Prepared: What Does That Mean?

One of my passions in life is hearing stories. I love hearing stories my mom shares about my dad and her life in CA before I was born, or hilarious situations my parents got themselves into. I have laughed at so many of these stories. I have been trying to think of stories I want Sunny and my other future child(ren) to hear one day.  Here is one for the books.

When I was 21, I decided to be adventurous and go for a nanny job back east for the summer.  I needed money for school so why not.

The couple was age 31 and 32 and I thought that seemed really old. They had two boys, age 4.5 and 2.5. The same age Sunny is now.

This couple was not LDS, but that didn't bother me. I was so excited to go. I couldn't even think straight.

My mom was thrilled to see me go, as you can see. ;)

A few days later, I boarded plane. I was starting to feel extremely nervous. What if this couple didn't like me, or what if they thought I was a horrible nanny. Afterall, I had no nanny experience, was only 21,  and only babysat for my sister's kids.

After my one layover, I sat on the plane and decided to take a nap. I had about 3.5 hours until I landed in Portland.

 I had only my purse and a small carry on. I wore a pair of cream capri pants and a t-shirt. I had no change of clothes, or underwear with me as a carry on, and never thought I would need anything. I was good. Or so I thought.

                                       
About 2 hours into the flight, I felt horrible cramps. I decided to go in the bathroom to find out what the hell was going on.

When I arrived in the restroom, I was mortified. There was blood all over my pants, underwear, everything was soaked through the back.  I had started and I had nothing. No change of clothes, underwear, nothing with me on the plane.

Back then, I didn't keep track of my friend. If I had, this could of been prevented. 

I did what any desperate lady would do and grabbed a ball of toilet paper and used that for my protection. However, I was wearing a cropped t-shirt and the back of my pants was covered in blood for the world to see. How could I have not known I was bleeding this bad. I was not raining, I was pouring. The altitude does this, scary!

 I so wished I had an extra shirt to tie around my waist, but nothing. 

 I tried to saturate the back of my pants with water and scrubbed. It only made it less bright red and more brown. Blood does not come out too well and I could not remove my pants to allow them to soak.

 I was in major trouble. A very classy couple was picking me up very soon, and I needed to come up with a plan and FAST.

I sat in the bathroom for a good while. I remember the FA asking me if all was okay in there.
I could not face this couple or anyone.

I thought of several plans, all which seemed ridiculous. I had no layover and my plane was landing soon.

1. I would turn my pants around and wear them backwards. I had a purse and carry on. I would conceal the stain by carrying my purse in front of me.

2. I would see if I could purchase a pair of new pants at the airport, then run back to the baggage claim and meet the couple there.  This plan wasn't the best, however. I distinctly remember them saying they were going to meet me right at the first gate off the plane.

I decided to go with the first plan. I turned my pants around and decided to put my purse in front of me. This had to work!!

When I finally landed, I arrived off the plane and the couple was there. The husband was very handsome. We introduced ourselves and we walked to baggage claim.  They were so kind and generous. 

I had managed to pull off something and we arrived at Sabago Lake, ME around 10 pm.  

This was the best job, and I had a blast out there. But the embarrassment doesn't end yet.

25 days later:

I was on the deck and the husband and wife were behind me. I was chatting with some other people and we were interacting with the kids. We were talking about how the summer was almost over and how it was almost time for me to be heading back to UT.  A few minutes later, the wife came up from behind me and whispered in my ear.  

"Amy, I don't mean to humiliate you, but we noticed you have blood all over your behind. You better take your pants in to soak them."  I looked behind me and sure enough, I did it.

 I had started my period again. I thought I was going to die!

Lesson learned. Keep track of your cycles to avoid this kind of chaos.

Back then I did not think this was amusing but as I look back on these experiences, I am reminded that nobody is exempt from humiliation. We all make mistakes, plan poorly, or forget to prioritize. 

These shocking experiences made me prepare! 

With each January first that comes, we can reflect back on the past and decide to make positive changes in weaker areas of our lives. With me, that is certainly keeping track of dates!!

We may not be able to understand Mother Nature, but we can be prepared in all areas of our lives for the better.

Areas I am learning to become better prepared in include:

1. Food storage ( I can't emphasize how important this is, in addition to water supply) Don't forget a can opener.

2. Water, blankets and pillows, a change of old run down clothing for the entire family, to be kept in all vehicles. In my trunk, I have a supply of some of these things,

3. An empty container for gasoline

4. matches

5. A car that always has at least a half a tank of gas in it.

6. Hidden cash (You can't rely on debit cards in case of emergencies)

7. flashlights, battery operated radio, knives, and tools

8. A calender

9. Shampoo and soap and other sanitation needs

10. A First Aide Kit and medications such as aspirin, etc.

Rodney is a HUGE food storage and emergency prepardness organizer. I am thankful he has instilled this importance in me.

To anyone,  I hope this story brought a smile on your face and made you realize that you may not be alone in the idiot department.

This is just one of many, many humiliating stories I have to share.

I hope this New Year brings peace, love, preparedness, and positive changes in our lives as we prepare for what really matters.  Love ya!

Jo Frost's Toddler Rules- Finished Book Summary (Stuff I need to remember)

I have read a couple of parenting books this past year and skimmed through several Parent's Magazine. However, Jo's book is the first book that really makes sense to me. I always loved watching her on Super Nanny, but her book is even better. She is one woman who knows her stuff. Everything I have practiced on Sunny has worked.  These notes are mainly for my own records to reflect back on when needed.

Here are my favorite tips she shared.

1. Write down your house rules, even if kids can't read yet.  Word them in simple language and put the rules somewhere you can see them everyday. For me, this will most likely be on the fridge or our Dinner Menu White Board.

Sample Rules For a 2 year old can look like:

1. Listen and Follow Directions

2. Clean up your toys after use

I like to offer a Consequence Board as well

1. After two warnings, you will get a time out. Time out will be in a corner where you can still see mom, and will be 2. and a half mintues (your age)

2. If you refuse to stay in time out, you will lose a priviledge, (This one may have to wait. Sunny has no clue what priviledges are).

Communicating With Your Child

When you are stating your boundaries and expectations, Jo says to speak in a way that your toddler understands what you are saying to them.  Here are her tips:

1. Get close to the child, no more then 3 feet away.

2. Make eye contact

3. Express yourself in a simple, straightforward language. "I want you to put your book away on this shelf now."

4. Always show conviction and respect in your tone.

Three Simple Steps to Positive Behavior

1. Tell the child what to do

2. Show the child how to do it (role model)

3. Praise and reward when child does it correct.

I am a firm believer in positive reinforcement and avoiding any negatives such as using "No" all the time. I think by stating what you want the child to do instead, works better. Here is an example.

If I notice that Sunny has not picked up her toys, saying "Sunny, I love when you pick up your toys, you are so good at it, can you show me how good you are at doing it right now." Timing her with a stopwatch and saying, "Hurry, Hurry, you have ten seconds" this method works like a charm.

Another important Rule that I need to set for myself is to limit screen time.  I have been so awful at putting her in front of the TV while I get things done. After reading Jo's book, I know that screen time should only be 30 minutes or less at age 2.  Kids brains develop from interaction and fine motor skills.

I also am working on having more structure in her day and to not get so uptight about messes. Because, according to Jo: Toddlers and messy and it is good. Parents need to allow it. Messes such as fingerpaint, clay and sand, etc, playing in dirt or mud, it is all good for them.

Sunny gets very bored and wants a lot of interaction. The issue I run into when it's just her and I at home, is how to constantly entertain her and get things done as well.  Her attention span is only so long, and both of us do get stir-crazy if we are confined in the house for to long.  Taking her out of the house and having her be entertained by others (besides me) is what I am aiming at.

Rodney and I were talking and we both decided that Sunny needs to belong to something where she is around other people and learning at the same time. We are looking into different programs offered here such as possibly dance, toddler yoga or tumbling, toddler art classes.

I think the more stimuli she gets, the better her behavior may be. It may be worth the extra expense.

Some other info that Jo shares is using consistant discipline.  

I have been so lacks at discipline.. At first, I let her get away with things, just to avoid a tantrum or crying. Now I know how wrong that is. According to Jo:

Kids feel the most safe and secure when they know their boundaries and have consistant discipline. Kids who are not disciplined are the ones who feel the most insecure.

Parents teach positive behavior through love, praise and modeling correct behavior.  

One huge eye opener Jo emphasized is:

Kids need the most discipline up to Four years old. That is when their brains are learnin and developing for life. If correct behavior is not taught until after 4, it is often too late and kids have an established behavior that may be difficult to break.

Toddlers need constant communication and repetition. Reading the same book over and over is increasing her vocabulary, and looking at more ISPY books is great at keeping her attention. She loves those kinds of books.
  I have started communicating to Sunny more and letting her know what is going on, where we are going, what we are doing, and what behavior I expect from her. I see a huge change in behavior.  Here is an example:

When we are going somewhere, I will say, "Sunny, we are getting ready to go somewhere, let's go find our shoes and put them on."

"Sunny, we are going to get into the car now, can you put yourself in your carseat and buckle yourself in." Do you need my help?"

"Sunny, we are going to an appointment and I need you to be on your very best behavior while we are there."

"Sunny, this is an elevator, it will take us up to where we need to go."

"Sunny, we are now at the appointment, do you remember when I told you to be on your best behavior" Can you show me what a good girl you always are."

"Sunny, I see you are being so good right now. I have been watching you and I am so so proud of you."

This method works amazing. I have seen not only her vocabulary expanding, but her behavior is improving too.

There are more notes I need to take, but will do so later.  Highly recommend this book.

Dried Citrus Fruit

Next Christmas, I'm onto something different.

                           Smells so good

Why oh why didn't I think of dehydrating citrus fruit earlier.

Anyway, next year:

1. I would love a real tree. I LOVE the smell of pine.

2. I want everything decorated in dried citrus fruit. Limes, grapefruit, lemons, oranges and cranberry acorn garlands. I can just smell my house. Yum!

This year, I am already done. I was tempted to take down tons of my decor and put some citrus fruit and cranberry garlands up that I've been working on. But, I am tired for a real good reason ;), and I know I can wait to go all out next year.

I decided to purchase some citrus fruit and cranberries (to practice) and make some lovely citrus ornaments and garlands, just a few. It is so easy, and much cheaper then buying common ornaments at store.

To dry the fruit, all you do is slice each fruit with stem on. You can add a little vanilla and cinnamon if you like. They are not for eating, but might be tempting for a certain toddler to try out. This idea below is awesome.  I will attempt that next year.

These are two great ideas I found from happytrailswildtails.com

Next year,  this will be our family home evening craft.

To make the dried fruit:

Place on oven rack not baking sheet and bake at 120 for 2-3 hours.

Allow to cool,  then poke a needle through with string attached for garland, or for ornaments,  just do the same, but shorten length to desire.

Holiday Style

About 6 years ago, I thought about being a fashion blogger. I have a huge wardrobe from back when I worked full time and then shopped for cool clothes and spent waaaaay too much money.

I thought about showing off my wardrobe with all my unique finds. But, I never got around to it.  Life, work, then motherhood happened.  I certainly don't shop now much, but I am quite glad I got my big ol' closet full of past cute clothes. I often get asked, "Is that new, I love it." If you call 7 years ago new, why not, haha.

Since I was a kid, I loved getting a new holiday dress. This year, I got an early present:  This gold skirt.

I LOVE gold for Christmas.  I love it mixed with black. Gold and black are perfect together.

In the past, I have stuck with green or red, but this year, I am really into metallics, pure white, forest green, blush pink and sequins.

Tomorrow we are heading to a fancy holiday party and I decided to try on different outfits. This outfit is a winner. I don't plan to wear this hat, but for a more casual party, the hat may work.  (The hat came in handy today since my hair is BAD and no makeup on)

                   

Hearty, Healthy Breakfast Ideas

It's Monday and I think i'm ready to tackle thus week by getting back to my routine.

And by routine, I mean sticking with healthy lifestyle routine. I made a rule for myself because I thrive off good routine.
M-F is where I limit as much treats and sweats as I can. The exception is dark chocolate.   I can not live with out my dark chocolate.  I also stick with a good workout routine. That means some sort of cardio and yoga. I know I sound like a broken record stating my routine. But, I have to give myself continuous affirmations.

The weekend has no routine. This is where I don't give a stink and will do what I want.

The problem is,  when Monday comes, I have a hard time hopping on the health bandwagon again.

Rodney made a batch of ginger bread cookies. I ate about 8.

Today started out right. I woke up and decided to make a hearty healthy breakfast bowl which I am going to share with you today.

I start out by making steel cut oats the night before so they are sitting on the stove ready to eat.  This is perfect for Rodney who wakes up early and will have breakfast ready for him. To prepare steel cut oats ahead of time, you simply boil 4 c of water and add 1 c of steel cut oats. Allow oats to boil for one minute. Turn off heat, cover pot and go to bed.
When you wake, steel cut oats are ready to serve. Most people top oats with fruit and milk, but not today.  Today,  I will show you how versatile oats are and what you can do to create the best breakfast.

1. Scoop your prepared steel cut oats or oatmeal in a bowl. About 1/2 c.

2. In a pan, cook about 1-2 eggs, easy side up, or poached. I prefer poached. Cook your sausage or bacon as well. You can use already cooked meat to make it faster.

3. In smaller saute pan, add 2 T. Oil and salute a handful of spinach leaves or kale, a handful of cabbage (purple/green cabbage), add a bit of jalepeno pepper. Once it sauteed, add about 2 tsp. Rice vinager and 1/2 T. Tamari or soy sauce.

4. Top the oatmeal with chopped sausage or bacon,  over easy eggs, and veggie mixture. Add more tamari sauce if you desire.

This is so incredibly good.  You must try it.

My other favorite is classic avocado toast.

I love to add a bit of egg, Tabasco sauce, and tomato on top for more flavor. Some even add cheese.
Perfect breakfast for kids too.

And here is a quick note on Sunny. Her fever never got past 104, thank goodness. She got extremely hot a few nights ago, wasn't peering like normal and was extremely lethargic.I used my Onguard oil on her and diffused some and she seemed to recover okay. Sunny has been sick alot this year, so I'm glad I got these essential oils.

Sunny's sick

We are sitting in insta care right now, waiting to get Sunn checked out. Her temperature has been rising and got up to 104.4, even after tylenol. This was enough for a doc visit. I have never felt her so hot.  Her head felt so hot, I felt an egg could cook on it. My poor baby.  I think it hurts me more then Sunny.
Being a mom is so hard emotionally. We as mama's love our kids so so much, it hurts. When we can't erase their pain, it's like torture to us.
Tonite was our incredible ward Christmas party, but I just couldn't feel joy I needed to. So much work was put into it. My mind was on Sunny, worrying about her increasing fever, but the spiritual aspects of the party were so defining & uplifting.

She's been sick a lot lately, but this is the first time i've panicked like this. Fevers are good for the body, but also scary.
updates to follow. Please keep our precious girl in your prayers.

Lobster or Crab Slaw

Today I feel like sharing and blabbing. Here goes the blab.

About 5 years, I decided to make some serious changes in how I eat.

Eating healthy can be expensive.  But let me say this: It is so worth it.

6 years ago, I was wearing size 12 in jeans.  Some people may not recognize me if they saw old photos. I was a huge carb eater. I felt like a slug.

Something had to change.

I read my patriarchal blessing. It gave me all the answers I needed. I prayed and studied.  And by study, I mean I read my scriptures, sought revelation, and read loads of books on health and nutrition.  My brain felt overwhelmed. I decided to allow the paleo lifestyle into my life.

Oh my gosh.  The paleo diet was my answer.  I felt so good, so happy, so energetic.  People wondered what was up. Why was I always so annoyingly happy all the time.

I call the paleo diet the Happy Diet. It really makes you nonstop happy. Kind of like when you run, you get lots of serotonin and you feel so good.  The paleo diet does the same thing, without the run.

Why does the paleo diet make you feel so great, you ask? 

There is alot of detail I would need to go into. Too much.  To sum it up, you are eating no sugar. None.

I don't like to get into too mant health topics. Many people don't care to hear about it. It can be controversial,  much like politics. 

Many people are aware that carbs are sugar.  Depending on the carb, refined, simple, or complex, carbs all break down into sugar. 

Here is an example. Refined sugar or simple carbs like white bread, white rice,  refined corn products, and many crackers, all break down to sugar.  It's similar to eating a candy bar. 

Complex carbs are whole wheat flour or brown rice.  This breaks down much slower, but still ultimately breaks down to sugar.

Sugar overload causes issues with one's health. 

All things in moderation.

I am not bold and I don't like to talk about nutrition unless someone invites me to discuss it with them. My hope is that people educate themselves. 

During my pregnancy, I ate very low carb. Excluding Sunny's weight and water, I gained a total of 7 pounds, that's it.  This frustrated my doctor. She ordered me to see a nutritionist. I said no thanks. In fact, I rejected half the things she recommend to me. 

My body felt good. Like super good. I ate well, avoided sugar, and felt amazing. At 39 weeks I had energy that suprised people.

Sunny was born healthy. A bit moody, but healthy. 

Trying to avoid treats this time of year is so hard.  (Sorry about that cookie post) Trying to eat perfect with a family and budget is so hard.  I get it. But if you want to make lifestyle changes, you can do anything you set your mind to.

What if you lack support?  Say you husband and kids don't want to eat the way you do. Make modifications.  If you have tacos for dinner, make yours a lettuce wrap. Same goes with hamburgers or hotdogs. 

I eat carbs,  but I don't eat many. With a family and child, it is hard to not. Moderation is important. 

In our home, rather then avoid carbs all together,  we reduce them and try to avoid simple sugars completely. We are not perfect, but I try my hardest to do my best. Like my cookie recipe the other day. In moderation. 

Enter this salad. Low in carb. It was my lunch today. Yum!

Look at the gorgeous colors. So healthy and hearty. I use imitation lobster or crab. Much cheaper.

Here is an example of low carbs in our home during the day.

Breakfast: scrambled eggs, banana, sausage or hard boiled egg. Green smoothie.

Snack

Celery sticks and peanut butter

Carrots, cucumber in ranch dip for Sunny

Lunch: avocado and sharp cheddar (sunny can eat aged cheese, but I can't)

Apples, pecans and cashews,  chicken nugget or fish stick. Peas, oranges,  and any other fruit in season. Sometimes a sandwich on homemade whole wheat bread.

Dinner: butternut squash chili or Speghetti squash with meat sauce. Or we will have tacos or Speghetti depending on whether carbs were eaten at lunch. 

Lobster slaw

1 1/2 tsp. Apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Honey
1 T. Olive oil
1/4 tsp. Poppy seeds
1/4 c. Chopped green apple
1/2 c. Thinly shredded red and green cabbage
1 T. Parsley or cilantro
1 package of imitation lobster or crab. Or use the real stuff if you can afford to.

In bowl,  combine first three ingredients and whisk. Stir in seeds and everything else. Mix and serve. Serves 2-4

Source, louiskemp.com