Christmas Ideas!

I just thought I'd let friends and family know that I'm having a sale on my Etsy shop until Christmas! Buy three, get one free!

To get your free pair, order three earrings you'd like, and then message me the one that you'd like for free and I'll include it with your order.

Bring on fun gift giving!

Ryanamelia.etsy.com

Thankful: Day 24

Today I'm thankful for Thanksgiving!

For Family and Friends. For the YUMMY Delicious FOOD, and for what it means--we get together to express our thanks for everything!

I have to be honest, some years all these thankful posts from people drive me a little crazy. But this year, I decided to do it in part because I needed the reminder of all the things I have to be thankful for. There's nothing like counting your blessings to get out of a slump!

I loved thanksgiving growing up--the ones I remember most are the ones at Grandma Nelson's house or the Mackay's house. We always got three candy corns and got to go around the room saying the three things we were thankful for. Grandma Nelson always had the best lines, I laugh every time I think of her "thankfuls". And remember "Bingo" nights with cousins afterward? And all our fun crafts!?!? How bout that year where we crammed our family of 9 in the pulsar. I was a wee thing, but I still remember sitting up on the dashboard in the front. Was that the same year we showed up with wax lips at the door?

More recently I've spent thanksgiving away from family. Which, to be quite honest, is hard for me. I love our traditional fare, and our traditions, and just...the way we do it. But it has been fun to see the different ways we can celebrate. One year in DC I went to the Seays house, and I still remember how much that meant to me--to find a home in the big city where I could feel the spirit of thanksgiving again! The year I started dating Seth he let me come to his home, and I was so grateful to feel so included and a part of things that first year, and it was fun to see some of the traditions they have that are now a part of our family, too! And two years ago, when I was battling my second round of mastitis and bailed on helping with turkey day prep, our friends still let us come at the last minute to the Chez Seguine Thanksgiving I, which was one of my most thankful thanksgivings yet! And who will ever forget Seth's MSG free Green Bean Soup Casserole!?!?!

Thankful for memories, thankful for thanksgiving!!! (Okay, and thankful for FOOD! I am SO excited to go eat!!!)

Thankful: Day 23

Today I'm thankful for The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Living without the Gospel is hard to imagine. It's the very foundation of who I am. Often when I'm singing primary songs to Ryan I get teary, thinking that I'm pretty lucky that I was raised with the simplest and most profound knowledge as a part of my earliest years on up.

The bottom line, for me, is that Christ Lives. He loves us. He guides us. And, most importantly, he atoned for our sins and through that can carry our burdens when we rely on Him. And guess what? After I put that into perspective, some of those other "things" seem to just fall into place.

So I'm thankful for the knowledge of the Gospel, and for my Savior.

Update: I did NOT mean for my post to sound so critical or negative about the church...don't worry, I'm still in full fellowship and participation! :) I corrected it to try and sound less negative...sorry!

Thankful: Day 22

This thankful month would not be complete without the following:

I am thankful for clothes.

Since that is what more of our discretionary money goes toward than anything else (sorry Seth) I have to express my gratitude.

Confession: I finally stopped buying by size and started buying what fits. Guess what? It's AMAZING!!! I really used to only look at a certain size and if it was a little snug I convinced myself that I was just bloated or something. And you know what? Properly fitting clothes are amazing.

I've really been *trying* to get versatile pieces that are both fashion-savvy and mom-friendly. And especially with this pregnancy, I've been trying to get non-maternity clothes that I can wear for a few months after the pregnancy, too. Because we all know that the post-baby weight takes a m̶i̶n̶u̶t̶e̶ marathon to get off, and no one likes to REALLY be in maternity clothes for that time.

It's kind of fun to see what I can get away with fashion-wise. I probably make most people gag with some of my combinations and colors lately, but it's all about that creative outlet, and heaven knows I need it! :)

Thankful: Day 21

Today I'm thankful for Snuggling.

I am less of a snuggler than I used to be, but I still love it all the same! Ryan started asking to "Sun gul" all the time, and I think it's too cute.

There's nothing better at the end of a long day than a good snuggle from someone you love :)

Tidbit of the day

Thank you, CJane!

There are only three things you should ever say to a pregnant woman:

1. You look great!

2. Would you like to sit down?

3. Can I get you a cookie?

#2 is debatable. I would stick with 1 or 3.

Thankful: Day 20

Today I'm thankful for a place to live.

Sigh. Sometimes we have to be grateful that we have something, even if it isn't our ideal. I would do a lot for a washer/dryer and dishwasher and a yard and non-smoking neighbors and a back door and central heat/air conditioning. But, I am grateful that we have a roof over our heads, and that we have a lot more space than most people in LA, and that we have two bedrooms (though you'd wonder if Ryan knew that most nights...), and that we live in a relatively safe neighborhood, and that we have lots and lots of neighbors that are nice. Oh, and I have a kitchen that's twice the size of our last one! (Ha, shoulda seen the last one).

I REALLY believe that the most important thing about a home is who lives in it, and so for that I am SUPER grateful. Seth is the nicest roommate, he's the best I've ever had (and he had some stiff competition!). And even though Ryan doesn't pick up after himself and makes me do all his dishes, I still think he's a pretty great guy to have in the house!

Thankful: Day 19

Today I'm thankful for Turkey.

Because my friend Heather has the most delicious recipe in the world for it! Seriously, we have never had a better turkey than this one. If you're looking for a good Turkey recipe, here it is people! And you can thank Heather Seguine later. Because she deserves a whole lot of thanks for changing our lives with this one.

Lemon Herb Turkey

Ingredients:
16-20 lb. turkey
1 medium lemon
12 branches each fresh basil, parsley, thyme, and marjoram
6 large cloves garlic, split
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or butter
Black pepper
Salt

A day ahead, place bird in roasting pan and rub inside and out with one lemon half, then with herbs and garlic. Slice other lemon half. Tuck inside cavity along with half the garlic and herbs. Mince together leaves from remaining herbs and garlic, blending with the olive oil or butter. Slip the mixture under the turkey's skin all over breast areas, thigh, leg, and back if possible. Sprinkle turkey with pepper. Lightly and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, heat the oven to 325 degrees. Sprinkle bird with salt. Lightly flour roasting bag and place turkey inside. Roast breast side down in roasting pan 15 to 18 minutes per pound, or until an instant-read thermometer tucked into the thickest part of the thigh reads 175 degrees.

During the last 30 minutes, snip corner from bag and pour drippings into saucepan for gravy. Remove bird from bag, turn breast side up, and sprinkle with olive oil. Place back in oven uncovered to brown breast area. Rest 10 minutes in a warm place before carving.

Thankful: Day 18

Today I'm thankful for Christmas.

I have been so excited about getting together our Christmas decorations! We never have really decorated our home for Christmas, but since we have a family now, and since I think there's a possibility that I'll be bed-resting it up for the holidays, I have wanted to get our family Christmas decorations in order!

Last week I asked Seth what "Christmas Color Scheme" we should go with, and he looked at me like I was crazy. Because, you know, are we going to go with a burgandy and forest green, or are we sticking with a pea green and bright red with turquoise accents, just to modernize it? Or should we do a multi-green-and-red-all-over look? Or, should we stick with silver and gold and just do some accents of color?? The possibilities are endless!

Mostly I'm just excited because Christmas says to me a few words: Believe. Give. Receive (the light of Christ, the Christmas spirit, the blessings that God is waiting to give us...). Love. Family. And who doesn't want to remember all those things every time you smell pine trees and cinnamon and peppermint and cloves?

AND, luckily Burbank likes to celebrate their Christmas-y things starting TONIGHT! I'm so excited to go to their festival and get in the Christmas spirit! I bought our tree yesterday and started Christmas Shopping yesterday, too! I just love the spirit of Christmas!

Thankful: Day 17

Today I'm thankful for Rainbows.

In high school, I was obsessed with Rainbows. And while I, um, have cooled that obsession, I still LOVE seeing a good rainbow. The first time Rainbows became significant to me was after I found out that Steve died, when we were driving home from his gravesite. There was the most beautiful double rainbow ahead of us on the road. It was such a significant thing to me--a rainbow that symbolized hope, peace, and forgiveness sent straight from heaven. Little did I know that would be something I would need to remember over and over and over and over...and luckily, there are lots of rainbows to help me remember! Every time, every SINGLE time, I recommit to a fresh start, a new beginning.

So...that's kind of a random thing to be thankful for, but I'm thankful that we always have little symbols in our lives to remind us of the course we are trying to stay on :)

Thankful PS

TONIGHT, I am thankful that Ryan fell asleep before 8 PM. Halleluiah!

It's a good thing, or that whole sugar-free thing would have gone out the window by 8:30...

Thankful: Day 16

Today I'm thankful for Fresh Fruit.

Is there anything better than a ripe, juicy, fresh peach? Or a pear, with just the right amount of crunch? How bout delicious fresh picked raspberries and cream? Or Strawberries, bright red and juicy? Mmmm, Apples dipped in almond butter, Frozen Grapes on a hot summer day, a banana right before a run, clementine oranges all winter long, a grapefruit for breakfast? YUMMY.

I love fresh fruit today, and am filling my head with thoughts of fruit instead of gingersnaps and chocolate chip cheesecake bars and triple chocolate mousse with brownies and lemon sugar cookies and s'mores and chocolate waffles with fudge and ice cream and pinkberry....

Because those first two weeks after going sugar-free again are BRU-TAL.

Thankful: Day 15

Today I'm thankful for parents.

After another FUN Disneyland day, I called my parents on the commute home and chatted with them. We'd had a busy few days and hadn't been able to catch up properly, and what a refreshing and GREAT chat we had.

I'm so thankful for a dad who is a great example of faith, who cares and loves each of us, is a source of knowledge on so many things, and who always has the latest scoop on technology! (Seth LOVES that part!) I'm so thankful for a mother who loves us so much, who cares about the smallest and largest and everything else in between things that we're dealing with--and is so good at finding a way to help! I REALLY appreciate the attention to detail that Mom has, it means she has a gauge on how we're feeling pretty much all the time, and she always seems to know just the right way to help us along. Or be a listening ear. Or just care.

I'm so thankful, so blessed, so lucky. Thank you, parentals!

Thankful: Day 14

Today I'm thankful for the small answers to prayer, and the mercy of God when we don't necessarily heed promptings.

Long story, but in October I kept feeling like I NEEDED to get Ryan health insurance (remember the friend post about not judging? So if you're a friend don't judge us for that one...it's another long story). I kept thinking about it, and then NEVER did anything about it.

So yesterday it came to our attention that we needed to take Ryan in to the doctor for something (small, thanks to answers to prayers). And we started looking up healthcare stuff, and found out that the month for open enrollment for kids is the month that they were born, OR you have to pay a higher rate PLUS 20% surcharge for 12 months. Oops. Head Smack. SERIOUSLY? I was SO sad that I hadn't listened to the prompting I had in October to get him insurance. SO SAD. Cried for awhile about it.

But you know what? I called a random pediatrician this morning, and we went in, and it was not nearly as expensive as I thought, plus I LOVED HIM! (and if you know how I feel about most pediatricians, this is huge!) And we found a few affordable plans (even with the surcharge), so phew!

And just to keep things real, I am praying really hard that we'll figure out a new solution to the next healthcare crisis (getting insurance for Seth and BGJ (baby girl johnson)).

Thankful: Day 13

Today I'm thankful for Sisters.

For the midnight phone calls I make to Nurse Amy to find out what I should do with our latest health emergency/panic. For the validating texts and emails from Carol right when I need them--and the perfect understanding to so many of life's frustrations. For the thoughtful and validating "guide to pregnancy" from Jen the second she found out I was pregnant for the first time. For the bawl-my-eyes-out and just need to talk to someone about it phone call to Heather. And for the Seriously-I-love-that-we can't keep any phone conversation under an hour talk-about-anything-under-the-moon Mary calls (not to mention the endless laughs from anything that girl writes--if you're not her friend on FB and don't read her blog you seriously are missing out on some of the best humor ever.

Just some of my favorites. So many things to love. Did I mention I can text anyone for recipe help and I get almost instantaneous responses? (PLUS, Recipes from here and here that are pretty much the bees knees)

I love you, sisters!

Thankful: Day 12

Today I'm thankful for Cars.

I had a good year-and-a-bit without a car during the day. It was torturous some days. It was a blessing in others (Walking 4+ miles a day? Yes!) But all in all, I'm SO thankful for a car. It has given Ryan and I the freedom we need to get where we need/want practically anytime!

Thankful: Day 11

Today I'm thankful for friends.

The ones that just know you. The Text Message, the Email, the drop by, at the perfect time. The validation when you need it, the gentle reminder when you need it. No judging, even when they know you're looney. The insta-forgiveness. The automatic understanding. The ones who, even with years of absence, pick up right where you left off :)

Thank you, friends.

Thankful: Day 10

Today I'm thankful for Disneyland.

Ryan and I took the day to go today, and I'm just grateful for the distraction, the entertainment, and the general happy atmosphere. After getting season passes, I was worried we'd only be able to go a few times, since Ryan doesn't like a stroller, and me carrying him everywhere is becoming increasingly difficult (and letting him run free tends to be dangerous). This was our best trip yet! Ryan was a little sad that "Mermaid Ride" was closed, but we ventured out to find the "Monsters Ride" and it solved everything! Not to mention, when we're there on off season we can just ride around and around and around. SO easy.

I also thought I'd note that I had my first EVER corndog today, at the Disneyland Corndog Stand. The cornbread dip stuff was great (albeit heart-attack inducing) and the hotdog was gross, as most hotdogs are. Ryan had a Caprese Sandwich and some apple slices. I think we'll see if he can wait till he's 28 for his first corndog :)

Thankful: Day 9

Today I'm thankful for Chocolate.


Some days you just need a little chocolate to make things better :)

Thankful: Day 8

Today I'm thankful for Acupuncture.

I got quite a few emails from people after I mentioned that I've been getting acupunture, asking about it. And probably several more eye rolls from the non-believers out there. And maybe a few dry heaves from the needle haters. Who knows.

But you know what? It is such a relaxing/energizing, balancing, mind-changing experience. Today I got Acupuncture for pregnancy migraines, barfing (still), and I think she threw in a few mind calming needles. I literally felt the negative energy dissipating during my session, and couldn't believe how much better I felt afterward.

I really think Acupuncture has been an answer to prayer, along with my midwife/acupuncturist/nurse practitioner/chinese medicine doctor guru (yep, one person!). I have been so worried about having chronic mastitis again, and she assures me that we'll be able to do quite a bit about it this go-around, despite the issues that are already arising. SO thankful for that reassurance.

Thankful: Day 7

Today I'm grateful for little baby Girl Johnson.

I had my 24 week appointment today, checked in on the little one, and got some stern lectures from the midwife (sigh. another day, another post).

For whatever reason, I've just felt very strongly that I need to get all prepared for little baby Johnson. Quilt tops are almost finished, and today I just felt like I needed to make my list and get all our supplies for baby in order. I don't think she's coming early. (In fact, I think she's going to be a latecomer.) I just think she's special. I want so badly to bond with her now, to get to know this little spirit that I think has been waiting awhile to come. I know I'm an emotional pregnant lady but I sure do feel like there's something different about what's coming. It probably doesn't make much sense, because it doesn't even to me, but I'm grateful that I'll have the chance to be a mama x2. :)

Thankful: Day 6

Today I'm thankful for the crockpot.

How nice is it to do a little prep work in the morning, do whatever you're going to do all day, and have a piping hot meal at the end of the day?

Thankful: Day 5

Today I'm thankful for computers.

Mostly because I don't have one right now!

Our internet isn't working on our TV computer (I know, fancy, right?? Thanks to dear Seth for that one!) and our other computer is in the shop. For days. So thankful posts are going to be delayed.

But really, I love having computers to help us navigate this world. It's so convenient to find all the facts and answers to our questions, not to mention stay in touch and get great ideas (FB, Email, Pinterest)

Thankful: Day 4

Today I'm thankful for cute baby clothes.


Because, as it turns out, not all of them are cute.

I'm just going to throw it out there--I thought baby boy clothes were hard to find, but I think baby girl clothes are WAY harder. I mean, sure, it's difficult to find non-penguin, non-truck, or non-monkey "handsome dude" boy clothes. But I'll take that over searching through "sassy-princess-cutie-angel-cupcake-munchkin" hot pink/black/leopard print chaz any day! I'd like for my little one to stay innocent, sweet, and free-from-the-world's-slogans for at least a few years, please :)

Thankful: Day 3

Today I am thankful for Ryan.




I could go on and on and on. He's my little buddy. I can't fathom a world without my sweet and sometimes wacky son. He's learning so much about the world, and so fast!

This is his halloween costume this year--buzz lightyear PJs and some blow-up wings! I'm pretty glad it came together, it was a bit of a rush last-minute thing. But is there anything cuter than little Ryan saying all night with his fist up in the air "Buzz Flyin'! Buzz Flyin'!"? :)

Thankful: Day 2

Today I'm thankful for running.




Running changed my life.

Its a great micro and macro goal setting program. It is motivating. It keeps me active and healthier. It keeps all those crazy hormones at bay. It provides time to process life. AND, it is a great baby-weight-loss program, wahoo.

So, it turns out that I can't run anymore this pregnancy. I kept running against doctor's orders, and then my body told me that I couldn't do that anymore. So I stopped, and it kind of sent me into a l̶i̶t̶t̶l̶e̶ m̶i̶n̶o̶r̶ m̶e̶d̶i̶u̶m̶ major tailspin. I'm hoping getting out and walking while still listening to my running soundtrack will help in the mornings. And you better believe as soon as baby is out I'll be back on the road. Teton Dam Half Marathon, anyone??

Thankful: Day 1

Today I am thankful for Seth.


Lots of reasons to be thankful, but particularly today I'm grateful for his insight and wisdom. He's one of those people who truly cares and finds a way to make things better. It's because of him that I have so much more to be thankful for!