I have a funny story to tell y'all! And I promise, it ties right into this post.
A few days ago, I posted this status on Facebook: "The sun is setting on a great weekend! Neighbors for drinks last night, friends over for dinner tonight, and now getting the house prepped for my mom to arrive." My Grandma Dean responded: "better get it spotless, we know she likes a clean house." To which I responded: "Grandma Dean, I'm not the daughter known for my housekeeping abilities. (Right, Erica??) I dusted though, so she'll be proud. :)"
There were more quips back and forth between my sister and I, but it comes down to this: While I have no problem scrubbing and scouring the bathroom, I really truly dislike dusting.
You'll never guess what this week's focus is: Combating dust! Hahahaaaa!
First, what is dust besides something you try to wipe up before company comes... Well, it's a number of things: fine dirt, pollen, pet dander, dead skin, and the list goes on and on. Really, it's not stuff you want to hang around your house anyway.
Next, what can you do to reduce the amount of dust in your house? Well, that answer is not so simple because the answer can vary based on the climate you live in (dry vs. humid, desert vs. forest). But there are some things we all can do to help:
1 - don't wear shoes in the house. Remember week 7? Not only will it cut down on the amount of dirt that gets tracked through the house, it will also reduce dust.
2 - make sure all the doors and windows in your home have proper sealing when closed.
3 - Vacuum at least twice a week.
4 - replace the filters (!!!) in your vacuum, in your AC exchanges, in your HEPA filter.
Of course the list goes on and on... and I'm sure Martha has her own ideas on what to do with the dust bunnies you collect :)
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The South's Gonna Do It Up Right, Now
Safe to say, but summer is HERE! We have had nothing but beautiful weather the last month or so. Every year, our neighborhood has an annual barbecue.
Why they call it a barbecue up in these parts, I have no idea. If you're only cooking hamburgers and hotdogs, it is NOT a barbecue. Okay? Okay! Getting off my soapbox now.
So word hit us that this was going to happen, and, of course, Ronnie JUMPED at the chance to dust off his smoker. You see, it's been more than a month of Sundays since we had eaten decent barbecue. We told the neighborhood that we would take care of the meat if they took care of the fixins.
As usual, smoking starts in the wee hours of the morning. By the time the girls and I rolled out of bed this morning, Ronnie had been up for several hours making sure the temp stayed right. After church, I started up the beans and slaw and tea. Finally, it was time!
Why they call it a barbecue up in these parts, I have no idea. If you're only cooking hamburgers and hotdogs, it is NOT a barbecue. Okay? Okay! Getting off my soapbox now.
So word hit us that this was going to happen, and, of course, Ronnie JUMPED at the chance to dust off his smoker. You see, it's been more than a month of Sundays since we had eaten decent barbecue. We told the neighborhood that we would take care of the meat if they took care of the fixins.
As usual, smoking starts in the wee hours of the morning. By the time the girls and I rolled out of bed this morning, Ronnie had been up for several hours making sure the temp stayed right. After church, I started up the beans and slaw and tea. Finally, it was time!
Oooooo, don't they look pretty?!?!
Who doesn't have a trampoline in their garage?
Of course, doin' it up right also included breaking out the 'shine. My dad had sent a full Mason jar of it home with Ronnie last time we visited Florida. We made some cherry hooch and it was just right for breaking out with dessert.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Photo Friday
Every Friday, I will post a photo from our life. Enjoy!
Feeding the birds at Everland, South Korea, November 2009
Monday, July 23, 2012
52-Week Challenge: Week 30
Okay, week 30! Our focus this week on satisfying our hunger. Think you got this one in the bag? Well, think again... The author's define a satisfying a meal through the Glycemic Index (GI).
Ever wonder why a Snickers bar really doesn't satisfy you? Well, for a calorie dense treat, it sure is high on the GI scale. To get you acclimated here is a general list of foods, organized by their position on the GI scale:
LOW GI FOODS:
*Some whole grains: barley, flaxseed, oats, rye
*Most fruit: apples, cherries, citrus fruits, pears
*Beans and legumes
*Fibrous vegetables: carrots, cucumbers, peppers, spinach
*Nuts
*Lean proteins
*Healthy fats
MODERATE GI FOODS:
*Some whole grains: brown rice, whole-grain pasta
*Some starchy vegetables: corns, peas, new potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams
*Some fruit: apricots, pineapple, plums, raisins, watermelon
HIGH GI FOODS:
*Some starchy vegetables: parsnips, turnips
*Refined grains: bagels, chips, rolls, white bread, white rice
*Sugary foods: baked goods, candy, cookies, juice, sugar
Of course, everything has a specific rating. My friend, Jenn, posted this link on her blog (you are reading her stuff too, right?): http://www.glycemicindex.com. I liked this one from South Beach Diet: http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/glycemicfoodchart.htm
Again, it's all about evening out those sugar highs and lows - remember the sugar challenge week. To accomplish this, it's all about balance. When you choose a High GI food, balance it out with a Low GI food. Better yet, stick with the low GI foods....
Good luck y'all!
Ever wonder why a Snickers bar really doesn't satisfy you? Well, for a calorie dense treat, it sure is high on the GI scale. To get you acclimated here is a general list of foods, organized by their position on the GI scale:
LOW GI FOODS:
*Some whole grains: barley, flaxseed, oats, rye
*Most fruit: apples, cherries, citrus fruits, pears
*Beans and legumes
*Fibrous vegetables: carrots, cucumbers, peppers, spinach
*Nuts
*Lean proteins
*Healthy fats
MODERATE GI FOODS:
*Some whole grains: brown rice, whole-grain pasta
*Some starchy vegetables: corns, peas, new potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams
*Some fruit: apricots, pineapple, plums, raisins, watermelon
HIGH GI FOODS:
*Some starchy vegetables: parsnips, turnips
*Refined grains: bagels, chips, rolls, white bread, white rice
*Sugary foods: baked goods, candy, cookies, juice, sugar
Of course, everything has a specific rating. My friend, Jenn, posted this link on her blog (you are reading her stuff too, right?): http://www.glycemicindex.com. I liked this one from South Beach Diet: http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/glycemicfoodchart.htm
Again, it's all about evening out those sugar highs and lows - remember the sugar challenge week. To accomplish this, it's all about balance. When you choose a High GI food, balance it out with a Low GI food. Better yet, stick with the low GI foods....
Good luck y'all!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Photo Friday
***Every Friday, I will post a picture from our life. Enjoy!!!***
Sunny day at Lucy Park, Wichita Falls, TX, March 2009
The girls and I were making the best of Ronnie being TDY. We took advantage of a sunny day by having lunch at our favorite spot - the duck pond at Lucy Park. A few days after this picture was taken, our lives changed. We found out that orders had come through for us to move to Korea. Amazing to think where all we've been and done in the 3+ years after this picture was taken. And look at those babies.... how they have grown!!!
Monday, July 16, 2012
52-Week Challenge: Week 29
Did you find anything or anyone to which/whom you can donate your time? And how as that no sugar challenge?
I have been really lucky, though I don't think I have announced it here yet... I am working again. Funny story but the short of it is that I am back working at the Ed Office doing the SAME job I did while we were in Korea. CRAZY HUH? I know, going to school full time and working, even if it's part time is stretching myself thin. But the Ed Office at McChord is on the third floor... the library is on the first. No excuses not having a quiet place to study or the ability to get books from here until I graduate now.
Right now, the library is hosting the summer reading program. I have had the girls enrolled in this awesome program for the last three years and they absolutely love it. And I love that they love it! So, I made it my pet project for the week. I snuck downstairs last week on my lunch hours and helped out, as hold monthly events and needed some extra hands getting the goodies together for the kids. I stuffed goody bags, unwrapped and sorted prizes, and put lots of stamps on lots of postcards.
I almost feel like I cheated on the sugar thing. I have be consciously reducing my sugar intake for months. While I am better than I was, I am far from being where I would like to be. One very successful thing I have done is switch out the sugar in my coffee with maple sugar (read about it here). It is twice as sweet as regular sugar, therefore I don't need as much. I only use a 1/4 tsp in my morning cuppa coffee. Here is why it's also good: 1 tsp of maple sugar is roughly the same nutritional value as sugar. So twice the sweetening power and less of it - I'm in!
On to week 29! This week's challenge is to just say no. Be honest now: when we had the challenge to volunteer your time or spend more time working out was your first reaction "when the heck am I going to fit that in?" Then listen up, this will help you carve out time for yourself.
There are some really interesting points made by the author, the first of which that it's easier to say yes and than it is to say no. Hmmm, Interesting point. How many times have I just said okay, even if it was half-hearted and secretly resentful? Too many. What about the kids - how many activities do we as parents put them in because "it's a good thing" without thinking what will have to fall because you don't have time in the family schedule.
Not saying no leads to rushing around with no time to yourself, your family. Not saying no can lead to adding more stress to your life, and we all know what being overly stressed can do to you. The challenge this week is to really examine your obligations and see which ones you are doing "just because it was easier to say yes." It's a really good question and challenge. I'll be reflecting this week - I hope you will be too.
Other Resources:
The Overbooked Child: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200301/the-overbooked-child
When and How to Say No: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-relief/SR00039/
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Cha"nges-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
I have been really lucky, though I don't think I have announced it here yet... I am working again. Funny story but the short of it is that I am back working at the Ed Office doing the SAME job I did while we were in Korea. CRAZY HUH? I know, going to school full time and working, even if it's part time is stretching myself thin. But the Ed Office at McChord is on the third floor... the library is on the first. No excuses not having a quiet place to study or the ability to get books from here until I graduate now.
Right now, the library is hosting the summer reading program. I have had the girls enrolled in this awesome program for the last three years and they absolutely love it. And I love that they love it! So, I made it my pet project for the week. I snuck downstairs last week on my lunch hours and helped out, as hold monthly events and needed some extra hands getting the goodies together for the kids. I stuffed goody bags, unwrapped and sorted prizes, and put lots of stamps on lots of postcards.
I almost feel like I cheated on the sugar thing. I have be consciously reducing my sugar intake for months. While I am better than I was, I am far from being where I would like to be. One very successful thing I have done is switch out the sugar in my coffee with maple sugar (read about it here). It is twice as sweet as regular sugar, therefore I don't need as much. I only use a 1/4 tsp in my morning cuppa coffee. Here is why it's also good: 1 tsp of maple sugar is roughly the same nutritional value as sugar. So twice the sweetening power and less of it - I'm in!
On to week 29! This week's challenge is to just say no. Be honest now: when we had the challenge to volunteer your time or spend more time working out was your first reaction "when the heck am I going to fit that in?" Then listen up, this will help you carve out time for yourself.
There are some really interesting points made by the author, the first of which that it's easier to say yes and than it is to say no. Hmmm, Interesting point. How many times have I just said okay, even if it was half-hearted and secretly resentful? Too many. What about the kids - how many activities do we as parents put them in because "it's a good thing" without thinking what will have to fall because you don't have time in the family schedule.
Not saying no leads to rushing around with no time to yourself, your family. Not saying no can lead to adding more stress to your life, and we all know what being overly stressed can do to you. The challenge this week is to really examine your obligations and see which ones you are doing "just because it was easier to say yes." It's a really good question and challenge. I'll be reflecting this week - I hope you will be too.
Other Resources:
The Overbooked Child: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200301/the-overbooked-child
When and How to Say No: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-relief/SR00039/
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Cha"nges-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Seaquarium
It had to happen -- the Olivers finally had to leave us and go back to Florida. But that doesn't mean we stopped having fun. There was still one more day in the weekend!
My cousin, Emily, is home from college this summer, so we took the girls up to Seattle and met her at the Seaquarium for the day. The Seaquarium is right on the waterfront near Pike's Place Market and we've been promising the girls we would take them.
It also gave me a chance to play with some settings on my new camera. I did mention that Ronnie got me a new camera right? Oh, I love it already!!!
But back to the Seaquarium -- it's interesting to visit different aquariums as they are typically dedicated to what you can see in that area. Here we got to see lots of things found in the Pacific. There's also an entire area dedicated to the Sound and the sea life we find here.
All in all, it was a great day and visit with Em. Now, if I can just figure out how to make those up against a tank water pictures clearer.... for next time of course.
My cousin, Emily, is home from college this summer, so we took the girls up to Seattle and met her at the Seaquarium for the day. The Seaquarium is right on the waterfront near Pike's Place Market and we've been promising the girls we would take them.
It also gave me a chance to play with some settings on my new camera. I did mention that Ronnie got me a new camera right? Oh, I love it already!!!
But back to the Seaquarium -- it's interesting to visit different aquariums as they are typically dedicated to what you can see in that area. Here we got to see lots of things found in the Pacific. There's also an entire area dedicated to the Sound and the sea life we find here.
All in all, it was a great day and visit with Em. Now, if I can just figure out how to make those up against a tank water pictures clearer.... for next time of course.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Blew the Top Right off of Her!
Now that's a catchy title if I ever wrote one! Of course, you do realize that this is a family blog and there will be none of that around these parts... :)
As the Oliver's visit to Washington winds down, we couldn't miss an opportunity to take them on yet another all day tourist-a-thon. This time, we headed south for another one of nature's awesome wonders - Mount St. Helen's.
Now you're realizing why the title is what is is huh? If not, here's some history and interesting facts: Washington has 5 "recognized" volcanoes. In 1980, one of those volcanoes erupted in grand style. You can see a great video about it here: http://www.history.com/videos/mount-st-helens-erupts#mount-st-helens-erupts
Go ahead, watch it, I'll wait. It's pretty funny -- and dead accurate.
So, ash was spread all over the PNW from this eruption... Ever wonder WHY Washington and Oregon are "recently" great wine states?
Anyway, it was time to see this sleeping giant for ourselves.
We packed up the car, the kids, and the grandparents and headed for a day at the mountain.
Here's our first look from our lunch spot:
Yes, it was a gorgeous day! We took it all in and meandered our way up to the visitor's area.
It really is an amazing place to visit and talk with the rangers. Many of them have worked there for years and can tell you all about the ecosystems. They explained that the area looked like the surface of the moon after the blast. Everything was just gone. But over time, nature is reclaiming the area. They talked about the return of fish in spirit lake, the rehabitation of butterflies, and the wildflowers blooming. It was amazing to hear and see -- just the sheer determination of nature rebounding from a catastrophic situation.
The girls participated in a Junior Ranger program that talked on their level about what happened and what's happening now.
Of course the most interesting thing happened when we went into the visitor's center one last time. The rangers were all buzzing and passing around binoculars. One called us over and said, do you see? I said see what? She passed me the binoculars -- the mountain was steaming. You see, this is still an active volcano. She said the lava dome has been moving lately. Oh boy, we all know what that means!
As the Oliver's visit to Washington winds down, we couldn't miss an opportunity to take them on yet another all day tourist-a-thon. This time, we headed south for another one of nature's awesome wonders - Mount St. Helen's.
Now you're realizing why the title is what is is huh? If not, here's some history and interesting facts: Washington has 5 "recognized" volcanoes. In 1980, one of those volcanoes erupted in grand style. You can see a great video about it here: http://www.history.com/videos/mount-st-helens-erupts#mount-st-helens-erupts
Go ahead, watch it, I'll wait. It's pretty funny -- and dead accurate.
So, ash was spread all over the PNW from this eruption... Ever wonder WHY Washington and Oregon are "recently" great wine states?
Anyway, it was time to see this sleeping giant for ourselves.
We packed up the car, the kids, and the grandparents and headed for a day at the mountain.
Here's our first look from our lunch spot:
Yes, it was a gorgeous day! We took it all in and meandered our way up to the visitor's area.
It really is an amazing place to visit and talk with the rangers. Many of them have worked there for years and can tell you all about the ecosystems. They explained that the area looked like the surface of the moon after the blast. Everything was just gone. But over time, nature is reclaiming the area. They talked about the return of fish in spirit lake, the rehabitation of butterflies, and the wildflowers blooming. It was amazing to hear and see -- just the sheer determination of nature rebounding from a catastrophic situation.
The girls participated in a Junior Ranger program that talked on their level about what happened and what's happening now.
Of course the most interesting thing happened when we went into the visitor's center one last time. The rangers were all buzzing and passing around binoculars. One called us over and said, do you see? I said see what? She passed me the binoculars -- the mountain was steaming. You see, this is still an active volcano. She said the lava dome has been moving lately. Oh boy, we all know what that means!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Photo Friday
**Every Friday, I will post a picture from our life. Enjoy!!! **
Flying over the Himalayas, Tibet, May 2011
Monday, July 9, 2012
52-Week Challenge: Weeks 27 & 28
I forgot to press the publish button on the week 27 post, so you're getting a two-fer this week.
Week 27... You know, I forgot to celebrate week 26 being the half-way point last week. So, happy halfway!
Week 27 brings us a new sort of challenge. How easy is it for you to just write a check for charity? This week the author challenges us to give back by giving of yourself. If you're like me, you're running around with kids, kids activities, working, going to school, managing a household, getting ready for company, and everything else that interjects itself into our daily lives. Not so easy now is it? Well, carve out some time this week and give back to a nonprofit, charity, or project that you are interested in. I have some ideas on what I'll do this week, but I would love to hear about your ideas.
** and here is the post for this week **
The focus for week 28 is "Beware the beverage!" Sounds like a warning from Scooby Doo to me. But it has a great place here... Do you know how much sugar is in a typical 12 oz serving of coke? 9 teaspoons... However, when was the last time you ONLY drank a 12 oz coke?
The American Heart Association suggests that women should consume no more than 100 calories (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar (sugar not naturally found in foods) a day, while men should consume no more than 150 calories (about 9 teaspoons) each day. And why should you follow the rules? Well, high consumption of added sugars is linked to obesity, high blood pressure, increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, not to mention constipation, moodiness, and premature aging.
Quite honestly, I'd rather eat my sugar than drink it. I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve for this challenge and I'll share them with you next week.
Other Resources:
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Cha"nges-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
Week 27... You know, I forgot to celebrate week 26 being the half-way point last week. So, happy halfway!
Week 27 brings us a new sort of challenge. How easy is it for you to just write a check for charity? This week the author challenges us to give back by giving of yourself. If you're like me, you're running around with kids, kids activities, working, going to school, managing a household, getting ready for company, and everything else that interjects itself into our daily lives. Not so easy now is it? Well, carve out some time this week and give back to a nonprofit, charity, or project that you are interested in. I have some ideas on what I'll do this week, but I would love to hear about your ideas.
** and here is the post for this week **
The focus for week 28 is "Beware the beverage!" Sounds like a warning from Scooby Doo to me. But it has a great place here... Do you know how much sugar is in a typical 12 oz serving of coke? 9 teaspoons... However, when was the last time you ONLY drank a 12 oz coke?
The American Heart Association suggests that women should consume no more than 100 calories (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar (sugar not naturally found in foods) a day, while men should consume no more than 150 calories (about 9 teaspoons) each day. And why should you follow the rules? Well, high consumption of added sugars is linked to obesity, high blood pressure, increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, not to mention constipation, moodiness, and premature aging.
Quite honestly, I'd rather eat my sugar than drink it. I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve for this challenge and I'll share them with you next week.
Other Resources:
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Cha"nges-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Just another Sunday
Farmers markets are open for business!!!! I couldn't think of a better place to have lunch or pick up some fresh food. We headed for the South Tacoma farmers market (the same one we visited last summer, read up here). We had all sorts of treats, even freshly-made Popsicles.
The day was sooooo pretty that we just couldn't leave it at just visiting the market. After a quick drive, we decided to head for the sound. I had read about some local parks located on the sound on a local mommy blog, Sounds Fun Mom! This day just couldn't end there, so we decided to meander over to Steilacoom and Sunnyside Beach Park.
We played on the sandy beach and found a jellyfish. We played in the grass and on the playground. We watched the ferry run back and forth. Really, we just enjoyed our day in the sun and on the water.
The day was sooooo pretty that we just couldn't leave it at just visiting the market. After a quick drive, we decided to head for the sound. I had read about some local parks located on the sound on a local mommy blog, Sounds Fun Mom! This day just couldn't end there, so we decided to meander over to Steilacoom and Sunnyside Beach Park.
We played on the sandy beach and found a jellyfish. We played in the grass and on the playground. We watched the ferry run back and forth. Really, we just enjoyed our day in the sun and on the water.
Seeing the Sights
Continuing our theme of showing the Olivers around, no trip to the Seattle area is complete without a few stops. And... I got to play with my new toy. Ronnie bought me a new camera. I am beyond excited about it and the pictures I captured.
We headed out bright and early Saturday morning and made a beeline for the Bremerton ferry. We had ridden the ferry when we went to the San Juan Islands back in April and the girls wanted to share that with Grammy and Papa. The ferry system here is one of the best ways to see the Sound.... of course, the weather couldn't have been more pretty.
After an hour's ride, we landed at Pier 52 in downtown Seattle. We quickly found our favorite parking spot and headed out on foot to discover the rest of Seattle. Another of our favorite things is to eat fish and chips at the counters at Pike Place Market. Sarah has her Ab-SO-lute favorite and we HAVE to go there over any other place every time. After grabbing lunch, we wandered around the market taking in all the sites (and with me snap-snap-snapping pictures. Did I mention I love my new camera????)
After we had our fill of the market, we made our way to Seattle Center. Of course, we did it with style - we took the Monorail. The Olivers decided they didn't want to wait in the hour+ long line for the Space Needle, so we just hung out at other Seattle Center sites. We played on the lawn and at Friendship Fountain.
Before you ask, no I did not "enhance" the sky with my fancy new camera. It is really that blue up here....
We headed out bright and early Saturday morning and made a beeline for the Bremerton ferry. We had ridden the ferry when we went to the San Juan Islands back in April and the girls wanted to share that with Grammy and Papa. The ferry system here is one of the best ways to see the Sound.... of course, the weather couldn't have been more pretty.
After an hour's ride, we landed at Pier 52 in downtown Seattle. We quickly found our favorite parking spot and headed out on foot to discover the rest of Seattle. Another of our favorite things is to eat fish and chips at the counters at Pike Place Market. Sarah has her Ab-SO-lute favorite and we HAVE to go there over any other place every time. After grabbing lunch, we wandered around the market taking in all the sites (and with me snap-snap-snapping pictures. Did I mention I love my new camera????)
After we had our fill of the market, we made our way to Seattle Center. Of course, we did it with style - we took the Monorail. The Olivers decided they didn't want to wait in the hour+ long line for the Space Needle, so we just hung out at other Seattle Center sites. We played on the lawn and at Friendship Fountain.
Before you ask, no I did not "enhance" the sky with my fancy new camera. It is really that blue up here....
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