tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6370035338826259662024-02-18T20:28:44.284-08:00Grace's GoodnessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-17180100153849892402014-01-03T13:31:00.002-08:002014-01-03T13:31:25.327-08:00And so we begin 2014....Let me first blow the dust off this neglected little blog. Honestly, the reason why I don't write here is because my life is so incredibly boring and uneventful, I didn't understand why anyone would come by anyway. Plus, I'd rather be on Instagram sharing pics :) <br />
I don't know what's different about this year. I was talking to my kids (not literal kids, my students) about resolutions and goals and they didn't understand why people were making a big deal about a new year. "It's just another day," they said. True. But for me, 2014 is a year of hope and change. Good change. <br />
2013 sucked. I am overjoyed that it's over. And yes, it's only 1 day that makes a difference but I have awesome feelings that I haven't felt in a long time. I'm excited and happy. I have a gut feeling this year will be better. <br />
There are many changes that are going to be made. This is the year for "me" and "us". We're going to be selfish. It's all about what makes us happy. We've spent this year trying to deal with the reality that we will never have our children. It's a horrible feeling. I've gone back and forth with feelings of not caring, then feeling guilty, then wanting children more than anything. It's taken me all of 2013 to realize that I'm ok with the idea of never having children. If we someday have the opportunity to adopt, that will be wonderful!! But I can be happy without children. <br />
On that note, I've decided to go back to school and focus on my career. Because that is what makes me happy and this year is all about "me". I've signed up for 3 classes this semester and am freaking out! I've seen small miracles that have lead to this. <br />
We are working on "us" by being more dilligent about our eating and exercise. I have a thyroid condition that wrecks havoc on my body if I don't eat a certain way. I've gone through a self-love journey and realized I am worth taking care of. <br />
Let's see.... there's tons of stuff that will be going on this year. Probably nothing anyone else will care about but I'll be on and off sharing my thoughts with the vast internet population. <br />
Welcome, 2014.... I'm happy to see you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-72120376885648941232012-10-19T09:00:00.004-07:002012-10-19T09:00:57.162-07:00Why I Hate PinterestI thought I had my decorating style all figured out. Well, at least I had my color figured out... red. Yeah, not too exciting there. But then I got sucked into the world of Pinterest and there are so many beautiful styles I want in my home!<br />
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The Hubs was kind enough to give me the master bedroom as my craft room ("happy wife, happy life"...lol!). I'm embarrassed to say that even after a year living here, it's still not done. Who does that?!<br />
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Well, I've finally come up with some ideas and hopefully it won't look like a mess when I'm done. It's evolved from a craft room to a craft, office, reading room. Multi-functional :)<br />
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Here are some of the ideas I'm running with:<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-28833033812633681432012-07-25T10:53:00.003-07:002012-07-25T10:53:53.165-07:00Oh yeah, I forgot I had a blog!At least I lasted a week with my reports! Shame, shame.... I know. I'm finally finished with my cleanse and have found out I'm allergic to lactose, gluten, grains, peanuts and soy! It has definitely made life interesting. I don't break out into hives if I eat any of this stuff. Basically I feel as crappy as I did before: constipation, headaches, migraines, heartburn, inflated stomach (gas...oh the gas), stomach aches, joint pain, and muscle pain. As difficult as it has been to figure out what I actually can eat, I'm very grateful that there is a solution. <br />
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I've been trying to think of things to write about. I get bored with my own life, why would I want to share that with others? With getting sick and fat, it's been hard for me to love myself. Kevin doesn't understand and tries really hard to validate his feelings for me but sometimes it's hard to accept it when you don't have a love for self. (And please, don't take this as some cry for help. I'm just trying to be honest with myself so that I can bring myself to a better place)<br />
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When I was too sick to get out of bed, I got in the habit of checking out blogs. I found one called Gala Darling. She's a little eccentric but I love her because she is an individual and loves herself for that. I was checking her blog out today and was overwhelmed with the feeling that I need to bring myself to a better place. I've made goals before but it seems like with each goal came an excuse: "I don't have time" or "I don't feel good". Well, there aren't any excuses now and I'm not getting any younger. I've decided to make a plan for myself. It will mostly be personal and I won't be getting on here very much. Does anyone really ever read it anyway? I'm hoping that maybe it can help someone who has been struggling as I have. As dumb as it may seem I'm grateful for those who have been strong and open about their struggles. Even if I don't know you, I connect with that and have become motivated because of you.<br />
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On that note, I'll see you around. Maybe soon, maybe later :)<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-59058165224905634552012-06-17T10:11:00.001-07:002012-06-17T10:11:06.188-07:006, 7, 8....First of all, I didn't have internet. Secondly, I had some personal stuff come up. Nothing that I want to talk about on here but I've come to realize more than ever that I am an emotional eater. These past few days weren't the best for me but I have to be honest with myself to get the best results.<div>
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And can I say, if I couldn't have avocados.... I think I would die. :)</div>
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Friday:</div>
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Breakfast- chicken breast</div>
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Lunch- lemon chicken and avocado</div>
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Snack- Lemon chicken and avocado</div>
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Dinner- a bite of navajo taco, celery sticks, cucumber slices, carrot stick</div>
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Saturday:</div>
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Breakfast- Salami. Not really the best thing but it was the ONLY thing that I could eat in the house</div>
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Snack- apricot</div>
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Lunch- turkey slices, avocado and celery. The avocado and celery was actually really delicious.</div>
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Snack- fresh raspberries from our garden! They were delicious</div>
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Dinner- Chicken and salad with a baby piece of guatemalan bread</div>
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Went to the Farmers Market in SLC today. It was so much fun. i found some grass-fed, hormone free meat. We'll see how good the meat tastes. I also found some stands that were selling preserves with no sugar. I stocked up on a few of those. The owner of my favorite popcorn, Pop Art, was there. I was bummed that I couldn't eat any but praised him for making such awesome hormone free, gluten free, and unique tasting popcorn. If you haven't tried it, you should. </div>
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Sunday:</div>
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Late Breakfast- turkey slices, avocado, celery. (This may become my perma-breakfast. I'm weird with breakfast foods. If it's not a traditional 'breakfast food', it makes me nauseous to eat. This does not)</div>
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Snack- lemon chicken, white peach</div>
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Supper- ribs, grilled avocados and zucchini</div>
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Snack- Chicken and strawberries</div>
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I have a rash on half of my face. It happened before I cheated so I'm wondering if it was because of the cleanse. I see the Doc tomorrow so I'll ask him. I'm hoping for a better week this week. Only 5 more to go!!!!</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-50040258753577635142012-06-14T19:41:00.001-07:002012-06-14T19:41:08.091-07:00Cinco...Today was better, no headaches!!<br />
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Breakfast: leftover citrus chicken<br />
Snack: chicken with avocado mayo, brussels sprouts slaw with lime<br />
Lunch: chicken with avocado mayo, brussels sprouts slaw with lime<br />
Snack: chicken with avocado mayo, brussels sprouts slaw with lime, apricot<br />
Dinner: Zucchini and avocado/basil sauce with chicken<br />
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Well, today I was supposed to start my job. I didn't feel right about it. Plus. I have a lot more things going on this summer than I had planned. They still want me to come back during the fall. I went to friend's house instead to go play with her adorable 5 little boys! I was glad I had food packed because we went out and there was certainly nothing I could get at taco bell! :) I've learned... always pack something!<br />
I've been less hungry lately, which I am grateful for.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-6338209333856624292012-06-13T19:02:00.001-07:002012-06-13T19:02:30.722-07:00Really... is it only day 4??I'm sorry, today wasn't so hot. I had a MOTHER of a headache. ALLLLLLLL day. I haven't had one like this forever. I wasn't sure if I could take anything because my kidneys and livers are being cleansed. The Doc wasn't in today so I'll have to ask him tomorrow. Kevin dulled it for a while with heat packs on my head and neck. <br />
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Snack- turkey slices <br />
Breakfast- leftover chicken, shaved asparagus and lemon, two raspberries<br />
Snack- turkey avocado slices, white flech peach<br />
Lunch- turkey slices and avocado<br />
Snack-turkey slices and pickles<br />
Dinner- leftover chicken and apricot<br />
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Not an exciting day food-wise because of the headache<br />
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One the bright side, I got a summer job! I will be working at Three Little Monkeys teaching classes to kids. Basically, I get to play with legos all day.<br />
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Any suggestions on plain recipes with no grains, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, sugars, preservatives, or from a can... that would be great! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-67770095592876834242012-06-12T16:53:00.001-07:002012-06-12T16:53:09.831-07:00Day tresI wasn't feeling so hot today. Maybe it's the release of toxins.<br />
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Breakfast- chicken, avocado "mayo", a raspberry (Because my vit. D is super low, I have to take a <em>delicious </em>liquid supplement. The raspberry is to wash the taste away)<br />
Speaking of raspberries, please excuse the random thought, we picked our first raspberry from the garden yesterday!<br />
Snack- baked zucchini chips<br />
Lunch- organic lunch meat and pickles. Strawberries in unsweetened coconut milk for dessert<br />
snack- Organic roasted turkey meat and pickles<br />
Dinner- Grilled citrus (organges and lemons) chicken, grilled lemon asparagus, white nectarine for dessertUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-46916743833959914752012-06-11T18:38:00.001-07:002012-06-11T19:12:51.244-07:00Day two..I have a really hard time not eating "breakfast foods" for breakfast. It's not like I sat down with pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast, etc.<br />
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Breakfast- shredded chicken with avocado "mayo"<br />
snack- approved organic lunch meat (that sucker was expensive!) and dill pickles<br />
32 oz water<br />
Lunch- more of the chicken and avocado, whipped unsweetened coconut milk with cinnamon and an apricot<br />
Snack- zucchini chips<br />
Dinner- Zucchini noodles with an avocado/basil sauce and shrimp, coconut milk with raspberries<br />
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I need to up my water. I've noticed that when I'm at home, I drink less water. It's easier to sip on it when I'm at my desk at school. I've noticed that in these two days I have not had a headache. I went from having migraines multiple times a week with headaches the rest of the days, to just headaches, to headaches every-other day. <br />
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I had a meeting with the Doc today. He's really pleased with the neurological progress I have made. I continue to move up with the chiropractic therapy as well. Before, I couldn't even be touched on my lower back, like, not at all! I would scream out in pain. Now, they have to ask me if the shockers are actually on. :) I got some blood work back and was deficient in quite a few important vitamins and minerals. After the 6 weeks is over, I go back in for more tests.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-57739030220241670802012-06-10T21:10:00.001-07:002012-06-10T21:10:43.872-07:00Finally.... some answers!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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I believe I've mentioned this before but I am happy to do it again because of the awesome results I've had. I started a 6-month program with a chiropractor, Dr. Scott, and in as little as 6 weeks have already noticed a big difference. I've mentioned my decreased back pain and if that were all that he ever fixed, I'd be a happy camper!<br />
For the past 2 years I've been to 4 doctors who have tried to diagnose me. At one point, they wanted to refer me to a neurologist because it was "all in my head". They finally diagnosed me with PCOS and high resistance to insulin. They put me on Metformin and sent me to a nutritionist who gave me lists and lists of 1600 calorie meals. I was told to try to avoid excessive sugar but other than that, I was good to go. I still felt terrible. The Metformin gave me terrible restless legs and was given the option to be put on another medication for that. I was completely against it because I'm don't like to "pop pills". (I understand there are people out there who need medication to survive. I prefer not to take pills and personally would rather try alternative medicine).<br />
I didn't feel at peace with my diagnosis and felt like there was more that I could do. I searched the internet for answers and tried different diets to help with my symptoms. I was still a wreck and never knew what would make me feel sick. Once I started feeling sick (migraines, nausea, fatigue) it wouldn't go away. Doterra oils could sometimes take away the symptoms, if not, they were definitely lessened.<br />
At my consultation, I expressed my concerns and my beef with drugs. I really appreciated the "whole body wellness" approach that Dr. Scott believed in. I filled out pages and pages of questionnaires pertaining to my symptoms. The Dr. believed I had a thyroid and gut problem. And would you know, after extensive blood work (which the insurance did not approve because it was "excessive") I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease and leaky gut syndrome.<br />
I am starting a six-week program to help fix the leaky gut syndrome. Along with various supplements, probiotics and vitamin D, I have a VERY strict diet that I must adhere to. I can ONLY eat: <br />
Most vegetables: no peppers or tomatillos<br />
Fermented foods<br />
Meats<br />
Low GI fruits: no tomatoes<br />
Coconut: including butter, cream, milk, oil, unsweetened flakes, unsweetened yogurt<br />
Brown shirataki yam noodles<br />
Herbs and spices<br />
Herbal tea<br />
Olives and olive oil<br />
If it's not on this list, I can't eat it. I will be posting each day to help me through this "journey". I'm grateful it will be during the summer because it does require a lot more planning and preparation. There are no caloric restrictions. I have to eat at least 5 times a day.<br />
I'm excited to become a healthier individual. Everyday, I will be posting what I ate. I'm hoping this will make me more accountable and help me stay on track :) If anyone has recipe suggestions, I would greatly appreciate them!! Let the 6 weeks begin!<br />
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<u>Day 1</u></div>
Snack: cucumber/avocado salad with lime<br />
Lunch: cucumber/avocado/shrimp salad with lime, a strawberry for dessert<br />
16 oz water<br />
Snack: mini dill pickles<br />
Dinner: cucumber/avocado/shrimp salad with lime, a strawberry for dessert<br />
32 oz water<br />
(Can you tell I don't know what I'm doing yet??)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-54304587413577361622012-04-25T20:42:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:42:19.619-07:00Oh, how life changes! Yes, yes it does. So... I was all excited about school and... now I'm not. Let's just say I am terribly disappointed with the University of Phoenix and will never recommend them. <br />
I had a really difficult time. I was pretty depressed because I didn't know what to do with my life. I have felt stuck and didn't know which path to take. I felt like life had stamped a reject sign on my forehead. A little dramatic much??? Yes, I know. But that's how I felt. I am grateful for such a loving, supportive husband who picks me up when I'm down and gives me wings to fly. <br />
Kevin has been seeing a chiropractor for quite a while and has talked to him about my PCOS issues and back pain. (I have had constant back pain for pretty much as long as I can remember.) I went to a seminar he, Dr. Scott, was giving and loved his approach to treatment. He makes sure you are structurally, neurologically and metabolically functioning. He doesn't use synthetic medication. We had a consultation and I was so happy that he accepted me. He only takes a few new patients a month. Most insurance companies won't pay for "alternative treatment", and it is a little pricey, but I want to be healthy and pain-free before we bring in any babies into our home. I don't know what Heavenly Father has in store for our little family but we are trying to do all we can to prepare for children.<br />
Well, that's about it. We are preparing our garden and the school year is coming to an end. I'm excited to have time off. I'm hoping to find something part-time because I don't like being alone. I love interacting with people. <br />
Have a happy day!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-759558338925201162012-03-03T12:41:00.000-08:002012-03-03T12:41:25.426-08:00Pero like.....It's been a few weeks since I've posted something. Why?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1628313223771&id=ff1f4e9423bd85a141d646f53d9b104c&url=http%3a%2f%2fus.123rf.com%2f400wm%2f400%2f400%2fcthoman%2fcthoman1005%2fcthoman100500328%2f6972350-a-happy-cartoon-girl-student-with-good-grades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="sg_t" height="300" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1628313223771&id=ff1f4e9423bd85a141d646f53d9b104c&url=http%3a%2f%2fus.123rf.com%2f400wm%2f400%2f400%2fcthoman%2fcthoman1005%2fcthoman100500328%2f6972350-a-happy-cartoon-girl-student-with-good-grades.jpg" style="height: 250px; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 175px;" width="210" /></a></div>I liked that the little girl was brown. Hahaha! Well, my first class is almost over. It's been.... crazy! I'm happy to be back in school but I had forgotten how much I delve into my studies. It's a little obsessive. I feel sorry for the Hubs! The house is a mess and I literally have to set alarms to eat. A little much? I think so. I'm still trying to balance my life. <br />
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My intro to Ed class starts on Tuesday. I'm happy to get the ball rolling but it's going to be a loooong 2 years! :) Should be fun!<br />
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I've actually been cooking a lot more. It is one of my stress relievers. I've forgotten how much I love cooking and how happy it makes me to eat pretty food! One night I made steaks with sauteed mushrooms and roasted brussell sprouts. Another night it was salmon with roasted parmesan asparagus. Who eats better when they're in school? Haha! <br />
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The Hubs is turning the big 3-0 on Monday! He's freaking out a bit. It's weird. I remember when I was younger and thought about turning thiry. It felt so old. Now, it's 2 years away for me and I don't feel it.<br />
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Well, I have a huge paper due Monday and want to spend some time with the Hubs when he gets back from drill. Have a wonderful day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-54547529567133160772012-01-26T09:14:00.000-08:002012-01-26T09:14:43.649-08:00“Mini Cabbages”Where have brussel sprouts been all my life?? Have you eaten them lately? Oh my goodness. I used to think they were little balls of despair. Maybe my adult palate has matured. I don’t know but they….are….amazing!!<br />
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<a href="http://veganbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/2008-11-brussels-sprouts.jpg"><img alt="Cumin Braised Brussels Sprouts" class="size-medium wp-image-675" height="240" src="http://veganbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/2008-11-brussels-sprouts.jpg" title="2008-11-brussels-sprouts" width="320" /></a><br />
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Kevin was the first one to suggest them. But only the fresh ones, frozen are gross. I jumped on it because he HATES vegetables. It’s always a fight. Well, He wanted them steamed with a little lemon juice. I still thought they looked/smelled weird so I opted out. He kind of forgot about them and they got lost in the vegetable bin abyss. I’d seen them there and thought it would be time to throw them out. However, these little guys were still going strong. When I saw the nutritionist, she said it was important for me to eat my vegetables and as they were the only ones in the house, I nervously pulled them out of the fridge. The fresh ones look cuter, so maybe it wasn’t going to be so bad. I fried them in a teeny bit Herbs de Provence flavored oil and seasoned them with some Peri-Peri. (It’s a grinder mix that we found. It’s fabulous but sadly only sold in South Africa. Thank goodness for the internet!) After they browned a bit, I added some lemon juice. It was heaven! Oh my gosh, they were seriously amazing! I never remember to take pictures of things but they looked pretty much like this picture I stole from Google. Try 'em out... they're delish!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-43128287603206107482012-01-22T20:37:00.000-08:002012-01-22T20:37:42.270-08:00Offended...<div style="text-align: center;">*Warning* This post may or may not be filled with word-vomit.</div>What I'm about to say may offend some people...of that, I am sorry. I've had some stuff on my mind which I wanted to share. I am so grateful for people who have been open and honest on their blogs and who have helped me see things in a different light.<br />
<u>Ya dum-dum!</u><br />
We all go through different trials in life. Sometimes we may look at someone who is confiding in us and have that thought creep up, "Um...that's really not that bad, friend..." However, what may be difficult for one person may not be difficult for another. And because we may not understand why someone is having a hard time, we may say dumb things.<br />
May I share some of my favorites:<br />
"When are you going to have kids?" (Harmless enough, right?)<br />
"Are you pregnant yet?" (Ok, hold your horses)<br />
"You've gained weight, are you pregnant?" (Can I punch you in the face?)<br />
Probably my ultimate favorite:<br />
"When are you going to quit being selfish and have babies?" (Smile, nod, and run away)<br />
I can't say how many times I've heard things like this and, especially during my low points, it tore me up inside. I couldn't believe how insensitive and nosy people were. I hated going out. I hated people. I was angry with myself, angry with people, angry with God. But what does that do to you? It breaks you down. As I've gotten come to terms with what has been dealt to me, I've come to realize that people aren't out to get me and sometimes people with good intentions say dumb things. Is that their fault? No. But I also have a right to feel and express my feelings. <br />
<u>To be or not to be...</u><br />
I have this amazing friend, one of my best, who found out she was pregnant....and with twins. She was worried about telling me because she didn't want to hurt my feelings. We talked about it the other day and I was amazed by how loving and sensitive she was about my situation. I felt bad that she didn't feel like she could shout it from the mountain tops. It's not her fault I can't have kids. However, it really did mean a lot that she wanted to make sure I was ok. I was grateful that we could be honest with each other, that I could tell her that it was hard to hear at first, and that she didn't get upset with me for expressing my feelings. I am so excited for her! She is an amazing mother with the cute little girl she has now. These twins are so lucky to have her and I'm so excited to be able to have new babies close that I can hold :) <br />
In talking with her and thinking about it since, it has helped me understand the difference between being offeneded and feeling emotion. Someone who can't have children can chose to be offended when someone who is pregnant complains about pregnancy syptoms. They can go off on how insensitive that person is or how "I would give anything to have morning sickness". They can choose to be bitter and turn their nose at every baby bump. Or, you can give yourself the right to feel sad and then let it go. I recently found out my nephew's wife is pregnant. Did it suck? Yes. I bawled like a baby. Not only did I feel old but I am going to become a great-aunt before I get to be a mother. But I chose to let go, to get it out of my system and be done with it. Can I tell you something? It was so refreshing. I didn't let the anger stay and destroy me. <br />
I guess what I wanted to say with all this is, <br />
1. Let yourself feel. You have that right. Give yourself a moment but don't let it consume you. Life will suck and it will bring you and others around you down. <br />
2. People say dumb things. Most of the time, it's not meant to be rude. <br />
3. It's ok to be honest. Maybe that person has no idea that what they said can be hurtful. Talk about things and listen. It's ok to cry. That doesn't make you a weak person. Be honest with yourself and your emotions. <br />
3. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Things happen for a reason, I truly believe that. Don't wait to be happy. Be happy now. If you can't do it by yourself, ask for help. That's what family, church leaders, friends, doctors, counselors and the Lord are for. It's ok to not have all the answers.<br />
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On that note, happy Sabbath!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-89983686393819867452012-01-06T07:34:00.001-08:002012-01-06T07:34:52.883-08:00January-HealthThose of you who really know me know I’m kind of a goofball. I think that’s why I enjoy working at a Junior High. Well, here’s a random fact about me. I always have to have a plan. Pretty much, I can’t function without a plan. If I don’t have a schedule or routine for the day, I don’t accomplish anything. I need a month plan, year plan, a 5-year plan and so on. However, I LOVE an adventure. My favorite thing to do is visit the unknown. When I was in France, my absolute favorite past-time was to take the metro, get off at a random stop, and just wander. It became my new passion. I love discovering new, unfamiliar places. With that said, I’m so excited for a new year. It’s like a clean slate, a fresh start! I’m excited for what adventures this year will hold and new things to discover. However, I need to have something to work toward or else I don’t think I will fully be able to take advantage of this new year. <br />
<br />
This past year was…hard. There were some awesome things that happened. We celebrated our first wedding anniversary! Yahoo! We bought our first home and I have loved making it our own. We had our first little garden and it was a little intense. Haha! We had the blessing of going to Guatemala in December. It was wonderful to see friends and family. I had always wanted to show Kevin the places where I’d served my mission and was so happy that he loved it, too. We were able to go to the Xela temple dedication and even do a session. It was beautiful. <br />
<br />
I’ve been really frustrated with the symptoms of PCOS. I’ve been researching and trying different diets, supplements, and medications but nothing has really been able to help as I have hoped. I get so frustrated about the migraines, nausea, dizziness and weight gain that I haven’t been the best person to live with. My poor husband is a real trooper!<br />
<br />
I’ve decided that this year needs to be the year for change. We’ve decided against fertility treatments and/or adoption until I get my symptoms more under control. I want to be as healthy as I can before we bring a little one into our home. With that said, we’ve decided to make monthly goals as individuals and as a couple. I’ve decided that January is the month for health. I’ve gone to see a nutritionist who has given me an eating and exercise plan. She was really great. I’m grateful that she made me see weight-loss in a different light. She said that because it’s so difficult to loose weight with PCOS, I may never reach my goal weight. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t be healthier. She wanted me to disassociate my success with weight –loss but instead find success in reaching goals and becoming healthier. It’s frustrating to hear and yes, tears were shed, but it’s a start. The goals aren’t overwhelming but they are challenging. I’m excited to get the ball rolling and get better this year. If anyone has advice on how they’ve dealt with PCOS, it would be greatly appreciated!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-25219972492261649572011-12-18T20:40:00.000-08:002011-12-21T17:36:43.713-08:00Life is for learning... I never realized how many people deal with infertility. I'm no rocket scientist but I don't really consider myself a complete idiot, either. However, I kind of thought having a baby would kind of be a piece of cake. Not because I'm better than anyone else but the joke was always, "I'm brown, I'll probably have babies like rabbits!" After getting sick and doing more research on PCOS and infertility, I've learned that there are many, many couples struggling with infertility. After I'd passed thru many phases of denial and anger, I've come to truly appreciate those who have been so open with their pain and struggle. It's a comfort that there are people out there who really know what I am feeling and share ways to cope. As much as people try to be sensitive and give words of "comfort", it's not the same. Not that I don't appreciate people trying to be sensitive, because I do, it's just different. I've come a long way, I feel. I hated being angry all the time: angry with myself, angry with God, angry with couples who got pregnant so quickly, angry with everyone. The anger was easier to deal with the pain. The pain of feeling inadequate, of feeling like I couldn't fulfill my role as a woman, the pain of feeling like I was letting my husband and family down. I feel very blessed that I've had so many people to lean on. It's getting better... I'm getting better. I still get upset with myself that I can't just be completely happy for those who get pregnant and share their joy. I hate that there is still a sting. But, life is for learning. I'm now grateful for that which I have learned in this journey. I can't say that I always have been or looked at it as a "learning experience", but I'm still learning. I have a long way to go.<br />
I found this on a blog of a couple who is also struggling with infertility. I haven't reached this point yet, of feeling this way, but I really hope that as we continue on until that day when we will somehow have a little one bless our home, it's great motivation to have "joy in the journey".<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">"There are women that become mothers without effort, without thought, without patience or loss and though they are good mothers and love their children, I know that I will be better.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I will be better not because of genetics, or money or because I have read more books but because I have struggled and toiled for this child.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I have longed and waited. I have cried and prayed.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I have endured and planned over and over again.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Like most things in life, the people who truly have appreciation are those who have struggled to attain their dreams.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I will notice everything about my child.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I will take time to watch my child sleep, explore and discover. I will marvel at this miracle every day for the rest of my life.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I will be happy when I wake in the middle of the night to the sound of my child, knowing that I can comfort, hold and feed him and that I am not waking to take another temperature, pop another pill, take another shot or cry tears of a broken dream.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">My dream will be crying for me.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I count myself lucky in this sense; that God has given me this insight, this special vision with which I will look upon my child that my friends will not see.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Whether I parent a child I actually give birth to or a child that God leads me to, I will not be careless with my love.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I will be a better mother for all that I have endured. I am a better wife, a better aunt, a better daughter, neighbor, friend and sister because I have known pain.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I know disillusionment as I have been betrayed by my own body. I have been tried by fire and hell many never face, yet given time, I stood tall.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I have prevailed.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I have succeeded.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I have won.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">So now, when others hurt around me, I do not run from their pain in order to save myself discomfort.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I see it, mourn it, and join them in theirs.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I listen.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">And even though I cannot make it better, I can make it less lonely.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I have learned the immense power of another hand holding tight to mine, of other eyes that moisten as they learn to accept the harsh truth and when life is beyond hard.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I have learned a compassion that only comes with walking in those shoes.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I have learned to appreciate life.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Yes, I will be a wonderful mother."</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">-unknown<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-61296155659989329332011-11-14T13:59:00.000-08:002011-11-14T13:59:11.141-08:00It's almost turkey day!!I can’t believe how fast time is flying! I’d like to press pause for a bit, just to catch my breath. <br />
<br />
<br />
I’m super excited for my family who is living it up in Guatemala! My parents, two brothers and their families flew down for the Quetzaltenango, Guatemala temple open house. I’ve been messaging my brother back and forth (Oh the joys of technology!) and he told me there were over 15,000 people who visited the temple in one day! How awesome is that? I’m kind of jealous that they are all together having fun but am so grateful and excited to go with my other half. I’ve wanted to take Kevin down to Guate to see the places that I fell in love with. It’s our first trip out of the country together and definitely not the last. <br />
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I’ve really been trying to reduce my stress lately. The more I’ve read about it, the more I see how stress is and has affected my health. One thing that has helped me out is to write a list of goals for the month, week and day. It may sound like a lot but I’ve noticed that when I take a few minutes each day to plan, things go a lot smoother and I actually have more time to do the things I want/need to do. We’ve been taking time each family night to make plans for the week. <br />
<br />
Another thing that has helped to relieve some stress is our new “command” station. I’ve put up a calendar and some white boards on our pantry door. The calendar has all of the events for the week/month. We have a white board for our weekly menu (which I still need to catch up on) and one for each of us. I need down time after work so I don’t do any house work until after my 45 min of down time. Kevin likes to come in and just list things off for me to do. He does that so he won’t forget and I just get frustrated. Now, if he needs me to do something, he writes it down on the white board. And as for his white board, I write what I need him to do. I can’t touch his jobs once they are on the white board. He has all week to finish them and then has un-interrupted game time on Saturday. It may seem complicated but really, it does relieve a lot of stress from me. <br />
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How do you do to relieve stress?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-7851732400213037572011-11-06T19:33:00.000-08:002011-11-06T19:33:50.128-08:00Some Yummies and an Update<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">It’s been a while, I know, but life hasn’t been too exciting. Life has been great, yes, but nothing much to report.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve been trying to get my health issues under control. I was on Metformin to regulate my blood sugar but wanted to see if I could control it naturally. I’ve been trying to cut out sugar and am grateful that I get migraines if I eat too much. I’m not grateful for the pain but that my body is telling me what it can take and what it can’t. I’ve been feeling off so I’m back on a smaller dose of Metformin. I’ve been trying to eat healthier and even thou this blasted weight doesn’t want to come off, I feel better and have less “low’s”. I wanted to share two yummies that I’ve made recently. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Turkey Wrap<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">-Turkey tenderloin strips</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Taco seasoning</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Low carb, whole-wheat tortilla</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Ripe Avocado</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Lemon pepper</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cut turkey into bite-size pieces, cook with taco seasoning. While it’s cooking, smash up an avocado and season with lemon pepper. Spread a hearty amount on tortilla and enjoy!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Choc-Banana Ice Cream<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">-Frozen Banana(I bought a whole bunch of bananas, cut them up , put them in a freezer bag and threw them in the freezer)</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Almond Milk (I used vanilla flavored, unsweetened almond milk. I’ve cut dairy milk out because of the sugars)</div><div class="MsoNormal">-A handful of sugar-free chocolate chips (they’re kind of hard to find. Wal-Mart has them sometimes and I usually stock up when they do)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Throw everything into the blender, pulse and enjoy!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As some of you may know, they will be dedicating the Quetzaltenango, Guatemala temple in December. My awesome sister-in-law, who works for Delta, has given us some of her buddy passes to fly down to see the temple! Sweet!! I’m super OCD about random things, traveling being one of them, and found out about a month ago that I needed to reapply for a passport because my name changed…say what?? I was lucky to get a new on in less than two weeks but that was after paying an arm and a leg to make sure it was expedited. Oh geez! We were going to spend Christmas in Guatemala because there is nothing like a Latin Christmas! However, because we are flying stand-by, the planes are filling up and it doesn’t look good. Instead, we’ve decided to go for the actual dedication on Dec. 11. I’m really excited!! It’s been three whole years since I have visited Guate and am so happy to show my other half the people and places I feel in love with. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t believe it’s November, the month of gratitude. We really should be grateful all year ‘round but I’m truly grateful for these two months of holidays and a greater sense of gratitude and giving. Yes, life is hard sometimes. But it’s when we look at the good that we’ve been giving and all that we’ve learned thru the difficult times, it makes life a little sweeter <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-8083927002199880262011-08-28T00:19:00.000-07:002011-08-28T00:19:39.581-07:00To sleep, or not to sleep....<br />
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It's officially 1:01 am and.... I can't sleep. It's kind of ironic. Why, you ask? The Hubs has some issues with snoring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="webkit-fake-url://03A5E5BB-9913-48CC-A5AC-BFE489BDEC50/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="imgres.jpg" border="0" src="webkit-fake-url://03A5E5BB-9913-48CC-A5AC-BFE489BDEC50/imgres.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(No, I have not pulled a Michael Jackson. You try finding a pic of a mixed race couple dealing with snoring...)</div><br />
He's tried an oxygen mask, which helped for a few hours but eventually took it off in his sleep. He's had some surgeries on his nose and tongue to help but basically... the Dr.'s were liars. So now we have a schedule of who will move to the extra bed or futon or floor (it really depends on how tired we are and which is closer) when hiss snoring gets too bad. Hubs had drill this weekend which meant I would be able to enjoy some nice, long, snore-less nights.<br />
<br />
Wrong.<br />
<br />
I can't sleep!! I've tried tv, reading, resting in the dark, counting sheep, counting rain drops (there's a nice, night-time storm), singing lullabies in my head, tickling my own face! Ugh.... I used to be an independent woman who would do what I want when I wanted! And.... now I can't sleep with out my snuggle buddy.<br />
<br />
What are some of your sleepy-time techniques???Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-4822011554032991512011-07-08T17:07:00.000-07:002011-07-08T17:07:00.856-07:00We've finally taken the leap....<div style="text-align: center;">and bought a house!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJi5hGSjKaXBxMYyhok62Di2A_NQqtH2TeE1R_Oa-Sh69qhU6PEyyAtLMNaslJj5oa7KKLHAksvMq5-fmz4swiUp6p82ujhMSib6V8-s3qM2bvc3S5AcJ24XO-KItYhcrH-qWwdoSrig/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJi5hGSjKaXBxMYyhok62Di2A_NQqtH2TeE1R_Oa-Sh69qhU6PEyyAtLMNaslJj5oa7KKLHAksvMq5-fmz4swiUp6p82ujhMSib6V8-s3qM2bvc3S5AcJ24XO-KItYhcrH-qWwdoSrig/s1600/house.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yep, we're officially grown-ups now. We close on the 26th and start moving in the next day. This is the only picture I could find and PROMISE to post pictures once we get in. It's not much of a "looker" to some but we absolutely love it. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, awesome kitchen with island, freakin-sweet laundry room and an awesome garden. Seriously, here's the list of the deliciousness we get: raspberries, grapes, strawberries, beans, corn, 2 kinds of potatoes, radishes, 5 kinds of peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos, sunflowers (for yummy seeds), pumpkins, zucchini, squash, 2 pear trees, a peach tree and an herb garden. We'll definitely be making lots and lots of salsa!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm so excited to get in there and start decorating. I've always dreamed of decorating a home and have acquired quite a big collection through the years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other news:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNG8WWn2TXDouS1jgVz0_EQ2vZ0v8tKDitmyeurAuXz4djav2FCf2T6ZxsQU33HHWjLhnQrmjWg9ZzUZ3awFpta0eINwmbo7B_D4W0meiS_2xF2aJ3EDcqdxu3eEidEWc2nj9ThCgX1ZR/s1600/map_gambia.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNG8WWn2TXDouS1jgVz0_EQ2vZ0v8tKDitmyeurAuXz4djav2FCf2T6ZxsQU33HHWjLhnQrmjWg9ZzUZ3awFpta0eINwmbo7B_D4W0meiS_2xF2aJ3EDcqdxu3eEidEWc2nj9ThCgX1ZR/s320/map_gambia.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Kevin is officially on his way to Gambia, Africa! I was totally cool until he called me from the airport. He'll only be gone for 2 weeks and will make it just in time for the closing on the house. He will be going to translate for a conference. He's<i> really </i>bummed that his hotel is about a 5 min. walk to the beach. Lame!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-To help make things better, I got a temporary position at a vitamin company I used to work for. It's for exactly 10 days! I get to call health food stores about a recall. Not very exciting but at least I'll have something to keep me busy and my mind of of my absentee hubs. I'm very grateful for this and that my parents are close and are so willing to watch Miss Els. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope everyone had an awesome 4th. I know I'm a liiiitle behind but we had a lot going on. We went to Vegas for a grandparent 50th wedding anniversary. It was fun to see that side of Kevin's family again. We didn't get to enjoy much of Vegas but it wasn't one of my "bucket list" places to visit so, it's all good. We did drive on the strip and found a fabulous French bakery. It was a little taste of heaven. We left the same day and made it back to the Nielsen home in Glenwood around 4 am! It's ok, we slept until 3 pm... hahaha! The rest of the weekend was spent with the rest of the Nielsen gang for some family reunion camping. I'm not much of an outdoorsy person but it was fun to spend time with everyone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, probably won't have much to report until after the move... yay!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-22805494162017624822011-06-23T10:36:00.000-07:002011-06-23T10:36:09.706-07:00My Lover, My Help Meet, My Best Friend<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, this is going to be a mushy post… deal with it J This goes out to my wonderful Hubs, especially after a beautiful, special moment we had last night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boo Boo, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How grateful I am for you in my life. You’ve been my rock through this year of sickness and grief. You’ve held me when I was hurting, emotionally and physically. You’ve comforted when was in need of comfort and cried with me. You’ve made me laugh when I was mad. (Ohh, do I HATE when you flash your silly smile that makes frown turn upside down…. Ok, maybe I love it….). You melted my heart when we were joking and laughing non-stop and took a break to tell me I was your best friend. You’ve stayed up massaging restless legs and even slept on the couch so I could have a good nights rest. You have no idea how much those acts of love have meant to me. You’ve been so understanding when I shop because I’m depressed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for not getting upset and judging me for the dirty dishes, messy house and for not cleaning your toilet. Thank you for using a soft, soothing voice when things escalate. Thank you for understanding when I need quality time and putting your other girlfriend (your phone) away. Thank you for telling me I’m beautiful when I feel like a fat, ugly cow. Thank you for being a MAN, for being faithful to your wife (and puppy) during the good, the bad, and the ugly. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you and am so excited to spend eternity with you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besos mi Cielo</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-58680544214410095182011-04-25T13:16:00.001-07:002011-04-25T13:16:22.480-07:00Ketchup? No, CATCH up!As I’m trying to catch up on my blog post, I am interrupted by a little man blowing kisses and telling me he loves me. My husband? No, one of the students with downs. I have been sitting at a desk trying to keep busy for more than half the day. I’m helping out with testing and it is b-o-r-ing!! <br />
<br />
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! It was such a pretty day. I want to add some pictures of the rest of our Easter goodness so I’ll leave that for another post. <br />
<br />
I was talking to a super awesome friend of mine about some consignment shops I had found. I love how that’s the new “in” place to shop at. I have a love for shopping and we’ve been trying to cut back in some places to be able to afford a house sooner than later, so I’ve made it my unwritten rule to shop only at these places: <br />
<br />
• Target- I try to stick to only the clearance section. You’ll be surprised what you find. I get everything from clothes, jewelry, shoes, home décor and craft ideas there.<br />
<br />
• Ross- I’m in love with Ross!!! I get most of my diva shoes here. Here there are no rules. Any size goes because it can all be fixed with a belt. Love that dress but it’s too big? Put a belt on it. Just can’t leave that tank top? But a cardi over it! Dress too short, put leggings or skinny jeans underneath! I get lots of my kitchen needs, frames, and bedroom stuff there. Kevin finds some nice stuff there, too.<br />
<br />
• The D.I.- You have to be patient here. I’ve noticed that you can’t just walk in and expect to find everything you’re looking for. If you take your time, tho, you can find some real gems. Some of my favorite skirts are from the D.I. I found a gorgeous black lace skirt that fit like a glove. I get most of my dishes for cake plates here, as well as wreaths to refurbish. <br />
<br />
• T.J. Maxx is a good place to find home décor. You can sometimes find clothes but I find that they are too expensive. <br />
<br />
• Plato’s closet is a great place for women’s clothes.<br />
<br />
• Consignment shops- I’m kind of picky but have found some that are awesome. There’s one in Ogden that has AMAZING pieces, lots of antique pieces. I found a pair of antique, brass candelabra’s for $20 and plan on spray painting them red. Also, I got my very first window at the same consignment shop. I’ve been seeing them in homes used as a menu board, picture frame, etc. I’ve wanted one but people tend to see them for too much. I found a great big, 8-pane, turquoise window. It’s beautiful and it was a great price!<br />
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Don’t be afraid to look around and be sure to have some time to do so. Try things on that you wouldn’t normally. I never thought I would like a maxi dress but Kevin told me to get one. (I’ve gotten to the point where I can tell if something will fit without trying it on) There’s nothing like coming out and having your husband tell you like you look like a Greek goddess! It doesn’t hurt that they’re like wearing pajamas, too!<br />
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Oh yeah, but every time you buy something, you have to donate something. I’m a little behind on that one… ha!<br />
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School’s almost out which means I am, too. Have a wonderful day and try some thrifting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-39434027832940268042011-04-13T11:31:00.000-07:002011-04-13T11:31:07.955-07:00Rock for Scott Benefit!I really love my job. I’ve been here less than a year and am amazed by how awesome these people are and what they are willing to do for each other. <br />
<br />
Our head custodian, Scott Fairborn, has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. To give you a little background on him, he was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, fought it, and was in remission. For his one year check up, however, they found that it had come back and he only has months to live. I am so grateful for the time that I have had with him. He would come in every morning to ask what he could do for us. He never complained. Even with all this horrible news, he has the best attitude and is still so willing to give service to others. When asked about how he could still have such a great attitude during all of this, he said that he wanted to give the example to his kids. That way, when they were going thru hard times, they could ask themselves what their Dad would have done. He’s just the greatest.<br />
<br />
Well, the reason for this post is to announce a benefit that we are having at Roy Junior High on May 6th!! There will be music, a spaghetti dinner, silent auction and a garage/rummage sale. The school is welcoming any kind of donation for the silent auction and garage sale. If you’re in the area, please stop by! It’s going to be a fun night for an awesome cause. If you’d like anymore information about how to help, where it will be, or how to donate, please feel free to contact me at chapinga621@gmail.com.<br />
<br />
<strong></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-77294922568567311872011-03-23T12:45:00.001-07:002011-03-23T12:45:36.276-07:00Baby, you’re a FIREWORK!!I love working with teenagers, call me crazy, I know! I don’t claim to be the teenage whisperer but I seem to have a knack. I tell people that I act their age, that’s why they like me. One thing I love is being able to gain their confidence and hearing about their stories. It’s kind of like what Forest Gump says, “… you never know what you’re gonna get.” <br />
<br />
I have the great privilege of working with some amazing young men and women. Some of them are immature “doo-dah’s”, as we lovingly call them in class, but they have still managed to find a special place in me. <br />
<br />
There’s this one kid who is so quite and defiant if he doesn’t know you. Well, we’ve hit it off and now I can’t get him to shut up! He’s trying to figure out my first name and it’s gone from “Gloria” to “Commissioner Gordon” (…Funny story to come at a later time). <br />
<br />
My number of adopted children has now risen to five. I seriously think I’m going to loose it when my 9th graders leave…<br />
<br />
Anyway, I had a really special experience today. There’s a student who has grown to be really dear to my heart. Their parents are in two different countries, they’re living with a single sibling, they just got evicted from their house, and are basically raising themselves. Despite all this, they have raised their grades in one quarter from a .17 to a 3.5. They were having a rough time today and I spent about a half and hour after class talking to them, listening to their story. It was so sad yet I felt so much happiness for the choices they were making. They want a better life and know that they have to work for it. That’s exactly what they’re doing. I was amazed by how strong they are and what an inspiration they are. I felt so much gratitude for the love of my parents and their never-ending support and encouragement. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t have to go thru those trials when I was a teen. I was playing with Barbies and upset that I was over-weight. They’re not LDS but the thought came to mind of telling them how great their worth is, how strong they are and how great they’re doing, despite the trials. <br />
<br />
I feel truly blessed to work with these wonderful people. They’re goofy and get distracted but we don’t know what they go thru everyday. This experience reminded me that instead of judging, we should love and speak kindly. You don’t know how much it can help someone’s day. <br />
<br />
On that note, I hope all of you have a wonderful day and SMILE! It makes the world a better place. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-68230858375602422152011-03-14T12:45:00.000-07:002011-03-14T12:45:12.383-07:00Sooooo lucky!!What a wonderful weekend! We just loved the beautiful weather. I wish I could say we spent time at a park or went walking together. No… we cleaned our tiny home! It’s gotten seriously out of control since I haven’t been feeling well and it felt wonderful to get some stuff done. I’m in love with Scentsy so between some clean rooms and yummy smells… it’s delicious. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Squeaky clean</u><br />
<br />
If you hate washing guy’s bathrooms, please raise your hands….<br />
<br />
Yeah, it’s DISGUSTING! Now come on guys, it’s a big bowl. Can’t you at least get most of it in the bowl and not on the side, seat, floor, etc.? To give a little more explanation, Kevin and I have a teeny, tiny bathroom in our room. We’re both kind of divas so there is stuff everywhere. It’s drives Kev-o crazy. Well, I’ve been waiting for a certain someone to come back and clean his bathroom but, alas, he’s forgotten where we live and that I was very unwilling to clean up any bodily fluids that didn’t belong to my own husband. (TMI??) Kevin made a deal with me. He’s clean our bathroom when I found a place for all of my stuff. However, I refused to use the other bathroom until it was cleaned. We were in a rut. Thank goodness that once the cleaning bug gets started, I can’t stop! I put on some narsty clothes, rolled up my sleeves, put on some gloves and gagged my way to a clean bathroom. (Kevin thinks it’s absolutely hilarious that I gag while cleaning the bathroom….meanie…) Let’s just say I now have a large, girlified bathroom all to myself. No more tinkle-sprinkle to clean up!<br />
<br />
<u>I….love…crockpots</u><br />
<br />
I’ve been trying to experiment more with a crockpot because, hello, what’s better than putting frozen chicken in a pot at night and waking up to delicious smells in the morning? (Lazy or efficient?? You decide…) Anyway, on Friday, I put some (4) frozen chicken breasts in the pot with some black beans and that turned out great. We had waaay too much chicken so I decided to make my rendition of southwestern chicken soup. It was FABULOUS! There was too much chicken to really make it a soup but it was great anyway since I have to each a lot of protein all the time. We had it as soup, on nachos, and are going to try the mix in enchiladas. Hey, I’m all about making life simpler. <br />
<br />
Boring, maybe to some…. But there’s nothing that makes me love Kevin more than seeing him next to me doing the nitty-gritty, dirty stuff. That mixed with cuddle time and getting spoiled by the Hubs makes for a fabulous weekend. <br />
<br />
Happy week!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637003533882625966.post-51839207235216236432011-03-06T20:53:00.000-08:002011-03-06T20:53:50.484-08:00Happy New Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Well, another week has come and gone. This has been a rough/good month so far. My dear Hubs had a screw put into his foot to give him an arch. They originally told him he'd be able to walk on it the day after surgery but he was having a lot of pain. We went in later that week to get the bandages off and they said the screw had come out! We had to go back in and he's been doing better now. He has to stay completely off of it for at least 10 days. We're praying for a quick recovery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> On a happier note, Kevin had his birthday!! I took him to a Real SL game on Tuesday and they won 4:1! I found the deal from one of those Goupon e-mails. It was a great night, a little cold, but we were happy to cheering for some futbol....GOOOOOOAL!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He wanted to go shooting for his birthday. My brother came a long and we enjoyed shooting his 9mm and the M4. I stink and shot the hostage most of the time (on the targets) but it was fun. Kevin thinks it's hot :) We stopped at Vintage cupcakes in Ogden and later had some tacos from the taco carts. There was a deal from LivingSocial for some movie tickets. After a short birthday snuggle and nap, we had a light soup and salad dinner before going to see the Adjustment Bureau. I had heard some bad reviews about it but I really liked it. Definitely blu-ray worthy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you had a happy birthday, my Love. Te amo con todo mi corazon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> That's all I have for this week. Have a great day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some RANDOM pics for your enjoyment :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYewEldfH5hJaHmhdS_5gxBNkvJDVziBp_Jx9ZNGl4nNmzuw5Dz51OAnPLPXG7ZaWJuKSRZeLlsK34XJX92o2b1Y4bSjn7aQ6BgFQb3e52kri8YLq_RQYdaZE-a8ijX603MAmeRx6Tpg/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYewEldfH5hJaHmhdS_5gxBNkvJDVziBp_Jx9ZNGl4nNmzuw5Dz51OAnPLPXG7ZaWJuKSRZeLlsK34XJX92o2b1Y4bSjn7aQ6BgFQb3e52kri8YLq_RQYdaZE-a8ijX603MAmeRx6Tpg/s320/IMG_0398.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a pic from when I was still trying to figure out what was wrong with me. No joke, one minute I was awake watching t.v. with Kevin, the next minute I was out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjlz0kubkfn69dMgRcalw6b_pEU9urO4O8XukDRVGSHtqgYaK9oMYq0nU01LEy6yB-RSXmF7jLzZIc8IerIUxaOZ6ufeG7QtJA82DljbDNCIyAD8L55IU46epv2YwYqVir1UOog8pA-w/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjlz0kubkfn69dMgRcalw6b_pEU9urO4O8XukDRVGSHtqgYaK9oMYq0nU01LEy6yB-RSXmF7jLzZIc8IerIUxaOZ6ufeG7QtJA82DljbDNCIyAD8L55IU46epv2YwYqVir1UOog8pA-w/s320/IMG_0399.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Same night! Like "mother" like "puppy"!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhKAyrTbqeIIc4UGnLswd91xAvqkRy03lcBN0j6x0poUP4EHkt0k8WQiG6AcIqB9u5Lb8XjaUvkTLkJax8_qaqTzZPdPM_kwkmJQ291b1Ij33vhx93oYLjhPLv0r2Kb6lZAjNvllsQDw/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhKAyrTbqeIIc4UGnLswd91xAvqkRy03lcBN0j6x0poUP4EHkt0k8WQiG6AcIqB9u5Lb8XjaUvkTLkJax8_qaqTzZPdPM_kwkmJQ291b1Ij33vhx93oYLjhPLv0r2Kb6lZAjNvllsQDw/s320/IMG_0388.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She either sleeps on us or burrows into the covers at night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeKHKlEgfIGA3oWl41T6IzIkCkkOEaNZeWvZoyPLPHIlzx6Ze1Q7PCcfMsiFF1leeX6tztFu6XZC-1af9dKIE1psEvq_dEyMlE1OhS-8VY6OtRHsikLtalaoqN_EPt2SF7x7AFToYLsk/s1600/DSCN1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeKHKlEgfIGA3oWl41T6IzIkCkkOEaNZeWvZoyPLPHIlzx6Ze1Q7PCcfMsiFF1leeX6tztFu6XZC-1af9dKIE1psEvq_dEyMlE1OhS-8VY6OtRHsikLtalaoqN_EPt2SF7x7AFToYLsk/s320/DSCN1793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what I get to go home to every night. Please excuse the hoochie in the background...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ruXClljrGYe2bhhUDo2MzPmiDbX-XGzbzBXm0f0ZKbfilhCz-Oo6a2H6rRyFOUfk7B-wQczt4tsgmuw3LIaCWfjNfBd8hVwJ8onvJMuU10GsTR6svIXT0ZDXLcMldl2PXf4c8Gq_3Ig/s1600/P1010412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ruXClljrGYe2bhhUDo2MzPmiDbX-XGzbzBXm0f0ZKbfilhCz-Oo6a2H6rRyFOUfk7B-wQczt4tsgmuw3LIaCWfjNfBd8hVwJ8onvJMuU10GsTR6svIXT0ZDXLcMldl2PXf4c8Gq_3Ig/s320/P1010412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And this is what HE gets! :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAf-eGfRZaZR43M9JoZVakcZliZr09TQvXuMV_EzGq9gntIM0NnndU3XdBxzE93SJkgRFxmlgmWraVpwrWamaZo26udWPNkREiXB8pR5Pi5F5bzOD4rems6R_XwYvlIddgMi5GsR8jvQ/s1600/P1010669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAf-eGfRZaZR43M9JoZVakcZliZr09TQvXuMV_EzGq9gntIM0NnndU3XdBxzE93SJkgRFxmlgmWraVpwrWamaZo26udWPNkREiXB8pR5Pi5F5bzOD4rems6R_XwYvlIddgMi5GsR8jvQ/s320/P1010669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Out cute little bedroom. The white is lame but that's what you get when you're renting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxqhZJB8DBTiwB5azk9w33y6iY2SP_q12eXSB3BMuLoo87X_9LrqqSYXTX0s_TwPMgmQWe4_OUwnzRmlD4apBE0nm9fTHbdOU1bBiSa-qkcfUvhrJE6bdOSxNKEWPz90LsvQm4ltkOh0/s1600/P1010667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxqhZJB8DBTiwB5azk9w33y6iY2SP_q12eXSB3BMuLoo87X_9LrqqSYXTX0s_TwPMgmQWe4_OUwnzRmlD4apBE0nm9fTHbdOU1bBiSa-qkcfUvhrJE6bdOSxNKEWPz90LsvQm4ltkOh0/s320/P1010667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More of the "love shack"... I mean... bedroom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3