We're having a...

Girl!

:)

Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce

Over conference weekend, we ate far too many treats, and it was SO worth it!

I just wanted to share my favorite fall recipe, an old family favorite. I have so many great memories of Mom making this and us all eating it!

Gingerbread

1 Egg
3/4 Cup brown sugar
3/4 cup oil
1/2 cup molasses
1 cup boiling water
2.5 cups flour (I use 1/2 whole wheat, 1/2 spelt)
1 1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves

Mix in order (sift dry ingredients together first). Bake in a 9x9x2 pan at 350 for 30 minutes. Serve with whipped cream and lemon sauce. (We served it with Lemon Ginger Ice Cream from TJs. It was divine!)

Lemon Sauce

2 tbsp corn starch
1 cup sugar
1 tsp lemon rind
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups boiling water
pinch salt
dash nutmeg
3 tbsp butter

Mix cornstarch, sugar, and grated lemon rind. Add boiling water and bring to a boil stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add butter and lemon juice, sprinkle with nutmeg and salt.

In other news...

The past few months have been busy with:

--Visits from Family and Friends, trips to Idaho/Utah for my 10 year high school reunion, Seth's cousin's wedding, and family together time. I have a feeling that I might not get around to documenting on the blog, so we'll just say that I LOVE my family, I LOVED the 10 year reunion, I'm glad we got to fly instead of drive on said vacation, and Seth is my ROCK.

--I have been getting Acupuncture. It is awesome. I need it more, but my checkbook can't afford it.

--My mind is continually going back and forth between wanting to make delicious sinfully unhealthy YUMMY looking desserts and making yummy healthy desserts or other healthy choices. Pinterest has made this flip-flopping even worse. I swear I probably look like a crazy woman with my dichotomy of posts. For now, I'll just call it "balance". Ha.

--Luckily, my newfound obsession with chocolatecoveredkatie.com and http://naturallysweetrecipes.blogspot.com/ have helped me combine delicious with healthy.

--I have been extremely emotional recently. Some obvious reasons, but it is a little out of control. I cried at the DMV the other day. And at the grocery store when a man was SO nice to Ryan when he was being a pill. And...well, you name it, I cried there.

--Ryan frequently comes up, gives me a big hug when I'm crying, and then says "Mama all done sad! All done sad!" and pulls a funny face to make me laugh. It's almost as cute as when he tries to drag me off the couch and says "Mama all done sick! Go outside! Go go go!". He also seriously breaks into hysterical laughter and snort laughs when I throw up in the toilet. He seriously can't stop laughing and will chortle for a good 5 minutes afterward.

--Ryan's vocabulary is hilarious. Obviously he watches a lot of pixar, as most vocab centers around it. I am not ashamed...his imagination is so vivid and he LOVES playing pretend with all his Toy Story and Cars and Thomas toys.

--Tonight we had banana "milkshakes" for FHE, and when we were tucking Ryan in for bed instead of asking for his typical "Milk" he requested "More milkshake pease!". Um, not so much buddy.

--Speaking of Buddy, Ryan has taken to calling people his buddy. "Dada Buddy" "Ryan Buddy" "Mama Budy" "Buzz Buddy." It's adorable.

--The BEST part of pregnancy for me: The hair on my legs virtually disappears, and is hardly visible on my arms. As in, I only have to shave once every two weeks or so...if that. I'm talking smooth as silk legs, guys. It's pretty awesome.

--My love for Trader Joes has waned. We're not breaking up, we're just fighting.

--Meanwhile, my love for Luna Bars has skyrocketed. S'mores is my favorite. Then Chocolate Covered Coconut. Then Chocolate Peppermint Stick.

--I deep cleaned the house today, and it felt so good! AND, it looks good now, yay!

--I was having a particularly hard and sad day, so I packed Ryan up and we went to the temple. The new visitors center is GREAT, and I was so lucky to have a sister missionary who took us in one of the rooms so Ryan could watch church mormon messages. After breaking down crying during one of them, this cute missionary pulled out this video for me:

She said so many things I needed to hear, and between her message (and listening to me cry) and talking to my mom on the way too and from the temple, I survived! Plus, thanks to this message, I have been working on my fall crafts and finding myself in creating.

Stay tuned!

Geta-stay!

In a series of unfortunate (or fortunate) events, it was decided a few weeks ago that Seth would fly to Utah this past weekend for his former college roommate's wedding. I figured it was time for me to be a grown up and hold down the fort with Seth gone for 72 hours (ok, even less...).

On Thursday night, I panicked. I was getting SUPER sick, and the buildup of the past few weeks of stresses in our lives were all hitting me all at once. PLUS, we've been planning for months for a way to me have a getaway weekend, and I KNEW it was time to take it...I really needed a break from the real world--fast, and this was the farthest thing from "getting away from" the real world...it was exactly NOT what I would be able to handle!!!

I really wanted Seth to call it all off, and he WILLING said he would, and tried to several times, BUT, between the ticket and other travel arrangements, I felt TERRIBLY selfish and TERRIBLY embarrassed to make Seth cancel all his plans in order for me to "Survive" a mere 2.5 days without him.

So what did we do? In a brilliant stroke of genius/luck, I thought up a plan. Seth could just take Ryan WITH him! And...so he did.

Oh my goodness, did they have a BLAST or what?!?!? I drove them to the airport, bawling like a baby the whole way. I packed some special treats for Ryan and gave him some mini Woody and Jessie Toy story figurines. He was super excited about Woody and Jessie, but even MORE excited to fly. "Airplane! Airplane! Airplane! Buzz, Woody, Jessie, Ryan, Flyin! Dada Ryan Flyin! Go Go Go Grama Papa" was all we heard the entire drive! And, apparently, that's what everyone on the plane heard as well:


He was super sweet to me in my meltdowns, coming down from his excited high to say "Wuv U Mama!" before picking up his "Airplane! Dada! [tr]hip! Airplane!" Chant again. And all weekend I got precious photo evidence of the FUN Ryan and Dada had.


**Ryan likes the ladies!**

Ryan even got to go play with "Grama and Papa" for several hours while Seth was at the wedding. The only time he had a problem was when I called to check on him...I swear I didn't do it for the validation that he actually loved me or missed me or something ;)


So what did I do all weekend? Well, for the first 24 hours I barfed and barfed and barfed and came down with the absolute WORST (and that's saying something!) migraine and congestion I've ever had. I went and got a prenatal massage (yup! Due on Leap Day 2012), hoping that it would help it calm down...and it did, for about 10 minutes, and then hit me with full force! Nice neighbors, a blessing, and a desperate Tylenol taking (ahhhh, I cringe!) later, I was able to sleep and the migraine went away eventually. Phew!

Despite being terribly congested I knew I needed to take full advantage of my Stay-cation, so away I went! Emily and I went to brunch and prenatal yoga, and after resting a few hours, I went with Krysta down to explore the wonders that they call Chinatown in downtown LA. We finally found what we were looking for (at a steal!) and then I forged my way deeper into downtown to explore the Macy's on Fig & 7th. Seriously, this is a big deal for me. In fact, all weekend I kept thinking in the car "3 years of living here and I still am in shock that I battle Los Angeles Big City traffic, crowds, weirdos, and general craziness on a daily basis." I guess this lil gal from Sugar City still finds the "perilous big city" to be quite the big deal.

After finding the very cutest shoes and jeans to spend my generous gift card from MIL on, I went on my way and enjoyed an evening putting my house back together (cough, dishes!) before Seth and Ryan returned.

Sacrament Meeting was a welcome and spiritual change for me! With Seth normally on the stand, the only break I typically get is when Ryan "desperately runs up to the stand for Seth to save him" (aka, I tell Ryan to go have Dada draw him a picture for a few minutes so I don't lose my mind). This week, I remembered that in Sacrament Meeting we normally sing hymns, listen to talks, and generally feel the spirit! It was especially beautiful being able to pay full attention today on the 10 year memorial of 9/11. We sang "America, the Beautiful" for the intermediary hymn, and the third verse touched me so much.

"Oh, beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine."

I was so touched at those words. My mind went back to those events, and then quickly forward to the brave men and women who sacrifice so much still today because of the events on 9/11. My Brother-in-law Wade, who has served two year-long foreign tours away from his family in the Air Force--a sacrifice the whole family has made. Sean, one of my dearest friends, who is currently on tour in Afghanistan and had to leave his lovely wife and equally dear friend Tina home. Remi, dear friend Remi, who left her newlywed husband and family to serve a tour, also in Afghanistan. And of course, remembering those lives lost on 9/11, particularly Brady, and the sacrifices both Liz and Brady's family and friends have also made.

Fast forward a few hours and a few headaches and my boys are almost home! Seth always comments when I'm out of town with Ryan how LITTLE time there really is to get things done and tackle any to-do's, and I have to agree! I am excited to have them back, though. This is the longest x15 I have been away from Ryan, and I can't wait for one of his FAMOUS Koala Bear Hugs, and for a few smooches from his Papa ;)

My Latest Project...

I'm so excited to share my latest project!! I started making jewelry and hairpins. It's been so fun to have a project, something to look forward to, figure out, and spend my evenings and naptime hours on!


Ironically, I spend more time trying to figure out how to photograph the things I make...something that I'm not very good at, but thanks to Carol for sending me her extra lighting equipment from her latest project, and very helpful and useful photography friends that have great tips and ideas and knowledge and wisdom to share, I survived the bulk of the learning curve. :)


Special thanks to Heather, who designed my header and button and avatar. Thanks Donker!

Oh, and next week I am SO excited to post my newest earrings, Mini Cameos! I've been anxiously waiting for the supplies to finish arriving so that I can make and photograph them. They are my favorite earrings ever, and I'm excited to share them with my shop customers!


So if you have a chance, and are interested, head on over and let me know what you think!

UPDATE: Since everyone is dying to know, I named the company RyanAmelia because when we were pregnant with Ryan, before we knew he was a boy, my coworkers would call him RyanAmelia. The name kind of stuck, even after we found out Ryan was a boy, and I think it has a nice ring to it, right??

Fourth of July!

The three of us were so excited at the last minute chance to get out of town for the 4th! We drove down to Newport Beach yesterday, grabbed some Cafe Rio on our way down, and checked in at a hotel across the street from the back bay. After an afternoon at the pool and a nice rest, we went to dinner at True Food Kitchen. Oh my goodness, it changed my life. I was SO excited to try EVERYTHING. Indulge me for a minute....it was AMAZING! Their Hummus...incredible. They chop up jalapenos really really small in it, and somehow it makes it burst with flavor without being spicy. Ryan loved it. Mmmm, and the spaghetti squash casserole? Divine. And the Summer salad?? YUM. Best dressing ever. We even splurged and got the Almond Olive Oil Cake with greek yogurt and blackberries, and I have to say I L.O.V.E.D. it. Mmmmm. Yum. Can't wait to go back, next time we're getting the pizza!

After dinner we went back to the hotel, got ready and strolled up the hill to the golf course to watch the fireworks! We prepared Ryan a lot beforehand, telling him that the fireworks go "boom boom boom!" (While we made the popcorn popping action) so Ryan kept walking around going "boo! Boo! Boo!" and was SO excited for whatever was coming. He was so happy to not be going to bed, he was such a ham.

Couldn't get him to hold still!!

Giving papa "Eskimo" kisses.

We were just far enough away from the fireworks that they weren't too loud, and Ryan thought they were awesome. He kept his hands like this the whole time, and when the fireworks would die down, he'd sign "more more more."


You know, it was kind of one of those nights where everything just is perfect. I had imagined watching the fireworks this year over the ocean, and kept holding on to the idea that it might somehow happen. So many different things could have prevented it, but it was one of those moments where things just...work. I am so happy I got to spend the holiday with the family I have, at just the right place doing just the right thing! :) Look at that happy (tired) family!

And, in full disclosure...the rest of the night was less than completely ideal. We were laughing this morning when we were driving back that we should have taken more pictures in general, and more with the camera (instead of camera phone), so that we could remember the perfect evening instead of from 10pm-6am, where the family of three tried unsuccessfully to share a kind size bed :) I had a killer headache, so Seth took care of Ryan a lot of the night, and was so great to help out. The good news is that Ryan went down early to bed, and we'll hopefully be able to do the same!

She's just not that into you...

...but that's not going to get him down!




We had a fun-filled day today at Travel Town with Heather & co today! Heather snapped some adorable photos that I just had to share!



Look at that little hobo. (Perfect description, Mom!)

Ryan loves his "choo-choos" and the conductor with a "hat! hat! hat!" on, and especially being able to run around in wide open spaces with lots of rocks and "trees!" everywhere. (I have to put the exclamation points after his words because he raises his eyebrows and his eyes get all big when he looks at me to tell me about all the things he sees...it's freakin'adorable.)

He looks slightly anxious about his upcoming train ride, but don't be fooled, he loved all that Travel Town had to offer!

Reflective

Tonight Ryan was a little too excited for bedtime, and was acting way too cute for me to let him cry, so I told him that if he stayed on the big boy bed for a few minutes, I would set up the couch into a bed and he and I could watch "Up" while he finished his milk from his sippy cup. He was so excited about it, and kept yelling "Mama. UP!" the whole time I was setting it up in the other room. I went to get him, brought him out on the couch, and we started our show.

Ryan was acting like a complete HAM. Jumping up and down with excitement when the balloons came up to lift the house, putting on his "explorer" hat (AKA a green rubbermaid container!) on and off, making me try on his "hat" again and again, and going into fits of giggles whenever I did. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly the most reverent and effective way of calming him down for bed, but it was too cute to put a stop to.

I finally gave him one more chance to settle down, and he came over and laid his head on my shoulder, sipping on his sippy cup, and turning to look me in the eyes and comment on the show every few minutes. And, of course, that's when all the nostalgia started creeping in, along with mama tears (shocker).

18 months. It's hard to believe it's been a year and a half. Probably today is slightly nostalgic anyway, since it's the first day since he was born that he hasn't nursed (I know, I know... Yeah, I know.) It's a new phase of life! And let me just tell you, 18 months ago I wouldn't have ever guessed we'd just be moving to this phase!

Today at the park there was a little boy with blonde hair who was about 4, playing with a tennis ball. Ryan sat and watched him for a good 15 minutes, intrigued. He finally got up the nerve to walk up to him, saying "ba! ba! ba! (ball)". The little kid was SO nice, and played catch with him for a bit, and then started throwing the ball and letting Ryan chase after it and bring it back to him. It was like watching a little Ryan play with a Big Ryan. It made me excited to see how our little guy grows up, and it made me hope that he will be as nice as "big Ryan" was to him.

And then I look at "little" Ryan's papa, Seth. And I have that exact same hope--that little Ryan can grow up to be like his papa. A few weeks ago a statue that was REALLY sentimental to me over the years got broken, and I told Seth how sad I was about it. Seth went out the next day, figured out what statue it was (based on VERY limited clues), realizing I wouldn't want a replacement, but still wanted to do something for me. He found a charm bracelet with a picture of the statue on it and bought it for me. It was the smallest thing, but I can't tell you how much it meant to me, on so many levels. I realize I'm not always as thankful as I should be for the man standing next to me for eternity. Moments like that help me keep that in mind. (Also, moments like this morning when I ask Seth to delay going into work so I can go running since the running stroller is broken, and he selflessly lets me, help, too!) I'm humbled and thankful and blessed.

I know this won't be the last of the nights of nostalgia and reflective moods. I think for that I'm most grateful. Keep 'em coming, world. You know I'll never run out of tears for nights like tonight ;)

A day of Miracles + Out with the Old

Yesterday was such a wonderful day--I received word of so many GREAT things happening for people around me, and felt my faith renewed in so many ways! I'll post more about them soon, but I just have to express my gratitude at the hand of God in things small and big.

Also, on an unrelated note, I finally decided to retire my running shoes, and for Mother's Day, Seth got me a new pair.

And by a new pair, I mean I convinced him since both pairs were on sale, and the total price equaled the original price of one, that I could get both--one for speed work and technique training, the other for regular/long runs.


Can you guess the old pair? Ha. Unbelievable how dirty a shoe gets.

I took the middle (orange) pair out for their inaugural run this morning, and I think they need to be named something that relates to speed--fastest 2 mile run yet!!! (No, I won't tell you how slow that is, sheesh!)

Also, Amy, you'll be happy to know that the guy at the store coached me in "Beginning chi running" since apparently my general technique is HORRIBLE. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Thinking tonight about all the women in my life that have made such a difference. Moms, sisters, cousins, roommates, friends, teachers. I count myself lucky!

And Mom, you're the best! I'll bring your real present when I see you, but if I could bring these on a plane I'd bring them all!