Post grandparent visit...

We have spent the last few days de-grand parenting the Popster...the princess has had to be re-programed to recognize that Mom isn't as compliant to her demands as grandma...
Oscar on the other hand had awakened with a new interest in reading/writing...Thanks grandpa for all of your hard work with his sight words. He asked me tonight if he could write a book for his teacher. He really did a good job on it. I think I will post it later.
truthfully I wish we had the grandparents closer. They seem to be able to connect with the kids in a way that I often don't get to. Not that I don't connect with them, it is just fun to see how much the kids really love their grandparents.
In the meantime...I will continue to primp the princess as much as I can, within reason. And will try to really build on the foundation grandpa placed in lil'o's head.
Thanks Grandma and grandpa for coming to visit! You are welcome anytime...in fact how about you move into my basement permanently.

Yakima Marathon

Pre-race photo...Ricky cooperating as usual

When I was in labor with Oscar and Poppy, Rick was loving and supportive, but always wears a face of confusion as to how exactly to make me more comfortable. He may attempt to squeeze my hand, or rub my back and yet, he really can't do anything to help me. Ultimately it is my pain to endure.
I hadn't really thought of this before, until yesterday. Yesterday marked a first for us as a married couple. It was the first marathon that we have not ran together. Thus far, it has been a joint effort and so we both have trained and pained in each others company.
Post race, we both sit around with stiff legs and let our bellies fill with much deserved food. Then we can chat and retrace each others foot steps of the race, and can visibly see each others perspective.
Yesterday, I was in the spectator seat. I couldn't help Ricky run, I couldn't help him recover at the finish, all I could do was give him a hug and let him walk it off. And then drive him home.
Having both given child birth (twice), and ran a marathon 3 times, I would say that they certainly have their similarities...months of training/pregnancy, culminating with a painful, joyous experience. And at the end of both, you come out a stronger person than you were before.
So, now that Rick is a marathon up on me, I will just calculate my 2 childbirths into the equation and that way I am one-up on him...;0)

Yesterday Ricky and I ventured to Ellensburg, for Ricky's marathon...so while he was doing this:

Blue monkey prep-pose...

Ricky set a new PR but missed the Boston qualifying time by 15 seconds! I know, you can gasp now. He was so close. He did a great job and was very fast. (Although, it may come down to the fact that his Garmin wasn't reading correctly, or the coarse was off a bit) I loved being able to see him in the finish. Typically he is always waiting around for my sorry, slow self to cross.(Doesn't he look angelic? Post-race glow?)

So, as he was doing his race...I was doing a bit of this: Notice the balloons? Those are my contribution to the race. Frozen finger, balloon tying. This is how I earned my post-race food...yeah...sounds rough huh?

Here are the guys trying to get the finish line up before the wheel chair racer came through.This is me with some of the funny finish line set-up crew. They really have it all down to a science. There are specific people who do the same job every year. It was really fun being able to help out at the finish. Although my post-balloon tying job consisted of keeping spectators out of the finish area, it was pretty fun to be in there with all of the awesome action.
I would say the other very cool part about being at the finish, was seeing the first woman come across, she was so fast. She came in at just over the 3hour mark. It makes me want to run sooooo bad!
I just have to keep telling myself that there is a time and if I let my hip heal now, then I can do better later.
After we got home, I did a measly 12mile bike ride and called it a day.
Fun stuff...

Spring break

Oscar's self portrait...Did a pretty god job eh?

This week has been spring break, and seriously has flown by so fast. Grandma and Grandpa Edge have come into town and so I have had this wonderful hiatus of in-house babysitters, gardener's, adults to talk to throughout the day, the list goes on and on. Currently as I write Grandma and Grandpa have taken Oscar out to the store and Poppy is sleeping.
This morning they spent all morning cleaning my very un-springy yard.
It is so fun to have them around...we just need to convince them to move up here.

Tonight Rick and I will be going to Ellensburg so that he can run the Yakima River Marathon tomarrow. Grandma and grandpa will be here safely with the kiddies and I will not worry one bit about leaving them.
Not to mention the one-on-one time they have spent helping Oscar to memorize his sight words for school. Somehow they have the knack of being able to make him pay attention for longer than 30 seconds!
It has been a great week and we even had a nice day of weather yesterday.
Now, all of you can be thinking of Ricky tomorrow morning...running. I will be volunteering at the finish line. I'm a bit sad I can't run with him, after all this will be the FIRST marathon we haven't done together. However I don't' feel too bad, especially because I know my Hip certainly wouldn't be able to handle it. I suppose there is a time and a season for everything.
GOOD LUCK RICKY!

Celebration of life...for Ezra

Persian Sweet and Sour Ratatouille (Taskabab Bedunay Gosht) from Iran. You can find the recipe here (it was too complicated to type out).

Saturday night we had the pleasure of being invited to a "baby shower" of sorts. Only this was a adult party that each couple were to bring a dish from another country, and to share how that country celebrates life.
I recently checked out from the library this great book called "World Vegetarian", by: Madhur Jaffrey's. The recipe turned out to be really cool. It is a bit extensive in time but the result was an exotic fun display of a dish.
For the Iran customs of birth traditions you can check out this site.
As for the other dishes, they were delightful and I think Kelly wins the prize for the most inventive way of presenting her tradition...she mimicked Americans and their need to have a "shower game" that we will refer to as the pooping potato game.
Two teams line up at one end of the room and they have to carry a potato, between thier legs to the other side of the room and drop it in a pan and run back to the other end (relay style)...it was hilarious. I suggest everyone play this game with their family. It was too funny! after which she served a delicious cake.
It was very fun and the best part was getting to see baby Ezra in his cute overalls and tie died onesie! Thanks for having a baby Andy and Jori...the night was fun.

She's a Girl...

Today I found my new shiny red shoes, and bra in Poppy's princess bag. I'm certain that Oscar did not find these items the least bit interesting when he was 2 1/2.
She is such a silly girl.

Sientist, Postman, and Farm-girl

Oscar's first science project...if you click on the photo you can see the detail of his illustrations. He is so intuitive and loves learning about how the world works. We had a great time doing the experiment. If you are looking for a fun science project you could check out this site.
His first kindergarten filed trip to the post office to mail his paper body to Grandma and Grandpa Edge. His paper body will be visiting us this week...
Poppy closely monitoring the chicks...the sun room is pretty chilly in the mornings, she decided to observe in her blankie.

LENT REPORT...

Things I missed while on Lent...Life cereal (of processed food, this was one of the biggies I missed), Chocolate Ovaltine (choc. milk), and Brummel and Brown spread.

Otherwise, this Lent seemed to not be as difficult as I thought it would be. mainly because much of what i was doing were things we had pretty much already implemented long before this lent. Therefore, it wasn't as rewarding as it has been in other years. I think the reason it wasn't as difficult was because it didn't cut off all sweets. This is where I typically struggle, and although I could only have all "whole sweets", I still found plenty of ways to find them.
There were some surprises along the way...like our "Seneca" brand apple sauce, who knew that they put HFC's (high fructose corn syrup) in there, or Raisin Bran???
Pretty crazy! I will continue on my ban of HFC's which I was delighted to find that Jelly Belly's are made with just sugar, no HFC's. I have eaten a ton of them since easter but really...who needs that much sugar?
Now, because I didn't get the wonderful high of knowing I had totally banned sweets from my life for 40 days, I will begin anew this next week. This time I will be doing the no junk food during the week policy. Mon-Fri, no junk food...Sat and Sunday are free days.

So, let's hear how everyone did??? Did you do it? If you slipped did you start up again? Did you learn something about yourself or something you had to give up?
If you were a Lent participant, and if you feel you really gave it a good go. Email me with your address and I will mail you your lent finisher prize.
You must list what you gave up and how it went.
email me at colletted @yahoo.com (without the space, I just don't want a ton of spam mail).

I hope that it was rewarding for you and if you are up for my next challenge, get ready it begins next Monday.

Chicks, eggs, fat lip, and baby pitas

Oscar and Poppy are the proud parents of four new baby chicks...oh, so cute.
Oscar and Poppy had a great time at the egg hunt/dash for eggs. Poppy was took home the most candy...can you see her full basket below, and Oscar's with a few pieces of candy in it?
Lately Poppy has been very very clumsy. Just last week she took like 5 headers into things (like the floor). Saturday she re-injured her lip that had previously already been fat from a fall the day before. Here she is with the bulging lip. The worst part is that she can't drink out of sippy cups for a while.
Lastly, for my sharing time on Saturday I made 100 baby pitas. The best part about it was that, (thanks to Rick for the idea) I used my new tortilla press to roll out the balls of dough, rather than actually having to roll them out. It worked great and the pitas were great.

Now, I'm sure you are all waiting for the post LENT reward post...it is coming. But it will be a post of it's own.

Tattle tell...and information

Oscar- "MOM...Poppy is Spitting on me!!!!...Did you know that Spiderman can fly with his web?"

Ticket to heaven...

(oops...sideways photo of our van full of foodie stuff.)

Although most of my readers (the whole 7 of you) know that I am Mormon, and therefore am encourage to have a 6-12 month supply of food storage, they should also know that I am a procrastinator. Over a year ago we purchased 45-six gallon buckets, specifically for the purpose of hoarding food. Up until this past Saturday those buckets have sat in our storage room...just sitting.

Alas, they now are fulfilling their purpose in this life! We have now filled a good portion of those buckets with a supply of food stuff.
Here is the breakdown:
200lbs White wheat
150lbs Rice
100lbs Rolled Oats
50lbs Black beans
50lbs Pinto beans
25lbs White beans
20lbs Macaroni
50lbs Sugar
25lbs Flour

I'm so glad to know that we now have a small stash to build on. Especially when I see the price of wheat rising to upwards of $18 a bushel.
So if ever you are in the area and need some wheat bread or oatmeal...come on by. I'm sure that it will go nicely with the canned food we put away last year. Oh, and I bought a big thing of olive oil and soy sauce...you know, for cooking with. I'm sure that the pioneers woudl have appreciated some tasty rice with soy sauce. ;0)

St. Patty's day- note to self...

When your children are setting out traps for the elusive leprechauns (i.e. cottage cheese containers with chocolate chips inside), be certain to make sure they are above dog-eating level. Otherwise, you will undoubtedly be up all night with a dog who cannot sleep.
He will wander the house moving furniture, pushing open doors, climbing on kids bed and will want to go outside. That is until you finally decide to lock him in the sun room.

Progress...

Before...paint and new couches(thank you Ricky for consenting to their purchase ;0))

After

And another after from another angle...

I can now check off the "list"...painting the walls...I didn't take very good photos but what you don't see are the vaulted ceilings that took a bit of time to paint.
The little table and chairs are the "kiddie table" that is also on the list. I just need to finish painting the water lilies on them and they should be done!
I haven't put any pictures or decorations back up, because I'm not sure where I want them to go. I'm certain it will be another 6 months before I figure that out.
One thing at a time.
now I will try to post all of the other fun things I have been wanting to post...that is, if I don't get distracted.

Absent minded...or just busy.

Blessing or curse I am one "those" people who see something and say..."oh I can do that". Which I probrably can, but because I'm not an expert it takes a bit more time than say, someone who actually CAN do it. I then add it to the list of things I am already doing. I also fall pray to underestimating the amount of interrupted time it takes to do each project. Just to give you an idea (and for me to keep record) here is a list of things that are currently on my to-do list:

-Finish painting living room (although I am now 3/4 way done)
-Finish painting kiddie table/chairs
-Figure out a way to disguise computer in the living room (make more usable)
-Paint picture frames/planting table/coat rack and drop leaf table
-Paint railings in and out, also paint the out-door light fixtures
-Paint front door (take off screen door)
-Get rid of couch in basement that I was going to reupholster (got newer ones so I don't have to). -Get seeds started (Check)
-Paint Poppy's bed (switch her to bed from toddler) Paint some butterflies on the wall with some clouds.
-Finish painting the pic for the kitchen
-Work on plan for raised beds
-Thank Husband for enduring my never ending list of projects.
-Finish one project at a time (this is the hard one).

This my friends is the reason for my blogging absence. Not that a million different blog posts have crossed my mind and camera...just lack of motivation to actually do them when I have so many other things to work on.
As for the lent-observations, recipe updates, and other things that are on my blog-to-do list...they will come in time.

Lent Observations...

Firstly, did you know that "Honey Maid graham crackers" have HFC's (high fructose corn syrup)??? I know, big surprise, but not really. In fact I hadn't even planned on eating them(they are above the five ingredient limit on processed foods), but was merely giving my kids a snack. When I realized that they too, have been tainted by the HFC craze.

This is just one of the many instances where I have been surprised. Overall I would say that I am really enjoying this deprivation of food that is not good for me. I really am feeling strong. I typically get to this point in the Lent process each year, but this year because I am not just cutting out bad sweets, yet keeping in the good ones, and it is really making it much easier.

Normally when doing my previous format of lent, I allow myself certain "OK" foods (i.e graham crackers, and healthy blueberry muffins). This time however, because I can eat small portions of good sweets I don't find myself craving them all of the time. Except after finishing the half marathon...I'm sure that the ginger-raisin- frosted bars they had at the finish line may have gone against my lent, but I would say that they did resemble something that our grandmother's would recognize. :0)

I'm pretty sure the Gu I hate mid race was against the rules, but I made the executive decision that if I was running 13.1 miles (half of it against a very fierce wind) that it was justified. I had packed some lemon-honey drops to eat in it's place, but after having to stash my jacket due to heat, I decided it was easier (less messy) to stuff a GU in my bra, rather than some honey drops. As I said before...it was a executive decision that I feel was totally justified( if you disagree, you can chastise me in the comments).

Some of the other observations I've noticed...I didn't list it, but one of my other rules was to limit snacks. Try to eat good, thought-out meals so that I feel satisfied until the next meal. This has really been an adjustment, but I totally feel much more in control of my eating. I really enjoy having to make a healthy choice if I really NEED a snack (like after teaching a spinning class). I like not being tempted by the HFC filled candy that my kids like to get out of the candy machines, post class. I really feel much more in control.

As for my kids, I haven't been as strict with them, but I also haven't really purchased any overly processed foods (the graham crackers have been around for months). They have been doing really well with it, and other than being a bit temperamental at first, they have adjusted well.
Today was a testament of how refined sugar effects my kids...we were watching a friends daughter all day and it was her birthday (this particular child has incredibly horrible eating habits, seriously, she only eats corn chips and milk.) but because we had her over and it was her birthday I decided we would make some healthier cupcakes, with real powder-sugared frosting. They also ate corn chip nachos for lunch...I know not so healthy. When I went to get Oscar from school he was pooped...no energy and was really grumpy. Both of them were begging me for something to eat and they were really energy deficient. The only thing I can think of is that because I haven't been giving them much refined sugar, they totally had a sugar high and drop out.
This is a good thing...I now have evidence that having some sugar is alright, but full -n processed sugar frosting will put them over the edge.

So, that is where we are. I'm really enjoying this process, and I like having to think outside of the box. It really has been a good challenge.

How is your lent coming?

Super Saturday

Snake River Half Marathon-

Yesterday we began our morning with a bit of pre-race family yoga. Then we ventured over to the Sake River Half marathon. Nikki, our friend who lives by the event took our kids and let them play around on her farm while we ran. They had a great time playing in the mud, rocks and stream.
Ricky and I had a great time doing our run. It was super windy and the wind switched a few times during the run, but overall it was really pretty outside and it was so nice to be out running again.

Ricky ran a great run and ran it in 1:24 minutes(his goal was 1:25). He snagged third place in his age group. Here is poppy proudly holding his medal.
I ran it in 1:58 and was happy that I broke two hours. No PR, but at least my hip held out and overall I felt pretty strong and good, even with an intense headwind on the return.

Afterward we went down to Lewiston to the Asotin indoor water park. It was pretty fun, although the Hot tub was the nicest part for me.
Afterward we picked up our new-to-us, old, tiller for $25. A co-worker of Rick's hooked us up with her parent's tiller that they no longer use. We are excited to see how it works and it will be nice not having to borrow someone else's this year.
We polished off the day with a stop on the way home at Patty's Kitchen, tasty Mexican food with delicious veggie tamales. It was a great end to a fun filled day. Our bellies were full, our bodies well worked out, and we were then greeted with this beautiful sunset. The picture really doesn't do it justice, but it was very pretty.
We then came home and read a few stories and went to bed.
Oh, and Rick and I watched the Movie "Hotel Rwanda"...seriously, if you haven't seen this movie you should. I am amazed that the world could allow such atrocities! My heart has been filled with a sadness for all people who are subjected to horrible injustice and cruelty. It makes me want to shout from the roof tops "Peace and Tolerance"!
In fact I sudder to think that we (our country) has brought more violence to regions around this world. It's too bad we can't all just get along. Truly if there is something i cannot understand or comprehend it is discrimination and injustice.
I like to think WWJD...what would Jesus do.
Then to top off my weekend I taught Sharing time today on Christ. His life and that he has filled for us, the atonement, that we cannot do for ourselves. I'm glad i get to teach these children about love, respect and an understanding that there is a plan for this life.
We are SO blessed...may we always remember that.

knock, knock

Lately our kids have been developing their humor skills (or lack there of). In random places while doing random things poppy will chime in with
P-"Knock, Knock."
Me-"who's there"
P-"Wobin Hood"
Me- "Robin hood who?"
P-"Knock, Knock"
Me- "Whos there"
p-"wobin hood"

Over and over again...kinda funny the first few times...and then over and over her and Oscar will go trying to come up with some funny knock, knock and then they try it out again. Always beginning back with "Robin Hood".

The other one that they LOVE is "What do you do if you get swallowed by a Elephant...Jump around until you get pooped out "(you can thank Ricky for that one).
Needless to say I am destined to live in a house full of teases and jokesters...how is it that I am the leveling agent??? Seriously...it's too funny.

Fun recipes

Lent Worthy recipes...and tasty too!Here is the recipe for some tasty Swiss Chard with cannellinni beans recipe.
I really like this recipe and it made a good use for tasty chard.

Little Lion Snack

This has been one of our favorite snacks lately...take a canned pear, grate some cheese for the mane, and use chocolate chips or raisins for eyes. They love it!

(Ummmm...Delicious bread...look I couldn't wait to get a piece!)
Here is the recipe I used and it was a pretty great and easy recipe. I used Whole hard-white wheat flour for the entire recipe and it was delicious!
Enjoy!

Sunday Sampler

February family vacation to to grandparents was a big hit. We first had a fun time seeing grandma and grandpa Edge, along with the cousins Willie and Micah. While dad attended meeting the kids were lost in a world full of imagination and play, with grandma taking roles such as "shark" or any other character they could think of. Poppy was successful in keeping all of the boys in line and making sure she got plenty of snuggles from Grandpa (Micah was quite sad to have to share is snuggly grandpa). We also got to visit all of the Aunties and uncles (except for Reed who we certainly missed).
Grandma Kayser was a treat to see on our way out of town. Poppy gave her lots of snuggles and it was so nice to spend time with all of our grandmas.(Horse powered snow sledding. Grandpa pulled the kids up and down the road. We also played some human hockey puck by tossing the kids back and forth on the tubes. The Road was so icy that it was perfect.)
Grandma and Grandpa Dilworth's house was a big treat. Oscar had a hard time staying inside. That boy would spend hour out exploring the snow drifts, chicken coop, tractor, and any other diversion he could find to keep himself out in the winter wonderland.
He thought this snow drift looked like a nice place to take a nap in the sunshine. I then had to convince him to come inside to get ready for church...he was not happy about that.

If I am ever lucky enough to have a few acres of land...this is what I want to own. grandpa's Newly re-furbished Ford-9n 1939 tractor. It was so fun to drive. Even Oscar was able to drive it down the country road. He wasn't too sure what to think of it at first but by the end of our trip he was loving it. Ah, brings me back to my country bunkin' days.
Oscar had fun trying to catch the chickens in the coop...he was never successful. Even in an enclosed environment those Chickens were quite feisty...in fact the Rooster gave him a bit of a chewing out from up above in the rafters.
Poppy LOVED the horse "Queeny" When we arrived she couldn't wait to get on her. After riding for a little bit on the horse, we asked her if she wanted down and she said "no". She was so happy to be up there riding...a girl after her mom's heart.
We were lucky enough to see a lot of cousin's this trip. At Grandma's we saw Russel, Aleshia, Brighton, Jason, Braden, Bryce, Hayden, Ryan, Mitzy, baby Lynlee, Aunt Joanna and uncle Adam, Aunt Verena, Uncle Lance and Moria, Auntie Rosa, and Aunt Marie.
We then stoped in Pocatello on our way home to see Aunt Katrina and our cousins, Kyle, Daniel, Julianna, and Heidi. We had some tasty cold stone ice cream and we were on our way to Boise.
We stopped in Boise and stayed the night at My Aunt Eileen's house where we saw My grandma Mary Dilworth (my kindred spirit).
And My Aunt Eileen and my great-Aunt Ingajean. We had a nice visit seeing these three wonderful women. I love to feel their sweet hugs and warm smiles that remind me of how much I am truly loved, and how many wonderful people I have had in my life.
This trip was such a fun time for us to really see a lot of our family and to have some fun experiences.
A big Thank you to all who shared their homes and time with us. We really loved being able to see all of you!

WWYD

Ok so here's the question...
I have some non-LDS friends who I met from teaching my spinning classes. Quite some time ago they asked me to be part of a 100k relay team and I told them yes I would love to do it with them. They have had a hard time trying to find enough team players (ten total) and especially a hard time trying to find someone to do the segment that I agreed to do...it's the big hill. I just discovered, after multiple emails and consenting to do the run, that it is on a Sunday.
I generally do not break my "don't run on Sunday" rule and I am having all sorts of angst about this.
I have not paid my money, although they are expecting me to be part of the team.
It is still about two months away, but I think they have to be registered sooner, than later. I am trying to think of someone to fill my slot, but am coming up empty.
It is possible that my leg would fall later in the day and that I could attend part of my church meetings but I'm just not so sure it falls under "keeping the sabbath". And I feel somewhat of a responsibility to keep my stance on the no running policy.
So, what would you do?
Rick is no help...he won't give me advice either way.

Ready, Set, Go!

I have recently just finished reading this book, very good by the way, and have decided to fashion my "lent" around it.
The basic premise of the book is to "Eat Food(real food), not too much, mostly plants". It also suggests that we shouldn't eat anything that our Great grandparents wouldn't recognize as food.
He give some great parameters and of those this is what my "lent" will be:
1. No HFC's (High fructose corn syrup) This is more difficult than you may think considering it is in practically everything, even bread. I know just how difficult it is...I just did my shopping trip.
2. Refrain from eating highly processed foods...nothing with more than five ingredients on the label, and they all need to be recognizable ingredients. It can have more than 5 ingredients if they are all real foods stuff.
3. Proportion control. I will serve our food before dinner and leave the pans on the stove, therefore taking the amount of food I want on my first serving rather than continuing to graze after I have eaten my fill.
4. Eat lost of plants...I love this one and this shouldn't be too tough.
5. Refrain from eating highly processed grains...everything I eat/make will be at least 50% whole grain. No white bread or rice for me...I can use a little but it needs to be combined with the others.

Alright I think that is it. You see, I may actually be able to eat limited amounts of chocolate this year. Especially dark, pure chocolate. I am really excited for the challenge this year! I feel like I want to rid my self of all of the nasty holiday foods I have been eating non-stop since Thanksgiving.

So friends the challenge is out. You may choose what ever you want, but make it something that you can measure and control. I can't wait to see who is up for the challenge.
You can even pass on the challenge on your blog...Good Luck!
I would love to hear updates too.

LENT (modified, deprivation diet)

Get your lent challenges ready!

Here are the stipulations...and a little bit of background.

This all began from my non-catholic friend Andrea who would give up junk food during lent. She convinced me to do it with her, giving up ice cream my first year trying. This will be the 4th year I have participated. Albeit a bit late in the game.
Lent, in most Christian denominations, is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter.^[1] The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where, according to the Bible, he endured temptation by Satan.^[2] Different churches calculate the forty days differently. (This comes courtesy of wikipedia.)

Although this is a great tradition...we LDS saints fast(no food or drink for 24 hrs) the first Sunday of each month and religiously do not practice "lent" and previously outlined. No, we use our monthly fasts for similar purposes. The "lent" we are about to begin is quite different...because although it can be spiritual, this is really a test to see if you can keep your word and challenge yourself.

So, this is my non-religious deprivation diet to allow my self, for one month, the self-control that I lack throughout the rest of the year. In fact it actually should have began two weeks ago on Ash Wednesday, but because of our trip to see family, I have postponed it to begin tomorrow. Sorry for the short notice, and if you need one more day to contemplate your goals, then I give you the executive privilege to do so. But you should still leave a comment and list what you are giving up.

My first year I gave up ice cream and it seemed like no big deal. The next year I gave up sweets all together. This year I have a whole new strategy and will disclose this information tomorrow.

Therefore, if you are going to be in on this fun activity here are the things you need to do:
1. Pick what you are going to give up and what is safe for you to keep in. (Write it down)
2. Eat a bunch of junk food today because it will be until Easter before you get to again.
3. Leave a comment that you are in and what you are giving up.
If you are "in" and post your comment, and you successfully keep your goal, then I will personally send you a finishers surprise! You MUST comment on tomorrow's post and you Must list what you are giving up.
If you mess up, you can send me a surprise...j/k. You just start again the next day.

I'm hoping to do various posts on my observations during my diet this time around because it will be a bit of a different strategy that has to do with my recent reading of the book "In Defense of Food". I am using myself as a bit of a test subject to see how my test pans out.
I went shopping tonight and I'm all set to begin tomorrow...the one hint I will give you about my choice is: this year Chocolate may NOT be completely out of my diet...but don't worry, it will even be more challenging than that!!!

Pot Stickers!

(Wrapped, pre-cooked form, before the pan steaming process)

(I didn't get the picture taken before most of them were eaten)

Thanks to Betina, and a fun visit to Swilly's for lunch, for giving me the idea to attempt pot stickers. They were delicious and pretty simple to make. My kids devoured them, and truthfully they are even pretty healthy. Here is the recipe:

Vegetarian Potstickers By: Ming Tsai

1 red onion sliced 1 tablespoon minced ginger 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms 1 cup white cabbage, shredded 1 cup carrots, shredded 1 cup chopped garlic chives or chives 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1 package round dumpling skins, also called gyoza (preferably twin dragon brand) Salt to taste Canola oil In a wok or large saute pan, add a little oil and saute onions and ginger. Add the mushrooms and stir. Add the cabbage, carrots and chives. Season. When mixture is soft, place in colander to drain. Add the sesame oil and cilantro when mixture is cooled. Check for seasoning. Using the gyoza skins, make half moon dumplings keeping the bottom flat. In a hot non-stick pan, coat with oil and place dumplings. When bottom gets brown, add 1/4 cup of water and immediately cover. This will steam the dumplings. Carefully watch the dumplings and completely evaporate the water so that the bottom gets crispy again and sticks to the pot. Serve with dipping sauce. SPICY SOY DIPPING SAUCE: 1/3 cup thin soy sauce 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar 1/3 cup sliced scallions 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sambal Combine all.

Weekly stuff...

Poppy girl is now a "big girl" with a new bed set up. The first few days of transition she was having a tough time going to sleep for nap time, before I had to wake her to get Oscar from school. By Friday she was doing a pretty good job of just lying down and going to sleep.
I think someone has transplanted a much more cooperative child in my midst. She has really turned a corner on being so stubborn. Don't get me wrong she can still hold her own. But, lately she wants to snuggle more and is really more considerate than she has been. I'm really loving her stage right now.
Oscar has turned a new leaf in learning just in the last few weeks. His counting has really increased. He can now pretty much count to 100 (if he can see the #'s) and we got a note this last week that he counted to 59 in class. This is a big breakthrough considering he kept getting hung up on 20. He also is reading the little books much better and is really starting to sound out the words. He still uses the pictures but is starting to correct himself and is really looking at the words instead of just guessing.
I love sitting with him and just reading...too bad he only likes to do it for a limited amount of time. Although, i think he would let me read to him forever. We have read through 5 chapter books this week. They are a series we just received from his book order and they are just the right length that we can read through the whole thing in one sitting and they are adventure stories. They are the "Magic Tree House by: Mary Pope Osborne" Series, in case you are looking for some good books for his age group.


And we have had much more of this white fluffy/or not-so fluffy stuff. I really looking forward to spring...I know you say it is only the beginning of FEBRUARY, but seriously...I can't get my mind off of walking in flip flops and feeling some sunshine on my face!
I took a 10 mile run yesterday (for more enlightenment on this run you can check out my other blog) and the road had cleared off from some rain, and the sun peaked out a few times, I felt like I was a whole new person.
Tomorrow for family Home Evening we are goign to take a seed inventory to decide what we want to grow and what we need to order. Lucky for us Auntie Emily and Uncle Carvel sent us an abundance of seeds so we may not need to buy any!
Come the end of the month we shall have our seeds ready to start! This is were spring really begins...oh, boy I can't wait to get those little seeds in some dirt and to see something green growing!

80's flash

My 80's girl...gotta love the stripes, skirt over pants and all of the chunky jewelery. Fnny, funny girl.
Our Super hero...this is his alter ego batman. He can transform from one to another with the simple flip of the cape!

(I liked wearing it so much, that I'm going to wear it again today...at least this morning, until I run later and actually shower)

Then later in the day I decided to let Oscar hear the song "Holding out for a Hero" form the Foot Loose sound track (since we all know that he is slightly obsessed with heroes)...
I know all of you are bobbing your heads and shouting the lyrics right now, don't hold back, let it all out. He then proceeded to run up and down the hallway playing it over and over again as he is shouting out...."I need a Hero!" to which he would follow with "I'm already a Hero!".
It was hilarious...If only I actually caught it on camera.
I then recently purchased this cheap, but stylin 80's looking shirt from old navy, in my favorite color YELLOW. I wore it for the first time today and could feel all of my dreary wintry melancholy slip away ( I even put a bright pink shirt on underneath). I even wore a pair of dangley earrings just because they matched so well. Yes, my friends this has been a lovely, snowy, gloomy day because of two kids who were so stink'in cute and a bright Yellow shirt!

Situation...

As a preface to the forth coming situation I should disclose that I DO NOT look for any opportunities to make people uncomfortable and i try very hard to always be mindful of others feelings. I DO try very hard to be kind, courteous, honest, and loving in all areas of my life.
that being said i had this very awkward confrontation today at the swimming pool.

Here is the set up...Oscar has swimming lessons every Tuesday and Thursday morning before school. I have been having this internal conflict between having him go to the Men's locker room my himself or for his to come with me into the women's locker room. By past experience both situations are not perfect...the women's locker room seems to always have at least one woman who insists on strutting around the locker room in the buff. The Men's locker room keeps me in a constant uncomfortable worried state of paranoia over pedophiles, or at the least other curious young boys who like to play and make a mess of the locker room.
Today was no exception. Because there have been an abundance of in-the-buff women in the women's locker room lately, I have been sending him into the men's with a very cautioned dialog before hand on what should happen in a locker room and what should not.
This has been working, well with the exception of him and his friend Logan playing in the locker room. But today he said he couldn't operate the showers and wanted me to go into the men's locker room to turn them on. I told him to grab his things and come to the ladies locker room with me.
The room was surprisingly fairly empty with the exception of one very, very elderly woman who was changing. I showered the kids and had Oscar get dressed in the private dressing room part. While I got Poppy dressed.
I did happen to notice that there was one other woman who was giving me dirty looks and wasn't getting dressed but merely watching everyone else.
I didn't think anything of it and continued to plod my kiddies along so we would be able to get lunch etc. done before school. When about to leave, this woman confronts me with "next time would you please make other arrangements for your son. His is too old to be in the women's locker room." (this was not said in a loving way).
I had previously talked with one of the lifeguards on another occasion about there being an age limit, and she told me there was not.
I told the lady this and she insisted that there was a posting outside that prohibited it. She also told me that she was a stay at home mom and that in her opinion boys over the age of 2 1/2 should be showering in the men's locker room!!! Yes, my friends she thinks I should be sending someone the same age as Poppy into the men's locker room to shower and change their clothes, by themselves!!!
At this point I realized that this woman was clearly a delusional and frustrated soul naturally, and that there was nothing I could say that would help her. Luckily, there was another mother in the locker room who was better at articulating an argument than me. She asked the woman if she would rather that I send my son into a locker room with some pedophile? The woman's response was "Well I certainly can't go into the men's locker room!". I thought Yeah, me too, what am I supposed to do???
Ugh! I feel in these situations I don't know how to "fix" the problem. I don't want Oscar being in an unsafe, or uncomfortable environment and yet, I wish these women would use some discretion on what they choose to wear around in the locker room!

So, I'm curious...If this were you, what would you do in the future? How old should Oscar be before I can safely feel comfortable with him showering by himself? Am I being irrational?
I did talk to the Pool director and she assured me that I could take Oscar into the ladies locker room and that even if he were 10 and I felt he needed to go in with me, he could. She also told me that this particular woman has complained on numerous other occasions (she used to even ask mothers how old their boy was, before giving her spill)...I'm thinking this lady needs to shower at home!

Although, the director said it was fine I still am wondering what the solution is...any ideas?
The real tragedy is that Pullman is such a small town that I'm certain I will run into this woman again, and I will not be able to look at her without feelings of discomfort and confrontation. What if she is in the other ward and I see her in a church setting, the grocery store? I wish she would have just asked me nicely so that we could have gotten off on a better foot and could avoid this whole uncomfortable situation.

Dedicated man, dedicated run

Inspired by the Marathon mommy I took the challenge of dedicating my run yesterday to this great prophet.
I was hoping to have some of his talks on my ipod to listen to but, I wasn't able to put it all together so I decided I would run with just my thoughts, on what influence his life had on mine.
I generally work things out in my mind when I'm running, it is a good way of organizing my thoughts and finding clarity. I find that truly my spirit and body are more of a whole when they are both in the process of exercising. Yesterday was no exception, and it certainly was a difficult run for me. I did 7.68 miles and it was through our very snowy town. I was laready tired from a spinning class and although none of you really want to hear it I was having some cramps...Ugh. Needless to say it was a good/hard run. I was greatfu lto have the challenge to keep me going. (Rick did a 16mi run and called it a short run....amazing!)
It was my first run over 6 miles since November and I had taught a spinning class yesterday morning. In my spinning class were three missionaries (I was grateful for my more mellow selection of music) and it was interesting seeing the youthful energy of some of God's army. They certainly stood out as unique (one of them especially loved one of the songs and couldn't help dancing around a bit on his bike) but they all had this great determination and enthusiasm that showed through.
This was one of the MANY characteristics of President Hinckley that I enjoyed and aspired to acquire. He had this ability to motivate and inspire all in his presence.
As the miles rolled by and my thoughts traversed through various times in my life where his influence inspired and humbled me.
Here is a little list of some of the more memorable moments...
I recall being in a regional conference youth choir when I was a freshman in High school. At this time President Hinckley was still a counselor in the first presidency, but I remember sitting and listening to his words. Knowing that the words he spoke to me were a message of truth.
This would carry on with me. I remember him encouraging us to strive to do better and to be better, a message that would carry on throughout his presidency.

I also remember getting my tattoo on my leg. Yes, I already knew it was NOT the right thing to do. However, I will note that it was a very innocent tattoo, and was by no means a mark of rebellion, merely a best friend tattoo between me and my cousin Lisa. Shortly thereafter he gave his talk about respecting our bodies and that we should treat them like a temple. This is where I ate a good dose of humble pie...(not the first time and probably not the last.)
I have many many times regretted this decision and will forever have it as a mark as a weakness in decision making. Especially when my kids, primary children of young women ask me about it.

I have fond memories of the BOM challenge. I remember sitting (very pregnant with Poppy) on the floor of the primary room, doing a read-athon with my young women. I loved seeing the love and devotion that each of those girls put into his challenge. I especially loved seeing the mark of accomplishment that beamed on their faces when they achieved their goal.

I clearly remember the encouraging B's that he gave. Today in primary the children still remembered and could recall all six of the B's. This is impressive especially when I realized that most of them were not even alive, or very old when he gave them to the youth of our church.

I recall his sweet humble spirit that could charm even the hardest of men. I loved seeing him in the public sphere, taking on the lions of the press. He knew who he was and what his purpose in this life was, and they could not shake his character. I try to share the gospel freely with others just as he would have done. It is such an important part of my life, that if I refrain from sharing deny others the same joy and love I experience in knowing who I am, where I am going, and that I don't have to do it alone.

There are many other thoughts that came to me while I was running, this is just a few that I'll share. I'm so grateful for a wonderful prophet who guides our church and gives us the modern day direction that we need to return to our father in heaven.

I know that I have a purpose here in this life. I'm certain it won't always be easy and at times I may not fully understand that position, but I know that God loves me and that I have a Savior who has atoned for my sins and that I am a daughter of God. I grieve that Gordon B. Hinckley will no longer be in our presence, but rejoice that he is on the other side. I hope I can live my life with just as much clarity and purpose as he did.

Thanks for indulging me with so many fond memories and thoughts.