Project Life

Brrrr....It's cold outside! Perfect time for a blog post. Most of you know I have been scrapbooking for about 14 years. I can't believe I still enjoy this hobby after so many years and 30 albums later! Although I'm not burned out, I don't have as much time to devote, as I once did. Enter Becky Higins Project Life. It a easier way to scrapbook, using divided page protectors, and core kits. Unfortunately it only come in 12x12 format, and I'm an old school 8.5x11 scrapper. I was so excited when last year I found that We R Memory Keepers developed a similar system for 8.5 scrapbookers. I bought a passel of protectors, but they either had to many odd sized sections, or not enough places for photos. So I broke out my sewing machine, and some of my existing WeR Memory Keepers protectors and starting measuring, then sewing. First, I measured 3" in from each side, and drew a line with a sharpie(in the photo I put 4-was havin a moment) I sewed over the line, which made 3 more pockets. The two outer pockets will fit the Becky Higgins Core Kit cards, and the middle pocket can hold coordinating paper, or in some lines, such as Bo Bunny, thier coordinating Cut Outs. Of course, other companies carry similar lines (Simple Stories, Echo Park Photo Freedom) so it is versatile to make what works for you.

Maybe when I run out of protectors,(and I have a lot) I will finally switch over to BH Proect Life. Call me frugal.

What???

That's an apt description for the past 6 months. Lot's of changes here... I know some of you follow me on Facebook, and see my posts from time to time. In a nutshell, Derek has changed jobs, and we now live in South Central, South Dakota. We live in a tiny town of 1500 people. Yes, I said 1500. We have been here for 5 weeks, and I'm still in shock that we live in such a small area. There is no fast food, no clothing stores, and no decent resturaunts. The town we live in is so tiny, our arrival even made it into the local newspaper! When I am having a bad day, and I want to head back to Utah, or Arkansas, I keep reminding myself, it will get easier each day. It's not all negative. I have great neighbors. People are very friendly, and courteous. They drive at a snails pace, which is a far cry from Utah! The schools are small, but provide ample programs for the kids. Lydia is on the Volleyball Team! Can you believe that? Kate got baptized last Saturday. We had to travel over an hour to a building that had a font. My Mom and Dad were able to come up from Oklahoma to attend. Also, Jacob started school this Fall. My days are pretty much filled with carting kids to school, cleaning/organizing, cooking, and my newest venture-my own baking buisness. Amy's Edibles..real original, eh? I wasnt sure there was a need for it here, but I now have a booth at our local Farmer's Market. I sell Gluten-Free baked goods, and it is going very well. I have made tons of contacts, and hope to be getting some special orders from the hunting lodges very soon. I also am starting a GIG Gluten Intolerance support group here at the hospital. We have the CEO's approval, so I am getting the GIG National paperwork completed. This area is known for Pheasant Hunting. There are tons of hunting lodges, and come October, this place will be crawling with Camo. It a huge buisness here, and a real boost to the economy. Also, scrapbooking is big here. We have a large scrapbook store in the next town, that hosts free crops, and sometimes retreats. I'm heading to a 3 day retreat at the end of the month. I am looking forward to some me time :) Derek's new job is at a small hospital, owned by Avera. His patient load is lighter, and his co-workers, supportive. The hospital reminds me a lot of Saint Anthony's back in Morrilton. Well, that's about it. You have been officially updated.

Weight Loss Woes

As many of you know, my weight has been a yo-yo through the years.
Growing up, I was always thin, thanks to a little-know disease called Celiac Sprue. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 19. Although, I loved being thin, I hated the side effects it brought from eating the wrong foods, nausea, vomiting, diarrea, sweats, shaking, stomach bloating, fatigue..the list goes on an on. I realized the other day, that I did just the best that I could with the situation. Sure people thought it was all in my head, or I had a nervous stomach, but they were wrong.
Did it interrupt my life? Most certainly. Not being able to travel, missing days of work, making plans with friends, and having to cancel. It was just SO frustrating. Fast forward 20 years, a gluten-free lifestyle, and here I am healthier, but heavier also. I love to bake. it is so calming to me. The smell wafting from the oven...my snacks were my little Saviors.
About October I started to see that I needed to make some changes in my life. One of which was to stop drinking Cokes. I'm not gonna lie, it was hard. Doing that one little thing helped me to start looking at what all that sugar was doing to me...making me more hungry! It took about 2 weeks for the headaches to stop also. I was a grouch! I started eliminating a few things out of my diet, higher fat snacks like potato chips and cheese. Starting eating healthier things like fruit, oatmeal for breakfast, and eating almonds for snack. I tried to exercise, but that has just never been my thing. Since October, I have lost 20 pounds, but now I am at a stalemate. I must lose 20 more pounds. I have to go back to the gym. This is the hard part. Although I love how I feel after a workout, I do not enjoy the soreness the next day. Being married to a Physical Therapist really helps though. Derek makes me stretch on the ball, and works out the kinks with massage, when I need him too. He is such a blessing.
Im curious, those of you that actually read my blog, what has been the most successful thing you have done, to help you to become a healthier person?

Hugs...Amy

Time Marches on...

I just can't seem to keep up with everything...I am shocked to see it has been 2 months since my last post! I am so happy it is March. Such a great time of renewal. Some of my bulbs are already popping through the ground here in Utah. Don't worry, a late snowstorm will come and kill evey blooming thing! lol...that's why I dont plant my garden until after May 15th.

Derek and I have been busy on house projects. We have repainted our bedroom to a light grey color called Wordly Grey(SW),set up the front room as an office, instead of a playroom, and have solved the mystery of the vanishing hot water, by finally fixing out hot water heater. We also cleaned out and organized the basement. Guess these were all things we could do in the dead of winter, but I am so looking forward to getting the garden area tilled up again, and starting our seeds inside, at the end of this month.

My mom and Dad are coming for a visit mid-May, and she will help me plant the front beds for the summer months ahead. Can I say how much I love having a Master Gardner for a Mother?

As far as life in general, Derek is still working at IHC, but I am taking a much needed break from work. I have been watching children in my home, but a good friend of mine was needing some income, so we worked it out. She is now watching the children I had before. I also took Jake out of Preschool(the last two months were mostly fluff(field trips and stuff). Figured I could save myself some money, and just take all my kids to see the really cool stuff! Looks like tomorrow we may be heading up to Salt Lake to go to the Hogle Zoo, and see the This is the Place monument.
There are so many family things to do here in Utah. We are kinda spoiled!

In April we have Derek's annual mission reunion up in Idaho...can't wait to see all my buds again.

Happy Spring!

Happy New Year!

How did I spend my New Year's Eve? In bed with a migraine.
Thanks to a heavy dosage of drugs, I slept right on through the dropping of the ball, the neighbors fireworks, and loud music. Guess I didnt miss much...

Did I tell you my sweet husband finally did the tiling job in the kitchen? About a year ago, we got some glass mosiac tiles on clearance from Home Depot, for like 1$ per 12x12 sheet. I was thrilled, and bought two boxes for a little over 40$. I was teasing him that the 'project' probably wouldn't get done within a year, but he proved me wrong!

Here is the before:

Here is the after:

and another view:

So glad he is handy!!!! So for a little over 100$ we did the whole things, which included all the supplies too :)

Yikes! Christmas Post!

I cant believe it's been a couple of months since my last post..you know, life gets in the way sometimes.

I started a new job this Fall, after being laid off, late last year. I watch 2 children in the neighborhood, and it has been really good for Jacob. I also have been busy with my gluten-free blog, and networking to get my site up, and eventually get my cookbook published.

Jacob started pre-school this year. He goes three days a week, and I have to say, I love my me time! I cant believe he is going to be in Kindergarten next Fall!

Kate is in 2nd grade, and has lost 2 teeth this past month. The Tooth Fairy has been busy in our house! She will be Baptized next summer, and we can't wait for this milestone.

Lydia is 13 now, and got her braces on in August. Her teeth have improved so much already. Can't wait to see the finished product. She is still playing the violin in Orchestra, and is way into drama, at home, and in Drama class....Ha!

Derek is still working Inpatient Care, at Utah Valley Regional. We are still looking for an Outpaient Position with the Geratric population, which is his specialty.

Derek and I will be celebrating our 19th anniversary on the 23rd. Im not sure where all those years went, but I'm glad we are still together, and we love each other. He really has been there for me the past few years, which has had it share of challenges.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Rolled Rice Krispy Treats

Okay, I have to admit, I love my sweets! The past month, I haven't been baking much. I am eating healthier, and losing weight in the process.
I find if I bake, I eat! Dont get me wrong, I do splurge one day during the week, usually a Saturday.

I was watching Studio 5(Amy Richardson) a couple of months ago, and they featured this variation of a Rice Krispy Treat. My SIL came to me, and asked for a good treat to serve her Celiac co-workers. I tweaked the recipe a bit, and here it is.

Warning these are so addictive. I usually slice them up, and wrap induvidually in foil, and hide them in the freezer for later :)


5 tbsp butter
5 1/2 cups Gluten Free Rice Krispie Cereal
1-10oz package marshmallows
1/3 cup peanut butter (White Chocolate Wonderful, Peanut Butter & Co.)
1- 4oz bar of chocolate, melted (Hershey or other GF milk chocolate)
1- 4oz bar white chocolate, melted
3/4 cup coarsely chopped cashews(get these in the bulk isle, they are cheaper)
1/4 cup prepared, or homemade caramel(I like Mrs. Richardsons)


Method:

· Butter a small flat baking sheet(I used my broiler pan from my oven,remove the insert, of course)
set aside.

· In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat, add marshmallows and stir until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter.

· Fold in cereal.

· When evenly coated, pour into prepared pan. Press to flatten slightly.

· Sprinkle cereal mixture with half the nuts. Drizzle half of the chocolate, white chocolate and caramel over the nuts.

· Refrigerate for 5-7 minutes, or until chocolate is slightly set.

· From the small end of pan, lift cereal and roll, jelly roll style. Pressing lightly to compress. Smoothing edge to seal.

· With seam side down, drizzle remaining, chocolates, and caramel over the top of roll, finishing with remaining chopped nuts.

· Refrigerate until firm. Slice into rounds when ready to serve.

Makes 10 pieces