Old Fashioned Me

Christmas Photos

2012-01-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

Spencer's foam knife from Raya (One of my family's tradtiosn as kids was going to a dollar store and buying gifts for other family members. It was always so much fun and really got us in the spirit of giving, so we started it this year!)

Raya's purse from Spencer

Raya's cell phone from Santa

Spencer's big cowboy gun from Santa

Raya's First Christmas

Sitting at the table for Christmas Eve Dinner

waiting to sit on Santa's lap

Playing dress up

Family Pictures 2011!!

2011-12-22T15:16:00.000-08:00

Confessions from This Nursing Mother (Revisited)

2011-10-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

I planned to nurse my baby for a year; I don't think I am going to make it. My baby is 7 months old, she loves soilds and doesn't see to like even being latched on any more. I feel like my supply is down and she doesn't even care to stay on and help get my supply up. She nurses and then cries. I felt so bad that I offered her a bottle and voila! that's what she wanted. My poor hungry baby.
I am really depressed about all this. That I can't produce enough to satify her or not caloric enough. She still fits in most 3-6 months clothes since she is still like 14 lbs. She hasn't reached double her birth weight, which babies are supposed to reach by 6 months. Everyone comments on how tiny she is.
I tried so hard to make it. I really struggled around 4 months and somehow survived on about 5 hours of interupted sleep as I tended to her hungry cries, hoping to get my supply up. I took Fenugreek, an herb that helps boost your supply. It worked for a little bit. But truly my breasts haven't felt really good a full for a few months. I use to wake up full but now I can go 12 hours between feedings and not feel much difference. I know that she gets feed and satisfied sometimes because I can hear her swallow and she is a very happy baby.
I am sure I have done something wrong like letting her have a pacifier and giving her a bottle at night. Yet many other moms do this and still nurse for a year or more. I feel guilty and angry and sad. I don't understand why I could be a "strudy mountain women" and push her out drug free but not be able to nurse her for a year. I put trust in my body to do it but now feel like I was forcing something that wasn't meant to be. I tried so hard and now not to make it to a year, I feel like a failure. What was the point of trying so hard just to come up short in the end anyway?
And now I have to buy formula....great.

Mom’s Cornbread

2011-09-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

¾ cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup flour
½ cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 egg, well beaten
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease an 8 x 8 pan. Mix wet and dry ingredients separate. Then add the wet to the dry and blend well. Bake for 20 minutes.
*I prepared the cornbread and but it into the pan and let it sit for an hour or more before cooking it and it turned out to be the best cornbread I ever made!

Crockpot Pinto Beans

2011-09-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

4 cups of dry beans, rinsed
4 Tablespoons oil
5 Tablespoons vinegar
Salt to taste
Ham hock, or 3 slices of bacon
Water
Add beans, oil, vinegar and salt. Add ham hock or bacon, if using bacon the slices will just float onto of water. Add water to cover beans, leaving about a few inches space at the top. Cook on high 4-6 hours or until the bean are cooked and soft. May have to add more water so keep an eye on them as it get close to 4 hours. Serve with cornbread or over rice. We love to crumble our cornbread over the beans…so good that way!

Green Chili Pork

2011-09-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

For Burritos*
3 or 4 lb pork roast or tenderloin 1 28 oz can green chili enchilada sauce
½ cup water 1 onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon cumin
Pepper A handful for cilantro, chopped
4 cups green chilies, chopped (I usually use canned) ½ to 1 cup drippings from roast

Cook pork in Crockpot with ½ cup water, salt, and pepper overnight on low. (I don’t always do this if I am pressed for time and it still turns out great!)
Remove roast and save liquid. Shred meat and return to Crockpot with liquid and the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high, uncovered for 2-3 hours, watch it and stir occasionally. If getting to thick add some reserved liquid. You want it the right consistency to be spooned into a tortilla. When it is done, enjoy with your favorite burrito toppings and sides.

Healthy & Easy Whole Wheat Pasta Lasagna

2011-09-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

1 lb ground beef
3 cups (26 oz. jar) spaghetti sauce
1 ½ cups water
1 ¾ cups ricotta or small curd cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
½ cups grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
9 pieces of whole wheat lasagna noodles, uncooked

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, brown meat; drain. Add spaghetti sauce and water, simmer about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together ricotta or cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper (I keep a bag of frozen spinach in the on hand to add to soups and other recipes and always add some spinach to the cottage cheese mixture to help boost the nutrition and no one can really tell since there is parsley!). Pour 1 cup of the sauce into the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish. Arrange 3 UNCOOKED noodles lengthwise over the sauce and cover with another cup of sauce. Spread half the cheese mixture over sauce. Repeat layers of lasagna, sauce, and cheese filling. Top with a layer of noodles and remaining sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and some parmesan and Italian seasoning (basil and oregano). Use a little cooking spray on a piece of foil and then cover the dish. Bake for 45 minutes, remove foil and bake another 10 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

*I like to make this and line my pan with foil and freeze it uncooked. Then you have it when you want it, defrost overnight and follow the baking directions.

** My 10 year old sister recently had this lasagna while visiting and proclaimed it was the best lasagna she ever had! (And my Mom is the best cook, so that is saying a lot!)

Basil Cream Chicken

2011-09-07T12:25:00.000-07:00

1½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
1 1/3 cups finely chopped green onions
1 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 TBSP vegetable oil
½ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whipping cream
2 TBSP minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
¼ tsp white pepper
Hot cooked fettuccine

In a skillet, sauté chicken in oil. When no longer pink add onions and mushrooms. Meanwhile in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add broth and cream. Stir in basil and pepper. Bring to a boil; simmer for 2 minutes while stirring until sauce thickens. Stir in chicken mixture and serve over fettuccine.
*The kids in my family always request this recipe when we go home!

Cake Mix Cookies

2011-08-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

A cake mix
1 stick of butter, softened
1 egg
1 cup of chips if desired

Mix all the ingredients together and drop spoonfuls or rounded balls on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 12 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes.

*With the variety of cake mixes this has many possibilities…strawberry cake mix with white chocolate chip is a favorite!

Easy Tasty Hummus

2011-08-26T12:50:00.001-07:00

1 can garbanzo beans, drained with liquid reserved, rinsed
1 clove garlic
2 teaspoons cumin
½ teaspoon salt
I Tablespoon olive oil

Puree ingredients in food processor until the desired consistency is achieved, add reserved liquid as needed. Eat with crackers, raw veggies, pita bread/chips, etc.

Ziploc Bag Omelets

2011-08-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

1. Put name on a sandwich size Zip-Lock plastic bag for each person
2. Put no more than two eggs in each bag
3. Let everyone add their favorite omelet ingredients
Add in ideas: cheese, salsa, onions, peppers, mushrooms, ham, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, etc.
4. Seal and mix ingredients in the bag, kids love this!
5. Drop bag(s) into a pot of boiling water.
6. Boil for 13-15 minutes.
7. Remove and enjoy. Can cut off top of bag and omelet will slide out easily onto a plate.

*I just made these with my family visiting from MA! They loved it and thought it was so fun!

Half Turkey Half Beef Meatballs

2011-08-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Half Turkey Half Beef Meatballs
1 lb. ground turkey
1 lb. ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
10 garlic cloves (I use less), minced
2 eggs
½ cup bread crumbs
¼ cup parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning

Mix all ingredients together and then take about 1 ½ tablespoons of mixture and shape into ball. Bake on cookie sheet or 13 x 9 at 350 degrees for 30 -40 minutes or until cooked.

Indian Curry Chicken

2011-08-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

Indian Curry Chicken
Ingredients: Suggested Toppings:
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil mandarin orange segments
¾ cup diced onion chopped bananas
¾ cup diced celery raisins
3 Tablespoons flour peanuts
1 cup chicken broth shredded coconut
1 cup tomato juice mango chutney
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoons curry powder Serve over couscous or rice
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups diced cooked chicken

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and celery for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Stir in flour until vegetables are well coated.
Gradually stir in broth and tomato juice. Cook stirring constantly, until sauce is smooth and starts to thicken. Stir in Worcestershire, curry, salt and pepper. Stir in chicken and heat through. Serve over couscous or rice and choice of assorted toppings.

Best Sugar Cookies & Frosting Ever....at least I think so!

2011-08-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

My ward is putting together a cookbook so I have been typing up some favorite recipes. I will post one daily or so until I run out!

Simple Sugar Cookies & Butter cream Frosting

Cookies:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
3 cups flour
1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder

For Cookies:
Cream butter and sugar. Stir in eggs and vanilla. Add flour and baking powder in intervals. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Then roll out dough (between two pieces of waxed paper makes it easier) and use cookie cutters. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes.

Frosting:
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powder sugar
2 Tablespoons milk

For Frosting:
Cream butter and shortening. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well and scraping the bowl often. After all the sugar is mixed, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat until light and fluffy. Keep frosting covered with damp cloth until ready to use.

Hellman’s Potato Salad

2011-08-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

My ward is putting together a cookbook so I have been typing up some favorite recipes. I will post one daily or so until I run out!

***This is the only potato salad I eat!

Hellman’s Potato Salad

2lbs. potatoes (5 to 6 medium), peeled (I don’t because I hate peeling potatoes and by leaving the skins on you get more nutrients) and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 cup Mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. vinegar
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

1. Cover potatoes with water in 4-quart saucepot; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain and cool slightly.
2. Combine Mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, sugar and pepper in large bowl. Add potatoes, celery, onion and eggs and toss gently. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

*I always eat a few bites when I am done and it is still warm…so good!

Recipes!

2011-08-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

My ward is putting together a cookbook so I have been typing up some favorite recipes. I will post one daily or so until I run out!

Cornmeal Pancakes

½ cup yellow cornmeal
½ cup boiling water
½ cup flour (I prefer whole wheat flour)
½ tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp baking power
1 egg, well beaten
¼ cup butter, melted
½ cup milk

Put cornmeal in mixing bowl and pour boiling water in, stirring briskly until well blended. Add remaining ingredients. Beat batter until thoroughly mixed. Heat pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease when hot. Use 2 Tbsp of batter for each pancake. Makes 2 dozen 3-inch pancakes, I usually double it so we have leftovers. My son even loves these cold from the fridge as an on the go snack!

Blast from the Past!

2011-07-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

Boy Meets World has always been one of my very favortie shows. Growing up being a middle child I somehow never got the clicker (what my family always has called the remote, which I didn't know was different til I got married). When I was lucky enough to the clicker and the time was right, I picked Boy Meets World of course.
Recently I tried youtube for my all time favorite episode "Chick Like Me"....and I found it and watched it!
Watch it! Love it! Do it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWyynilqaQg&playnext=1&list=PL43F524BD6D76E9CC

Sleep, Glorious Sleep!

2011-07-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, since returning from our travels over a month ago, we have been batteling Raya at night. I am sorry for the constant brain fog I have been in and for all my belly aching about my lack of sleep.
She seems to wake up at 11pm, no matter what I do....I have tried everything. And then at 2:30 and 4:30 and so on. I feel like I have been to my wit's end and back!
So last night I nursed her at 11pm, closed the door to both our rooms, turned the fan on high and the monitor next to the bed off. I went to bed and although I still woke up a few times I didn't get up for good until 6:30. If Raya cried through the night I didn't hear her and she woke up at 7am happy! This is glorious and we plan to keep up this routine!
A special thanks to my dear hubby who supported me and helped with the late night baby issues, couldn't have done it without you!

Crockpot Yogurt Round 2

2011-07-20T11:16:00.001-07:00

I made yogurt again and this time I strained it and wow...I mean wow! I have super thick yogurt, like greek yogurt, which is kind of expensive at the store. I used powdered milk again so it couldn't be cheaper to make!
I want a bumper stick that reads " I Heart My Crockpot!"
Off to eat my fresh yogurt with fruit! Yum!

Crockpot Yogurt

2011-07-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Growing up I remember my Oma and Mom making yogurt in the oven. It seemed like it would be a lot of work.
My family loves yogurt! Spencer eats one daily and Chad and I want to but I make us ration them, otherwise I would have to buy 21 yogurts a week. My Oma recently told me how she made yogurt in her crockpot!
Making yogurt is not only easy but economical. I used powdered milk.
Basically you put 8 cups of milk in the crockpot on low for 2.5 hours, then you turn it off and unplug for 3 hours. Next you take out half a cup of warm milk and whisk in half a cup of plain yogurt with live cultures then whisk it into the warm milk in the crockpot. Cover and wrap in a heavy blanket (I used my jean quilt made by my Oma) for 8-12 hours. The next day put the crockpot in fridge, it will help it firm up a little bit more. I think stirring it make is watery so only add stuff right before you plan to eat it.
This is the site my Oma found and used, I liked it too!
http://www.justonedonna.com/2011/04/making-yogurt-at-home.html
This is just plain yogurt so it needs some add-ins. It is probably more healthful anyway to add in your own flavorings because really, who has cancer causing aspartame sitting in their pantry. Now I am off to experiment with what add-ins we like!

Brownies for the Healthful, Frugal Chocoholic!

2011-07-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me at all knows I love chocolate, especailly dark chocolate! Well I was recently given a recipe for dark chocolate brownies that are not only great for food storage but also less calories. I am all about eating chocolate and saving calories!

How to:
Take a can of black beans, rinse them and put them back in the can and fill the can up with water. Puree them and when you think you are done pureeing, do it some more. Then add it to a Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix. Then Bake! No eggs, no oil....perfect for food storage, your budget and your waistline!
Here is the site I used!
http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/2008/09/bride-of-frankenfood-black-bean.html

They are not my daddy's homemade brownies but from a box and a can they are pretty good!

Confessions from this Nursing Mother

2011-07-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

I do not love breastfeeding. And I feel guilty about it. There it is, I said it, I confess. My mother always says that with each step of independence I gained as a toddler, the happier I became. To this day I still really do love my independence! This is why nursing is so hard for me, I feel so chained or like my wings have been clipped. Plus if she is up at night, she is most likely hungry and since I am the only one who can staisfy her, I loose out on my REM!

I recently made a selfish decision to go with the girls shopping on the base while in Oceanside. We ended up kind of getting lost and being gone a long time. Raya became hungry and was screaming for an undisclosed amount of time. Luckily she was with her daddy! However I feel so badly about this and am having a hard time forgiving myself.

I have a hand pump and try to pump out a small supply in the freezer for my freedom. This is lot of work and sometimes there are not enough hours in a day to try and pump too!

There are a few things that I do really like about nursing though. I like not ever having to wash bottles or wait for milk to warm. I like that besides my body's work, it is free! I like that it is best for both of us...except for the fact that I am always hungry and don't seem to loose weight. I have had some good bonding time too!

I have friends who nurse or have nursed and just loved it. Some simply love all the bonding time and others love the convenience. Probably due to my overtired state-of-being, I am feeling like I want to quit breastfeeding. I know that I will not actually give up, I am way to frugral to buy formula but I just wanted to send my feeling out into cyberspace and see how other women feel.

I Lost it!

2011-07-10T11:52:00.001-07:00

So as some of you know, we are crazy. We did 3 weeks of traveling with an almost 3 year old and 3 month old, to visit with 3 of our 4 families. As much fun as this was, and at times was not, now I am really suffering. Before our trips Raya was sleeping 8 hour stretches and nursing once during my night sleep. During our trips it got pretty bad and now we have been home for 2 weeks and things are still not good.
Some people have kids that sleep 12 hours and take naps on top of that (I know of a few)!! Not even Spencer does that. He goes to bed at 8 and wakes around 6 most days and then takes a 2 hour nap. Why are my kids short/poor sleepers? Is it because I am a bad sleeper too? Every little noise seems to waks me up and my arms go numb if I lay on one side too long so I am always moving. It is a good thing that Chad is a good sleeper...he sleeps through noises and all my tossing and turning. Hey why don't our hildren have his good sleeping gene?

At Church today I had been wrestling my over tired baby down for a nap in my arms for an hour. I was all hot and sore from standing/pacing and as always very tired. When my friend asked how I was, I lost it. Tears started streaming and I felt so embarrassed.

Chad walked me home and I put Raya in her crib and then attempted to nap...5 minutes later she was awake.

I have been praying that it gets better...I have reached my breaking point.

To Do a 5K or Not To Do a 5K?

2011-07-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

So I want and need to get in shape. My post-second-baby-body is less than desired. I thought if I signed up for a 5K it would force me to train.
I tried briskly walking/jogging/running 3 miles and did it in 45 minutes. Is that good or bad, I really don't know?! I was proud of it for a first attempt though. I was SO sore the next day and wanted to keep momentum so I did yoga with a TV program. Wow was I ever sore after that!
I guess I have decided to train like I am going to be in the 5K in October, but not actually sign up since they recommend that beginners have at least 6 months experience jogging before doing a race.
Here goes my own weight loss and get healthy plan!

More Pictures

2011-07-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

Nathan and Wyatt

Just Daddy and Spencer

The Cousins!!

Most of the Gang with Great-Grandpa!

Most of the Gang with Grandpa!

My Family!

The Three Fortie Grandkids!!

Brother & Sister!

naptime!

Back row: Jennifer, me, Paige and Michelle

Front row: Nathan, Spencer and Connor

Jennifer, me & Michelle

Spencer was tired that he fell asleep on the tube

wetsuit Spencer

Mommy & a lifevest that swallowed Raya

Daddy & Spencer

Grandpa & Spencer

Pictures from Great-Grandpa's Camera

2011-07-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the random order of photos, I am trying to quickly do this from Great-Grandpa's computer!

Easter Sunday

Pictures from Disneyland

2011-07-01T12:16:00.001-07:00

A Collection of Recent Pictures

2011-07-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

So just remember that our camera is broken and that these pictures have come from Chad's smart phone.

We recently got back from 3 weeks of vacation, yes we are crazy and learned a lot of "never agains"! Vacation with children is not really a vacation in the relaxing sense, however through the many struggles we did manage to have some fun and enjoyed spending time and making memories with extended family.

Mommy, Raya and the little resturant man in Oceanside, CA!

My nephew Wyatt!! Believe it or not this kid is even cuter in person!

Our little beach boy

One morning we couldn't find Spencer for a few moments...he climbed in Raya's bed to watch tv

Beach Diva

Grammie and Raya...so pretty in pink!

Sandy feet

Raya and the Oceanside sunset

When you're the best of friends

Spencer and Copper in Montana

Uncle Allen and Spencer fishing

First time Fishing

Not your average campfire.

Beautiful Montana!!

Spencer and Copper are best buds....they liked to wear each other out!

Canoing

No, we didn't let him drive it alone

Raya loves to lift her shirt to her mouth...how do you teach modesty to a 3 month old? J/K!

Playing dress up

Sunday Best
My hair about 2 months ago...I miss it!

Pictures from Chad's Phone

2011-05-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Raya and I (Chad says it is my fake smile, plus I pulled my chin back weird)
Grammie and Raya

Uncle Jason and Spencer hunting for Easter eggs

Grandpa and Spencer

So even though our camera is toast....Chad's phone does pretty well, it is just too bad he is gone all day with it. We shall stive to take and post pictures.

The Joys of Motherhood!

2011-05-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

So I had an "aha" moment recently. Like I have mentioned before, I love Tangled and while listening to the song "I have a Dream" I asked Spencer what his dream was. He didn't really give me an answer, probably because he is 2 1/2 years old and his ideal day starts and end with toys and the park. But it got me thinking...what is my dream?
I have always dreamed of being a mom. Even as a little girl, when someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I didn't give the answer people expected like a teacher or singer or somehting...I would reply "a mom". So my "aha" moment came as I realized that at the age of 25, I am living my dream.
I feel like I sometimes get lost down in the trenches of motherhood and forget I am living my dream. As there is a seemingly never ending pile of work and chores to be done, I stay so busy that I don't stop to play with Spencer or I am quick to put Raya down after nursing. Maybe it is because it was Mother's day last week, or maybe it is because Raya is 2 months old and on a bit of a schedule, or maybe it is because Spencer seems less tantrumie, but whatever the reason....I have really been enjoying my stay-at-home mom job.
I guess you have to go through some harder days to really enjoy the good ones. It use to take me all day to just unload the dishwasher and do one load of laundry with two kids, but now I get a few things done in the morning...including a shower! I try get my work done early and then take the day as it comes, making sure I take time to enjoy my life....since I am lving my dream!!

The Latest!

2011-05-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

So here comes a random post of what has been going on...

Our camera is broken...again....not happy with Nikon. Due to camera's malfunction, pictures will appear on my blog whenever they do, sorry!

We have had lots of visitors and company lately, which was a blast, but things have now calmed down.

Sickness has come and gone and come again, along with allergies...but everyone is healthy right now! (please don't jinx it!)

My favorite movie right now is still Tangled and Spencer humors me. Since we also have the soundtrack (thanks Chad!) Spencer has all the songs basically memorized and melts my heart/makes me laugh when he sings them. His version of "Mother Knows Best" is awesome and a little terrifying. When "I have a Dream" stars playing Spencer joins right in singing " I'm malicious, mean and scary..." which cracks me up every time. Also when we watch the movie he say cute things like "what happened to Eugene?" and "Rapunzel, let down your hair!" I am glad we can share a love of this movie!

Spencer is currently wearing big boy underwear while he is napping...all his doing...let's pray that he is potty trained by the end of today! (please, please don't jinx this!)

Chad is done with the musical and we actually get to see him now! We are all looking forward to the end of school which is just around the corner...yippee!

Spring keeps springing up for a few days between cooler weather and we love it. Lots of time at the park.

On to Raya...basically she is perfect! She gets 6-9 hour stretches most nights, nurses like a champ and smiles and coos all the time. (please no jinxing this either!)

That is a quick look back at the past month. Sorry I have not kept more up to date posts.

I Forgot....I have these Photos

2011-03-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

These are not professional of course, but Grandma Salerno and Mommy had fun!

2 Weeks Old

2011-03-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Raya had her 2 weeks old appointment this past week. Babies are suppose to back up to their birth weight by this appointment since they loose weight in the hospital. She was born at 7 lbs 13 oz and left the hospital 10 oz lighter. At her check up she weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs 10 oz !! I couldn't be more proud, especially since I struggled with breastfeeding Spencer at first...I guess I learned from that. She is measuring 22 inches long, which puts her in 92 percentile for height!! Now for the bad news. The doctor found some pus behind her ear drum. He said the ear was not red like an ear infection but because of her age he wants her on medicine. Raya is a bit congested so we are watching for signs of RSV. I feel like we are just waiting for her to get worse but so far so good! Wow I was going to post some pictures but I don't have any new ones!! I didn't think it would happen to us, you know the classic take lots of pictures of your first baby and then the rest of the kids get only a few. I thought since this was our first girl that we would be going crazy with the camera...particularly since she is so pretty. I will repent and take some shots!!

Labor Story

2011-03-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Preface

While pregnant with Spencer I took a Hypno Birthing class and was planning to have a natural childbirth. Women have been giving birth since the beginning and if they could do it, so could I.
I got put on bed rest for a week due to pre-eclampisa and had Spencer 8 days before my due date. My water broke at 5 in the morning and by the time we got checked into the hospital I was tired and done. I had an epidural which has pros and cons. Spencer was born at 5:53pm so my labor was about 13 hours.

Raya's Birth Story

I went 11 days past my due date which is not typical for a second pregnancy when the first child came early. After a few tests on Monday my midwife informed me that my placenta was deteriorating and the "official recommendation" from the doctor was to induce me that night or the next morning. So we made plans to go in on Wednesday. Chad took his one paternity day and we waited all morning for a call that never came. Eventually I called and found out the midwife had an induction at a different hospital and wanted me to reschedule for Thursday. I was pretty annoyed and said "No I am having this baby today!"

So, at 4:30 PM, I checked into the hospital to be induced. Who in their right mind signs up to start labor that late? At 6 I was started on pitocin and by 9 my water broke on it's own. Since I was in labor now they could take me off the pitocin and I could labor naturally. The contractions were more difficult to handle with my water being gone. Chad helped me through each contraction by putting pressure on my knees to help alleviate some of the pain. That worked for awhile but then they were too intense and my midwife suggested I get in the jetted tub. Wow did that ever help! I can totally see why women do water births. Chad sat by my side pouring water over me, trying to keep me comfortable and reminding me to how to breathe through the contractions. However, all good things come to an end and the tub was no longer taking the edge off the strong contractions. They helped me out of the tub and tried to help me find a comfortable position to labor in but nothing was really working. I could not find comfort so my midwife checked to see how far dialated I was. I was at a 7 and 1/2. I thought I could not take it any more and asked for drugs; I thought I was going to die. I said "I am done and I am going home." A few contractions later I was at a 10 and delivering my baby girl! So my labor was about 5 and half hours!

I feel that I owe an apology to everyone in the room that night. I turned into the equivalent of a laboring bridezilla...would that be birthzilla? I screamed and yelled and tried to physically harm the midwife and nurse. They had to hold my arms down at one point. I had Chad by the belt and was in the strangest side position, which did not make things easy for my midwife. They asked me to move but I just refused. I feel like I wasn't myself, I was angry, mean and violent. As soon as I had baby girl in my arms I was me again and I realized how ugly I was being. I began to apologize and I still feel very badly. To my midwife, nurse and the staff, I am sorry for my outrageous behavior.

To Chad

I realize that I carried our baby and birthed her but I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks for all your help at home and with Spencer during my pregnancy and for being so supportive in the delivery room. You are a great husband and father! I love you!

Guess Who?

2011-03-17T03:02:00.000-07:00

Photo #1
Photo #2

Can you guess who? You probably can. The answer is posted in my comments!

Our Little Girl!

2011-03-13T00:08:00.000-08:00

Born at 11:25 pm on March 8th, weighing 7 lbs 13 oz and measuring 20 inches long

Raya Renee

The proud big brother

Welcome to our family!

Pretty Toes

2011-02-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

Pink toes for baby girl 2011
Blue toes for Spencer 2008

I like my feet...ok there I admit it. I think my feet are really cute. I usually wear a toe ring year round and keep my toe nails painted. When I was pregnant with Spencer I got my first professional pedicure a couple of weeks before I delievered. I choose blue since I was having a boy and had cute little flower decales with rinestones put on them. There is something about having cute toes while delievering a baby.

Well this pregnangy I took off my toe nail polish after Chirstmas and have not had paint on them since. I can't comfortablly sit and paint my own toe nails, plus with an active, crazy toodler it is hard to find the time (and money) to treat yourself to a professical pedicure. I got my hair trimed and feel like that was a nessacity that needed to be done where as a pedicure is a luxury.

Now the part that brings tears to my eyes. I have a close friend who came over and offered to paint my toe nails! Now I have cute pink nails with flowers for the upcoming delievery of my baby girl. Thank you so much, words can't addiquitely express the love I feel from your sweet service.

Nesting Like Crazy

2011-01-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

So I have been having some cramps and other signs that my body is preparing for labor. Of course Chad's play opens tonight and I have been freaking out that this baby is going to come before we are ready. However Chad said he would leave his play to be with me in the hospital if I went into labor. I had an appointment yesterday and am only dilated to a 1, which is nothing really! I am freaking out less!
I have had help from some friends and family as I have been going through my freak out stage. A special thanks to Hailey for all the sewing help, Jewel for curtain hanging help and Mom for the package(s) of baby clothes! (And a thanks to all the rest of you that have or will be helping!) Here are a few pictures of recently completed projects. I still want baby girl to cook a bit longer but am feeling more prepared for her arrival.

Yes My Son Plays Dress Up

2011-01-28T12:24:00.000-08:00

That is a pig nose around his neck...a favorite dress up item
This is what happens when you ask Spencer to "smile big"

Dress up was always my favorite too....just ask my mom about my purple lace high heels!

How Do Moms Do it??

2011-01-13T06:36:00.000-08:00

Chad is super busy with the end of the semester and the play going up at the end of the month. We are lucky if he is home before Spencer goes to bed at 8.

Spencer has been sick with a cold since last Friday and is on an antibiotic for his first ear infection and his infected eye. This has been the worst cold for him yet, he gags on his postnasal drip and at times he lays on the couch with his special blanket and Buzz staring off into space....completely and totally out of character. I have been washing his clothes and sheets constantly due to all the gagging/vomiting. And now he is having an allergic reaction to the medicine.

Plus I am sick...like I don't know how I get out of bed in the morning. Pregnancy doesn't help matters right now either. And the endless list of must do's and to do's. All I want to do is lay on the couch and suck on Popsicles and hot soup to soothe my sore and swollen throat. Yet I have had doctors appointments for Spencer and myself, medicines to pick up, a car to inspect and get registered, a broken dryer to deal with plus all the regular chores like laundry, dishes and meals.
Life goes on even when you are too sick to keep up.

So when the child and the mother is sick and the husband is not home, who takes care of everything....the sick and pregnant one of course. I am amazed at how I can function. I have been so frustrated feeling like I am being dumped on but in reality I am being blessed.

How do moms do it? I will tell you...they don't do it alone. There is a higher power that steps in to give you strength when you feel like you can't get out of bed. And good family and friends that let you know they care and bring you soup (Thanks so much Lisa!)! Yes I feel like I have been blessed by the Lord to have strength to do the tasks before me ( like clean up vomit and bath a toddler while 8 1/2 months prego) and by good people around me that show they care by word and deed.

Thanks for the love and well wishing...I really appreciate it! I am done with my pity party now and will get back to work.

5 Years!!

2010-12-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

Chad and I have been married for five years!! Crazy how time flies yet I can barely remember life before him!
What a fabulous five years it has been too! We have moved 6 times, both graduated from EAC and then BYU and added a little boy to our family and are expecting to add a little girl too by the end of February!
I love you Chad! Happy anniversary! Thanks for being you and putting up with me!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

Spencer in head to toe Buzz Lightyear with his new Buzz Lightyear!
Making Cookies
He loves rolling the dough!

The Cookie Makers

Opa and Spencer

Malia, baby girl and me...ready to taste test!

We had a surprise visitor Christmas Eve and when asked what he wanted for Christmas, Spencer replied "Candy Cane!"

Christmas morning, Spencer opening his gift from Santa! ( Notice Malia's face too!)

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Oma's Chrirstmas hug and kiss!

Opa's Christmas hug and kiss!

Spencer modeling Daddy's new hat!

We had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you all did too! Merry Belated Christmas!

Latest Pictures

2010-12-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time

2010-12-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

Two years ago when I had a tiny baby boy in my arms at Chirstmas time, it often turned my thoughts to Mary and baby Jesus. There is something so indescribily sweet about a baby boy at Christmas time. My thoughts were about Christ being a small helpless baby even if "no crying he made" ( from Away in the Manger) I am sure there were a few similarites between my little precious baby and the Christ child.

This year being pregnant has made my thoughts turn to the Chrsitmas story with a new view. Although I am not much like Mary at all, I am only 7 months pregnant, I am not 16 years old and am carring a little girl with an earthly father. Mary had a donkey to ride, I have a nice tahoe with bun warmers. I have a nice home with a comfy couch and warm bed to come home to after my journey(s), not a stable. Plus I will be having my baby in a hospital with comforts that would be tough to find in any stable.

Thinking of the humble way the King of Kings entered this wolrd makes me feel even more blessed. I am grateful for the comforts I enjoy, even being pregant. "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me," and that he came to the earth to atone for me and the rest of mankind.

Do you remember this youtube video from last year? I still love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM

Remember the real reason for the season and lets do our part to give Jesus the best birthday present we can!

Spencer, Turkey and Pumpkin Pie

2010-11-24T19:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Trying to explain Thanksgiving to a toddler has proven to be difficult. He has the turkey and pumpkin pie part down but the "thank you" part of it all seems to be hard for him to grasp. For FHE we made lists of what we each are grateful for. We had to help Spencer of course but we think we came up with a pretty good list for him.

He are a few things that he would write if he understood or could write:
Nursery (I think this is his favorite part of the week)
Family (oh how he loves his many aunts & uncles, cousins and grandparents)
Friends (mostly girlfriends, I am still working on finding Mom's to hang out with that have boys)
Books
Music (particularly the Annie soundtrack, it is a new favorite of his)
Toys
Candy
Special Blanket
Park/Playing Outside
Toy Story
Things that GO (airplanes, trains, motorcycles, etc.)
Routine
Independence
Accomplishments ( He says "Proud I did it, I did it!"...it is from a book we read)

As for Chad's and mine list, they had a lot in common.

I want to express my gratitude for my many, many blessings. I am grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, a loving Heavenly Father and a willing Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, who atoned for not only me but the whole world. I am thankful for Temples, for eternal families and a living Prophet that acts as the mouth piece of the Lord giving us revelation. For scriptures and the Ensign.

I'm grateful for a loving husband who works hard, cares and loves me and is an amazing father. I am grateful for Spencer and all the joy and humor he brings us. I am so excited and grateful to be adding a little girl to our family. I am grateful for all the rest of my family and extended family, forgive me there are too many to name, just know that I appreciate each of you!

I am proud and grateful to be an American, to enjoy the freedoms I have and am grateful to all those who have and continue to protect those freedoms.

I am thankful for relative good health and for the successful surgeries in my family.

A few other things that I am grateful for are: good food, a dishwasher, a cell phone, a good car, friends, the Internet, bed buddies (rice bags), our home and Spencer naps!

Why does it always come back to poop?

2010-11-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

I don't consider myself a perfect mother by any means. When I am tired, which feels often, I have a short temper and lack patience with Spencer. I am continually working on this and feel that my improvement is slow but moving forward. With that said, I have given our son his first official spanking.

Wednesday I had a dentist appointment and enlisted the help of Grandma and Grandpa as babysitters. After my appointment Spencer and I hung out for a couple of hours playing and talking. While we were there he filled his pants. Since changing his diaper can be a battle I deiced not to wrestle him in their house and just wait until we were home.

I guess I cut the timing to close to Spencer's nap and he fell asleep in the car. In Spencer's case when he gets even a few minutes of sleep in the car it means no nap for the rest of the day. (Which also means no nap for me.) So I got him home, changed his diaper and feed him some lunch. He acted like maybe a nap would work so I tried it. Well after an hour he still wasn't asleep but he sounded like he was happy just lying in bed jabbering to himself so I left him there. Then he got louder and I realized he was saying "poop". I found this odd since he had already pooped once that day and that is usually it. I stopped my chores and went in to get him and change him.

I opened the door to find him standing without a diaper on in a pile of poo. I have never been so angry and disgusted.

I am actually really proud of how I handled the whole thing. I cleaned him up and after he was bathed and dressed I took him in my arms and calming talked with him. I explained that only places for poop is in a diaper or the potty and that what he did was not acceptable. Then I told him I was going to spank him so that he remembered not to ever do this again.

It was hard but I spanked him and I think it was more shocking to him than painful. I got the poop cleaned up and didn't get sick! It took me half a week to wash all his bedding in cold water until the stains came out and then in warm water to sanitize.

All in all I can laugh about this now but never want it to happen again!

Love for My Baby Girl

2010-11-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

I should begin by saying everything is ok.

As a child I would hear people say how much they loved their little baby and would think to myself "how?" Babies eat, sleep and poop. They don't talk so therefore they have no real personality...how could anyone love a baby so much? As I grew up some, I quickly learned that babies do have personalities and sweet spirits that shine through even though they can't talk yet. Now with a child of my own and one on the way, I am often overwhelmed by the indescribable feelings of love I feel. I loved Spencer the moment I found out I was pregnant. That love grew as I learned that he was a boy and as I felt him move inside me.The same is true with this little girl growing inside me now.

I remember Spencer being an active baby and feeling him move. He was most active in the evenings after dinner and before bed. Well this baby girl is active all the time. I feel her move during my regular activities during the day and even more at night. I have never been a very good sleeper and I wake multiple times at night. Now every time I wake up to use the bathroom or turnover or because I hear something, I feel her move and I mean she is a gymnast.

However last night was different. She did some strange acrobatic move I have never felt before, right before bed. I quickly fell asleep but was repeatedly woken by Spencer's cry (he must have been having some bad dreams). Anyway after my third trip to Spencer's room, it dawned on me that I hadn't felt baby girl move since right before bed, like I explained earlier this is really odd. Then every bad thought went through my mind. I began to poke my tummy and moving every which way trying to get her to move. Chad and I were praying that she would kick. After what felt like forever but in reality was less than ten minutes, I felt her move.

I am so grateful to be mom and to be pregnant again. I love this little girl so much and already couldn't imagine my life without her. How can I love someone so much already? I can't explain it really but I just do!

And the Gender of Baby # 2 is...

2010-10-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

To Infinity and Beyond!!

2010-09-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

Our camera is broken, so these videos will just have to do!

Spencer and the Pickle

2010-09-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I went to the park and then came home for some lunch. Marissa was visiting and we struggled to keep from laughing. You may hear us eating or laughing and I apologize for that. Spencer ate a really filling lunch but I guess it was not enough for he was still more hungry than tired!

The Dinosaurs Song

2010-09-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0FOZ0-VpcU
Our new favorite song!!!

100th Post

2010-09-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Spencer sings "Happy Birthday" to Malia!!

Infinity On On

2010-09-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am not proud to say that I have let my son watch as much tv and movies as he has. However, sometimes it is necessary to get some things done. Fellow mothers you know what I mean.

Spencer finds a movie he likes and wants to watch it all the time, he will still ask for other ones but there is always a favorite for a period of time. Some favorites as he calls them are "Nemo", "Cars", "Ku Panda" and right now it is all about "Buzz"! Spencer runs around the house jumping from one place to another shouting "Infinity ON OOON!!" ( "To infinity and beyond")

One morning Spencer was cuddling in bed with me, a rare moment these days. He kept pointing around the room saying what sounded like tadpole. It took a few tries before we realized he was pointing to the pictures of Temples. So we thought Temples would make a good FHE lesson which, with a toddler, consists of a song, prayer and a less than 5 minute lesson.

We got the biggest Temple picture we have and set it right in front of Spencer as we explained that the Temple is the Lord's house and that families can be sealed forever there. Then it dawned on me that Temples (and living righteous lives) could make families last for "infinity on on". Then Spencer started to include the Temple in his "infinity on on" saying.

Tuesday morning when Spencer found the Temple picture we used for FHE, (I still had not found a home on the wall for it) he dragged it to the bathroom door where Chad was showering. He knocked on the door and said " Daddy, Temple infinity on on!"

Update on Us

2010-09-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

We are getting settled into our new apartment and working on hanging up some pictures. People have been friendly and Spencer and I have been enjoying playgroups, play dates/babysitting and reading time at the Library. All three of us have also been enjoying the pool and walking path. We really love it here so far, except for bringing groceries up the stairs from our parking spot with a toddler.

School has stared and Chad is busy, busy. He feels that this year will be easier and a little bit less time consuming than his first year. I am so proud of him and so grateful that he has a job, especially in today's economy.

Spencer is busy playing with his toys, so busy that he refuses to eat ....he would rather "play toys." (probably since he got soo spoiled for his birthday...thanks to all of you!) He has tantrums and screams but we are trying to ignore them hoping they will soon pass! For the most part he is a happy little boy that brings us indescribable joy.

As for me, I am doing well. My days are busy cleaning up after Spencer and playing. I have been reading Mockingjay and am so close to finishing but I want it to last. I spend Spencer's naps either napping or working on different projects, like making books on shutterfly. I have entered the second trimester of my pregnancy and am feeling the change. I am still tired, but my nausea has been replaced by hunger. I also look pregnant. I feel like my belly just popped out over night. I have felt the baby move and we are excited for my ultra sound at 20 weeks to find out whether we are having a boy or girl.

A Lot Can Happen in 30 Seconds

2010-09-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday kicked off the BYU football season, so we headed up to Grandma and Grandpa's house to watch the game. Since we lived there for a year and a half Spencer is quite comfortable and runs the house. We all were a little bit too comfortable.

All the family crams into the tv room with the flat screen to watch the game while Spencer runs in and out with toys. Uncle Jason was in the kitchen keeping an eye on the pizzas in the oven. Spencer was in the kitchen and Uncle Jason ran to the tv room for a few seconds to say something to the family. Upon his return to the kitchen we all heard a "Nooo!"

Spencer found a bottle of Grandma's pain pills. While we lived there we were very cautious of pills but our guard was down for a moment. None of Grandma's pill bottles are "child proof" since she can't open the bottle if it is. The bottle was already mostly empty due to Grandma already using them. We are estimating that there were under five pills scattered over the stove and counter. We have no idea how many pills were left in the bottle before Spencer got to it. I quickly tackled Spencer to search his mouth. I couldn't find any trace of a chewed up pill. Still, to be sure, we called poison control.

Since the pain pills had codeine in them and we didn't know if Spencer had any let alone more than one or two...we went to the ER. If Spencer were to have ingested two pills, he would become drowsy, fall asleep and stop breathing. Even though I knew deep down that he did not take a pill, I would not have slept all night if we didn't take him to the ER.

The ER was not busy...the nurses were all joking that this was a good time to come to the ER. We were taken care of quickly and had to wait for two hours so Spencer's blood could be tested to see if there was any medicine in his system.

They had trouble finding a vein through his chub little hands, but did eventually. Once the vein was found and poked Spencer said "hurt" and then we sat there for about 2 minutes while the blood was slowly collected. He was such a trooper and we couldn't be more proud of him.

After waiting over a half and hour for the results, we were informed that he had no trace of medicine in his system....just as I suspected. Better safe than sorry, we headed home and all were in bed at 10:00.

I am grateful that it was an uneventful trip to the ER.
Sorry this post is choppie, I was trying to keep it short.

Halleluiah

2010-08-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

WE NOW HAVE INTERNET!! It has been about a month since have moved into our new place and this is our first day with internet access. I never considered my true need for the internet before.
I love Facebook….it helps me stay more connected with friends and family. I have greatly missed reading up on blogs and keeping up with e-mails. I have missed immediate access to my bank statements and being able to check my account whenever I want. But most of all I have missed jumping on Google and searching for answers to whatever questions arise… about my current pregnancy, about my tantrum throwing toddler or where to find a good calzone! I cannot express my gratitude for the abundance knowledge and connection to the outside world that is now at my fingertips. Internet, I have missed you, more than I ever thought I could. Thanks to all those who have received my phone call and researched something for me in my time of need, I only hope that someday I can repay the favor.

So......

2010-07-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am PREGNANT! I am 9 weeks along! Baby Fortie is due the end of February. We couldn't be more excited!! I am feeling nauseous 24/7 (something I did not experience with Spencer) and extremely tired, but am happy!

Seattle & Whidbey Island, Washington Trip

2010-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

I was hit by a kite

Spencer flying a kite

Spencer & Grandpa flying a kite

Rare and thrilling whale watching trip

Yummy crab dinner...the fruit of our crabbing trip

The darling Lighthouse I want to make into a Bed & Breakfast!

Uncle Dustin & Spencer at Fort Casey

Deer

Fort Casey

Hello Seattle

Grandma & Spencer

There were many, many photos taken...I can't wait to see them all. Let's cut some discs and send them snail mail!!

Oceanside CA Trip

2010-07-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

On the boardwalk
San Diego Temple

I made them stand under this flag

Cold!

In his stroller spaceship

I swear there were lots of pictures taken but by a few cameras. We need your pictures people!!

Operation Day

2010-05-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

I want to start by saying thank you. Thanks to all of you that have been praying, fasting, calling, writing, loving and supporting. It means the world to us. We feel like all our prayers have been answered, Spencer is doing great!
As some of you know, Spencer had surgery today. All was successful and he is home sleeping. This was his second operation and should be the last. It has been hard to get this scheduled with two doctors and we are glad it is over.
I feel like I have been fighting back tears all week. His first operation was scary because of "fear of the unknown" and this time it was scary because we have been through it before. Plus the fact that this time we were dealing with a toddler instead of an infant.
There is something so freighting about handing your baby to the anesthesiologists and having them walk through doors to a place you can not follow. Not knowing what your baby sees or is thinking or how he feels, this all is heartbreaking for a mother.
After we turned him over to our trusted surgeons, we went to the waiting room. We meet another couple there waiting for their son, whom not only was having two similar operations to Spencer's but a third all at the same time. Talking with them we learned that when their son was born he had heart trouble and needed extensive reconstruction surgery on his heart. He spent his second day of life on the operating table and the four following day with his ribcage opened due to his swollen heart. Then they spent another 5 weeks at the hospital before they could take him home. Hearing this story not only makes me so grateful for Spencer, but makes me realize that "everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."
Thanks again for all your love, support and prayers.

Cat Friend Revisited

2010-05-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

You may recall a previous post about Specner playing through the fence with his "cat friend." Now Spencer goes to the fence and calls "kitty-cat." Sure enough the cat climbs the chain link fence and comes to play in our back yard.
I can be in the yard hanging wash while Spencer is napping and the cat does not come over, but when Spencer is out playing in the back yard, the cat appears. Spencer gets so excited, he runs to pet him. The cat graciuosly allows Specner to do this. I try to remind Specner to be gentle but he still makes attempts to pull the cats tail or mount him for a ride. When the cat has had all he can take, he just hops back over the fence.
Seeing Spencer with this cat makes me want a cat of our own. That being said, you have to realize my lack of affection for cats. I hate how they climb all over kitchen counters. I hate how they seem to have an attitude problem. Not to mention that Chad is basically deathly allergic. Not just the watery eyes and sneezing, cats make it hard for Chad to breath. So we will never have a cat of our own...this "cat friend" just over the fence is really a beautiful relationship. Maybe a dog is in store for us down the road.

Trip Home!!

2010-05-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Chad has been busy with the school musical, Hello Dolly. It turned out to be fabulous by the way!! We planned for Spencer and I to fly home while it was Malia's spring break and Chad's busy time. It was perfect timing.

It was so much fun to see Spencer develop a relationship with my sister Malia and my parents, Oma & Opa. Malia and Spencer became playmates, Opa and Spencer became best buds, and as for Oma and Spencer, let just say that they have their own jokes.

Lots of time was spent at the parks, playing in a tent in the living room and eating amazing food. No one cooks like my mom and being home was a real treat. We even tried an old family recipe in hopes that we can keep "pierogies" in the family. It was fun to cook side by side and learn a new skill. I think they tasted really good for first timers and next time will be even better!

Spencer found a new love...Baby songs. It is an old 80's video of babies, toddlers & kids playing and singing to songs. Spencer calls it " toes toes" because one of the first songs is called "Piggy Toes." He begs for it every day, I am so glad they got me a copy!

Malia and I played with American Girl Dolls, Barbies and painted our nails. It was fun to play with her and to get some sister time. Dad, Mom and I enjoyed playing Sequence and watching movie/shows.

All and all a super great trip. Thanks you guys!! I sure love you.

Recent Pictures from Great-Grandpa

2010-05-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hunting for Easter Eggs!

Another in the tree shot!

My new FAVORITE HAT!! I found it for $1.99 and then used a 15% off coupon!

He likes to sit on the trike and pretend to ride it, or pretend to fall off of it!

One cool dude!

In Grandpa's boots

Our new favorite park, he slides down all by himslef!

Cheese!

Spencer and the Sand Box

2010-05-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

Spencer loved playing outside in the sand box. I can't remember why but he had to be in a onesie.

Fun Outings on Our Trip Back Home

2010-05-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Spencer enjoyed climbing in and out of all the rides at the mall. We tried one with money and he didn't seem to care. In fact, he looked a little scared.

Trip to the park. When the weather was nice we went to the park, we sort of lived at the park.

We went to Yankee Candle and they had a blast on the pirate ship, I don't even know how we got Spencer off!

His royal highness and the Opa at Yankee Candle!

Trip to Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens

2010-05-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

While back home we took and day trip to Magic Wings, a butterfly conservatory and garden. Also known as the "Butterfly Museum," this place has nearly 4,000 butterflies living in a large green house that you walk through. Visitors are not allowed to touch the butterflies, but if a butterfly lands on you that is ok. Before going we googled what colors butterflies are attracted to and found out that pink and purple were the most popular. My parents had heard that they also were attracted to blue and we remembered that last time we were there that orange was also popular. Hence, we are all in different colors.

I think one landed on Dad's shoulder towards the beginning of our walk. Then, Mom was the first to have one land on her watch and stay a while. Malia really wanted one to land on her.

Her patience paid off. Also, this blue butterfly was just flying by when I snapped the shot. They just flutter around all over.

Beautiful sister, beautiful flowers & gardens, and beautiful butterflies!

Spencer just ran around like a crazy active toddler and stopped every now and then to flirt with some cute girls or an older couple. We were nervous that he would touch or hurt a butterfly but all was well! What a fun trip!

Pictures of....

2010-04-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

The Sunday before Easter

Sooo handsome!

Hare Krishna Temple

Fun at the Color Festival

It is colored corn starch

Trying to decide if this is actually fun or not

Chad won 'Best Color' for the teacher beard growing contest for the month of February. Can you see his first gray hair? I guess your first year of teaching will do that.

Cat friend

Pee Pee In the Potty!

2010-04-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Spencer has now officially peed in his little potty 3 times! I have been noticing that his diaper is dry for long periods of time and when I find that, I invite him to take a seat on the potty. (I found that if I ask Spencer anything, his reply is always "no", so now I don't ask!) We are making a morning routine where he sits on the potty after breakfast and we read some books. But last night after dinner and before bed I changed his completely dry diaper and put him on the potty. He did it, he peed! This is the first time that Daddy was home for it. So exciting. How come every milestone your child accomplishes, is so exciting? I mean exciting to the point that you can't contain your joy.

We are not hard core potty training since he has to have surgery soon and that will put him back. But for now we are just going with it.

"Cat Friend"

2010-03-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

With spring in the air and our new high temperatures at 60 degrees, Spencer and I are living outside. He has spent the past three days playing in and out of Grandpa's tool sheds. He spent an hour playing with a stool. Spencer would open and close the shed while waving and saying appropriately, "hi stool" and "bye-bye stool". My son is trying to make friends with inanimate objects.

Our back yard neighbors, whom we share a fence with, have a new little cat. Spencer and the cat chase each other up and down the fence, while frequently stopping to put their arms through the chain links to play. It has been so cute. When Chad came home from work Spencer quickly introduced his Dada to the cat by saying "cat friend." My heart melted and broke. He is so smart and cute, but is so starved for a friend. At least this friend is a living, breathing animal. And I thought I needed a playgroup.

Fun Times with Spencer

2010-03-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Spencer is so smart but seems to get a little bit camera shy. Enjoy the video!

Us

2010-03-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

I realize that I write mostly about Specner. That is becasue I spend more time with him than any other person. But if you are wondering about what Chad and I are up to, I thought I better update.
Chad is teaching drama and is learning a lot as a first year teacher. He is busy with lesson plans, grading assignments and always has a production to rehearse for. Chad usally stays at school until dinner and is greeted by Spencer and I anxioulsy watching out the window. The boys get a few moments to play before as I get supper on the table. We eat and then before we know it is time for Spencer to go to bed. After the night routine, Chad and I collapse on the couch to get caught up. Chad will pull out some school work and I will work on some of my projects as I flip through the channels, usally ending on the HGTV network. Poor Chad even spends some Saturdays working on school stuff. Basically it feels like he spends like 80 hours a week on school stuff. So, when Chad gets a minute free, no doubt he rests!
As for me, I still like cooking and am more than half way through the recipes in one of my favortie cookbooks, Deceptively Delicious.

I also am working on different sewing/craft projects, some from one of my newly found favorite bolgs http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/. We joined the local recreation center and I am trying to go to the gym but some mornings, after being up with Spencer multiple times , I don't have it me. Oh and I think shopping has become a new or should I say renewed favortie activity, especailly when I save more than I spend (sometimes like 2 times what I spent) or use coupon and save 20 bucks.

Chances

2010-03-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

How many times do we think 'oh that wouldn't happen to me'? I know that I am guilty of this. Spencer needed surgery back in May. I don't want to give the specifics due to the fact that once something is on the Internet, it is always there and I don't want this to be a source of embarrassment for him. That said, this happens in 1 out of every 250 babies born and is fixable with surgery. Spencer's case is one of the most severe and he falls into the 10% that need surgery a second time.
He also has a clogged tear duct. Basically in each eye a person had two tear ducts, one that produces tears and the other basically absorbs it. The latter is the tear duct that is clogged. Since birth his right eye has been goopy and weepy. Our Doctor told us it normally goes away by 6 months. Then when it didn't the Doctor explained that he could be part of the small percentage of babies that have it clear up by 1 year old. Nope it didn't clear up by then either. Now he is part of the even smaller percentage that has to have an operation to correct it. Can you see why I no longer think 'oh that won't happen to us'?
Luckily Spencer gets double surgery, if you can say that. Since going under anesthesia has many risks, the Doctors are doing both needed operations during the same visit. Like all operations there are risks, side effects and recovery time. However, I am trying to focus on that this should be the last operation needed to correct these problems and life can go on as Spencer grows up as a normal kid. In the back of my mind I try not to think about the negative outcomes. The odds are with us and I am sure that everything will turn out.

PS I just found out that due to insurance and pre-existing conditions that we have to reschedule his operation. Inconvenient but hey it will be better finacially.

Spencer at 18 Months

2010-02-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

Spencer officialy turned 18 months old (a week ago). He is saying so many words and will mimic any word or sound you make. We are working on sentences or three word phrases, however we are not quite there yet. He can ask for things and does a dance when he realizes that he communicated something new to me and I understand what he is asking.
Somtimes he brings his little finger up to his mouth and says "hmmm" as he is thinking about soemthing! Spencer is so loving and he melts my heart with his constant kisses and hugs. He is a good eater and still enjoys salsa, veggies, cheese, yogurt and of course fruit! The tantrums are coming less...I think. He is a busy body and makes my days full. I feel like we are getting closer to potty training and that his fine motor skills are improving. It is so much fun to watch his growth and see his interests. He surprises me everyday. Yeah for being a mom, it is a job with long hours, sleepless nights(too many of those recently) and a lot of love & fun.

A Cowboy Needs a Horse

2010-02-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3_3Ri3QaiU#watch-main-area

This is a favorite of mine! Spencer often rides his horse as I sing this song. Good times with my cowboy!

Spencer the Past Month

2010-02-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

To the Moon and Beyond

2010-02-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Mommy & Spencer on Mars

Spencer on the Moon

Wants a souvenir

"Golf cart" according to Spencer

Overdue Pictures

2010-02-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

Chocolate makes me crazy!

Chad's stage for his play last month

Cupcake kitchen towels, magnet and jars for my sister

Fun with Felt Mr. Potato Head

2010-02-16T20:20:00.001-08:00

French Fry
Fancy Spud
Tater Tot
back pocket

My friend told me about this blog http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/search/label/playtime, and I fell in love with it; the blog, the crafts and definitely Mr. Potato Head. I recommend using hot glue to provide more durability (I only sewed the eyes and Spencer ripped it right off). I save Mr. Potato Head as a quite church toy. Spencer is still growing into it but I love to play with it!

Advice from a Non-reader

2010-01-23T22:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm going to be honest. This will not be a surprise for those who know me. I have never been a very good reader, nor have I liked it. However, since graduating I have had time to read things of my choosing and I am really enjoying it. In fact I may be leaving my non-reader days behind. I have read some main stream/popular books this past year, like the Twilight Series and My Sister's Keeper. My philoshopy is that if lots of people like the book, the chances are higher that I will too.
For Christmas this year my Mom got us a nice hardcover copy of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games and Cathing Fire. Due to post-holiday tasks they have been left on the shelf for a couple of weeks. I have just finished reading them and WOW! So good...no GREAT! Suspense, science fiction and romance, what more could a girl ask for? I know...for August 24th to hurry up and get here so I can read the thrid book, The Victors.
So the point of this blog entry is pretty obvious...read The Hunger Games and you will not be disappointed no matter what kind of reader you are.
Oh, Dad...if you are not sold yet, one of the main character's name is Peeta!

Dueling Vacuums

2010-01-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

Spencer got a little play vacuum for Christmas and he loves it. Not a big surprise since he loves the real thing. It makes a little humming noise that has become a constant for our home. Spencer likes to vacuum alongside me as I do, well not alongside but right in my path. Great-Grandpa also has a little vacuum shadow. However yesterday it turned into more than that. Great-Grandpa's vacuum bumped into Spencer's just as if they were bumper cars. Spencer looked a little offended but quickly realized it was a game and the duel began. Spencer swiftly charged his vacuum forward into Grandpa's. Then, as Great-Grandpa attempted to retaliate Spencer just kept backing up until he was just out of reach. The duel pretty much ended there.

Daredevil

2010-01-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

Spencer is fearless. He climbs on everything. The latest craze is to climb up on the couch, then onto the arm where he proceeds to stand, balance and jump. When he is feeling really brave he lifts his little arms in the air above him and says "wow"! He also likes to knock the little play slide over and climb on it. Slips and falls happen but after a kiss he is right back to climbing again. However, he is more careful and catious the second time around.

Anger Management for Toddlers

2010-01-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Spencer needs anger management. The tantrums are getting worse. He threw a Nutcracker at the Grandfather clock and luckily didn't break the glass. He throws a tantrum when I don't understand what he wants or if I won't give it to him. Spencer gets frustrated while playing with a toy or while trying to do something and when he can't do it how he wants, he screams. His scream is a high pitched scream that makes your head instantly throb. Sometimes he does an angry dance around the room while making frustrated nosies. He rolls on the ground or just lays face down on the carpet kicking and screaming. He just gets so angry. My child needs anger management and I need an aspirin and a nap.

Birthday in the New Year

2010-01-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

I am not sure why but I have always wanted a pair of these glasses. I have seen them in Times Square on the faces of those celebrating New Year’s Eve there. I have traveled through New York City twice in recent years, around Thanksgiving and Christmas time, and have looked to buy them. I have searched for years for “year” glasses without any success. My heart was saddened to realize they would probably cease to be made since 2010 does not have a place for two eyes to look through like 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and so on. I thought all hope was lost and that I would never get the chance to wear fun New Year’s Eve “Year” glasses. However, while in Disneyland I found a pair that happened to light up…a bit much I admit, but I have always wanted them so I went for it. It was fun to wear them and fulfill this lifelong dream of mine! Yeah for 2010!

(sorry blurry)

Day at Disneyland

2010-01-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

(sorry all the pics are out of order)

It was a cold day for native Californians and perfect for us. We hoped the weather would keep people home but Disneyland ended up being busy the day after Christmas (we were told it was a 50/50 chance). The day went by too fast and lots of fun was had. Spencer made his second attempt at pulling the sword from the stone. Oh how he pulled with all his baby might. Later Spencer was passed around from line to line as our family group paired off to wait for different rides. He napped in the stroller while Grandma & Grandpa Salerno pushed him around and sent the rest of us off for some more rides. We all met up for dinner, a parade and more fun. Disneyland looked beautiful with all the Christmas decorations. We left tired but happy.

Christmas Vacation in California

2010-01-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

Rose Parade floats up close...
Made from natural things like flowers and seeds

Made out of seeds and took about 56 hours!
amazing!

If you ask Spencer what Santa say he replies with a "ho ho ho"!

the...the...the THE GRINCH!

woke up to early huh?

A small tear fell from my eye as we left cold and snowy Utah for the warm California sunshine (ok that is a lie). Our new Fit made the travel enjoyable and we arrived ready for family fun. As you can tell from the pictures Spencer got to meet not just jolly Santa but the Grinch as well. He really enjoyed them both as noted in the pictures. We had a lovely Christmas morning with gifts and a breakfast of stuffed French toast, a personal favorite. We relaxed and ate our way through the day as we did the entire vacation. Chad and I were able to sneak away for our anniversary and I spent my first overnight away from Spencer. I think we both did well. Another highlight from our trip was going to Pasadena to see the Rose Parade floats as they were being assembled. I was amazed by all the time, work and flowers that went into the floats, I left excited to see the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day on TV. More highlights from our trip not yet mentioned include, but are not limited to: Spencer’s love of cats, hand dipped ice cream bars with roasted almonds from Costco, the trip to 99 cent store, relaxing and eating.

Pictures!

2009-12-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

Spencer at Temple Square

Mommy & Spencer

First hair cut!! It doesn't look this uneven in in real life.

Christmas Cookies 2009

2009-12-20T14:29:00.001-08:00

Here is the list of cookies I made this year, some are actually family recipes but I found similar ones online. I tried some new and some tried and true. My favorite this year is the Pecan Sandies, I included the actual recipe I used…this is a keeper and will make the new annual Christmas cookie list. We are giving most of the cookies on plates as neighbor and home teaching gifts and plan to eat up the rest!
1. Oreo truffles (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-oreo-truffles/Detail.aspx)
2. Pumpkin Pie Bites (http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/pumpkin-pie-bars-89949.aspx)
3. Fudge Meltaways (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/fudge-meltaways/Detail.aspx)
4. Mint Thins (http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/mint-thins-107762.aspx)
5. Chocolate, Cranberry & Oat Bars (http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/chocolate-cranberry-oat-bars-107778.aspx)
6. Mint Brownies ( two boxes of brownie mix and a bag of mint chips)
7. Church Windows (http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1910,159180-241207,00.html)
8. Pecan Sandies (http://www.guittard.com/RecipeView.asp?id=100508)
9. Cheesecake Cookie (http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1613,150165-224207,00.html)
10. M& M Cookies
11. Easy Jam Filled Cookies (http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/easy-jam-filled-cookies-107774.aspx)

My New Car

2009-12-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

Yes we finally got a new car. We now have a 2010 Honda Fit…I love it! I got the last blue one in the state of Utah. It is perfect. It has power locks, power windows, lots of space, great gas mileage and it has a CD player! I may seem to be making a big deal about these gadgets because they are pretty standard on most cars now but you have to realize we have been driving a car form the year I was born..1986! Since Chad and I have been married (4 years on the 29th!) we have had a truck with only AM radio, then a car with both AM and FM radio (which felt like a big upgrade) and now a new car with a CD player. Plus it has an AUX outlet for an MP3 player! This year has been the year of technology for us, first cell phones and now a new car with a CD player! What is next? I love joining the 21st century.
PS We are trying to come up with a good name for our new car. Best name so far is Blue Steel (you know from Zoolander). Any suggestions?

Spencer at 16 Months

2009-12-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Why do they call it the terrible two’s?? Spencer is throwing full out tantrums. He also likes to scream on the top of his lungs when he wants something, is frustrated or is really happy. It is so ear piercing that it causes an instant headache. (For those of you who know anything about my younger years, you probably have no sympathy for me.)
On a much happier note, Spencer is still the entertainer where ever he goes. He waves and says “hi” to all with a big smile on his face, anywhere from the grocery store, restaurants, church to the front window in the living room.
He is a smart little boy. He knows exactly what you are talking about, but will pick and choose when to obey. He likes to sit and take things apart or look at how they work. He is cautious yet adventurous.
Right now he likes to turn the oven light on when I am cooking. Once he leaves the room I will often turn it off. He will eventually come back in and find it off. Spencer will automatically turn it back on with a little flip of his pointer finger and tell me “on”. Then he will press his face against the door to see what is cooking in there.
Reading is still a favorite of Spencer’s. He pulls a book of the shelf and backs his little bottom right up to my lap. If I am cross legged on the floor he plops right down while saying “book” over and over.
Spencer is still a very loving child, who is quite affectionate and sweet. I think he senses my frustration at times and will come and hold my leg or give me a hug. These little “mommy rewards” are why I get out of bed in the morning, when all I care about is more sleep.

Spencer's Words/Sounds

2009-12-20T14:20:00.000-08:00

1. Dada
2. Dad
3. Mama
4. Mom
5. Grandma
6. Grandpa
7. Juju (Aunt Jennifer’s nickname)
8. Cat
9. Dog
10. Woof
11. Oink
12. Moo
13. Moon
14. Blue
15. Yellow
16. Purple
17. Green
18. Banana
19. Salsa
20. Egg
21. Cookie
22. M&M
23. Eye
24. Wow
25. Jesus
26. Baby
27. Santa
28. Tree
29. Car
30. Truck
31. Vroom
32. Cho-cho
33. Mickey Mouse
34. Snow man
35. Hi
36. Bye bye
37. Shoes
38. Socks
39. Book
40. Bird
41. Trash
42. Cheese
43. Apple
44. Up
45. On
46. Off
47. Down
48. Clock
49. Booger
50. No
51. Amen
52. Thank You

There are probably more words I am forgetting, plus he imitates words or sounds you make so this list is quickly growing. My favorite’s right now is M& M and cho-cho…so cute!

Pictures from Thanksgiving in Tucson

2009-11-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

Fake Snow Outing
Family Pictures

Grammy & Spencer

Oh to be soo loved and adored....life is tough, huh Spencer?

Notice how the boys are sitting like girls and the girls are sitting like boys.

The light and shade mess this one up but I still like it.

Olive fingers for Thanksgiving

The brothers went on a Thanksgiving hike

SPLASH!

Bye Bye Virgin Hair

2009-11-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

Notice the color of my hair and what looks like snow all over me? It is fake...more like bubbles, a Tucson tradition.

So I decided to dye my hair. No particular reason, just thought it would be fun. I have never done it before so I just did a 28 wash non-permanent. My hair now has a light reddish look...very subtle. It didn't take Chad too long to notice either. I like it...too bad it will just fade away. I probably will try it again sometime. So long virgin hair.

Spencer is a Mini-Monk

2009-11-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

I am assuming that most people have seen/heard of the show Monk on USA. Monk has obsessive-compulsive disorder and Spencer is showing monk-like tendencies. If the dishwasher is open he promptly pushes the rolling shelves in and closes the door. If a cupboard is open, he points at it to let me know about it and continues to do so untill I close it. Today the gate was not up at the top of the stairs and Spencer pointed to its usual spot and said "utoh". He does the same when the child lock is not on the cupbaord under the kitchen sink. Oh my mini-Monk!

Great-Grandpa's Pics

2009-11-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

Riding the Train at the Zoo
The rhino is not part of the Family.
Charge!

This guy is huge, even bigger in person!

Mama and baby

There is a tiger on the other side of the glass.

Wheeler Farm (get it?)

I'm stuck in a tree.

I love the mountians...and Spencer too!

Yes, ducks are exciting!

My little sock monkey.

I climbed the tree all by myself (Chad handed Spencer up to me).

King of the box!

Spencer saw his Mickey Mouse ears on the shelf in his room and wanted to wear them!

my boys

Riding metal elk

King of the Rock!

Jumping Crib

2009-11-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

Saturday we had a fun time taking pictures at the park, but got Spencer home for a late lunch and nap. We have lost all the binkies, except for one and I refuse to buy more since we are supposed to be weaning him from it. The sol binkie was upstairs while Chad was putting Spencer down for a nap downstairs. He put Spencer in his crib with a book and we listened to the monitor to determine if a binkie was needed. A half an hour later there were still noises coming from the monitor so Chad checked on Spencer. Spencer greeted him at the door and held his hand to his head like he often does after he hits it. Chad and I were stunned...how the heck did my 14 month old get out of his crib?
Later that night we asked Spencer how he got out and he showed us how he put his leg over the rail and then got stuck until he took a head dive! Of course we caught him but how come we didn't hear anyting during his nap time escape? We put all the pillows we could find around the floor by the crib for the night.
We thought the crib was on the lowest level but with a look at the instruction book it had one more to go. It has been lowered and we will sleep better knowing that he can't get out now....for a few months anyway. Then I guess he moves into a toddler bed. Babyhood has gone too fast.

Fall Pics

2009-11-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

Please be forgiving as you realize we just got a new camera and we are trying to figure it out.

Notice how Spencer's tummy has slimmed down.
It is probably due to the increase of leaves in his diet.

We have enjoyed raking and playing in the leaves.

Taking a rest in a pile of leaves.

Having way too much fun.

Halloween Pics

2009-11-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

Inspector Clouseau (Uncle Brian) and the Sock Monkey
The Hunchback of Timberline Middle School (aka Chad)

Frankenstein's Bride (Juju, aka Aunt Jennifer) and the Sock Monkey

Our Pumpkins

Recently Completed Projects

2009-11-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

This is called a Taggie. You how babies love to play with tags on blankets and stuffed animals? Well this is a lovie that has lots of ribbons to feel, chew and play with. I made them to be gifts for baby showers. I feel in love with this owl fabric and the other side in a cloth diaper so that the taggie can double as a burp cloth. Spencer loves his taggies so that is why I made them as gifts. Ribbon is usually expensive so when it is on sale I stock up.
I love this fabric too!

The four different types of fabric I used, I made 10 total.

Shhhh.....I made Spencer a train quilt for Christmas.

This is the back. I tied it with the knot in the center of each little train.

This is the front. My Oma helped walk we through the prairie point edge. The quilt is not perfect but for a second quilt, first without my Mom's help and first with prairie points, I am pleased with it. Spencer has seen it around and goes crazy when he sees the trains...Christmas morning will be exciting.

Alicia's Favorite Cookbook

2009-10-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

OK, I will admit it I like to cook, sew and be a homemaker. There is a sort of satisfaction that comes from making your family a good meal. Making a meal that tastes good and has high nutritional value is even more satisfying. Hence why my new favorite cookbook is Deceptively Delicious, by Jessica Seinfeld (yeah it is Jerry Seinfeld's wife). This book has recipes that have you use different pureed veggies in everyday meals, but it is more than a book of recipes. It teaches the concept of creating more nutritionally beneficial meals with purees, a way of cooking, a way to a healthier life for your family.
The idea is basic, think of the color of the food you are making, like mac and cheese is orange/yellow. Which veggies are that same color, like butternut squash is the color of cheddar cheese. So you cook and puree some squash to add to your mac and cheese dish. It works well because the brain is tricked by the color and you can't really tell by the taste. I have tried about half of the recipes and really like them all. She recommends testing them out on your family and then determining if you can increase the amount of pureed veggies, since most of the recipes use only a 1/4 or 1/2 cup. By the time it is divided 4 ways it is not very much puree per serving.
Jessica suggests making the purees ahead of time and freezing them in 1/2 cup portions. Let's just say that my freezer has about 10 different types of purees. I have been busy during Spencer's naps. Part of his nap time is usually my dinner prep time anyway. I find by dicing things in advance, the cooking dinner part is much quicker and easier with a little one under foot.
Basically this cookbook www.deceptivelydelicious.com/site/ has changed my cooking forever and will continue to make our meals more healthful.
Next recipe I am trying is tofu nuggets, way out of my comfort zone. I will let you know how it turns out.