Bell Ladies

For all the aspiring photogs out there...

2009-09-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is very important, please read carefully:

2009-09-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

This is Alicia, the administrator for Bell Ladies. Unfortunately, my username and password for my Google account was hacked. I am sorry for any strange E-mails that were sent to you and for this terrible inconvenience.

I no longer have access to any of my blogs. I am posting here using my mom's account. Please delete my blogs (all of them) from your links, and please forward this to anyone who may have a link to my blogs. The blogs are:

All Bell Ladies blogs: www.bell-ladies.blogspot.com and its pages
www.brandonandaliciablog.blogspot.com
www.waltersbabyblog.blogspot.com

These blogs no longer are secure. The hacker has the username and password for these blogs. Nothing that is posted or manipulated in any way after today, September 25, 2009 10:00 am is legitimate.

I strongly recommend that you no longer post to this blog. Bell Ladies will be up and running and more secure at a new url by the end of today. Please E-mail me if you would like to continue using this website.

Questions:

How did this happen?

I received an E-mail that appeared to be from "Gmail" asking me to verify my username and password, which I did and that is how the hacker got in.

Are there viruses on my computer because of this?

No. I did a full-scan on my computer and it indicated no virus threat. However, I would do a full scan on your computer at this time. I would also BLOCK these E-mail addreses:

go.darts@gmail.com
bell.ladies@gmail.com

as well as delete all links to the above mentioned blogs.

Also, just to be on the safe side, find out if you computer has anti-virus protection software installed on it. Then, instead of using Internet Explorer, download for free "Firefox", an explorer service that has a reputation for being more secure. You can download it at: www.mozilla.com for free.

What is your new E-mail address?

You can E-mail me a request to continue using Bell Ladies at our new url at:

aliciawalters99@gmail.com

Note: Anything posted after 10:00 am, including suspicious changes to this message are not authorized by me (Alicia).

Is anyone else bugged by this?

2009-09-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

I sat down to Oprah yesterday. I used to be a faithful Oprah fan. Read her book club books (and wondered why I did when I was finished with one); got her magazine (you know the ones with only her on the cover) and followed her advice in fashion, shoes, psycho-babble and a-ha moments. Not all bad (except some of her books but I did discover Christopher Bojhalian from one of her choices and I love him).

Then she got full of herself and started in with the celebrities and it started a disconnect with me. So needless to say it has seriously been a couple of years since I sat down to an episode.

At first I thought I had stumbled on a Jerry Springer show. Except that since the "guest" was the daughter of a celebrity rock star from the Momma's and the Poppa's and thus, a celebrity herself. Therefore it makes what she revealed, "Oprah worthy."

I'm sure you heard about it. The incest? Google Mackenzie Phillips if you didn't but be prepared. It made me sick.

And again a little worried that I was on Jerry's show. But no the host was indeed, an African American woman. So why did Oprah have her on?

First, I have come to the very late-in-life conclusion that most guests on talk shows do it as publicity. Their PR people arrange it with Oprah/Ellen/Conan/Jay to have them on to push their latest movie/book/album/TV show. Then to provide a shocking little tidbit only helps both parties involved with ratings/sales.

Second, Mackenzie said she wanted to put a face on this. That surely she is not the only person who has gone through this. And you know, I don't doubt it. I am sure she is not the only one out there. But good gravy, why did it seem so glorified by her interview with Oprah?

This morning at the gym The View was on and I was reading the subtitles as I listened to my various artists on my running track. I could write a whole other post about this show, but I digress. As they, too, hashed out the details of Mackenzie Phillips I thought how lucky I was to come from a relatively normal, albeit slightly (in comparison) dysfunctional family. And to be able to raise my kids in a normal albeit, slightly dysfunctional family;)

How many times as a kid did I wish to be part of that famous set? How many times did I wonder what it must be like to have a famous mom or dad and gobs of money at my disposal; never having to wear hand me downs from cousins, or gasp! have my mom make my lunch in a brown paper sack. How many times did I wish the boys in Teen Beat and Bop were my boyfriends as I pinned up their faces on my wall.

Yesterday I was grateful. That I have the truth in my life. That I have the knowledge of the gospel and the important roles of parents in my life and in the lives of my children.

To sum it up, a few lines from this year's Primary Program song has been hummed by my daughter the past few weeks:

God gave us families!
To help us become what he wants us to be.
This is how he shares his love,
For the family is of God!

This is where I live

2009-09-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

Our first dusting of snow came upon us recently. Tuesday was a cloudy day and Wednesday cleared to show us this. TERMINATION DUST, or First Snow on the Mountain to all you people in the Lower 48 (for a complete list of crazy Alaska Slang check out this website here.) Rumor has it that it will be 3 weeks until this gets to the valley. And then it will be with us until May. Ugh.

We ventured out for a view of Nature's finest and to scope out houses for sale. After winding up a bit of hill we found this shot. That is the other side of the mountain where I was camping 2 weekends ago. The river is the Eagle River, hence the name of the town I live.

And last but not least, we were snooping around an empty house that was for sale (we are currently renting, but always looking to buy) and turned the corner to these two! That was a HUGE momma and her last years calf. I was sure glad it wasn't a daddy. It is the middle of the rut right now and they are a little feisty! I have a moose counter keeping track of all the moose we have seen since our move to Alaska in December '08 on my blog. It has been a little slow this summer with all the trees hiding the wildlife. Glad to put these 2 up there.

And brush up on that Alaska lingo. There's a quiz.

Photographer's Corner: Get Reaquainted with your Camera.

2009-09-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Photography has always held a special place in my heart. There's something so special about a photo. I still prefer a photo over a video. It's a silent art that leaves you to imagine and wonder how it felt to be there at that moment when the photo was taken.
My interest in photography really grew as a freshman in college. I took a few black and white photography classes. Our cameras were required to be manual or have manual setting capabilities. No point and shoot allowed. Not that I don't like or never use the automatic features or point and shoot cameras, I do but it was about understanding the intricacies of the camera and the light in which you were capturing. I miss the days in the dark room which are so hard to come by now. I used a Nikon FG (single lens reflux, SLR) camera I bought of Ebay. I love the way the shutter sounds and this is one thing I miss in my current camera. I like most of the rest of America use primarily my digital camera now. About a year ago I bought a Nikon D60. It is a digital SLR camera with fully manual capabilities and interchangeable lenses. Life has kept me too busy and I've fallen out of practice with my camera. I never took the time to learn all the neat features that my new camera can do. I recently took a trip to San Antonio and thought it would be a good time to get reacquainted with it. I had forgotten how much I loved to take pictures. Each night I'd go back to the hotel and download them onto my laptop and edit them in photoshop elements. It takes a great picture to make a great picture but I assure you that even in the days of film photographers edited their work in the darkroom.

Wedding Websites: Useful or faux pas?

2009-09-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Wedding website: Yes or no? As guests, friends and/or family of weddings in the recent past have you benefited from someones wedding website? Its supposed to be an easy way of passing information along and staying up to date on the couple and their event. It isn't a lot of work, but is it a necessity? What are your thoughts....

My initial thought is ,yes, I think it would be useful. However, I always wonder how these newer concepts and traditions would be conceived by the one and only Emily Post. I like to do what is courteous, proper and tasteful as much as possible. I just don't want to add more to my to do list if it isn't useful and received well by the people who would be hopefully visiting the site.

Raquel's News

2009-09-21T11:11:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm happy that Alicia dedicated that cute commercial to me as the "greenest person" she knows! I do have an announcement:

I return from Kauai with news: my wonderful and handsome boyfriend, Mark, asked me to marry him. I"m engaged!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so very excited and in love with him! He proposed when we were at the lookout for Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) on the island of Kauai. (Pictures coming soon!)

We are working on setting a date so everyone can start saving for their airline tickets. More than likely it will be here in Los Angeles and a small open house in Utah later for those that couldn't travel.

My initial thoughts are that our wedding will be beautiful and as eco-friendly as possible :)

What Bell Ladies "Page" will you do?

2009-09-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

There are many "Pages" that I think would be fun to have. Here are some ideas that are up for grabs, just let me know if you'd like to be the blog "administrator" for one of these. If I invited you to be an administrator already, and you'd like to change it, that's okay! Just let me know. Please see "Bell Ladies Announcement" under Label "general info.":

Get Uplifted
Photography
Writing
Cooking
Politics
Digital Scrapbooking
Good Reads
Good Reads K-12
Back to School
Weddings
Jewelry
Online Business
Computer Programming
Sewing
Vegetarian

The Debate

2009-09-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have this never-ending debate. It all starts when we go to watch a movie at home in the evening. More often than not, I will fall asleep. It's not because I'm uninterested in the movie. It's actually because it's one of the first times I've sat down all day long, and I'm beat. So husband feels abandoned and stuck watching a movie by himself. I can see the validity when it's a movie he's not very interested in, but when it's his choice, how can he feel so forlorn? To me, it's no big deal, but it's always a big deal to him. Each time, the same debate comes up. I finally said to him, "So we keep talking about this, but what can we do? Can you just turn off the movie?" Instead he prefers to poke me and try to keep me awake, which only makes me grumpy because I'm tired.

Does this happen to you? Am I being insensitive to his feelings or should he just take action and push pause if he wants to? Is he justified in poking me? (HA!)

Bell Ladies Important Announcement-Please Read

2009-09-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of creating "Pages" to enhance our blog. Here's an example of one page:

I am a calorie counter trying to lose weight and need some additional support, so I've created this blog: http://bell-ladies-calorielogs.blogspot.com/, which is found under our "Pages" in the right column.

However, I'm only going to have time to be the administrator for http://bell-ladies.blogspot.com and so I nominated a Bell Ladies blogger to be the administrator for http://bell-ladies-calorielogs.blogspot.com. She will design the blog and have creative control. I would only interfere if something was published that I didn't want associated with Bell Ladies.

What if I want to be an author on one of the new "Pages"?

I am an active administrator for http://bell-ladies.blogspot.com as well as an inactive administrator for all of its pages so you can always contact me to be added as an author on any of our pages.

What if I don't want to contact you, but just contact the administrator for the page I want?

Go ahead, as long as the administrator for that page provides a contact E-mail then it is fine. Otherwise, you'll have to contact me to be added.

What if I want to create a page and become the administrator for it?

Yes! Thank you! That makes this so much easier if people will jump in and go for it. Just E-mail me with the idea you have for your page and we'll arrange it. There are some rules: you cannot display my "About Me" in your layout, but are encouraged to create your own by uploading a picture and contact E-mail. Also, you must include "Return to Bell Ladies Main Page" in a link list at the "top-right" or "top-left" of the layout where it is easily seen.

Can I create the url for my "Page"?

No, I'll create the url and include it under "Pages" on http://www.bell-ladies.blogspot.com. But after that, you'll do the rest.

Where do I post if none of the pages refer to the subject of my post?

Right here. http://www.bell-ladies.blogspot.com

None of this makes any sense to me. Can I still just post like I'm already doing on http://www.bell-ladies.blogspot.com?

Yes! Don't forget to! The pages are only meant to enhance the Bell Ladies blog and make it a place where women with common interests can meet and exchange ideas specific to their interests.

Have you seen this commerical?

2009-09-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

This is a cute commercial and I dedicate it to Raquel, who is the greenest person I know and who also has some very good news to share but I'll let her tell you.

Who do you think ate the most pie, Brandon or Alicia?

2009-09-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Answer: Me. Dang! I don't eat crust and so no telling the spouse "I only had 1 or 2 slices."

So I bought this pie on Monday and it's now Friday. It looks like in 5 days, I have consumed 6 slices of pumpkin pie minus the crust. I don't feel bad though because I've skipped lunches and snacks to get by eating pie. I have been the busiest this week I've ever been with so many projects. And so I work work work until I'm too hungry to work and then I fork in some pumpkin pie filling. I love the fall! In the past few days I've organized the closets and drawers and I've rearranged the furniture in all the rooms! And I've started typing up a new directory for the Relief Society. I started a sewing project at Enrichment. I've made plans for the baby shower I'm having for Shalise and I've organized photos of Gloria in honor of her being 5 months. Brandon's been busy working on his proposal for work. And all the while, there's this awesome fall breeze coming in through the windows. It's been heaven. Shalise's baby shower is going to be Saturday, October 24th 12-1ish pm so you can plan ahead. Details will be coming as it gets closer.

What camera should I buy?

2009-09-18T07:07:00.001-07:00

I like putting pictures on my computer and editing them. Last Christmas, my parents gave me my first digital camera after a long sabbatical from photography. I have just loved having it and it has been so nice! Now, Brandon and I are considering getting another camera to replace his that broke. We'd like to get a really good deal on it like maybe get one from Overstock.com or something. We need the best quality, most pixels, etc. that we can get for no more than $200. So all you photographers out there, point me in the best direction please (no pun intended)! Here's a pretty picture I took at the St. George Utah Temple when Brandon and I were honeymooning and here's how it looks after I edited it. This next part is for my mom, my mother-in-law and all my cute friends who are scared of their computers. This is so easy to do! First say in your mind:
My computer is not the boss of me. It will not get ruined if I press the wrong button. If I happen to press the wrong button, I can always start over and it is no big deal. I am not dumb if I press the wrong button. And anyway, I can sew and cook my way around all those people who press the right button. They have nothing on me so there.
Then point your mouse on the lower-left of your computer screen where it says "Start". Then, choose "Pictures". Then all your picture folders will come up. Choose a picture you'd like to edit. Double-click on it. Then, look at the top of the picture for the 'tool bar' and choose "Fix." Then, on the right-hand side you'll see all your options. Just play around with all the controls and see what happens to your picture. Then, it's so easy to save your new picture: just use the forward arrow key at the bottom (middle) of the picture on the bottom 'tool bar'. Have fun doing this! I love it!

New Haircut

2009-09-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

I got a haircut today and I am sooo happy I took the plunge! It is similar to the way I had it cut before Mike and I met. We cut off over 9 inches of hair! I donated it. So, here is a pic! It was hard to get a decent one so sorry about the flash...

Debut

2009-09-17T14:33:00.001-07:00

Me and Catherine last weekend in Symphony Lake, Alaska

This is my first post on here so I better do a bit of an introduction. My name is Nicole. I have lived in Alaska for 9 months now. Prior to that we were in Utah for 10 years and Delaware for 2.5. I grew up in New York so I guess if I keep heading west I will eventually make it back where I started from!

I have 3 kids, 2 cats and 1 dog. I stay at home and enjoy the usual things: reading, decorating the abode, shopping, talking, writing, backpacking.

Wait. What? I thought you said the normal things?

Yeah, turns out backpacking into some remote area and spending a night or two is normal here in the great white north. Up until June of this year the only thing I ever put on my back was a bag of school books. And I rarely sleep in anything but my own bed. But I have actually gone twice this summer with only other women.

I guess my motto has been "When in Nome- er- Rome, do as the Nomans, I mean Romans."

And being open to this, or rather being open to the thought of having a night off from the whole making-dinner-put-kids-to-bed routine, turned out to be just what I needed. In fact, it is in my blood now.

After the end of my first 5-mile hike and we were sitting on this cliff overlooking the Cook Inlet. I laid down on the grass and breathed the salty air and listened to the gulls calling to each other as the wind rustled the trees. I felt the quiet. The absolute peace of being so far from anything; my cell phone, my car, my TV and yes even my computer. I felt that one-ness with myself and my thoughts. I felt centered.

Then the next day I was so stiff I could not even imagine hoisting that pack on again to truck it 5-miles out, but I did it. I pushed hard and I got out faster than we went in. I felt so pleased that I did something out of the ordinary for me, and that was pretty challenging physically. I felt like I could do hard things. I felt empowered and refreshed to face life again. I returned to my family a happier person.

So I guess the discussion I pose to each of you is this: What have you done that was so out of the ordinary for you, that you ended up finding rewarding?

Pretty Fabric from Tangled Threads Quilt Shop, Inc.

2009-09-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

I love the pretty fabric at Tangled Threads. I am so excited about possibly taking a class this fall or winter. Is anyone interested in taking a class with me? I have stopped by this store in Lynden a few times but with Enrichment coming up, I really needed to just step out of my comfort zone of "just looking" and get some fabric for this upcoming project. Thelma (one of the owners) was so nice and helpful and went out of her way to make sure I left happy with my purchase. Click here for the Tangled Threads website.
Whenever I hear "Enrichment" I am reminded of what I used to do as a little kid when I was playing upstairs and I'd hear my mom asking from downstairs, "Alicia? Did you vacuum?" I usually hadn't and so I wouldn't answer her and I'd go hide behind her clothes in her walk-in closet. That describes how I feel when I hear the word "Enrichment". Simply put, as an English teacher, give me a paragraph and I'll be happy for hours analyzing it, writing poems from it, and re-writing it: give me a needle and thread however, and I'll hide behind the clothes in the closet. All of that is about to change...Teri in my ward is going to show me how to sew a purse! Here's the fabric I picked out in Lynden on my way home from picking up Brandon. So cute! I told Brandon that looking at this fabric puts a knot in my stomach because it's so pretty and I'm scared that if I touch it, I'll ruin it. I'm seriously considering organizing a "support group" to meet for dinner 45 minutes before Enrichment and then we could all go together. If you are interested, E-mail me, it'd be fun!

What's on your Costco list?

2009-09-16T23:53:00.001-07:00

My sister Tif and I enjoyed a little "Costco talk" yesterday. We talked about all the healthy things to buy at Costco. I like the Muscle Milk a lot for the 20 grams of protein in only 160 calories. And I really like the large, burlap sac of "Gluten Free" Basmati Rice. I'm a huge fan. It's the only white rice that doesn't upset my stomach and I hear, has a much milder effect on blood sugar levels. Nectarines, string cheese, yogurt...I especially like these individually packaged frozen chicken breasts. They are good with everything and so convenient to thaw in the fridge and have ready for the next dinner. What's on your list when you shop at Costco? Or where do you prefer to shop and what do you shop for when you buy groceries?

Humbled

2009-09-16T23:40:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time there was a mom who thought she was "all that". She read lots of stuff and had lots of theories and had a cute little baby girl that was so perfect. This mom raised this perfect little girl and was quite pleased with the results. There was no need to baby proof the house, they could eat at any restaurant without embarrassment, the little girl never hit or bit or screeched like other children did. She said her pleases and thank-you's and when there was a problem it could be solved with calm dialogue.

Then age 3 and 4 happened and that pristine beautiful world began to drip a little bit. There was some yelling, some intense tantrums, some back talk. Bruised ego mom went back to the drawing board and read more books and "presto" everything was back to perfect.

And along came a bouncing baby boy and the whole world came crashing down...

I went to dinner today with a friend and her daughter at an Italian restaurant in Fairhaven. I have no idea what I was thinking. Since we have been tight on money we haven't been to real restaurants lately and it didn't even occur to me that I should be concerned. Oh, the horror. If you ever want to be humbled in life at your parenting skills please take my son to a sit down restaurant. Please, I beg you. He was everything I was horrified at when viewing little kids at restaurants before I was a parent and while I was a parent to just Camden.

He screeched at the top of his lungs, threw food, pulled a glass of ice-water down that cascaded all over the table and onto the floor, banged a fork on the table which resulted in me yanking the fork from his hand only to be met with the loudest scream I have ever heard erupt from the mouth of something so adorable which caused embarrassed me to flick him on the mouth (which I've never done and is so NOT me) which resulted in an additional scream and kicking legs. I managed to eat a few bites of my portabella mushroom alfredo before conceding and taking him outside. Outside I was able to chase him around and try to keep him from dashing out into the street, which of course resulted in more screeching. He did that cool limp body trick every time I tried to pick him up. My dear hearted friend came outside to take over when she was done so I could go eat my meal. That lasted all of 2 bites. He would have none of it. He wailed at the top of his lungs for me and so my meal was then boxed up and I took it to go. In irony of all irony's several elderly (and obviously deaf) individuals came out of the restaurant and commented about his preciousness and how amazingly adorable he is. Then a nice lady came out and commented about how cute he was until he then made another mad dash for the street which resulted in me (for the hundredth time) snatching him up which (of course) was met with more screeching. Her comment, "well you know it's always the tough ones that are the smartest." Which I felt like sarcastically retorting, "How can I dumb him down a bit?"

On the walk down to get Gelato my friend laughed the whole way about Garrett. She has been in major baby fever mode and admitted that going to a restaurant with Garrett put it in perspective for her. I offered her the privilege of babysitting my son whenever the baby fever struck her. We both marveled at how the same basic parenting approach to two different children could produce such different results and recognized that sometimes what we take credit for (in regards to children's behavior) has very little to do with us. Sure we can do some basic things to increase the outcome of the behavior we desire but in the end they have free agency to do as they please.

I now find myself baby proofing every possible nook and cranny of our house. Our toilet paper never gets to be on the roll anymore. We can never find the remotes or the cordless phone because he steals them and hides them. He eats every possible fuzz, crumb and choking hazard in the house and frankly I just don't care anymore, I've learned he spits it out. He bites, hits, pulls hair, screams, breaks things and thinks the word "no" is the funniest word he has ever heard. All of this and only 13 months old.

Now, I must add that he really is the cutest thing I've ever seen (ok, maybe only in the top ten) and his sweet kisses and hugs melt my heart, he keeps me laughing all day and he really is a smart little guy. He is good natured despite his brute and stubborn will.

I think I broke the cardinal rule about this blog. I understand this blog really isn't supposed to be about our kids but then again, this post isn't about my kids. This post is about me. It is about the misconceptions I held about parenting and the false assumptions I made about what was mine and what wasn't. You can own every parenting theory book in the world (I think I almost do) and you can apply the best of the best methods but in the end the result isn't necessarily yours. The relationship between parent and child is just that, a relationship. It goes both ways. Just because your child behaves doesn't mean it is a direct result of your prowess as a mother and just because your child misbehaves doesn't mean that you don't have a clue about what you're doing (even though that is how I feel right now). Raising Garrett has been an amazing way to humble me right down to the core of my being. Not only with his behavior but with the health issues and ongoing allergies that he struggles with. I've had to learn to let go of the outcome a little bit and to stop parenting out of fear that he's going to run loose with a bunch of gang bangers when he's a teenager and trust that he'll come around by example. It doesn't mean I'm going to let him turn into a wild banshee but it does mean that I'm going to be that red faced mother when you hear that ear piercing screech.

This post is dedicated to Bear.

Drench Yourself in Lavender

2009-09-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

These fragrances by Lavanila Laboratories, Home of the 100% Healthy Collection are wonderful, but a little expensive. I like their ideas though. Click here for their pretty website and to get a free fragrance sample with every order! Or, get inspired from their website to find more affordable luxuries...

This Epsom Salt with Lavender is 2/$6 at Walgreens. I am not paid to advertise for Walgreens, really; I just live a block away from it and have discovered there's cool stuff there. It just really needs a better name and a cooler atmosphere and then it would be the "in" thing. Anyway, hot bath water + 2 heaping hand fulls of this salt + a minimum of 15 minutes soaking in it = amazing. Brandon loved the smell and really complimented me on it and it felt great. Plus my skin has never felt softer. I'm still doing the regimen with the "Oil-Free Acne Wash: redness soothing cream cleanser" by Neutrogena and the "Eucerin Plus Smoothing Essentials body lotion". And I added Dove's "Deep Moisture" body wash that I got at Costco and I love it, except it makes my shower floor a little slippery.

Another thing I really like are these Arm & Hammer "Essentials Fabric Softener Sheets in Lavender & White Linen." They are dirt cheap and smell so good!

Try also Softsoap's Hand Soap in Lavender & Chamomile. Layering is they key to enjoying the experience. You could even get some lavender sachets and use them to keep your linen closet and dresser drawers smelling wonderful and empty the contents of the sachet into your vacuum bag to spread the love all around your house! Get a lavender candle! See what layering the scent can do for you.

Btw, a quick way to freshen up the house is to put the contents of your favorite smelling sachet into your vacuum. Then, before you vacuum shake a LARGE box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda over every inch of your carpet. Wait for 30 minutes. Then vacuum, slowly and repeatedly. You'll love it and your carpets will smell like new. Then you can spot-clean the stains and feel good getting THAT close to them to clean them well.

Shrimp & Black Beans with Basmati Rice!

2009-09-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

THIS is so good. I like the frozen Trader Joe's cooked shrimp. Thaw it in the fridge the night before. Then, get a frying pan, turn heat to high and put a little extra virgin olive oil in the pan. The shrimp cooks fast so make sure all your ingredients are ready to go. Add the shrimp, then quickly add a dab of butter, salt & pepper, a little minced garlic (I just get the ready-minced garlic that you store in the fridge), and a little squirt of lemon juice. Keep everything moving...
Cooks in about 5 minutes. Then, serve over your favorite rice and pipping hot black beans that you've salted & peppered (I use canned) with a little shredded mozzarella to garnish. If you don't like shrimp, just replace it with some awesome mushrooms (don't crowd them though) or some late summer fresh vegetables.

Team Jolene!

2009-09-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I haven't really posted much yet, because I couldn't think of anything worth while! :) So, I thought that I would let you all know about the work that I am doing with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. My friend Jolene passed away in 2006 from complications with Cystic Fibrosis, and ever since then I have been participating in the Great Strides Walk in Snoqualmie to raise money for the foundation. Last year we did a benefit auction, and this year I am trying a clothing swap/dinner party to raise funds for the foundation. Jolene continues to be a inspiration to me of how to live a life of integrity and devotion to Jesus Christ. She was one of the most optimistic people I know, and I love raising money for the cause that is so close to her heart. :)

If anyone would like to learn more about CF, or our team that is walking this year, visit my team website at www.cff.org/great_strides/erinchristensen. Thanks guys!

Another not so important thing...

2009-09-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Who said this blog would be important, anyway? I think the importance of this blog comes from being able to share the unimportant and have someone listen. Maybe it's the listening that is important and not the thing being listened to. Like Wallace Stevens once said, "Not ideas about the thing, but the THING itself." Aha! It's like not the details that are being shared but sharing that is the important detail.

Anyway, TEETH!! Have you noticed that there are some cool advances in tooth care these days? For cheap, too! Like this Oral B Power toothbrush...I got Brandon one for $7! True, it requires batteries but if you buy them in bulk at Costco, so cheap! I got one for myself and I love it. Only I got it for $8 because I was in Fairhaven. We'll have none of that posh, Fairhaven prudery here...j/k...I am totally making that up; I would call Fairhaven somewhat posh, but not prudish, except when it comes to people, maybe. I find that in Fairhaven, if you're a dog, you are treated better.

So TEETH! Have you tried the Colgate wisp? It's awesome. Forget breath mints. Those are so passe! It's all about the wisp now. They are about the size of a lipstick and are so refreshing. I could wisp all day and then twitter to my friends about it.

Then there's this great Crest Glide floss. Seriously. I totally floss everyday now. Eewww...you might say? Oh COME OFF IT, I KNOW I'm not the only person to skip a floss except maybe my sister "TEEF." But now, flossing is my favorite nighttime ritual.

I swear these 3 things are going to put dentists out of a job.

My other two favorite things are the Crest toothpaste with Scope. And I like the Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash because it doesn't burn like Listerine. So go ahead...I'm inviting you to BRANCH out and try these new toothy things! All of them you can get at Walgreens of course. Walgreens is the new Target. It's totally about the "Walgreens Run" now!

Nothing Really Important

2009-09-15T01:24:00.000-07:00

I really don't have anything important to say but figured I should try and participate. So hear are some random things that are going on with me...

-I swallowed a bug on my run today. I was horrified and considered making myself throw up since I could feel it lodged in my throat. Perhaps I should begin running with pantyhose over my face.

-My daughter cut her own hair this morning so I then took her for her first hair cut. It makes me sad how much older she looks now. Why do they grow so fast?

-I am starting to look for a part time nanny job to make some extra cash since we are so tight.

-Mike might put in a transfer through his union for us to move back to the Tri-Cities since there is no work here for him. He'll decide by the end of this week if he's going to apply for the transfer. If his transfer is approved we'll probably move back after the first of the year.

-I have been staying up late every night researching various methods and curriculums trying to decide how I want to approach these first years of homeschooling with Camden. I have decided to slow down and keep doing what we are doing (which is following her interests). She is such an amazing and inquisitive little girl. She is starting to sound out and read words. She is writing well and is beginning to understand some basic math concepts. We even started reading "The Story of the World" together which I really recommend. It is a great narrative book that you read to your kids that goes through history chronologically. She's doing so much more than I ever did at 4.

-I have been totally not doing good the last couple of days on eating well. I think I've had ice-cream the last 5 days in a row. Yikes. I fell of the bandwagon. But the last few days have been so stressful with Garrett being sick and I use food as an "I deserve this" type thing and I really need to knock that off.

-One of my best friend's wife lost a baby a few days ago. She was in her 8th month of pregnancy. I don't know any of the details yet but it is heart wrenching.

I know this is supposed to be about us and not our kids but I don't have picture of any of these other events (a picture of me swallowing a bug would be pretty cool) so I'll include pictures of Camden's haircut. :)

Before:

After:

BLOG SALE!

2009-09-14T17:30:00.001-07:00

Do not worry, Brandon is still employed. But I really want to buy myself a treadmill-go me! Because I really want to be able to exercise in my own home, in my pjs, whenever it's convenient. So I thought I'd try a blog sale to raise funds for my new treadmill...here goes. Everything has been taken care of and works well, so I'm not going to go into detail for every little thing but E-mail questions to bell.ladies@gmail.com. Basically, if you see something you want to buy, leave a comment with your bid. I will contact you based on who has the highest bid. Only rule is all purchases are final (of course you can look before you buy) and you have to arrange to pick up the items yourself.

Couch: starting bid is $200

Blog Sale Cont...EVERYTHING here bid starts at $10

2009-09-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

...again, send questions to bell.ladies@gmail.com if you'd like to know more details about an item. Then, leave a comment with your bid and I will contact you to arrange for payment and pickup.

Wish me luck! That treadmill is calling me. I'm going to raise what funds I can with my blog sale and then make Brandon pay for the rest. It's like that seminary video with the kid and the bike, right? He has to agree. Btw, I don't know the first thing about buying a treadmill. I know they can be dangerous for kids so I'm wondering if you have recommendations? Are there treadmills out there where you can "lock" them with a key to keep kids from getting injured? What's the best kind of treadmill to buy? What's a good price range? Etc.

Paper Back Swap

2009-09-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

I love to read. I also live in a tiny suburban community with no library. The neighboring town has a library, but it's very small. When I go there I feel as though I'm at a day care, not a library. My alternative to the library has become Paper Back Swap. It's a free online book swapping club.

To get started you post 10 books that you'd be willing to send to another member. Easy, right? Just clean out your basement. You probably have way more than 10 books lying around that you'd love to exchange for new books. You can post any type of book you'd like, not just paper backs. Recipe books, travel guides, even books on CD - if it has an ISBN number you can post it. Once you post 10 books the site will give you two free credits to get you started. You can use each credit to requets one book from another member. Once you find the book you want, you request it & that member will send the book to you via mail. If someone requests one of your books you are responsible for mailing it to them. The person who is mailing the book is responsible for paying the shipping charges. Once you mail one of your books to another member, you receive another credit, with which you can request another book. So basically it's like paying about $2.50 for a new book! Obviously, this is not as great of a deal as going to your local free library, but if you find yourself without access to a library, I highly recommend it! I've requested & received all sorts of books. Except for new releases, there is rarley I book I haven't been able to find. I hope you can enjoy this new resource!

Question?

2009-09-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

So, I have been seeing a few different types of posts on blogger & facebook this week and was wondering what you think.

1. The post that is "I hate people who show off", but then if you look back at their previous posts, it is very clear that the person who hates show offs doesn't check their own posts before making accusations :)

AND

2. The "Why does everyone copy me?" post.

What do you think?

As for #1, I try to look past the posts that sound a little show-offy and think that people might just want to dwell on the positive? Not post about all the horrible stuff?

And for #2, I think that if anyone looks online, they will find that there is someone out there who does the same stuff they do, but it's not copying at all. In fact, I think it's really funny that people think they are that original. I saw a post today of a woman who made a smiley face with one eye winking and said, "if you see this anywhere else, they are copying me, this is MY design". Really? A smiley face? I've seen that before, even one that winks... see emoticons ;)

Anyway, what kind of poster/blogger are you? Do these others annoy you? Or do you just laugh? I'm in the "just laugh" category, but I don't take myself very seriously.

The Bearington Collection

2009-09-09T17:45:00.001-07:00

Brandon took us (me, Glo, Lynne, Ryan, & Noah) to Friday Harbor and we went into this adorable boutique (more on that later) and I saw these cute, stuffed cats! I got the grey/white striped one named "Paws." They also have miniature sizes, i.e., "Lil' Paws." The pictures don't do them justice. You feel like you have a real kitten in your hands! Minus the clawing and spraying (eww...). They are adorable. I noticed they also have lots of cute things for babies. click here for more info.

Schooling

2009-09-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, so i completely understand that this is a long way away for me... but like i said i am a planner and this is something that i think about frequently.

What are your thoughts on public/private/home schools? I know there are many pros and cons to each. I just wonder about curriculum, social atmosphere, advantages, etc. let me know what your opinions are and take this where you want it to go. i would really appreciate a discussion! ;)

Pioneer Woman Cookbook

2009-09-07T23:38:00.000-07:00

Rees Drummond, the author of the Pioneer Women blog, has a new cookbook. I can't wait to get my copy. I love all the recipes that she shows you on her blog. I love her photography of the ranch she lives on and her gardens. The book will be ready for publication around October and it will be availabe at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I can't wait to get a copy.

Saving the World's Women

2009-09-07T13:10:00.001-07:00

I like to dabble in digital scrap booking. One of my favorite resources for digital scrap booking is a website called The Daily Digi. There is wonderful information there, along with plenty of inspiration & helps. Every Sunday the authors post something that has nothing to do with digital scrap booking, but is interesting. This past Sunday they posted an article about saving the world's women. You can read it here. Be forewarned, if you are having a sad or otherwise emotional day, save it for later. It's very sad. But it is also full of hope. It is also rather long, but it's such a good article. Here's a preview:

"After we married in 1988, we moved to Beijing to be correspondents for The New York Times. Seven months later we found ourselves standing on the edge of Tiananmen Square watching troops fire their automatic weapons at prodemocracy protesters. The massacre claimed between 400 and 800 lives and transfixed the world; wrenching images of the killings appeared constantly on the front page and on television screens.

Yet the following year we came across an obscure but meticulous demographic study that outlined a human rights violation that had claimed tens of thousands more lives. This study found that 39,000 baby girls died annually in China because parents didn’t give them the same medical care and attention that boys received — and that was just in the first year of life. A result is that as many infant girls died unnecessarily every week in China as protesters died at Tiananmen Square. Those Chinese girls never received a column inch of news coverage, and we began to wonder if our journalistic priorities were skewed.

Amartya Sen , the ebullient Nobel Prize -winning economist, developed a gauge of gender inequality that is a striking reminder of the stakes involved. “More than 100 million women are missing,” Sen wrote in a classic essay in 1990 in The New York Review of Books, spurring a new field of research. Sen noted that in normal circumstances, women live longer than men, and so there are more females than males in much of the world. Yet in places where girls have a deeply unequal status, they vanish. China has 107 males for every 100 females in its overall population (and an even greater disproportion among newborns), and India has 108. The implication of the sex ratios, Sen later found, is that about 107 million females are missing from the globe today. Follow-up studies have calculated the number slightly differently, deriving alternative figures for “missing women” of between 60 million and 107 million."

Creative Overload? Never!

2009-09-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

I've been going crazy for the past few weeks! This time of year, there is so much to create! Today, I just finished loading up my etsy shop. Mostly because I'm going to be doing a big giveaway soon on a really big blog.

Last week, put together some fun Christmas cards:Was featured on one of my favorite sites, design aglow!
Took some back-to-school pics of my daughter...

And chopped my wedding dress in half. Am I crazy? It was so worth it!
Also, last week I "finished" the novel I've been working on... I mean, as finished as it can get... I still have TONS of editting to do.

What does this time of year bring to you?

Little Ballerina

2009-09-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

I have a cousin who has a daughter named Jennifer Sumko. She is expecting a new little one who will be named Catherine. She made such a cute nursery and she is making these little ballerina outfits out of a onesie. If you could get that soft tulle they are using on baby clothes these days it would be a fun project to make some of these. That tulle is amazing stuff it is so soft and strong and washable I would just pin the flower with a saftey pin and then take it off to be washed.

Great Cookbook

2009-09-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

This cookbook was written by two ladies in Salt Lake City. The recipe's are easy and the table settings are beautiful. One of the authors is an interior designer and she has helped with the interior of Glen Becks home. If you go to the website www. thegathering of friends.com you will see her helping Glen Beck and his wife with a dinner party. The book also shows you how to build simple flower arrangements for your table. I know most of the recipes in this book. They are really good and for the most part simple to make.

Cool Pictures

2009-09-05T03:53:00.000-07:00

Look at what a cute kid I was! Seriously! I look at that girl on the couch and think, "when did I lose all the confidence?" I mean, look at the way I'm smiling..."HI!!" I love that. I also love this picture of me as a newborn and my gorgeous mom. Isn't she a fair lady? I mean, really, I'd LOVE to look like that! I think that I see a little of me in Gloria...what do you think? Anyway, these pictures are part of a project that my sister Christine and my mom have been working on. They are gathering a lot of older photos and putting them on the computer. They will use many of them at my Grandpa Stephens 85th Birthday Celebration! I wish so bad I could go! Boo hoo. But I am excited to see more of the pictures. Mom, you should totally put all these on a disk and mail them to me. ;-)

Great Eats!

2009-09-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

One last post before my family comes...so you take whole wheat bread, spread a thin layer of real mayonnaise on the outside of each piece. On the inside, layer avocado, turkey, ham, tomato, and a good thick slice of provolone. Throw it on the George Foreman (or in a frying pan) with a little non-stick spray and you've got yourself a nummy sandwich and very filling ("no kidding, that thing is loaded with calories," you say).

Family Visiting

2009-09-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Brandon's family including Lynne, Ryan and Noah will be staying at our house this weekend! Gloria hasn't met Ryan or Noah yet and we are all very excited! So I might not post until next week but I can't wait to read what you all post in the meantime!

"I haeve yourr answerr!"

2009-09-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

I love the movie, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." I love how the dad thinks anything can be cured with Windex. I really could relate, not with the Windex, but with his character overall.

So, are you curious about the developments with my skin issues??? "YES!" (you unanimously shout). Okay, here's the rub, no pun intended:

Step 1 $5.99 per 6 fl oz: Oil-Free Acne Wash redness soothing cream cleanser by Neutrogena (Acne Stress Control is essentially the same). Keep it in the shower, but WAIT before you turn on the water. First, rub this cream cleanser into all KP or "chicken skin" areas as if you were applying sunscreen. Then, rinse off in the shower (don't use soap or body wash on your KP areas and don't use a loofah-see step two for directions on exfoliation).

Step 2 $7.29 per 8.5 fl oz: Loreal Hydrafresh Toner Alcohol-free. Keep this in the shower as well. Turn off your water. Then, dry off completely with a soft towel. Use your towel to exfoliate your KP or "chicken skin". Be aggressive. Then, after you've used the towel to exfoliate, apply the toner. Air dry.

Step 3 $12.49 16.9 fl oz: Moisturize with Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Plus Smoothing Essentials. Fragrance Free Alpha hydroxy formula.

Do each step in order every time you shower. How did I come up with this genius plan? It took forever. First, I spent about 5 hours on the Internet reading people's sob stories about how they've had troubled skin since Junior High. Then, I read up on all the expensive products that claimed to be specifically for KP and they all had one thing in common-AHAs, especially glycolic acid. So then I spent a couple hours in the closest Walgreens reading the labels on all of the lotion, exfoliating shower gel and toners and that's how I came up with this system. Basically, you need the AHAs to break down this troubled Keratin build up. But you have to break it down gently and other treatments for acne or troubled skin such as benzoil peroxide or lactic acid can be too strong. And do you know what? AHAs ain't cheap, nuther. And they ain't as widely available as I had supposed. AND, I didn't find ONE product over $10/bottle with AHAs even in it. In fact, most of the really expensive creams were the same ingredients as all the cheap-o ones. Just cooler packaging. Go fig. You'll know it has AHAs in the product if it says AHA or Alpha Hydroxy on the label, or if it gives you a "Sunburn Alert" warning (AHAs make your skin more sensitive to sunburn so wear sunscreen if it's sunny out).

I have loved this routine because all of these products are relatively cheap, available at Walgreens and I have seen dramatic results so far. Basically, the KP on my legs is gone! And the KP on my arms is still visible but the bumpiness is for the most part gone. The fragrance free claim on the lotion holds true and I haven't noticed any burning sensation on my skin, except once and that was when I re-applied only a couple hours later when I could have waited until my next shower. Of course, add a multi-vitamin and some omega fatty acids and lots of hydrating water. And don't forget to eat your tomatoes! Good luck Defenders Against KP!

Healthcare Continued...

2009-09-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." I think this quote is something to keep in mind as we consider the health care debate? How much involvement do we want our government to have in very personal decisions of our health. And, for that matter, how much of our personal information do we want our government to have? How many decisions do we want made for us?

In our last discussion Marti brought up several great points concerning some of the problems that exist in our current system. I would like to put forward, for your consideration some free market rather than government solutions to the situations Marti described.

Marti wrote: "Yesterday at the pharmacy, a mother asked me a question about her one year old. I told her she should contact her pediatrician. Her response was that she was between insurance right now & couldn't afford it. I think the number of people who are in that situation is completely ridiculous. You shouldn't have to worry about health care because you recently lost your job. Not in the United States anyway."

This situation is a greater problem than many people realize. The number of uninsured in the United States is roughly among 47 million people. There are close to 305 million people in the United States making the number of uninsured a little over 15 percent. Breaking these numbers down to see who these people are is difficult, but the Congressional Budget Office has made an attempt and they came up with something like this (I apologize for repeating myself a little here).
All of these numbers are approximations...

10 Million Illegal Aliens
17.3 Million who make between 50,000-75,000 per year and choose not to be insured (these are the mostly very young and healthy who would like to keep more of their income rather than paying their portion)

There are between 13 million and 8.2 million who are those who are sometimes or usually employed, but have no coverage through their work, but make too much to qualify for government assistance.

The rest ( between 7 million and 11.8 million 2-4 percent of the entire population) are those that face the situation Marti describes. They are mostly hardworking Americans who go without insurance just because they are between jobs. Cobra payments are a fortune and for many who take the risk, there is no problem, but it can also be a disaster. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, most of these folks will be insured again within 4 months, but it can be as long as 2 years.

Around 1950, a Federal Law made it so that employers could purchase insurance for their employees tax free. But, health care has never been tax free for the individual to purchase.

This single law is one that has caused the costs of medicine to sky rocket. We hand the responsibility of purchasing health insurance off to a third party, our employer.

There are many Americans that don't even realize that they pay for their own insurance. They just think they have a nice company if they receive good benefits, or a bad company if they don't like them. They never realize that their health benefits are part of compensation, it is part of what your company thinks you are worth to employ. They don't pay for benefits to be nice... they can't afford that.

From this law, ideas like managed care have come along that further remove the patient from their own health care decisions. The management will only pay for in network docs and they will only compensate the docs at a certain rate. All this was meant to bring down costs, but the effect has been the complete opposite. Now our health care bills reflect the care AND the management of the care. If you manage your own care, you can bring the costs of health care down for everyone including yourself, this is one reason HSA's are such a good idea.

My least favorite plan is something called "flexible spending". This is a plan almost designed for waste. You get a certain amount of dollars in your account.. the rule is spend them or lose them at the end of the year. Of course people are going to run in at the end of the year and spend what is left on whatever they think might need to be done... just in case. Often, since they are removed from this money, they don't realize that they are spending their own money and making medical costs higher for their employer and everyone else in the company. If I were an employer, I would never even consider flexible spending.

The answer I think is found HERE...
"All individually purchased insurance and out-of-pocket expenses would become tax deductible for persons who have at least catastrophic insurance coverage. The tax deduction could be taken by persons who claim the standard deduction on their tax returns and those who itemize deductions. All purchases of health care would receive the same income tax treatment."

I also think that people ought to be able to open a tax-free HSA at their local bank. Then, there would be no lapse of coverage when a person was changing jobs. Back in the 50's-60's when this Federal Law was enacted, people often started and stayed with the same company for their entire career. Life is different now with Americans changing jobs on an average of every 3-4 years. We are a mobile society and this law no longer serves the people.

If we have health insurance that stays with us from job to job and moves from state to state or even over-seas... We don't have to be as concerned about Marti's second point

"... loses health care, and gets some sort of catastrophic disease before the new insurance is in effect. The new insurance will claim that the disease is a pre-existing condition & refuse to cover that patient."

It is important to understand what the insurance industry does because they are often vilified in the press.
This is the definition of insurance:
"coverage by contract whereby one party undertakes to indemnify (to secure against hurt, loss, or damage) or guarantee another against loss by a specified contingency or peril"

If a person comes to an insurance company and they already have cancer. To pay for their treatment would not be selling them insurance or insuring them, it would be defined as charity. Insurance companies would not be able to stay in business operating that way or able to help the millions they do help. Insurance is a bet that a company takes on a whole bunch of healthy people, knowing that a certain percentage of them will become ill/hurt. If a person is already sick.. that's not a bet any longer.
Car insurance is the same. When someone purchases car insurance, the insurance company will take everything they can into account before they decide what they will charge. If you've already had a wreck and a couple of tickets.. it doesn't look good for you. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, that doesn't make them evil.

Marti brought up a really good point here when she said, "Or take my neighbors. They're little 2 year old was having trouble breathing. They took him to the Doctor. Turns out he has a hole in his diaphragm. He had surgery to repair it & was in the hospital for 2 weeks recovering. They have insurance. They have to pay 10%. That doesn't sound bad until you realize the hospital bill is about $500,000. Who has $50,000 lying around to pay for that sort of thing? It's absolutely crazy."

I don't know what kind of insurance Marti's neighbors have. The old Blue Cross classic policy was to insure you 80/20 and it sounds like they have a 90/10 policy. Because health care cost have become so astronomical, these types of policies no longer work on their own.

There are 2 solutions to this that I can think of.. You can pay for secondary insurance (there's AFLAC you know that duck.. that's what he's about), but you may never use it and thus it's peace of mind, but you are out of lots of money over time. Or, you can also use an HSA. The catastrophic insurance portion of an HSA guarantees that you will only pay a up to a certain cost within a calendar year. With ours that number is $4,000. However, the savings account portion makes it so we have been able to save more than that amount so that after the first year or so, you are really covered %100 for several years.

Then, the more you are able to save, the more you will have for care, when most people really need care in their older age.

I really appreciate Marti taking the time to make so many intelligent and thoughtful comments and hope that this further discussion is helpful to those of you who are interested. I would also like to recommend THIS article which has many more solutions that are mostly market based and involve the Federal Government as little as possible, which I really think is the ideal.

We need to take care of each other as much as possible. We need to help and watch out for our neighbors. We don't want large bureaucracies trying to take over that job. Government takes a little freedom promising solutions, but in my opinion usually whole trillions of dollars get spent without real change/solutions being made. Liberty requires more of every American, but it's worth it.

Please Precious Friends,

2009-09-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

VOTE FOR ME!

The contest was "best of summer".

Now I'm worried that it was really best BABY of the summer! I still say jumping off a cliff=summer.

My entry is #10... please send me some voting love here:

http://thesavvyphotographer.blogspot.com/

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Stanford University's Hoover Institute.. Landmark Healthcare Study

2009-08-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

This article is a good summary and if you haven't read anything else about health care.. This is an important contribution to the debate.

1. Americans have better survival rates than Europeans for common cancers. Breast cancer mortality is 52 percent higher in Germany than in the United States and 88 percent higher in the United Kingdom. Prostate cancer mortality is 604 percent higher in the United Kingdom and 457 percent higher in Norway. The mortality rate for colorectal cancer among British men and women is about 40 percent higher.

Read more HERE...

Manischewitz Matzo Ball & Soup Mix

2009-08-31T16:21:00.001-07:00

I love this soup! And, it's lactose free & vegetarian (make sure you get just the Matzo Ball & Soup Mix, not the Matzo Ball & Chicken Soup Mix). A while back I read on Quel's blog: "why would you want to eat chicken stock anyway?" That got me thinking about chicken stock vs. vegetable stock. So I watch Ina Garten on FoodNetwork all the time and she asserts that nothing beats a good, homemade chicken stock. So I followed her recipe and made chicken stock homemade; I even put some aside in the freezer for later. When I pulled it out of the freezer, I noticed that the fat in the stock had separated from the stock into one thick layer on top of the stock that I could pull off (it was the size of a hockey puck of just straight fat-yuck!). I made some soup with the homemade chicken stock and a leek mix and I just kept thinking, "why would you want to eat chicken stock anyway?" and imagining all the fat dripping off the chicken into the stock as I made it. I couldn't even choke down one spoonful I was so disgusted. That brought me to this lactose free/vegetarian soup mix, or Matzo Ball & Soup Mix. I love it. I didn't think the Matzo balls would be good, but they are delicious and so comforting to eat. And the good news, is like "Grammie" on Bell Ladies, I have an aversion to some foods. I haven't figured it out yet but I do get an upset stomach whenever I eat any kind of soup, but this lactose free/vegetarian one was delicious and there was no digestive aftermath. I felt great! (Especially since we're coming up on cold/flu season, I think it would be good to stock up on this great soup mix in your pantry). The best news is that this soup only has 40 calories per cup! Slurp it up all day long, it's great! I wish I would have replaced my Ramen, which has approx. 188 calories per cup with it long ago. However, the only bad thing is that this soup has a lot of sodium, but you can control that by adding less soup mix and more water. I actually thought it tasted a little too salty when I made it last so I think I could use the same amount of water but cut the soup mix in half or something. I think it would taste even better if you added sliced carrots, leeks, or green onions. Maybe even some fresh dill. But now that I'm a non-chicken stock person, I need Raquel to tell me about this vegetable stock thing and where to get vegetable stock.

The Results!

2009-08-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the result of the gluten free pizza! On the left is the half with regular mozzarella cheese (for hubby), and on the right is the half with soy cheese. Yes, I found soy cheese for my lactose intolerance!

The pizza, as you can see, turned out quite well. It was delicious, especially in my case where it has been months and even years even since I've enjoyed a nice piece of pizza with cheese. Emphasis on WITH CHEESE!

Need Some Help For a Friend

2009-08-31T11:07:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends had to urgently leave her home this morning in the Tri-Cities (eastern Washington) and drove here with her two children bringing nothing with them but the clothes on their backs. She is also pregnant and due in October. I am not sure how long she will be staying with us but at least a week or so. Does anyone have anything they could loan for her or her children?

I have plenty of clothes for her son (13 months) but I do not have the right size of clothes for her daughter (2T/3T). She also needs size S/M in maternity clothes.

Also, if you could pray for her and her children.

P.S. If you have something to loan you can call me at 360-224-9288 or you can send me an email at jessicareid823@gmail.com

2009-08-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

Jessica started seventh grade last week, and Christopher started fourth! I can't believe how fast my kids are growing up. It was so strange going to back to school night at the same Jr. High school I attended. Some of the teachers that taught when I was there are still there! What is even funnier is that a lot of the parents were people that I went to school with, which made me feel like I was in Jr. High again myself. Luckily, I'm not. I hated seventh grade! But Jessica is infinitely cooler than I was so she should do a lot better than I did. And luckily, Jessica seems to love Jr. High. I hope it last.

Chris, on the other hand, wishes it was still summer so he could go swimming everyday, and play with friends non-stop. Oh well.

Don't worry. I didn't make my kids wear the clothes that they have on in this picture to the first day of school:)

B. Kamins

2009-08-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

I have found this website to be really intriguing because of the positive reviews of its products and the natural ingredients in its products. Have any of you tried B. Kamins? Anyway, it seems like for KP, all the sites I have searched says that products with 8 -10% glycolic acid work best if used daily. And that you should see results within 2-3 weeks. Most over the counter products with a concentration of glycolic acid at 8-10% will cost at least $20-$50. Here's the B. Kamins website to see all their natural products (some even made with maple syrup); Canadians, go fig. http://www.bkamins.com/

KP Blues

2009-08-30T16:40:00.001-07:00

I have the worst KP right now and it's really getting me down. If you don't know, it's those irritating red bumps on the back of your arms and sometimes on your legs, not everyone has it and not everyone knows what it is but everyone has seen it before, especially on people with sensitive skin. I used to spend a lot of money on Dermadoctor's KP Duty that I bought off Amazon but I found it was too expensive to maintain, so I switched to AmLactin that I got at Walgreens but it hasn't been as effective at treating my KP since I had my baby. Weird, yet true. So I'm looking at the Internet for solutions. I can't believe entire websites are dedicated to this annoying skin ailment.

What do you do for KP? Does anyone know of anything that really gets rid of it? I've spent an hour online trying to find creams/treatments that are around $20 and all of them are $20 - $100. I just need to find something cheaper so I can maintain it. I don't know if this would help my KP, but in my search I did like the Dove website because on the right-hand side of the page, you can click on "Product Finder" Steps 1-2 and I found that they do have a body wash and a body lotion that may help with KP based on the other info. I found. For step 1, select "body wash" and step 2, select "exfoliate." I've already tried the gentle exfoliating and it doesn't work for KP but maybe I should try the proage. Aside from Dove, here's some general info. I found on KP: http://www.helpforkp.com/

currentcodes.com

2009-08-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

Has anyone tried this website before making an online purchase? Just wondering.

http://www.currentcodes.com/

Hundreds of well-known online stores like Barnes and Noble, Staples, and Overstock.com have a place within their shopping cart for a "coupon code" that gives a percent or dollar amount off your purchase. If you don't know the code, you can't take advantage of the discount. You can find these secret discount codes and coupon codes listed on many sites across the internet but the problem with these sites is that they're usually personal homepages and they don't maintain their lists! Currentcodes.com has a full-time staff of trained individuals whose only job is to find new coupon codes and discount codes and verify the accuracy of the existing database. We don't flood you with ads and we don't throw deals in your face. No hype, just current codes.

Private Bloggers...

2009-08-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

FYI If you have a private blog, I'd love it if you would invite me to be a reader using my new E-mail address: bell.ladies@gmail.com. Thanks!

kaitlyn. kaiky. kaity. kait.

2009-08-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

me:

i am an almost 25 year old living in bellingham. i am a wife to one, mom of two, and one of three kids in a family of five, who hopes to have four kids of my own someday. i really love where i live and the friends and family that i have in the area. i am pretty fluffy right now, but working on it. i love to express my opinion. i believe in honesty for MOST situations. i love to argue. i don't like to be touched (only exception: my babies). i kind of stink at talking on the phone because i interrupt too much even when i don't mean to. i am insecure but working on becoming more confident. i am pretty much an open book, but i like it when people ask me questions because i don't want to talk about myself more than anyone wants to listen. ask me ANYTHING you want to know. i love to run. i love outside. i love learning new things. i am currently learning about photography, but not because i want to have a business, i would just like to have great pictures. i love my girls. i love being a mother. i love history. i love reading. i hate olives. halloween is probably my favorite holiday (although don't ask why). i am not easily offended, and if i am i will probably ask you to clarify. i am proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. sometimes i say things i shouldn't. if i insult you just tell me so i can fix it. i am constantly trying to learn how to be a better person. i pretend to scrapbook but have only ever completely finished one album. i like to laugh. i love time. i love lists. syllabus day was my favorite day in school. i am excited about this blog! (this turned into a list, and somehow, i am not surprised)

Big, fat, chewy, chocolatey, squishy, melty, frosty brownie.

2009-08-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

I just ate a big, chewy brownie that wasn't part of my diet. It was amazing. I loved it. I had an extra large one and justified it because I had a bad dream last night and I don't feel like I have any energy today. Poor me. Then I opened my E-mail to this from the Jillian Michael's newsletter. I guess it's back to work for me...

How to Beat Binge Eating
If you're inclined to binge, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to examine the emotional reasons for it. I know that processing such emotions is hard and takes time, but there are some good techniques that can help you modify your behavior and combat binge eating while you work on the underlying issues.
Here are a few:
Banish binge foods from your environment. Don't buy or let into your house whatever you're prone to bingeing on — whether it's cookies, chips, or ice cream. After all, you can't eat what's not there.
Decorate your fridge with images that motivate you. I have two pictures on mine: One is a photo of my cellulite, and the other is of Olympic swimmer Dara Torres. Let me tell ya, there is nothing that will turn you off to eating too much like pictures of cottage cheese on your butt.
Call a friend. The next time you want to stuff your face, reach out for support and try talking through your feelings instead of anesthetizing them by bingeing.
Try taking up a hobby. Keep yourself occupied so that rather than medicating yourself with food, you'll distract yourself with something productive.
Do something to screw up your binge. In other words, pamper yourself with something that's positive rather than self-destructive. Get a mani-pedi. Take a relaxing bath. Go to the gym. There are many places to go and activities to take part in that'll also lead you away from the temptation of food.
It takes time to break a bad habit, so it's good to have some techniques to fall back on when life gets the better of you! Remember to take it one day at a time. If you do end up bingeing, work out a little harder the next day. Every day is a new one — got it?

Vitamins. Any thoughts?

2009-08-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here's what I'm currently taking because Dr. Oz on the Oprah show recommended these vitamins, although the brands he didn't specifically recommend:
Nature Made Multi for Her with Iron & Calcium
In addition...

250 mg Magnesium
100 mg B-6
500 mg Calcium

Here are my medications:
Kirkland Aller-tec for allergies 10 mg
Sertraline generic for Zoloft for depression 50 mg

Of course, I am adding lots of vegetables including tomatoes, spinach and now kale into my diet to get the nutrients from natural sources. But I really want the benefits of taking these vitamins but they make me so nauseous. I have tried full glass of water, eating them with a meal, eating them at night right before bed, etc. etc. I want some real answers. Why do vitamins upset my stomach? What is in them that causes the nausea? Are our bodies just not able to handle all those vitamins and minerals at once? Any thoughts?

MMR Vaccine Controversy

2009-08-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

My younger brother Josh is a sweet, wonderful boy and I love him very much. I have heard it said about him that after he received his booster shots, that there was a change for the worse regarding his health. This has given me an interest in the MMR vaccine controversy. Before you read further, I only mention him to show why I would have an interest in learning more about this debate. I'm speaking as a former school teacher and a mother: I'm not claiming to understand this medical debate, nor claiming that Josh's condition was caused by the MMR vaccine. I do not agree with parents who choose to "decline" vaccinating their children. I think that is dangerous to their kids and my kids who attend school with their kids.

A piece of history has helped me come to my opinion on the importance of vaccines. In 1721, Cotton Mather introduced a process called inoculation to America when he learned that a Turkish physician had success when he took a small particle from a patient infected with smallpox and put it onto an uninfected patient. Then, the previously uninfected patient would develop a smaller case of smallpox, but he had the potential to survive and build an immunity to it. Mather didn't understand how this worked, but only that it did work in many cases. Many Americans chose not to be inoculated and rejected Mather because he was practicing a technique learned from a Muslim doctor. Mather's house was bombed because of the strong opposition; however, he succeeded in saving 294 people out of 300 that he had inoculated. Approximately 6,000 other people had contracted the disease but had not been inoculated and of those 850 had died. Benjamin Franklin was one of the parents who chose not to inoculate his son. His son died of smallpox and Franklin lamented that he wished he hadn't dismissed the idea and protected his son. It should be noted that Cotton Mather was also a minister in the Puritan faith, which usually pointed to sin as the cause of disease. This is significant historically because it demonstrated in North America that you can combine faith with science.

Soon after I gave birth to my first baby, I asked my dad what his viewpoint was on the MMR vaccine and what I should do to protect her. He said essentially, of course we need to vaccinate our children, but it is worthwhile to communicate to your doctor your concern and ask if a personalized vaccintaion plan would be appropriate. The MMR is a vaccination that combines vaccines for measles, mumps & rubella. You do not have to get the MMR and you can still vaccinate for these diseases, you would just vaccinate for them individually instead of all 3 combined at once.

As far as I know, most parents are encouraged to discuss a vaccination plan with their doctors. I was given a handout that charted all the vaccinations my daughter would need; it provided a "box" next to each vaccine so I chould "check" them off when each were recieved. However, because vaccinations are taken for granted and assumed to be par for the course, most parents give very little attention or thought to handouts like these that encourage them to think about the vaccination plan and just do what the doctor says is the course, which I believe in most cases is just fine to do.

My doctor told me that with the combined vaccine, or the MMR, the child only has to go through one vaccination for measles, mumps & rubella when she is still so young and almost unaware of what is going on. With the same vaccines spread out over time, the child has to go through the experience of getting vaccinated a few more times and it has the potential to get harder her and her mother because no one likes to get shots. So she left it up to me whether I wanted to put my baby through more shots, or give her the combined.

This is such a personal thing and so only read further if you are interested in what I did, but please do not think I am suggesting that this would be right for anyone else. It is just what felt right for me. The way I decided was I asked my doctor to again review all of my baby's stats or how she measured up on all her newborn tests. Gloria measured up to be essentially perfect as far as what is expected for newborns to be considered healthy. So I took that information home, discussed it over with Brandon and in prayer. And we came to the decision to vaccinate Gloria with the MMR or combined vaccination for measles, mumps & rubella.

However, I plan to discuss the vaccination plan for each child individually that I have. I will take into consideration how I feel after talking with my doctor about the child's overall health, talking to my husband about it, and talking to the Lord in prayer. If I feel that a vaccination plan that included separate vaccinations for measles, mumps & rubella instead of the combined would be better, then I'll get them separate. But to not vaccinate out of fear, I think has the potential to be devastating.

Brief intro. to the debate: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMR_vaccine_controversy

This Sunday, DVR: http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/08/25/2044554.aspx

Recipes

2009-08-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

I am loving all these new recipes. Can we start putting labels on them so that we can go back and easily find all the recipes? If you just write "Recipes" in the label box while composing your post then we will be able to find them all with the click of a button! Thanks and happy cooking!

Lamb with Tomato Salad

2009-08-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know what this is, but I saw Ina Garten on "Barefoot Contessa" on the FoodNetwork make something a whole lot better than this. But here is my watered down, try-it-at-home version. First, the salad is amazing by itself. My mom used to tell me about the virtues of red onion and I was like, "whatev." But now I totally get it! Anyways, if you don't like lamb, try this salad on its own:

grape tomatoes (lots)
cubed cheese (I used Havarti cheese, but Ina used Feta)
diced red onion
lots of fresh basil, julienned
salt & pepper
olive oil (just enough to barely cover it all)

You'll love it. Now here's the lamb. Put some lamb shoulder chops into a large bowl. When I did this myself, I should have trimmed some of the extra fat off the lamb shoulder first, just a thought. Add this (I don't know the quantities just add enough of all of it to cover the meat):

red onion chopped
lots of fresh thyme
red cooking wine
red wine vinegar
olive oil

Let the lamb marinade for a while (for me it was like 30 seconds and then I got bored). Cook in a pan on the stove top. Delicious.

KRAFT Indoor BBQ Chicken

2009-08-27T14:03:00.001-07:00

We basically eat chicken all the time. So we have to mix things up a bit with different marinades & sides. I really like the Kraft, Honey BBQ Sauce. I just toss some in with the chicken as I'm cooking in on the stove top. Then I take the squash that the neighbors give us and saute it with salt & pepper, fresh thyme (can you tell I like thyme?), and garlic. Get the squash nice and toasty in the pan and then cool it off with some lemon juice. It's pretty good. I also love these Near East packages of couscous. Near East has a pretty fancy website (who knew?), you out to check it out here.

The Garden I Never Wanted

2009-08-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Last summer my husband really wanted to plant a fairly large vegetable garden in our backyard. I was against it from the start. Don’t get me wrong, I love having fresh garden veggies, but I had a feeling that my hubby would merely help me plant and then leave me to deal with all the watering, weeding, etc. With two little ones at home, a part-time job, volunteering with my church, etc., etc., I just didn’t feel like I had the time and energy to deal with such a large project and completely resisted my husband’s garden planning. Well, much to my surprise, my husband tilled, prepped, fertilized, planted and took care of a beautiful garden all summer long and we ended up with this: I know, super amazing and yummy, right?!?!? It was wonderful eating tomatoes, corn, carrots, cucumbers, and squash and knowing that we could eat BLTs for dinner all month. Of course we did it again this summer and this time Scott was even gone for the month of June. Yes, I realized I could handle it. One key to our success: laying landscape material. This pretty much makes weeding non-existent. A lot of sun and an automatic sprinkling system help a lot too! Here are some veggies we've been enjoying lately:
If you haven’t ever had a garden and want to, I encourage you to try. If you already have a great garden please share your success stories or yummy recipes. BLTs are easy and super yummy. My family also loved the great squash soup recipe found here.

Tara

p.s. I never did an intro blog. I’m Tara, mom of two girls, wife of Scott, and a part-time research assistant for a large research company. I love being with family and friends, traveling, shopping, reading, watching movies, and enjoying the outdoors.

Cathie's Broiled Salmon

2009-08-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Cathie told me to make salmon this way and it really turns out delicious. Turn on the broiler. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place the salmon in the dish and then fill the dish with barely enough milk to cover the bottom of the dish in a thin layer. This will help to keep the salmon moist. Then I like to cover the salmon with some salt, pepper, fresh thyme, lemon juice, and garlic. I keep ready-to-use minced garlic in the refridgerator, but fresh would probably taste even better. Put in the broiler oven with the door left slightly open for only 10-12 minutes. Watch it closely because the milk can burn and ruin your pan if you leave it in there too long. You'll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Amazing.

Impressions de KALE

2009-08-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Raquel says Kale is the bomb. She told me to try it first by steaming it and then serving it with a little olive oil and balsamic (I used the Paul Newman Balsamic Salad Spritzer). As I was eating it, I could feel myself get healthier, but I think I was too cautious with the Kale because I think it would have tasted better if I would have let it steam longer (I was too afraid I'd oversteam it). Any thoughts? I still have 2/3 of my Kale stock to eat left. What should I do with it next?

Haggen's Coconut Gelato...

2009-08-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

you must try this if you can! It is so good! If you don't have a Haggen's, how would you make homemade coconut gelato? Any good recipies out there?

Gluten Free Shopping

2009-08-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday while my out of work husband
was out making contacts, he stumbled
upon a great find. Blue Chip Group & Country
Fresh Farms. This store and packaging company
is a treasure trove for gluten free products.
So last night after work we went exploring. Oh My!!
So I picked up a few essentials. Gluten Free basic
cookie mix, Gluten Free PIZZA dough,and Gluten Free
biscuit mix.I was very excited for pizza, Yes that is dinner
tonight.
Blue Chip Group also has regular food choices all packaged
for home storage. They are located at 432 W 3440 S Salt Lake City
for all that are interested.

Ben Stein Cancels Commencement Speech in Evolution Row | Christianpost.com

2009-08-27T09:54:00.001-07:00

If you haven't seen Ben Stein's 2008 documentary entitled "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," you are really missing out. I'd love to buy it but all this year I've watched it on the racks at Target and it is still selling at full price! A great film that every Christian should watch. This article isn't about the film, but relates: Ben Stein Cancels Commencement Speech in Evolution Row Christianpost.com

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Questions about "COUPONING"

2009-08-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am totally a hater on this subject. I admit it. I find couponing to be a silly waste of time because whenever I see it, it's always products that we don't use-- so I fail to find the redemtion in puting all that work into getting things my kids won't eat.

But I consider you all to be an intelligent group of women-- has anyone tried it? What do you guys think? Be brutally honest. Am I just missing something?

And I was thinking this morning-- what if we used the power of couponing for charity? Would that work?

"All of London is an Almighty 'Yes!"

2009-08-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzj9z8QDTfU

Turn up your speakers and watch Danyl Johnson 'WOW Simon Cowell.

All about Me: Elise

2009-08-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

I have never blogged before, so this is a First! Little bit about me: I'm married to a great man, I have 5 children, 4 in-laws, 4 handsome grandsons and 10 beautiful granddaughters. I have lived in Layton,Utah most of my life.
I currently work as a Receptionist for Crus Oil in Salt Lake City. Yes I commute!
I have many interests: Cooking,baking,candy making,sewing,gardening,photography,reading,
traveling and many more.
I love good food,and good entertainment.
I'm learning to live with celiac disease. I am rethinking my cooking skills. It is trying sometimes.
Fruits and Veggies and SOY are my new found friends.

This should be a new fun experience!

One of the Most Interesting Things I've Seen in a Long Time

2009-08-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how many of you readers have a business or are involved in marketting a business in any way, but this video is a real eye opener. I for one have been reticent to try any traditional marketing for my business-- I figure if I don't pay attention to those things, does anyone else? I think the answer might be no:

So what do you think? Bigger than the industrial revolution?

About Me: Jacquelyn

2009-08-25T20:17:00.001-07:00

Hey! I’m Jacquelyn. I’m an opera singer in training. I love stuff which makes writing about myself a little boring because I tend to use that as the only verb in my sentences. I’m excited about the things I’m doing, and I may be a bit melodramatic, but hey, it comes in handy :) I love gardening, flowers, sunsets, mountains. I love photography, though I don’t really know how to do it (no worries, its on my bucket list). I love to learn, I have lots of high aspirations. I love bright colors, art, fashion (particularly nonsensible shoes),and interior design. I love the ocean, but by that I mostly mean ocean creatures–I’ve been known to scan the channels in hopes of finding another giant squid documentary, and love to visit aquariums...and then eat seafood...a little morbid I know. I’m a detailed journal keeper. I love dogs, big ones. I love to cook, and try new foods. Cheese is my favorite food, muenster specifically, though there’s hardly a cheese I’ve met that I haven’t liked. I love music, particularly gypsy music or anything with an accordion, opera, and 80s techno. I love shopping and finding sweet deals. I love the theater, but particularly opera. I most recently performed in Dido and Aeneas (as a witch and courtier). I have an interest in accents, and absentmindedly slip into inconsistent ones all the time, as anyone who knows me knows.

"what the"

2009-08-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

I have a cute nephew who says "what the?" when he sees something strange. I had a "what the" moment last night. A bunch of us girls went out to get pedicures...now, I usually don't paint my nails at all because then I just have to deal with chipped paint on my nails but occasionally I am up for a pedicure (although Kaitlyn pointed out last night, "maybe this just isn't for you"). She said that because 1) I am so ticklish and have such a hard time relaxing that a) it is stressful for me, not relaxing and b) I laugh out loud nearly the entire time and it makes me have to use the bathroom and also 2) because of this story I'll relate here. As I was leaving the house to meet the girls at the salon I asked Brandon, "what color should I paint my toes?" He said, "just any color that looks natural." So I thought I'd be pretty safe with either pink or red. So the lady doing my pedicure was very nice but English wasn't her primary language and there was all this noise in back of me from the massaging chair so she said "mmmmm naaaa maaaa?" And I was like, "It's great!" Even though inside I was like, "huh?!" Next thing I know, she starts to paint these flowers on my toes. I couldn't say anything because I didn't want to hurt her feelings (dumb, I know). But I was freaking out because I have never had a flower on my toe before and although it seems like it would be no big deal, it scared me. So I guess I'm stuck with these for a while. The thing that is the most awkward for me (aside from posting a blown-up picture of my hairy toes, I didn't know I had hair on my toes, btw, I just found out at the same time you did), is that in the center of the flower, there's a little gem! It has a texture to it! Aaaahhhh!!

Strategies to manage anxiety

2009-08-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

Breathing slowly and deeply. Anxiety can cause you to breathe very quickly, which makes both the mental and physical symptoms of a panic attack even worse. When you start to feel panicky, be sure to take slow, deep breaths to soothe your mind and body.

Stop and think. When your thoughts start spinning out of control, simply tell yourself to stop. Organize your thoughts and decide what you need to do to get yourself calm again.

Think positively. Push negative thoughts out of your mind, and remind yourself that you are in control. Think about times when you've been able to manage situations successfully and reduce anxiety.

Stand up for yourself. If you need to leave a situation, do so or tell someone you need to leave. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Allowing yourself to become more upset will not help if what you really need is to take a walk and blow off some steam.

Relax your muscles. Anxiety causes your entire body to tense up, so make a conscious effort to relax each muscle from your toes all the way up to your neck and face.

The above was taken from this article from Everyday Health, "How to Handle Panic Attacks."

"Paper napkins never return from a laundry-nor love from a trip to the law courts." ~John Barrymore

2009-08-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

It's frustrating sometimes to share your home with other human beings, but sharing is what being human is all about. If your family could use a more organized, functional and more livable home it will require you to take the lead by continually taking inventory. Kids move in, kids move out, things change. I’d start with the laundry because it usually takes up the most room. Look at your closest(s) and assess how many clothes you can comfortably hang up. You should only have as many clothes as can hang in your closet(s). Dressers should be reserved for only the things that can’t be hung like: sweaters, socks, shorts, swimwear and skivvies. If you have more clothes than you can hang, donate some of them to good will. Don’t stack folded clothes on your shelves or throw them in box and shove them under the stairs, in the attic or worse case scenario-in the garage (I’ve seen it happen). There are so many other things to store, the last thing you need is to store clothes.
Just think, if they can go in a box, that means you don’t use them frequently enough to merit the trouble of storing them unless they are very special like a wedding dress or something like that. Stop storing old jeans you’ll one day fit into. Just go get some jeans that fit you and donate the others. Live in the present and look good with what you have now. If you have children, you’ll probably need to store maternity clothing and children’s’ clothes. If absolutely necessary, you could use a box for this but I suggest keeping everything hung up where you can readily make an inventory of what you have. I would only save the very best because it’s likely that when the time comes to actually use those items, you’ll probably get some new ones as well as use what you have saved. I’d save them by hanging them near the back of the closest with a rubber band around the hangers to keep them from getting in the way.

Now that you’ve decided where to hang your clothes and you’ve donated the clothes you don’t need, you need to make sure you have plenty of hangers and figure out a method for laundering.
First is the hamper. If you are in a household with a hamper in every bedroom and bathroom, then you are probably in a laundering fiasco as you read this (you know who you are). Unless you have enough washer/dryer sets to go with all those hampers and enough hands to deal with all of that, you can’t possibly want to have all those dirty clothes sitting around for weeks just being dirty. I recommend getting rid of these extra hampers and only have 2 hampers total. For smaller families, especially, you really just need 1. Dirty clothes go into the hamper, period. Not on the floor, not on top of the washer, not in the closet, just in the hamper. A large, family-size hamper is best. Make sure the hamper is well-ventilated so wet clothes don’t encourage mold and mildew. Be vigilant about communicating to family members that all dirty clothes go in the hampers. And clothes that don’t go in the hamper need to be hung up or they will be tossed in the hamper by default, but never left on the floor or cluttering up the bathroom.
If you are teaching a young child to do his own laundry, do not be shy about letting him launder all the family’s clothing. A child will learn much quicker when someone is depending on him, rather than having him be responsible for only his laundry. If you just can’t relinquish the control of the laundry, then you’re going to spend way too much time being exhausted and overwhelmed. Just let others help. I tend to like the control, so I take charge of the hamper and the laundering and let my family help with the hanging and putting away.
Now you have a place to hang clean clothes and to toss dirty ones. Next is the laundering. Do medium-sized loads. They will wash up and dry better than if you pack the appliances to their limit. Get a liquid detergent and some fabric softener sheets that have a nice scent to them. Expensive doesn’t always mean better. I actually prefer Arm & Hammer detergent and especially the Arm & Hammer Essentials* Fabric Softener sheets in lavender & white linen, and they are so cheap! If clean laundry smells good to you, you’ll enjoy doing the laundry more and it will fill the house with a pleasant smell. Always keep your washer/dryer area clean and well-stocked with what you need. Anticipate when you are running low on detergent and buy the next bottle a little early so that your laundry station is always ready for the next load.
Next, decide where you are going to sort the clothes once they are clean. I prefer to make the master bed and then use it as a large, flat, sorting area. Here’s the whole thing in a nutshell:
1) Empty the hamper into two baskets, one for whites and one for colors (put “special” items such as delicates or very saturated colors aside for hand washing)
2) throw them in the washer and then the dryer (make sure they are completely dry before taking them out of the dryer)
3) dump all the clean clothes in a big pile on your bed but don’t start putting them away until all of the loads you are going to do are clean and on your bed (this picture shows 4 loads of laundry)
4) pull out all of your empty hangers and pile them up next to the clothes
5) make a pile of clothes that have been put on hangers while setting socks, skivvies, burp cloths, and anything that needs to be folded aside
6) gradually sort through it until one by one each “category” is put away
Involve other members of your family and make doing laundry a regular occurrence at your house, at least twice a week. I repeat (at the very least) twice a week. Once you get down a system, you’ll be amazed at how enjoyable, quick and nice it can be to have clean laundry and not to have to, heaven forbid, look through the hamper to find what to wear. Hanging your clothes up is quicker than folding them, it takes up less space, it’s easier to see where things are and it cuts back on ironing. You’ll love it.

Have you seen this?

2009-08-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

My dad forwarded this to my E-mail. As a teacher, it makes perfect sense to me. But what are your thoughts? I'm interested in opening a discussion on this.

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class.
That class had insisted that Obama’s socialism would work and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, “OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama’s plan.”
All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.
After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.
As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little. The second test average was a D! No one was happy.
When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.
The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.
All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.
Could not be any simpler than that!

Miss Universe : Members

2009-08-24T09:40:00.001-07:00

Here's all the contestants. I think Miss Jamaica's photos were pretty cute. I like looking at the "national costume" photos. They don't get as much attention as the evening gown and swimsuit ones but to me, they are really fun! Miss Universe : Members

Shared via AddThis

Vote for your favorite dress...

2009-08-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

Last night I was making a necklace and decided to turn on the tube and the Miss Universe pageant was on. So I thought, “why not?” Of course there's all the talk "but it's not good for your self-esteem and the clothes are immodest." Pa-shaw! These girls are pretty and if all they have going for them is the pageant world then more power to them. They could be spending their time doing way more harmful things so I say, don't be too serious about it. I had already missed most of the pageant and there was only about 15 minutes left but I was blown away by one of the dresses. Any guess which one I liked the best? Click here for the Miss Universe 2009 evening gown pictures and be sure to vote for your favorite dress (see poll).

Adverb Basics

2009-08-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Adverb: modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Basically, an adverb tells how, when, where, or to what extent (how much or how long). We NEED adverbs or else writing is boring.

Examples: Where are you going? When will they return?

Adverbs modify verbs
Example: Kirk performed magnificently.

Adverbs modify adjectives
Example: The players on the DHS football team are exceptionally skillful.

How many are really uninsured?

2009-08-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Politicians and the media often state that 47 million are uninsured, roughly 15 percent of people living in the U.S., but what are the numbers behind that statistic? Who are these people?
The Census Bureau points out that almost 10 million of those are illegal aliens. According to the same report there are 8.3 million uninsured who make between $50,000 and $75,000 per year. Many of these are the young and healthy who would rather spend $200 some odd dollars a month playing than paying for health coverage. Almost 9 million more make more than $75,000 per year.
If we count those that are transitioning between jobs, but that will have coverage in less than 4 months.. we may be able to discount a full 45 percent of the almost 20 million left.
Studies done by The Kaiser Family Foundation, a liberal non-profit founded to inform media and government on health issues... "puts the number of uninsured Americans who do not qualify for current government programs and make less than $50,000 a year between 13.9 million and 8.2 million. That is a much smaller figure than the media reports. Kaiser’s 8.2 million figure for the chronically uninsured only includes those uninsured for two years or more."
8.2 million represents about 2 percent of Americans. That said, I agree with President Obama that we are our brothers keeper.
It must be understood that Health Insurance is not the same as Health Care. Even illegals in this country have access to health care. There are free clinics where the poor and illegals can receive pre-natal care and have their cuts sewn up. Their babies are delivered in hospitals.. no questions asked. No one can be turned away from an Emergency Room.. it is against the law.
Crack babies born premature and in disastrous health will have a million dollars spent on their care before they even leave the hospital. Who pays for all of this?? We do. Americans are very generous. What do you think health care bills would be like if the hospitals didn't pass these costs on to every patient who is able to pay? Some of this type of health care is tax payer funded and much is passed along to the insured who are able to pay.. in other words us.
Much of that is OK with me because I want to be compassionate and good. But don't wreck the best, by far the best, health care system in the world over faulty statistics and political power grabs.
That said, there are many things that we could do to improve our current system. I like the ideas John Mackey wrote in a recent article for the WSJ.
Socialized medicine is a Trillion dollar gamble with poor odds since it has compromised the economies of almost every European nation and Canada. Let's take some time and think it out very carefully and then when our representatives come up with something, let's do our own thinking on it. Let's ask that actual reform not be buried in pork spending so we can barely find the bill.
If Americans tune into the fall television line up and stop watching their government, they may wake up in the spring to a lesser America.. one they don't even recognize.

A couple of articles to read on this topic.
Here Health Care Lie...
Here

Kaitlyn H.'s Birthday

2009-08-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Kaitlyn's upcoming birthday, we are going to get pedicures Monday night! Please check your E-mail for details, or send me an E-mail if you'd like to come...

Monday is Sarah Y.'s Wedding Anniversary, Happy Anniversary!

2009-08-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

A Good Fair

2009-08-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

These are my favorite pictures I took at the fair in Lynden Tuesday night. The fair was a veritable smorgasbord. My only regret is that I didn't eat more.

Ringing all Belles

2009-08-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Today I went in to purchase a cookbook from one of my favorite stores. It was written by a Michelle Huxtable and Alyse Christensen. It is a beautiful book, you can see it on www.the gathering of friends.com. They say, "In an age when most people meet at a restaurant and parties are catered, we suggest an alternative. Our hope is that this book will inspire the reader with ideas of how to enhance relationships, establish traditions and celebrate life. I don't think there is anything more loving to friends than having them over for dinner. I have been in the homes of my friends and they mine for years, and I have wonderful memories of those get togethers and I have been inspired by all their great stories and their exceptional talents.

The Milky Way

2009-08-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

This post is stemming from a food discussion Alicia and I started earlier in the comments of a post below. I thought I would tell my experiences with a lesser known beverage, almond milk.

I used to be a cow milk drinker. One day I realized that I had a lot of sinus issues that I didn't want to have anymore so I started doing research to figure out what was to blame. In my case, it was my consumption of dairy and milk that was causing my sinus issues. So I started testing things here and there to solve my problem. Its not easy to change habits, especially eating habits. You like what you like and sometimes new textures and flavors are not easy to welcome into life. I never really liked the flavor of soy milk. It is quite thick and doesn't go well on cereal. That is the test of a true and good milk - how well does it go with your cereal?

Around this same time (I'm trying to simplify this milky story) I was having some other health issues so I asked my doctor his opinion of milks. My disclaimer is the following: Because of experiences in the past, and my own beliefs and opinions, I do not ever go to what one in the U.S. would consider to be a "regular" doctor or a Western medicine doctor. The information I'm telling you is what I believe to be true. Everyone is different - so you'll probably have different experiences and/or opinions about this topic.

Raquel to Doc: "which milk would be best for me to be drinking?" Without hesitation Doc says, "Goats milk is the best, and its really great if you can get it fresh daily." Raquel, while remembering the last time she smelled goat's milk, "Uhh I can't do goat's milk the smell is repulsive to me, way worse than cow milk." Doc said, "Almond milk is your second best option then. Soy milk is ok, but you only want organic soy milk otherwise you are ingesting too many pesticides." Almond Milk it is!

Almond milk tastes like almonds. Go figure. It has a very mild flavor, I always buy the original, rather than vanilla flavored. Almond milk is made from ground almonds. Unlike animal milk it contains no cholesterol or lactose and is completely vegan friendly. (I don't eat a vegan diet, I do eat some eggs and little cheese.) It is also lower in calories than soy milk and cow's milk, if you are concerned about the calories. Almond milk is available at most grocery stores and is usually on the shelf next to the rice and soy milks. AM can be used as a milk substitute in most recipes, I have never had any problems. It goes nicely on most cereals, oatmeal, and Cream-of- Wheat. It has the same liquid consistency that cow milk has and isn't thick like soy milk or overly sweet like rice milk.

I copied this from the Almond Breeze Website:

Nutrition Facts - Unsweetened Original Breeze

Serving Size 8 fl. oz. (240 ml)

Servings Per Container About 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories 40

Calories from Fat 30

%Daily Value*

Total Fat 3g 5%

Saturated Fat 0g 0%

Trans Fat 0g 0%

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 150mg 8%

Potassium 190g 5%

Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 0g

Protein 1g

Vitamin A 10% · Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 20% · Iron 2% ·

Vitamin D 25% · Vitamin E 50%

Phosphorus 4% · Magnesium 4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Calories 2000 2500

Total Fat <>

I like it- let me know if you try it and what you think!

Eat to Beat Stress

2009-08-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...I stopped taking my extra Magnesium supplement but I think I'll start up again. I got the following from this page:

Almonds

When all !@#$ breaks loose, reach for a handful of almonds. They're bursting with vitamin E, an antioxidant that bolsters the immune system. Almonds also contain B vitamins, which may help your body hold up during seriously unpleasant events (like getting a year's membership to Match.com as a present). About a quarter cup every day is all you need. Another easy way to get a fix is to switch from traditional PB to almond butter on high-tension days. (We like All Natural Barney Butter Almond Butter, $7, barneybutter.com.)
Skim Milk

Science backs up the old warm-milk remedy for insomnia and restlessness. Turns out calcium can reduce muscle spasms and soothe tension, says Mary Dallman, Ph.D., professor of physiology at the University of California, San Francisco. A glass of moo juice (preferably skim or 1 percent) may also reduce stressful PMS symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. According to a 2005 study from the Archives of Internal Medicine, women who drank four or more servings of low-fat or skim milk per day had a 46 percent lower risk of pre-period misery than women who had no more than one serving per week.
Salmon

Stress hormones have an archenemy: omega-3 fatty acids. A 2003 study from Diabetes & Metabolism found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids kept cortisol and adrenaline from geysering. Omega-3 fatty acids also protect against heart disease, according to a 2002 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "Eat a three-ounce serving of fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and light tuna, at least twice a week," Jamieson-Petonic says. Not a fish eater? For another omega-3 punch, buy foods fortified with DHA (you'll find this particular fatty acid in eggs, yogurt, milk, and soy products); but don't go out of your way for products that boast booming levels of ALA, another fatty acid, which may not work as well.
Spinach

Magnesium was made to calm holiday insanity. First, the mineral can help lower your stress levels, keeping your body in a state of relative ease as you kick off yet another round of small talk at the company party. Not getting enough magnesium may trigger migraine headaches and make you feel fatigued. (And almost seven out of 10 of us don't get enough of the stuff. No wonder we're cranky.) Just one cup of spinach provides 40 percent of your daily value -- so try subbing it for lettuce on sandwiches and salads. (And now you have an excuse to indulge in the spinach dip!)

Go see Julie & Julia

2009-08-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Julie and Julia is a great date movie. Watch the trailer here. It’s a comedy and it really is fun for both genders. I love Meryl Streep; she is one of the great ones in the movies these days. I would love to be able to act like her. My mom was right, there is amazing food in that movie. You think you know what good food looks like and then you see this movie. I’m not going to give anything away but it really made me evaluate whether I’m living up to my culinary potential…as it turns out, I’m not.
I have the book by Julie Powell in front of me. Ashley C. gave it to me as a wedding gift. I miss her. She’s a person who has learned to listen well enough to her friends to really “get them.” The book is easy and fun to read, but skim before you make a commitment because the language, on a scale of Relief Society to a typical hallway in a public school, it leans more toward the public school side. One of my English teachers used to say, “sometimes !@#$ is the only word that makes sense at the time!” I have found that is true, to Brandon’s disappointment. I like what the book says about rice cookers. This is from Julie and Julia, pg. 182:
Isabel, as usual, came up with a contribution to the Rice cooker Debate both imminently diplomatic and irretrievably odd:
I think perhaps there’s a slightly removed parallel universe that we can all gaze back and forth across, in which rice cooks without hitch and easier for some of us in pans, and for others in rice cookers. Across the Rice Veil?
I got a rice cooker for my wedding and was religious about its use until one day it tried to tell me that I didn’t need it and begged me to release it to kitchen appliance heaven and when I wouldn’t listen, it self-combusted out of exhaustion. It also left a note that read: Alicia, you need new clothes and I’ve noticed you have a few gray hairs. I couldn’t afford to buy a new one because I had pretty smelling soap to buy. So I decided to make rice on the stove top. I felt so lied to with the rice cooker. That whole first year of my marriage, I thought I needed it to survive the obstacle course of pleasing-Brandon-with-food-land. You don’t need a rice cooker is my humble opinion. My rice cooker said: add 2 parts water to 1 part rice and press “on”. Since it broke, I’ve been adding 2 parts water to 1 part rice to a pan and turning the stove top to “medium”. Takes about the same time, and turns out just as good.
I don’t think it’s the cooker, I think it’s the rice you use. I have a thing for good rice, none of this minute rice c!@#$ (this is a mannerly blog, after all). I always used Jasmine, but then I discovered Basmati. Jasmine is your wonderful, sticky, gooey, great-with-Thai-and-Indian-food staple; but Basmati is amazingly nutty and as Ina Garten would say, you can really “turn up the volume” with Basmati. Plus, “Eat This Not That” says this about Basmati: “Basmati has a milder effect on blood sugar than other white rice.” So it’s healthy, right? *wink* Wrong. Ashley C. says, “I am racist against all white food.” And she’s in great shape so there’s some merit in that.
I learned how to cook rice from that science guy on FoodNetwork. Try his method, it’s amazing:
Turn stove top to medium heat
Melt 2 Tbsp of butter in a pan
Add 1 cup of Basmati rice and stir until all the rice is covered in butter
Keep stirring until you start to smell the Basmati nuttiness and you notice an ever so slight change in color
Carefully add 2 cups of very hot water from the tap but add slowly and step away so you don’t get burned from the steam that shoots up
Let it simmer on medium until all the water is absorbed
Now the fun part, “turn up the volume” by adding freshly cut herbs of your choice. I used chives and cilantro because that’s all I had but I’m sure there are better herbs to add.
Fluff with fork and serve. You’ll never use a rice cooker again.
At this point, readers are like, “well, duh, it’s just rice.” But to me, rice is a big deal. I always ruined it and it was in using the rice cooker for a year that now I know what it was trying to tell me all along about rice: right amount of water and time.

Thrills

2009-08-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

I have stayed in some beautiful hotels and had fun vacations that I will never forget but there are other memories that are equally as thrilling. The time my Dad had to remove a salamander from the toilet bowl. That was exciting, no one knew how he got there, he just must have made his way through the pipes. Living in Bear Lake on my Grandfather's farm. Roaming the hills and valleys on my stick horse all day, and coming home just in time for dinner. One time someone dumped four little puppies on the farm and my little sister, Sherry, and I were in heaven. It was fun to play in the haystack and to dare each other to wear red and to walk past the bull's pen. Picking raspberries and canning them, if we didn't eat them first. Watching Grandpa chop the heads off the chickens and them cleaning them out all together on Grandpa's back porch. Getting a blue ribbon for the little rosebud apron that I made, because my mother taught me to sew and Sherry and I were the only two in the 4 H class.

Going to the old-fashioned drug store in Montpelier and ordering a fresh lime with my Grandpa. Because after all his name was Lyman, or Lyme. Being the only cousin to use the red handled spoon, because I said so. Watching the Lennon sisters with my Grandfather who had a really big deep bass voice and loved singing. While watching the fuzzy television a mouse would usually run in the house and go straight for the trap. Then we would dine on oysters and crackers sent to my grandfather by my aunt Gwen. Going to bed in my darling shorty flapper style pygama's with the satin ribbon on the little pleated skirt. Of course mine were blue and Sherry's were pink. They were so cute and right from the Sears Catalog. As we drifted off to sleep we usually heard the coyotes howl at the moon, but the stars were really shining in the dark night.

Favorite Music Video

2009-08-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

I don't have an idol, but if I did

it would have to be Brandi Carlile.

I would really like to be a musician, just like her. I'd love to sing like her and where those clothes and play guitar. I've wanted to do that for a long time. However, I don't have the pipes, the clothes or the guitar. But maybe someday.

This is my favorite music video. It really speaks to my experience in finding love. It's totally melodramatic, and makes me cry all the time. I don't have this particular song on our playlist because I have to limit how many times I listen to this song. But if you haven't heard it or seen the video, you really should. My brother Stephen introduced me to it, and like he said, "it rocks."

Enjoy "The Story," Brandi Carlile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq-ZmAYLeB8

and in Acoustic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y72jRaoRvHs&feature=related

All of these lines across my face

Tell you the story of who I am

So many stories of where I've been

And how I got to where I am

But these stories don't mean anything

When you've got no one to tell them to

It's true...I was made for you

I climbed across the mountain tops

Swam all across the ocean blue

I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules

But baby I broke them all for you

Because even when I was flat broke

You made me feel like a million bucks

Yeah you do and I was made for you

You see the smile that's on my mouth

Is hiding the words that don't come out

And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed

They don't know my head is a mess

No, they don't know who I really am

And they don't know what I've been through like you do

And I was made for you...

All of these lines across my face

Tell you the story of who I am

So many stories of where I've been

And how I got to where I am

But these stories don't mean anything

When you've got no one to tell them to

It's true...I was made for you

Oh yeah, it's true... I was made for you.

This is Me

2009-08-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! My name is Erin Christensen, formerly Erin Parkinson, I am a friend of Kaitlyn Holman and was just introduced to this fabulous idea of a blog. I am actually pretty excited about it, considering I don't do much for myself during the 24 hours of a day. :) So, I will mention my family and then not bring it up again....hehe. I am married to a wonderful man named Teage, and have been for over 5 years. We have two beautiful boys, twins who are 2 years old and the loves of our lives. We live in Snoqualmie Wa in a wonderful community with a lot of young families and some wonderful friends. My family is the most important thing in my life, and definitely what I spend most time on. :) That is a good thing though!

Like many others who have blogged so far, I love photography, and do take pictures on the "side" of my full-time mom duties. I am definitely not the best photographer in the world, but have a passion for it, and absolutely LOVE my amazing photo ops. I love capturing little children in their element, young couples in love on the best day of their lives, and this amazingly beautiful world that Heavenly Father has given us. It is such a thrill for me.

I also love to read, blog, organize (I am little bit of a organizing nerd), and play outdoors. My family loves to play tennis and go on hikes around the beautiful northwest. I also love anything that has to do with pictures....editing, scrap booking, etc. I could spend hours and not even notice. :)

I am really excited about reading and writing on this ladies' blog. What a great escape for all of us! I am just worried about keeping up with all of the posts! Thanks for this great opportunity Alicia!

You Should Never Eat These

2009-08-20T14:23:00.001-07:00

These are my favorite cookies. I was given Julie Jensen's recipe by her son about 3 1/2 years ago, and since then I have made them many times. I have written the recipe below to my specifications. There is a lot of butter in this recipe (3 cubes) and it is very important that you set the butter to thaw on the counter in advance because adding hot, melted butter from the microwave will compromise the eggs. Also, measure the ingredients exactly so that you get the perfect mixture.You will need

a large mixing bowl and wire whisk

4 and ½ cups flour

1 and 1/8 cups granulated sugar

1 and 1/8 cups brown sugar, dark if preferred

1 tsp real sea salt

1 and ½ tsp baking soda

Spread dry ingredients away from center of mixing bowl to create a crater for wet ingredients

Add 3 eggs that you have already beaten with a whisk

1 and ½ tsp real vanilla

3 cubes of salted butter, brought to room temperature but not melted

Fold dry ingredients into wet and use hands to mix well

Add 1 package of milk chocolate chips

Continue to mix until all ingredients are incorporated and dough peels cleanly from fingers

Bake 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes

How I Met Brandon

2009-08-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

The following is the story of how we met. We wrote this up together a little over a year ago. I'd be interested to hear your stories, not necessarily about how you met your husband but any significant story in your life.

Brandon

Months before I met Alicia, I was an intern at the Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital in Sacaton, AZ as a fourth-year Optometry student. As the holidays approached, I went home to visit my family in Centerville. Upon returning home, I was reunited with some friends in the Centerville ward. My friend Adam invited me to attend a party he was throwing for New Years’ at his parents’ house in Farmington. So after visiting with my extended family in Salt Lake, I arrived at his house around ten. I pulled a chair up to the table where some of the guests were playing cards and eating desserts.

Alicia

I had just found a beautiful apartment and moved to Centerville in August. It was close to Davis High School where I work and it just felt like the right place to live. My first Sunday in Centerville, I attended the ward that Brandon had attended that summer. It was my first and his last Sunday in that ward; we just barely missed each other. Coincidently (because this rarely happens), I made some comments in Sunday school that caused a little stir and Brandon remembers me but I did not meet him that day.
Some months passed and I had started to feel uninterested in attending the ward activities and my dad reminded me that New Years’ was coming up and it should be a priority to participate in a party where I might meet some people. I had heard that my friend Adam was throwing a party at his parents’ house and I decided to go. I probably arrived around nine.
It was a very cold evening and I was wearing black sling-backs and no socks. I thought I would slip on my way into the house. I said a little prayer in my car to give me the courage to attend the party and make some friends. I have always been a little shy in larger groups, especially groups where I didn’t know many people. The thought occurred to me that for years my dad had said, “Just remember, you could walk into a party one day and the man of your dreams could be sitting across the table.” I felt my stomach leap into my throat and I went inside. I didn’t recognize anyone that I really knew, so I pulled up a chair where some of the guests were playing cards and sat down.
Everyone was acting pretty silly and there was only one man that really stood out. He was tall and lean and had very dark, black hair. I was really impressed by his deep voice and his good manners. He seemed very sincere to me because he would ask questions that centered on the person he was talking to and he actually listened to his or her response. He was not self-centered like so many others I had met at similar activities. And he seemed content to talk to whomever he was visiting with at the time. I knew that if he was new to the ward, I would have to act very quickly. And so I did.
I didn’t talk to Brandon much, but I knew that was his name because I heard someone call him that. But I just made sure that by the end of the evening I had introduced myself and said something complimentary. My dad taught me that. Two nights later, I called Adam and asked for his friend Brandon’s phone number.

Brandon

Back in Arizona, about 10 days after the party, I had just gotten off work that evening and was reading in my bedroom when my cell phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number but answered it because it was an 801 area code. I wish we could’ve recorded that conversation. It started like this: “Hi is this Brandon? Brandon Walters that was at Adam’s party? Are you dating anyone? Not because I am calling to ask if I can be your girlfriend, but because I wanted to get to know you.” Or something like that. Alicia asked if I remembered her. I remembered she had shoulder-length, brunette hair and attractive, blue eyes and we had talked at the party. I thought she had been on a date at Adam’s party. We talked for about an hour and a half about our families and introductions. I remember saying to her specifically, “It was great talking to you, Alicia, please call me back anytime.”
The next day Alicia sent me a text message that read: “It was great talking to you” and it included her E-mail address. I didn’t know how to spell her name so I spelled it Alesia. I sent her some pictures of my service mission to El Salvador. We E-mailed and talked on the phone through February. I was impressed with Alicia because she was pleasant to talk to and seemed to be able to carry on a good conversation that wasn’t forced. I was surprised at how long we could talk and how much I enjoyed it. I felt comfortable and at ease talking to her. I could tell that she was very passionate about teaching and education and had some strong opinions. I remember Alicia talking about her preparation for the GRE and how challenging Math was to her.
It was President’s Day weekend and I decided to come home. I was interested to meet Alicia in person again so I called and asked her if she would go on a date that weekend. She said it was a great idea and suggested that we go to Antelope Island and try to cook a new recipe that her friend Ashley had given her. I was impressed that after suggesting that we go on a date, Alicia came up with the plans and that she was willing to cook.
When Alicia gave me her address, I was surprised at how close it was to my mother’s house. I could see her apartment outside my bedroom window across the field. I showed up and she had actually fallen asleep and was surprised that I was on time. Her hair was still wet from the shower and she told me, “I need to dry my hair but have a seat and eat a cookie.” When her hair was dry, Alicia showed me her apartment. I liked the pictures she had taken of her family and the oil paintings she had done herself. I thought she was more beautiful meeting her again and was excited to be with her. The sunset was beautiful and we actually saw several buffalo. Alicia said that she had never seen actual buffalo, although she had gone to Antelope Island many times. I wanted to see her again.

Alicia

The following Monday after Antelope Island, Brandon moved to San Diego to start a new rotation at the Naval Hospital. We continued to talk on the phone. Around mid-March, I pointed out that I have really wanted to return to Sea World but that I had no one to go with. My mom taught me that one. Brandon thought it was a good idea and so I bought a ticket. On the plane to Long Beach, CA I didn’t know what I had been thinking. I wondered, “How did I get here?” I wasn’t sure if Brandon really wanted me to come. I just know that it was so fun to see him pull up in his Nissan and pick me up at the airport. That weekend, I stayed overnight at his former Branch President’s house. We visited Brandon’s Optometry school, the fireworks at DownTown Disney, The Hotel Del Coronado, and Sea World. My favorite activity was going to the San Diego Symphony for a St. Patrck’s Day concert. As I was getting ready to go back home, I wasn’t sure that Brandon would want to date me because he had another year planned for residency and it wasn’t likely at the time that he would complete it in Utah.

Brandon

I had decided to apply for an additional year of training as a resident. At the time Alicia visited me in San Diego, I had already interviewed at three different locations, none of which included Utah. As it turned out, there was an opening at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake and I decided to accept it. The more I thought about this turn of events, the more sense it made that I belonged back in Utah and that the Lord had a hand in this opportunity to pursue my relationship with Alicia.

Alicia

I was shocked! I remember getting a phone call from Brandon while I was visiting my parent’s house. My mom was in the living room on the couch and listening in on my conversation. When I repeated the words, “You are going to be doing your residency in Salt Lake?!” my mom’s eyes met mine and we both had a huge smile on our faces. We knew.

This Is Me

2009-08-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

I probably don't know any of you except for our mutual friend Alicia, but I am excited to get to know you through this blog! My name is Lara Seaver. I live in Clearfield, UT with my husband Jayson. I am not a mother yet, but we are hoping that little ones will come to join our home soon. In the meantime I am working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the schools. With school being out for the summer I have been home alone a lot and have been starving for some contact with other adult women. I am so excited for this blog! I love reading, learning, cooking, camping, star gazing, road tripping, crafting, organizing, blogging and lots of other things! I am currently working on loving running and cleaning, and actually making some gains with the running thing (the cleaning not so much). I grew up in Redmond, WA (near Seattle) and my heart still lies in the Northwest. Hopefully someday we will be able to return there. Like I said, I love to cook, so I may be sharing some recipes on here as I discover new favorites.

Super-Bat-Spider-Buzz...

2009-08-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

This piece is something I wrote a couple of years ago.. but it is a favorite. I hope you enjoy.

I love Jake.. Funny things happen when that kid is around. He's at that age where he can talk, but you have to be the mom to understand. I often feel like I'm speaking to a fast talking German (I took a little German in college) and I'm catching only every few words and all this makes Jake think I'm a complete idiot.
I went to my sister's yesterday because she wanted to show me the Christmas sweaters she bought for her cute boys. When I got there, I made Jake come and give me a hug and as I'm holding him he says, "buzz blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, spider, blah, blah blah..." I smile and say, "Awesome Jake!" and he rolls his eyes at me. So then I make the big mistake and I show him his new Christmas sweater. "NO! NO! Teef! blah, blah, Buzz blah, blah, blah, blah..." So I ask for a translation and my sister tells me that I have made the faux pa of missing a major holiday. Jake does not want a Christmas sweater, he wants to be Buzz Lightyear for Halloween. Oh, is that the only problem? Simple, "Jake the postman is bringing your costume in a few days and you can wear this nice sweater at Christmas. You can have both."
This is where I get into trouble because my sister leaves the room and now I'm stuck with a small angry person and no translator. Jake says, "No! No! Teef! Blah, blah, blah... Super...blah..." Oh dear. And, I am the idiot Jake thinks I am because I say, "Jake this is a very handsome sweater." Violent head shaking. "NO!! NO! NO!!! Teef (I'm Teef, if you were wondering) blah, blah, blah, bat, blah, blah, blah....." It's now that I have a light bulb moment and come out of my haze. Jake is very smart and I realize that he is trying to trade me the Christmas sweater for the Buzz Lightyear costume first, but he is willing to accept Superman next or Batman if that absolutely won't work. And I'm wishing that I had learned that baby sign language.... "Jake, in 3 moons, postman come, bring Buzz Costume ... to ... Jake."I'm getting smarter so I try re-directing and I put Jake on my shoulders and fly him around the room. But Jake is not easily re-directed. He's very smart and he knows what I'm doing. So from over my head I hear, "Blah, blah, blah Spider, blah, blah....."
I didn't know what to do at this point so I gave Jake a big hug. I completely understand where he's coming from even if we don't communicate well. Jake and I are a lot alike. Actually, I was having a completely frustrating day myself. Things were not turning out. Having this visit with Jake made me realize that atleast I can work on my stuff, Jake is still wondering where the heck the dang mailman is with his Buzz costume and why his stupid relatives want to skip his favorite holiday.

Laura Strasser is having baby #2 (boy)!

2009-08-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

I am hosting a shower for her on Saturday, August 29th from noon to 1:30pm. If you would like to come, even if you don't know Laura but would like to get to know more people, send me an E-mail for the details...

Today...

2009-08-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

... I'm designing a wedding album for my sister in law :) I was the photographer on their big day. I love being able to do this for family, not that I don't enjoy getting paid, but I like being able to give the gift...

And now that I finished the pages, I should really get to work on the dust jacket and custom photo book cover!

New Respect

2009-08-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I attempted to hike Mount Timpanogos with a girlfriend. I've climbed that mountain three times before. Twice with my parents as a teenager & once with my husband, long before my son was born. It's a great hike. There are beautiful wildflowers, a tremendous view from the top & you get to slide down some snow on the back side. Climbing up a mountain is much more rewarding when you get to slide down it! I grew up hiking, white water rafting, & camping with my family. I feel very comfortable in that type of element. I feel like I'm in control & know what I'm doing. I'm always well prepared for the worst possible scenario. I love to be prepared. When someone forgets something, important or unimportant, I love to be able to help out by sharing. Anyway, this past weekend was the first time I had done something big and a little daring in the great outdoors without being accompanied by a man. It was incredibly liberating to feel completely in control. We didn't have a man who was trying to race to the top. We could go at our own speed & set our own pace. It was so much fun! I do like having my husband along for these types of adventures, but there was something different about just going with another girl. It made the hike completely new & exciting again. It was similar to the feeling I had when I first got my drivers license. I felt that the world was at my feet. So we hiked along enjoying our conversation. We saw two moose & a whole herd of deer. We saw colorful fields of wild flowers filled with some very happy humming birds.

As we were nearing the basin you cross before you make your final ascent some storm clouds rolled in. I've never seen clouds move that fast. They covered us in an instant. What was an average overcast day had suddenly turned very dark. It started to hail. We took protection in a small grouping of pine trees. And then the lightening started. I don't mind lightening too much when I'm at home, but being up on the side of the mountain in the middle of a cloud isn't really the best place to be if you'd like to avoid being struck! I was very nervous. Some other hikers were also taking cover in our little group of trees. I knew the only thing that would make me feel better would be to say a prayer. I was a little nervous because I didn't know the other hikers & my friend isn't LDS. But I knew we all needed God's protection. So I told everyone I was going to say a prayer. We bowed our heads & I prayed for our protection. I was so scared! After our prayer the lightening settled down. The hail stopped. While we were waiting for the storm to settle down we started talking with our fellow hikers. One of them was a brother from my ward! This was his third time up Timpanogos this year, & last year he hiked to the caves 130 times! He was very experienced. I immediatley felt better knowing that there was someone I knew nearby. We didn't dare continue on our trek up the mountain as the clouds still looked very ominous. As soon as the storm stopped we turned around and headed home. It was a wet & soggy trek back down the mountain. It rained & snowed the whole time. We were cold, wet, & muddy. My friend got a blister & actually ended up walking the last mile in just her socks! But we were grateful we had made it safely off the mountain. I know that God watches over us & protects us. I know that he hears our prayers. Sometimes he starts answering them before we even say them! And next time I attempt to hike Mount Timpanogos, I'll listen a little more carefully to the weather man!

Last day to enter

2009-08-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

Holman's Biggest Loser Contest! This isn't a die-to-lose-weight kind of thing, more of a lose weight responsibly and have fun with others who have the same goal! Click here for details. Or, if you don't want to enter, you can still check my progress (weigh in is every Wednesday through November). It's fun to see how everyone is getting closer to his/her goal!

What's our playlist?

2009-08-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

What songs are we going to have on our playlist? I'd like some input. I think we should have songs that are definitely girly, upbeat, fun and maybe even a little sexy but not yucky sexy. I think the songs should be upbeat enough that you don't fall asleep listening to them, but not so noisy and distracting that you immediately click on your mouse to mute them, you know? Have any suggestions? What are your favorite songs that fit this criteria? Leave them in the comments and then I'll search for them and add them to our playlist if I can.

Eat This, Not That - The No-Diet Weight Loss Solution From Men's Health

2009-08-19T07:35:00.001-07:00

I think these "Eat This, Not That" things are helpful for a novice healthy eater person (me).Eat This, Not That - The No-Diet Weight Loss Solution From Men's Health

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Me, Raquel

2009-08-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about the Bell-Ladies blog. My name is Raquel and currently live in Los Angeles. I have known our mutual friend, Alicia, since we were 8 year-old giggly-girls in Utah. I moved to Los Angeles about 5 years ago to explore my dream of living in a big city and experiencing life a little before getting married and all that fun stuff. I'm currently in a great relationship with a wonderful man, Mark, whom I've known for several years even before we started dating. (he grew up in Utah also!) It worked out that he had already moved to LA when we started dating, so I had one more reason to move to this wonderful city in Southern California.

I graduated from college a few years ago with a degree in Paralegal Studies. I currently am a bookkeeper for a private family firm in Westwood near UCLA. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up but I'm working on it and when its right I'll know.

I enjoy art, writing, reading, shopping, eating... and all the other "ings". I can bake like it is no body's business - but I have a bit to learn on actual cooking and meal planning. (Not my mother's fault - she is a great cook and still makes great meals every night for my dad.) In my defense, cookies are way more interesting than casserole. So, that is how that happened. I try to get to the beach whenever I can (only about 7-10 miles from home), and another of my favorite things is to go for long walks through the city at night with M. I am a bit of a night owl, so I have to have things to occupy my time at night when I wake up. Lots and lots of movie watching too, if you ever want a movie recommend, I can be your girl!

I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone!

xoxo

No Boys Allowed!!

2009-08-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

You don't have to be married with kids at home to be a blog contributor, so seriously invite whoever. You just have to be a girl is the thing. Here's my rationale: I always wanted to hang a sign that said "No Boys Allowed!" on the door. I never did, but I probably should have. Especially since I dated all these not-so-cool guys (no offense to them) until I met my knock-out amazing guy (Brandon). So yeah, this blog is for girls who love their guys but admittedly, need some girl time to just chat about what girls like, sorry but it's true. Of course, all the guys in our lives are amazing and we love them but we can't help that that sign's on the door. If it weren't on the door, we couldn't make our blog all cute and stuff and that's essential to opening up a great, girly discussion. Not that boys aren't cute to use a double-negative, it's just that they'd probably complain that the blog was devoid of "Gone Fishin'" logos and brown and gray backgrounds, which would completely done me in if you know what I'm saying.

What inspired this blog?

2009-08-18T03:36:00.000-07:00

This is my family. I felt inspired to create this blog because of them. Because I’m the mom and when I’m not happy, no one is. As a mom, I really crave interaction with other women who can relate to the frustration of time constraints, fatigue and sometimes loneliness. Not to mention that as a former teacher, I used to have an audience of roughly 200 students and their parents, a faculty of 84 and its administrators. I’ve always had p l e n t y to say and never minded saying it. Now I have an audience of a darling little baby. I love that and I’m happy that way and wouldn’t change it. But I find more and more that I don’t have time to look at all the blogs I’d like to or hang out on Facebook. I only have a 4-month-old for such a short time and she needs me to play with her and tickle her feet so I needed a blog that invited some ladies to chime in, like the Costco of blogs-one stop blogging.

I’m not into using a social network as my “out”. What I mean is, this blog isn’t meant to take away from loving your husband and children, it’s just meant to refresh me so that I can say, “Hey, they are doing it, so can I!” and then jump back into my responsibilities. I have a very supportive husband in this and I wouldn’t be able to do something like this without his help and encouragement. He knows that I really love to write, and without it, I get very lonely for an academic setting. And heck yeah! I’m still going to hang out with you and throw parties and stuff. I’m not going to become a hermit because I have all this writing to do now.

I think that being a mom is more academic than anything. Because of the time constraint, you have to analyze constantly. How can I cut the time it takes for me to get ready in half? How can I stretch this dollar to feed more than 2? How can I clean the house, play with the kids, and feed everyone spiritually and temporally? Including myself? Executives, CEOs, whatever would probably double their profits if they would hire on a crusade of moms, instead of all these young guys fresh out of business school. Seriously. When I taught high school, I would a lot of times call my mom and tell her all the problems at the school. And she would say, “Well of course! Any Mom would be able to tell you that was a problem!” See? It’s true.

This blog is dedicated to Jen Walters, my sister-in-law who passed away in May. She’s amazing and a really cute lady. She has a 3 yr. old boy and is my same age, 28. She bravely battled cancer for 3 years with the knowledge that she was against all odds and stayed upbeat and optimistic for her family. She even worked out at the gym! With cancer! Amazing. She’d always call me up and say, “Hey lady!” I loved it. She knows all about the importance of "girl time," and she's not even a "girly girl," more of a common sense girl and she still got how important it was to just "chat." She, along with my husband’s family have really taught me to read and appreciate the Ensign magazine. I think that it has so many good articles and is sometimes overlooked because it’s a “church magazine.” So I found these quotes in this month’s visiting teaching message and remembered that I really love to learn new things and would love it if there were a blog where I could just be myself. Not worry about making money, not worry about keeping everyone up-to-date on what we’re doing at our house, but just be.

I’m really excited to hear what everyone has to say. I’ve already got a post idea in my head about how I do the laundry. You’re going to think I’m weird and that’s okay. I hope that you will feel completely welcome to be yourself. We’re all different right? And that’s the fun of it! If you are political, let us know! If you are spiritual, let us know! If you just like makeup and shopping, let us know all about it! If some people eat meat and some don’t, fine! I don’t care what you eat, just be sure to tell me what you eat. Ha! This is a place where we can celebrate being different, share it and not get all riled up because someone is different because we all have the same goal to be good ladies as best we can and keep ourselves mentally sane at the same time. And, hopefully, someone will feel inspired occasionally. Here's some good quotes:

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “A few of the basic attributes needed to become a lifelong learner are courage, faithful desire, humility, patience, curiosity, and a willingness to communicate and share the knowledge that we gain. …

“My dear sisters, don’t ever sell yourself short as a woman or as a mother. … Do not let the world define, denigrate, or limit your feelings of lifelong learning and the values of motherhood in the home—both here mortally and in the eternal learning and benefits you give to your children and to your companion.

“Lifelong learning is essential to the vitality of the human mind, body, and soul. It enhances self-worth and self-actuation. Lifelong learning is invigorating mentally and is a great defense against aging, depression, and self-doubt” (“The Journey of Lifelong Learning,” in Brigham Young University 2008–2009 Speeches [2009], 2, 8–9).

President Thomas S. Monson: “Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. … I urge you to pursue your education—if you are not already doing so or have not done so—that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such.

“Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life” (“Three Goals to Guide You,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 119).

My First "Actual" Post

2009-08-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

Hmm. I wasn't sure if I should post another post since I just posted my introduction but, why not? Besides, an introduction doesn't count, right?

I'd like to pipe in and say that I finally stopped just "talking" about getting in shape and finally did something about it. I woke up this morning and took Garrett (my youngest) with me in the jogging stroller and walk/jogged around our neighborhood. It was tough but I'm really glad I did it and I plan on doing it every day. I also went to Labels today (a woman's consignment shop) and got myself a pair of running shoes. Yay for commitment.

The new commitment to exercise comes at a time where I am trying to refocus on "me". I am at a crossroad and very frustrated with many things in my life right now and I realize a lot of that has to do with ignoring the things that are important to me. So, my goal is to rebuild that person piece by piece. I think I am finally ready to move forward and find out how to get a Temple Recommend. Doing this is very important to me but has the potential to shatter the stability of my marriage - it's a very tough call to make.

Jessica

2009-08-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

Not surprisingly I can not find a recent photo of myself without my children in it. Really, there are not many photographs of me at all. I am always behind the camera. In a similar fashion, I find that on a day-to-day basis *I* barely seem to exist. Instead I have become so enmeshed in my role as a mother and wife that I seldom take the time to even differentiate between those roles and who I am as an individual. I suppose that is what intrigued me about joining this blogging group.

So, here it is:

I am Jessica Reid and have been for the last seven years on August 23rd. Prior to that I was Jessica Bringhurst. I grew up in Whatcom County and graduated from Sehome in 99. I am 28 years old. I converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints July 20th, 2003...it was a pivotal point in my life. The year I spent investigating the Church and the years since then have resulted in a lot of spiritual and personal discovery about who I am, what I stand for and what I believe in. It also freed me to question many of the assumptions I'd made about various topics throughout my life and I can confidently say I am a drastically different person in every conceivable way than the person I was only seven years ago.

Of course many things stay the same, for instance I still carry a perverse sense of humor (I've tried to shake it, really I have), I still have no idea how to properly punctuate my writing (and don't really care), I still have a sarcastic and playful nature and I still keep in touch with my best friends from High School. I am a procrastinator and I also struggle to finish well meaning projects. Oh yes, and I am still long winded. My hobbies include: writing, reading, researching parenting theories and topics, cooking, blogging and going to garage sales. I am a sucker for all things sweet and I'm really trying to tame my sweet tooth. I have become very interested in Politics over the last two years and admit that I love watching Glenn Beck and I wish Ron Paul was President.