...plus my ability to crack her up while jumping around the living room in an attempt to click my heels. It's harder than I thought it would be!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Thankful Thursday
Today I'm thankful for a morning spent with my aunt, uncle and Mom, and for this squishy face..
...plus my ability to crack her up while jumping around the living room in an attempt to click my heels. It's harder than I thought it would be!
...plus my ability to crack her up while jumping around the living room in an attempt to click my heels. It's harder than I thought it would be!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
No Cute Pic Today
No cute Sky pics today. Sorry...I know that is the only reason anyone reads this blog.
Started the day with Stroller Run Club that turned into Stroller Walking Club for me since no other runners showed up. I had a really great time, very nice ladies, and one of them has a new running route in mind and is going to scout it with me!
I like having options, and I know my running ladies well enough to know when we can take a little more time and go a bit longer and when to stick to the usual route.
Sky spent the afternoon at the parents which allowed me to run some "me" specific errands. Once of them being inspection time for my wedding ring and earrings. I LOVE how pretty and sparkly my ring looks after inspection time. Small things make me happy.
Sky says, "I love Daddy" for the first time today! I tell you that little girl possesses the power to get whatever she wants from whomever she wants. It's takes all our willpower to stand firm and instill the values we believe in!
Started the day with Stroller Run Club that turned into Stroller Walking Club for me since no other runners showed up. I had a really great time, very nice ladies, and one of them has a new running route in mind and is going to scout it with me!
I like having options, and I know my running ladies well enough to know when we can take a little more time and go a bit longer and when to stick to the usual route.
Sky spent the afternoon at the parents which allowed me to run some "me" specific errands. Once of them being inspection time for my wedding ring and earrings. I LOVE how pretty and sparkly my ring looks after inspection time. Small things make me happy.
Sky says, "I love Daddy" for the first time today! I tell you that little girl possesses the power to get whatever she wants from whomever she wants. It's takes all our willpower to stand firm and instill the values we believe in!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
I'm Back
After missing a month of Tuesday Night Run Club it felt great to be back!!! It's still a faster pace than I like to start with and it's cold, and dark, and was windy, but I was out there and it felt good. I was able to focus on form, specifically my arms. Being free and loose and keeping everything going forward and not crossing in front of my body at all.
Still have not taken on the metronome and the 180 cadence, I'm a little scared of that, but I'll get there.
Sky and I started the day at Play To Learn which was fun. It's a bit more structured than she is used to, so circle/singing time is a bit of a struggle, but she has fun for the most part. Thankfully I'm pretty good at picking up on her I'm done signs. We left before she lost it.
After a not long enough nap it was time for art and to play outside.
Still have not taken on the metronome and the 180 cadence, I'm a little scared of that, but I'll get there.
Sky and I started the day at Play To Learn which was fun. It's a bit more structured than she is used to, so circle/singing time is a bit of a struggle, but she has fun for the most part. Thankfully I'm pretty good at picking up on her I'm done signs. We left before she lost it.
After a not long enough nap it was time for art and to play outside.
She loves her balance bike!
Our little budding artist..
Pencil and paper...great way to keep her happy while I do the dishes.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Happy Monday
Cute Sky pic to get through a Monday...
Not much going on today. Sort of a lazy day around the house, playing outside, doing laundry. Every once in a while it's good to have zero plans and putter around taking your time to get things done.
From her day at the Children's museum with Daddy.
Not much going on today. Sort of a lazy day around the house, playing outside, doing laundry. Every once in a while it's good to have zero plans and putter around taking your time to get things done.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
From the Kitchen and Stuff
From the kitchen:
Mark's new favorite recipe! Thank You Food Network Magazine!
Spanish Turkey Meatball Stew
Stuff:
We have been having fun and been busy living life rather than posting about it. :)
Thursday night Alex joined us for dinner and Sky was all about hanging out with Alex.
In running news...I need a race! I need some motivation to get my a$$ out there! I ran Friday with Michelle's brother, and thank goodness I had plans to run with him. Otherwise I would have bailed on myself.
It was hard. Taking time off for Sky's cold and my cold made it hard. I had to take a short walking break to get up the last of the hill on the way home, I just couldn't breath. It felt good once I was done though. I'm ready to get back on my regular running schedule this week.
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
Mark's new favorite recipe! Thank You Food Network Magazine!
Spanish Turkey Meatball Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup sliced small carrots
- 2 14-ounce cans low-sodium diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey
- 3/4 cup loosely packed fresh parsley (about 1 bunch), chopped, plus more for topping
- Freshly ground pepper
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Transfer half of the mixture to a large bowl.
Add the paprika and carrots to the remaining onion mixture in the skillet and cook 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth and chickpeas; bring to a rapid simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 6 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the ground turkey, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the bowl with the reserved onion mixture and mix with your hands. Form the turkey mixture into 20 meatballs. Place the meatballs in the skillet with the sauce and simmer, turning once, until cooked through, about 7 minutes. Serve with more pepper and parsley.
Per serving: Calories 458; Fat 18 g (Saturated 4 g); Cholesterol 81 mg; Sodium 1,234 mg; Carbohydrate 36 g; Fiber 8 g; Protein 38 g
Add the paprika and carrots to the remaining onion mixture in the skillet and cook 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth and chickpeas; bring to a rapid simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 6 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the ground turkey, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the bowl with the reserved onion mixture and mix with your hands. Form the turkey mixture into 20 meatballs. Place the meatballs in the skillet with the sauce and simmer, turning once, until cooked through, about 7 minutes. Serve with more pepper and parsley.
Per serving: Calories 458; Fat 18 g (Saturated 4 g); Cholesterol 81 mg; Sodium 1,234 mg; Carbohydrate 36 g; Fiber 8 g; Protein 38 g
Stuff:
We have been having fun and been busy living life rather than posting about it. :)
Thursday night Alex joined us for dinner and Sky was all about hanging out with Alex.
It's dark...was using my phone, had I got up to grab the camera she would have moved.
Friday night Jon and Winona joined us for dinner, and test drove Shrimp Jambalaya in an effort to nail down a Creole style meal for SB Sunday. The flavor was GREAT, but the mushy rice was a no go for me. I found a different recipe though and already know it's going to be amazing!
Sky has made a lot of changes in a short amount of time and it's killing me. She is growing up so very fast. I love it, but it makes me a little sad at the same time.
The beginning of potty training. She just sat there with her magazine and her Daddy. Nothing happened but still it's a start.
I can hardly believe that is her in the canvas.
Her newest trick...climbing up the back of the couch and popping her head over the top with a big old smile in her face.
In running news...I need a race! I need some motivation to get my a$$ out there! I ran Friday with Michelle's brother, and thank goodness I had plans to run with him. Otherwise I would have bailed on myself.
It was hard. Taking time off for Sky's cold and my cold made it hard. I had to take a short walking break to get up the last of the hill on the way home, I just couldn't breath. It felt good once I was done though. I'm ready to get back on my regular running schedule this week.
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Thankful Thursday
Today I'm thankful I was able to fill in for dodge ball last night! It was nice to get out there, spend time with friends, get two strong wins, yet not have the weekly commitment on my schedule.
Was a good time, and I wasn't sore from the morning run, so my legs were not shot like they have been in past seasons.
Yesterday's stroller run was challenging, was just me and one other runner (we had 7 walkers though!) and we talked the entire time. I'm not a talker when I run, it's hard for me, so it felt like a double workout. But, it was fun and went by fast, even though it was a slower pace.
Given the fact I haven't run in a week due to Sky being sick, me having a cold, and appointments it felt harder than it should have for sure.
Sky still has a cold and is not sleeping well at night. I can hear her coughing all night. She usually makes it home from our run before crashing, but not yesterday.
Was a good time, and I wasn't sore from the morning run, so my legs were not shot like they have been in past seasons.
Yesterday's stroller run was challenging, was just me and one other runner (we had 7 walkers though!) and we talked the entire time. I'm not a talker when I run, it's hard for me, so it felt like a double workout. But, it was fun and went by fast, even though it was a slower pace.
Given the fact I haven't run in a week due to Sky being sick, me having a cold, and appointments it felt harder than it should have for sure.
Sky still has a cold and is not sleeping well at night. I can hear her coughing all night. She usually makes it home from our run before crashing, but not yesterday.
I love her clasped hands!
What I didn't love about this nap...her 20 minutes in the car was it, she woke up when I tried to put her in the crib at home and while I left her in there so I could shower, she was yelling at me the entire time. The last thing she needs when she has a cold is less sleep!
It's a rest day today for both of us. Taking it easy around the house today, try saying no a bit less so there is less frustration on her part. Tempers are shorter when not feeling well!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Stretching - P90X Style
Can I just say that an hour of stretching is a lot of stretching, especially when it's P90X stretching!
But, it did feel good, even with Sky "helping" me.
I figured since I was missing run club tonight I would do some P90X stretching instead to kinda make up for it. Sky really likes it when I rock like a boat with her sitting on my stomach, especially when I add cool sound effects.
Speaking of our sick little girl...
She is still pretty sassy for a girl with a cold that seems to be getting worse and worse.
As a side note, I have never been so happy to see rain in the forecast...it means it's warmer outside!
But, it did feel good, even with Sky "helping" me.
I figured since I was missing run club tonight I would do some P90X stretching instead to kinda make up for it. Sky really likes it when I rock like a boat with her sitting on my stomach, especially when I add cool sound effects.
Speaking of our sick little girl...
She is still pretty sassy for a girl with a cold that seems to be getting worse and worse.
As a side note, I have never been so happy to see rain in the forecast...it means it's warmer outside!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Pancakes For Breakfast
Well, another day and no running. Sky is sick and while I probably could put her in the jogger and ignore her nasty cough and screaming that would surly follow I'm not going to.
I'm a mommy first and a runner second, or third, or tenth....it changes as needed.
So, nap time will be Pilates or P90X for me.
The nice part about not running this morning is I got to have blueberry pancakes with my girl and a big old cup of coffee. No, pre-run boring breakfast, and for that I'm thankful! I have been craving blueberry pancakes for weeks!
Oh, and while I could run while she is napping I'm not going to because Mark is working on the bathroom today. It's time to pick out the tile people!!! Making some serious progress on getting the bathroom done, and I'm not willing to risk Sky having a coughing fit or feeling like she wants to be held and cuddled for her nap, and interrupting Mark.
The upside of her being sick...all the extra cuddles. It's exhausting, but lovely at the same time.
Running shoes better be ready for tomorrow night run club though...I plan getting a strong fast run in!
P.S. Anyone want to place bets on if it will be done before March, that is the 1 year mark for this remodel!
As stated in previous posts...nothing against him. He works on it in between his job, vacations, family time with Sky, a summer full of camping and has had to deal with multiple unexpected issues that have been found along the way.
Can't wait to have my own bathroom again!!!
I'm a mommy first and a runner second, or third, or tenth....it changes as needed.
So, nap time will be Pilates or P90X for me.
The nice part about not running this morning is I got to have blueberry pancakes with my girl and a big old cup of coffee. No, pre-run boring breakfast, and for that I'm thankful! I have been craving blueberry pancakes for weeks!
Oh, and while I could run while she is napping I'm not going to because Mark is working on the bathroom today. It's time to pick out the tile people!!! Making some serious progress on getting the bathroom done, and I'm not willing to risk Sky having a coughing fit or feeling like she wants to be held and cuddled for her nap, and interrupting Mark.
The upside of her being sick...all the extra cuddles. It's exhausting, but lovely at the same time.
Running shoes better be ready for tomorrow night run club though...I plan getting a strong fast run in!
P.S. Anyone want to place bets on if it will be done before March, that is the 1 year mark for this remodel!
As stated in previous posts...nothing against him. He works on it in between his job, vacations, family time with Sky, a summer full of camping and has had to deal with multiple unexpected issues that have been found along the way.
Can't wait to have my own bathroom again!!!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
I Love Long Weekends!
Do you know how much I love that tonight is a weekend night for Mark? It hardly matters to Sky and I what day it is, our days are pretty much all the same. But, there is a bathroom to be worked on and a little girl that LOVES having her Daddy around. So we are happy around here.
I totally called it in my previous post...San Fran and Baltimore in the SB, also known as the Brother Bowl! I kinda like that aspect of the story line. I just hope that San Fran gets it done!
Big steps around here! Sky is now drinking out of a "real" cup. It's not even really a cup, it's her snack bowl with the lid taken off. But, it's perfect because the sides are short, she can see what she's doing, and there are handles on both sides. She is just growing up so darn fast.
I totally feel like I slacked on running last week. Just wasn't feeling it. I sort of feel like I may be fighting a cold, I know for a fact my trial pair of contacts are making me motion sick and that makes it really hard to run, and just feeling blah.
This week is a new week though...the only day I don't have running plans is Thursday. Looking forward to a running jump-start this week!
I totally called it in my previous post...San Fran and Baltimore in the SB, also known as the Brother Bowl! I kinda like that aspect of the story line. I just hope that San Fran gets it done!
Big steps around here! Sky is now drinking out of a "real" cup. It's not even really a cup, it's her snack bowl with the lid taken off. But, it's perfect because the sides are short, she can see what she's doing, and there are handles on both sides. She is just growing up so darn fast.
I totally feel like I slacked on running last week. Just wasn't feeling it. I sort of feel like I may be fighting a cold, I know for a fact my trial pair of contacts are making me motion sick and that makes it really hard to run, and just feeling blah.
This week is a new week though...the only day I don't have running plans is Thursday. Looking forward to a running jump-start this week!
Friday, January 18, 2013
From the Kitchen and Other Stuff
From the Kitchen:
My helpful tip of the day is to use this for more than what it's intended...
It may seem like a simple egg slicer but it will also very nicely slice strawberries, olives, mushrooms, grapes, kiwi, and banana. And, I'm sure there is more, that is just the list of things I have used mine for. I use my egg slicer all the time and it's hardly ever for eggs!
Other Stuff:
This Saturday is the first Saturday that there isn't any football! That means it's our first official unplugged Saturday. No computer, TV, and constant cell phone checking. My plan is to put my phone on vibrate and check it a couple times during the day for missed calls or text messages, because as stated before we are not trying to be antisocial, just trying to me less connected a day a week.
I was able to get away for a few hours last night and enjoy some wine and appetizer with Michelle. I don't know when the last time we just sat and talked, just the two of us was. It was long overdue and much needed! (Thank you Dad for that!)
So looking forward to getting a run in today while Sky naps. I hardly ever get to run alone anymore, I don't actually remember the last time I did so. I have a 5 mile loop from my house through the park and back that I'm looking forward to. Will see if the bit of a cold I'm dealing with allows for it.
Manti - what the heck dude...that's all I'm saying about that.
Lance - while we wanted to believe in you I don't think you were really fooling anyone. Way overdue and too late.
Sunday's games - I'm calling it...9'ers and Ravens for the wins.
A few cute Sky pics to wrap up the week...
See that high chair in the background...she is so over it. She wants to use her booster and sit at the table like a big girl. Kinda makes me sad. At least for breakfast she lets me put the tray on it so I can turn her around and do dishes etc while she eats. Huge time saver for me!
My helpful tip of the day is to use this for more than what it's intended...
Other Stuff:
This Saturday is the first Saturday that there isn't any football! That means it's our first official unplugged Saturday. No computer, TV, and constant cell phone checking. My plan is to put my phone on vibrate and check it a couple times during the day for missed calls or text messages, because as stated before we are not trying to be antisocial, just trying to me less connected a day a week.
I was able to get away for a few hours last night and enjoy some wine and appetizer with Michelle. I don't know when the last time we just sat and talked, just the two of us was. It was long overdue and much needed! (Thank you Dad for that!)
So looking forward to getting a run in today while Sky naps. I hardly ever get to run alone anymore, I don't actually remember the last time I did so. I have a 5 mile loop from my house through the park and back that I'm looking forward to. Will see if the bit of a cold I'm dealing with allows for it.
Manti - what the heck dude...that's all I'm saying about that.
Lance - while we wanted to believe in you I don't think you were really fooling anyone. Way overdue and too late.
Sunday's games - I'm calling it...9'ers and Ravens for the wins.
A few cute Sky pics to wrap up the week...
See that high chair in the background...she is so over it. She wants to use her booster and sit at the table like a big girl. Kinda makes me sad. At least for breakfast she lets me put the tray on it so I can turn her around and do dishes etc while she eats. Huge time saver for me!
The last cute high chair pic ever. :(
Loves snagging Mark's hats!
I LOVE her Carhart overalls! Sky says, "what the heck is this thing?"
She stole my spot on the couch!
For those of you racing run strong and everyone have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thankful Thursday
Today I'm thankful for this moment captured by Mark...
Sky with her Great Grandpa
After spending the day in Seattle with him and tests and the beginning of a cancer treatment plan I learned that the cancer hardly matters. He has a lot of health issues, and I'm so very thankful Sky enjoyed every second of both her Grandpa's being here for a couple of days, and that we got to see such a tender moment between the two of them.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Cold Morning Run
The stroller group run this morning was cold, cold, cold, and icy! It wasn't until 1/2 way through and watching my fellow runners slide down a hill that I realized that maybe we should not have been running. Let along pushing our babies in strollers.
Anyway. I got a little speed work in. I hung back to make sure my couch to 5K'ers were ok running together and knew the route and then decided to sprint, with the stroller, up hill, on ice for a long time. I could see them for a long time, could see I was catching them, but slowly, so I just kept chugging away. My goal was to catch them before the hill at UPS and I did!
I don't usually care about the weather when it comes to running. I run rain, shine, cold, snow whatever. But I will say that I will be very happy to see the ice and bitter cold go.
It has been so cold that the only lock on my car I can get unlocked is the hatch, so have had to crawl in the hatch to reach up and unlock one of the back doors. Pry the back door open, then unlock and pry one of the front doors open.
Thankfully I have awesome cold weather running gear though!
Backtracking a bit...walked with Jodi Monday, and let's just say the girls were not feeling it on the way home. Total melt-down. Sky wouldn't let me near her without escalating it, so I did what I could...I took a picture.
I think we are done walking for a bit. Until the weather is nice enough to use Sky's wagon for the girls we are going to stick to play time at Jodi's or Frog n Kiwi...they are much happier that way.
Anyway. I got a little speed work in. I hung back to make sure my couch to 5K'ers were ok running together and knew the route and then decided to sprint, with the stroller, up hill, on ice for a long time. I could see them for a long time, could see I was catching them, but slowly, so I just kept chugging away. My goal was to catch them before the hill at UPS and I did!
I don't usually care about the weather when it comes to running. I run rain, shine, cold, snow whatever. But I will say that I will be very happy to see the ice and bitter cold go.
It has been so cold that the only lock on my car I can get unlocked is the hatch, so have had to crawl in the hatch to reach up and unlock one of the back doors. Pry the back door open, then unlock and pry one of the front doors open.
Thankfully I have awesome cold weather running gear though!
Backtracking a bit...walked with Jodi Monday, and let's just say the girls were not feeling it on the way home. Total melt-down. Sky wouldn't let me near her without escalating it, so I did what I could...I took a picture.
I think we are done walking for a bit. Until the weather is nice enough to use Sky's wagon for the girls we are going to stick to play time at Jodi's or Frog n Kiwi...they are much happier that way.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Football Sunday
Sky and I are enjoying some relaxed football time today. Mark is watching the game with a friend, so her and I are just hanging out.
The Hawk's game has been so craptastic that we took a play break the end of the 4th. Baby...It's Cold Outside!
The Hawk's game has been so craptastic that we took a play break the end of the 4th. Baby...It's Cold Outside!
So pleased with herself for taking the ball from Bishop.
Those cheeks were so red by the time we came in!
Bishop is pretty much an 80 year old man, but he plays ball like he is a puppy!
Come on Bishop, I'll lead the way! Sky loves her "oh boy" which is what she calls Bishop.
The small thing I'm thankful for today is finding the last little bit of salted caramel coffee creamer in the back of the refrigerator. It's making my last cup of coffee today extra special!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Strange Day
Really...the Broncos lost to the Ravens? Whatever. The 49'rs won though! I like me some Kaepernick! Watching football was about all I could do today.
I got up early to get ready for my run, but had a sore throat and given the cold, freezing to the point that I can't open the doors on my car or the camp trailer type of cold, I decided that running in said cold weather was not a great idea for my throat.
Sadly, the small thing I'm thankful for today is that I bailed on running with Elya. Not 5 minutes after I texted her I had a migraine, head hurt, eyes blurry, nauseous all day migraine. Have not had one of those in a very long time, and would have hated to deal with that while running.
Somehow I still managed to take Sky to Frog n Kiwi to play, no it did not help my head in the least, but she needed to get out of the house and run around like crazy and not hear No. Since Mark was working on the bathroom all day I got to take her. It was a little selfish on my part though...she naps much better after playing like that, and I needed the Sky free time to just be still and let my eyes and head rest.
Oh, and yes that was me that was leaving with a kicking, screaming, arms waving around like crazy, hitting me in the face child. Fun times let me tell you.
While Sky was a bit of a pill today she was also really cuddly. She just wanted attention and closeness. I wasn't at the top of my mommy game today, but at least she made it easy to mommy from the couch for the most part.
Tomorrow will be another couch day since the meds and the aftermath of that much pain, leave me feeling like I'm hung over or going through withdrawals the next day. Sky and I will lay low, watch more football, and probably sneak in some outside time here and there. Has to be short and quick stints outside because it is not warming up during the day at all.
BTW - no worries Dad, I eventually did get the frozen trailer door open and the heat is going. Should be nice and cozy by the time you get here.
I got up early to get ready for my run, but had a sore throat and given the cold, freezing to the point that I can't open the doors on my car or the camp trailer type of cold, I decided that running in said cold weather was not a great idea for my throat.
Sadly, the small thing I'm thankful for today is that I bailed on running with Elya. Not 5 minutes after I texted her I had a migraine, head hurt, eyes blurry, nauseous all day migraine. Have not had one of those in a very long time, and would have hated to deal with that while running.
Somehow I still managed to take Sky to Frog n Kiwi to play, no it did not help my head in the least, but she needed to get out of the house and run around like crazy and not hear No. Since Mark was working on the bathroom all day I got to take her. It was a little selfish on my part though...she naps much better after playing like that, and I needed the Sky free time to just be still and let my eyes and head rest.
Oh, and yes that was me that was leaving with a kicking, screaming, arms waving around like crazy, hitting me in the face child. Fun times let me tell you.
While Sky was a bit of a pill today she was also really cuddly. She just wanted attention and closeness. I wasn't at the top of my mommy game today, but at least she made it easy to mommy from the couch for the most part.
Tomorrow will be another couch day since the meds and the aftermath of that much pain, leave me feeling like I'm hung over or going through withdrawals the next day. Sky and I will lay low, watch more football, and probably sneak in some outside time here and there. Has to be short and quick stints outside because it is not warming up during the day at all.
BTW - no worries Dad, I eventually did get the frozen trailer door open and the heat is going. Should be nice and cozy by the time you get here.
Friday, January 11, 2013
From The Kitchen & Other Things
No recipe today. I'm sharing my excitement over our new Food Saver! We have been talking and talking about a FS for at least 2 years, and finally we have one. It's not a super high end one, but it seems as if it will be perfect for us, and was a great price. I have only used it once, totally easy, and got the job done, so I'm happy so far.
I'm really excited that I can now pretend like I'm a highly trained chef on a cooking show by doing quick marinades in vacuum sealed bags!!! Oh yeah, the science of cooking in action in my kitchen!!
I also discovered the grocery Disneyland that is Cash and Carry! Never thought I would say this, but it's so much better than Costco! The only drawback is, you have to really like whatever it is you are getting because you are getting like 25 pounds of it at a time! We don't have room to store pounds and pounds of stuff. The meat packages are crazy low prices, but I only get one kind of meat at a time, come home break it down into 1lb packages and FS them in the freezer. Can't wait to have a 2nd freeze so I can store more frozen items.
Not as much variety as Costco either, but the low prices make it worth stopping there first to get what I can then finish up at Costco!
BTW - Cash and Carry also has great kitchen supplies, industrial kitchen supplies (I was like a kid in a candy store!) and not everything is huge quantities. Some stuff like spices and fish sauce for example were still larger sizes than grocery stores, but better priced and not so large that you won't use it before it's shelf life is up.
For stuff like rice, salt, quinoa we ordered some food safe emergency prep buckets (click HERE for the site we ordered them from) that hold 20 lbs of goods. We are really working on our emergency preparedness and have created storage in the garage. It's kinda nice because I grocery shop in the garage to fill the pantry and rotate the food stores so nothing will go bad. We are far from being as prepared as experts say you should be, but we are off to a good start!
That's what's been going on in my kitchen as of late.
In other news we said good bye to Ollie yesterday. Don't really care to say much about it, just didn't want people to see camping pics etc with Bishop and think we leave Ollie behind or something.
Spent some time playing outside in the freezing cold with Bishop. He has never been good at fetch. He will chase the ball and get it, but only bring it half way back and no matter how hard we try we end up having to get the darn ball ourselves. Enter Sky...she is happy to grab it as soon as he drops it and bring it back to me so I can toss it again. With the two of them working together I get a complete game of fetch in and they both get exercise!
I'm really excited that I can now pretend like I'm a highly trained chef on a cooking show by doing quick marinades in vacuum sealed bags!!! Oh yeah, the science of cooking in action in my kitchen!!
I also discovered the grocery Disneyland that is Cash and Carry! Never thought I would say this, but it's so much better than Costco! The only drawback is, you have to really like whatever it is you are getting because you are getting like 25 pounds of it at a time! We don't have room to store pounds and pounds of stuff. The meat packages are crazy low prices, but I only get one kind of meat at a time, come home break it down into 1lb packages and FS them in the freezer. Can't wait to have a 2nd freeze so I can store more frozen items.
Not as much variety as Costco either, but the low prices make it worth stopping there first to get what I can then finish up at Costco!
BTW - Cash and Carry also has great kitchen supplies, industrial kitchen supplies (I was like a kid in a candy store!) and not everything is huge quantities. Some stuff like spices and fish sauce for example were still larger sizes than grocery stores, but better priced and not so large that you won't use it before it's shelf life is up.
For stuff like rice, salt, quinoa we ordered some food safe emergency prep buckets (click HERE for the site we ordered them from) that hold 20 lbs of goods. We are really working on our emergency preparedness and have created storage in the garage. It's kinda nice because I grocery shop in the garage to fill the pantry and rotate the food stores so nothing will go bad. We are far from being as prepared as experts say you should be, but we are off to a good start!
That's what's been going on in my kitchen as of late.
In other news we said good bye to Ollie yesterday. Don't really care to say much about it, just didn't want people to see camping pics etc with Bishop and think we leave Ollie behind or something.
Spent some time playing outside in the freezing cold with Bishop. He has never been good at fetch. He will chase the ball and get it, but only bring it half way back and no matter how hard we try we end up having to get the darn ball ourselves. Enter Sky...she is happy to grab it as soon as he drops it and bring it back to me so I can toss it again. With the two of them working together I get a complete game of fetch in and they both get exercise!
She loves being outside, even when her hands are lobster red from the cold.
She also loves hummus and why I thought it was a good idea to give her a container of it and not help I don't know...
By the time she was done is was squished between all her fingers, in her hair, all over her face, ground into her cloths...lot's of fun for me to clean up!
The small thing I'm thankful for today...going to traffic court and getting my ticket for expired tabs cut in 1/2! They expired in July, got pulled over in November...never received a notice in the mail or via email. Not only that when I got home we found that the truck, camper, and utility trailer were expired as well. We had not been notified at all and had no idea. Went that same day paid for all of them, and the judge was very understanding today. The ticket was more than all 4 tab fees together were so am very thankful he knocked it down for me.
Been a low running week...hoping to get in a shorter fast paced run, and longer easier paced run this weekend. And, looking forward to watching football this weekend!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Thankful Thursday
Thankful for a little non-Sky running time last night. Funny thing is it didn't involve much running at all.
I took a Good Form Running class and learned a few new things, and had a few things I already knew reaffirmed.
It was a free class mostly because you don't need a class to learn it. Check out the Goof Form Running site Here
What I found out last night is my foot strike and lean from the ankle is golden. It was nice to hear since it's something I have been focused on while running.
Next I'm taking on the 180 cadence. I have a metronome app on my phone and can't wait for my next run to test it out!
It's nice to know I'm doing something right with my running, and good to know what to focus on next. There is a second, follow-up, class in a few months, so I can check in on myself and see how I'm doing.
I still feel like such a new runner and like I have no clue what I'm doing that I'm thankful to know I'm actually doing exactly what I need to be doing.
I took a Good Form Running class and learned a few new things, and had a few things I already knew reaffirmed.
It was a free class mostly because you don't need a class to learn it. Check out the Goof Form Running site Here
What I found out last night is my foot strike and lean from the ankle is golden. It was nice to hear since it's something I have been focused on while running.
Next I'm taking on the 180 cadence. I have a metronome app on my phone and can't wait for my next run to test it out!
It's nice to know I'm doing something right with my running, and good to know what to focus on next. There is a second, follow-up, class in a few months, so I can check in on myself and see how I'm doing.
I still feel like such a new runner and like I have no clue what I'm doing that I'm thankful to know I'm actually doing exactly what I need to be doing.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The Little Things
My goal for the immediate future is to remember that the only thing I really have control over in life is how I react to it and deal with it.
I have been having a hard time caring about what I deem to be trivial things people post on FB etc. Oh want to complain that you need coffee, how about by thankful your not checking into a hospital for chemo. Yep, that has been my attitude, and it's not fair. Not only that, it's not a good way to keep my friends.
Two things I have to fight when life gets real:
-Withdrawing and only wanting to be around Mark and Sky and focusing on the situation and what needs to be done.
-"Trivial" things, comments etc make me crazy. I just don't care about anything other than the issue at hand. Especially when it's a life and death situation.
To that end I'm finding little things every day I can be thankful for and happy about. The only way I feel like I can counteract the worry, sadness and emotions about Grandpas situation is to find positive things to focus on instead.
Yesterday I was thankful to find out that Grandpa checks in next Tuesday for surgery. I wanted it to be this week only because time is life when it comes to cancer. But, Tuesday is perfect because Mark works from home on Tuesday. That means he can watch Sky so that I can go with Dad and Grandpa and take notes, offer support, make phone calls or whatever else I can do to help navigate the world of cancer treatment. Knowing Sky will be taken care of by her favorite person in the world makes it easier for me to focus on what I need to do.
Today I'm thankful for our little sleeping champ! I'm pretty sure she is getting ready to shoot up about 10 sizes based on how much she is sleeping and eating the last few weeks. She is getting 13 to 14 hours of sleep a night! I'm thankful to have a little extra time to drink coffee, check email and blog in the mornings. It's a nice way to start the day.
By the way...her eating is out of control on so many levels. She is hungry all the time! 10 minutes after a meal she wants a snack, and for the first time ever she is being picky about it. It's taking more and more effort to get her to eat things that in the past were no big deal at all. I don't know if it's her age and realizing she has an opinion and therefore wants a say, or if her taste is changing, or what, but I'm not loving it. Anyone else had to deal with this?
I don't want to alienate my friends or be a downer on the blog/FB/or in real life. There is enough negativity in the world without me adding to it. I hope this new focus will help with all that. If it doesn't feel free to call me out and tell me I'm being miserable to be around. :)
I have been having a hard time caring about what I deem to be trivial things people post on FB etc. Oh want to complain that you need coffee, how about by thankful your not checking into a hospital for chemo. Yep, that has been my attitude, and it's not fair. Not only that, it's not a good way to keep my friends.
Two things I have to fight when life gets real:
-Withdrawing and only wanting to be around Mark and Sky and focusing on the situation and what needs to be done.
-"Trivial" things, comments etc make me crazy. I just don't care about anything other than the issue at hand. Especially when it's a life and death situation.
To that end I'm finding little things every day I can be thankful for and happy about. The only way I feel like I can counteract the worry, sadness and emotions about Grandpas situation is to find positive things to focus on instead.
Yesterday I was thankful to find out that Grandpa checks in next Tuesday for surgery. I wanted it to be this week only because time is life when it comes to cancer. But, Tuesday is perfect because Mark works from home on Tuesday. That means he can watch Sky so that I can go with Dad and Grandpa and take notes, offer support, make phone calls or whatever else I can do to help navigate the world of cancer treatment. Knowing Sky will be taken care of by her favorite person in the world makes it easier for me to focus on what I need to do.
Today I'm thankful for our little sleeping champ! I'm pretty sure she is getting ready to shoot up about 10 sizes based on how much she is sleeping and eating the last few weeks. She is getting 13 to 14 hours of sleep a night! I'm thankful to have a little extra time to drink coffee, check email and blog in the mornings. It's a nice way to start the day.
By the way...her eating is out of control on so many levels. She is hungry all the time! 10 minutes after a meal she wants a snack, and for the first time ever she is being picky about it. It's taking more and more effort to get her to eat things that in the past were no big deal at all. I don't know if it's her age and realizing she has an opinion and therefore wants a say, or if her taste is changing, or what, but I'm not loving it. Anyone else had to deal with this?
I don't want to alienate my friends or be a downer on the blog/FB/or in real life. There is enough negativity in the world without me adding to it. I hope this new focus will help with all that. If it doesn't feel free to call me out and tell me I'm being miserable to be around. :)
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Totally Random
-No running today, unless you count chasing Sky. Had a meeting last night, and have plans tomorrow night, so the evening group run is out...don't like missing that many bed times in a row.
-So excited to try out the new Air Popper. Ever since finding out that there is a cancer connection to microwave popcorn we have given it up, but I miss my popcorn! So air popper it is...isn't it cute?!
-What the heck happened to ND last night? What a sad game. Alabama made them look like a JR. High team. But, isn't the Alabama QB's girlfriend cute? Saw a lot of her during the game.
-Hope that RGIII makes a recovery and is able to return to the NFL...not sounding good for him, made me ill to see the slow-mo of his injury.
-I hope that the 49'rs take care of Green Bay because I like Colin Kaepernick, but that game is going to be a big, bit test for Colin!
-I predict the Hawks crush the Falcons this weekend.
-Snow, really want some significant snow on the ground!
-Looking forward to the Good Form running clinic I'm going to tomorrow night. With all the miles I have in store this year it will helpful to know I'm running correctly! It's hands on, and we run during the clinic...so excited, oh and it's FREE!
-Hoping that the sniffles I have don't turn in to anything more than just sniffles. Mostly I want to be able to visit Grandpa in Seattle, he checks in on the 15th, and I know I can't if I'm sick.
-#1 best decision I have made so far this year...turning off the notifications on my phone. I don't need all the Facebook updates popping up all the time, all the sports scores, etc. I check those things still, but now instead of feeling compelled to check my phone every time it chimes, I do it when and if I want to. It's on my terms. Instead of letting technology happen to me I'm taking control of it and making it work for me! I feel so much less cluttered!
-Favorite sound in the world...Sky's feet thundering through the house. She loves to run around and around the kitchen and all I can hear is the thud, thud, thud of her feet and her giggles!
Off to pop some popcorn now!
-So excited to try out the new Air Popper. Ever since finding out that there is a cancer connection to microwave popcorn we have given it up, but I miss my popcorn! So air popper it is...isn't it cute?!
-What the heck happened to ND last night? What a sad game. Alabama made them look like a JR. High team. But, isn't the Alabama QB's girlfriend cute? Saw a lot of her during the game.
-Hope that RGIII makes a recovery and is able to return to the NFL...not sounding good for him, made me ill to see the slow-mo of his injury.
-I hope that the 49'rs take care of Green Bay because I like Colin Kaepernick, but that game is going to be a big, bit test for Colin!
-I predict the Hawks crush the Falcons this weekend.
-Snow, really want some significant snow on the ground!
-Looking forward to the Good Form running clinic I'm going to tomorrow night. With all the miles I have in store this year it will helpful to know I'm running correctly! It's hands on, and we run during the clinic...so excited, oh and it's FREE!
-Hoping that the sniffles I have don't turn in to anything more than just sniffles. Mostly I want to be able to visit Grandpa in Seattle, he checks in on the 15th, and I know I can't if I'm sick.
-#1 best decision I have made so far this year...turning off the notifications on my phone. I don't need all the Facebook updates popping up all the time, all the sports scores, etc. I check those things still, but now instead of feeling compelled to check my phone every time it chimes, I do it when and if I want to. It's on my terms. Instead of letting technology happen to me I'm taking control of it and making it work for me! I feel so much less cluttered!
-Favorite sound in the world...Sky's feet thundering through the house. She loves to run around and around the kitchen and all I can hear is the thud, thud, thud of her feet and her giggles!
Off to pop some popcorn now!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Photo Dump
Totally Random...
First walk of the New Year...we made a few stops along the way. All you can see of Harrison is the top of his little hat.
Taking her wagon for a walk. She has to put some muscle into it!
Showing off her new outfit...pants are too long, but it's still cute!
I was craving a burger so we hit up RR. Funny thing is I ended up getting chicken strips.
Pretending to be a dog.
Helping me take pics of new running gear.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
5 Miles of Therapy
5 Mile Drive was just what I needed this morning!
It's one of those runs that I hate thinking about, but once I'm up that first hill I'm good to go.
We ran it the opposite direction and I must say that is my preference! It was nice to run with a strong group of ladies, we have different paces, but are good at pushing each other up those hills! Not thinking about anything other than how to get up each hill without slowing down too much was kinda nice.
That's the great thing about running...you don't have to say a word about what is bothering you to feel better about it. Love finishing a run and feeling physically worn out yet mentally refreshed.
4.86 miles (it's not actually 5 miles, I have been told that there is an actual start and finish spot that makes it 5 even, but I have yet to find such a spot and none of the other runners I know have found it either) of hills with a 10:01 pace...feel good about that! 48 ish minutes...fastest I have run 5 Mile Drive!
Thankful to not be doing much the rest of the day other than cooking, hanging with Sky and Mark and watching football. Nice day for some down time!
It's one of those runs that I hate thinking about, but once I'm up that first hill I'm good to go.
We ran it the opposite direction and I must say that is my preference! It was nice to run with a strong group of ladies, we have different paces, but are good at pushing each other up those hills! Not thinking about anything other than how to get up each hill without slowing down too much was kinda nice.
That's the great thing about running...you don't have to say a word about what is bothering you to feel better about it. Love finishing a run and feeling physically worn out yet mentally refreshed.
4.86 miles (it's not actually 5 miles, I have been told that there is an actual start and finish spot that makes it 5 even, but I have yet to find such a spot and none of the other runners I know have found it either) of hills with a 10:01 pace...feel good about that! 48 ish minutes...fastest I have run 5 Mile Drive!
Thankful to not be doing much the rest of the day other than cooking, hanging with Sky and Mark and watching football. Nice day for some down time!
Sky lounging in her chair while I lounge on the couch and Daddy was lounging in his chair, all watching the first game. She has decided that playing the drum with her feet is much better than with the drum sticks. Creative little thing!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Blah
I'm going to try and keep this short because I don't believe in wallowing in grief and misery, and I don't want to bring readers down with me either.
That's how I feel today. I'm not sick or anything, it's a mental and emotional thing. Feel really out of sorts, frustrated, angry, sad, worried, not sure if I want to curl up in bed, punch something, run until I drop...I just don't know how to sort myself out right now.
I found out yesterday that Grandpa's malignant melanoma has spread through his body, and he will be traveling to Seattle for emergency surgery and treatment.
Sometimes I think knowing too much is just as bad as not knowing enough. While I love my volunteer work with the ACS the last 17 years it also means I know more than I want to at this very moment.
You know what stresses me out the most, it's not the cancer itself, its all the side effects. From the obvious challenges like being sick from chemo to the less obvious like navigating the healthcare system and dealing with insurance.
Add in the fact that Grandpa already has a newly diagnosed serious medical condition (not related to cancer) that is causing him significant discomfort and now this...it's just seems like too much.
It's hitting my Dad pretty hard, and that makes me feel bad too, knowing how worried he is.
While I feel like I just want everything to stop so I can take a moment, the fact is life moves on, and there are still errands to run, dinners to cook, and a little girl that counts on her mommy for her happiness. Daddy too, but lets face it, she is stuck with me most days. So, I have got to hold it together and not let my out of sorts'ness get to her.
So this is not a total downer post...
That's how I feel today. I'm not sick or anything, it's a mental and emotional thing. Feel really out of sorts, frustrated, angry, sad, worried, not sure if I want to curl up in bed, punch something, run until I drop...I just don't know how to sort myself out right now.
I found out yesterday that Grandpa's malignant melanoma has spread through his body, and he will be traveling to Seattle for emergency surgery and treatment.
Sometimes I think knowing too much is just as bad as not knowing enough. While I love my volunteer work with the ACS the last 17 years it also means I know more than I want to at this very moment.
You know what stresses me out the most, it's not the cancer itself, its all the side effects. From the obvious challenges like being sick from chemo to the less obvious like navigating the healthcare system and dealing with insurance.
Add in the fact that Grandpa already has a newly diagnosed serious medical condition (not related to cancer) that is causing him significant discomfort and now this...it's just seems like too much.
It's hitting my Dad pretty hard, and that makes me feel bad too, knowing how worried he is.
While I feel like I just want everything to stop so I can take a moment, the fact is life moves on, and there are still errands to run, dinners to cook, and a little girl that counts on her mommy for her happiness. Daddy too, but lets face it, she is stuck with me most days. So, I have got to hold it together and not let my out of sorts'ness get to her.
So this is not a total downer post...
She is just always so happy and has so much fun!
I'm hoping that 5 mile drive in the morning will help me run some of my issues out.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Thankful Thursday
I'm thankful to have a slow easy day home with Sky. The last 5 to 6 weeks have been so busy. Good busy, but busy, with lot's of go, go, going.
Today, we lounged around having breakfast, watched some of the Today show, something I haven't done since the school shooting, did P90X Yoga with zero help from Sky!
Her idea of helping was waiting until I was balanced in a pose and then walking up and head butting me over and over until I fell over. She also thought it was great fun to sit on my back as I pushed up into plank and then slide down my butt and legs as I pushed from there into downward facing dog.
Then she rested in her crib with books, but didn't sleep, while I took a quick shower, we had lunch, played outside with the dogs and finally at 2 she was sort of ready for a nap. Have a bit of nap time now to blog and get the dishes done and start dinner. I want to be read to go for the Duck's game tonight!
I don't get many days anymore that are just her and I hanging out having fun with each other in pj's at home, so I'm really thankful when it does happen.
Today, we lounged around having breakfast, watched some of the Today show, something I haven't done since the school shooting, did P90X Yoga with zero help from Sky!
Her idea of helping was waiting until I was balanced in a pose and then walking up and head butting me over and over until I fell over. She also thought it was great fun to sit on my back as I pushed up into plank and then slide down my butt and legs as I pushed from there into downward facing dog.
Then she rested in her crib with books, but didn't sleep, while I took a quick shower, we had lunch, played outside with the dogs and finally at 2 she was sort of ready for a nap. Have a bit of nap time now to blog and get the dishes done and start dinner. I want to be read to go for the Duck's game tonight!
I don't get many days anymore that are just her and I hanging out having fun with each other in pj's at home, so I'm really thankful when it does happen.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Cold and Sunny...
My outfit today...
I was test running a new top! Everything else is tried and true! It's a Title Nine top and I love it! It's warm, colorful, has cute details, and didn't slide up while running. LOVE IT! Thank you Dad for the top and for turning me on to Title Nine!
Cute rushing on the sleeves and sides. There are also gel pockets on the sides of the shirt, hidden by the rushing.
After running we came home for nap time and then Sky spent a few hours at the parents house. I got to put some of my Christmas money to non-running use and found exactly what I needed! No pics, because I'm comfy on the couch and too lazy to go take the pics. But, I needed to replace a pair of non-running athletic shoes and needed some casual, non-jean's pants for every day wear. I had a pair of green converse pants that I loved, and wore way too much, but got bleach on them when I was cleaning, so had to replace them. Also needed a new wallet since mine was coming unstitched and falling apart.
While Ross had virtually empty racks and shelves, what they did have was on clearance and I found everything I needed for really great prices! Bonus was new PJ's on clearance! Sometimes I love bargain shopping and hunting for that great deal, and today was one of those days.
So far sticking to my goal of Sky being at the parents = me time is working great!
It's not all about me though. Look how cute Sky is in the new Carhartt overalls that Mark got her. She is so ready to finish the bathroom for him! ;)
She loves her Magna Doodle as well. That thing is great...I don't need to supervise and it keeps her busy for a long time! Thank you Alex and Tina!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Welcome 2013
We wish you a Healthy, Happy, Adventure filled 2013!
We had a few peeps and kiddos over for a PJ NYE party last night. Played board games, watched movies, and the kiddos were kind enough to all sleep in this morning! BONUS!!! Was not expecting that to happen.
Michelle and I decided that play time at the park was in order, and what a beautiful day for park time. It was/is COLD, but clear and sunny, so it was nice to get out and enjoy some fresh air!
There are party pics, but I have yet to take a look...kinda scared truth be told...so here are some play pics instead.
We had a few peeps and kiddos over for a PJ NYE party last night. Played board games, watched movies, and the kiddos were kind enough to all sleep in this morning! BONUS!!! Was not expecting that to happen.
Michelle and I decided that play time at the park was in order, and what a beautiful day for park time. It was/is COLD, but clear and sunny, so it was nice to get out and enjoy some fresh air!
There are party pics, but I have yet to take a look...kinda scared truth be told...so here are some play pics instead.
Grace, Kiera, Sky...playing at the school playground 2 seconds from our house.
Kiera was proud of herself for pumping her legs.
I love this pic...all hat.
The toys were slick...she was pretty proud of herself for getting up and down by herself and not falling.
Thirteen years ago today my biggest adventure in life started. Let's just say I was not in the best shape to be meeting my future husband 1/1/00, (I did not pace my drinking very well that NYE) but somehow I managed to make a good enough impression, and 13 years later the adventure is still exciting and fulfilling.
Life is good, and I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for us!
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