Have I Ever Told You...

How much I love this little girl?

She always smells like Cheerios- just slightly sweet. This, however, is a mystery to me because she never actually eats Cheerios. She has the girliest giggle and squeal. She has a gigantic smile. He is coordinated and has terrific balance. She is cuddly. She loves to eat and sleep. She looks at me... all. the. time. It drives BJ crazy because every time he's holding her she's cranking her neck toward whatever direction I'm in so she can look at me. She loves me and I am grateful and proud of that. I love her feet. Her toes are a little bit skiwampus and I want to eat them up. Her chubby cheeks probably receive 500 kisses a day because they are totally irresistible. Every feature on her face is feminine. I am in love- completely and totally. 

Have I ever told you how much I love this guy?

(This picture was taken moments after Ellie was born.)

BJ is fun. BJ is happy and fun loving. BJ is sensitive and caring. BJ doesn't like contention. He is scrappy in anything athletic he does- he will figure out a way to win. He is talented. Most of the time he is thinking of others and what he can do to serve them. He is kind. BJ is a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. BJ is funny- I didn't realize how funny until I married him. He makes me laugh every day. Today I cried when I went to put something away in his closet and saw that what once was a massive mound of clean clothes, shoes, socks, and sports apparel that always drives me crazy- was now a neat, orderly, organized closet. It's little things like this that BJ does for me... (He didn't clean his closet because he wanted to or cared what it looked like, but because he knew that I did. And I hadn't even asked him to do it!) that mean the world.

Just wanted to give a shout out to my little family. I love them. They are my world. Over and out.

I Don't Feel Good

I hope you're feeling better than I am.

Guardians of the Hearth

I've been studying the new book that all the sisters in the church were given...

"Daughters in My Kingdom." 

It is inspiring. It is inspired. Many women today are confused about their identity and calling as daughters of God. This book clarifies our role as women today. I love the stories of women a hundred years ago: stories of strength, faith, and charity that this book includes. I am happy to be a woman, and I am honored by all that being a women entails. As I thumbed through the pages of the book when I first brought it home one chapter heading immediately jumped out at me. The title, "Guardians of the Hearth" resonates with my soul. That is what I want to be. And that is exactly what we need more of in the world. Of this, Spencer W. Kimball said,

"To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling... She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home- which is society's basic and most noble institution."

If you don't have this book, get it. If you do have this book, read it. I promise you'll love it. Have a terrific, relaxing, and uplifting Sunday!

Ellie in Overalls

I'm sorry, but I just don't think it could get any better.

With Love, Ellie Layne

Hey guys-

Ellie here. In case you were wondering, I no longer fit this snugly in my mom's arms. I don't sleep nearly as much as I used to, and my hands work a lot better now. I'm growin' fast... and freakin my mom out as I do. Anyway- I'm off to hold my bunny and drink a little milk before bed. If you hear some screeching and babbling tonight- it's probably me.

My Day (What a ridiculously boring title. Sorry- I can't think of anything better.)

I find it strange that some days seem to be naturally better than others- often without any identifiable explanation why. Today was one of those days. From the minute I woke up at 7:45, it felt like a good day. I was happy to be awake. I was anxious to go on my walk. Nothing extraordinary happened today, nor did it need to. The simple things that made up today made me feel grateful and content.

I made the bed, played with Ellie, and ate breakfast. I unloaded the dishwasher and took out the trash. I put away clean clothes and talked to BJ on the phone. Nine o'clock brought morning science (that's what I call my morning walk- find out why here and here.) I stretched and helped Ellie sit and gnaw on her orange peel. (Try this for a teething baby's sore gums. It's my latest saving grace. Ellie LOVES it.)

The most notable thing that took place today was taking lunch to BJ at work. He's working for his dad right now on job sites- holding stop signs, moving sandbags, signaling semis, and sweeping dirty streets. Every night I pack up his lunch pail so he can slip out the door before the sun comes up in his Levis, workboots, and ball cap with lunch in hand. I didn't have a very clear view of what BJ actually did when he went to work until today. All I had known was that every day he came home exceptionally dirty and exhausted. Well now I can see why. Moving dirt is not an easy task. 

There he comes! Check out that hunk! The money maker!

We were a welcome relief in his monotonous day.

We ate Chic Fil A (which was soggy and cold by the time I got there. Very disappointing.) And talked for 15 second intervals while BJ flagged and waved the trucks on their way. Ellie watched her dad in admiration...

Then we got in trouble and had to leave because we were distracting the flagger. Woops.

We went to the bank and the grocery store and stopped at the park on the way home. The weather today was perrrrfect. Perfect I tell you.

Oh those chubby feet pokin out of that sundress. Kills me every time.

Pudgy fingers too. Mmmm...!

We came home and Ellie napped. I read and wrote in my journal. Ellie woke up and we waited on the curb for BJ to get home. I made dinner quickly while BJ showered and bathed the babe. Dinner tonight was waffles with raspberries, bananas, coconut, walnuts, maple syrup and whipped cream (not Cool Whip!), and scrambled eggs and bacon. (I was really looking forward to this after my disappointing lunch. Chic Fil A needs to be eaten immediately after purchase. Soggy chicken sandwiches and warm lemonade will never hit the spot.)

BJ then left to a job conference with his brother and I cleaned up the kitchen, bathed Ellie again (don't ask,) lotioned, pajama'd, and nursed the baby, read her some books, rocked her and sang, put her to bed, and packed BJ's lunch for tomorrow.

 I guess now looking back, I know exactly why today was a good day. Today was low key. Today I got to do a lot of things I wanted to do. And more than anything, today I was a stay-at-home mom. I spent time with my baby. I spent time with my husband. I spent time outside. I spent time feeding my family. I've wanted this for so long... and today I got it.

10 Suggestions for Mothers as they Guide their Precious Children

By President Ezra Taft Benson (who is my great grandmother's brother, and a prophet of God)

1. Take time to always be at the crossroads in the lives of your children whether they be 6 or 16.

2. Take time to be a real friend to your children.

3. Take time to read to your children. Remember what the poet wrote: 

"You may have tangible wealth untold;

 caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

 Richer than I you can never be-

 I had a mother who read to me."

4. Take time to pray with your children.

5. Take time to have a meaningful Family Home Evening. Make this one of your great family traditions.

6. Take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible.

7. Take time to read the scriptures as a family.

8. Take time to do things together as a family.

9. Take time to teach your children.

10. Take time to truly love your children. A mother's unqualified love approaches Christlike love."

Quick Tips and Tricks that make Life in the Kitchen a Little More Enjoyable

Ok, so maybe I don't live in my kitchen. But I do spend a lot of time there. I'm predicting too that in the distant future when Pugmire children #2-17 join our family- my time in the kitchen will only increase. I mean, it's been said before that the average American woman spends 19 days a year in her kitchen. With that in mind, I've compiled a list of tips and tricks I use every day to make my life in the kitchen a little more manageable. And heck, I'd even say enjoyable.

1. Use a plastic grocery bag while you cook to throw all your peelings, packagings, and garbage away. It keeps scraps and trash altogether in the same place- it won't muck up your sink and garbage disposal- and you don't have to pick up any of that trash with your hands at the end of your preparation. Have your husband take it out for you and then the disintegrating cucumber peels and chicken skins won't smell up your house.
2. Use products you enjoy using. Get a cute pair of kichen gloves (i.e.: gloveables.) Find and wear an apron you love. Explore different dishsoaps. I personally do not like yellow Joy or blue Dawn because they dry out my hands, are really slimey, and quite frankly don't smell very good. I love Mrs. Meyer's clean day products, especially their dishsoaps. (The lavender and basil scents are my favorite, although eyer lemon smells very clean and fresh.) It looks cute next to your sink and I find it quite delightful to use. My mom thought I bought it at Anthropologie. I told her I was not cool or wealthy enough to buy my dishsoap at Anthropologie. I just buy it at the grocery store... yet not all grocers carry it. Target sales really cute scrub brushes and sponges that also just make cleaning dishes and your kitchen sink a little more pleasant. Following this advice may just make you feel like the quintessential 50's housewife.

3. If you like to cook, invest in a nice set of knives. I literally only have 4 knives to use but since they're high quality it's all I need. Keep them sharpened and make sure you don't wash them in the dishwasher. Take good care of them, and they'll take good care of you.

4. Listen to music while you work. Preferably Justin Bieber. I think I've said enough.

5. Take mental notes of good things you eat in restaurants, or recipe ideas you see in magazines. It's fun to experiment and try to re-create something you had that you loved or something that looked really good. Also recall classic flavor combinations and play on those. I know that apples are good with pork and fruit chutneys are good with fish. Take concepts like this and run with 'em. I made chicken and rice once and added raw pomegranate seeds and cut up apples. The burst of sweet and tart complemented the savory chicken sauce, and the added crunch of the fresh fruit added to the textural element.
6. Put something pretty to look at in your windowsill- especially if you don't have a nice view out your kitchen sink window.
7. Collect cookbooks that inspire you to cook and look through them often to refresh your desire to try new things. Display the pretty ones.

8. Adorable hand towels are the perfect kitchen accessory. Buy one and leave it hanging by your oven. You never even have to use it... but it'll sure look cute.
9. Think about the colors of the meal you are preparing. Not only is a colorful meal healthier for you, it appeals to the senses and leaves you more satisfied.
10. Decorate your kitchen. In our apartment the kitchen was the room I originally neglected. I didn't think it mattered if the kitchen was decorated or not. By the time we were getting ready to leave, I thought the kitchen was the cutest room in the house. It made me happy to be in there, and motivated me to cook more often. The great thing too about decorating the kitchen is that you only need a few small items to do so.
11. Collect glass: display it, and serve on it. I love to go to thrift stores and find old vases, jars, candleholders, bowls, plates, cups, and goblets. Nearly every glass item in my kitchen was thrifted. Glass looks pretty when light hits it- it doesn't matter if it's expensive or cheap, new or old.
12. Keep fruit in pretty containers on your counter. It's easy to grab and sometimes flavors can be damaged by refrigeration. Did you know tomatoes should always be kept at room temperature? Refrigerating tomatoes ruins their texture (makes them tougher) and inhibits their natural sweetness.

13. Cook with family and friends. Few things are more fun than this.
14. Cook things you love to eat. This is what makes cooking fun. Be wise here however... baking chocolate chip cookies and brownies every single day is not advisable. Unless, of course, you're not like me and you can actually restrain yourself from consuming 6 servings of cookie dough in addition to your 5 cookies.
 15. Cook things whoever you're cooking for loves. Seeing someone really enjoying your food is satisfying and rewarding.
15. Go out to eat every once and a while. Not only will you appreciate not having to cook... you will appreciate home cooked food a lot more. Nothing beats it!
 16. Keep a plant in your kitchen. I don't know why I love this so much. Maybe because nurturing a plant's life while you prepare meals for those you love seems like the pinnacle of domesticity.
17. Do it your way. The kitchen is the heart of the home- so make it yours.
18. Sit down for meals with your family. Is anything better than this? Dessert maybe...
19. Shop at grocery stores you love. If you live in Utah- shop at Harmon's. You must. While you're there- sample and buy the French Country bread from the bakery. And try the flavored olive oils if you would. Don't forget the cheese samples... and the gigantic organic section. Ugh... I hate you right now.
20. Organize your fridge and cupboards meticulously. Make them look magazine worthy. You won't regret it.

21. Enjoy. I hope this post has inspired you to spend a little more time in your kitchen. I think your family'll thank you for it.

You Can Thank Me Later For This One

When I was really young we used to celebrate Thanksgiving with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins at my grandparent's house. I remember vividly the first year my aunt Jenae brought that famous orange jello of hers. And I especially remember eyeing the window each subsequent year, awaiting the arrival of that beloved orange, pomegranate, apply goodness. I loved that jello. I lived for that jello. I was obsessed with that jello. Then there was a long dark, desolate period in my life once our extended got too outrageously big to celebrate Thanksgiving at my grandma's house and I had to endure Thanksgiving after Thanksgiving without that blessed orange treat. 

Until last year.

Last year my family all Thansgivinged at my sister's house in Texas and I made sure the orange, pomegranate, apple, almond and whipped cream jello was on the menu. I made the jello myself- no recipe needed- my eight year old mind clinging hard to that list of miraculously compatible ingredients. I prepared the jello. I presented said jello at the Thanksgiving dinner table, and all joking aside... that jello was THE ONE dish that provided not a single leftover. In fact, the jello was so good (I'm claiming no credit here for my jello making abilities. Trust me when I say the jello will speak for itself.) that evening I made an exact replica of jello #1. (I personally think the jello is better than pie.) Anyway... I was thrilled yesterday when I realized I had nearly every ingredient on hand to make this. After a quick run to Albertson's for the orange jello package, jello making was in order. And jello make is what I did. And I hope you will too after you get a load of this.

The line-up:

You will need:

1 6 oz. package orange jello

water (It doesn't have to be smart water. Dumb water is just fine. wah-wah.)

seeds of 2 pomegranates

1 and 3/4 packages of these slivered almonds (it'll be about 3/4 measured cup)

2-3 large shredded apples (select a variety that's both sweet and tart like honeycrisp or pink lady.)

whipping cream (one pint was WAY too much for this recipe)

sugar (for the whipped cream)

1. Prepare your apples by peeling them, ( I like to try to peel mine in one long string so I feel lovely like Meg Ryan on Sleepless in Seattle) then grate 'em up. (This part is fun.) Once they're all peeled and grated, set them aside. And quit eating them.

2. Prepare your pomegranates. I have no pictures of this because I took the easy route and used already plucked out pomegranate seeds. If you have a Trader Joe's around go there and get these if you're feeling lazy. If not, take a deep breath, and make sure you remove your pomegranate seeds in a sink or bowl full of water so the seeds fall to the bottom, the whitish/yellowish membrane floats to the top, and you don't end up with maroon pomegranate juice all over your shirt /Anthropologie blouse /apron /pajamas.

3. Prepare jello according to package instructions. (i.e. boil 2 cups water, pour over jello in 9x13 pan. mix till dissolved. then add 2 cups cold water to that mixture.)

4. Now it's time to add your fillings to this here jella. Apples go in firstly.

 (Notice there are quite a few. Don't let this frighten you.)

5. Pomegranate seeds go in next. Mmmm...

6. And last but not least your sweet little slivered almonds. (Remember how obsessed with these I am? I had these with every meal today. I couldn't help myself.) You'll wanna mix this up a little once all the ingredients are in there so they're all very well incorporated. We want apples, almonds, and pomegranates in each bite. I used a fork to accomplish this.

You may need to make some room in your fridge now. And slip her on in. Steady... Steady...

7. Now you're gonna have to wait a while.

8. After about five hours or so, you'll need to start whippin' up your cream. And don't you dare try to shortcut here. Cool Whip is not an adequate replacement for whipped cream. It tastes nothing like it. Do not use Cool Whip. I repeat- do not use cool whip. So... start whippin' your cream.

9. And once it starts to thicken a little get your sugar ready for distribution...

10. Add your sugar a tablespoon at a time. Taste test as you go to see how much sugar you need. I won't hold it against you if you take advantage of this opportunity a little bit. I did. 

11. Alrighty. After you've made sure, double sure, triple sure that your whipped cream tastes good (not Cool Whip people) you'll need to remove the set jello from the fridge and slather on a solid layer of that whipped cream. Don't be stingy now. This may be the best part here.

Voila. Please prepare yourself to eat now. Oh man it's good.

Holy Moly that took a long time to write. Ha ha. What a waste of time! Please try this. You won't be sorry. I can promise you that. 

Happy jello making eating!

My Vanilla Almond Granola

This is the homemade granola I posted about a couple times last week. It's good. I took a recipe from allrecipes.com and tweaked it to my liking. I think now I can call it

My Vanilla Almond Granola:

6 cups oats (not quick oats)

1 cup slivered almonds (because I'm obsessed)

1/2 cup flaked coconut (I like big, thick flakes. Make sure they're unsweetened.)

1/2 cup golden flax seeds

2/3 cup almond oil (you may use vegetable if wish. or any oil for that matter. just not castor oil. or fish oil. I'll stop now.)

1/2 cup honey (I love Aunt Sue's honey. Get it if you can. Spray Pam in the measuring cup so it slips out nicely.) 

1/2 cup (scant cause there's already a lot of honey) brown sugar

2 tablespoons water

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 275. Combine all ingredients together in large bowl. Make sure you mix it up well till everything is equally moist. Don't stress about clumps though. Clumps are good in granola. Spread in even layer on a baking sheet. Cook for 30-60 minutes, making sure to stir every 15 minutes. If you like your granola crispy and crunchy and your almonds and coconut toasted, cook for 60 minutes. Then store it in a container that isn't airtight- or keep it in the freezer. If you like your granola a little more on the chewy side, cook for 30 minutes and do keep in an airtight container. Both ways are equally valid. It just depends on what you like, you know? I think the chewier kind can easily pass for dessert. It reminds me of an oatmeal cookie. But you decide. It's all up to you.

A Nursing Mother

A couple of weeks ago my sister-in-law Dani Bree came into town. While she was here we had a brief conversation about breastfeeding and she asked me what my feelings were about it. Before she posed that question to me, I never really had thought about what my feelings were about breastfeeding. Since then, I've thought a lot about that subject. And rightly so. I spend a couple hours every single day doing it. It seemed funny that I hadn't thought about it before. 

(This is me nursing Ellie for the very first time- about 30 minutes after she was born.)

I love to nurse my baby and this is why.

A- Breast milk is incredible. Did you know that breast milk contains over 100 ingredients that cannot be recreated synthetically? Also- "breast milk changes constantly to meet a baby's ever-changing needs: It's different in the morning than it is in the late afternoon; different at the beginning of a feeding than at the end; different for a premature baby than for a term baby. The nutrients in breast milk are matched to an infant's needs and his or her ability to handle them."(Quote from What to Expect: The First Year) Heavenly Father made this to be liquid gold. Did you know that even women in third world countries who are not getting adequate nutrients themselves still produce breast milk that will enable their baby to thrive. That's incredible! No wonder there are companies around the globe that will pay you for breast milk donations. There's nothing else like it!

B- I love the physical contact of breastfeeding. I love having Ellie right against my skin. My lactation specialist told me it was important to have skin-to-skin contact with Ellie as much as possible- especially in the first few weeks. She told me it would promote a steady milk supply for me, and that it would improve Ellie's ability to nurse. She taught me something amazing... did you know that a mother's body temperature adjusts to whatever the baby needs. If the baby is cold it's mother's temperature will rise, and if the baby is hot the mother's temperature will lower? This became a major source of bonding for Ellie and me. Breastfeeding for me is a means to continue this. "There are now a multitude of studies that show that mothers and babies should be together, skin to skin (baby naked, not wrapped in a blanket) immediately after birth, as well as later. The baby is happier, the baby’s temperature is more stable and more normal, the baby’s heart and breathing rates are more stable and more normal, and the baby’s blood sugar is more elevated. From the point of view of breastfeeding, babies who are kept skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth for at least an hour, are more likely to latch on without any help and they are more likely to latch on well." "It’s easy to see how skin-to-skin contact can aid the development of breastfeeding skills and why all mothers should be encouraged to hold their baby skin-to-skin as much as possible each day. This is especially true during the early weeks when moms and babies are learning to breastfeed. But don’t forget that babies of all ages benefit from the closeness that skin-to-skin contact provides." (Quote from babygooroo.com)

(Ellie came right onto my skin the second she was born- umbilical cord and all. I will never forget that.)

C- It's easy. I love breastfeeding because it's always ready to go. I love breast milk because since I pump, I feel like I can have the best of both worlds. Ellie can take a bottle of breast milk if I'm away from her, or she can nurse whenever I'm around. I have nursed in bathroom stalls, on hospital beds, on park benches, in movies, on airplanes, in the car, at soccer, on the beach, and everywhere in between. With breastfeeding you don't have to worry about proper temperatures or bringing food with you wherever you go. Breast milk is always ready and accessible.

D- My very favorite thing about breastfeeding, and the thing I think makes it the very best option is the time it gives me one-on-one with my baby every single day. I love that every three hours, no matter what I'm doing, there will be time where I get to do nothing but hold my baby and feed her. Some people feel like this is limiting, and for people that have a go-go-go mentality this can be a drawback. But I love the chance I have at least 7 times a day to sit or lie down with my baby girl and listen to her sigh and drink. I feel like this has given me insight into Ellie's personality that would have been hard to gain another way. I know you can cuddle your baby when you feed them a bottle, but for me, whenever I feed Ellie a bottle of breastmilk I'm always focusing more on something else.  I love to breastfeed because I love that individualized time for just me and my baby girl.