It Just Doesn't Get Any Better Than An Apple! - iPad

Technology is another one of my favorite hobbies. Seeing the new iPad (think iPhone/iTouch but on crack) demo has got me all giddy. Of course I am sitting here thinking of all the reasons I need one but I can also create an endless list telling why I need a MacBook Pro and an iMac. So the question is....can you have too many Macs? And when will this stupid Gateway just DIE???

Check it out....

A Must Have - Jewerly Find

I have run across The Vintage Pearl website being referenced on two different blogs I follow and I am loving it. I MUST have one of these necklaces.

Being that we haven't picked a name for our new addition yet I am holding off on buying one but will as soon as he is born. I really like the"Circle of Love" necklace and think I will put his name and birthday on it. But really with so many awesome ideas I could change my mind before then. Great, another thing to wait on ;-)

An Apron for Myself

It's been a few weeks (month & a 1/2) since I finished making aprons as X-Mas presents and finally put one together for myself. This one took me the least amount of time of all of them. It's amazing how you figure out short-cuts when you are on the last one. Will not worry about outside seams on straps if I ever make them again. Thinking I want to add some embellishments but not sure what. Am open to suggestions;)

Sweet Potato Fries

Last night for "Dinner and a Movie" we had my running friend, Debbie, over and made dinner. I offered to make pork tenderloin (marinated in McCormick's Zesty Herb seasoning) and some sort of sweet potato and she would bring a salad (greens, feta, sunflower seeds, craisins and dressing of choice). She asked if I have ever made Sweet Potato Fries and raved about how good they were, so I decided to give it a try and they turned out spectacular. Even Michael, who said "I don't like sweet potatos", like them. He did say they would be better deep fried but then they wouldn't be near as good for you. The were so easy and quick that they will be making it to the Higgins' cookbook (hopefully another Christmas present next year-see earlier post for slideshow from Shutterfly)

For those of you interested here is the recipe she gave me:

Sweet Potato Fries
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes
1 tbsp of olive oil
sprinkly w/ salt and paprika
Preparation:Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch strips and toss in the oil and salt. Arrange in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet. Place in oven for 30 minutes, turning once.

Enjoy!!!

Inspired by Julie

.....that would be Julie of Julie & Julie the movie about a blogger blogging about cooking from Julia Child's famous cookbook while also telling the story of how Julia Child began cooking, writing, and teaching. The movie was delightful; a light hearted, sweet story that made me laugh from beginning to end.

What Blogger wouldn't be inspired by watching a movie about a blogger that becomes famous because of her blog, writes a book, and eventually makes a movie. Now my aspirations are not that high with my 2 blogs but it did get me to thinking about a few things. First is that maybe my enteries need to express a bit more about me and not just be about the facts. Maybe I need to put in a few more deep thoughts and feelings about how my interests really affect my being and those around me??? And the second thing I am thinking about is who is the blog for? Is it for me to journal my life or is it for others to benefit from? Who really is out there listening? And am I giving my readers what they want?

One of my favorite parts of the movie is when Julie gets her first comment (from her mother) and how it progresses from there. Not that I need validation from others, but I think if I knew others were out there listening it might improve my message. If I knew I was writing for others and not just myself, maybe that would also inspire me. So please, if you are reading, please leave me some sort of commentary, note, observation, or remark.

2009 - Races in Review

Didn't think about the past years mileage and races until I totaled up my miles for 2009 and read Chanti's blog post about all the races she did last year. Don't think it will look near as impressive as hers but think it's good to reflect and plan for the future.

2009 miles run = 1037.8 miles (3 pairs of Asics Gel Nimbus')

*did some biking but didn't keep track of those miles, maybe next year.

2009 Races

Jan. - Eric's Run 5K

March - Run with the Wind 25K (15.5 miles) with Chanti and Don, Saint Paddy's Revenge Urban Adventure Race with Chanti

April - biked the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon with Chanti (was supposed to run but had hamstring injury)

May - (missed 1st Ozark Greenways Adventure Race in nine years - hamstring injury kept me from trianing)

June - 1st Annual Joplin Boomtown Half Marathon with Chanti & Debbie (highlights - saw Bart Yasso, Debbie even ran with him for a couple of minutes and Chanti and I finished in under 2 hours)

July - Carthage 4th of July Boom Run - Tralaine, Andy, Michael, Cherona, Robin, and I all ran. I had a PR and took 2nd (Tralaine took first)!!!!

Aug.-Dec. - took off racing to get pregnant and was successful :)

All in all, I didn't run near as many races as I wanted and didn't even fit in a big adventure race but as soon as I have this baby and recover, the running tally will start again. Some races that I would like to put on the future race calendar are: 4th of July Boom Run 5K (July), The Berryman Adventure Race 12 hr (Sept), and a fall half-marathon....for 20011, The Disney Half & Full (Jan) Marathons to get the Goofy Medal. Aiming high!

Run (walk) on!

Brooke

First Baby Craft

A friend at a baby shower a few weeks ago I saw some burp clothes made from cloth diapers and cute fabric. They seemed simple enough to make and since I couldn't find any that I liked in the stores I figured I could give it a try. I made two different kinds; one that had fabric down the center on both sides and the other with fabric sewed down the outsides on one side. Pre-washing the fabric and diapers was the one tip my friend gave me.

I found the fabric at Hobby Lobby and am thinking that my next project might be a quilt with the same fabric depending on if it matches the fabric I have on order for the twin bed. I haven't ever made a quilt before but found a couple of options that may work. Thinking about a quilt my friend Brandy made called a Rag Quilt or a Charm Squares Baby Quilt that I found on the Sew Mama Sew blog.

But first...making myself one of the aprons I made people for Christmas. Pictures to come ;)

Appreciating Walking @ Week 23

It has officially been two weeks since my last run :( and I have been trying to walk 5 days a week with a pretty good track record. With the help of friends (willing to run on the treadmill while I walk) and my husband who will walk outside with me when it's nice, I have kept up with it. I have lifted arms once (not enough) and also done yoga a couple of times. I hear all sorts of great information about pregnancy and delivery being so much better if you are in shape but trying to figure out what that means for me now is hard.

I now have a new aliment - I think associated with pregnancy. On the inside of my left ankle there seems to be a pinched nerve that sends "hot sparks" down into my heel if I flex just the right way. Robert thinks it is probably associated with swelling, which I now also am getting a bit of in my calves, ankles, and feet. It's not so bad, I just need to remember to get my feet up once in a while and keep stretching. The calf cramps are getting a little worse. Had another one that woke me up in the middle of the night. My right foot was pointed like a ballerina's and I had to stand on it to get it to go away. Left a Charlie Horse for a day or two.

On a not so good note.....I instantly gained 4 pounds it seems as soon as the running stopped. This is a time when I am supposed to be gaining, being pregnant and all, but 4 pounds in 2 weeks is really not ideal. Thinking that all the eating out and sweets are catching up with me. Better get a check on that ;-) it will most likely help the heartburn as well.

Bob - Ironman Jogging Stroller (imagine in red)

I know it seems that I am complaining, but really this is all going pretty good I just miss running with my friends. It's what I do and I miss it. I have found a jogging stroller (see picture above) which is exciting and am looking forward to running with our baby. My belly is getting bigger and looks like a pregnant belly finally, and I feel pretty good. Let's hope it keeps up like this for the next 17 weeks.

Run (Walk) On!

Brooke

Imagine Sad Movie Scene Music

So the Dr. handed down the verdict...said anything that created unnecessary jostling or bouncing is off the list of ok exercise. This means running/jogging (which is really what it had turned into) is OUT. On a good note; I can go to spin, walk, and do yoga as long as it doesn't make Braxton Hicks (contractions) worse. No need for meds or bed rest - YEAH.

Run On (without me for a while)!
Brooke

The Baby's Room

It is officially time to make a decision about how this new little bundle of love and joy will be surrounded, comforted, and stimulated by the style of his room. For those that don't know, I am a bit obsessive about decorating and have some very set style preferences and even more "rules" for decorating our baby's room.

1. Room can not look like Winnie the Pooh or Beatrice Potter has thrown up in there
2. There will be no theme
3. It should be neutral and complement the rest of the house
4. I like contemporary decorating
5. It has to blend with the couple of antiques that will be included in the room (white buffet and iron bed)
*I am sure I could think of more rules but this is a pretty good list.

Having searched every website with affordable/cute baby bedding I thought I had settled on one. But mistake number one...I shared it with a few friends thinking they would also love it. They tell me they like all of my other decorating choices so how could they not like this one. No one is raving about it and in fact, one said it looked a bit girlie. Now what do I do??? Is red too feminine...should I change the crib bedding to green? If anyone wants to give an opinion please feel free.

Our 2009 Cookbook

My first attempt at digital scrapbooking. Made an impressive Christmas gift and learned a lot for next time. Specifically about making my own Shutterfly 8X8 cover. Ask if you need help ;-)

Click here to view this photo book larger

"Just Don't Run" is not what you want to hear!

Running the last 8 weeks has been great. I have been able to keep up my 20 miles a week (2 sixes and 2 fours) and have felt pretty good. Of course my pace has slowed considerably and I have to plan my runs strategically so that I pass multiple bathrooms ;-) but all in all, this pregnancy/running has helped me keep sane and in shape and has been good......

.....Until last Saturday after my run (easy 6 miler on treadmill). I had a few contractions (8 in an hour) so called the Dr. He suggested that I may be low on nutrients and hydration and said I needed to eat and lay down and call him back if they continued. Long story short...they stopped within another hour and felt better. No worries right.

It's a new week - Ran 4 on Monday with only a couple contractions after and no other issues. Now it is Wednesday: I woke up with a contraction and had quite a few throughout the morning. Called Dr. and they basically said that I could wait to come in until Friday but that I should stop running.

Now I am frustrated, disappointed, and sad...I wanted to be able to stay running throughout the pregnancy and this isn't looking promising. Hopefully Friday's conversation with the Dr. will be better than what I think he is going to say but we'll see. Guess I could go walk ;-) Doesn't that sound fun? NO!!!

Run On :'(
Brooke