Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid

I think Patrick and our friend Alisa and I are going to check out Sam Fox/Dr. Weil's new restaurant at the Biltmore tomorrow for lunch - True Food Kitchen. While researching the menu, I see that they are promoting this food pyramid. I am very interested to see that there is such little meat (except for the suggested 1-2 servings of beans everyday). I'd love to stick to a diet like this!

Cereal Box Mailers

Found this here: http://lighterfootstep.com/2009/01/new-life-for-old-cereal-boxes/

Sure, a lot of breakfast cereal comes out of bags these days. But don’t toss those cereal boxes when you have them — they make sturdy (and free!) mailing envelopes. Just cut them apart, turn them inside out, and use a little tape. You’re off to the Post Office.

Another meaning of getting "punched" in the neck

Here's the aftermath of my 2 mole punches this morning. I have 3 more to do in the next 4 weeks. Yay! :) Well, at least I'll feel better about these moles since they'll all be sent to the lab.

Buster got an "owie" yesterday and Patrick and I took him to the new vet (Palo Verde Animal Hospital) to get him checked out. Our old vet has now moved to Colorado after getting kicked off 19th Ave due to the light rail project.

I think we'll survive but we're both on antibiotics for now...at least I don't need to eat mine with peanut butter.

Following NieNie

I had heard of this terrible tragedy in the news a few months ago. A popular spirited blogger mom out of Mesa had been in a nearly fatal plane crash that has burned most of her body. She and her husband (who had just gotten his pilot's license) were on their way back from New Mexico last minute to buy her a pair of moccasins she'd been coveting and to try out his piloting skills.

She is now back blogging and I can't help but wait for the next note to post. She is in a lot of pain as she blogs now in her new home in Utah as she recovers (probably for several years) with her family.

Her story is a very interesting one and if you haven't yet, check out her blog.

Menu Planning

I have fallen off the menu planning bandwagon a little bit this year but I am determined to get back into it...only buying food at the store (unless there's a great sale like at Fry's this week) that is part of the menu plan/recipes for the week.

I found this cool spot on Martha's site where you have a whole week's worth of menus and accompanying grocery lists.

One Sample List:

~ monday ~

Herb-Crusted Salmon with Spinach Salad

~ tuesday ~

Glazed Pork Chops with Smashed Potatoes and Stewed Green Beans

~ wednesday ~

Cuban Black-Bean Stew with Rice

~ thursday ~

Seared Steaks with Tomato Salad and Creamy Spinach

~ friday ~

Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower, Parsley, and Breadcrumbs

Scary parts in movies

Patrick just got scared during the movie Cars when the combine gets
mad after Lightning McQueen goes cow/tractor tipping...we'll have to
fast forward during that part from now on.

January Pictures

Here's Patrick after he dumped all the dog food into their water bowl and then stepped in it.

Here's Patrick roaring like a lion chasing Sean all over Royal Palm park.

Here's Patrick eating the best chocolate pudding - still warm from making it earlier this evening.

More pictures can be found here.

Patricks new word: mail

It sort of sounds like "mayo" and "meow" mixed together...like "mayow."

18 mo check up

Even though he's almost 19 months old we just had his 18 month check
up today. We're happy to report that all is well except for some
eczema that we will moisuturize like crazy to hopefully get it under
control.

His weight is 24lbs 12 oz (30%), length 33.5" (80%), and head
circumference is 19.75" (95%).

He's been talking up a storm. I quit counting words a long time ago
'cause I couldn't keep track. Lately he likes to say the word
"circle" and just tonight he said our cat's name "Joule" and "park."

In the picture he's saying "uh oh" - I don't know why - he just think
it's fun to say "uh oh/oh no/oops/eek."

We're off to try out our new creams and creamy baby wash...night night.

Happy little front door flowers

Lazy rainy Sunday

Pics from Xmas and San Diego

Here are a few of my favorites.

Playing Rock Band Christmas Eve

The awesome cinnamon rolls Christmas morning. Make these!

Cousin (technically first cousin once removed) Courtney, Uncle Cliff, Cousin Tiffany and Cousin (FCOR) Ashley riding on ATVs at Pala Rey Ranch. The Ranch is cousin Tiffany's family's place and it fit us all perfectly and we had fun playing with all the toys and horses and just spending time together.

Hanging out at Seagrove Park.

Bathtime with Ashley. They actually cried a lot but they were really cute.

Sailing in Point Loma/San Diego Harbor. Patrick was quite bundled as it was quite cold.

Spending time with the family and Jenny! Thanks Jenny for the Torrone and Baci and books. I also got to see a dolphin even though nobody else did - swam right under the boat.
Patrick holding a lorikeet on his arm at the Wild Animal Park.

Patrick totally jumping all over Dada after the Journey Into Africa tour. Just so you know, there are long lines for that, ha ha!

Patrick totally jumping all over the deer at the petting zoo at the Wild Animal Park.

For ALL the pictures, you can go to our web album.