, Spencer 5 and Joshua 3. The TV is off due to the grounding now in effect. So Isaac is the amazing boy with endless energy playing, and entertaining this energetic bunch. Which renders him useless on the canning team (except that without him we could never accomplish all this). Tammy and Bethany were completely fantastic tonight blanching, peeling, trimming, cramming, wiping, capping and installing jars into the canner for three consecutive batches. They did an entire batch without me, saying that they wanted to be like Hannah...even though many after her followed in the tradition of doing batches without Mom to help! Now the 45 minutes of the final batch continues to move toward completion. Tomorrow we are gearing up for 36 more jars and then getting a start on the peaches (without Tammy, Dad and Isaac to help at all, which leaves the Lunds, Bethany and me). We have 12 gallon freezer bags full of nectarines (from about one and a half lugs), and a gallon bag full of dehydrated peaches (constituting an entire lug). I am rambling now. All I wanted to say is that it is late and I am the only one up to empty the canner. Life doesn't get better than this.
And I think I am getting sick of eating nectarines.
And I think I gained weight this week.
How much do 15 nectarines weigh anyway?
The canner is done, so am I.
I weigh in tomorrow.
Sweet.
And I think I am getting sick of eating nectarines.
And I think I gained weight this week.
How much do 15 nectarines weigh anyway?
The canner is done, so am I.
I weigh in tomorrow.
Sweet.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Homage to the Fruit Day
Sit back, relax, gather some tissue and sun yourself in some nice memories, memories we are still creating here at home. Fruit day was yesterday. This does not mean much to most people, but to us it is everything. I am looking at the kitchen. The freezers are full of beautiful nectarines ready for smoothies (a recent discovery of mine just this year), the dehydrator is blowing full tilt so that we must speak up to be heard during scripture study, the money box is still waiting for the last boxes to be paid for and picked up, our faces are all sunburned, fruit flies are appearing again, every counter and cupboard is sticky, canning of the tomatoes begins tomorrow night, the Victorio (our applesauce "machine") awaits the call, the mop bucket is always full and in use, the gas...well we all know this consequence of the yearly assault on the digestive system, everyone who comes to visit says the same thing "oh yummy, it smells like fresh fruit", every knife in the house has nectarine on them, there are little gatherings of spoiling fruit on the counter waiting for Mom and Dad to cut around the offending spots and relish the ripe goodness, breakfast there is fruit, for lunch there is fruit, and because there is no room to cook dinner--we eat more fruit. There are new faces but the lovely smells, sounds and messes abound to carry my heart into tender thoughts of our fruit days of past years. The small hands learning the skills, voices of singing, joking, laughing, exhaustion against Mom's announcement of "we've got to finish these boxes tonight", sounds of dishes being washed and canners clanking around. May I never outgrow fruit day. Gotta go and eat my midnight snack, another nectarine!
Can someone lose weight eating 15 nectarines a day?
Can someone lose weight eating 15 nectarines a day?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
On weeping and cooky baking
So what is this now, the Mother's Blog? The mother who refuses to have one? The mother who surfaces to ralley the children then goes back into cold storage to shoulder the northcoast? The mother whose girls get together and become silly, lovely, reminiscent, creative companions for a half a week, only to weep as they part? The mother who walks the beach with a precious (and precocious) granddaughter and weeps as we part? The mother cannot believe one person can be so richly blessed? The mother who relives each mission, each spank, each cooky baking time, each hike, each hot-sauce-on-the-tongue application, each pregnancy, each good-bye, each grounding, each amazing video creation, each performance, each tantrum (my own), and the nine sets of amazing eyes? Yes that Mom...
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The price of control
Yesterday I did it. I was in control (so it appeared).
This was my eating:
B-one turkey sausage patty, one egg, fried in pan spray.
S-banana.
L-Leftover lentel soup.
S-Smoothie with canned peaches.
S-one slice of Ezekial bread toasted with two teaspoons of canola spread.
D-Spagghetti with whole wheat pasta, very old fat free cheddar cheese, broccoli, salad with balsamic vinigarette dressing low cal.
S-pudding, banana and Free Cool Whip.
FHE treat- only one skinny cow mint ice cream sandwich.
This was my thinking:
"time for chocolate" "you can't eat chocolate in front of your student"
"time for some sugar" "man cannot live by sugar alone"
"where are those leftover chips?" "come on, dinner is only ten minutes away"
"I am starving!" "you are stuffed and have a stomach ache from all that broccoli"
"Dad didn't eat that brownie at lunch, how cruel" "you didn't just see that brownie"
"my stomach is growling again" "it's dad snoring, now be quite and go to sleep".
This was my eating:
B-one turkey sausage patty, one egg, fried in pan spray.
S-banana.
L-Leftover lentel soup.
S-Smoothie with canned peaches.
S-one slice of Ezekial bread toasted with two teaspoons of canola spread.
D-Spagghetti with whole wheat pasta, very old fat free cheddar cheese, broccoli, salad with balsamic vinigarette dressing low cal.
S-pudding, banana and Free Cool Whip.
FHE treat- only one skinny cow mint ice cream sandwich.
This was my thinking:
"time for chocolate" "you can't eat chocolate in front of your student"
"time for some sugar" "man cannot live by sugar alone"
"where are those leftover chips?" "come on, dinner is only ten minutes away"
"I am starving!" "you are stuffed and have a stomach ache from all that broccoli"
"Dad didn't eat that brownie at lunch, how cruel" "you didn't just see that brownie"
"my stomach is growling again" "it's dad snoring, now be quite and go to sleep".
Saturday, August 9, 2008
What a life.
I got hungry yesterday! For the first time in a long time I waited to eat until I was actually hungry. It is a trend now because I did it again today. I love the feeling of being hungry and not passing out (like I imagine myself I might). I think I will try it again tomorrow. Not too hungry, just a little. What a life. When the biggest problem I have is TRYING to get hungry.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The art of weaving
My stepfather, Vern, passed away one week ago today. It is amazing how many different things weave their way around my life as I knit together my love for the dead and devotion to the living. One thing is constant and that is food. Grief does not seem to call for food. It should be the last thing on our minds and yet there it is in abudance, from everywhere. Traditional dishes, comfort foods, fast and easy, desserts, barbeque, restaurant fare, take out... Never ending streams of food. In all the confusion I eat though I am never hungry, having not allowed myself to become so. Perhaps the joy of knowing where Vern is now, out of pain and discomfort, makes the grief a light burden. And so now eating makes more sense. I have abandoned my loyalty to my health getting through this period. The funeral is tomorrow. I will play the organ. I will share a few memories. Then I will eat. I would feel better if I were on program during this time. I would have less distain for my indulgence and more time for those I love. And I would sleep better on an empty stomach. I would have a lot more energy. Why have I given up when I still have time left to pull my efforts together? As I type, I am thinking but not acting. So, this time instead of going and getting a cookie, I will go play the piano, then I will take a nap, then I will go get the kids from the swimming pool, then I will come back home, whip up dinner and be hungry enough to eat it! As stuffy as this sounds (and certainly not very humorous), I believe it is what I will do. Give up the pouting and excuses. Smile and enjoy life. I am full from lunch. I want to be hungry for dinner. This is my day. Tomorrow I will wake up and decide how to I will cope, but today is mine. And I will forgive myself for this morning!!!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Better Late than Never...
So, sorry it's been so long since I've posted....my late nomadic tendencies have not been conducive to 1) posting on this great blog, and 2) yes, sadly enough, eating properly. Vacationing is the worst. Other than all the eating out and especially late night binging (while playing speed scrabble with Sarah) I haven't been documenting anything...and so I'm afraid that all my hard work for the past 3 months might have gone to kaput in the past week....
I have some super sad tales of mindlessly (but not without guilt and a sour stomach) snacking on bread, candy, and other no-gooders until I'm so full that it hurts. At first I just thought it might be hopeless to try and eat well while on vacation, especially when you want to chill with the sisters and have a good time and all. But as my digestive system has been sending out flares of S.O.S. (sorry, maybe too much info...) I've decided that I can do little things to help myself through all this.
I've gone running/walking every day since arriving in FL (a whopping total of 2 days) and cut out something new in my eating habits each day that will help me eat healthier. Just little ideas help, like making a goal to eat no bread today, or not eating any non-core foods unless dining out, or only eating in the kitchen. Like I always say, it's the small things...and are mostly mental. We can trick ourselves into adopting healthy habits. The IBS helps as motivation, I'll admit that.
I have some super sad tales of mindlessly (but not without guilt and a sour stomach) snacking on bread, candy, and other no-gooders until I'm so full that it hurts. At first I just thought it might be hopeless to try and eat well while on vacation, especially when you want to chill with the sisters and have a good time and all. But as my digestive system has been sending out flares of S.O.S. (sorry, maybe too much info...) I've decided that I can do little things to help myself through all this.
I've gone running/walking every day since arriving in FL (a whopping total of 2 days) and cut out something new in my eating habits each day that will help me eat healthier. Just little ideas help, like making a goal to eat no bread today, or not eating any non-core foods unless dining out, or only eating in the kitchen. Like I always say, it's the small things...and are mostly mental. We can trick ourselves into adopting healthy habits. The IBS helps as motivation, I'll admit that.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Soaking
As I sit here typing this post, I am watching "Transformers" and soaking my foot in Listerine and Distilled White Vinegar mixture. You see, I have the unmentionable (noenail fungus). I sneaked up to Grampa Dee and said, "Hey," pointing to my offensive toe, "We have matching toes!" He was mildly amused. I have had this affliction for perhaps six years, maybe twelve. I heard once that Vicks VaporRub works and indeed it has for me, many times. When the nail got so thick that wearing shoes hurt, I would break out the Vicks and for a month--application daily and file down weekly. It never finished the job, though, just got the nail down to almost gone. So I read on the internet that lots of people have tried soaking their foot in Listerine and Vinegar for a half hour. So I am in heaven because the tingle in the mouth that Listerine gives is tingling my foot! I heard that if you use the blue Listerine flavor it turns your foot hopelessly blue and is not good for sandal wearing. Stay tuned for updates on the lastest results of the new procedure! Meanwhile, the water is getting very cold....
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
WW Friendly Tuna Casserole
A good sized pot of cooked whole wheat penne pasta
1 can of cream of celery
a little bit of vegetable stock (to desired moistness)
1 Can drained tuna
Fresh parsley from the garden
Black pepper
Salt
White corn
broccoli chopped
Whatever else you want to put in there.
A little bit of cheese
After you cook the pasta, throw all ingredients in to a casserole dish, except for the cheese. Once it is all mixed up, sprinkle a little cheese on the top and enjoy the lovely tuna casserole!
Oh yeah... I guess you better cook it at 350 degrees for a bit, about a half hour or so.
1 can of cream of celery
a little bit of vegetable stock (to desired moistness)
1 Can drained tuna
Fresh parsley from the garden
Black pepper
Salt
White corn
broccoli chopped
Whatever else you want to put in there.
A little bit of cheese
After you cook the pasta, throw all ingredients in to a casserole dish, except for the cheese. Once it is all mixed up, sprinkle a little cheese on the top and enjoy the lovely tuna casserole!
Oh yeah... I guess you better cook it at 350 degrees for a bit, about a half hour or so.
Are you still Alive Out there?
Hello Medladies, have we gone inactive here or what? It is seeming a bit dead. Soooo.. I just wanted to tell you guys that I am really excited because my sweet tooth cravings have gone down so much! I hardly eat sweets at night anymore. And I was really excited about the fact that Sean got a huge box of Twix at Costco and I haven't had any, and it's not even hard! I think that having my sister's and Mom's support helps so much to stay on track. I know you guys are there for me even when I lose focus. Thanks girls
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CoolWhip magic
Hey those strawberries are delish with just FREE CoolWhip. I even love it frozen (always with something else, of course) when I feel like having ice cream and strawberries, or whatever. Makes you feel you have had a treat without the slump that always follows most decadence.
Costco Run
So... I went to Costco today and picked up some great stuff, I wanted to share...
Oh my gosh, these bars are HEAVEN! They are chewy and delightful and they have 9 grams of fiber.... AND they are only 2 points each!! There are tons of flavors and I am so excited to try them!!
Oh my gosh, these bars are HEAVEN! They are chewy and delightful and they have 9 grams of fiber.... AND they are only 2 points each!! There are tons of flavors and I am so excited to try them!!
These Almond thins are a little like biscotti. They have cranberries and almonds and are sweetened lightly. They totally fix the sweet tooth, but, at the same time they don't trigger the bad sweet tooth. I love them. Each pouch has three slices and it is 2 points per pouch!
I also picked up some baby dills because they are great for snacking in the afternoon.
The strawberries are always good at Costco and I love to chop them up, throw them in a zip lock bag and mix in a packet of splenda as my breakfast. Yum!
I have not yet tasted these interesting looking chips but they are high in fiber, low in fat and I am excited to try them!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Six days running?
So, like, pinch me! Did I just discover that I blogged Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Monday and Today? Have I been in cold storage all these years and not blogged? Thanks to the nuts who started this fun blog and for putting up with my recent run. Someday I will not blog and then I will return to normal. Hope it will not be too soon.
Boca and White Corn goodness
Just something I threw together in a skillet that I ate way too much of... mmm.
1/2 bag of frozen white sweet corn
1/2 bag of frozen broccoli bits
2 or 3 boca burger patties
a bit of garlic (whatever amount you are comfortable with)
a bit of black pepper
some chopped parsley
1. Brown the patties in a skillet sprayed with non fat cooking spray, remove from heat and set aside
2. In the same hot skillet, put corn and broccoli. Cook until hot.
3. Chop up the boca burgers and add to the skillet a long with the pepper, garlic, and parsley.
Serve with brown rice or just eat it plain. It is so good!
1/2 bag of frozen white sweet corn
1/2 bag of frozen broccoli bits
2 or 3 boca burger patties
a bit of garlic (whatever amount you are comfortable with)
a bit of black pepper
some chopped parsley
1. Brown the patties in a skillet sprayed with non fat cooking spray, remove from heat and set aside
2. In the same hot skillet, put corn and broccoli. Cook until hot.
3. Chop up the boca burgers and add to the skillet a long with the pepper, garlic, and parsley.
Serve with brown rice or just eat it plain. It is so good!
Help for sleepyheads
Miriam! I have read, heard from the doctor and have experienced myself that sugar and other things not good for us, like chocolate, give us a temporary high but the fatigue comes hard in short order. Known things to give alertness are protein, including meat, eggs, beans and nuts, ripe bananas, fruit eaten whole and by itself, one serving of whole grain cereal, low fat yogurt. Also eating raw fresh vegetables or popcorn gives you crunching action which wakes you up. Things to avoid are fatty (fried) anything, sugar, large amounts of carbs, less ripe fruit, milk (a small portion in cereal is fine). There are other ideas as well, but this has worked very well for me. Overeating always makes me sleepy, as well as not eating enough. Oh boy, that's a concept!
Monday, July 21, 2008
How to fight fatigue....
So, I've always had a problem eating to keep myself awake...especially sugar. I always think I need a sugar boost or something. Anyone who can commisserate? Any ideas of how to keep myself awake without eating the candy bowl clean, expecially when there's no other food around?
Posting Recipes
Hey guys, let's start labeling our recipes. So when you write it in, before you hit "publish post", type "recipes" in the box that says "Labels for this post". Then we can sift through months of posts just to find recipes on here!! I will try to put a 'recipes' link on the right side so we can get there with one click. xoxo
Sarie
By the way, MOM, I just read today that it's super uncommon that babies are allergic or even sensitive to what we eat while we breastfeed. Some babies are just gassier than others. This seems to be the issue with Lillie, except I have thought up until today that it was chocolate that was bugging her. So I was prepared to cut that out of my diet. But here's an article on the subject. http://www.kellymom.net/nutrition/mom/mom-diet.html. It says that even if a mom eats straight junk food, that her body would still provide proper milk for the baby. I did NOT know this! I was trying to maintain a balanced diet not just for me, but for the baby. What do you think?
Sarie
By the way, MOM, I just read today that it's super uncommon that babies are allergic or even sensitive to what we eat while we breastfeed. Some babies are just gassier than others. This seems to be the issue with Lillie, except I have thought up until today that it was chocolate that was bugging her. So I was prepared to cut that out of my diet. But here's an article on the subject. http://www.kellymom.net/nutrition/mom/mom-diet.html. It says that even if a mom eats straight junk food, that her body would still provide proper milk for the baby. I did NOT know this! I was trying to maintain a balanced diet not just for me, but for the baby. What do you think?
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Ham stock 101
How to make ham stock for soups to die for:
Buy a quality ham with bone in and minimal fat inside. Cut off all the meat you can and dice it up into little bags for freezing. Then put the bone in the crockpot with plenty of water on low overnight without any spices. In the morning, cool the broth, strain the broth and pour 4 or 8 cup portions into small freezable bowls. Freeze completely. The next day remove from the bowls, place frozen blocks of broth into freezer bags, label and place back in the freezer.
Awesome soups you can make from this includes split pea soup, cabbage soup, lima beans, potato soup, etc. You can also make rice pilaf.
Love, the Soup Queen.
Buy a quality ham with bone in and minimal fat inside. Cut off all the meat you can and dice it up into little bags for freezing. Then put the bone in the crockpot with plenty of water on low overnight without any spices. In the morning, cool the broth, strain the broth and pour 4 or 8 cup portions into small freezable bowls. Freeze completely. The next day remove from the bowls, place frozen blocks of broth into freezer bags, label and place back in the freezer.
Awesome soups you can make from this includes split pea soup, cabbage soup, lima beans, potato soup, etc. You can also make rice pilaf.
Love, the Soup Queen.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Storytime
Once upon a time there was a little mommy who had the sweetest little baby girl named Naomi Louise. This mommy decided that is was time to shed the baby fat. Naomi was about 8 months old and doing well. Oh boy did that mommy get on her diet and lose the weight! It wasn't long before she realized that her milk production was way down and little Naomi was losing weight too! That mommy never got her milk back up and so dear little Naomi needed a bottle. Mommy was very careful with the last two babies (probably too careful) and she ended up with plenty of time after the babies to take the serious plunge to weight loss. Naomi survived fine, but be sure Lilly gets the best you can give her. Love always, Mommy
Saving energy is no bargain!
Gotta share a few ideas that go against the grain. All of you are probably experts at these things but here goes. We have been conditioned, as women, to "save steps" in our work. New watch word: "multiply steps!" In other words find ways to make ourselves do more to get there or do that. Like parking in the farthest parking place in the lot, carrying one bag of groceries into the house at a time, grab one garment from the washer to the dryer at a time, go get my own purse, sweetly decline the help of my sweetheart with loading up the recycling, put on dancing music while doing housework, do a physical task while on the phone, follow a toddler for 45 solid minutes, etc. I watched "Batman" last night and because I can't sit still for that long, I paused the movie every 15 minutes and folded some laundry, went potty or emptied the dishwasher. It was great. I have sat down about six times trying to finish this. Anyway don't try to save energy--use it!
Here I Am Again
Wow, weekends are busy on our blog, aren't they? Well, at least Hannah and Mom are more present. Um, so for one thing, Mom, I loved your post about "you're worth it". No wonder you work for Weight Watcher's, you're so motivating! The way you write is so great! Glad you finally got back online... And Hannah, congrats on Sean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A thousand times over!!
I try to get organized, too, and I really need to try again!! I start with my papers... for some reason, if I can throw away all my credit card offers and old bills and stuff, it's a good place to start. Next, if I need to buy some containers to get me motivated, I buy some containers. It's also a great excuse, "Jake, I know they're 40 bucks, but they're for getting the house ORGANIZED. Now that's priceless." You know the drill. Then I go to my wardrobe. Then the kids wardrobe. From there, I am haphazard. But good luck- organizing is so fun. Sometimes when Jake asks, "what do you want to do today, Sarah? It's Saturday, pick anything!". I say, "Let's throw some stuff away!!! YEAAAAH!"
A thousand times over!!
I try to get organized, too, and I really need to try again!! I start with my papers... for some reason, if I can throw away all my credit card offers and old bills and stuff, it's a good place to start. Next, if I need to buy some containers to get me motivated, I buy some containers. It's also a great excuse, "Jake, I know they're 40 bucks, but they're for getting the house ORGANIZED. Now that's priceless." You know the drill. Then I go to my wardrobe. Then the kids wardrobe. From there, I am haphazard. But good luck- organizing is so fun. Sometimes when Jake asks, "what do you want to do today, Sarah? It's Saturday, pick anything!". I say, "Let's throw some stuff away!!! YEAAAAH!"
Friday, July 18, 2008
Potato Fish Loaf, as requested
4 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley or basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 firm fish fillets, such as flounder, sole, pike or talapia
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 large zucchini, thinly sliced
1 egg
1 tablespoon of milk
8 oz firm tomatoes, seeded and very thinly sliced
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix garlic, parsley, and pepper. Place fish on a flat dish. Top with 1/2 the garlic mixture. Cover and chill.
2. Brush two baking sheets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil; arrange the potato slices on them without overlapping and bake about 25 minutes, without overlapping and bake 25 mins until brown and crispy.
3. In a non stick skillet, heat the remaining oil over moderate heat. Saute the remaining garlic mixture with the zucchinni, about 4 minutes, until soft.
4. Using a metal spatula, remove the potatoes from the sheets and transfer them to a plate. Reduce oven to 350.
5. Line an 8.5 by 4.5 by 2.5 inch loaf pan with oiled aluminum foil, allowing about 4 inches of foil to hang over sides of pan. In a bowl, whisk egg and milk.
6. Arrange half of the potato slices in the base of the pan. Top with a third of the zucchin, half of the fish, and a third of the tomatoes and olives.
7. Brush with some egg mixture; top with half the cheese. Repeat layering but END WITH POTATOES. (this is a really important thing:)
8. Bake loaf in the oven about 55 to 60 minutes or until fish is cooked. If potatoes start looking a bit dark, cover with remaining foil.
9. To serve, turn pan upside down on a serving dish and remove foil. AND..... Viola mucho yumaliciou!!
NOTE: I know this is pretty involved but it is seriously so good! It is a good one to do all together as a project, it goes way faster.
Real weight loss revealed
Yes Hannah, I have a suggestion, being one who has lost (jettisoned) one ton of trash (not counting Salvation Army and recycling stuff) from this house in 2005. Talk about weight loss!!! I started out committed to NOT vacuuming or cleaning anything. I simply de-cluttered. I started where I felt like starting each day--no previous plan--and stuck with that spot until I got tired of it or was done. I never did the funeral pyre approach of piling and sorting like I had always done before. And I didn't (couldn't) force myself to finish an area before starting on another spot, but just did what I felt like doing, keeping the overall mess under control at all times. I became so addicted to de-cluttering that until the dump had registered the 2000 lb mark, I got this incredible high from having collected more to throw out. It was vastly liberating. Poor Dad got the lecture on numerous occasions from trying to smuggle my trash into the family garbage can to save money! I had to explain that it was MY trash, thank you very much, and I had to have it documented by the transfer station myself. I can't say that I haven't gained a substantial amount of weight back, but I will never get to the point of having 280 pounds of shoes to discard. So my suggestion? Start small, walk around until the inspiration comes as to spot of entry and then go through little by little, day by day and if you can avoid the "cleaning" that always wore me down after a week or two, you will be able to press on joyfully. And remember that vacuuming will always be there in the end.
Awe, Mom..
Mom, that is so cool that you can continue to have that amazing effect on people!
So I have a question, MOM, can you add those fruitie thingies to my list. Miriam makes them sound divine!
I have a goal that I am driven to accomplish this weekend. that is, to clean my entire living area, throw away at least 4 garbage bags full of crap (excuse my language, sorry mom), deep clean everything and just organize my life. I do not know why I struggle so terribly with this challenge but please, if anyone has any suggestions, they are most appreciated. Much love Med Ladies!
One more thing:
SEAN GOT IN TO THE NURSING PROGRAM!!! I CRIED WHEN I FOUND OUT, I AM SO HAPPY!!!
So I have a question, MOM, can you add those fruitie thingies to my list. Miriam makes them sound divine!
I have a goal that I am driven to accomplish this weekend. that is, to clean my entire living area, throw away at least 4 garbage bags full of crap (excuse my language, sorry mom), deep clean everything and just organize my life. I do not know why I struggle so terribly with this challenge but please, if anyone has any suggestions, they are most appreciated. Much love Med Ladies!
One more thing:
SEAN GOT IN TO THE NURSING PROGRAM!!! I CRIED WHEN I FOUND OUT, I AM SO HAPPY!!!
More than the food
Weight loss is a philisophical journey. Some try to boil it all down to energy in vs. energy out. But for those of us on the road, it is never that way. I got it into my head years ago that if I could just lose the pounds my life would be (fill in the blank) and that somehow my problems would go away. And as I lost, a lot of things did change. Wonderful things. But I have discovered that I have to work on being the best me all the time because an overweight jerk will still be a jerk if he loses weight! A certain amount of confidence comes with the successes, but if we are not enough with the weight problem, then we aren't going to be enough just by getting to our goal. Today, I gave the Getting Started session to a young woman (many are young these days!) and at the end I said, "You are worth it." Such a simple concept. I was surprised by the sudden tears. Somewhere along the way she lost the true view of herself as a precious and lovely person and that deep inside she is hiding the truth that will take her where she wants to go. I know she is lying in bed tonight thinking about what I said. If she gets anything from her journey, I hope it is that she is worth all she will do to become the person she is meant to be, even if she never loses a pound. The weight loss will be her bonus.
Here we go...
OK so I get home today, knowing that I can fix my delicious Core beans and read hungrily (sorry about the slip) the blog to date. The kids are all at the pool and I am alone this afternoon. I have not had a chance to absorb it with all the noise, questions, students and such that cause me to not be able to read helpful things like this as well as cause me to eat...So I sit down and read. About the time I finish my last spoonful of the healthy (and satisfying) bowl of yumminess, I'm reading the list of night noshings Sarah is dreaming about or something. I say, "I gotta have a two point bar--make that chocolate!" And I am thinking as I am going into the kitchen to get it, "This blog is NOT good for me."
Miracle Story
Ok, so-I posted a post (is that redundant?) a few days back about how I was going to write everything down that I ate, right? Well, I am reporting that I successfully did so this week. Granted that doesn't imply that I ate any better than usual, I just took the time to write it all down.
Today was the big day when I was going to weight watcher's to "weigh in". I went on Friday because mom was leading the thing and she wanted me to come. So, she weighed me in and I was totally thinking, 'yeah, I probably stayed the same if I didn't gain' cause I was definitely feeling it.
So, I hopped up on the scale and watched as the numbers flew rapidly upward. As it gets closer to my weight I always kind of close one eye, like I'm afraid to look at it.
"Oh my gosh, mom, look!" I pointed.
"What?....Oh! Miriam! Whoa dude! That is like awesome!" mom cheered as we both looked at the scale.
I bent with laughter "Mom, how did that even happen? You've got to be kidding me!"
I had totally lost 5.6 pounds!
I swear ladies and gentle- well, just ladies- that logging your food intake does something that chemically alters your metabolism and voila! You lose weight.
So, since mom was running the meeting she got to present me a little award that they give when you lose weight. She was pretty excited, let me tell you.
So, in the total 7 weeks that I've been doing weight watcher's I've now lost over 15 pounds and that is 10% of my body weight from when I started (that's what mom was referring to in her comment about the 10% award). So, I feel good, I feel inspired and I have testimony that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass."
Today was the big day when I was going to weight watcher's to "weigh in". I went on Friday because mom was leading the thing and she wanted me to come. So, she weighed me in and I was totally thinking, 'yeah, I probably stayed the same if I didn't gain' cause I was definitely feeling it.
So, I hopped up on the scale and watched as the numbers flew rapidly upward. As it gets closer to my weight I always kind of close one eye, like I'm afraid to look at it.
"Oh my gosh, mom, look!" I pointed.
"What?....Oh! Miriam! Whoa dude! That is like awesome!" mom cheered as we both looked at the scale.
I bent with laughter "Mom, how did that even happen? You've got to be kidding me!"
I had totally lost 5.6 pounds!
I swear ladies and gentle- well, just ladies- that logging your food intake does something that chemically alters your metabolism and voila! You lose weight.
So, since mom was running the meeting she got to present me a little award that they give when you lose weight. She was pretty excited, let me tell you.
So, in the total 7 weeks that I've been doing weight watcher's I've now lost over 15 pounds and that is 10% of my body weight from when I started (that's what mom was referring to in her comment about the 10% award). So, I feel good, I feel inspired and I have testimony that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass."
Fruitie Fetish!
Oh man, so I have another 'Healthy Snack/Sweet Item' to add to the list. And it is (drum roll dadadadadadadDADADADAD) Weight Watcher's Fruities! No, I'm totally serious. They are little sugar free like gummi candy things that are just right for like after a meal when you have a sweet tooth or when you are just havin' an urge to splurge and you need something to help you ward it off. I use them kind of like I do the edamame; to help ward off food cravings a little and keep myself awake at work. They're small but just right!(Allright, Sarah do you're picture thing. I don't want to embarrass myself again).
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Dude, seriously. And here's a link to buy a shipment of 24 bags of them on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Seapoint-Farms-Roasted-Edamame-Lightly/dp/B000PDGRE0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1216314688&sr=8-1
It's only like 26 bucks plus shipping.. and if you buy other stuff with it (I think if you spend fifty or a hundred bucks) you get free shipping. Sounds like a deal to me.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
soy bean nut!
So, ok this is like the third post for me in one day....whoa, Sarah, you never thought I had it in me, did you?
I failed to mention the most blessed item of food known to makind that has recently been discovered at the Eureka Medley household:
Roasted/Salted Edamame
aka. soy beans that taste like roasted peanuts....except way more healthy!
They totally are way healthy (on core for those of us who wish to make note) and satisfy a million sensatioins; salt, crunch, snack, a little tiny bit hungry and shouldn't eat a lot....yeah, they're awesome. I take a small bag to work with me and use them to keep me awake. It's a lot healther than eating all the mini snickers bars form the candy bowl.
Mom is the one that bought them so maybe she can let us know where she got them?
I failed to mention the most blessed item of food known to makind that has recently been discovered at the Eureka Medley household:
Roasted/Salted Edamame
aka. soy beans that taste like roasted peanuts....except way more healthy!
They totally are way healthy (on core for those of us who wish to make note) and satisfy a million sensatioins; salt, crunch, snack, a little tiny bit hungry and shouldn't eat a lot....yeah, they're awesome. I take a small bag to work with me and use them to keep me awake. It's a lot healther than eating all the mini snickers bars form the candy bowl.
Mom is the one that bought them so maybe she can let us know where she got them?
blog feature requests
can we get some music playing next? ya know, maybe like "i'm too sexy for my shirt" or something? c'mon, we need some motivation...or maybe Richard Simmons say "you can do it!" just a thought.
Can't go to bed hungry....
Yeah, ok, I know we are all definitely have diagnosed ourselves with a late night eating addiction....cause seriously, it is an addiction. There are a few things I've discovered that might help. They've helped me:
1. make a goal to a)not eat after the hour of 9pm and just DON'T DO IT! one day at a time though. b)start weaning yourself from sweets; like start by saying no candy except chocolate, and then no candy at all and then no cake/cookies but ice cream is ok, and then no sweets at all, and make a change like every few days or even weeks if you need more time to adjust.
2. eating food for us medleys is like an addiction, and it's especially bad when it comes to foods with high sugar content (yes, Sarah, that includes bread-it's my nemisis too). so, i discovered that if i could just deal with the pain of the headache and seemingly hungry stomach for a few days (or weeks) then i could get over my craving for sweets pretty quickly and effectively. granted the sweet tooth returns about once a month and i just push through that time as best i can.
3. meanwhile, while your trying to impliment the notes above, mom found this fat free, sugar free pudding that's really good with fresh strawberries and fat free whipped cream just tops it off. yeah, some people say that sugar free is flavor free but it's not consequence free like sugar free is and c'mon, let's admit it, we need something sweet sometimes! it's just about finding a healthy thing that is sweet....it's possible.
p.s. i think sometimes we think all sweets are bad, maybe, and so when we have a sweet tooth we just kind of give up and say "well, i really need something sweet and it doesn't matter what it is cause it's all bad and so whatever, i'll just eat whatever" but we should be thinking the same when we're eating regular food too. "what will satisfy me? what is an appropriate portion? what is the healthiest way to prepare this eatery?" it's all the same principles.
1. make a goal to a)not eat after the hour of 9pm and just DON'T DO IT! one day at a time though. b)start weaning yourself from sweets; like start by saying no candy except chocolate, and then no candy at all and then no cake/cookies but ice cream is ok, and then no sweets at all, and make a change like every few days or even weeks if you need more time to adjust.
2. eating food for us medleys is like an addiction, and it's especially bad when it comes to foods with high sugar content (yes, Sarah, that includes bread-it's my nemisis too). so, i discovered that if i could just deal with the pain of the headache and seemingly hungry stomach for a few days (or weeks) then i could get over my craving for sweets pretty quickly and effectively. granted the sweet tooth returns about once a month and i just push through that time as best i can.
3. meanwhile, while your trying to impliment the notes above, mom found this fat free, sugar free pudding that's really good with fresh strawberries and fat free whipped cream just tops it off. yeah, some people say that sugar free is flavor free but it's not consequence free like sugar free is and c'mon, let's admit it, we need something sweet sometimes! it's just about finding a healthy thing that is sweet....it's possible.
p.s. i think sometimes we think all sweets are bad, maybe, and so when we have a sweet tooth we just kind of give up and say "well, i really need something sweet and it doesn't matter what it is cause it's all bad and so whatever, i'll just eat whatever" but we should be thinking the same when we're eating regular food too. "what will satisfy me? what is an appropriate portion? what is the healthiest way to prepare this eatery?" it's all the same principles.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Late Night Snacking
Sarah, all I have to say is, I feel your pain. It is so hard not to do the after dinner munchie thing. I seriously will be so good all day and then after dins, I get this HORRIBLE sweet tooth. A few things I have been trying:
1. Snack on All bran Crackers with low sugar jam
2. Get a little measuring cup and portion a little cup of ice cream and promise yourself that is all you will eat
3. Buy some sugar free hard candy (not as good but sometimes does the job)
4. Always have a healthy option stocked in the pantry (dried fruit, strawberries)
5. Lately I have been just trying to wean myself off of the habit. It's hard and the sweet tooth is still there, just a bit easier to control.
These are just a few things that I have been trying, it is so hard though, especially when I am not feeling motivated to avoid it!
You are awesome Sarie, I must say I always loved how you always had brownie mix on hand to serve with vanilla ice cream! Sisters rock
I am watching the weather channel right now...
So I will take a stand. After reading your post, Miriam, I am going to try to post on here at least once a week about my ups and downs.. First of all, I think I need more protein in my diet. Anyone have any vegetarian ideas? I really don't care for meat enough to eat it every day. I am really good during the day, usually have cereal for breakfast (and I even drink the extra milk-- so proud of myself), lunch is usually a bread product with butter or some soup. Dinner I've tried to cook this week. lasagna, pork chops, stuff like that. It's after dinner that's a struggle. brownies, ice cream, popsicles, mnms, skittles. and that's just naming a few. Anyone have any suggestions? I hate how this food makes me feel, but I haven't found a way to stop eating late at night. I go up to bed, only to return to the kitchen an hour later in a trance, toward something sweet or chocolate... I can't stop myself, it's got me in its grip:) This is my ongoing problem!
Love love love.
Please comment.
Love love love.
Please comment.
Monday, July 14, 2008
I am here!
Miriam set me up an account and I expect me to be in the list in your descriptions ok? Except I won't talk about my abs, which are non-existant anyway...I love all you girls and look forward to your inspirations! Love, one of the girls (aka mom)
Our 'Path' to Health and Happiness
Hey! I found the icon to post a thing. sweet!
So, I'm totally stoked about all this I think it's awesome. Yeah, I'm with you, Sarah, when it comes to hearing about Rachel's abs. This is the blog for people with a little more than just that...
Ok, let me just put this one out there---I have a testimony, if you will, of writing down everything that you eat because I didn't do it when I first started weight watchers and I didn't lose. I did it faithfully for 2 weeks and lost 10 pounds. Then I didn't do it for a few weeks and gained a few back. I've done it faithfully this week and I know I'm going to lose even though I'm on the rag. I can FEEL it, ya know? I don't obsessively plan out what I'm going to eat or moniter all the tiny little portions, I just write down what I eat and somehow my brain and stomach get in ka-hoots (sp?) and I come out having left some of myself behind. It's pretty awesome. So, anyone else who tries needs to let us all know how it goes.
So, I'm totally stoked about all this I think it's awesome. Yeah, I'm with you, Sarah, when it comes to hearing about Rachel's abs. This is the blog for people with a little more than just that...
Ok, let me just put this one out there---I have a testimony, if you will, of writing down everything that you eat because I didn't do it when I first started weight watchers and I didn't lose. I did it faithfully for 2 weeks and lost 10 pounds. Then I didn't do it for a few weeks and gained a few back. I've done it faithfully this week and I know I'm going to lose even though I'm on the rag. I can FEEL it, ya know? I don't obsessively plan out what I'm going to eat or moniter all the tiny little portions, I just write down what I eat and somehow my brain and stomach get in ka-hoots (sp?) and I come out having left some of myself behind. It's pretty awesome. So, anyone else who tries needs to let us all know how it goes.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Fish Loaf.. mmm
Before I go to bed, I thought I would share a divine meal that Sean and I cooked up. It is called potato Zucchini fish loaf. It is a loaf made by layering new potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, olives, white fish like Talapia or any white firm fish. Spices and herbs include: fresh parsley, oregano, parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper. The preparation time was a little more than I like but it was so worth it! If anyone wants the recipe, I can post it. If not, I just thought I would share. I think that Parsley is my new favorite cooking herb, it is absolutely yummy! So I think I am really digging the whole cooking healthy but now I have to learn how to avoid evening snacking urges when dinner is over! Any suggestions would be great. Love you all:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
