tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80770598002723136002024-03-05T12:54:28.958-08:00The Riley'sFamilies Are ForeverRiley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-57980128967479820872012-01-01T18:14:00.000-08:002012-01-01T18:37:00.279-08:00Day 2 and 3 FAILSo to answer a couple of questions, I found out on Dec. 21st. How am I dealing? I am finding it to get more difficult and why day 2 and 3 weren't really detox days for me. The thing that is difficult is that people keep telling me that the decision to have a hysterectomy is an easy one since I have three children. As true as it may be that I have 3 children and I was pretty much done anyway, the idea that I will never ever get to hold a newborn in the still of night and rock her, or feel the tenderness that comes from nursing, and the special little feeling that abounds when a new baby is brought home is right now crippling to me. A lot of people are expecting babies that I know and I am SO HAPPY for them, honestly I am and now I am wishing that maybe I could have just one more. I don't feel as done as I thought I did partly because of a dream I had earlier this week.<div><br /></div><div>In this dream I dreamed of a little baby girl that was about as big as Taylor was when she was born and I saw her so vividly and saw them hand her to me and I felt what I felt for my little ones when they were first handed to me and they were MINE. As the dreamed continued quite fast paced, I went through all the feelings I described above and woke up just as I realized in my dream that this couldn't be my baby and that I wouldn't get to have her in my earthly home. At that point in the middle of the night, I began to cry a heartache I NEVER thought I would feel. I know it's really hard to describe and probably doesn't make sense but for me it is crippling right now. </div><div><br /></div><div>The food thing is difficult and not because of what I can eat but because of the lack of versatility in my diet with those things and the fact that this weekend is a celebration weekend in many senses. I think today I even had something that had cow's milk in it. Talk about feeling defeated. I am committed to the raw food lifestyle and am realizing that it will take time to work it into my lifestyle. </div><div><br /></div><div>The whole process of this cancer thing is overwhelming at this point. I feel tired and somewhat depressed I think. It is all I can seem to think about which is SO ANNOYING! </div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-49029119314176790922011-12-30T08:37:00.000-08:002011-12-30T08:45:10.712-08:00Day 1 ResultsYesterday was a rough day. I had very little in the house that I could eat and the green drink Jay decided to make was disgusting. He chose just kale with flax and pumpkin seeds and neither one of us could finish it. I drank from my glass for about an hour. I recommended that We put something else in with it. Today I am going to do a cucumber drink instead. I took the time last night to soak a bunch of beans and barley so I could make some food today. I had quinoa for dinner but because I was so ravenous I just grabbed a flour tortilla and stuffed it with quinoa and put on some taco sauce. After that I had lettuce with quinoa and taco sauce with it. The only problem is I'm not supposed to eat any salt or sugar and well... I need to figure out how to make some sauces without those but I think it is futile. I think for now I will just use vinegar. Today I am going to make a bean dip that I can eat all day with onions and garlic in it with some cumin... It won't taste completely right without the salt but it will suffice and should fill me up nicely. I'm lucky that I love vinegar to help me with salads. Over all I think with each day it will become easier. Hopefully with the preparation from last night I won't be so lost as to what to eat. Malnutrition isn't good either.Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-8251897554938287892011-12-29T07:58:00.001-08:002011-12-29T08:05:22.151-08:00CancerSo it's been awhile. I am dedicating this blog to my fight against cervical cancer and the huge lifestyle change to eating raw food to aid in that fight. Today I will begin a detox for my body. I have already not had a soda for 5 days, which is HUGE for me and eliminated all dairy and meat from my diet. It hasn't been that difficult but finding things to replace it has been very difficult but after receiving some great idea's last night, I feel empowered.<div><br /></div><div>Let me be clear to all of you my dear friends. You may not agree with raw food living and that is fine but for me right now you either have to be on board or get off. I have prayed about this and feel that it is the right life change for me and my family and having a bunch of naysayer's around will not help. I will continue with surgery in a couple of weeks and am making this change for my life permanently since apparently how I was eating wasn't working. I BELIEVE FOOD CAN HEAL and nobody will change my mind about that. It has been ingrained in my life since the time I was a little girl. I will let you know how detox goes and what challenges I face during that time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I truly believe that if anyone can make this kind of change, I can.</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-55900931376315006932011-09-23T22:17:00.000-07:002011-09-23T22:19:25.858-07:00Been a whileSo it's been awhile. We are good and we are busy! I'm a better mom and I feel good about being what I consider a good mom. I've worked hard over the last year to change the things I don't like and I've truly become a better mom. <div><br /></div><div>I also realized that my period makes me a bad person so I will never go off birth control ever again. Here's to modern day medicine! </div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-16210636720975080162011-05-23T13:45:00.000-07:002011-05-23T13:49:52.521-07:00Potty Training Part 2Following Amber Keller's recipe for success Sarah is almost fully potty trained. She hasn't had an accident for almost 3 days, except when Dad was watching and put her in a diaper, and seems to tell me when she needs to go. <div><br /></div><div>All the credit goes to Amber for her amazing advice and know how! It is time consuming but it is well worth it. I still feel apprehensive so I keep her in a diaper when we are out but we went all through Costco the other day with no accidents and she told us when she needed to go! I am pretty sure she holds it as well because today she wouldn't go in the Dr.'s office but when we walked out and went to the Bathroom down the hall, not 30 seconds later, she went potty! </div><div><br /></div><div>I will wait until I am not apprehensive anymore before declaring her fully trained!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-43725905414399401312011-05-16T11:29:00.000-07:002011-05-16T11:31:05.424-07:00Potty TrainingIt's becoming fairly intrusive that my baby watches me go to the bathroom and either moves my legs out or tries to push my bottom out of the way so she can see EXACTLY what I am doing. The upside... a HUGE celebration after she figures out exactly what I did. ;)Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-55765013546219586012011-03-21T23:07:00.000-07:002011-03-21T23:24:21.567-07:00DyslexiaTaylor has dyslexia. We are beginning a tutoring process for her and are extremely grateful that this mama listened to her intuition and when all other's said, "it's" normal she listened to that still small voice. <div><br /></div><div>It is crazy to think that my little one will struggle with this but honestly it is very comforting to finally know what's been going on with her. I don't really want to delve into the how I caught it and the process I have gone through to figure this all out but I do have a point to make.</div><div><br /></div><div>My point? I want mother's to know that they indeed have a spiritual gift of discernment when it comes to their little ones. I feel extremely lucky to not have listened to all those who have said, "she will out grow it", "we all suffer from dyslexia in some way at some point"," just wait", "first do this then we will do this".</div><div><br /></div><div>When you know something is off with your little one, don't stop until the spirit confirms that you have done all you need to do. As of today I finally have a peace in my heart that has confirmed what my answer is through ALL the research I have done. (I haven't studied anything like this since I was in college) The next step I will take with Taylor will be the right one for now, it may not fix it all together but it is a good jumping off point and I know that this program will give me the skills to help her be so successful! Each person I have spoken to has said, "It is always the mother, they always know something isn't right. You are really great for catching this so soon."</div><div>Listen to your hearts, you know!</div><div><br /></div><div>p.s.</div><div>It really isn't any surprise she has it, after all she is super intelligent like all the other dyslexics out there. Just to name a few: Ansel Adams, Leonardo Da Vinci, Winston Churchill, Woodrow Wilson, Einstein ect. The list goes on and on, that's all I can name for now, well there are a bunch of movie stars but who really cares about those ones. :) </div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-55920051972452602742011-03-08T21:39:00.001-08:002011-03-08T21:54:07.002-08:00The Dog Days are Over...So last time I posted it was a little sad right? Well here is the good news. Over the last two months since I last posted I was very blessed to be able to clearly see the wisdom in my husband being without a job and all the blessings that Heavenly Father bestowed upon us during the last year and 31 days. (Who was counting right?) It became very apparent the lessons I was to learn and quite frankly I was humbled beyond my own comprehension. Without going in to all the lessons in detail, basically I learned the benefit of wonderful friends, service, serving, patience, long suffering, faithfully serving in church and wisdom in trials. <div><br /></div><div>I know most people think it is so ridiculous to be grateful for trials but this one I am grateful for and was before.... JAY GOT A NEW JOB!" Other trials, like loosing loved ones, specifically my mother not so much, but this one I am. I can't really express in words how grateful I am that my prayers were answered even though it wasn't what I was praying for. Heavenly Father does hear and answer our prayers in the ways that will benefit us the most. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now details, Jeremy accepted a position for a local interactive design firm, (same type of work as before) as their Director of Technology. (please do not congratulate him on Facebook as he is continuing to grow his own business and doesn't want to compromise those relationships.) </div><div><br /></div><div>I miss having him at home. It is so funny because the first 5 months were okay with him here, the next 4 months were AWFUL, and then the last 3 months it has just become normal and we have worked out all those kinks only to have him gone now. I miss him but I must say we are settling back into normal life quite nicely. He said to me tonight that he misses being able to come in and see me when he needs to go to the bathroom, grab a drink or food, or just to come chat. I miss it too but also am glad he is back to work. </div><div><br /></div><div>All is good here in the Riley household if not because of Jay's job then because Nicole is running and mainly doing kick-boxing. Yes I LOVE it and it is so fun... well after I move past the white light I see calling me home. For the first 45 minutes all I think about is my possible grandchildren and running in this big open field that I hope we have some day. What I say to myself? "Come on Marino, do it for those little ones, they need to love you more than the other grandma" I am suddenly filled with a burst of energy and I no longer see white light! :)</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-39519714451886902802010-12-10T20:03:00.000-08:002010-12-10T20:04:05.514-08:00I'm going to try to be better mom.Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-2743435021376860482010-12-06T21:28:00.000-08:002010-12-06T21:31:54.181-08:00New postWhy haven't I posted in so long? Because life has sucked for us for 2010. I could go on and on about all the little blessings we have had amongst our trial but the reality is, I have noticed them, I do notice them and now I am done. I have had faith, patience, I've been long suffering, served righteously in all my callings, payed a full tithe and well it just hasn't paid off. 11 months unemployed and well no Christmas at our house. So that's where I have been. Busy being cheerful, busy being optimistic and it hasn't paid off. What more do I have to learn, nothing. Now I just sit and wait and hope. <div><br /></div><div>Happy Holiday's!!! ( still haven't lost my fantastic sense of humor)</div><div><br /></div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-25570193409156785472010-07-23T00:32:00.001-07:002010-07-23T00:46:47.246-07:00Things I want to hold ontoSarah's pat's when she cuddles up to us. The special opened mouth kiss that every baby gives. The sounds of my girls giggling as Sarah makes them laugh. Sarah's feet kicking wildly as her sisters run by. the word Mama, The way Sarah points at something or us and doesn't say anything but spits a little, the phrase, "mom I want to spend time with you." Reading at bedtime, Singing in the car at the top of my lungs with three little lady's who think I am the funniest, bestest, most fun mom ever, at least at the moment, a nice clean NAKED baby who wriggles ups so close as you take her out of the bath, Patty cake, mouse trap, connect four, peek a boo, the smell of baby lotion, the big fits of laughter only little girls can seem to muster as they play together, waking up to a baby touching my face, swimming with three little girls who obviously should live in water, matching Sunday outfits, tender little hugs from three tender little girls.<div><br /></div><div>"These are the times to remember, these are the days to hold onto."</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-69422200794110937762010-06-18T23:34:00.000-07:002010-06-18T23:47:17.687-07:00Are we done yet?So our neighborhood has a community garage sale once a year. Per our HOA we can only do a garage sell at that time of the year. I was all prepared to sell all things baby but I admit I haven't prepared much. There really isn't any need. Baby clothes are already separated by size in bins so I waited until tonight to just do a quick run through and set things up. I was fully prepared to sell all my baby clothes for close to nothing to rid myself of them but tonight as I popped open some lids it became all to apparent that this little mama may not be ready to do so.<div><br /></div><div>I guess the biggest thing for me is that all of my 0-12 months clothes were basically purchased by or with my mom and I can see all three of my baby's in them so vividly. There are some outfits that all three girls have worn and they are in mint condition. As I peered into the storage bins and began looking at the clothes I would have no trouble selling I realized I just couldn't yet. What is weird is that I feel very comfortable selling the bouncer, swing, car-seats, and excer-saucer. What do you think it is? Do you think I am just to emotionally tied to these little bits of memory's still?</div><div><br /></div><div>I guess the good thing is that there aren't a lot of them. There are only 4 large storage bins of these clothes so for now I don't see a huge problem holding onto them until it isn't so painful to say goodbye to those memory's with my mom. Or maybe there might be another little angel needing to come to this family? Who knows, all I know is that for now it is just to painful to say goodbye to those little memory's. </div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-48186786140670454482010-06-07T22:19:00.000-07:002010-06-07T22:25:13.734-07:00Where did the Holy Ghost go?I really knocked the ball out of the park tonight for FHE. We did Lehi's dream and the girls helped create parts of the dream. Paige drew the big and spacious building, Taylor drew the water and I drew the tree of life. My tree of life had skittles on it for the delicious fruit When the girls got to the tree of life they got to partake of the fruit. <div><br /></div><div>That's not what my post is about. My post is about the testimony's we bore at the end of FHE. Mine good, Paige's much better then mom breaking the Sabbath, and Taylor's, well I'd like to share verbatim.</div><div><br /></div><div>Taylor's testimony: "I know Jesus is true and that Heavenly Father made our bodies with skin and bones. I know the Holy Ghost helps us and he went to jail and he didn't like it." At that point I had to intervene. </div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-60289789005294573652010-06-07T09:17:00.000-07:002010-06-07T09:25:56.893-07:00TaylorSo I have two things to share and still need to blog about Paige's birthday. I will get to that.<div><br /></div><div>First, Taylor began riding her bike without training wheels on Saturday. Took them off and there she went. She mastered it her first time! We are happy for her new found freedom!</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, I sang at a baptism yesterday. Well when it was over I left and had only brought Paige and Taylor. While driving home I decided to fish for a compliment from my girls. WRONG choice. Lol I asked the girls if I sounded good. They both said yes. Then I said, "did I sound good or just okay?" At which point my very musically inclined Taylor, mind you she loves to sit and watch orchestra's on tv., says "just okay". LOL LOL Then Paige quickly realizes what Taylor may have just done and says, "no mom it was really good." Taylor dead serious looks at Paige and says, "no it wasn't Paige it was okay." NOW this didn't bruise my ego much because I thought that Taylor surely doesn't know the difference between good and okay. </div><div><br /></div><div>So at dinner I made homemade mac and cheese. It was really amazing. Both girls without solicitation said, "Mom this is sooooo good." I decided to seize my chance and promptly said to Taylor, "Taylor is it good or okay?" She then says emphatically, "REALLY GOOD". So in fact she does know the difference... </div><div><br /></div><div>LOL LOL</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-88767138114073726702010-05-30T22:31:00.000-07:002010-05-30T22:37:36.676-07:00Funny StoryI have a lot of posts I need to catch up on namely Paige's birthday but that takes awhile so I will share a cute conversation I had with Paige yesterday. I turned on a 3o minute Magic School Buss Cartoon for the girls yesterday while I was getting ready for a couple of friends to come over for a BBQ. Towards the end of the show, we find out that the Salmon swims up stream to lay it's eggs and then the male salmon fertilizes the eggs to make them turn into fish. As it came to a conclusion Paige says to me, "Did Dad fertilize us?"<div><br /></div><div>How would you answer that? Between the fits of nervous laughter that I had I simply said yes. She didn't ask how so this morning her daddy decided to ask her how she thought it happened. Her answer, through the belly button with a magic pen. Jeremy's response, "That is exactly correct." I just about died.</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-2335714139787042562010-04-29T13:17:00.000-07:002010-04-29T13:19:21.848-07:00advice neededHas anyone ever had a clepto for a child? How long did it last and did you do anything inparticular that made it stop? Or were you that child? My sweet little Taylor is and we have tried so many things. We always make her give it back but she keeps doing it.Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-29811499425894013922010-04-25T21:20:00.000-07:002010-04-25T21:22:05.882-07:00TestimonyToday it was our ward's testimony. Paige asked if she could bear her testimony. I said yes of course. Well if you weren't in our Ward today I would like to share with you.<div><br /></div><div>"I'd like to bear my testimony. My mom goes to the store every Sunday. Today she didn't and I feel really happy about it. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen."</div><div><br /></div><div>'nough said.</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-32537774612338763102010-04-19T17:01:00.000-07:002010-04-19T17:03:52.843-07:00OutburstsSo yesterday on the way home from church, Taylor announced that Jesus didn't follow Satan. She then say's, "I'm going to stop following Satan too mama."<div><br /></div><div>Then today in her parent/child book club we were picking out words that start with the letter m. It took Taylor awhile to think of one and then she bursts out, "My mom has a tiny tiny mustache. M mustache."</div><div><br /></div><div>=) Gee I guess I don't take as good of care of it as I thought I did.</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-22808118296407287052010-04-13T21:35:00.000-07:002010-04-13T21:45:04.978-07:00Taylor is 5!Today we celebrated Taylor's birthday. I will always remember with such clarity the first time I held Taylor when she came out. Her eyes wide open and smiling. She loves it when I tell this story of how when she came out I looked in her eyes and she had a special sparkle. She really did and that pretty much describes Taylor. She is one of the most charismatic and generous people you will ever meet. <div><br /></div><div>At this time in her life she is enjoying learning to read, coloring, riding her scooter and bike, going to school, singing, doing puzzles, writing letters, scribbling in a note book, and playing with Sarah. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot believe it has already been 5 years. I wish I would have slowed down a bit to really enjoy her and written down all the funny things she has said. One of my favorites was when we were all cuddling in the bed one morning, she felt her daddy's chest and called his nipples, boodada's. Oh the fits of laughter this girl has brought into our lives and into many. She is one of the funniest kids you will ever meet. She is my lover girl and I am so thankful that she was sent to us. Our family just wouldn't be complete without her!</div><div><br /></div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-58991821414450635492010-04-04T22:36:00.000-07:002010-04-04T22:51:25.490-07:00EasterI didn't take any pictures this year of Easter only video. We didn't dress up in our pretty dresses either as this year Easter fell on our church's general conference so church was at home. I will take pictures of my matching girls next Sunday though. Our family easter egg hunt was in a room at the church since it was too cold and wet outside. It is funny to watch my brother's hide eggs. My brother Kelly hides a couple, shakes the bag vigorously to create eggs that are no longer hide-able, and then dumps the rest of the eggs in the middle of the floor. Basically Todd does the same thing but he just taxes his kids easter baskets instead of creating eggs which are now broken. Paige really showed her wit this year when, after the hunt, her Uncle Kelly sweetly called her over. As she neared him something went off in her brain and she said just a minute. She then walked clear around him, put her Easter basket on a table far away from him and then walked over to him. Oh what laughter filled the room! She knew exactly what was going to happen if she took that easter basket near him. If we move to Arizona how I will miss my family. Our humor really is one of a kind and I so love it.<div><br /></div><div>(I don't want to do two posts so I will just make one really long one.)<br /><div><br /></div><div>So many of you know that I was a lonely widow for a month and my J has now been back for 5 days. Well tonight my brother called me to ask me a favor and then asked if we had had Easter dinner yet. I said, no, this was at 5:30, and he asked if we were going to and I said, "I don't know." He was a bit perplexed and then proceeded to ask why. At this point I was trying very hard to focus on my conversation with him but was very distracted and said, "Well we have been playing jacks with the girls and right now we are all trying to get the jacks spinning at the same time." At this point he began to laugh and said, "Is it nice having J at home?" I of course said yes and then he laughed and said, "well get down with yourselves then talk to you later." I am not sure if there was an invitation in this conversation or what but what I am sure of was that my brother noticed a considerable change in my demeanor now that Jeremy is back. I think that it was probably the fact that I am way more relaxed now that I have extra help again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Neither the man without the woman nor the woman without the man. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; ">(That is pretty impressive coming from my mouth since I am a very independent woman. I mean I get the man without the woman part... :)</span></div></div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-69255975558876412772010-03-31T20:00:00.000-07:002010-03-31T20:02:08.775-07:00Family is foreverAll are safely gathered in. It's so nice to be reunited as a family again. A month is too long!Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-63769204287280833692010-03-29T10:43:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:44:12.962-07:00The boy is back in town....Well almost. Jeremy will be back on Wednesday and we CAN'T wait. This has been the longest month of my life! I'm lucky I live near great friends and my wonderful family. I think my girls are excited for mom to get a break as well!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-68415329766590908532010-03-27T10:16:00.000-07:002010-03-27T10:33:21.581-07:00Food RevolutionSo I was watching the new show on ABC with one of my favorite chefs, Jamie Oliver. The premise of the show is to change the way America eats, less processed food and more fresh food. It reminded me of a devotional at Ricks given by Elder Perry which I thought was completely wacko. Basically Elder Perry encouraged us to cook like our mothers did, to stop using pre-made food and make things from scratch. I thought at the time, "weird devotional this has absolutely nothing to do with me spiritually." Well in fact I was wrong and he was very inspired, OF COURSE, and again a general authority ahead of the times. <div><br /></div><div>It is no secret that processed food is killing america. I will say for myself that I feed my family pretty well when I prepare food. My kids don't get a lot of crackers for snacks, and I cook very few food items from a box and so on and so on. For example my kids have fruit or veggies with either yogurt or cheese for a snack, my breakfasts are always complete even if it is cold cereal because the cereal is rarely a sugar cereal, not even honey nut cheerios, and we eat a very complete dinner; main course, salad with a lot of veggies, a fruit, and a cooked vegetable.</div><div><br /></div><div>I sound like a dream home maker right? WRONG.... there is still one major issue I hate to cook! (The problem is I don't cook more then 4-5 times a week for dinner because... I hate too) </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been inspired by the t.v. show to cook with my children. So the food revolution in our home is to cook with our kids by: Having them help me with the menu, going grocery shopping together, and finally they will begin to prepare most of the food with my help of course. I know it doesn't seem like that big of a deal but I think it is huge. </div><div><br /></div><div>So we kick off the Riley family Food Revolution today with the menu and shopping and the picnic we will have tonight! Think I can do it???? We don't have any other choice if I want my kids to grow up eating healthy like I did because right now they are learning my lazy habits as opposed to the good ones.</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-33753438852014491222010-03-11T10:16:00.000-08:002010-03-11T10:30:08.480-08:00Much better today..So yesterday was a little bit of a rough day for me emotionally. Could you tell? lol Today is better and there are two reasons. <div><br /></div><div>Last night as I was all tucked into watch my Bravo shows and feeling grumpy, two sisters from my ward showed up with a good old fashioned comfort bag full of goodies! It was so nice that they also entitled the card, "Mrs. Joan Crawford", as I had previously asked. This little outpouring was all that I needed as I now at this point had someone to have a fun conversation with instead of child talk. That little gesture seemed to make all the difference.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second reason is because Jeremy's dad reached out to him yesterday. I am not sure how many people know that the reason I have been alone for the last week and a half is because my father in law fell from about ten feet up in the air landing head first onto concrete. With all the medical drama that ensues after a brain injury we continue to hold out hope for the little things and yesterday Jeremy had a special moment and today it has brightened my day as I think about it. </div><div><br /></div><div>tony has been unresponsive since surgery on Monday. Yet yesterday when Jeremy walked into the room, Tony lifted his arm and reached for J and then was totally unresponsive again. He hasn't done that for anyone else so I feel that this was very special. I have a couple of theories as to why. I think that one major reason is that J is Tony's first born and the bond between parent and child is quite stronger then any other earthly bond. We have to work at loving our spouse, our children we love completely and wholly without restraint. As I have thought about this it has brought so much joy to my heart. Maybe it doesn't seem like much to most but for me it is the glimmer of hope I have been looking for and that is an answer to my prayers. </div><div><br /></div><div>I always feel much better when I recognize the hand of my Father in heaven.</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8077059800272313600.post-33576965960719924492010-03-10T13:43:00.000-08:002010-03-10T13:56:36.439-08:00Negative NellyI am sick of happy everything lately. Especially those people chronicling their exercise progress and weight loss. It's annoying and I don't care!!!!! Seriously good for you, I celebrate your drive and all the success you are having but stop telling me about it because well, I can't find the time right now to do it myself so I am frankly jealous. Besides that I don't just need to exercise, I need to quit drinking soda if I ever want to be a size 2 again. Why all the negativity you ask? I will tell you<div><br /></div><div>Here are the reasons: </div><div>I have a sick house that doesn't seem to want to get better this winter and I am blaming myself. </div><div><br /></div><div>My bathrooms aren't as clean as I would like.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am unable to go anywhere due to the sickness being freaking pneumonia. </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically when I look in the mirror I see Joan Crawford 90% of the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been alone for a week and looking to be alone for another week at the least. </div><div><br /></div><div>And to top it all off, (Anyone know what could make this alcoholic more grumpy???) YUP I decided to go cold turkey on the soda and it started today. I can't stop thinking about just hopping in my car to go get one, just one. I am obsessing in my mind. Some of you may not understand this and that is okay because I am admitting that I am an addict. At this point I would justify selling one of my children for a soda yes just one perfect little soda that is fizzy and burns as it goes down my throat. I don't even need to drink it in the shower to have my fix.... </div><div><br /></div><div>So basically... I can't wait to watch my bravo shows tonight because well I am a Bravo whore and I love all their reality shows..... It will just be soda-less so I am not sure how much I will be able to really enjoy it.</div>Riley'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11656753527456009700noreply@blogger.com4