Friday, July 10, 2009

Eating Clean

We have decided to take a stand against society and marketing from commercials. We are going to eat clean. We aren't going to put crap into our bodies anymore. No chemicals or preservatives. No fake anything. If the product has more than 3 ingredients (such as did you know how many ingredients are in chips or pop or even Kraft Mac and Cheese?) its most likely not going in our bodies. With the help and guidance of Tosca Reno we are changing the way we see food.

We are eating 5-6 times a day. We are eating only fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and low fat "clean" dairy.

We did a project on Wednesday with the girls to teach them about food. We had them plan out a week's worth of meals, no help from us. We then had them write out a grocery list for that meal plan. We went to the farmer's market, walmart, and aldi to have them read the labels of the stuff on their list AND write down prices. We wanted them to learn not only what they were putting in their bodies but also how much food costs. We spent hours doing this, and we had hoped it made an impact.

Well now both girls are on the clean eating band wagon full force. Already asking for alternatives to birthday cake AND they convinced their dad they were ready for a change. He in turn convinced his girlfriend. This is not a diet for us. This is a life change. A change for our future. We want to give our girls health as a gift so many parents neglect. What's going to help them when they are 30 is not going to be the twinkie they asked for after dinner throughout elementary school. It's teaching them the power and purpose of food! Will we ever let our kids eat "junk" again. I'm sure every once in a while they will have junk. But after just a week of eating clean in this house the kids think carrots almost taste too sweet to eat too many of them and fresh strawberries make a great alternative for jelly/jam. They find the salt that is found naturally in foods to be MORE than enough salt for a dish. We have now walked almost 2 miles Wednesday (to the farmers market as a family), played Wii Fit as a family yesterday, and walked 3 miles today (to the library as a family). We are committed to making our lives better and that starts with realizing what was slowing us down!

Here are some of the things we've tried so far that have been a big hit and super economical

Meals:
Roastiserie Chicken from whole foods (bone and skin removed at home), tomato slices, sliced avacado, brown rice
Left over roastiserie chicken, sauteed zuchini/squash/mushrooms, brown rice
Tilapia with a homemade tomato sauce, zuchini, carrot, served on brown rice
Salmon with egg "fried" brown rice
Homemade chicken noodle soup
Cabbage with red beans and squash
Nut butter sandwich on whole grain bread with fresh veggie slices instead of jelly
Oat meal (rolled oats) with banana and pecans
Oatmeal (rolled oats) with mixed berries
Oatmeal (rolled oats) with unsweetened applesauce and cinnamon

Snacks:
Low fat cottage cheese and fruit
Sharp white organic cheddar, fruit, apple cinnamon rice cakes
Cateloupe, cottage cheese, pecans
Hard boiled egg whites with cheese
Hard boiled egg whites with veggies

And we've ALL been drinking between 2-3 LITERS of water each and every day.

**Picture posts to come of the trip to the park and zoo with Gramme and Charlotte's new haircut

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Delaney's Baptism


We love this little peanut

Our family (my mom graciously took pictures that morning)


Praying with the congregation


Vowing to raise Delaney with the values of the church


Sprinkling of water (pretty sure this was Delaney's favorite part)



Prayer of the ministers


Pastor Bill looks so comfortable with her


Getting back our sleepy baby


Gramme took a very pretty picture here!


Pretty Pretty Girl


Handband Gramme bought her


Delaney's Baptism Celebration Cake


Jess did a great job picking this cake out!

Carla, Vincent, Natalie, Charlotte, Julia, Gpa Mike, Gma Belinda, Gramme, and Traci joined me Jess and Delaney in celebrating her Baptism. We had Fajitas, Homemade Guacamole, Fresh Veggies, and Cake. We are so thankful to those that were there and those that were unable to be there but were thinking about our little angel that day. It takes a village to raise a good moral child. We will need all of you to help us raise her in a Christian manner. :)

Exesaucer, Potty, Big girl carseat, First 4th of July










Baba Yaga and Half a King is Better Than No King










Julia and Charlotte went to "Let's Put on a Show" camp through Kansas City Young Audiences. Julia was the Cat in Baba Yaga and Charlotte played several roles including Henchmen, Jester, and Storyteller in Half a King is Better than No King.

Merry Wives of Windsor


Mistress Page











Thursday, June 25, 2009

Fun with Julia

Me Julia and Delaney went to Crown Center today. We saw the Lego exhibit, went to Kaleidoscope, and played in the fountains. (*Shelly this is one of the places I want to take you guys! I think Violet would love the fountains and the art projects in Kaleidoscope!)



Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Bad Blogger

I haven't posted much over this month. Sorry to all those that actually read our little blog.

*Jess had her birthday on the 19th! She is so amazing. I think I've said that a time or two, but she really is. She got some great gifts and we had a fantastic day together!! I feel sad that I didn't post a proper post but I know she understands!
**I gave Jess a beautiful 5 month old daughter :)
**Jess' mom & dad gave her Wii Fit, the Wii Fit start kit, and some moola
**My mom gave her moola
**My dad gave her a necklace
**Bill gave her a funny card
**The kids made cards
**Her brother got her Freaks and Geeks DVD

*Wii Fit is deceitful! It kicks your BEhind and you don't even know it. Especially that hula hoop game!

*Delaney is getting up on all fours...crawling is in our future

*Cousin Vincent is starting to walk unassisted! So proud!

*Charlotte got a lead in this year's Camp Shakespeare play Merry Wives of Windsor. She is Mistress Page. We know she will be great!

*We are loving the signing time videos. Me, Jess, the big girls, and Delaney all like the videos. Very well done. Jess and I even had a brief ASL convo during church Sunday. Hey! It's rude to speak outloud so we signed instead! :)

*We are planning a special trip with a very special friend in August. We are all so very excited to spend some quality time with our friend and her daughter. Drinking KC beer, eating good food, visiting neat sites, and wonderful conversation. Ahhh just the thought makes me smile. :)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Elephants...Bach...and a Sweet Baby Angel

Wednesday baby *J* went to be with the angels in heaven. He was born early but he sure was a fighter from what I've heard from Jess. He was transferred to Children's Mercy Hospital 3.5 months ago...and that is the day Jess starting falling in love and taking care of that little boy. His parents were told that he probably wouldn't make it, but you know what...he lived a little over 6 months. He went downhill about two months ago but pulled through. He was such a trooper. And regardless of the tubes coming out of him he managed to laugh and entertain his mom, dad, and the nurses that took care of him.

I heard one of his favorite things were these two elephants that his parents bought him to put on his mobile. Every time these little elephants made their way into his view he would smile this HUGE smile. He also LOVED the Bach song that came on. Jess didn't mind working 4 shifts a week (almost 50 hours) because she got to spend the day with this little guy and his family.

Wednesday little *J* passed away. His body just couldn't fight anymore. His parents showed so much grace that day. They allowed numerous friends and family to come and hold their son. Love on him. Kiss him. Talk to him. Say goodbye to him. And then they spent time alone with him. I cannot imagine the strength that day took for these two loving parents.

Today Jess is at baby *J*'s funeral. She drove an hour north to attend. I really hope that she is able to stay in contact with his parents. By telling this...I am hoping that (1) everyone out there prays for their continued strength and perseverance. (2) prays for baby *J*'s peace. (3) holds your children tight today for them. (4) prays that someday baby *J* sends his parents a big fat overdue little chunky monkey that goes home from the hospital after 24 hours and lives happily ever after. I also tell you this because I amazed by the strength of his parents AND the strength of the three nurses that took care of him around the clock. The three nurses that worked this final week of his life and vowed to be there in his final moments. I want to say how proud I am to be married to such a wonderful, compassionate, loving, devoted woman.

I heard these stories about baby *J* from Jess. I never met him. I did however laugh at the stories. Get to know the little guy. I made signs for his 5 month birthday and his 6 month birthday for his bedspace at the NICU. And I cried in the final week of his inspiring little life. I am so glad that he was in our lives even if his time here was cut way to short!



-K-

Friday, June 19, 2009

Happy Birthday BABE!





Tuesday, June 16, 2009

5 Months

*10lbs 14.5oz
*Eating solids
*Breastfeeding every 2-3 hours during the day, every 3-5 hours at night
*Sleeps from 9:30-2:30 then from 3:00-6:30 most nights
*Laughs almost constantly
*Talks a LOT
*Can sit unassisted
*Pulls her knees up under her while pushing up during tummy time
*Preferred positions are sitting or standing, but in almost constant contact with me or Jess
*Can pull up on our fingers to standing position
*Loves water
*Still fits in some newborn clothes but is now almost solely in 0-3 month clothes.
*wonderful and amazing