Secrets for my friends

Strawberry Tart Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:01:00 +0000

Summer is upon us. And with summer comes our traditional favorite Strawberry Tart Pie. I won't lie - we (I) have made this 3 times this week alone for BBQs and dessert nights with friends. Be forewarned, I bring this pie with me to almost all summer outings. Not only is it the easiest dessert to quickly whip up. But the simplicity and freshness of it is a culinary treat.

We kid ourselves into thinking it's rather healthy given the fresh fruit in it, so please don't point out the obvious to me. It will force me to stare blankly at you and then slowly pick up my pie and run.

Strawberry Tart Pie

1 Cup Boiling Water
1 Cup Sugar
4 Tablespoons Strawberry Jello
4 Tablespoons Corn Starch
1 Pound Fresh Strawberries, hulled and cut into pieces
9" Pre-baked pie crust; shortbread, graham cracker, or traditional pastry crust. (we typically use shortbread)

Combine Dry ingredients into sauce pan
Add the boiling water and quickly whisk together (making sure there are no lumps)
Bring to a boil for 2 minutes (watch in case further whisking is required)
Remove from heat and allow to cool
Once cooled stir in strawberries
Pour into pie crust and refrigerate

Jello will set and the pie will be firm when cut.

Serve with fresh whipped cream, or cool whip.

*We love strawberries in this house, but it can easily be substituted with another berry of your preference.

My baby starts school! Where's the Easy Button?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:26:00 +0000

It is the night before Kindergarten. My husband and I tucked our firstborn into bed tonight, after saying prayers, and giving extra cuddles. The thought of my kids one day trotting off to school never made me break out in a nervous sweat, or made me want to throw up at the thought of.

In fact I prepared for it. At 2 years old I enrolled my daughter in a Co-op Preschool program and signed up to be one of the art teachers. We went to preschool together for that year. Her going to her little class and coming through my art class for class session as all the other classes did. It was a great introduction to learning in a class room setting, following rules other than mommy and daddy's, and still gave me the opportunity to be close by her side as she experienced this.

We did a weekly Mother's Club program together. She would go to her class with children her age with teachers to entertain them with stories, games, and learning activities. While I stayed in the building with other moms drinking coffee, socializing, and taking part in my own grown up activities; like gardening classes, organizing work shops, recipe sampling, and book groups.

At 4 years old we felt she was so social and eager to learn that we enrolled her in a preschool program 3 mornings a week. You know. A drop off and pick up preschool program. A field trip preschool program. A FULL morning away from home preschool program. She loved it! She found freedom and friends and letters and numbers and meal time around a little round table with jokes and giggles.

I mean, I prepared her for this next step. I prepared US. Baby steps that would gradually lead us here. To the night before Kindergarten. So why is my heart in my stomach and my stomach in my throat? Why can't I catch my breath when I peek my head in to check on her as she sleeps. Why did I stand and stare blankly at the packed book bag by the front door? Why am I checking my purse to make sure my biggest, darkest, sunglasses are in the there for the morning?

And so I remind myself that this is a privilege for her. That many young girls all over the world are sleeping tonight without the chance to go to kindergarten in the morning. Her opportunity for education is a gift. I remind myself that she is without illness that would otherwise prevent her from starting school in the morning. Then I remind myself that if those two things weren't true, I'd have a far greater reason to shed my tears.

My caring and sweet cousin recently dropped a birthday gift around for Miss M. Always knowing just the right thing to do or to give she had tucked a little school figurine in the gift with a hand written prayer for my firstborn as she prepared for her first day of school.

Lord,

May Mya be strong and courageous. May she not be afraid or discouraged. For You our God are with her wherever she goes.
Amen

Mya immediately posted this on our fridge and together we declared it to be her school prayer for the year. What I'm sure my cousin didn't know was that she was writing it for Mya's mommy as well.

Lord,
May mommy be strong and courageous. May she not be afraid or discouraged. For You our God are with Mya wherever she goes.
Amen

It is my school prayer for the year too. I encourage you to make it yours.

Meal Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:15:00 +0000

As a mom of 2 kids, head chef/designated grocery getter, wife, and business owner; I find meal planning to be a great help to me throughout the week.

Here is why:

It saves time on a daily basis, allowing me to be more productive with my day and spend better quality time where it counts.
It saves time when grocery shopping. My list is essentially made for me based on the menu made.
It saves money by allowing me to budget easier and then stay on budget.
Helps reduce wasted food by utilizing the food you purchase and have in your home.
Helps ensure my family is eating more nutritious meals instead of meals that are thrown together out of convenience.

While I figure the Summer months are made for spontaneous and random meals and outings, Fall reminds me that routine is quickly coming back to gain it's place in our home. It's not long before I feel the need to organize and streamline our schedules in order to keep up.

If you've been wondering - and asking me - just how to start creating a meal plan, here is the step by step lay out of how I make it work for me. Don't feel overwhelmed by the idea. Although it may seem like a lot, the greatest amount of work is getting it started in the first place. After that it falls into place easily on it's own and is only a matter of filling in the blanks each time. After doing this for years - even before I was a mommy, or was back to work owning my own business - it has become old hat and pretty much creates itself without much effort.

The most important step is the first one:

1. Ask your family members what their favorite home cooked meals are. Aim for at least 14 so that you have a rotation to use for a minimum 2 week time frame. This will also allow for a broader variety so that family members don't grow bored of the same meals over and over again. Asking them what they like is important as you will then know what they will eat and enjoy. It can be rather defeating putting so much effort into a meal only to have to convince people to eat it.

2. Tape this list inside your cupboard door for quick reference or to add new dishes to. It will easily grow as people remember, or you create new favorites.

3. Print a blank monthly calendar. These are easily found online or through your email account.

4. Grab your favorite cookbooks and using the list your family helped you with start filling in the blanks on your calendar.

5. Referencing your calendar, write out your grocery list based on the ingredients needed for the upcoming meals.

Voila! You have your weekly meal plan for 2 weeks.

Some helpful tips:

- If you cook full meals, don't feel the need to fill in a new meal everyday. Do a few in a row and then allow for a 'leftovers' day. The intent is not only to help save you time, but also money. Having a 'leftovers' day will help prevent wasting food that gets forgotten about in the fridge.

- Every family has a busy day. That day that is the day where schedules are tight and you feel rushed. I designated that day for a crock pot meal. For us it's the day I work until 5pm. With little ones that still go to bed early it's hard to only start thinking about a meal at 5:20 and then trying to create it. Heaven forbid it requires thawing meat. The crock pot saves the day when you can come home and dinner is ready and waiting.

- Freeze half portions of meals if you are cooking meals back to back. This will eliminate leftovers and allow you to have convenient meals on hand for another week. You could even designate one day a week "Freezer Meals", and simply pull the meal out of the freezer that morning (if it requires) and put it in the oven to cook in time for dinner.

- I plan for approximately 2 weeks at a time. For me the 2 week time method works best with my grocery runs, getting fresh produce from the market, and how we have our budget set up - but feel free to experiment with what works best for your family. Some people like to plan a month at a time, or 1 week at a time.

- Don't write it in stone. Allow for some flexibility. There will always be those last minute invitations out, or the unplanned for day that interrupts your meal plans, or the spontaneous "I'm taking you out for dinner tonight honey"....wait....that's only in movies. In any case play with it to make it work for you. If that requires switching some meals around or spacing it out differently, then go for it!

On Deck: The last of the back to school shopping tonight with the wee fam.
Stuff we do: Re-staining our back deck and front porch
What's for Dinner?: Steak, grilled corn on the cob, and oven baked sweet potato fries
Stay tuned for: My baby starts school! Where's the 'Easy' Button?
Latest Obsession: V8 Splash Juice. Either I'm officially old, or they are making better juice.
Shout Out: Brice Morrison for catering an awesome Sushi Party for us. He's available if you want one for yourself!
Working on: De- cluttering closets and toy rooms in order to make room for Fall.

A new Booklet

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:13:00 +0000

It's so easy in the midst of our own personal struggles day to day to lose sight of the blessings we've been given. I've mentioned before that in college I kept a self made booklet entitled "Things I love About Today" with me and would makes lists of just that throughout my day. I took it to class with me, to the caf, tucked it into my backpack when trekking up and down the hill to class or chapel.

That booklet resurfaces every now and then (reminds me to take a gander for it) and I get back into the swing of it. At 19 it was my act of worship as I thanked God for 'what I love about today', and an easy and enjoyable way to look for the simple pleasures in life.

Now at 31, I think I'll name it "Things I'm thankful for Today" and shift to praising God for what he does - not only in my day now, but in Grady's day, in Mya's day, and in Andrew's day. How can I go each day without stopping to praise Him for it all? Perhaps then I'll be less inclined to see the minute (adj.) things I urgently drop at his feet repeatedly and instead just stop and, in gratitude, appreciate what He's already given to my life. Perhaps that will slow my scampering steps.....

Thank you...

That I live in a country with a government intact
I can send my kids out to play without fearing bombs or shrapnel
I have food - even meals - to feed my family of 4 each day, multiple times a day
For your promptings
That if my children are sick medicine is readily available
For providing this home for us, and for the stability it has given our kids.
That Grady is growing and gaining weight this week!
That as a woman, where I live, I have the freedom to start and own a business
For a husband who doesn't walk away when it gets hard
That my kids are able to know all of their grandparents - what a gift
For allowing us to be close in proximity to family these past 4 years
For running water, a shower, and plumbing that works
That I can vote
The gift of knowledge through education throughout my life
2 little alarm clocks with feet. My favorite way to wake up!!!
You...all encompassing You
My parents - I know they are a gift
For your protection over Mya before, during, and after her surgery
That she is feeling so much better, and that is wasn't worse than tonsils - Thank you!!
A bed to sleep in
For timely fruit baskets

......What would your booklet be?.....

A main staple in our house

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:57:00 +0000

Peanut Butter Pie

1. Mix together:

1 package Cream Cheese; softened - (light cream cheese, or Tofutti dairy free cream cheese)
1/2 Cup Organic All Natural (just peanuts) Peanut Butter
1 Cup Powdered Sugar (no healthy substitutions for this one!)
12. oz. Low Fat Cool Whip (use 1.5 of 2, 8 oz. tubs - reserving 1/2 tub for topping)

2. Pour into store bought (*gasp*) shortbread pie crust. Or slave over a box of shortbread cookies and tediously crush them into your pie pan.

3. Freeze

4. Eat

Yours will probably look similar to mine

Welcome Home

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Welcome Home

With the changes of Spring just around the corner, so come changes in our own lives.
Some of these changes are intentional, some of the changes gradually come with time like the seasons themselves.

My love for writing and the power of the written word will never change, and in fact have only become more clear over the last few seasons of life. Our words are ever powerful and often mis-used or flippantly thrown about. As people of various ages have approached me in love to tell me how my words lifted them up on a particular day, or inspired them to make a leap of faith in their own lives, I have been reminded of the impact our tongues have; whether face to face or by pen or keyboard.

I value this gift that we can offer to one another, appreciate it in others, and intentionally guard myself in what I choose to write and discuss on the world wide web. For as powerful as words are there is much to be lost in translation when sitting behind a blank screen and reading these powerful things we call 'words'.

In the same respect our ability to be a part of community is equally important. Community created through one on one interaction, group settings, social clubs, email, Internet communication, etc - they all connect us to one another and bring community into our lives so that we find comradery, learn to grow, and live life outside our own little boxes.

The recent inactivity of this blog is a result of over scheduled lives, mothering 2 young children, and returning to work as a business owner. Writing and sharing life together will continue at Secrets for My Friends; because after all it really does take a village.

If you would like to continue to be a part of the community here at Secrets for My Friends I would ask that you send your email address to:
secretsformyfriendsATgmail.com

This will enable your approval for future viewing of this blog. This post will remain for 7 days to allow time for those interested to submit their information. After that time you will be required to sign in in order to view the blog, or can 'subscribe' to it and receive postings in your personal email account. To do this method simply click on these options outlined to the right.

Welcome Home Readers, it's great sharing life with you.

It's been a long winter

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:57:00 +0000

New Post coming soon!

You won't want to miss it.

Inquiring minds want to know

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:47:00 +0000

Today I have been tagged by Niki over at Organizing Connection. Let me tell you, she is a wealth of information. If you want to know anything about...well, anything, she's your gal. She's all about simplistic living in the best sense of the word. If I wanted to know the process of mass producing my own organic, environmentally friendly, economically smart, mass paper making mill from my shed out back, I can bet she'd be at my house bright and early tools in hand. She shares my belief in the notion that, yes; it really does take a village to not only raise your children, but to get through life in general. We also share a love for label makers. Now if that doesn't create a friendship..well I don't know what would. She writes about all of these things 5 days a week (well, except the paper mill idea) on Organizing Connection; giving you plenty of opportunities to become inspired in your own simplistic approach. If you haven't already subscribed to her feed hop on over and check it out. You'll see why she's listed under my favorite spots.

My tag instructions: Share 6 random things about myself.

1. I detest birds. There, I said it. Sorry to those of you who love them. Black birds do the worst number on me and I've been known to spontaneously gag at the sight of flocks flying overhead. (ask my husband, he laughs every time)

2. I have a slight obsession with the following food (in random order): Avocados, Asparagus, and Boiled Eggs. Not all together mind you, but hey...that's not such a bad idea. Or is it?

3. I love love love to read and wish I had more time to do this.

4. Since having kids; I've left the house and driven away in the car wearing my slippers, have gotten in the shower with my socks on, and did a prerecorded interview wearing 2 different earrings. (among other embarrassing things)

5. I wish I knew how to sew.

6. I don't eat dairy, and more recently red meat. But I'll cheat every now and then if it's really (really!) worth it.

I would like to tag Sheri at A Day's Journal. I recently stumbled across her blog and have enjoyed reading of her adventures. Getting connected to her blog proves that it really is a small world as I discovered her link through her s-i-l whom I've known for years. Seemingly, Sheri shares a lot of the same passions as I do, and you'll likely find the same thing as you read about her treks to the market, her love for whole and organic foods, creating fun craft times with her daughter, and forging back into the work force.

Tick Tock Time; School Days Organizer

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:57:00 +0000

This Tick Tock Time has been brought to you with the help of my cousin, who initiated phase 1 of this process with the kids enrolled in the preschool program she runs. Wee one numero uno happened to a part of this class and so began the birthing of my School Days Organizer.

Once she began taking part in organized classes I was inundated with crafts, pictures, drawings, (etc etc etc) created by my little genius child. Every parent, thinking their child is of course the only child prodogy, wants to save these projects as a keepsake to show college professors who give underrated grades, the fiance' who needs to know just how lucky they are, other parents who will only nod and pretend to care, and mostly the once small genius (now thoroughly embarrassed) grown up child just how adorably cute they've been since birth.
Don't forget to pinch their cheeks at this point.

This can, however, create a teeny tiny problem with clutter. Luckily, the solution is easier than you think. This project creates fabulous Tick Tock Time in that it gives your child a fun craft to do and helps keep you organized - all in one fell swoop. Better yet, most of these items can be found in your home or at the local Dollarama, Dollar Tree, or Buck of Two - whatever you call it.

You will need:

2 pieces of bristol board
Clear Packing Tape
Washable Paint (or homemade paint)
A hole punch
Ribbon, yarn, string, or thin rope
1 Duotang
1 clear sheet protector
1 organizing bin, bakset, or container of your choice

Using the paint allow your child to decorate the bristol board with their hands, or using any type of craft object you wish (sponges, brushes, etc)

Once dried, tape the bottom and both sides together with clear packing tape. This will create the big 'envelope' affect for holding all the paper projects.

Punch two corresponding holes in either piece of bristol board and tie a piece of string or yarn to create two handles.

Slide the organizer anywhere in your home that is out of the way yet still accessable to transfer paper projects into at the end of the day. (we keep ours tucked between the fridge and the kitchen counter)

The frequency of the purging is up to you. Either yearly, every semester/term, or every month go through the papers and little crafts and keep your favorites. Toss the others (gulp!)
I highly recommned doing this after said kid is in bed.

Label the outer cover of the duotang with your child's name and the year. Punch holes in the papers you choose to keep and begin to fill the duotang. Use the sheet protector to hold those little popsicle crafts and the like.

The trick to keeping this organized is to stop whent he duotang is full. I allow one duotang per year. This forces me to chose the really good stuff, or the ones that hold special meaning.

So far we have only done this for 1 child, but will be doing this with another in days too soon to come. I plan on assigning each child a color to further streamline this organizing task. #1 is currently RED (red bristol board pouch, red duotangs), so #2 will likely be BLUE (blue bristol board pouch, blue duotangs) - you get the drift.

The last step would be to designate a bin, basket or container to hold each child's duotang upon it's completion. Tucked away in a closet or storage area this container will hold all the duotangs in years to come.

This also works well for those pre pre-school days where crafts are done at play groups, sunday school classes, with baby sitters, day care, or during home craft time.

Enjoy your last few weeks of summer before school begins again!

An August Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:04:00 +0000

Our neighbor playfully scolded me as I started to get up to open the door after his knock.
He had a big bag of freshly picked corn on the cob that he brought in as he ‘tsked’ me away from the door. That’s what people did in this area. They took care of you by lovin on you with food. It made my heart warm and I was glad to be surrounded by such great neighbors in a place so far from family and home.

We lived in what we now refer to as ‘the world’s tiniest apartment’. We loved it though. It was crammed with some of our stuff, while the rest of our stuff sat in a storage space in the great white north. We’d opted to move after finding out I was pregnant. We’d come to Kentucky for Andrew to complete his masters degree and had initially lived on a farm where he worked to pay our board. It was a commute to his campus and we suddenly felt the need to streamline life in the anticipation that things would soon be busy enough without throwing a commute into the mix.

I had been on bed rest at home for 2 days and was lying on the couch with our dog, Tucker, on the floor next to me. Andrew was out buying the crib I’d picked out weeks earlier. My organizing tendencies that switched into overdrive during the pregnancy were now paying off. I still had 5 weeks to go so hadn’t planned on picking up the furniture until the following week. Andrew had my notebook of comparison shopping that had been whittled down to the final picks on cribs, change tables, dressers, and rocking chairs. When I was unexpectedly put on immediate bed rest earlier in the week, for what looked like a pre term delivery, he happily took my notebook and hit the stores. Relieved no doubt that the final purchases for our very first child were not left up to him to bring home to show the immobile, hormonal, very pregnant, and usually hungry wife.

I wasn’t too worried, more excited I guess. They had done an ultrasound at the Dr.’s office and said she looked great. Fully developed, but still small. They had no doubt she’d be safe for her obviously early arrival, but still wanted to try to get 1 to 2 more weeks out of the pregnancy to give her more time in there.

We’d already named her. Mya. We were so anxious to find out who was in there bouncing around like a ball, and making mommy so sick. Even after the doctors told us that we could go buy the pink paint and put it on the wall, it still took days to sink in. A girl. Daddy’s little girl. Mommy’s little sidekick. Impossible. Too good to be true. What would she look like? Who would she take after? Would she be a cuddler,or just want her crib? Would our days be bliss or full of colic and calls home to the grandmas?

We felt blessed we had this opportunity to call her by name before she even entered the world. Even more blessed when our OBGYN and RNA would lay their hands on my belly and speak her name to Jesus at the close of my appointments. The bliss of knowing her before she came seemed like a sacred piece of time carved out just for the 3 of us. Immensely special, and so deeply connecting.

She was pretty calm as I clicked my way between the 3 channels we had for our boonie vision on the aluminum foil wrapped TV we had. Just remembering those shiny and crinkled antenna ears still makes me laugh. I didn’t know tonight would be the night I’d meet her.

Andrew wasn’t gone long before returning with the final purchase needed to complete her room; the crib. I showed him where I thought I wanted it and he was almost giddy putting it together. I was so pleased…..her room was finally ready for her. I felt a big sigh and an internal thought of “Now, she can come anytime…we are ready for her”

20 minutes later my water broke; moments after we’d settled on the couch and found the old classic, Dirty Dancing, playing in almost perfect reception on that aluminum foiled covered TV. I heard the ‘pop’ before I felt it and was across the room to the bathroom before the water released. My heart soared and flopped around as I grabbed a towel and Andrew grabbed the car keys. I was so excited, and so nervous too. I’d only made it a few days, not weeks! But I was going to meet her tonight regardless! Oh the joy, oh the worry – all wrapped up in one big emotion.

By the time I made it out to the car Andrew had somehow managed, in a millisecond, to tell our neighbors and arranged for someone to feed the dog and let him out in our absence. Our friends came out to hug us and squeal with us! None of us could stop laughing –the excitement was just too much!

Andrew drove the 30 minutes to the hospital in record time. My contractions had started in the car; still, my mouth remained frozen in a perma-smile. We giggled and laughed and grinned the whole way there.

It wasn’t long before the anesthesiologist became my best friend and I sent Andrew down stairs to get our $60.00 refunded for the birthing class we had scheduled to attend that upcoming Saturday. He still teases me today that even when in labor I was still budgeting. Mya waited until daddy came back and within 13 minutes of the first instruction to “PUUSH”, she was squawking and flailing about in our midwife’s hands. 3 ½ hours earlier I had been starting a movie, now suddenly I was a mommy.

They checked her out and brought her over to me. All 5 lbs. and 10 oz. of her wrapped so tightly in a blanket, and so I kissed her nose as she slept and proud daddy took a few pictures. I was so lost in the magic of it all that even now I hardly remember the nurses coming around and Andrew grabbing her from my arms. It’s all still a blur, but he remembers seeing her turn purple and the nurse next to him pulling him out the door and moments later telling him to ‘run’ as he rushed her into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was late at night and I was drifting in and out of sleep. Andrew had come back and said they were checking her breathing, but that she was doing fine. He didn’t tell me she had turned purple or that he’d had to run her the last few steps into the NICU.

Specialists were called in and I began to worry. That must ‘mean something’ my new mommy brain told me. The Head of the NICU was called in and came to see us. He told us she was fine, and stable, but was having difficulty breathing. Her zealous arrival hadn’t given her lungs time to adjust and she was having a hard time with the transition. Being so small didn’t help, but she was going to be perfectly fine.

We begged to see her and the nurses kindly wheeled me down to the NICU. It’s a moment my heart, my head, and my eyes will never forget. The bliss of the day was so fresh, until I saw the babies. MY baby. Hooked up to so many machines, tubes in the nose, i.v.s in both tiny hands, and an oxygen hood over her head. I panicked and started to cry. Even now, my heart stops beating as I remember. We talked to her and touched her. I was certain she knew my voice and her daddy’s whispers.

I was sent to my room without her. The nurses were excellent at keeping me updated and I finally fell asleep, exhausted.

Although they allowed me to stay longer than the standard 48 hours, we were sent home without her. She stayed in the NICU for 1 week – each day getting stronger, learning to eat, and gaining more color. Nana Wilson came down to help us and was there when we were able to take her home. She was 7 days old and at 5lbs 2 oz. had gained enough weight back to earn her way out of the NICU and home with us. Her jaundice counts were high enough that medical equipment was sent to our house and she stayed on her Billy blanket for 5 more days. Trips to the pediatrician each day, blood samples, and charts consumed our first few weeks home. 8 weeks of ‘lock down’ and taking her ‘no further than the driveway’ ensured her little immune system would be able to handle the world.

And handle the world she does. Within months she was so chubby that nobody believed us when they heard she was a preemie. The bouncing she did in my belly translated into her bouncing for hours in her jolly jumper or by pushing off of our laps. She was giggly and girly and perfectly ‘Mya’.

It’s been 4 years and she still bounces everywhere she goes; Giggles just because it’s fun; And says “I could hug you forever and ever” as she cuddles and hangs from my neck.

There are days that are etched in our memory where we can smell the fresh corn on the cob years later and recount nearly every moment that ticked by on the clock. Where were you when Elvis died? Where were you when JFK was shot? Where were you when the space shuttle exploded in the sky? Where were you when you heard about 911? Where were you August 12, when the most beautiful little girl in the world was born?

There are brownies in the oven, and pancakes and waffles on the dinner menu as we celebrate the first miracle of life that blesses our every day.

To my Mya Pants: You are my every day reminder of Grace, and have transformed my life by just your presence. I look at you and can nearly feel my heart exploding with love and delight. You make me laugh each day and outsmart me more than you know. Thanks for all the puddin’ and the honey – they are always just what I need! I love being a pea in the pod with you ~ and I love you exactly how you are.

Cooky Cloth

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:12:00 +0000

Thanks to all the feedback from the previous post I've streamlined the whole baby food making process for the G Man. I am now the new owner of a $8.98 dream machine called the mini chopper. Thanks to Melinda who offered that tid bit. While I'm still doing the ol' ice cube tray thing, I've also moved onto bigger portions frozen in snack cups (thanks Wanda) to avoid the dreaded freezer burn after going gaga in the kitchen one too many nights.

Sometimes I get on kicks and burrow down to do some major research on particular topics. Kicks? Who...me? I know, I can hear you now - it's inconceivable. The most recent was briefly metioned in the teaser I left you with from the last post. I've spent the majority of June burrowing down on the concept of using cloth diapers. Reasons being:

1. I don't know or trust what material, chemicals, or toxins are used in disposable diapers.

2. Environmental concerns

3. Cost comparison

I have gained some insight from fellow cloth mommy friends. Who, strangely, I was unaware of being cloth mommies until I began a few "I'm trying to decide if I should switch to cloth diapers" conversations. It seems it's not as daunting as in my mom's day of having a bleach pail, folding diapers, and pinning them. I've been relieved to see that there really is very little difference in the amount of work required between cloth and disposables. Making the decision one step closer to 'appealing'.

Although I have found some information on materials used, question number one still hasn't been answered well. The majority of information has come from one particular website.

I'd love a few other reputable sources to draw information from as well. While I don't discount the information provided, I can not say for sure that it is comparable to other facts presented- as I have yet to find other facts. Information is key. And I need more of it.

We do know that it takes an incredible amount of time for a disposable diaper to decompose in a land fill. That information has been available for many years.

The cost effectiveness seems to lie in the type of cloth diapering system you use. And this is where my hook gets stuck. Because of our busy lifestyle I'd naturally opt for what is called the All in One. No folding, pins or snappies, extra absorbent inserts, etc. It basically looks and performs the same as a disposable. The only difference being that it's washable. However, the most affordable of these come in various sizes. Meaning that a new stock piling of sizes is required about 3 or 4 times throughout babe's life. Same idea as disposables. Much more money. There is, however, the option of the One Size fits all. These are ones that can be positioned at different intervals depending on the child's size. Supposedly lasting from newborn to potty training years. Draw back? They aren't as cute, seem to be a bit more bulky, and are far more $$.

So before I dive head first into the world of cloth diapering I've decided to try it out on a small scale by purchasing a few. Step 1: Try them while at home. That's as far as I've gotten. Because depending on how well Step 1 goes, there may or may not be a Step 2.

On Deck: (cousin) Michelle's wedding this weekend! Mya is flower girl and hubs is officiating.

Stuff we do: Spent nearly a week cottaging it at Beulah. Faaaabulous!

What's for Dinner?: Breaded Halibut, brown rice, and carrots

*Stay tuned for: A Product Review

Bummer: I don't think my neighbor watered my bevy of flowers (as offered) while we were gone for 6 days. Hm. Flowers = not so good.

*It has been noted that this blog has entirely too much baby content. In light of this please stay tuned for a Product Review smathered with non baby related items.

Mama Yama

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:12:00 +0000

Grady is now 6 months old and has started eating rice cereal and pureed fruits and veggies.
This time around I've chosen to make my own baby food for him. When Mya was born - a mere 4 years ago - I opted to go the route of convenience and bought off the shelf. However, the more I considered it, the less inconvenient it seemed to make my own fresh food for the wee one.

Initially this thought was spurred by the tiny penny pincher that lives in my head. And then more so when some baby food jars were pulled from the shelf due to having BPA in the sealing under the metal lid. And so the organic option became more and more appealing. This is not to say I won't buy the occasional organic pre-packaged baby food (from BPA FREE packaging).
However, for the most part I'm trying to learn the art of pureeing (which I do anyways to sneak added nutrients into the husband and toddler's 'big people' food), traveling with frozen purees, and incorporating it into our daily routine for Grady.

So far, in addition to rice cereal, Grady has had:
Squash, Sweet Potato, Bananas, and just today - Carrots.
I am now in the midst of deciding what other food items would be good for this age category. So instead of standing in the baby food aisle with pen and paper in hand while looking at the Stage 1 food options to duplicate, I'm asking you. So here's your chance dear readers. Tell me all your knowledge on how you puree your own baby food. If you do it, if you don't. Why you do, why you don't. You get the drift.

Here's what I'm looking for:
Easy Purees
Foods too difficult to puree (strawberries ?)
Food appropriate for each age level (6-9 mo/9-12 mo)
Your favorite tricks of the trade
Traveling to and from with those little frozen cubes

On Deck: Planting a tomato pot for fresh tomato's off the back deck.
Stuff we do: Yearly flower shopping adventure with Mya (and now Grady) to purchase Pink, Purple, Blueish/Purple & White Inpatients, Petunias, and Labilias - all Mya's picking.
What's for Dinner?: Salsa Chicken, Couscous, and Spinach Salad with boiled egg and turkey bacon
Stay tuned for: Cloth vs. Disposable
Latest Obsession: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Shout Out: Heidi Horn'ah' for a faaabulous week together
Working on: Kijiji-ing my parent's loot as they move

Father's Day 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:54:00 +0000

For 30 years I have been blessed, not by coincidence but by God's providence, to have the most amazing father. He (and my mom) hand picked me at 2 weeks old and could I have had the same opportunity I would hand pick him (them) any day of the week. I feel fortunate and blessed more than I deserve to have had his knee to climb onto, his big shoulders to snuggle my head on, his paw like hands to enfold my own into. He taught me how to debate and to think for myself. He taught me to fight for the underdogs (go Colts!). I watched, and he taught me to have compassion for those who are born in less fortunate cultures by the simple circumstance of geography.

He may have spoken to many, but he 'lived' Jesus to me. More than anything he exemplified Grace and extended it to me, numerous times, without questions but with only true unconditional love. He reached beyond society and culture to raise in me a love that went beyond my own insecurities and taught me where to find the inner core of mankind. He showed me true beauty and what it looks like. He wept for me in my struggles and openly rejoiced with me in my triumphs. He publicly adores his wife and showed me how a man should treat a woman. He made, and continues to make, me proud.

He gave me someone to look for for myself. And when I found him he gave me the great honour of escorting me on his arm, and on his heart no doubt, right into the hands of the only man I've met that's just like him.

Almost 4 years ago, at the birth of our daughter, I watched my husband instantly arise to the job of Father. He is fiercely, unashamedly, and tenderly in love with our children. He has gotten up late in the night to be a part of feedings, scrambles to scoop up the wounded and crying, looks forward to bedtime duty, and uses his one day of rest to play hard with the kids. He makes silly faces at the drop of a hat and is the tickle monster. He prays for and with them, and recounts the story of the Bible, which 'has a happy ending'. He enjoys who they are and encourages their little personalities. His eyes often glisten when he watches them sleep. He is the dad who rises at 5 am to camp out for Curious George tickets. He is the baby hog who asks if he can 'pleeease put Grady to bed tonight'. He is the dad who tries to create piggy tails for a trip to the hardware store. He teaches about life, about responsibility, about what true love looks like.
He is the father who they will be writing about one day and recounting their own blessings.

Happy Father's Day to the one who raised me and the one who raises with me.

You are loved!

Tick Tock Time

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:24:00 +0000

With summer fully upon us this means tons of outdoor play at our house. By this time of year we are itching to get outside after enduring the great white north's intense winter. We are fortunate to have a perfectly sized back yard - enough room to run and play, but not too big to be bogged down with yard work. When we moved into our home it seemed that the previous owners had either purposefully planned for, or left in place from the original owners, a large concrete area just inside of the wooden fence enclosure. At first I thought this might easily become a 2nd sitting area with a fire pit, etc. Instead it has become an awesome area for wee one numero uno to practise her artistic skills safely in the privacy of our backyard. I've grown to love this area instead of daydreaming of how to change it or re purpose it.

In addition to the ever popular sidewalk chalk, this year we were excited to discover (thanks Krista) CRAYOLA's new sidewalk paint. I promptly slapped down my $10.00 at ToysRUs for the kit and unveiled it to wee one numero uno upon my arrival home. It, of course, was met with instant screeches, pulling at the pant leg to use it immediately, and favouritism directly solely at mommy for the rest of the evening (which was what I was going for all along...right?)

This is a FANTASTIC product, and in my mommy consumer opinion worth the price tag. (which so many products are NOT). It comes with a paint tray with dividers for each colour choice, a little roller, a paint brush, and 3 sidewalk chalk sticks. It dries beautifully and accurately, and washes away with zero effort.

The one downside is: The paint doesn't last long for the toddler that loves to use it everyday. And I have yet to find (although I know they are available out there) where I can purchase only the bottles of paint as opposed to the entire kit again.

Now, I'm no domestic goddess, but in light of the above I figured I could get around that itsty bitsy problem by making our own sidewalk paint. A little googling later and we were in the kitchen mixing up our own colour choices to try out.

1/4 C. Cornstarch
1/4 C. Cold Water
Food Colouring (at least 8-10 drops)

Mix the first two to get a smooth consistency, then add your food colouring.
We (well, Miss Thang) predictably chose to make Pink, Purple, and White (white required no food colouring)
*I doubled the batch and poured each colour into old jam jars to store*

I found that the consistency is much runnier than other sidewalk paint you might be used to. *sorry no pics this time, our digital recently bit the dust* I chose to keep with the original recipe to see how it would turn out when used, but will probably play with the proportions next time we do it. Next time we will also try to do basic primary colours as ours were more of a pastel colour pallet, and wound up drying white. Despite that, Little Princess, had just as much fun using this paint as she did the Crayola kind. Not to mention the added fun of mixing it up, picking colours to create, and doing her own stirring. This craft alone is not only fun but creates 'tick tock' time through out the day.

Usable Sidewalk Paint: BONUS
Having a craft time: BONUS
Tick Tock Time: BONUS
Saving my quid: BONUS

On Deck: Couch Therapy tonight with some girlfriends at a local coffee house
Stuff we do: Building a swing set!
What's for Dinner?: Hamburgers on the Barbie
Stay tuned for: Lurkers! I know you are out there!
Latest Obsession: Boiled Eggs
On the Hunt for: A new digital camera.
Shout Out: Laura & Jessi Harris and Debbie MacKenzie for lovin on our kids so much lately. These girls are DA BEST! Please don't go to college....

New Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:07:00 +0000

You'll notice it's a new day here at this blog. While you were sleeping there has been a name change and a new layout design applied.
'K-Dog' blog just wasn't cutting it anymore.(that was, like, so 3 years ago...) And blogger lacks in the area of new and fresh page layouts, so I felt it was time for a change.

Thanks to Kelly who rocked it out to help me get this new look. My skills fail in comparison to her technical creativity. So thank you thank you thank you Kelly, for taking my ideas and creating this one of a kind look for me. Youdabest!

Minor tweaking and tiny changes may still be reoccurring as I start working in this new layout, so don't be surprised if something new pops up!

I've also been rolling around some new blogging ideas in the ol noggin. These aren't written in stone, nor ever will be. But I'm leaning towards having a few things you can learn to depend on from Secrets for my Friends. Some of these things will include: reviews on items, results from my personal research kicks, budgeting secrets, tried and true recipes, online deals and special offers, and maybe a few funny confessionals along the way. I firmly believe 'it takes a village', so this will also be a spot where you can share your thoughts, experiences, and personal tips on said topics.

A one day only, limited time offer, special of the day:

Today is your chance to tell me what topics you'd like to read/hear about here on Secrets for my Friends. Don't miss out on this limited time offer.

Closet Clutter

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:49:00 +0000

It's been a fun packed week here and that teaser I've been promising you has kept getting delayed. Delayed by multiple date nights (2 in one week - woo!) abounding play dates, trips to the zoo, and beautiful weather! I'm now afraid this teaser will not live up to the magnitude of suspense I've allowed it to play out to. But lets talk about Closet Clutter people. It seems that closets can morph into a life of their own, no matter how tidy we try to keep them.

Our house does not have a large entry way, which equals - small coat closet. Luckily we do have additional closets and storage areas in the bonus room (aka: play room/laundry room/guest room/everything room) which allows me to rotate the front hall closet out during each season. This does, however, mean I have to clean it out each season and store away those winter coats, or summer toys that always seem to accumulate there. A blessing or a curse? I chose blessing.

Thanks to the ever popular Dollarama, an added shelf, and some strategically placed hooks, this has become just a titch easier. And once again I find little bins coming to the rescue to help blast out that dreaded clutter. That's right Christina, I have bins in multiple places throughout my home. Ccccrrrraaaazy.

Step # 1 was having hubs install a 2nd shelf to utilize maximum storage space. No wasted space please!

Step #2 Adding these wire stacking bins from the Dollarama. perfect for hats, mits, and everything in between.
Step #3 Labelling each bin per family member. No more rooting for Grady's tiny hat, or Mya's little scarf.

Step #4 Adding hooks behind where the coats hang. These are used for bags and purses.

Bags and purses undetectable behind hanging coats

Hooks on either side of the closet for those little extras I'm always on the hunt for. In this case, umbrellas find a home, and keys have their own spot to eliminate my constant hunt for them as both kids sit ready at the front door.

Now, I know I'm not alone - so which closets are your 'scary closets'. How do you make them into a user friendly space? Or am I just the only person in the world who hates digging past the snow boots to find my flip flops?

On Deck: Celebrating hubs Birthday Today! Happy Birthday Babe!
Stuff we do: Yard Sale tomorrow!
What's for Dinner?: Birthday request: New Mexico Chicken Enchiladas, Rice, homemade guacamole, Salsa and chips, and Strawberry Tart Pie.
Stay tuned for: A New Blog Name and Design!
Latest Obsession: Tupperware! It's making a comeback baby.
Shout Out: Brad and Stef - for a fabulous night out at The Keg last night. Good times!

A Story in Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:13:00 +0000

Our 7th Wedding Anniversary

Surprise #1- Andrew surprised me at lunch time with a bouquet of roses. And he brought a little bouquet for Mya too. We were both excited for our flowers!

Surprise #2- A kind friend offered his Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder to use for the evening out. One of the sweetest cars I've driven. LOVED it.

Andrew enjoying driving Spidey

Good thing I put those hot rollers in my hair for my evening do

Surprise #3 - Dinner at La Chateau a Papa where we dinned on lobster - my absolute faaaavorite!

Nothin hotter than an over sized plastic bib with a giant red lobster on it.

"Check out my bib baby"

When they found out it was our anniversary they brought out a complimentary chocolate cake/brownie dessert decorated with whipped cream hearts

The classic self portrait

At the end of the night we stopped into East Side Mario's close to closing time and finished off the night sharing 2 of their best desserts. Funnel Cake and Peanut Butter Stack. mmmm mmmm mmmm

Do you trust me?

I'm in love with this car...oh, and my husband too!

On Deck: A rainy day full of laundry
Stuff we do: Spent the day at the zoo yesterday - fabulous fun
What's for Dinner?: Good Question!
Coming Up: Andrew's Birthday
Stay tuned for: YOUR TEASER! Next Post - Closet Clutter
Latest Obsession: Tupperware! It's making a comeback baby.
Shout Out: Nathan & Clarissa White who rocked it out with our kids while the above story unfolded (aka: our anniversary date)

**Letter from the Editor: Pictures posted in the previous article were submitted by casual photographer, Krista Cormier. Photos have been edited to reflect this information. K-Dog Blog apologizes for this over site in the original publishing of "June 2, 2001".

June 2, 2001

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:45:00 +0000

7 Years Ago Today

I forgot my veil and my sweet brother in law, Nathan, drove it up to me so I would have it at the hairdressers.

I was waking up to smiles and laughter from my best girlfriends – Alecia, Heidi, Charity, and Christina

I was eating a cinnamon raisin bagel lightly toasted with butter and cream cheese from Tim Horton’s.

Cindy was doing my hair

Tina was doing my make up

I borrowed Alecia’s button up top, b/c I forgot to bring one that I could easily get out of after getting the ‘do’ done.

We rode the Evandale Ferry and got out to have our picture taken together – the girls’ hair all fancied up, me with my veil blowing in the wind.

I forgot to do my nails (ah well)

Shari Melanson did our pictures

My dad walked me down the aisle

I never noticed the pew markers

We had the ceremony at an old rustic tabernacle on the Saint John River that been used for a wedding only once before. (Beulah)

I was completely calm, but had a few butterflies flittin’ around

I saw Andrew get misty eyed

I walked into ‘Song of the Mira’ (instrumental)

My dad helped me marry the man of my dreams – with minimal tears

My brother in law, Scott, sang, “That’s How Love Moves” (Faith Hill)

My cousin, Melodie, sang, “Just let Me Say” (Geoff Bullock)

Chris Stevens played the violin, Marty Trafton played the piano, & Dwayne Hopkins (cousin) played the guitar

We walked out to ‘Feels like Home’ (Chantal Kreviasik)

My cousin Dwayne wrote me a song and surprised us at the reception with it

Old family friend, Dave Medders, wrote a tender ‘Toast to the Bride”

People were kissing everywhere at the reception, thanks to my brother in law Nathan who was the MC

Greg Mann met all my requests for food – including Mini Pavlova’s for dessert

We gave mini trees potted in tiny clay pots as our favours, with help from my father in law.

When he noticed the ‘extras’, my father in law came up with the idea to make us a ‘love forest’ on a piece of land he has. And planted them all for us while we were on our honeymoon. (*sigh*)

We were whisked off to Saint John in a limo

I was so ready for our week in Barbados

I couldn’t begin to envision the beautiful children we’d have

I didn’t care where the next 7 years would take us

Today

I am thankful that all these things happened, 7 years ago

I look forward to 7 more years with Andrew…..and 7 more, and 7 more, and 7 more….

on our way to have baby #2

our completed family

Just the two of us (May 29, 2008) *

*Photo submitted by casual photographer, Krista Cormier

Baskets and Bins, Bins and Baskets

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:49:00 +0000

Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie has posted a challenge to see your obsession with bins and baskets and how you use them to keep you organized. Luckily this was my post for today as it is, so it ties in wonderfully.

My favourite organizing bins/baskets would be ones I picked up at The Container Store while in Chicago more than a year ago with the hubs. He was going on a business trip, and I tagged along for 5 days of sleeping in, eating stale pizza for breakfast, and shopping. I felt like I was 19 again as I jumped on the bed, blow dried my hair while singing into my hair brush, and watching Maury Povich's DNA results show (aka: Who's your daddy?). It probably won't surprise you that I spent a fair chunk of time in The Container Store after stumbling upon it one day. I got so excited that I took the hubs back one evening after his meetings. I escorted him in with the pride and grandness of a King showing his palace. My sweeping arm nearly came back around to bop the back of his head as I noticed his blank stare and quizzical expression. As if to say "A whole store full of containers??? How LAME" Needless to say he didn't 'get it'. But I did, so much so that I made some fabulous purchases (thank goodness for that little notebook of household measurements and my tiny measuring tape in the purse) and carried them on the plane all the way back to Canada. With a big grin the whole way.

Under my kitchen sink I have a two tiered sliding basket (TCT) installed that holds my dish towels and wash cloths.

I love the sliding idea, so also have 2 sliding trash cans on either side. They are small enough that I can accommodate the recycling and sorting needs all in one spot, yet are big enough to hold an ample amount of 'goods' before depositing into the large 'road side' cans out back.
These wonderful contraptions can be quite costly at $50.00-$60.00 a pop. But Canadian Tire often has them at 50% off as a flyer special. Which is how these found their home with me. So keep your eyes peeled.

Multi-tasking at it's best. I can use all baskets and cans with my feet! Makes for an easier time for a mom who usually has her hands full with 2 young kids (literally)

*tucked neatly in the cupboard*

One of my favourite (TCT) purchases was this large sliding basket/bin to hold all of my food storage containers. It even has a smaller basket on top to hold all those pesky lids. This single contraption has made my life much brighter. Finding something to control and contain...let alone neatly contain...the dreaded Tupperware stock is a gem of a find. This thing will move with us wherever we go in life.

*slides out for easy access*

And here is your teaser for the next post:

Closet Clutter

What’s for dinner? I'm thinking Meat Loaf or mini Meat Loaves w/ mashed potatoes
On the hunt for: A swing set
Trying Soon: Homemade Popcorn in the microwave
Stay Tuned for: Closet Clutter
New Favourite grocery item: Organic Root Beer & Vanilla Cream Soda in old fashioned bottles.
Coming up: An overnight visit from BFF Heidi and Hubs ~ and Kelly Sue's wedding reception all rolled into one!

Spring has Sprung

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:27:00 +0000

Or has it? With the vast array of temperatures it's hard to tell. In any case I have been aggressively sweeping through the house in a furry that can only be matched with pre-baby nesting. Spring Cleaning has proven itself to be much more difficult this year. Having 2 kids means that I only begin a project to get distracted or called away within 5 minutes of making any sort of progress. I decided to tackle one project a day, whereas before I would have prob. attempted 3, and work on it here and there with the hopes of getting it finished by the end of the day. So far this has worked...so far. I still have lots left to do, but will share with you one project at a time.
And perhaps some of my favourite organizing gidgets and gadgets along the way as well.

I have a serious dislike for food packaging. I've always lived with this nuisance of half empty bags of rice, pasta, etc. I started the process of organizing my pantry last year and it's progressed to a place of happy existence thanks to a label maker, ideas from friends, and air miles.

Last year I labelled the shelves thinking this would keep everything in it's place. I forgot one crucial element. I am one of 4 in this house. 2 of which also use their hands to open the pantry door, dig around, and retrieve food.

BEFORE

*you'll notice the previously labelled shelves here, and how they made very little difference

Step two was to hang organizing helpers to get those baggies, tin foil, and plastic wrap out of drawers and off of my pantry shelves.

But I was still battling the constant mess of things not being put back on the appropriately labelled shelf, and the mind boggling excess of food storage bags, boxes..etc. Then I met Niki, and saw her pantry shelves while at her house visiting. My knees got weak and I felt a little clammy as I wondered why I hadn't thought of this before! And step 3 began to take shape.

MID TRANSFORMATION

*almost complete

I found these little containers at Jean Coutu of all places for 2 (something) dollars. They met all the criteria for what I was looking for: cheap, fit the space, clear, able to label, BPA Free, and easily usable. Since Jean Coutu is a drug store and not usually known to supply vast amounts of these types of products - I cleaned out what they had. Upon paying for the few I managed to snag I discovered that I had $20.00 of air miles money usable at Jean Coutu. My eyes bugged and a huge smile emerged as I realized my pantry could finally be completed without touching the husband's pie chart. (yes, I said pie chart)

Now I just wait for them to restock so I can clear them out again.

Keeping my pantry organized not only satisfies the organizer in me, but helps me know what is on hand, thus saving me money and helping me stretch those grocery budget dollars each month. Few things in the kitchen aggravate me more than buying what I think I don't have only to come home, dig around those shelves and realize it was there all along. I don't know how many boxes of onion soup mix I have yet to use before ever needing to restock. They just keep appearing. That is..until now!

How do you keep your pantry in perfect harmony?

What’s for dinner? Pork Chops in a homemade (aka: made up) sauce, mashed potatoes, and broccoli
FOUND! A Toy Organizer
Still Obsessed with: My bread maker
Stay Tuned for: Organizing Favourites
New Favourite grocery item: Organic Root Beer & Vanilla Cream Soda in old fashioned bottles.
I take back the last "Best Buy": Kirklands (Costco) hydrating shampoo is pitiful!!!

Mama Needs New Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:27:00 +0000

Since junior's (aka: Grady) arrival I've become aware of the fact that not only would I benefit from the ever dreaded m-i-n-i-v-a-n (can't quite say it yet) but I'd also need to graduate up to a double jogging stroller of some sort. We live milliseconds away from a fabulous park/walking trail, and as soon as the snow melts I need to get outta' this house and get the kids on the move. I can feel the serotonin being zapped from my system the longer this winter drags on. Perhaps you feel the same way. If so, click HERE to enter your chance to win a double stroller. Leave my email address in the 'referred by' spot and it will up my chances to win one too.

Happy rolling!!

What’s for dinner? Sweet & Sour Chicken with Couscous
On the hunt for: A gently used Toy Organizer
Latest Obsession: My bread maker
Stay Tuned for: 'What 30 looks like'
New Favourite Recipe: Homemade pancake syrup (from Nicole)
Best Buy: Kirklands (Costco) Hydrating Shampoo. 7.99 (CAD) for *TWO* 40 oz. pump bottles.

Given Up?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:20:00 +0000

Have you given up on me or are you still checking? I know, I know - I haven't posted for a while. Okay, Okay - it's been more than 'a while'. In an effort to resume my blogging capabilities I will begin today with a short list of what has transpired over the last few months that we haven't been chatting.
(for those of you on facebook, this will be redundant)

We had a baby - it's a boy. Grady Jack was born on Dec. 7th at 39 weeks gestation. He weighed a healthy 7lbs. 8 oz. Birth and delivery were quick again - 3.5 hours - and completely natural this time around. And I'll stop there.
Christmas was glorious - we spent lots of time with family and enjoyed our newly formed family of 4. I let the house go without much anxiety and just took time to take it all in. It was a joyous time.
I redecorated Mya's room. Someday pictures will come. I have a few last minute details to perfect first.
We got rid of Andrew's 2 door, hatch back, super efficient, standard, no ac, Toyota Echo and got (gulp) a minivan. We went expecting to come home with a 7 pass SUV. But I must admit, all the buttons, automatic side doors, etc etc etc pulled me in. And I drove home in my new loser cruiser. NEVER thought that would happen. But I admit, with hardly any shame anymore, that I've really enjoyed it.
We took a road trip with Gigi (aka: grocery getter - the v-a-n) and the Smith's to Bangor for a little hotel stay, swimming in the pool, eating out, and most importantly SHOPPING. Twas fun!
I turned 30. I know, I don't look a day over 19. Say it again.
My husband is throwing a party tonight to celebrate the fact that I made it to 30 and am still relatively sane and in my right mind.
Spring cleaning is like nesting. Feels the same but with no bun in the oven.
Grady has been sleeping 12 hours through the night for 2 weeks now. I love sleep!!!

There you have it for now. I'll try to come back and update this post with pictures for your viewing pleasure. At the moment I have a baby who will wake from his nap at any moment and a toddler who wishes to do pedicures (she's my girl after all)

What’s for dinner?: Party Food of course!
Burning?: Not anymore. I'm onto Bath & Body Works wall flower scents.
On the hunt for: A used Double Bike Trailer/Stroller & a used Bookcase for the play room.
Latest Obsession?: 'Candy Baby' by Victoria Secret
Listening to: Anything not child related

Since I have nothing better to do...

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:26:00 +0000

It seems as though this pregnancy has taken over every aspect of our lives these days. So it seems that it will in fact take over this blog. So for now, here's the latest update.

~ 33 Weeks ~

Pregnancy Status:

Weeks: 33
Months: 7.5
Total Weight Gain: 14 lbs.
Measuring: 28 weeks (which is strange cause this belly is gettin BIIIG)
Baby: Looking Great!! He's likely getting close to 4lbs (last week was 3lbs. 7oz.), and is super active.
Name: Grady Jack Benson

Today's doctor's appointment was fairly uneventful, which is great. The good news is that everything seems to be holding on and bed rest has been doing the trick and buying Grady more time. The other fabulous news is that I only have 1 more week of bed rest!!!! Once I reach 34 weeks they will lift the orders and I will be outta this bed and back to normal. Well, as normal as a *waddling 8 month(ish) pregnant lady can be. YIPPIE!!!!
*(~Ahem~okay, so I don't 'waddle', I 'sway')

Look who they let out of the house today??

Ooohhhhh - Somebody is growing!!

Still Pregnant

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:26:00 +0000

After spending 5 weeks in the hospital after being admitted for what was looking like very early labour at 27 weeks, I was allowed to come home last Thursday. If you've been following my blog you'll know of my previous history, which has presented itself much earlier in this pregnancy. At 27 weeks it very suddenly looked as though little Grady would soon be making his arrival into the world. We are so thankful that he has been given more time to grow and mature before he does come. I am now 32 weeks and finishing the bed rest orders from home. His pending arrival continues to be 'up in the air' as I have been 80% effaced for 5 1/2 weeks now (and holding!). We are past the scariest part (birth at 27 weeks) and have felt much of the fear subside, but of course are praying for even more time for him.

Feel free to ask questions, I'm sure there are some. But I've turned into an old person and after typing this for 3 minutes am finding the need to doze off.

Here are some pictures from when I was in the hospital. While there I was in bed 100% of the time other than to use the lav (I say No to bedpans!), and to *'shower' every 3 or 4 days.
*(Shower: be wheeled down to an open shower room, sit on a chair of sorts, and hose oneself off)
I call this "Kristi -Let Go". As in this is me 'letting myself go'. No make-up, day #2 into the shower schedule (as I like to call it), bed head, and sweats.

Our Thanksgiving Day ( 30 weeks) together in the hospital. Andrew and Mya brought in McDonald's for our meal and we all crawled into my bed and took turns saying what we were thankful for this year. It was really fun!

(30 Weeks)

Mya checking on Grady before I crawled back into bed after my 8 step trip to the lav.How I spend my days. Just laying around.
(30 weeks 3 days. Day #24 in hospital)

Kristi Update

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:37:00 +0000

Hi Everyone. Kristi is on 100% bed rest in the Moncton Hospital and does not have access to facebook or e-mail. BUT if you would like to send her an encouraging message, I will be printing off her e-mail daily and taking it to her... then she is going to write some notes on the bottom of the print-off and I will e-mail back on her bahalf. SO, if you would like to write Kristi, please send your message/e-mail/encouraging note to kristibenson@yahoo.ca She would love to hear from you.

Cheers!
Andrew