Embarrassing Pictures

What kind of Mother would I be if I didn't have some embarrassing pictures of my little Fish. Here they are, of course I think they are adorable, but when his first date comes around in like 32 years, maybe he won't find potty pictures as adorable as I do.Father and Son napping after a 'long' winter hike

Snowy Day

As my devotees you know I have some bitter sweet moments with the Winter, and really more bitter than sweet. (I just like the hot sun, what's so wrong with that) Every winter I try to make it a little more bearable than the last...so on this snowy day I am going to enjoy a hot cup of homemade hot chocolate: I stole this recipe from Mer on her blog...she has the best recipes, I would totally link her but her blog is uber exclusive...

1 ½ cups whole milk
2 ½ T water
2 ½ T granulated sugar (I've found that if I use baker's sugar, it dissolves really smoothly)
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (use high-quality chocolate, 70% cocoa. Choose a chocolate you really love because it will be the most prominent flavor.)

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, water, and sugar. Place over medium heat and whisk occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture just to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the chocolate. At this point, blend the mixture. If you have an immersion/stick blender, you can do this directly in the saucepan (actually, don't do that if you have non-stick pans!); if not, you’ll need to transfer it to a regular blender. Blend for 1 minute (on high speed, if using a traditional blender - and take care (!), as hot liquids expand when blended). The finished mixture should be very smooth and frothy. Don’t skip the blending step. It helps to incorporate the chocolate and makes the texture velvety-smooth. Serve immediately. This makes 2 servings.

I add one step to that I include homemade marshmallows. Yes I know...I didn't really think you could make them at home...but I did and they are most incredible!!!

3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick spray

Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.

In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.

For regular marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Enjoy!!!Recipe by Alton Brown

Is it time to get a Christmas tree???

I think it may be time to get some real Christmas tree.

Boy Pirate goes to Church

He is getting so big...check out the stuffed toy in the upper right hand corner...yeah Seth's dad gave that to Fisher...it is the ugliest goblin night mare giving stuffed thing I have seen.

Baby Wearing

I am loving that I can wear Pirate Boy everywhere I go...I wish I could while driving also...but that's just dangerous! Fisher is with me all day on the body which is great...he is such an alert baby and I think a lot of it has to do with him being on my body...I know a ton of parents do the same thing...and I love it.

Thanksgiving...I know what I am thankful for....

Every Thanksgiving Seth and I try to go on a mountain biking trip...it's a great time to go play and enjoy our time together.  This year Seth was not around for Thanksgiving he had some school stuff he needed to do in Pennsylvania so I was in Sandy with his family.  Well since it's Thanksgiving I thought it was only right to go mountain biking, you know tradition of heritage...however my mountain bike was in the shop and I all I had was Seth's bike.  So Seth's the Captain, Scott, Webber, and I went biking up corner canyon on Seth's bike...well Seth only has one gear on his bike...and corner canyon defiantly has some elevation gain...needless to say I almost has a heart attack!!!!  I have no idea how people ride with only one gear and not even an easy gear...I had to stop/fall over so many times just to breath!  Oh my goodness I was crazy!  I am no where near that good of shape to handle that kind of lactic acid overdose.  The even crazier part of everything was that I actually kind of liked it...you know pushing myself that hard...even tho I hated it while doing it.  I know it's sick.  So the next day Seth's brother was in town and we had to go do the same thing...this time there was a huge problem...mud!!!  We thought the trail would have been a whole lot drier and it was at the bottom.  The closer to the top we got the muddier it became...and no one wants to ride on muddy trails mainly because you tear up the trails...and let's be honest only jerks do that...and I didn't want to be a jerk so I had to walk it up in sections a little off the trail...it sucked...but I know what I am grateful for I am grateful for gears on my bike...and good lungs...and well everything in my life...I have an awesome life with awesome people surrounding me.  I say often but not often enough - Life is Good!  

Back in Utah

For a 3 month old Fisher has been around...we have been out of state for about 6 weeks or so...I don't really know anymore...We have been to Idaho, Montana, Missouri, Arizona, Nevada, California...and now we are finally back home...yes we are home in freezing cold Utah. The high will be around 50 degrees which I guess isn't terrible. Now it will be time to start busting out all the cold gear...because this winter is going to be awesome!!! I am so looking forward to it...I am going to do all sorts of fun winter things like...uh....hmph...wear scarves...and...well let's just say I won't ruin the surprise...it will be awesome tho! Crazy awesome...just crazy......

New Training Partner

I have been putting off picking a race to do this year...I am still not decided on what I want to do. However I did tell Betsy I would train with her to do a half ironman. She says she needs a training partner, so I will train as if I were doing the race...but I can't do them because of conflicts. I started training here in California and I have the worst training partner. I know sometimes I can be a little overbearing while training and maybe my idea of fun isn't so fun for others...and sure maybe I have had some training partners who have thrown up during rides, or swear like a sailors during runs, or swim incredibly fast so that the snapping turtle in the lake won't bite their toes off...but never have I had a training partner cry on me. Shesh. Every time I go out and train with Fisher he always cries...it's killing me I can barely get a good session in with him. I run with him in the Chariot and like 20 minutes into it he is done and wants to get out...so then I have the Baby Bjorn so I can walk with him back to the house. There is not a lot I can do at the point. So pretty much I have been doing nothing but leg workouts...because all I can do is lunges and squats and stuff with the little tyke in the carriers. So yeah training is going to be a little trickier then in previous years...but it will be worth it.

Winter can be so hard

Winters are already hard for me, so I am in San Diego enjoying the amazing hot weather. When I arrived here my sister was setting up my bed for me with a really cute fall blanket that has the autumn leaves on it and very warm fabrics then I began to feel bad for the people of SoCal that they don't experience the leaves changing color, and that time of the year where you put your summer clothes away and bring out the sweaters, and most of all they will miss a white Christmas...how sad...I thought...for like half a second. Are you kidding...this place is great...go to the beach year round...maybe not get in the water...but you could if you wanted to. For me the idea of riding my bike year round sounds amazing. I really like the warmth...but I will try this year as I try every year to have a great winter full of something blah blah blah you know the drill. This year should be a little different because I have little Fish to tow around with me...but I think we can make things work. I will keep you posted on my plans for winter bliss. I'm am thinking that Fisher is loving this weather as well.

Exile

Seth came down to San Diego for a day and it was awesome. He has been in exile for a few months...but he crossed the border just for a day...it was very risky...but what can I say I am worth the risk. When I say cross the border I am talking county borders...he was a few counties north of me...why what were you thinking? Huh.

Just cute...it's cuter than a puppy wearing sunglasses.

Look Close

Sunny San Diego

Fisher and I have been hanging out in San Diego...it's awesome...it's so warm and today was pretty hot. I love it!!! We hang out at the park during the day or we go running...I do most of the running he kind of just sits there soaking up the sun. Today we hung out at the beach. I love the weather here...too big of a city for my taste...but it's great to visit.He was using his feet to play in the sand...it was really cute...but everything he does is cute...the joys of motherhood.

Smiles

His feet in the Pacific ocean for the first time

More smiles!

Fisher gone Fishing

Fisher went on his first fishing trip with his Grandpapa. He fished (very briefly) and he loved it...well he did not cry so I am assuming that he loved it. I'm not sure if he feels like eating fish would be cannibalism for him...you know since he is a fish eating a fish...what am I talking about, fish eat fish all the time. We were staying right off the Sacramento river, it was nice, a little chilly but nothing compared to the 6 inches of snow in Utah, thank freakin' heaven that I am in Cali instead of there...otherwise you would be reading another anger filled tantrum. This trip was also Fisher first camping trip...I know I kind could be considered a bad parent for taking a 3 month out camping while it's cold and you know he's a baby, but I figured babies were living long before central heating...so we bundled up and he was great! He was such a happy camper, he loves being outside, but what kid wouldn't.Happy Little Camper...crazy cute!Uncle Jock helping Fisher with his style

Little Fish

Happy 3 Month Birthday Little Fish...


He is moving and shaking what his momma gave him....He is beginning to understand how to crawl, so he is scooting himself around...a few inches at a time...it has been so fun watching him figure things out...

Training Has Begun

My training has officially begun. I'm not sure on what I am training for tho...yeah a little problem. Usually during the winter I would want to be training for a marathon. But since Seth did a 4 week rotation in sports medicine and saw all the runners with bum knees he really does not want me to run marathons...he would rather me run anything under 13 miles...and that isn't enough to train for...well maybe it is...but I would goof around eat candy and still gain weight so I am needing something else. That is where you the reader come in. I am looking for suggestions...what should I be training for? Here are my parameters...If it is a race it cannot be on Sunday. I would prefer no swimming. No run can exceed 15 miles. The event must happen in April or sooner. Remember this is to get me in shape during the winter, but it needs to be a solid goal otherwise I will just forget about it. It kind of has to be big enough to scare me to trail...I am totally motivated by my own death. Lastly, it does not have to be a 'race' you can make up an event, as long as it is possible to complete and you have thought the details out thoroughly. So lets try to find something that would kill me if I didn't train for it.

The one thing I could think about doing was the White Rim trail in Moab, but do it all in one day...it's like a hundred miles of mnt. biking. Damn tho, that really would kill me...better make it two days.

What about the Kokipelli trail...that's crazy long. I dunno...that is where you come in, help me get back in shape.
Giddiup!

Getting back in Shape is for Suckers...and I am a Sucker...

I am a sucker...being in shape is the best feeling in the world...being able to do pretty much whatever you want without worrying about lungs, heart, muscles freaking out and abandoning you...on the flip side the worst thing in the world is getting in shape. The Worst!!! The lungs burn...the heart rate rapid and out of control...oh and the lactic acid coursing through my muscles...the pain...the next day...all hurt...all bad. That is my life at the moment. I need to get in shape...or at least it's time to get busy and move my booty. So I've been running and biking and all that jazz...but I feel the pain...I keep telling myself the pain is good...it is weakness leaving the body. Happily I keep on trucking and lately I have been seeing some nice results...granted I still have quite a lot of baby weight to take off but my level of fitness is steadily improving. I'm in California with my parents for a few weeks and my Dad and I biked up to the Observatory in the South Bay...it was a 19 mile steady forever long never ending climb. I was passed by everyone...I wish I could ride with a disclaimer on my back 'I am not your white rabbit, just had baby'. But I thought that would be lame...so when I was getting passed I would just make it easier on them by making enjoyable chit chat...for the first 14 miles I felt pretty good...the last 5 miles were slow and me not feeling so good...but I stayed on my bike and went to the top. It was awesome to be back with those who enjoy a good sufferin' on the weekends. My type of people.

Hard Times for the Future

Since the economy is going through such a turbulent time Fisher has decided to take an active role on finding out what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. He has been talking about Alan Greenspan for days now...'Alan did this' and 'Alan said that'...it's nuts! His first hero is Mr. Greenspan. This kid is weird...I even got a candid shot of him reading his first book.

Where's the Beach?

Fisher is showing me where the beach is...lucky for me I have him around.

Fisher has found his first stuffed friend.

Cute Boys

I am visiting Seth in Missouri while he does his out rotation...today we went for a little nature walk...it was late when we started, so we couldn't really go far. However now I know where it is, so I think Fisher and I may go back tomorrow...the weather here is so nice...because there is no snow...the leaves are just barely starting to turn...it's mid October...how awesome it this...I still want more time before winter and this is perfect. Next week Fisher and I are in California for a month...that should prolong winter's arrival for an extra 4 weeks. If I didn't have to get back to work I would do this all winter.

Chef Eugie

About a year ago there was an auction at a cancer benefit. A meal was auctioned off, it was suppose to be doctors cooking for doctors. They sold 12 tickets at $500 a piece...crazy! It took them nearly a year to coordinate everyone schedule and to set this up...well the main Dr. who was suppose to cook this meal was not able to be there so he asked my friend John if he would do it for him. Well John is some what of a perfectionist so he went all out...he asked me and his friend Claire to help out in the kitchen. I really only did a little part of the meal. I made the chocolate mousse in a chocolate cup and made and plated the salads. I left the hard stuff to them...and I am glad I did...this is what they came up with. Incredible appetizers, this was a lime lox puff of some sort, but then she made this incredible caramelized onion cheese tart...delicious!


For dinner he rolled this amazing Chateaubriand it was stuffed with caramelized onions and mushrooms. Cooked to perfection...then topped in with a herb butter...oh my it was to die for. Sided with veggies and potatoes. A labor of love. Here are the dessert plates...don't forget I have a terrible camera for pics...so trust me everything looked so amazing. John made the tarts, a doctor lady made the lemon poppy cookies and I made the mousse. Everything turned out great. We are so glad the dinner went off with out a hitch...it was an elaborate 5 course meal that included but not pictured a fab butternut soup, salad, sorbet, and a lot of wine. John the head chef has had 2 fights with cancer and he is a strong survivor. I am glad I could do this for him...it's always nice to be able to do something that has matter. Sure I was just cooking for people, but it was for a great cause...and the fight against cancer is a necessary fight for everyone...and since I don't have money to give...I can give time. It was great just to be there with a number of oncologist who really fight this disease everyday and they are peoples greatest coaches.

Pumpkin Boy

Seth's parents grew like 40 pumpkins in their garden this year. The tradition is that each of their grandchildren get to pick out one pumpkin out of the garden and since Fisher is the oldest he got to pick first...he picked the large pumpkin behind him. I think he made a wise choice.

My Life is Over

It snowed today. Didn't the snow just melt. Why oh why did it have to snow...I thought Autumn and I had a plan...she was going to slowly ease me into winter this year. I had a plan to enjoy winter this year, as I do every year and every year my plans fail and I hate winter and go into a deep dark place where no amount of pills can help. Maybe this year I will take real pills instead of pretending tic-tacs and Mentos are my medicine. I'm not emotionally ready for this winter...Logan is a freezing winter landscape...and I love winter landscapes when they are oil painted or photographed...but not the real thing...that's what TV's are for to enjoy the look of winter. Okay so I need to get ready a lot sooner than planned to enjoy the worst time of the year. You know that song with the chorus going' it's the most wonderful time of the year' it's a winter/Christmas song...well that song is winter propaganda!!! During indian summer do you hear carols? Songs praising summer or indian summer? No of course not because people don't need to be reminded! Of course late spring, summer, late summer are the best time of the year...no songs needed. The Winter Group is pushing their propaganda all over us! Who do they think they are fooling? Skiers, Snowboards, and the weird freaks who think that snow shoeing is a sport...I hate to break it to you guys snow shoeing is walking, but just on-top of snow...now I know what you are thinking...walking is an olympic sport so if walking is a sport then snowshoeing should be a sport because it is walking on snow. Well the olympics are wrong...if they don't have lacrosse as a sport then walking defiantly should not be a sport. I can't breath! Okay okay I will calm down and meditate on how I should and can enjoy my depression due to the lack of sun, green, strolls, creeks, swimming outside, tans, happiness, and whatever winter takes with it. I can do other stuff...like be a freak who snow shoes...which I actually do enjoy...maybe Fisher and I can do that everyday...or maybe I can cross country ski with the boy. Hmmm...maybe my life isn't over yet...maybe just maybe there is a shot that I may actually love this winter...then again maybe not. The good and bad thing about this experiment is that I have no choice. It is coming and it is coming fast and sooner than expected. I of course will let you know how it all goes. I think I see the sun now...and maybe the snow will be gone soon.

Quick Post

My baby looks like a puppy.

Today we went mountain biking and the colors were amazing...this is the backside of Mt. Timp. Amazing weather, amazing colors, amazing downhill...hmmm...amazing amaziness?

Here's my Father-in-Law and cousin Scott doing the family's official pose.

Life is Good

Life is Good. Sadly Seth is gone for a few months on out-rotations, even though I miss him I am still living a good life. I am staying with his parents in Sandy for a month or so...it's just 70 miles from Logan, so I can go back to Logan to take care of the personal matters and the house...but while I am in Sandy I am living the good life. Seth mother loves Fisher and loves hanging out with Fisher so that gives me hours everyday to go play. The above picture is of me riding in Corner Canyon in Draper Utah. There is something different about this ride...well let me tell you what is different, it's my bike...below is a picture of my new bike 'Lil Brudder'. Its a new Gary Fisher bike with big 29 inch wheels. It feels like I am riding my big brothers bike...it's so big and freakin' awesome. I have been having a blast! So I get to bike everyday, but then it gets better...I know what you are thinking, how? How could it get better!?! Well my in-laws home is like the Garden of Eden. They have the most incredible garden ever! Tomatoes, peaches, grapes, apples, pumpkins, squash, and so much more it's beautiful. Everyday I get to eat fresh fabulous food and be surrounded to flowers and mountains. Like I said before it is a good life I live.

Lil' Brudder

Kiowa enjoyin the sun and flowers

Delicious Grapes

Amazing White Peaches

Ken my Father in law grows about 6 different kinds of tomatoes...oh so good

Kiowa in the pumpkin patch

Blackberries

I Love Fisher Like a Fat Kid Loves Candy

I have been having a blast hanging out with little Fisher. Of course there were some rocky spots, like trying to figure out how to keep him alive. Since we have made it a month I think I may have the hang of it. He has been such a delightful baby. He keeps changing and is becoming more alert...I mean more alert than a newborn so that is not saying much. Oh I haven't talked about the whole birthing experience and how hypnobirthing worked out. Well it did not work out...not at all. I think the main problem could have been that I was induced and since that happened the whole 'natural' thing is already thrown out the window...how can you have a natural delivery if they un-naturally start your labor. Oh my gosh though when everything got going it was a living hell...I still tried to do it with out an epidural...but that was just lunacy...It could have been the longest hour and a half of my life. Crazy pain...I wish that the contractions would have started a little slower and maybe a little more mellow...but it was 0-200mph in about 30 seconds from when my water broke. Since I was induced they had me hooked up to everything, and that sucked! I wanted to be able to move around, take a bath, do some stretches, but they were crazy about keeping me in bed. I can't emphasize enough how it sucked...I really began to see the beauty of a home birth where you don't have to deal with a lot of that junk...however I don't think it would be wise for me personally to do a home birth. However I digress, I was about 90 minutes into labor when I had the nurses get the anasthesiogogist for the epidural...and finally when he showed up I could breath again...thank freakin heaven...after that it was breeze until it was time to push. The Doc said I would maybe push for 30 minutes and I should be set to go...unfortunately he did not know that Fisher had his arm wrapped around his neck making it very difficult to push him out....no one expected that I would have to push for 2.5 hours and by then my epidural wore off completely....yeah good times. You know how it is though, once the baby is born, you don't care what you had to go through...and when Fisher was born...I didn't care about all the things that happened that weren't planned. I was just excited to meet my son. From that day to today I have just had the biggest crush on him...I love him like a fat kid loves candy.

My Fish being a frog.