30 Day challenge

So I saw the movie Julie & Julia in theaters with my hubby and got really inspired! I really like what she did with Julia Child's book and thought that maybe I would like to do something like that. I didn't want to the exact challenge, per say, but i really liked the idea. So the last couple of days I have been pondering on what I could do. I played with the idea that i could do the exact thing that Julie did - cook her way through Julia Child's cookbook. So i went to the bookstore with the intent on buying Julia's book - but then I looked through it. I decided I didn't really like cooking that much. Sure cooking can be fun, but not THAT fun!! So I started looking at other ideas - since I was at the bookstore already and this is what I came up with.

Ever since I had Jacob I have struggled with my weight. I have tried everything - and I mean everything...pills, dieting with friends, working out with friends, at least 3 different diet programs...and I just couldn't hack it. It's probably down to motivation and I just didn't have it (besides the fact that I have issues with finishing things!!!). So I found a book at the bookstore - The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start. This book looks fool proof - and motivationless (is that a word?). The book has meals and snacks for 30 days, along with exercise to do for everyday.

My Challenge is simple...follow this book ALL THE WAY THROUGH!!! No quitting half way through...no "cheating" PERIOD. I figure I can do anything for 30 days...especially something that is fool proof!!

The purpose of posting this on my blog is so that everyone knows so that i will feel even that much more motivated to finish! If I did it privately...I could quit and the only person I would have to answer to is myself. This gives me my reputation as motivation. I don't want to look like a quitter to anyone...

So there it is!! Wish me luck!!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Dinner Tonight

So I made a new sauce for spaghetti tonight(which I am sure most of you have done this before) but it was really yummy and economical (especially if you grow you're own tomatoes!!). So here is the recipe:

Puttanesca Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced or chopped
3 tsp anchovy paste
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp capers
2 tsp snipped fresh chives (optional I had some on hand from garden)
Italian seasoning
salt and pepper (remember capers and olives are salty so go light on the salt)

saute onion and garlic in oil until softened, add the anchovy paste and let cook for a couple minutes. Then add the rest of the ingredients except the olives. Add the olives at last minute. Let sauce cook until heated through or until ready to put on spaghetti.

Serve with garlic bread and salad!

YUMMY!!!!!!

Friday, August 28, 2009

New Discoveries

So in doing some research in preparation for....possibly.... increasing our family size to 8, I came across a book called "The Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family". It was written by a woman who has four natural children and then adopted six other children. So for those who are too tired to do the math that's 10 kids. What?!?! And she only spends about $600 a month on food. The book is amazing so far even if you don't plan on having a ton of kids. She gives some really creative and good advice on how to be more frugal. They live in a 3,000 sq foot home, don't have any debt except their house, and have savings for a rainy day. She stays home with the kids and her husband doesn't make millions, he has an average job. She's got it worked out to where they only spend just under $3000 per child a year! That's amazing!

So the purpose of telling you all this is because she has a blog. It has a lot of useful information on it - money saving tips, gardening tips, recipes, etc. Thought you might be interested. It is www.owlhaven.net. I have only just scratched the surface of this lady's ideas, but so far I am loving them!!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Water and Activity Day at my house

So this last friday a couple of friends of mine and their kids came over for a water/activity day. It was lots of fun. While the kids played outside with the water stuff, the adults (and the 12-year-old) were inside making taffy - which was super yummy! Here's a couple of pictures. And the baby is Matthew.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Matthew

So here's some pictures of Matthew. These were taken today and he wasn't the happiest of babies today. He's not used to the new diet and was a little constipated (I hope it's better tomorrow).

Foster care

So our adventures in the foster-adopt program has definately been an educating and exhausting one. For a couple of weeks we were visiting a 9-year-old african american. She was nice and there was really no reason to not adopt her - except one. Ever since day one of meeting her I could not get rid of this "feeling" of restlessness and confusion. I eventually relented to the spirit and we had to pass on the 9 year old. And boy did i feel tons better after i did that. Now we are doing an emergency foster situation. We are fostering a 9-month old cutie. His name is Matthew and he is just a delight to have in our home. I now understand what everyone has talked about when they warn "don't get attached!" Too late! He hardly cries (unless you try to put him to sleep without a bottle). Pictures to come! I am a little disappointed in the child protective services though. He just had his first visit with his parents and it went fine. I did find out, however, that the mom has a chance to get him back if she passes 3 random drug tests this next week. The thing I am frustrated about is this.....What the heck is 3 drug tests going to tell you?!? I strongly believe that if there is a drug abuse history, a parent should have to go through a rigorous drug rehabilitation before allowing to have their children back...especially infants. Infants can be frustrating, tiring, and it takes more than a strong will for a drug addict to get through something like that without going back to the drugs. I don't think I would have such a big problem giving him up if i new that he was going to a good home....but I'm not so confident. So I am a little scared for the little guy, hoping and praying that his mom either shapes up (for real) or we get to keep him. UGH! What a crazy and sad world we live in! Keep little Matthew in your prayers!

Thursday, August 13, 2009