No More Binky...

For the last 2 nights and one nap time, Max has gone to bed without a binky. He has never been as attached to it as his brother and now seemed like the time to get rid of it before he liked it too much. He woke up from his nap yesterday a total beast, but I don't think that was because he didn't have a binky. He just does that some times. There have been a lot of mornings, and afternoons, that we go in and his binky was on the floor. He didn't seem too bothered by it. I had been trying to take them first thing after waking up and if he found one else where he gave it to me, no problem. So I guess this is it, we are done with the binky. I can't decide if I am excited about this or not. Just means he is going to be a big boy before we know it. *sigh*

Swimming Lessons...

Evelyn and Sam started swimming lessons this week. Sam was reluctant to jump in today, but did float on his back for 5 seconds. Evelyn got to swim in the 10 deep (that's what she calls the deep end) today and did very well.

Progress Report...

It has been 2 weeks since I resigned myself to my new habits and I am happy to say, I am liking the results. I have found I don't hate exercise as much as I thought I did. I'm not going to be running marathons anytime soon (or ever for that matter), but I have found what works for now. I have excercised 5 days a week and have had oatmeal for 13 out of the 14 mornings. I tried some "healthy" cereal one morning, but it didn't stick with me. I have been eating more healthy, but still allowing myself a treat here and there. My counter is covered with fruit and I have tons of veggies in the fridge. In this first 2 weeks, I have lost 5 pounds. I have along way to go, but it's a start...

Menu Idea...

We had this for dinner and these for dessert. Both are very tastey. I did whole wheat pasta with dinner and only did half the cookie recipe (otherwise I would have had cookies coming out my ears!). I also used Kashi GoLean cereal in place of the granola. Hope you like it, we did.

Manhattan Clam Chowder

I have been craving Clam Chowder and decided to try a different recipe this time. I have never had Manhattan Clam Chowder before, but thought it would be a little healthier then it's tasty cousin. I looked at a couple of recipes to get an idea and then just threw it together. I thought it turned out pretty good. Evelyn and Max ate it; 2 out of 3 ain't bad! I didn't really measure the spices or keep track of how many veggie I cut up, so just use your best judgment. Here goes-

3 cans of clams, drained juice reserved
2 can of diced tomatoes with juice
1 onion, diced
3-4 carrots, cut into rounds
2-3 stalks of celery, diced
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
3-4 potatoes peeled and diced (not too small)
EVOO
chicken broth
1-2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
1-2 teaspoons Thyme
2-3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
salt and pepper, to taste

Add enough chicken broth to the reserved clam juice to equal 3 cups. Saute the onion and celery for a few minutes, then add carrots and garlic. Cook just a minute more, you don't want the garlic to brown. Then add the broth, tomatoes, potatoes and seasoning. Bring to boil, then simmer until veggies are tender. Add clams and heat through.

Spicy Honey Chicken...

I made this for dinner tonight. It was fab! I just put a dash of the cayene (didn't want to hear the complaining about how spicy it was) and used smoked paprika. I think that was really the kicker for me. Yum!

And the Journey Begins...

Going off my last post about being en example, there is something that I really need to work on. I want to show my kids how to be healthy and right now I'm not. I am hoping by putting this down in writing, it will make me more accountible. I am the heaviest I have ever been, not pregnant. Three out of the four of us Allred kids got the (how do I put this without being mean) skinny gene. I am the one that didn't. Not that that is an excuse. I just have to work harder and I haven't been. Looking back at last years goals, many were accomplished, but some yet again got pushed aside. I will say, I started the year off good. I was exercising and eating better and then I don't know what happened. Old habits die hard. I am making a resolve to do better. I'm not one that can cut everything out, I have to be gradual. If I say to myself I can't have something, I want it that much more. So for now, I am just going to eat better and EXERCISE. That seems to be my big one. I just don't really like it. I feel right now, I don't have a choice. I have to like it or at least tolerate it. I don't think it's any big secret that I would like to have one more baby, and hopefully we will be able too. I know it will be a much easier pregnancy if I lose weight and got into a better habit now. That's what I am calling this, not a diet, but a habit. That's what it is. Habits can be good or bad. I would like to turn my bad habit into a good one. So for all of you out there who like to exercise and have good habits, just give me a little encouragement, but please don't push. I know what I need to be doing and look for you as my example. For those of you who need to make a new habit, good luck to you. And the journey begins...

What Are You Most Thankful For...

This weekend, we had Stake Conference. The theme for our stake, and maybe all stakes, is Temples. I love our new Stake Presidency. They have a unique way of teaching and I just seem to get them or maybe I am just ready to get it. One of the questions possed today was, "Looking back on this past year, what are you most thankful for?" The thought that came to mind immediately was, my kids. There was a time that we thought we might not have any, and now we have 3 crazies. Some days are better then others, but that's to be expected, right? I know there is so much I can learn from them and hopefully plenty I can teach them. Being a good example is one of the things I hope to teach them. Something I need to work harder at. On those days that aren't going so good, I need to step back, take a deep breath and remember that I am their example for everything and that there was a time that we thought we would never have them. I can't believe that Evelyn will be 6 this summer. Her dad is already dreading the dating years. lol! Sam will be 4 in just a couple of months. He has changed so much, just in the last couple of months, ever since we conquered the potty business. Max will be 18 months on the 23rd. How'd that happen? He is taking his time walking and talking, but that seems to be the norm with our kids. They do things when they want to. Another lesson in patience. I am thankful for them and my knowledge that they will be with us for eternity. What a sweet gift we have been given and hopefully will always be worthy to have. Sometimes, probably a lot of times, they pick up on things that we don't even know about. Last week Evelyn was asked to give the 1st Article of Faith in Opening Exercises. We had talked about the Articles of Faith before, but it had been awhile. So we went over it a few times and she seemed to have it down. Unbenounced to me, Sam knew it too. He did it for his dad tonight, what a proud moment. These are the moments, you can't get those back. (Name the movie, I know I'm not getting the quote quite right). It's true though. You never know who is listening or watching. So for the things that I am most thankful for, I am going to try and be a better example this year and always.