Happy & Sad

I must shout it from the rooftops--I HAVEN'T HAD A SINGLE DROP OF SODA OF ANY KIND IN 6 MONTHS! This from me, the one who, after the alarm went off, would put my feet on the floor, go to the refrigerator, pop open a can of Dr. Pepper, take a drink, THEN open my eyes. Dennis used to make fun of me for that. That would be the only 12 ounces of soda I would have for the day, but I NEEDED it. Or so I thought. I decided my body didn't deserve to have me put 10 teaspoons of sugar in it first thing in the morning, so I quit--just like that. There were a few times that I missed it. Long day already at 2pm, a Dr.Pepper would have given me the boost to get me through the long afternoon ahead. I surprised myself, though, I could indeed keep going without it. Now, I rarely think about it at all.

I'm sad, too, and perhaps a little desperate. Blueberries are now $4/pint. I can no longer justify my habit. I'm currently going through withdrawals until summer when the price goes back down. I am, hoewever, soothing myself with a gallon can of freeze dried blueberries that I ordered. They are not cheap, either, but they are here, already paid for, so that's like, free!

I'm also adjusting in other places, as well. I, being the best sister-in-law in the whole world, have started a strict diet to offer moral support. My dear sister-in-law is having lots of allergy and medical issues, and needed to start an Elimination diet to get things under control and find the culprits. We found one, and I told her I would do it as well to offer moral support. No caffeine, no gluten, no dairy, no sugar unless it comes from eating a piece of fruit, and nothing processed. (Hmmm, I wonder if my dried blueberries count?) We started Saturday, and so far, so good. It makes you think out of the box. There is plenty I can eat, just can't have some of the stuff I usually grab in a pinch. No Kashi bars, no Kashi cereal with milk, and none of my beloved Ezekial bread ( I miss you, I will come back to you, don't be sad). It is more of a mental challenge than anything. Pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and prove I can do it. One of the hardest times so far, has been making two decorated cakes this week. No cake batter sampling, and no snacking on the warm, soft cake, fresh from the oven that I just trimmed off. Hard times. But, I survived, and am no worse for the wear. It really is easier than I would have thought, and something I've been working on for a while. We have made food very emotional, and getting back to a place where food is fuel for the body, not a blankie that we can also eat, makes eating well so much easier! I find myself planning food around what my body NEEDS at that moment, not just what my emotions say I want. Definately helps to change the perspective. That cake offers nothing beneficial at all to my body, but an apple and some almonds will fuel it. Instead of having the attitude of deprivation if I don't have empty foods, I think of the good I'm doing myself. Rather than think I deserve a treat, I think, my body deserves good, whole, foods to meet the demands I place on it. I stopped saying "Poor me, I can't have cocoa puffs." Instead, I pat myself on the back for having steel cut oats with banana and walnuts with cinnamon (Yummy, by the way!) because I know it makes my body happy. I'm hoping to keep it running happily for a very long time.

Okay, I really have to get motivated and do some housework. It just keeps escaping me. Of course, it doesn't help that if I do it today, I'll just have to do it again tomorrow. Not very promising. I'm hoping eventually we will get some warmer weather and it will energize me. Until then, I'm going to have to pretend, and do it anyway. Wish me luck! Sarah

Okay, okay! I know its been 2 weeks since I've posted. I've been waiting for some inspiration so I woudn't bore anyone to tears with mundane recounts of daily life. It didn't happen, so this is what you're getting. Let's see, we got Cade signed up for baseball, and found out who his coach is going to be, and I'm very happy (threatening him last year, when he didn't take Cade, seems to have paid off). We have 2 more weeks of basketball, then spring break!



Missy and Hayden spent Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with us this week, and we enjoyed having them here. Tuesday we went to Texas Children's for Hayden's opthalmologist appointment. They changed the prescription for his glasses, and were able to refer us to a place that would fit and order his glasses. His first two pair had to be ordered from California because no one locally would take him. Insight Optical in Houston came highly recommended, and we were extremely impressed with them. There is nothing like working with people that are knowledgable and like what they are doing. It also didn't hurt that they were less than half of the cost of the previous pairs! So, we were pleased with accomplishing that. Wednesday we took them home (much to my kids' dismay) and are looking forward to Hayden's next visit, the sooner the better.



For Spring Break we have decided to stay at a place on Lake Travis and do things in the area. We will be hitting Fredericksburg for Enchanted Rock and The Nimitz Museum. Austin for their Children's Museum, and perhaps the capitol. Then we're hoping to go to San Antonio towards the end of the week to see the sights and eat yummy food. Oh, um, Amy, do you mind if we come crash at your place for a night or two? My kids are accomplished toilet scrubbers, and clean other people's homes beautifully. This will be our first vacation that doesn't center around swimming pools or other bodies of water, so if anyone has any suggestions for fun stuff we must do or see, we're all ears. The cheaper the better, of course. We are also always on the hunt for the best places to eat. So far, we know we're going to hit the Salt Lick, Rather Sweet Bakery in Fredericksburg, and likely Alamo Springs Cafe. Go ahead, give us your favorites! If you would also like to include gift cards to said places, simply leave your email, and I will gladly forward you my home mailing address!



Last Friday I went grocery shopping. Now, this is a very normal occurence for me. My step dad, Andy, however, was enlightened by the experience. You see, he happened to end up in the line behind me at check out. It being payday, I had done "real" grocery shopping. You know, the kind where you have to stack everything in the cart just so, or it will not all fit. It really should be an Olympic sport. You pull it all off the shelf, into the cart. Out of the cart, onto the conveyor belt at checkout. Back into the cart. Out of the cart, into the car. Out of the car, into the house. Out of the bags, into the refrigerator, and freezer and pantry. Then you get to wrestle all of those annoying plastic bags until they're all put away only to find more when you think you're done. And you just paid several hundred dollars to have this much fun. Poor Andy, I thought he was going to have a stroke when he saw my total that day. $524 and some change. He didn't realize at the time that $200 of that was gas cards (not that $324 is something to sneeze at). I don't think he'll ever even blink at one of my Mom's Walmart receipts again. The really sad part, is that later I began making a mental list of all the things that I didn't get with that. Dogfood, catfood, laundry detergent, eggs, bread, bath soap, I could go on and on. And, of course, before next payday, we'll need more milk, and fresh produce. Andy is now considering raising chickens for me. Thankfully, we have a freezer full of venison. Although with the cost of a hunting license, corn, fuel, and ammo, I'm not sure we're coming out ahead, but I know better than to point that out to Dennis. I am, however, extremely grateful to have the means to shell out the money for all these wonderful groceries. I always tell Dennis, "All it takes to make me feel rich is a pantry full of food, and a sufficient pile of firewood." I am a simple woman.

The citizens of Buna will be pleased to note that we have finally taken down our Christmas lights (we haven't turned them on since New Year's). It only took 8 weeks. We hadn't planned to leave them up, I swear. We even talked about taking them down several times. I, however, was determined that I after I nearly froze putting them up, that I was NOT going to be cold taking them down. So, yesterday, while it was sunny and warm, I made quick work of it. Why is it that the jobs we spend so much time putting off, are the ones that take so little time to complete?

I'll try to not wait quite as long to post again. Sarah

Babies

Babies, babies, everywhere, and none of them are mine (Thank goodness!) They say things happen in threes, and this time, at least, its true. My extended family is about to grow in leaps and bounds. By the end of the summer, we will be three more. On January 2, my brother Adam and his wife Miranda announced they were expecting a long awaited bundle of joy. After all but giving up, they couldn't be happier, and neither could we. I, personally, am pulling for twins. I'm afraid otherwise, they may have only one. Hey, they won't live at my house, so I think twins would be a blast! They are rampant in Miranda's family, so I can hope. The estimated arrival date is August 26. Can anyone say "the dog days of Summer?"


January 17th was the 1st wedding anniversary for my dearest cousin Jodi and her awesome husband Aaron. We celebrated with gumbo that was canned from the wedding, leftover bowls and plates for authenticity, and a really, um, yummy, one year old wedding cake. We guilted them into tasting the old cake for luck, and then we all enjoyed a fresh cake made for the day. After dinner, Kyler came in with a white stick which immediately induced a round of squeals, hugs, and shock for the new grandpa. Aaron, meanwhile, is in the background saying (fist in the air) "Me! I did it!" Give credit where credit is due--Great job Aaron! Then starts the frenzy of texts to Dale and Christina who are both in Utah at school. Lots of "Are you kidding?" and "Awesome". The happy parents-to-be headed to Nome to share with Aaron's parents, and left the rest of us pacing in front of our computers, waiting to make a post on facebook-but not before the other grandparents were told. Aaron has downloaded the "What to Expect" application for his iTouch, and is keeping up with Mom and Baby progress, and learning what days it may be safer to just work late. They are counting the days until September 8.


I also recently learned that Hayden is going to be a big brother! My brother Andrew and Missy just announced that they are expecting a boy to be delivered by c-section on May 26. How's that for short notice? I think they know I'm not very good at waiting. They are planning to name him Cameron. They better stick to that, because I'm already in the habit of calling him Cameron. I'm having a blast keeping Hayden as often as I can, and I'm sure Camerson will be just as fun. I'm not sure, however, how soon I'll be ready for both of them at the same time!


So, one down, two to go. No pressure Miranda and Jodi. There just hasn't been a baby girl in my life for 11 years. I couldn't help myself today. I've looked at the new spring onesies that are out 3 different times in the last week, and, until now, was able to resist. They are the cutest things ever! The soft blues, and greens with frogs, and horses. The pink, robin's egg blue and yellow with butterflies and bumble bees. I had passed up the blue ones because they are too small for Hayden, and the pink, well, I know no girls-yet. Today, I caved. Blues for Cameron, and pinks just in case. If we end the summer with 3 new boys, I'll find someone to give them to. Ooops, I just remembered Dennis reads this. I love you dear! Look at the bright side-I like buying the clothes, but we get to send them home! I promise its cheaper than having more of our own.


I'm definately living in a house full of boys. After Jodi's announcement, we were in the car, on the way home and they wanted to know why everyone gets so excited about babies. Boys-they just don't get it. I must admit, I am pretty excited, and I'm sure the time will pass much more quickly for me than for the ones doing all the hard work growing healthy babies. To you, I say, rest now, because you will never sleep again. I'm also sorry to say, that once your babies arrive, no one will give you a second thought. Its just the way the system works. Please allow me to apologize now for blatantly ignoring you, while thoroughly enjoying the being you worked so hard to create. I'm on call 24 hours a day for questions, concerns, support, and baby-sitting when you just can't hold your eyes open any longer. Happy baking! Sarah

Yum!

Hi, my name is Sarah, and I am a blueberry addict. Seriously. I have to limit myself to one pint a day. I suppose its the best $3/day habit I could have. I'm setting up an account for anyone who is interested in helping with grocery costs. $190/month for milk, eggs, and blueberries alone. That seems ridiculous. It seems impossible, but no matter how many times I do the math, it always comes out the same. With 3 boys who are only getting older and bigger, I cringe to think of my grocery bill, say, 6 years from now. I will be working a full time job for that alone. Dennis, actually, just left for what will most likely be a 60 hour shift at the fire station. Thank goodness for OT! Honey, you can retire as soon as the kids stop eating.

We spent some time Sunday and Monday with Dennis's Aunt Velma, in Cypress. She is a wonderful, strong, lady with 2 teenage daughters (bless her). Her home is always open, and she is an exceptional hostess. She also shares our love of food, so we take advantage of that, and Houston's many dining options when we visit. She has lived in many interesting places, and travelled extensively, so when she says a place is good, we trust her. On our last visit, we had Thai for the first time (and cosequently fell in love). This visit we delved into Mediterranean/Arabic cuisine. It was fantastic! Hummus, tabhouli, grape leaves, and shawarma. All of it incredible! Monday we had Vietnamese, which, while not new to us, was still delicious. The boys' favorite part this trip was Aunt Velma's tea "bar". She loves her hot tea, and has a table in her kitchen devoted to it. They loved choosing their own flavors, and customizing with sugar and milk. They've requested a similar set up here at home, and Coy is planning a tea buffet for his birthday. They also had fun playing with their dog, Mango, and watching her dance for bananas. Yes, they have a dog named Mango who loves bananas. The girls are always gracious enough to entertain the boys as best they can so we can enjoy some adult conversation; although at times, I think they are surprised at just how different boys can be. Thank you, Aunt Velma, for your wonderful hospitality and sharing with us your kind and loving spirit. We hope to visit again soon.

We sped into town last night just in time to drop Coy off at basketball practice. He really enjoys playing, and is in his second year. Cade is trying his hand at it this year to bridge the time between soccer and baseball. He asked me last night why I didn't make him sign up sooner. Maybe he'll remember this lesson of when to take suggestions from his mother (although you won't catch me holding my breath). He is really enjoying the fast pace of it, and when its his turn on the bench, you can just see him thinking of how he would be playing it differently were it his turn. Being Cade, he has also shared with me the history of basketball. I also found out today that baseball sign ups are this Saturday. I can hardly contain my excitement. Okay, I do enjoy baseball season. Sometimes it flies past, and other years it just seems to go on forever. This directly correlates to the coach that we end up with after tryouts. I, however, am not going to volunteer for the job, so I try to keep the complaining to a minimum. Tee ball is the best. We don't keep score, everything the kids do is funny, we practice once a week, and play a game on Saturday. Its perfect. We, however, are past tee ball, until next year when we start over with Kyler. We are now into the fun stage of kid pitch baseball. Completely new experience. No coaches pitching the ball until the child makes a hit. No machine making perfect pitches every time. Just a child pitching to another child. 2-3 two hour practices and 2 games every week. Its cold some, and hot most others. But, its part of the journey. The kids love it, if for no other reason than the free sno cones at the end of every game. Sarah

P.S. I would also like to report that the 3 inches of rain Thursday morning made a huge improvement in the appearance of the neighbor's charred lawn. The two inches we get tomorrow evening just might bring it back to normal. Maybe Thursday would be a good day to do some burning. Someone put the fire department on standby. SP