tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88291957658506895912024-03-12T22:49:02.193-07:003 Boys and MommyGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-24802711210362893062013-06-02T17:49:00.000-07:002013-06-02T17:49:20.648-07:00$5 and a challengeI started this challenge yesterday. Not spending a $5 bill. Seems easy enough. But is it really? I'm already up to $20. Not that I go out shopping a lot anyway, but when I do, I can not spend that bill. Curious to see if 1) I can do this and 2) how much I will have at the end of the month.<br />
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In addition to this, I am also doing the Orange Rhino 30 days of no yelling challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIm27JgTS4yieDv7EF33UM9XbCXNLUNcHMQcvepjg8BQgUoQM9myDJnkOmOgkjW4nySjTlP6STKQsm6iKVG2ITjfwQA7vs6uBkm5BRucjSpKbQ5c6ZSs8mUb0eZAVtHDVvJ4rBftdOIhi/s1600/25a08dc9e7bfcbffb34c63dbf5ae5349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIm27JgTS4yieDv7EF33UM9XbCXNLUNcHMQcvepjg8BQgUoQM9myDJnkOmOgkjW4nySjTlP6STKQsm6iKVG2ITjfwQA7vs6uBkm5BRucjSpKbQ5c6ZSs8mUb0eZAVtHDVvJ4rBftdOIhi/s320/25a08dc9e7bfcbffb34c63dbf5ae5349.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And this challenge<br />
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<br />Can you tell, I like challenges? Mainly cause my follow through sucks. It takes 21 days to make a new habit. I got this!<br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-32803776277579107772013-04-19T19:46:00.001-07:002013-04-19T19:46:53.213-07:00Temporary BreakDealing with some major family issues, will be back soon... hopefully<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-66136531342910697312013-04-08T09:56:00.002-07:002013-04-08T09:56:50.448-07:00Busy Crunchy MomThese last 7 weeks have flown by! We are finally settling into a routine, and I feel like I have a bit more time as a mom to three busy little boys.<br />
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I've started a few different challenges to better myself. As a mom, a wife and a person. After some deep thought I realized I put a lot of time and effort into the birth of my last child. So why not apply that same determination to my everyday life? Well, cause I am lazy. We are working to change that.<br />
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Challenge #1 - Stop yelling. Thanks to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheOrangeRhino?ref=ts&fref=ts">orange rhino</a>, I am doing better at this. I even took a 6 hour road trip with all three kids. We survived, and mommy only yelled once. It was at the very end. An improvement is an improvement.<br />
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Challenge #2 - commit to doing something for 30 days. This is my weight loss challenge. I am doing the 30 day Shred. Day 1 is complete!<br />
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I've started making my own laundry soap, cloth diapering full time and made the decision over the weekend to homeschool my boys. I am trying to spend less time online, and more time loving on my little boys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCfn0QQu0DBJOgrEPOKD7RlSnsy6qVmX_pKG1j9-gT42G5qfshLoQskZZWdTkGa3fkrTOlqhDa-xs-iasnC_Pm95r5Wb4DuGwUDdFIDInJwPUCschzvcouuKVmNVEp5dLQKrY4Qk2-2ud/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCfn0QQu0DBJOgrEPOKD7RlSnsy6qVmX_pKG1j9-gT42G5qfshLoQskZZWdTkGa3fkrTOlqhDa-xs-iasnC_Pm95r5Wb4DuGwUDdFIDInJwPUCschzvcouuKVmNVEp5dLQKrY4Qk2-2ud/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kid brother with my little guys</td></tr>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-35220845954311370322013-02-18T20:02:00.001-08:002013-02-18T20:02:44.083-08:00My unassisted birthThats right... an unassisted birth. After two c sections. Say what?? Yeah. After being told with my first that I had a "small pelvis" and "too big" of a baby, I did it. I gave birth naturally. And honestly, I would never put myself though that again. There won't be a next time, but if there were, I would have drugs... and lots of them!<br /><br /><span></span><br />
I went into labor at 3:30 on Sat morning.
Contractions, were 20 mins apart for about 22 hours. Around 2am on Sunday I woke Jesse up.
I had gone from early labor to active, contractions were still only
about 10 mins apart. Around 6am my water broke, nice and clear. We had
been planning an unassisted birth, but knew we could come in to the
hospital and still get a vaginal delivery (side note, I've had two
caesarean births and could not find a provider that would straight up
tell me I could have a trial of labor). By this point my body was
pushing for me. And I was screaming every time. My throat is a bit
sore. We figured out I had a bit of a cervical lip and so Jesse started
helping me. We tried several different positions in the birth pool,
then moved to our shower, then moved to the boys shower. When we ran
out of warm water while I was on hands and knees, I was going to get
out. I moved into a squatting position and started screaming at Jesse
that he was coming. Holy ring of fire!!! Two good pushes and his head
was out, two more and out came the rest of his body. He did have the
cord around his neck, and instantly pooped on me. The big boys slept
through EVERYTHING until they heard the baby cry at 7:25am.<br />
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Things did get a bit scary afterwards. Went into the hospital about 3 hours after he was born and on
the way in I passed out in the car. Jesse even pulled over and called
911. The reason we didn't call the paramedics from our house, is we
wanted to go to the hospital my dr is with, and not the local one. Got
to the hospital and I get out of the car and just gush blood
everywhere. I had a post partum hemorrhage, just like with Levi, but
not as bad. Baby checked out fine, after a dose of pitocin, I am doing
fine. I am the proud owner of a pair of hospital scrubs. :-) I did also
tear, but not where I thought I would have. I tore on the right side
up to my labia. So I am sporting some stitches too.<br />
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Caleb
Leroy, born at home, into his daddy's hands at 7:25am on Feb 17th.
7lbs 9oz and 20 inches long. 28hrs of labor from start to finish.<br />
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-50749876214974287792013-02-04T18:48:00.002-08:002013-02-04T18:48:46.910-08:00Horrible Haircut<i><span style="color: orange;">-2 days down, 9 to go</span></i> <br />
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All it took was me cutting my 4yr old's hair to end up red faced yelling at him. He's gotten hair cuts, usually does just fine. I even gave him a lollipop to sit in the chair. And sit he did. But here is what set me off....<br /><br />He was crying that it hurt. Even after I showed him that it didn't. He kept being so dramatic about it! And he is this way about SO many things. Things that have never bothered him before. And I found myself screaming at him. If he had said, "the noise scares me" or something else, we would have talked about it. But he said it hurt.<br />
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When the haircut was all over (since once you start, you really can't just stop) I asked him if it hurt. "No mommy, it didn't." UGH!! Then why were you CRYING that it did??? <br />
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It doesn't help that he has had an attitude all day. Enough so that he had to stay home from preschool. Not more than 10 mins before we started cutting his hair, he shoved his little brother. When asked why, his response was "He was in my way". Oh man, if that is not enough to just set you off... The baby was just standing there, he walked up and shoved him.<br />
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There are so many things I hate about yelling at them. The tears from all parties, even those not involved. The intense anger I feel at even having to yell. <br />
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I have to say though... even with the odds stacked against me, my first haircut didn't turn out too bad. Now to just convince the hubby to let me do his.<br />
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-42221955106532498302013-02-04T12:38:00.000-08:002013-02-04T12:38:58.243-08:0039 weeks and counting I can not believe that I am 39 weeks pregnant. I thought for sure baby would have been here last weekend. Nope. The full moon in Dec did more for me than the one in Jan.<br />
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Just my luck, I'll have the baby the week my brother is visiting. And yes, this is a problem.<br />
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Overall, I am feeling good though. I'm up about 37lbs, so far, less than both my previous pregnancies.<br />
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-53422705223267609182013-02-04T12:24:00.004-08:002013-02-04T12:24:43.283-08:00Sleep is for the weak<span style="color: orange;"><i>Day 3 down, 4 more to go</i></span><br />
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Or something like that. I usually go to bed somewhere between 11 and midnight.<br />
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Last night I managed to make it into bed at 8:30. Just to be joined by a cute little 18 month old. He snores. A lot.<br />
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And of course I was up every 2hrs to pee. My night looked like this<br />
<ul>
<li>asleep around 9pm</li>
<li>awake at 11:30 to pee</li>
<li>asleep around midnight</li>
<li>awake at 1:30 to pee</li>
<li>asleep around 2</li>
<li>awake at 3:30 to pee</li>
<li>asleep around 4:30 after sending the preschooler back to bed</li>
<li>awake at 6:30 to pee</li>
<li>asleep around 7</li>
<li>awake at 8 cause my alarm was going off and the preschooler was up</li>
</ul>
This does not reflect the small bouts of crying done by the toddler, or him snoring himself awake and thus scaring himself. Or the head in my back from said toddler.<br />
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Then the preschooler starts off the morning by lying to us. Mommy is short on sleep, and you want to act up? Really dude?<br />
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Thankfully mommy had errands to run in town and was able to escape. The preschooler was kept home from school because of his poor attitude, which has only continued through the day. Lunch time is almost over, and then its quite time for the household. Believe me, it can not come soon enough. <br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-70670092045111353732013-02-03T12:59:00.000-08:002013-02-03T12:59:08.493-08:00Throwing in the Towel<i><span style="color: orange;">2 days down, 5 more to go to goal #2</span></i><br />
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No, I'm not quitting the Orange Rhino Challenge.<br />
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But lets talk about throwing things.<br />
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An almost sure fire way to get mom to yell at you? Throw things at your little brother. Or throw your fork at mommy. Both of these happened this morning. And you know what? I didn't yell. Oh, boy, I wanted to.<br />
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While eating pancakes this morning, Levi was not getting more fast enough. When I told him to calm down. he threw his fork at me. Oh boy.<br />
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For whatever reason, Jacob has begun to think that throwing toys is the way to go. Not in this house its not. Whats even worse, is when he throws them AT Levi.<br />
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But mommy has kept her cool. Not easy though. Even Jesse has noticed this and told me to step away and he would take care of it. This is an entirely different battle. I have to let go of the control and let him do his job as daddy. Not an easy task. <br />
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-78719796405308529792013-02-02T12:11:00.001-08:002013-02-02T12:11:02.404-08:00Mommy is really close to yelling<span style="color: orange;"><i> Day one done. On to the week goal (Feb 1-7)</i></span><br />
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When I feel myself getting to the point where I just want to yell at my kids, I've started telling them "Mommy is really close to yelling, I need...." and then its either for my 4yr old to zip his mouth, or for them to go to the playroom, or for them to listen.<br />
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<b>Things that make me want to yell</b><br />
<ul>
<li>My 4yr old just talking and talking and talking. Its not his fault, he comes by this trait honestly... but it still drives me to want to yell at him to just SHUT UP.</li>
<li>Either child not listening or following the rules</li>
<li>Things not getting done around the house (no one said everything had to be because of the kids)</li>
<li>No coffee (even though Jesse put me on decaf for the remainder of my pregnancy)</li>
<li>Not getting enough sleep. This is one that makes me really cranky. Everyone knows it. I have to make a habit to get to bed at a decent time. Plus, it helps that Jesse has been getting up with Levi. </li>
</ul>
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I told my husband I made it a whole day without yelling. He said I seemed happier. Sure, I guess. I have naturally low blood pressure, I'm sure not yelling just makes it that much better :-P<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once you start yelling/screaming you just can't stop</td></tr>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-43295569236726687692013-02-01T15:31:00.002-08:002013-02-01T15:31:30.226-08:00Maintaing my cool - Day 1The day is not all the way over, but I've made progress! I told my 4yr old this morning on the way to school that mommy is going to try really hard to not yell. But I do need his help. He needs to try and listen better.<br />
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I did raise my voice slightly at the 18month old when for the upteenth time, he got into the dvds. Why oh why do they have to be shinny and so cool to play with??<br />
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My boys love playing together, but with a 2.5yr age difference, sometimes its hard. And the baby doesn't communicate as well as the 4yr old did at this age. So they fight. And when they fight, I yell. Except so far, there has been no yelling. Mommy has calmly reminded them they need to play nicely. No taking toys from each other, and no throwing of toys. Said calmly, no yelling.<br />
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This morning my husband told me he read yesterday's post. He then goes on to tell me, he didn't realize that yelling was such an issue for me because I do it all the time. What a wake up call. I yell enough that its just considered "normal" around here. Well not anymore!<br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-44746727387607688982013-01-31T21:40:00.001-08:002013-01-31T21:40:25.385-08:00The Orange Rhino ChallengeThis is not an easy post to write. Its never easy to admit to faults that you try so hard to hide.<br />
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I yell. A lot. At everyone. Not publicly. My kids get the worse of it. My husband gets his fair share. And I hate myself for it. I hate the look on my boys' faces. I hate the way it makes me feel. I hate the mess it leaves behind. Thats a lot of hate.<br />
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Starting tonight (Jan 31st) I am enrolling myself in the Orange Rhino Challenge (you can read about it <a href="http://theorangerhino.com/join-me/">here</a>). <br /><br />Goals<br />
<ol>
<li>Do not yell at all tomorrow (Feb 1st)</li>
<li>Walk away when the feeling to yell happens</li>
<li>Do not yell for a week (Feb 1-Feb7)</li>
<li>Write down triggers that make me feel like yelling</li>
<li>Do not yell for a month (Feb 1-Feb 28)</li>
<li>Count to 10 before speaking</li>
<li>Do not yell for 365 days (Feb 1-Jan 31, 2014)</li>
</ol>
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I don't want to be that mom. The mom that is always yelling. With soon to be 3 kids in the house, this needs to stop.<br /><br />I want to be the mom I see myself being, right now, I am not her.<br />
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June Cleaver, Here I come!!<br />
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-47699738864166877982013-01-25T18:55:00.001-08:002013-01-25T18:55:54.560-08:00Hands On Childrens Museum At almost 38 weeks pregnant, nothing sounds more fun then spending the morning at an interactive children's museum with 10 preschoolers, their parents and siblings. What? Thats not your idea of fun?? Well it was a BLAST! Including going down the slide, losing my phone, my son pushing someone around and only two tantrums.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Children's Museum in Olympia</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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You step into a little kids dream play area. A "garden", with a "store", your kid can make you a meal and serve it to you, there is a kitchen in a little house, an old farm truck. Then you move on and find a negative water pressure thing. Just past that is a ship with a crane, a place to build your own boat and then send it down a "river" and a climbing structure with a slide.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4miYO9Ggko-hJRyWLXsMbj7CsExHZLbpfPz7OoWWYgM9Q8FAPVwGWTxeo8WSMHb53GEPxbY2oL0q2rZxGLu0PR18caal_jeHzzFsXGWW3dAM7REz6QoKyhdUi-oz6lUJVmBqVUFI6NFl/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4miYO9Ggko-hJRyWLXsMbj7CsExHZLbpfPz7OoWWYgM9Q8FAPVwGWTxeo8WSMHb53GEPxbY2oL0q2rZxGLu0PR18caal_jeHzzFsXGWW3dAM7REz6QoKyhdUi-oz6lUJVmBqVUFI6NFl/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Past this there is a really cool rescue workers area that my child had NO interest in really checking out (bummer for mom!).<br />
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Upstairs is more coolness to discover. I hung out mostly in the under 4yr old area. It was quiet, peaceful, and Levi had a blast running around and not getting ran over.<br /><br />Beyond the "baby" area, there is a stage where you can put on a performance, a cool air thing, and a construction site.<br />
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Levi and I eventually moved out of the infant area and went to explore the rest of the upstairs. When we were done there, I had the bright idea to go down a twisty slide. I did make it down, and thus discovered that 1) 38w is NOT the time to do this 2) feet in your ribs with another child on your lap really hurts and 3) I had lost my phone. Back upstairs I go, where I happen to find someone who works there. I asked if anyone had found a phone, and he said no, and asked if I checked the slide. Dude... I am NOT going back down it!! Sorry. He was kind enough to take a ride. Alas, no phone. *it was turned into the front desk and I have it back*<br /><br />Oh the tantrums. I honestly expected more than two, and they came from the same child. Levi. Poor kid had played hard, was tired and hungry. I can't say that I blame him.<br /><br />I know I mentioned my son pushing another kid. I do not promote bullying but if you push my kid, I do want him to stand up for himself. And he did! Sad to say, I did not witness this event, so its a second hand story.<br /><br />While waiting to play with the negative water pressure thing, Jacob was standing patiently, waiting his turn (big thing for a 4yr old). Once it was his turn, he started to play with it. Another kid (bigger than him) came over and started to shove him out of the way. My spirited little boy pushed him back and essentially told him he needed to wait his turn. Dad was there watching the whole time, making sure it wasn't getting out of hand, but letting our little man learn a valuable lesson. <br /><br />It was a long, exhausting and FUN day. I can not wait to go back and do it again.<br /> </div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-20309157190841670792013-01-08T12:53:00.000-08:002013-01-08T12:53:25.326-08:00A ChallengeI would like to issue a challenge. Can you go a week without going to the grocery store EXCEPT for three things. 1) Milk 2) Bread 3) Fresh fruits and/or veggies. Thats it. Nothing else, no last minute pizza, no soda at check out. During this week, no eating out as well.<br />
<br />
If you think that challenge is too easy, then do it for TWO weeks.<br />
<br />
Simple make what you have in your pantry and freezer.<br />
<br />
Here is what our meal plan for the week will look like<br /><br />Tonight - Breakfast burritos with green peppers and tomato (already have)<br />
<br />
Wednesday -<br />Breakfast - overnight apple and cinnamon oatmeal<br />
Lunch - sandwiches<br />
Dinner - SOS<br />
<br />
Thursday -<br />
Breakfast - leftover oatmeal<br />
Lunch - sandwiches<br />
Dinner - Stuffed peppers <br />
<br />
Friday -<br />
Breakfast - cereal<br />
Lunch - sandwiches<br />
Dinner - Beef enchiladas <br />
<br />
Saturday - <br />Breakfast - waffles with strawberries<br />
Lunch - sandwiches<br />
Dinner - potato soup<br /><br />Sunday - <br />
Breakfast - cereal<br />
Lunch - sandwiches<br />
Dinner - Chicken and Rice bake<br /><br />Monday - <br />
Breakfast - cereal<br />
Lunch - sandwiches<br />
Dinner - Hot dogs<br /><br /><br /><br />See, one week. And I have the ingredients to make all of that. Its not super exciting or anything, but it saves me from going to the store for a week. And it uses up food I already have in the pantry and freezer.<br /><br />What will your week look like??<br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-5340447281472435312012-10-19T22:20:00.000-07:002013-02-24T08:01:26.690-08:00My Caesaren Sections Part 3Levi was born at 40 weeks, at 5:49pm on Aug
1st via c/s. He was 9lbs and 21 inches. And I remember every bit of it! I
got to hold him and nurse him right on the table in the OR. I felt
normal. After everything, even though it was another c/s, I felt good about it.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTfzfkdvPxDl2J5Vw2wSmdP2HZGU2hhlSmNyEnhvOe3wVMYwWjiiUWDJJNkdAyfeWU3UB_KoK_dIxTeGwJqhsbQYANKFWKiHNhBS60aAZ3C5hBMY72chqDg5G2U61jUCkt9E59BpKndfu/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTfzfkdvPxDl2J5Vw2wSmdP2HZGU2hhlSmNyEnhvOe3wVMYwWjiiUWDJJNkdAyfeWU3UB_KoK_dIxTeGwJqhsbQYANKFWKiHNhBS60aAZ3C5hBMY72chqDg5G2U61jUCkt9E59BpKndfu/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even he looks peaceful</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor kid did not want to be swaddled</td></tr>
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<br />
10 months after his birth, we find we are
expecting another baby. Shoot! I wanted more time between births for the
best chance at a vbac. Wait a minute, I'm trying this again? Yes. I
feel like we were designed to birth babies. Modern medicine is great. I think it has its place. But babies are born no longer at home (at least not for most of them) but in hospitals. The same places that people go when they are sick or dying. Not sold on bringing new life into that kind of environment.<br />
<br />
Last pregnancy I stressed. I worried about what I ate, how much I exercised, what position baby was in. Up until recently with this baby, I worried about who was going to deliver him. Now, its no longer something I worry about. I have stepped away from the stress, found a few amazingly supportive groups on Facebook, and am trying my hardest to put my faith in God.<br />
<br />
After Levi was born, I tried to bleed out. Obviously I didn't, but the verse that kept coming to mind, as the nursed and OB pushed on my stomach (ouch!) was <br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Jeremiah 29:11</h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
New International Version (NIV)</div>
</div>
<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647">God loves me. He has plans for me. In those plans, he doesn't want to hurt me. Hmmm... Would a third c/s really be the end of the world? Probably not. But I also trust in my Lord. If that is what is needed, He will make it so. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647">This is where I finally feel ok. I can look at the pictures from my first son's birth and no longer cry in sorrow. I can cry now because they are the birth of my FIRST child and something to be treasured. I have found the love and support that I have needed all along. </span><br />
<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647"><br /></span>
<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647">Labor does not scare me. I am no stranger to pain. Baby #3 and I are going to rock this birth. Together, with the love of my husband, the support of my family, and the faith I have in my Lord to do right by me.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>To get t<span style="font-size: large;">he whole stor<span style="font-size: large;">y check out</span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3boysandmommy.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-caesarean-sections-part-1.html">Part 1</a> </span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3boysandmommy.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-caesarean-sections-part-2.html">Part 2</a> </span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3boysandmommy.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-unassisted-birth.html">Unassisted Birth</a> </span></span></b></span> </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-76329222074887056232012-10-18T10:49:00.001-07:002013-02-24T08:00:46.593-08:00My Caesarean Sections Part 2<br />
Jacob was born via c/s at 10:47 am on Dec 9th, after 18
hours of labor. He was 9lbs 15oz and 21 inches long. I was labeled
"small pelvis" and "big baby". Not once in my OR report did it say
"failure to progress". CPD (Cephalopelvic Disproportion) is where the
baby's head and/or body is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis.
True CPD is rare. Also, in true CPD the baby does not engage. Mine
engaged. Had I been dilated, he would have come out that way.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Je2_9lgxqdLhhmlGgLnr2siR0J7gJjm0YYrIWmLzYy0W_2TjsWN7hAIk_wcXWZSbj6rlBJo5Sk4yrvUoEpcSfMbydN82qp2r0TjkbiGMZRVR3ehxjmgoRk5px3-N1hxjHbDsjt6BxFoN/s1600/cs+jacob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Je2_9lgxqdLhhmlGgLnr2siR0J7gJjm0YYrIWmLzYy0W_2TjsWN7hAIk_wcXWZSbj6rlBJo5Sk4yrvUoEpcSfMbydN82qp2r0TjkbiGMZRVR3ehxjmgoRk5px3-N1hxjHbDsjt6BxFoN/s320/cs+jacob.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 4 years, I can finally look at this and smile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0T-jxxfaOv5Z3Z5FM6Fu77dSx2NUsgprb-XZO2fNxz0AckcWajVNlyEOnjWUMppe-p_JN7zD1k6uuZMo8s4ucaQYRc8EYpWwXdAHCVzU85F1swzhri6ICSzzylFGh-uprVAz2NVOGG1Y/s1600/l_986e98add1b442b28eef4a2c803afd15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0T-jxxfaOv5Z3Z5FM6Fu77dSx2NUsgprb-XZO2fNxz0AckcWajVNlyEOnjWUMppe-p_JN7zD1k6uuZMo8s4ucaQYRc8EYpWwXdAHCVzU85F1swzhri6ICSzzylFGh-uprVAz2NVOGG1Y/s320/l_986e98add1b442b28eef4a2c803afd15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost 10lbs and beat up... poor kid had a rough go of it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I
was so out of it, I barely remember meeting my 1st born. I know he got
oxygen in the OR. But I didn't feel human until 1am the following
morning. I hate that. Not to mention the side effects no one tells you about. I won't mention them here, but it wasn't until over a year after my c/s that I would truly be back to my physical self. It would take another year and birth before I was back to the old me emotionally.<br />
<br />
We spent almost a week in the hospital, between the labor and delivery. I shuffled everywhere. I felt tore apart. I was unable to nurse him. I tried. I really did. But either he was just hungry all the time, or my milk never really came in. I vote for milk not coming in. I had NO issues not nursing him. At the time, I was totally okay with formula feeding. Thank God we got WIC, as formula for him was at least $120 a month. I still felt like I missed out on something. I had never really thought about how I would feed my child, I look back on it and while I am sad we couldn't make it work, I am pleased that I did not stress myself out trying to make it work. I wanted things to be different with the second baby.<br />
<br />
So, I vowed my 2nd birth would be different. It
was... and it wasn't. I stressed SO much about a successful vbac
(vaginal birth after c section) that I didn't take care of myself. I was
depressed, I was cranky, I was stressed out. Not the best way to be for
baby. I didn't let go. I still held on to the fears and hurt from the
first c/s. Even though I changed care providers and went with a midwife
(who is amazing). Around 30 weeks, Levi was breech. I started to stress
and worry even more. 36 weeks we got him head down. 37 weeks, he flipped
back to breech. Now he wasn't just breech but he was a footling
breech.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TO Be Continued.......</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://3boysandmommy.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-caesarean-sections-part-1.html">Part 1</a> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://3boysandmommy.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-caesaren-sections-part-3.html">Part 3 </a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://3boysandmommy.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-unassisted-birth.html">Unassisted Birth</a> </b></span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-54618826481123594292012-10-15T19:57:00.003-07:002013-02-24T08:00:18.752-08:00My Caesarean Sections Part 1While preparing for the birth of my third child, I started to think about the births of my older two. Sure, I've talked about contractions and positioning of baby, but the thing I have not talked about is the thing that impacted me the most. My c sections. The more I talk to people, the more I read, the more I realize that I have to make sure that I have worked through any hidden issues I have from the previous two births. I can honestly say that I feel like c/s #2 was in my best interest. But it might not have been needed had I not had c/s #1. <br />
<br />
C/s #1 - the Birth of Jacob. This is the one that I've had to work through. My anger, the hurt, and the sadness. I have also had to come to the conclusion that my OB was not there for ME. He was there for him. I labored less than 24 hours, of those my water had been broken for less than 18 hours (24 is when they start to worry about infection). Its funny, my labor was started around 11 am. Before 5pm, the OB was pushing a c/s. I wasn't progressing fast enough. Before I continue on, I feel like I need to give some background that lead to my induction.<br />
<br />
The Friday before I had my 39 week check up. Everything was ok, but my blood pressure was a little high. Sunday comes along and while sitting on the couch I experience blurry vision. Weirdest feeling ever. Go to bed around 11pm, only to wake at 1am with a killer headache. Pop two tylenol and back to bed I go. Wake again at 4am and my headache hasn't changed. I call labor and delivery to find out if I can take something else, I just want to sleep! They ask about my BP and if my vision has been blurry. I answer to the positive on both, and am told to come in. After waking Jesse up we get there about 6am. BP is still high, I still have this headache but no protein in my urine (this is good). Around 9am, one of the OBs from my drs office comes to check on me. Now, keep in mind, I have been 80% effaced and 3-4 cm dilated for WEEKS now. By now, my headache has finally gone away. The OB says they can send me home, things look good. I know that I am starting to show warning signs of things not going right. I say, lets go with an induction. Almost 4 years later, and I still feel like this was the right choice, I just wish the events that followed would have been different.<br />
<br />
Pitocin is started at 11am<br />
Water broken at 1pm<br />
Epidural got at 3pm, but only at 4cm and NOT because I wanted it *more on this later* <br />
C/S pushed at 4pm<br />
<br />
The first part of my laboring, I did fine. So long as I could labor in the tub. But suddenly, the nurses/OB are super worried about my BP. Wait a min, weren't you just a few hours ago, going to send me home? Nothing has changed except now, we are laboring. Baby's heartrate is awesome. Doesn't drop with contractions at all. Plus, he is at a 0 station! 2 hours after breaking my water, the nurses are pushing the epidural on me. Saying its better for the baby. They threw the "your baby needs this" card at me. What mother wouldn't do what she is being told is best for her baby? Against my better judgement, I get it. Now I get to start throwing up. Lovely. And I have had nothing to eat since 8pm the night before.<br />
<br />
Women were not meant to labor on their backs. Had I been "allowed" to get up and move about, I am sure I would have faired better. I labor through the night. The nurse says I've made it to a 7! OB comes in at 9 and says I have made NO progress (I had gotten to a 5 before he left for the night) and that I "need" the c/s.<br />
<br />
I bawled. I didn't want this. Surgery SCARES me. Thats right, I am terrified of someone cutting into me. For any reason. I will never have a boob job or tummy tuck because of this. An yet, I didn't beg and plead for more time, I said yes. I was tired, broke down, lost. I lost faith in myself (though honestly, not sure that I ever had it).<br />
<br />
<h1>
TO Be Continued........</h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3boysandmommy.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-caesarean-sections-part-2.html">Part 2</a></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3boysandmommy.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-caesaren-sections-part-3.html">Part 3</a> </span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3boysandmommy.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-unassisted-birth.html">Unassisted Birth</a> </span></h1>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-59999344085895990542012-09-30T12:24:00.001-07:002012-09-30T12:24:56.030-07:00Cheesy Potato and Broccoli SoupWho doesn't love a fall day? I love waking up, looking outside and seeing the mist on the lake (yep, I have a lake view). Fall always gets me thinking of all of the yummy fall type foods I can make. However, being a gluten free family, I am now running into the issue of finding soups that do not use flour. Yes, I could easily use a gf flour, but it sometimes changes the taste of the soup, or the consistency. I have found the solution! Here is my Cheesy Potato and Broccoli Soup.<br /><br /><br /><b><u>Ingredients</u></b><br />
chicken stock<br />
celery<br />
milk<br />
potatoes *no need to peel<br />
broccoli<br />
ham<br />
butter <br />
shredded cheese<br />
sour cream<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<u><b>How to do it </b></u><br />
<br />In a large soup pot pour about a 1/2 a cup of chicken stock into the bottom, add the celery. Let cook for awhile. Add the potatoes (cut up of course) and the milk. Cook until potatoes are almost done. Add the ham (precooked) and broccoli. Cook until done. Add the cheese (its up to you how much) SLOWLY. <-- very important, this prevents the curdle look that most homemade milk based soups get. Use the sour cream and butter to thicken. Again, add slowly. Serve with your favorite bread.<br />
<br />
This soup only takes about 30 mins to cook. I LOVE it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgcyViQ4sGX0AHwbtmreMpxSzOxPsE27-5HZkxa5ufpNziUfxMrRrBi2B-lhXfGWaKhhqRsj1zK8gpRY42MPuGZSx6YC-B14-5DMSDQxrg-XdEFnz0N3vdrmMZoazcHHPRm0YRJn0BHZQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgcyViQ4sGX0AHwbtmreMpxSzOxPsE27-5HZkxa5ufpNziUfxMrRrBi2B-lhXfGWaKhhqRsj1zK8gpRY42MPuGZSx6YC-B14-5DMSDQxrg-XdEFnz0N3vdrmMZoazcHHPRm0YRJn0BHZQ/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chicken stock and celery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOV1frjT8E1XzJ0huK__5IZJ85NBrLNYLwVu1BexoPmSQfuPoQ3HlQuA_UOVXkIucpBtwCv3wSuUF9Y6xq7uqt-qQkpKbIgl-zLeG-RxN4wSKhm8IT2O2zBuf1z6WPIxusu2UABIpyqcn/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOV1frjT8E1XzJ0huK__5IZJ85NBrLNYLwVu1BexoPmSQfuPoQ3HlQuA_UOVXkIucpBtwCv3wSuUF9Y6xq7uqt-qQkpKbIgl-zLeG-RxN4wSKhm8IT2O2zBuf1z6WPIxusu2UABIpyqcn/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after adding potatoes and milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8rqeebvlymMhMXHut5Q3jv4KeCMdWIpPRd7WUo-Ec7mwIA8iiRzKTfhGaVNUnAj1J_5oKUd_wsvR2XzXhuFAYwLi13MuDuhwTdptWysuttpYHvNJ7ki4YqL0sdgwTj-4X-8JdEUXeiBo/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8rqeebvlymMhMXHut5Q3jv4KeCMdWIpPRd7WUo-Ec7mwIA8iiRzKTfhGaVNUnAj1J_5oKUd_wsvR2XzXhuFAYwLi13MuDuhwTdptWysuttpYHvNJ7ki4YqL0sdgwTj-4X-8JdEUXeiBo/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished product</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even my kids loved this! I love when we can find a new family favorite.<br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-67476003176850858962012-09-13T20:39:00.000-07:002012-09-13T20:39:22.438-07:00Feelings about this pregnancyI figure at some point, I can remember that I am indeed pregnant with another baby.<br />
<br />
Thoughts on this pregnancy<br />
<ul>
<li>I feel like baby is a girl</li>
<li>That on or around (+ or - a day) I will go into labor Jan 27th</li>
<li>Hopeful that baby will be around 8lbs and 21 inches</li>
<li>Labor will be fairly easy</li>
<li>Not super long, like less than 12 hours</li>
</ul>
Well that is it for now. 4-5 more months and we will know how it all ends <br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-41070276339544467052012-09-11T13:36:00.002-07:002012-09-11T15:21:29.586-07:00Starbucks Pumpkin Scone - BarsWith Fall just around the corner, pumpkin sounds good. Not a big pumpkin spice latte fan (thank you but I will stick with my caramel latte) but I really love pumpkin bread. And Starbucks Pumpkin Scones. After working there for 2.5 years, its one of the few things I miss (that and the free coffee each week). So I found a recipe on Pinterest that doesn't use a ton of flour. Today is the first real dreary, Seattle like day since moving over here and I feel inspired.<br />
<br />
This recipe comes from <a href="http://hwescott.blogspot.com/2011/10/tasty-tuesday-pumpkin-poppers.html">Just The Little Things</a>. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Starbucks-ish Pumpkin Scones</b></u> <br />
<br />
<b>Scones</b><br />
2 cups all-purpose gluten free flour <br />
1/4-1/2 cup sugar *somewhere between there, and I used white sugar but would probably do brown next time<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder <br />
1/2 teaspoon salt <br />
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon <br />
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves <br />
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger <br />
6 tablespoons cold butter <br />
3/4 cup canned pumpkin <br />
5 tablespoons half-and-half <br />
1 large egg <br />
<br />
<b>Powdered Sugar Glaze</b><br />
1 cup powdered sugar <br />
1 tablespoon powdered sugar <br />
2 tablespoons whole milk <br />
<br />
<b>Spiced Glaze</b><br />
1 cup powdered sugar <br />
3 tablespoons powdered sugar <br />
2 tablespoons whole milk <br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon <br />
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg <br />
1 pinch ginger <br />
1 pinch ground cloves <br />
<br />
<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.<br />
<br />
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large
bowl. Using a pastry knife, fork, or food processor, cut butter into the
dry ingredients until mixture is crumbly and no chunks of butter are
obvious. Set aside.<br />
In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, half
and half, and egg. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Form the
dough into a ball* dough didn't really form into a ball for me, it was a bit wetter, so I just poured it out onto a baking sheet<br />
<br />
*Do this step if your dough forms a ball* Pat out dough onto a lightly floured surface and
form it into a 1-inch thick rectangle (about 9 inches long and 3 inches
wide). Use a large knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough twice
through the width, making three equal portions. Cut those three slices
diagonally so that you have 6 triangular slices of dough. Place on
prepared baking sheet.<br />
<br />
Bake for 14–16 minutes. Scones should begin to turn light brown. Place on wire rack to cool.<br />
<br />
<b>Glaze:</b><br />
Mix the powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk together until smooth.<br />
When scones are cool, use a brush to paint plain glaze over the top of each scone.<br />
<br />
<b>Icing:</b><br />
Combine the ingredient for the spiced icing
together. Drizzle this thicker icing over each scone and allow the icing
to dry before serving (at least 1 hour). A squirt bottle works great
for this, or you can drizzle with a whisk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveIdxYXxjL66-AZ_Qnalax8IlCkesxT20pRUKeFed88mSVHemwzU6RKPCalteH1O8yxgOYmUiP-5TTGypgT9XenONVBcWv7NZ8KAWR6Eqm1hFgGb2UVGaEZSzmEI4CVQtot7-cTr_bPFc/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveIdxYXxjL66-AZ_Qnalax8IlCkesxT20pRUKeFed88mSVHemwzU6RKPCalteH1O8yxgOYmUiP-5TTGypgT9XenONVBcWv7NZ8KAWR6Eqm1hFgGb2UVGaEZSzmEI4CVQtot7-cTr_bPFc/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After they were baked</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My husband says these are good. A "got milk" kind of bar.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-34570636442694903462012-09-10T11:54:00.001-07:002012-09-10T11:54:36.740-07:00How I spent my Sunday eveningI can tell you, it was NOTHING like I imagined it would be. Jesse cleaned the kitchen, we both picked up the living room, and then he started dinner. Tacos on corn shells. Mmm. Levi didn't want the meat or rice, but could have eaten his weight in black beans. It was smeared all over his face, everywhere. While sitting in his booster seat at the kitchen table, he put his feet up on the table and pushed. The end result was him falling backwards, splitting the back of his head open and mommy calling 911.<br />
<br />
I am SO thankful that he missed the microwave cart that sits under the breakfast bar behind the table. Seeing him lying there, all I could hope for was that it was just blood. Nothing grey. I may have even silently prayed that. I started grabbing the towels and telling Jesse he needed to start applying pressure to it, that I would call 911. He said he would, but I knew he would have to ask me for information and it was just easier if I did it.<br />
<br />
I was calmer than I though I would be, even though the dispatcher had to tell me twice to calm down. It was more that I was talking very fast, which I am totally aware, is not helpful to them. I got them all the information without having to be asked for it twice. Waiting for the medics to arrive felt like eternity. This was one of those few times that I really hate living out of town.<br />
<br />
The medics arrive and were really nice. Very reassuring that these things happen. Levi finally stopped screaming, and as much as his screaming broke my heart, I wanted to hear it. He didn't like momma applying pressure to his owie. At this point, he started to get a bit sleepy, and that was concerning to me. So we rode the ambulance into town. Jesse and Jacob stayed behind and were going to come pick us up later.<br />
<br />
4 staples later, here is the back of my little boys head<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbtksBB3MLthM2G_tBWC4w6zLyQfVW0Lqu_jNCkPWRGTHSfVVkbHctAL7IgwcXjATy0WJOxjZQ_n1nVs3qovpXoIUw6A497MCBg-ExB4DzfhQwhEGxYxW1JrylQXabEAMyDQyeuVrrZ22/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbtksBB3MLthM2G_tBWC4w6zLyQfVW0Lqu_jNCkPWRGTHSfVVkbHctAL7IgwcXjATy0WJOxjZQ_n1nVs3qovpXoIUw6A497MCBg-ExB4DzfhQwhEGxYxW1JrylQXabEAMyDQyeuVrrZ22/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
He took everything like a champ. Got home and after a bit of tylenol and "ba" (bottle with milk) he went right to sleep. Jesse stayed up and got up with him a few hours later to make sure he could be woken up. All is good, and before I know it, he will be back to terrorizing my house. <br />
<br />
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-19772164459588359872012-09-08T18:54:00.001-07:002012-09-08T21:04:36.470-07:00Baked Blackberry OatmealOnce upon a time I made baked oatmeal. No one liked it. Then my husband and oldest son went blackberry picking. I needed something to do with these berries. We made a compote for pancakes and then I found a recipe for a different baked oatmeal <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/09/16/baked-oatmeal-with-blackberries-and-ginger/">here</a>. <br />
<br />
And I wouldn't be me if I didn't make changes :-)<br />
<br />
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats<br />
1/4 – 1/3 cup sugar<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus more for top<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
2 cups milk<br />
1 egg<br />
3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled<br />
1 1/2 cups blackberries, or other fruit<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter an 8” square baking dish.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, combine the oats, sugar, baking powder, spices, and salt.<br />
<br />
In a small bowl whisk together the milk, egg, and butter.<br />
<br />
Spoon in the oat
mixture, and then pour in the milk mixture. Press the remaining berries
into the oats, and sprinkle top with cinnamon.<br />
Bake for 35 – 45 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling vigorously
and the edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool for 10
minutes. Slice up and serve with a sprinkle of fresh berries.<br />
<br />
This was amazing!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHo2PzuHaBbby-sxfutl_XM9dICxmAuYKfbCDKOBKGbv6bWg_QgaG_zFibL64mJ5TGvhOyieTkTdER8Sci8tcRUwRWd92iybmVP7E-6o4WEi38ZiDtQtV_-gpRp9ndahm7-lxc-y0hZCF/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHo2PzuHaBbby-sxfutl_XM9dICxmAuYKfbCDKOBKGbv6bWg_QgaG_zFibL64mJ5TGvhOyieTkTdER8Sci8tcRUwRWd92iybmVP7E-6o4WEi38ZiDtQtV_-gpRp9ndahm7-lxc-y0hZCF/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After it was baked</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw5FqSgSvZ6cfLtuDVRWdAgGiUAhSEEyHTg2EnN_TcZfjDQtwGrjV0b6d6HxvwiNAPAwExY77vUW1pG0-cpRt2H0S94xWLhTGK3HLfpq9ndkJxyaNGy4-BXkN02eT35i4LHxhRejXCg2k/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw5FqSgSvZ6cfLtuDVRWdAgGiUAhSEEyHTg2EnN_TcZfjDQtwGrjV0b6d6HxvwiNAPAwExY77vUW1pG0-cpRt2H0S94xWLhTGK3HLfpq9ndkJxyaNGy4-BXkN02eT35i4LHxhRejXCg2k/s320/005.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aftermath</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-15893952664312120812012-09-03T19:31:00.001-07:002012-09-03T19:34:01.276-07:00Crazy Stain Fighting Mom<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yeah, that would be me. I can't STAND stains on my clothes. I have been like this my ENTIRE life. When I was 11, I was watching a friend's baby sister while they were outside doing chores. She had chocolate pudding before I got there. As soon as I could, I stripped her down to her diaper and soaked her jumper in cold water. And the pudding stains came out. Its like this anti-stainness has been bred into me or something. With having a husband that works on diry, greasy things, this has not helped my need for stain control.<br />
<br />
I've researched how to get formula stains out, grease stains, food stains, and there has only been ONE time in my existence of being a mom that I have ever thrown a piece of clothing away because there was NO way in heck I was washing THAT out of the clothing. <br />
<br />
Which leads me to my current stain battle. The dryer in our new rental is leaving lovely brown marks on my clothes *<i>insert a scream here*</i>. Maternity clothes, sheets, even my husbands underwear. These stains do not discriminate! So after a frustrating weekend of not being able to get a hold of the landlords (do they not realize that laundry is important?), of trying to figure out what is causing the staining (I wish it was as easy as a brown crayon), and of spending 15 mins researching on the internet, I have *hopefully* found the solution!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kRzO9i-1nar7YbGpj-BBJPnYSXYWjnYDw4r7PLhJwQZCI5xXUWd8RB3UHKGrgsHHSHNTKFdFicMAk0DsODPeZqagd3FoXTtoVIZ2mLS9_D74wVJmiS66-ltdV3_JIn2S9gFb7ZWVTWCi/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kRzO9i-1nar7YbGpj-BBJPnYSXYWjnYDw4r7PLhJwQZCI5xXUWd8RB3UHKGrgsHHSHNTKFdFicMAk0DsODPeZqagd3FoXTtoVIZ2mLS9_D74wVJmiS66-ltdV3_JIn2S9gFb7ZWVTWCi/s320/001.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the lower left hand corner you will see the brown streaks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />
They are friction burns. The clothes get caught between the seal and put a mark on them. We will be replacing this seal as soon as its NOT a holiday weekend. Until then, my clothes are soaking in the bathtub, in cold water, with a splash of oxy-clean.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I used one of these<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
to scrub out the stain while it was still soaking. That way if it didn't all come out, I just threw it back in the tub to soak. <i> </i>Also a smaller load of laundry seemed to help, as I had an entire load NOT have a stinking stain on it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC_O57o1RLwb5oZmgdrzhksLEGbrYRbxPbYRJOUQB8hoVmFzOcoLh-8t66ICexa_dXADA2XKUzgPIygmVEvIDHzH2gRtY_omroc21dhMnMcmPiJjFYuTG0JwzJuRS2JW1FLMRBXTPrUfv/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC_O57o1RLwb5oZmgdrzhksLEGbrYRbxPbYRJOUQB8hoVmFzOcoLh-8t66ICexa_dXADA2XKUzgPIygmVEvIDHzH2gRtY_omroc21dhMnMcmPiJjFYuTG0JwzJuRS2JW1FLMRBXTPrUfv/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothes scrubbed clean and waiting to be re-washed</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Come to find out, the heating element is also going out (my clothes where almost dry after 10 mins on the low setting). In the mean time (until we can afford a new dryer) this is how we will be drying our clothes. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif18Wk8WERHwk2BOhpYpsU3HjplCohe2N-r-KjfD22zxKelv92OLzhLvZdufHrr3LtdmLqtKJOmP0uFOCMPgNEXZuMXmd0vn6AW5fvJEc-wYLY3m_BINBwH94jPof8_-SXBJTsJGxSVNW3/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif18Wk8WERHwk2BOhpYpsU3HjplCohe2N-r-KjfD22zxKelv92OLzhLvZdufHrr3LtdmLqtKJOmP0uFOCMPgNEXZuMXmd0vn6AW5fvJEc-wYLY3m_BINBwH94jPof8_-SXBJTsJGxSVNW3/s320/036.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghetto clothes line, but it works!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There is a bright spot! I did manage to get the stain out of all of the clothes, so long as they did NOT go back in the dryer. </div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-84683471613243868522012-09-03T16:03:00.001-07:002012-09-03T16:03:54.219-07:00Gluten Free Products We Love - Dinner Items<br />
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Gluten Free Dinner Items</h2>
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I thought since I have a 3.5 yr old and a 13 month old that I should review some of the store bought gluten free products we have tried and liked. Look for a post later of products that we have NOT liked.<br />
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As I was going through the products that we like, I realized its really too many to list in a single post. So I will be breaking it up into parts.<br />
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This is seriously some of the best GF mac and cheese. I think it tastes so similar to Kraft Mac and Cheese that I don't even miss that ole blue box. <br />
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<a href="http://canyonbakehouse.com/">Canyon Bakehouse</a> breads. Yum. Not too heavy, holds up well and actually tastes like white bread. Worth the money spent.<br />
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This was pretty yummy too. With a little bit of gluten free soy sauce. Great for a quick meal at home. <br />
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This is super yummy and tastes just like you would expect it to. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK95WdDK-4dcZ0w5RwdPfUK4lZBSw22NyG6D3x145opYBCv5sN68pcerlLtta3-S2hdNeaeb4L4qGt_iUsxkLPI_oc6aIbsmZwDKD22Kxx5JNNkA-VMHgealWOnInSn7S8Oxrjmk5O-kbg/s1600/22350_v3_WFGF_Ians_Chicken_Nuggets-0x210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK95WdDK-4dcZ0w5RwdPfUK4lZBSw22NyG6D3x145opYBCv5sN68pcerlLtta3-S2hdNeaeb4L4qGt_iUsxkLPI_oc6aIbsmZwDKD22Kxx5JNNkA-VMHgealWOnInSn7S8Oxrjmk5O-kbg/s1600/22350_v3_WFGF_Ians_Chicken_Nuggets-0x210.jpg" /></a></div>
These are pretty good. A bit on the spendy side and you do have to watch how you are cooking them as they are easy to over cook, but over all not too bad. Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-34264965898497506342012-09-02T21:14:00.000-07:002012-09-02T21:17:12.110-07:00Onion Rings and Cheddar Bacon BurgersTonight's dinner started out with a pregnancy craving. I wanted onion rings. After jumping on Pinterest, I found a recipe. <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/almost-famous-bloomin-onion-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/almost-famous-bloomin-onion-recipe/index.html</a><br />
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Dip *I made a few minor changes. I didn't use horseradish and instead used Apple Cider Vinegar<br />
<ul class="kv-ingred-list2">
<li class="ingredient">2 tablespoons <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/mayonnaise/index.html">mayonnaise</a>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 tablespoons <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/sour-cream/index.html">sour cream</a>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 1/2 teaspoons ketchup
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/worcestershire-sauce/index.html">Worcestershire sauce</a></li>
<li class="ingredient">1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/4 teaspoon paprika
</li>
<li class="ingredient">Pinch of <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cayenne-pepper/index.html">cayenne pepper</a>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGeYZt_jmQM7EdlxRZLpMmUUFOaeFNzhH9zAr3frNpSQRbbl8d4eACB_MytkVKCrekpcmVmJNt_-ONwJ3nnok9ILU3LX-Du-4RYP3cxK0p4lMsw7AXTxS3HujSorPsVAcmnFSa7T-3uIN/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGeYZt_jmQM7EdlxRZLpMmUUFOaeFNzhH9zAr3frNpSQRbbl8d4eACB_MytkVKCrekpcmVmJNt_-ONwJ3nnok9ILU3LX-Du-4RYP3cxK0p4lMsw7AXTxS3HujSorPsVAcmnFSa7T-3uIN/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Onion *I wanted beer battered ones, so of course, I made changes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi42qZbbN7PDne0_NKBFnhwUV3RuKQDHfE_DWp2pl7-tS2-GvTIjgrkeYx8QWi5bNwudOVZ9OmERC-vesFMhHRI_VolJ2Pyl5H3pi5tSnNMm2wOWzAjt9_mV2e5Q55DCZWN996PYyJn759/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi42qZbbN7PDne0_NKBFnhwUV3RuKQDHfE_DWp2pl7-tS2-GvTIjgrkeYx8QWi5bNwudOVZ9OmERC-vesFMhHRI_VolJ2Pyl5H3pi5tSnNMm2wOWzAjt9_mV2e5Q55DCZWN996PYyJn759/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse drinking the beer after reminding me I needed to use GF beer</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<ul class="kv-ingred-list4">
<li class="ingredient">1 large sweet <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/onion/index.html">onion</a>, such as Vidalia (about 1 pound)
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 1/4 cup Bobs Red Mill All Purpose Flour</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 1/4 cup Cornmeal</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 tablespoons <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/paprika/index.html">paprika</a>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon dried <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/thyme/index.html">thyme</a>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
</li>
<li class="ingredient">Freshly ground black pepper
</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 large eggs
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 bottle beer (I used Redbridge Gluten Free beer)<a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/milk/index.html"></a>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 gallon soy or <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/corn-oil/index.html">corn oil</a>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">Kosher salt</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJg-BMvWz_27EPF9fCF2BZZ2zJIs6dgv6Mi3fBB3bLdBcgzqGiShkYou6n-KwppDLmb6KPDTFRM4bKS7DWJaDEY5qZl0eZFzLhWaezYaexgZEUqAZfCCW_PhLxlGyC5o_dHyc2AtZm0I7/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJg-BMvWz_27EPF9fCF2BZZ2zJIs6dgv6Mi3fBB3bLdBcgzqGiShkYou6n-KwppDLmb6KPDTFRM4bKS7DWJaDEY5qZl0eZFzLhWaezYaexgZEUqAZfCCW_PhLxlGyC5o_dHyc2AtZm0I7/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Combine all of the dip ingredients in a bowl, cover and refrigerate.<br />
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Slice the onion (see below). Whisk the flour, cornmeal, cayenne, paprika, thyme, <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/oregano/index.html">oregano</a>, <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cumin/index.html">cumin</a> and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. In a small deep bowl, whisk the <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/eggs/index.html">eggs</a>, beer and 1/4 cup water.<br />
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Mix the dry mixture with the liquid mixture until it forms a batter. Coat the onion rings. <br />
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Heat the oil in a large deep pot over medium-high heat until a <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/deep-fry/index.html">deep-fry</a> thermometer registers 400 degrees. Pat off excess flour from the onion. Using a wire <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/skimmer/index.html">skimmer</a>,
carefully lower the onion into the oil, cut-side down. Adjust the heat
so the oil temperature stays close to 350 degrees. Fry about 3 minutes,
then turn the onion over and cook until golden, about 3 more minutes; <a class="crosslink" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/drain/index.html">drain</a> on paper towels. Season with salt and serve with the dip.<br />
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Here is the result</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmJamQVeSZju_asRWyf2jJp6Y8bIfs_ydecFsgRPDL3_ieqjFgn9ZUpOqTfjmy-yg2Q5RHd4ojKyHRhD9Fl3CtTblChaiWYm5_V0SJG4fn2adF8H37fiPG02qcR4uj4MenYSqhPxEOcfS/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmJamQVeSZju_asRWyf2jJp6Y8bIfs_ydecFsgRPDL3_ieqjFgn9ZUpOqTfjmy-yg2Q5RHd4ojKyHRhD9Fl3CtTblChaiWYm5_V0SJG4fn2adF8H37fiPG02qcR4uj4MenYSqhPxEOcfS/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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The Cheddar Bacon Burgers from Wildtree (www.mywildtree.com/lglover) were not only gluten free, but not too bad. I however did not take any pictures of them. </div>
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And here is one of the reasons (if not the main reason) why I cook gluten free. </div>
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Dinner tomorrow night is chicken strips, fried pickles and roasted green beans.<br />
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829195765850689591.post-54312621995798239092012-09-01T19:32:00.000-07:002012-09-10T18:57:13.548-07:00Banana Oatmeal Muffins<br />
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The other night we got down to the last of the bananas. You know, when they start turning brown and you stop eating them. Or at least we do in our house. There is always the tried and true banana bread, but in a gluten free household, flour is at a premium. When I spend over $7 on two pounds of all purpose flour, I tend to horde the stuff. So finding something that tastes good and doesn't use flour is a bonus.<br />
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Pinterest has some amazing <i>looking</i> things. But really until I've tried it or someone I know has, I really don't know how its going to turn out. <br />
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I used the recipe for Banana Oatmeal muffins from <a href="http://travisjessjones.blogspot.com/2012/03/banana-oatmeal-muffins.html">Keeping Up With the Joneses</a>. I made a few changes. I used 3 bananas instead of 2, I added cinnamon (cause in my opinion banana bread needs cinnamon) and I baked them in mini muffin tins.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ingredients</span><br />
*2 /1/2 cup oats (old fashioned kind, not quick cooking)<br />
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*1 single serving cup (or 1 cup) of plain low fat greek yogurt<br />
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*2 eggs<br />
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*3/4 cup sweetener of choice, I used the real stuff: sugar! or 2 tbs stevia sweetener<br />
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*1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
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*1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
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*3 bananas <br />
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<i>Important: The paper liners don't work well when baking with a base
that does not include flour, they always seem to stick to the paper. I
sprayed the muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or you can use foil
cupcake liners or a silicone muffin pan.</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Let the Baking Begin!</span><br />
1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat
oven to 400 degrees. Spray tin with non-stick cooking spray or line 12
muffin tins with silicone or foil liners, (or just use a silicone muffin
pan). *I have baked them both as mini muffins and as regular ones. The minis came out SO much better.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">2. Place all of the ingredients, including bananas in a blender or food processor, and blend until oats are smooth. <b>*Important:
I add the oats a cup at a time and then add the liquids. I have to stop
the blender and stir a few times throughout as well. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">3. Divide batter among cupcake liners, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.</span>*<b>if using the mini muffin tins, cut bake time in half</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">4. Most importantly: Enjoy!!!</span><br />
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Here is how they turned out</div>
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And here is Jacob enjoying them </div>
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These were a HUGE hit with everyone in the family. Super easy to make. Moist, not too dense. </div>
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<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075046717864219530noreply@blogger.com0