Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Does anyone still read this thing???

I hope so! Sorry to my loyal blog readers that I haven't posted an update so as a Christmas present to you all take this mini update with pics as I try to redeem myself for your worthy eyes. ^,^

I started working on Jases' birth story last night and just don't feel up to writing more about it today. Things are long and hard right now and will be for a while I'm thinking; yet I am totally in love and taken in by this precious angel baby. He is such a GREAT baby. I just adore him more than I ever thought possible, maybe because of what I went through to bring him into this world.

Anyways, without getting too carried away, I also managed to process, get this, 4 pictures! Yeah, 4! only 196 to go. haha... So since I am such a slacker and haven't finished the birth story I will be kind enough to leave you with those 4 pictures, for now... :)

Brand new to the world!!! Here I am after 8 minutes of snuggling with Mama. I weighed 9lbs and was 20" long even though I was two weeks early!100_0331
Here they measure my head! 14" and Mama STILL has the stitches to prove it!100_0333
we get it already, I got a big head!100_0334
and 13 1/2" around my chest! Mamas gonna be paying for this for a long time. 100_0335

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

38 weeks and 1 day

I am 80% Effaced http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/effacement.html


and I am dilated to 3


So. They kind of freaked since Cyler came with such a rapid labor and we live an hour away from the hospital but with no contractions or any pressure or lower back pain at the moment there was nothing they could do or send me to the hospital for.
So she basically told me if I feel ANY pressure, ANY backpain, if I so much as sneeze basically to go to the L&D.

If I can update via phone I will. Email me@ casmarisal@gmail.com or leave comments here , I can check them via phone since I don't have a laptop.

Wish us luck!!!

Monday, November 24, 2008

37weeks, 6 days

How much harder could it possibly get? You'll never hear me ask those questions.

Back pain was insane today, I couldn't get into the chiropractor today but do have an appointment set up tomorrow.
I swear I thought of going to the hospital. The whole "on a scale of 1 to 10 10 being unbearable" pain I'd rate it an 8. Early back labor, this could last for days and it's best to stay at home as long as possible unless: you have period like bleeding, contractions (in my case) 10 minutes apart for 1 hour, or my water breaks. The earlier you go to the hospital the higher your chances of having a C-Section will be, so they say wait it out at home where you will be more comfortable, as long as possible and that's what I am doing.

You know what my beef is with a C-Section? aside from having my arms tied down of course? having to stay in the hospital for 4 days away from Cyler. As it is I am doing everything in my power to go home 24 hours after baby is born, and as long as he is doing okay, my OB has agreed to that. She did say if he has any problems they will ask me to stay for 48 hours, of course I would, but if god forbid we have to repeat what we did with Cyler I would be released from the hospital and he would stay in NICU. God, that took its toll on me with Cyler and back then we lived down the street from the hospital, now we live an hour away from it. I'm not even thinking of that. But at least I know now; yes, things happen, sometimes babies have to stay in NICU for awhile, at least now if it where to happen it wouldn't be a total shock, I never even thought or mentally prepared myself for that possibility the first time around. I think that's what hurt me most. It was so new, and it went so wrong. I barely got to hold him that first week. All the tubes and how quiet and how dim the NICU was.

Other than that, I am on fire hot. I swear I think my forehead is about to start pouring sweat and I feel like fire hot heat is just radiating out of the pores of my body, its gross, I also feel swollen and tight like a little fat sausage, which is the grossest feeling, my hands keep going numb, I am pass out in my soup tired, and I still need to do things, like clean the bathrooms and my room needs to be moved around. As it is right now its like a bed room with a swing thrown here and a co-sleeper thrown there, exercise machine here, books piled ceiling high because I still don't have the friggin bookcase, car seat here, plastic bins of blankets there.
God I should just do this shit myself, whats the worse that can happen? my water break? ooh, I am shaking in my boots...

Sunday, November 23, 2008

playing catch up!

Last night I thought I was in labor, I kind of freaked. I was like, shit, changed my mind, "can't do this, can't be in that kind of pain again" freaked. I'm probably dilating more! eeks! It's happening folks, its starting, I give it few days but honestly who really knows when, right? I've been exhausted, my system keeps clearing itself out, the back labor has begun despite there are no continuous contractions and my entire pelvis feels battered and bruised. There's too much change happening down there, daily. Go figure, days away from having a baby, woman freaks with anxiety. It's just that everything gets so physically intense it's kind of hard to keep it relatively together. All well wishes will be greatly appreciated.

and for those who love TMI updates here you go:
I had an OB check last Wednesday (the 19th) it went fine until she had fingers in my cervix. gah- dies of pain.

I am stationed at -3 (which is the first line up top)


I am 50% Effaced http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/effacement.html


and I am dilated to 2


in other news!
I had tacos for dinner and they were grand! Some avocados too! and a cherry coke, which made me very happy despite the back pain. Tomorrow I will try to go to the chiropractor so we'll see what that brings on, the back pain is just making me batty with emotions I cannot explain. If I could manage to scrub the tub upstairs I would be soaking in some Epsom salt, I should just try to do that, I am at that point, let the Epsom soaks begin, god he's coming, I can feel it...

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

37 weeks

I'm going to try to be a big girl here and not rant and rave about how hard this is, how bad I hurt, or talk about those stabbing pains that strike in my vagina.
No. I will not. I will be brave, I will be strong.

So, believe it or not, I finally packed my hospital bags! Which turned into a small hospital suitcase and a little diaper bag filled with Baby Jake's outfits. Outfits? Well that's the thing, I couldn't decide on just one coming home outfit so I picked three and some beanies and some socks. The weather totally does not help here, yesterday it was 90 degrees at 4:30pm. Yeah, believe me, Arizona got a huge rant from this pregnant beast about that. But you see how it's kind of hard to know what to bring as in coming home outfit. You've got to have options.

Baby Laundry is washed and for the most part put away.

Husband has still NOT gone to Ikea to pick up Dressers or Bookcases so I have to snatch my sons "bookshelf" which is actually a changing table from his room this weekend which I am sure will be the first thing he will resent his parents for when he sees all of his stuffed animals and books on the floor of his room. Way to go! You know and I am not denying the man bust his ass to provide for his family, I see that, I know that, but you have had 37 weeks, say it with me, 37 weeks to do this, to get this done. It's not that hard. These things can be ordered and paid for by phone so all you have to do is go and pick them up but still! And when it does happen, when are they going to built? Throw me a bone, please, it's not like I am about to bare you a son from the peach pit of my womb right? Seriously. Men. And I do realize I am a pregnant hormonal nesting everything must be ready beast right now, I see that, I do but I swear to the baby gods I should have done all these things myself at the beginning. Ladies, you want something done on your timeline? do it yourself before you turned into a beached whale.

*wow, this is becoming another rant, yes? just wait, I am not done, but hey, I haven't brought up my vagina yet so we've still got that going for us*

*breathes*
moving on...

So last time I went to see my OB she did a check and I was not dilated by very very soft and she could feel the buns head. *wait, I am talking about it aren't I?* anyways, tomorrow I go back for my week 37 check. We also have an inducement date (your going to love this) from the day I found out my due date (December 9th) all I said was any day but December 2nd, I refuse to give birth on my Birthday. Well, low and behold, it's the only day my Dr can do it if I even make it to week 39. So unless I want unfamiliar OB with Man hands up in my, business, December 2nd it is.
All I wanted folks, all I wanted... So, now I have gone from saying No baby on Birthday, to Epidural on Birthday or I am taking names and doing some serious ass kicking later if the nurses take their sweet ass time, again.

That's the other thing ladies, if you haven't had a baby before, just know your nurse can make or break your delivery. The person you are appointed to that day is your everything, pray to God you get a great nurse who is kind and considerate and does not have her head up her ass or is bitchy because her 12 hour shift is coming to an end. Seriously. Pray. start now. Bust out your prayer beads and bow your heads, as I am now. While your at it, if you find yourself kind and loving and like praying, please pray I am granted a great OB nurse whenever the water breaks and I find myself, well, you know.

What else? just doing the best I can waiting it out. I am so agitated and sick of being so damn cooped up. I feel like a caged circus animal pacing in a tiny cage that you can barely walk and turn in. My husband treats me like I am on house arrest. God forbid I go anywhere, I might fall and die or something. Little does he know I walked to the mailbox the other day with my camera and did some shooting along the way. He'd crap his pants if he knew. Brother. Treat me like a child and I will defy you, just ask my Mother.

anyhoo, my favorite capture from our walk:
The Winter Effect:
winters affect


If you are ever in the mood for killing some time go check out my print shop at Etsy:
I've been trying to put some more effort into it but it's kind of hard at this stage. It'd be nice to get more prints up there before baby comes though to have that done and taken care of though so keep your peepers posted if you enjoy my works. :)

Well, I guess I have given you all more than an ear full for the day. Mama needs a nap and a hot shower, or a hot shower and a nap. I hope you all are doing wonderfully and getting ready for Thanksgiving. I'm excited about it. Hopefully I'll be able to do it up and serve a great meal that day. Yum. Food.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Vote for Zach!

Will you?
I entered Zachs photo into JPG magazines "Beloved" theme.



If you would like to cast a vote for his precious face please do.
Thanks everyone. Mr. Green


vote here! http://www.jpgmag.com/photos/1225846


thanks luvs!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Cylerman

Making "Sand Angels" in his sandbox. Kids got resourceful skills down. ^_^
Sand Angel

Attempt at Smiling for camera when Zach stole his attention.
smiles

"take a picture of me swinging fast fast fast!" ^_^
Swing Swing

With a face like that how could I possibly stop at two?
and Baby Jake hasn't come out of the oven yet. ^_^

Picture post

Cyler was an astronaut for Halloween and had a blast!
halloween

Cyler last month
Sandbox B&W

Baby Jake belly at 35 weeks! (I am wearing shorts you just cannot tell)

36 weeks

In my Zach post last week just about all of you asked how I was doing and I didn't respond. I live by a "no one likes a whiner" philosophy and I am at the stage of my pregnancy where nothing feels good. Even sleeping hurts.
but if you really must know...
My back is killing me.
I get cramps in my calves and I cannot reach below the knee to rub them out.
My bowels are furious.
every time I pee it feels like I am dilating.
contractions are not your not friend, whoever may tell you that they are is a big fat liar.
Every time I contract I cannot breathe because the movement my uterus creates squishes my lungs within my little torso.
My belly has new friends that are deeply grooved, thick, reddish purple lines.
I have split ends in my hair for the first time in over 10 years which makes cutting it a very easy thing to do but I'm holding out praying the short hair phase, passes.
and I feel like a giant swollen sausage, eww.

so, that is what I've been up to. I cannot wait until this is all said and done. I plan on starting walking a week after delivery, maybe sooner. My body is thrashed and I need to get it back into shape or my fibro will be a mess. I pray we have a decent thanksgiving, and for some reason November 22nd keeps popping up in my head, lets see why. Maybe, just maybe there will be a Birthday even though I am not due until the 9th of December and they plan on inducing a week early, as of Tuesday we'll be 36 weeks along and he'll be considered fullterm.
We've achieved our biggest goal. Lung Maturity!

So my dearest readers, I am sorry I am not on here much, updating and what not but I'm just in that place, that place where you go into hibernation before it happens. I hardly talk to anyone these days, I'm in the eye of the storm, embracing the quiet before it gets loud.

Much love and best wishes to you all!

Easy Schmeasy meatloaf

New Meatloaf recipe...

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1 cup bread crumbs

1 onion, diced

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup milk

Sauce
1/4 cup tomato sauce,
2 teaspoons vinegar,
2 tablespoons brown sugar,
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix all of the ingredients. Form mixture into a loaf and place it in a shallow pan. Then, stir together the sauce ingredients. Pour this sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for 1 hour, at 350 degrees.

enjoy luvs!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Sweet Sweet Zach

It's been awhile since I have posted pictures of my beast. ^,^
add it to my laundry list of things I am running far far behind in, right?

Zach

Zach

Zach

Zach is officially 2 years old now! ^,^

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Wasting money?

I did something I said I wasn't going to do again...
I bought more maternity clothes with only 5 weeks left as of Tuesday.
Nothing fit anymore.
I've gone from a size S/M in Maternity to a L/XL. Sad sad day.
that may not sound like a big deal to many, trust me, I've heard it, but what I find funny is the people that roll their eyes about it are 5'6" + and I am not even 5'1"
back to buying more clothes, it's getting cold out (at night anyways).
And nothing would cover my belly anymore.
Do you know what that's like? It's akward. It's weird. It's, bare...

I'm having trouble breathing because I am so frickin little and packing so much weight my bodies not used to.
I feel like I am not getting enough oxygen.
I wake up and I feel like I haven't been breathing.
And I am sick of hearing "its perfectly "normal" I want to tell people to go eff off with that shit. I could grow a head out of my ass and they would say, "oh, it's perfectly normal"
I have giant baby in my belly. Feet and legs in ribs, head on bladder. My ribs HURT...
Plus, I've been so so so tired lately.
Barely keep my eyes open tired.
I tried watching a movie last night with J and I passed out.
I could feel contractions, and they didn't feel good.
I could feel something painful going on in the cervix area and it did not feel good.
But I was so tired and in a very rare moment I had managed to find a comfortable position. I just sat there, asleep, feeling everything that was going on, but to exhausted to open my eyes.

now that I think about it, it seems like a waste of money that I had to go and buy more maternity clothes. bleh.

tomorrow I make my Split Pea soup. Yum. if it wasn't for crock pots my family wouldn't eat anymore. I made the best chili & cornbread the other day. Its a godsend being able to just throw things in, turn a switch and walk away coming back to an actually meal 8 hours later.

Monday, October 20, 2008

WARNING: freak out and a birth story ahead

In six weeks I am "supposed to" have a baby.
I say "supposed to" because who knows if he'll come earlier than that but they will not be letting him come later than that.

Six weeks, say it with me. 1 2 3 4 5 6...weeks.

I just put together a list for my hospital bags and it dawned on me "HOLY CRAP" it's all becoming so very, very real.
I think I am having an anxiety attack, or it could just be that there is no breathing room for my lungs with this baby crammed into my short little body.
Where was I?
Oh yes, list for hospital bag. I have had an emergency bag packed with nothing much really just incase something went awry like a gush of fluids coming from my nether regions.

Phrases like "birth plan" make me laugh these days.
Oh did I have one the first time, along with all this stuff I brought.
More phrases that make me laugh this time around, like "Relaxation CD’s
time passers (magazines, a book, cards, baby book?)
hard candies, lollipops, oh and essential oils"
Did I use it all? hell no.

My water broke, it had been a hellish night filled with pain and I was sick. I hadn't slept. But no contractions, just pain.
So any ways, I remember, my water broke, I had just laid down in hopes of sleeping. I got up. walked to my closet, and thinking, "this isn't bad *I smiled* I can do this, this is fine" a minute passed and holy shit I thought I was going to die. The urge to push was there and I still had flights of stairs to go down to get to the car.

We get to the hospital, these frickin people are taking there sweet ass time. Finally I am in a room.
"your no where near being ready, you are only dilated to 4, you have plenty of time" blah blah blah . I had to push, my body as pushing and I had no control over stopping it. "Quit pushing" I'm not, my body is. I had no control.

after tons of "f bombs" and unjustly using Gods name in vain, the nurse looked at my husband because I quit answering her stupid effing questions.
(I honestly couldn't talk) and he said, look, she has back problems.

Nurse: ooh from the pregnancy
Husband: NO! before the pregnancy. She has back problems. physical therapy and chiropractic care here and there throughout the years.
Nurse: OH! call the anesthesiologist for the epideral.
*stupid stupid *
all of this happened within, oh, 15 minutes. The nurse is now rushing to get a bag of fluids into my body, squeezing as hard as she can because without that bag of fluids in me, or anyone, no epidural.
finally, it's in, epidural is in. I finally breathe. The little woman is a goddess in my eyes. My soul beams with love whenever I think of her to this day. She was barely 4ft 10 inches at most. But she was my hero. There was something grand motherly about here even though I could barely understand her accent. She stayed to watch Cyler be born. She was out of the way. She didn't say anything. She was like this angel. (can you tell I love the lady???) and then she was gone, and never saw her again. I don't even know her name.

(I was dead set against an epidural or any drugs in general, and I now know what my physical therapist meant when she told me when she said if you ever get pregnant your going to have a hard time and have a hard labor, those words had completely slipped away from my mind, totally forgotten).

Back to the story: they do another exam because they didn't dare attempt do another before the epidural was in place.

Nurse: wow, she's ready to go.
dilation not only went from 4-10 in a flash but time to rock & roll.
They let me rest for an hour before that happened though.
Doing massages in hopes to prevent an episiotomy. I still needed one but I am glad I had one instead of tore from my little mans giant almost 9lb body.

So there you have it folks. My water broke February 24th 2005 at 5:24 am, I was at the hospital by 6 am and Cyler was born at 8:28.


*where was I again? ooh yeah, packing a hospital bag*

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Good Eats, the Costco Way

You've got to check out these online cook books!

Easy Cooking, the Costco way


Favorite Recipes, the Costco way


Cooking, the Costco Way

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Crock Pot Split Pea Soup

Left over Ham??? Have I got the solution for you! ;)

Crock Pot Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) package dried split peas, rinsed
2 cups diced ham
3 carrots, peeled and finely sliced
1 yellow onion, minced
2 stalks celery, plus leaves, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon seasoning salt (Kirklands Signiture seasoning salt is awesome)
1/2 teaspoon fresh pepper
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard*
1/4 cup dry red wine*
1 1/2 quarts hot water

Directions:
1. Layer ingredients in crockpot.
2. Pour in water, so don't stir.
3. Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.
4. Remove Bay leaves.
5. Let cool so you do not burn the bejeezus out of your mouth. ;)

ingredients marked with "*" are optional as in if you don't have them, you can make this anyways and it will come out great, but if you do have them, do not hesitate to use them, you can taste the difference.

Mac & Cheese with Broccoli Trees

A little man approving home run! ^.^

*Ingredients:
1 package(s) (16 ounces)pasta shells
2 tablespoon(s) margarine or butter
3 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper ground nutmeg
3 1/2 cup(s) 1% milk
6 ounce(s) (1 1/2 cups)sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese
1 package(s) (10 ounces) frozen broccoli (Steamfresh)

*Directions:

1. Heat large saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat; add pasta and cook as label directs.

2. Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat. With wire whisk, stir in flour, pepper, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk and, stirring constantly, cook over medium-high heat until sauce boils and thickens slightly. Boil 1 minute, stirring.

3. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in cheeses just until melted. Use immersion blender to blend mixture in saucepan until smooth. (Or, in blender at low speed, with center part of cover removed to allow steam to escape, blend sauce mixture in small batches until smooth. Pour sauce into bowl after each batch.)

4. Cook the broccoli (I buy "steamfresh" the veggie bags you just pop into the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes for awesome veggies every time). Carefully open bag and drain in Colander. Set aside in bowl

5. Drain Pasta in colander; Return pasta mixture to saucepot; stir in cheese sauce.

Enjoy!
I usually serve this with cubed chicken breast for a kiddie friendly dinner.
**edited to add: I love adding cherry tomatoes in my bowl, the boys don't really care for them but I think it brings out a lovely flavor. :)

Monday, October 13, 2008

With a face like this

It's impossible, to stay mad, long... ^.^

My Hero

MyHero WM

and lastly,
If this is "as good as it gets"
I'm the luckiest Mama to walk the face of the Earth.
Cylerman WM
*I do however dread the day he begins dating. ugh*

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Your inner fat kids ultimate fantasy

So doing some online last of the last baby shopping I see this:






















yeah. I know.
29.99 will buy you:
24 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies
24 brownie bites
2 pumpkin frosted cookies
2 chocolate grahams cookies
Halloween pail
Net food weight: 2.3 lb

oh and the selling point is the pail will come in handy on Halloween night.
Costco, I love you, but I hate you, but I love you...
I could make my own damn everything in this pail but I am far to tired to do that, hell, I think I am far to tired to go to the grocery store to buy cookies and all the other things I need...

This would cheer me up, unfortunately, I am fairly sure it would leave me unable to move during the rest of the pregnancy...

Monday, October 6, 2008

The Cheeky Threes

Cyler has turned into such a cheeky bird.
Constantly talking back for everything from washing his hands, to eating, picking up toys.
Yowza and holy crap man. If I said no to my Mother in such a tone like that when I was his age (or even older than that) I am sure I would be toothless today.

I am just floored (and if you couldn't tell, stumped). I'm in my third trimester so I try to choose my battles pretty wisely. The very rare times I actually yell I end up having contractions. I cannot win. Plus our house is a yell free zone, yelling really stresses the bejeezus out of me.
Tonight he didn't want to help pick up his toys, then wash his hands before dinner. So I told him fine. Turned off his movie and told him to go to bed without dinner. He grumbled what must be curse words in the three-year old world and cleaned up then washed his hands.

I hear people talk about terrible twos ~terrible twos my expanding ass.
No one talks about the cheeky threes. Oh God how no one mentioned the cheeky threes...
A pack of Mothers who have raised kids who have turned out all right need to write a book, no, a bible, on the things so many parents forget to mention in passing. Like, ha, you think teething is bad, you think the terrible twos blow, well let me tell you, three is going to turn you gray.

Actually there is a book I am thinking of getting, http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Your-Spirited-Child-Perceptive/dp/0060923288
I guess that's what they are called these days, "spirited." Spirit... go spirit...

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Parents!

Go check out this blog!
The Baby Tool Kit is awesome. :)
http://babytoolkit.blogspot.com/

out of commission

Cyler has been fighting something for a bit now.
I thought it was bad allergies, then a nasty cold, now bad allergies?
It got pretty nasty last night but he appears to be doing better as of now.
*shrugs*

As of the 7th I am 31 weeks pregnant and am anemic.
8 weeks left to delievery if we make it that long.
I think J's kinda freaking out silently because it is so close...
Welcome to the club bud. *evil snickers*
I thought my fibromyalgia kicking my ass but maybe its just the anemia?
Hopefully the suppliments will help. I'm walking around like "girlfriend in a coma."
Aside from Fridays OB appointment I'd officially be one of those people who never leave their house.
It's so frustrating not being able to get things done.
I can't even blog. I am seriously forcing myself to write this.
There's so much domestication I want to blog about.
Like why in the bloody hell does this have to be so expensive???
http://www.ergobabycarriers.com/babycarriers/item/BC11G
and recipes. I am working on fall recipes for all of you wonderful blog readers.
I hope you love Pumpkin 'cause tis the season and I just cannot get enough of it...

I hope I'll have more energy withen a few days of suppliments and loads and loads of rest. I have to brave grocery shopping later. Wish me luck.
There will be tons of tea drank before hand. I should be fine.

In other news: Thanks the Gods for crock pots who make making dinner possible.

:)

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

"Fruit of my Womb"

hehe, I stumbled upon this picture of my little man last night.
It was taken July of 2007, he was a month shy of being two and a half years old.
I can't believe how much his little face has matured over the year that has gone by.
He still had a baby look here and that look has been replaced by a little boy who will start school next year.
"apple good"

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

dirty little secrets...

It's almost one am.
My lower ribs are killing me because they are spreading and spreading ribs, well, hurt. I've been feeling so shitty lately. Tired. Headaches. and bad nausea. Ooh yeah, it's been great fun.
It's all beginning to leave me a bit worried.
I daydream about this little guy being here. I just want to hold him close, smell him, touch his velvety soft head but I am beginning to worry about how well I am going to manage it all with Fibromyalgia.
My OB has warned it me it usually hits with a vengeance after you give birth.
My regular MD who managed my fibro warned its not a good idea to strictly breastfeed if you have bad fibro.
(I was going to pump for the first six weeks but then I decided I'll just go with it as long as I can. I breastfed Cyler without pumping or bottles for 20 months! Then it totally hit me, I need to go back on my meds ASAP after the baby is born which is why I was only going to pump for 6 weeks.
How could I forget that?)
Fibromyalgia has changed my life in ways most cannot imagine.
Somedays I feel like someone has left me in dryer that's ran all night long.
Other days it feels like someone has beat me head to toe with a stick.
And on the really "great" days it feels like someone took a baseball bat straight to my lower back, knees, and arms.
It's left massive black holes in my memory.
I have the hardest time focusing and studying.
I'm leaving a lot out but I'm pretty sure you get the idea if you're taking the time to read this.
Bottom line: It's hard. It sucks. and as a Mother, it can be heartbreaking. I have no idea how I am going to manage the newborn stage.
I guess only time will tell.

now, feeling totally overwhelmed and vulnerable, with my guard down, it happens.
My dirty little secret.
Kate Bush. Running up that hill.
Song gets stuck in my head for I kid you not about a month -straight.
I've been free for about two, maybe three weeks.
BAM!
It's back!
A month I will walk around singing this song being a total effin Kate Bush 80's nerd and in some moments re-enacting the video.
Why?
Because I can. Because I live in the middle of nowhere (Pop 8,000, 1 walmart, no starbucks small town) and apparently that's how I entertain myself.
Welcome to my secret world...
..............................
And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, And I'd get him to swap our places, Be running up that road, Be running up that hill, Be running up that building. Say, If I only could, oh...



................

ooh I here I go, don't let me go, hold me down, its comin' for me.
Help me darlin' help me please, take my shoes off and throw them in the lake and I'll be two steps in the water...

Monday, September 22, 2008

Oh Baby: steal of the day




I was able to buy this: http://www.armsreach.com/pages/shop-pv-c10-2.html for $139.00 today.
Plus we can pick it up in the store so no shipping charge.
It was a total whim that I went to walmart online last night just out of curiosity.

As for the Co-Sleeper, I wasn't planning on getting one but with the Husbands hand he's not really in the position to take apart the crib, haul it down the stairs and put it back together again; and if he did there's the chance of having a major set back in his healing process. ugh.

I was also able to pick up the BPA-free bottles I needed, along with the baby tub for dirt cheap.
Lowest prices I've found anywhere for these several things and trust me when I say I have been scouring everywhere for the best steals on all the things we need for this little guy.
But look at the bright side, or shall I say the blue side (it's a bit extreme in it's blue isn't it?)cheap and easy... Everything is finally coming together.

Next month I need to pick up wipeys, Pampers, pacifiers, sleep sacks, bottle liners and extra nipples, and a Moby wrap if I can bring myself to buying it (any of you Mamas have it?).
And then, believe it or not, I think we're good to go.
It just all started coming together, finally, a huge thanks to the financial help of my family.
I can breathe a little easier now. I should have everything ready by November giving me 4 weeks of rest before the big day. (Okay, totally freaked myself out by saying that, eek!)

Cylerman: "But I don't Like that!"

I have a horrid headache today, they get horrific if I stand or sit up but for the most part it just feels like tons of ungodly sinus pressure.
This has been going on for over a week now but todays the absolute worse.

Needing some comfort I make tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for our very late lunch.

I tell Cyler what I made and he says "but I don't like that" and starts crying.
Seriously. crying. tears streaming down his face.
wtf moment of the day. So not like him to ever pull this with tears.

So he sees me pull the shredded cheddar out of the fridge, along with the salsa and sour cream. I add the salsa to his soup, then the cheese, then the sour cream. Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips.

"ooh, is that for me? Can I have some now?"

Me: of course you can, then I show him to dunk his sandwich into his soup.

Guess whose ENTIRE grilled cheese on wheat and tomato soup is GONE.

That'd be correct folks. Not mine, but his.

I glance over to see him finish it off and he's looking all around his plate and bowl, FOR MORE!!!
Then he picks up his bowl and slurps up any left over drops of his soup, turns to me with a huge smile on his face and says:
"I ate all of my cheese sandwich and soup because it was good!"

kids are funny... and by funny I mean strange in their special kid minds... heh
It just dawned on me he's dressed like donnie darko today.
Maybe I should pop on some Tears for Fears...

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Sunday Morning Frittata

The perfect Sunday morning breakfast.
Enjoy.

Sunday Morning Frittata
1 Tbs. Vegetable oil

4-6 potatoes, peeled and shredded

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

1/4th tsp. garlic powder

4 oz. turkey sausage, quartered lengthwise and sliced crosswise

6-8 eggs, beaten

1/3 cup Salsa (mix Salsa into beaten eggs)

1 oz. Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
-----------------------------------------
1. Heat oil on medium in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet.
Add potatoes and sprinkle lightly with garlic, salt and pepper.
Cook until potatoes are lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Press potatoes into a uniform layer.

2. Top potatoes evenly with turkey and egg.
Cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes, occasionally tilting skillet and lifting frittata around the edges with a spatula to allow uncooked mixture to flow underneath.

3. Turn on broiler. Broil egg mixture 4 to 5 inches from the heat for 2 to 4 minutes, or the until the top set.
Sprinkle frittata with cheese.
Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

We Made Cookies!

Man, I've been messing with this recipe several times this month and I finally got it down.
Go bake some, they are awesome. Nice moist center, nice crunchy edges. I hope you enjoy!
^.^

Maiden Mothers Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
dash of nutmeg (how big of a dash is up to you!)

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. milk
2 eggs

2 cups rolled old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips


Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg).


Beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
(I do this part by hand, as in not with an electric mixer).
then beat in vanilla, milk, and eggs.


Beat flour mixture into butter mixture until well blended.
Fold 1 cup oats and 1 cup chocolate chips into batter, when well mixed fold in another cup of oats and chocolate chips.
Cookie Helper

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip

Cookie Helper
Refrigerate dough for 10 minutes. During this time preheat oven to 350.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls, placing cookies 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. (I use an olive oil spray to grease baking sheets).
Flatten the cookies slightly.

Bake 10-12 minutes, leaving cookies on baking sheets a few minutes before you transfer to cooling racks.

Makes 2-3 dozens depending on size.


Oatmeal Chocolate Chip

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Cylerman: remember this

this is just a little personal remembering sticky blog that will be updated often (I hope) with things I will end up putting in Cylers' book.

8/5: Cyler: makes his own PB&J sandwich!

8/6: Cyler: tries a pop tart for the first time and is awe!
Listens to NPR with a walkman and headphones (what is that???)

8/7: Cyler ask for Enchiladas and potatoes for breakfast "so he'll like it."

8/8: Cyler paints for the first time and loves it. Talk about 40$ of supplies well spent.

8/10: Cyler takes care of his "friends" (stuffed animals) like their babies, wrapping them in blankets, carrying them around and putting them to bed on the crib. hehe, too cute!

8/11: Cyler wants to paint a picture with our hands so we now have a canvas in green with blues and white and our hand prints in the paint mix he created.

Cyler helps give Zach a bath then helps dry him off and takes him for a walk (in the back yard). "look Mom, my dog is nice and clean, say good job!"

9/4: Cyler and Daddy have a crash on bike. Cyler gets severe road rash, as does hubby, but hubby is left with a broken hand. :(

9/5: Cy goes to Dr to have his wounds double checked. He weighs 38 lbs and is 40" tall. He leaves his sunglasses on during the exam because he doesn't like anyone to look at him when he is really hurt or sick. :(

9/14: Cyler picks his Halloween costume (a blue Power Ranger) then proceeds to wear his costume all day! this happens for several days.

9/16: Cyler eats his first "dreamsicle" and I forget were in the same room together as he silently eats it in amazement. :)

Cyler tells me he loves dad, then proceeds to ask "where'd we buy him from, Texas?" haha...

***Cyler talks to Papa Greg, then Grandma Michelle, then Nessa (my lil step Sis) he tells Nessa that "Mommy doesn't have road rash or scrapes from accident, but she's growing a baby and getting big, you can't see the baby because there's no room for you in her belly, I know ~she won't let me in there either." ***

9/18: We drive to Tempe (which is quite a haul) for dinner at Claim Jumpers. We get there and sit down and Cyler says "WOW! ~this is WAY too fancy!" haha.

9/20:
Cyler helps Mama bake cookies!

Cyler ask me "where'd we buy you from?" I tell him I came from Fresno and then he says Grandma sent you to me because she loves me. ^.^

Friday, September 19, 2008

Oh Baby: The Carseat



Baby Jake's car seat came in thanks to his awesome grandparents.
It's a lovely seat, my only concern is the material for the cover.
it's definately different, imagine a weather resistant, anti-rain, feel to it if that makes sense. I worry about him being too hot in it. Which wouldn't be hard. During the 6 months of "summer" here in AZ you have to understand that walking out of your front door is a lot like opening the oven after you've been baking, ALL DAY.

We'll see how it goes. I guess it's a silly thing to worry about.
The kids going to be hot and sweaty in everything when it's 115+ degrees out.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Sweet Sweet Zach



March 2007 (age 4.5 months old)
I miss the puppy stage as much as I miss the baby stage of Cyler.
Maybe because it's super fast for our furkids; They are with us for such a short time you know? and rarely does it occur to one that the stage has passed until its over and done and onto the next chapter. I think it's harder with giant breeds because they get so big, so fast, you blink and the puppy breath has been replaced by a 50, 60, 70 lb monster "puppy".

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Allie Brown's Layouts

You see this my wonderful blogger friends???

I (by total fluke) stumbled upon 'Allie Brown's Layouts' site last night during a hideous salt craving attack that is leaving me sleepless and in need of water (go figure right).

You have to go and check out this amazing womans blogger page.
http://alliebrownslayouts.blogspot.com/
Her work is so refreshing and clean, not to mention beautiful!
So, Miss Allie, thank you for sharing your beautiful creations (for free at that). Not only do I have a lovely new layout but with your help it was incredibly easy to set up as well.

Cylerman: Haircut & Halloween

I finally got Cyler in for his haircut.
It was on my to-do list for August and August turned into September, and lets be honest, September is fast on her way to turning into October.
The last few weeks he's looked in the mirror and gasped:
"OOOH! look at my hair!!! Why does it look like this? I need a haircut so my hair looks nice again. "
oi.
So he was a very happy boy to get a haircut today.
It took forever to get him to leave the shop.
He adores the lady that cuts our hair and she thinks he's the greatest thing.

Then Sunday I held true to last years promise and we got him a Halloween costume early. We were in the costume isle in Target for a very long time. I had to be sure he was certain on whatever costume he wanted. After what seemed like FOREVER we walked away with the Blue Power Ranger costume (which he's been wearing for hours at a time since). We also picked him up a candy bag for trick or treating, some "flash" lights that snap on for safety and a cool little light up necklace, plus he talked me into getting him a Halloween night light that's been in his room since as well. He's so excited about Halloween. Everyday he ask if we "can go to Halloween now."
It may be a silly thing to be grateful for but I am so grateful my little man adores Halloween as much as his Mom does.

I know, I know, pictures, pictures, tomorrows goal is to snap some pictures of my devilishly handsome cheeky bird.

Oh Baby: Beautiful Dreamer Cocooon




















This is the Arm's Reach Beautiful Dreamer Cocoon:
http://www.armsreach.com/pages/shop-pv-c10-75.html
If you had to compare it to something it'd be the Amby baby bed, but unlike the Amby ($300+) this guy retails for $160.
I purchased it today at http://www.bellacroft.com/ for $134.00 but the best part: $5.00 shipping. Yep. five bucks.
I've seen ridiculous shipping cost on this cocoon (sometimes up to $70.00).
So the shipping alone was a steal.
I really hope he likes it, my last swing was a total life (and sanity saver) during Cyler's infancy.

(a recap of our previous swing history)
Our first swing was the Fisher Price Aquarium swing.
It lived, I mean, lasted us a year and if it wasn't for that swing I never would have slept.
At one point in time, I went 48 hours on 5 random hours of sleep because my little guy had major issues thanks to things a cruel case of infancy eczema, and I never produced enough milk, and he couldn't tolerate formula. any formula. Turns out he was severely lactose sensitive.

I was one of those Moms who didn't want to give into him not being able to sleep in the crib (he would only crash out in my arms, nursing). finally, I caved into letting him sleep in the swing after that 48 hours. I had too, I simply couldn't go on anymore. I popped him in the swing and the poor sleep deprived kid slept 8 hours.
I kid you not, 8 hours, my poor babe, poor me!
We were exhausted sleep deprived messes.

**on a side note**
If only I had known about and read http://www.thehappiestbaby.com/ during Cylers infancy.
Read it Moms to be, especially if your a first time Mom. or, if you had a difficult babe the first time around. It can't hurt you to pick up this book from Amazon ($10.00) and give it a spin.
It encourages swaddling, Swinging, and sucking. All so very basic right? but when you read his thoughts on why, it really makes sense.

~back to Swing talk~
This time around I was going to go with the Fisher Price Rain forest Swing and bouncer and while the bouncer does look great, I actually saw the swing this weekend and it looks so rigid and uncomfortable.
The quality is in no way comparable to the Aquarium swing I had with Cyler.
So I when I saw the cocoon I did my endless weeks of research reading reviews and decided to go with this in place of the swing and the bouncer.
If need be we can always pick up the bouncer from the local Walmart but I think this will be adequate especially for the first three months of little guys life, plus I'll able to use this in place of a bassinet in the living room.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Oh Baby Rambles...

I had my glucose test done yesterday.
I felt like royal shite all day, I was very weak and very moody.
Joy to all!
The stuff was disgusting. Point blank. Disgusting.
I pray I passed. I passed with Cyler and I didn't have to do any weird "don't eat this, that or this" back in 2004 so we'll see what happens. It was really hard considering I've turned my life around a great deal diet wise since being pregnant with Cyler and now fruits are a large part of my diet (esp.breakfast) since I don't eat processed foods or fake sugars.

My regular OB is on her honeymoon. Poor girl got married in March and is just now getting to take her honeymoon!

Anyways this new guy was alright. Nothing invasive, typical measuring of the uterus and asking of questions. Then he said it, any bleeding or contractions, fluid leaking? My reply:
Ah, no, YES, and no.
Truth is I've been having contractions for a month.
But they are very hmmm, short?
They weren't very intense, until this week.
And, they're beginning to happen a little more and more each day,
along with a lot of pressure from the baby's head.

The Dr says it's totally normal since I've had a baby recently (apparently in Dr land recently is 2005) the bones in your pelvis do not reshape, I mean to a degree they do, but everything is much more lax, including your muscles, cervix and uterus.
Which explains already feeling all that great pressure beginning to push down on me.
My two week appointments have officially started.
ALREADY!
I'm not ready for that, I am not ready for this.
I have these little milestone goals now:
Like, making it to 30 weeks, and then 32 weeks, and then 34 weeks.
The Dr told me if I go into labor anytime after 36 weeks (Nov 11th) there not going to try to stop it, but try not to worry about delivering early because right now all of my numbers are great.

Numbers?
that's right, he said numbers.
My numbers are great so don't go worrying.
Which fine, I'll buy that, I am not a Dr, you are.
But numbers??
Screw that Motherly intuition in the pit of my stomach that says:
This baby is going to come early.
I'm just working on keeping him in there long enough, lung maturity would be nice you know...

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

well, alrighty then...

Scouring the Google News Headlines I unexpectedly come across this:

Nina Hartley's Guide to Pregnant Sex
Her latest movie offers a sex-positive approach to that oft-neglected subject
By Tristan Taormino
"I flew to Minneapolis last month to celebrate the fifth anniversary of feminist-women-owned sex shop the Smitten Kitten (smittenkittenonline.com). Co-founder and owner Jennifer, with her partner Davis, just had a baby, who was then two and half weeks old. Usually they're up to their eyeballs in dildo harnesses and butt plugs, but this trip, these two sex activists were all about cloth diapers and breast-feeding."

the entire article is here: http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-09-10/columns/nina-hartley-and-pregnant-sex/1

ah, nuff said...

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

because:

this video always makes me giggle.
"The first video from Devendra Banhart's latest album, Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon."
Don't know who Devendra Banhart is??? You are missing out!
Devendra is an amazing folk/Indie artist. He's got a very soothing voice when he's not being silly with Bollywood videos.
You can visit his website here at:
devendrabanhart.com
or have a listen at his Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/devendrabanhart
be sure to listen to Korean Dogwood, love that song!
Now for the video. Watch it, and giggle...

Mashed Potato-Meat Loaf Casserole

I made this tonight ~and it was great!!! Do try!
It's a bit loaded with calories for me but damn if comfort food isn't saying "let me comfort you."
Obviously, comfort food wins -this time.


Potato Filling:
2 pound(s) (4 large) baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

1/2 cup(s) sour cream or plain yogurt

1 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon(s) salt

1/8 teaspoon(s) pepper

1 egg

1/4 cup(s) fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon(s) sesame seeds


Meat Loaf Shell:
1 tablespoon(s) olive or vegetable oil

2 onions, chopped

1 clove(s) garlic, minced

1 teaspoon(s) dried oregano, crumbled

1/2 teaspoon(s) dried basil, crumbled

1 pound(s) lean ground beef or meat loaf mixture

2 eggs

1/2 cup(s) plain dry breadcrumbs

1/2 cup(s) tomato sauce

1/4 cup(s) parsley, fresh basil, or cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup(s) dry white wine

1 tablespoon(s) cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon(s) salt

1/4 teaspoon(s) pepper

Directions:
1.
Place potatoes in large pot of salted water. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until tender.

2. Meanwhile, start meat loaf shell. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a shallow 2-quart casserole. In medium skillet, sauté onions in oil 5 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic, oregano, and dried basil; cook 1 minute. Spoon into large bowl and cool about 10 minutes.

3. Crumble meat into onion mixture. Add eggs, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, fresh basil, wine, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix just until thoroughly combined. Place in casserole, and press over bottom and up sides to make a shell.

4. Drain potatoes well. Place in medium bowl. Beat in sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Add egg and beat until fluffy. Beat in basil. Fill center of shell with mashed potatoes; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake 50 to 60 minutes until potatoes puff and are lightly browned. Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Techniques:
Variations: Use all ground beef or half ground chicken or turkey. If using parsley in meat loaf shell, you can add 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed chopped green olives.To reheat: If room temperature, bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees F; if cold, 55 minutes.

Maiden Mother Rambles

Yesterday was insane.
I accomplished so much after I shook the nausea from my Iced Coffee.

Cyler and J' had a bicycling accident Thursday night and good God it has been hell.
My little man was messed up with nothing but roadrash but you cannot even begin to imagine the severity of "just" roadrash. I will blog about the entire incident more for memories sake. Who knows maybe he'll have a little boy who'll eat it big time and he can tell him all about when he was a little boy who ate it big time.

So basically everything has been playing catch up.
Sunday I finally brushed and trimmed my Zacharoo, He's such a handsome boy.
Then I vacummed the entire downstairs, dusting baseboards and everything.
Yesterday I basically cleaned the entire house which is just nuckin' futs considering -but it needed to be done. I even washed all the bedding.
Bottom line, Cassandra needs to drink more coffee regardless of how sick it makes her feel.

27 weeks pregnant today.
13 weeks left to go until due date but!
I'm being induced (for medicial reasons) a week early which brings us to a whole 12 weeks to get EVERYTHING in order for baby Jake. *breathes*
I'm far behind, as in, I would have liked to be more prepared by this point but what can you do you know.
So.
Here I sit.
I'm exhausted.
and I still need to put laundry away (the one thing I didn't do is always put the laundry away).
But honestly.
I just need a nap.
Some music (some Portishead to be exact).
Some ice H20.
and the fall to get here already.
This heat needs to go the hell away, literally.
Bring me fall and I will bring you miracles.
>>well, I'll try<<

Monday, September 8, 2008

Lesson of thy day

I have been craving coffee (iced) for days (I'm not a coffee drinker, I stick to tea).

so last night before bed I did a cold brew of some Vanilla Biscotti coffee for the morning.

Lesson of thy day:
Drinking coffee while one has a baby with "Happy Feet" in their belly is not very, um, smart. Happy feet turn into some sort of violent tap dancing up in your ribs...

*damn thy coffee craving
Damn thy intense need to vomit because my system is not used to such caffine levels.
it was good though!

Seriously though: I've never done drugs or those upper pills they sell at gas stations but this must be what taking uppers feels like... Does acid make you hyper??? It's definately a trip (my cofee high).
Goodness gravy, too bad I don't feel like cleaning house, if I didn't feel so woozy that'd be great...

On a sidenote:
I now have an intense craving to make my own Biscotti. This should be interesting. Stay tuned...

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Mashed Sweet Potatoes -dinner style

With November just around the corner the way this year is flying by make sure you keep track of this recipe. Stay tuned for the dessert style version!

Ingredients:
4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks.
4 tbsp margarine or butter
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 green onion

Directions:
In 5- to 6- quart saucepot place potatoes in just enough water to cover; on high heat bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and to a medium low, cover and cook 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Drain well.

In the same saucepot, melt margarine over medium heat, add soy sauce and potatoes.
With potato masher (though I use a hand-blender), mash potatoes until almost smooth.
Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with sliced green onions.

Italian Cheese & Pepper Biscuits

Using my biscuit recipe here:
http://maidenmother.blogspot.com/2008/09/homemade-bisquits.html
prepare biscuits as recipe follows with the exceptions of adding:

1/4 c. freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or even a bagged Italian cheese blend)
1/4 tsp. ground pepper (again I use Kirklands Signature). Mixing these ingredients into the dry portion of the biscuit recipe.

Then add vegetable juice (like V8) in place of the milk.

Drop dough by a scant onto a large ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Homemade Bisquits

INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature and sliced)
3/4-1 cup milk

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually stir in milk until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.

Turn out onto a floured surface, mixing until all of the dried portion has mixed together nicely. Pat into a circle about an inch high and cut biscuits with a large cutter or juice glass dipped in flour. Repeat until all dough is used. Brush off the excess flour, and place biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges begin to brown.
You really need to watch them though, the worst thing you can do is walk away from the oven when you are baking biscuits, stay with them and when the edges begin to brown pull them out or you'll find yourself with crispy hard bottoms and nice soft centers.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

It was as easy to capture

as it appears! haha.
My Cylerman and I with 26 weeks down and 13 weeks to go until Baby Jake joins us outside of his womb.

Taco Salad

A friend recently shared her recipe for taco salads ( I could live off of taco salads!) and it inspired me to do this post sharing both of our versions. I hope you enjoy, give them both a try. :)

My version
2lbs sliced grilled or baked chicken (cooled)
1 med. head of Romano lettuce (bit sized)
1 container of cherry tomatoes or 3 medium tomatoes (diced)
1/2 can black olives (sliced)
1 cup rinsed Black beans
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 sliced avocado...
Cheddar cheese and Italian or Catalina dressing (amounts as desired)

Jenn's Version
Ingrediants
1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey (or beef)
1 sm. onion
1 med. head lettuce(cut to bite size)
3 med. tomatoes(diced)
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1(4oz.) package grated sharp cheddar
1/2 can(3-4 ozs.) black olives(sliced)
2 C crushed taco flavored chips
about 1/2 C Italian or Catalina dressing

Brown meat and onions; drain, and let cool. Then mix all ingredients, toss w/dressing.

Happy eating!

Monday, September 1, 2008

Hearty turkey and veggies.

1 lb. ground turkey
1 crown of broccoli
1 bag frozen vegetable mix (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower)
1/2 tbsp EVOO
1 lg. onion, chopped coarsely
1 minced garlic clove
1 tsp of Seasoning Salt (I used Kirkland Signiture)
1/4 tsp pepper
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1/2 c. water
2 bay leaves


Saute onion and turkey in oil until the turkey is fully cooked.
Then add rest of ingredients, mixing well to distribute tomato sauce evenly. Stir well. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes without removing lid.

The flavor here was really really great and this is a great hearty recipe that doesn't need carbs if you are trying to watch your carb intake. All in all a simple, easy, and healthy homemade meal. Try it, you won't be disappointed!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Sunday Morning

This is what my Sunday morning looked like. Newfies and Kids go together like Peanut Butter & Jelly. I love it. Goddess forbit I had a couple acres and a farm house, I'd be loaded with Kids and Newfs, Berners, ducks, sheep, chickens, maybe a cow, some mini donkeys, yadda yadda yadda, you get the drift... :)

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Natural Living: Epsom Salt, Beauty tips

For a relaxing soak:
Add two cups of Epsom Salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub; soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For added benefits, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or Lavender oil.

To exfoliate:
Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.

Facial:
Mix 1/2 TSP of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

Spa treatment:
After showering, massage handfuls of Epsom Salt over wet skin to exfoliate the body. It's the same treatment many upscale spas use, without the upscale price!

Bath crystals: Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of your favorite oils, store in an air-tight glass container.

Natural Living: Epsom Salt, Health benefits

Studies show these benefits from the major components of Epsom Salt may:
Magnesium:
Ease stress and improves sleep and concentration
Help muscles and nerves function properly
Regulate activity of 325+ enzymes
Help prevent artery hardening and blood clots
Make insulin more effective
Reduce inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps
Improve oxygen use

Sulfates:
Flush toxins
Improve absorption of nutrients
Help form joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins
Help prevent or ease migraine headaches

Why it works:
Magnesium - the key component of Epsom Salt -- performs more functions in more systems of the human body than virtually any other mineral, including regulating the activity of more than 325 enzymes.

Studies show that magnesium is:
An electrolyte, helping to ensure proper muscle, nerve and enzyme function.
Critical to the proper use of calcium in cells.
An aid in helping to prevent heart disease and strokes by lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.

Medical research also indicates that magnesium may:
Increase the effectiveness of insulin, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.
Reduce inflammation and relieves pain, making it a beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma, migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.

Although magnesium can be absorbed through the digestive tract, many foods, drugs and medical conditions can interfere with the effectiveness of this deliver method. Therefore, soaking in an Epsom Salt bath is one of the most effective means of making the magnesium your body needs readily available.

Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates, which medical research indicates are needed for the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Studies show that sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and help to detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants. Studies indicate that sulfates are difficult to absorb from food, but are readily absorbed through the skin.

Health usage tips:
For compresses: Use 2 cups of Epsom Salt per gallon of water for sore muscles, bug bites and splinter removal.
For soaking: Add two cups of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub. Double the Epsom Salt for an oversized garden tub. Popular for easing muscle pain and fading bruises. Bathe three times weekly, soaking for at least 12 minutes.
Foot bath: Add a cup of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water as a popular balm for aching feet.
Laxative: Consult the package directions for instructions.

information available: http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/health_benefits.htm

AS ALWAYS: Consult with your physican, FIRST! Especially if you have a pre-existing medical conditon.

Natural Living: Epsom Salt, part 1

The Science of Epsom Salt:
Magnesium is the second-most abundant element in human cells and the fourth-most important positively charged ion in the body, so it's little wonder this low-profile mineral is so vital to good health and well being. Magnesium, a major component of Epsom Salt, also helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.

The National Academy of Sciences, however, reports that most Americans are magnesium deficient, helping to account for our society's high rate of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive maladies and stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a host of other ailments. The Academy estimates the average American male gets just 80% of the magnesium required for good health, while females get only 70% of their recommended levels. Nutritionists say Americans' magnesium levels have dropped more than 50% in the past century.

Starved for magnesium
A variety of factors contributes to the nation's magnesium deficiency. Intensive farming practices deplete magnesium from the soil, and magnesium is not a standard component in most fertilizers. Therefore, a diet that would have supplied enough magnesium a century ago may not supply enough today.

At the same time, average Americans eat diets far less healthy than their ancestors ate. The typical modern diet, rich in fat, sugar, salt and protein, not only contains less magnesium than a balanced diet does; these same foods actually accelerate the depletion of magnesium from our systems.

So, too, does our emphasis on calcium as an antidote for bone disease; calcium drains magnesium from the body, and calcium can only perform its role in the cells when sufficient magnesium is present. Studies indicate that taking a calcium supplement without ensuring the body also receives enough magnesium can therefore amplify the shortage of both nutrients. Researchers have found that most Americans have five times as much calcium as magnesium in their bodies; the proper ratio for optimum absorption of both minerals is about two to one.

Better health through soaking
Magnesium can be ingested as a nutritional supplement, but studies show that a wide variety of factors - the presence of specific foods or drugs, certain medical conditions, even the individual chemistry of a person's stomach acid - can interfere with their effectiveness. But all of the subjects in a recent study experienced increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with magnesium sulfate crystals, commonly known as Epsom Salt.

Researchers and physicians report that raising your magnesium levels may:

Improve heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Improve the body's ability to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.

While increasing your magnesium levels, Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates, which are extremely difficult to get through food but which readily absorb through the skin. Sulfates serve a wide variety of functions in the body, playing a vital role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are believed to help detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants.

information available: http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/index.htm

AS ALWAYS: Consult with your physican, FIRST! Especially if you have a pre-existing medical conditon.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Sweet Sweet Zach

Febuary 2007 (age 3.5 months old)





Where I'm at:

an old slide show of the Gila River Indian reservation, which is about 10 minutes away from the place we call home.





Monday, August 18, 2008

Sour Cream and Onion Turkey Burgers

Preheat oven, broil setting.

1 1/2 lb. ground turkey
1/4 c. sour cream
1 diced tomato
1 diced onion
1 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tbs. ground red pepper
1 tsp. dried chives
1 tsp. seasoned salt
2 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. vinegar
1/3 cup bread crumbs

Mix all ingredients together forming into hamburgers.
Broil 15 minutes or until meat is well cooked.
Take out of oven and sprinkle cheese on top of burgers if desired.
let sit 5 minutes before serving.

enjoy!

Indie Introduction: 2

Meet Joshua Radin, another hugely talented LA indie scene musician.

Have a listen at his Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/joshuaradin
or check out his website: http://joshuaradin.com/

I just learned of Joshua Radin via Cassandra Zinks recent article for People Magazine.

" Radin told PEOPLE exclusively of his performance for DeGeneres, 50, and de Rossi, 35. "I've never played a wedding before, and I probably won't again until it's my own.” For his performance, Radin – who was hand-picked by DeGeneres as a surprise for de Rossi – sang acoustic renditions of several new tracks, including the ballad "They Bring Me To You."

Go have a listen, you may have heard his music before on Greys Anatomy or Scrubs.

Indie Introduction: 1

It's my goal to introduce an Indie band that my readers will (most likely) have no idea even existed atleast once a week. So let the introductions begin.

Meet Vancans: Their myspace is at http://myspace.com/jbv
Their website is: http://jbvproductions.com/

I came to know of Vancans (Jeremiah Vancans At times: Thomas Eaton, Pearson Constantino, Jon Shaw, Kevin Denton, Michael Doctor, Andrew Battles, Stephen Smith, Grant Mulligan.) after watching Terra Naomi's "Girl you know it's true video" that you can watch in the YouTube below. Jeremiahs performance definately helped make the video.



Go have a listen and if you dig become a fan and cheer yet another great Indie band on as they make their mark in the Music World. :)

Canine's Letters to God

TO: GOD
FROM: THE DOG

Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?

Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?

Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the 'Chrysler Eagle' the ' Chrysler Beagle'?

Dear God: If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?

Dear God: We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?

Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.

3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying 'hello'.

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table .

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.

10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.

11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.

12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

P.S. Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?

Sunday, August 17, 2008

From the beginning

Our Goofy Newfie before he came home.

Only a few days old:



Zach with his Brother: