Brown Rice Pudding

My mom used to make rice pudding a lot when I was little. Oh man was it good! Well I have been craving some but I don't buy white rice since I'm trying to be healthier. So I looked up a recipe for brown rice pudding and I thought I'd share it for any of you homey desert lovers.


Ingredients

* 2 cups cooked whole grain brown rice
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
* 1-2 cup dark raisin (optional)
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg or allspice

Directions

1. In medium saucepan, combine rice, milk, syrup [& raisins, if including them], & bring to boil.

2. Reduce heat & simmer 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Remove from heat & stir in butter & cinnamon.

4. If desired, garnish with additional cinnamon.

30 DS Making Progress

While I'm going to go ahead and wait to post my measurements again until 30 days have passed to make sure they are accurate, I have seen shrinkage in inches and weight. I have lost about 5 pounds! While it's not Biggest Loser numbers I'm very happy :) It's a steady move down the scale and I can't wait to get into the 170 range. I'm 181 right now and my first mini goal is 175.

I think setting mini goals is important to keep me motivated. It will take months for me to get to my ultimate goal of 140-135 so it's good to have steps in between. In the meantime I'm looking forward to fitting my clothes better. My tummy is wrecked from the stretching process and while I would look pretty good in my size 13s if my tummy were tighter I'll look sloppy until that happens no matter what size I wear. That's where all the ab work will pay off. My tummy is where I have seen the most difference in inches since I last measured.

Well. I just have to stick it out! There is definitely improvement and as long as I keep going it will only get better :)

Stupid Carpet Cleaners!

We live in a nice apartment complex. Not extragant, but nice. However they have been doing a lot of renovations and there has been so much noise EVERY DAY that my son gets woken up as many as 3 times a day from his naps! But I've been keeping myself from being too frustrated by the fact that it's usually over by 3. Today, though, minutes after Caleb had fallen asleep for a much needed nap (he'd been getting very fussy and hadn't slept much all day thanks to lawn mowers and grinders and welding) when they started using the noisiest machine to clean carpets I have ever witnessed. And he kept trying to go back to sleep but there was just too much noise! And now I have this cranky, crying, overly tired baby who is too wired to sleep. Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! Stupid freaking carpet cleaners! Well there is my vent, I'm off to try and soothe my son.

Measurements

Measurements at a week into my exercise routine. I'll measure myself every month to check on my progress with the 30 Day Shred. I plan on doing the program until I'm dead or physically unable.

February 26, 2010 :

Bust - 44"
Waist - 38"
Stomach - 45.5"
Hips - 43"
Arms - 14"
Thighs - 27"

Well I definitely have some trimming and sculpting I have to do! But I'm comitted and I'm going to make it happen. I will be so glad to see those numbers shrinking and to see a lean body appear. Wish me luck!

30DS and 20 minute naps

So I've lost a little weight, 2 or 3 pounds in a week. I didn't take my measurements before I started so I'm thinking about going and getting a measuring tape today. I'm trying to cut back on my portions somewhat, but nothing drastic. I've been doing the 30 day shred for a little over a week now. I do it at least every other day and it only takes 20-30 minutes. I gained between 20 and 30 pounds but I was already overweight so I'd like to lose about 40 pounds altogether. I've always struggled with my weight and have never been really committed to exercise so this is a HUGE life style change for me. But with support from my dh I've been doing pretty well and getting better. I think it helps not just to think of it as losing the baby weight, but deciding to be fit for life. I don't want to hit my mark just to be disappointed with myself a year later when I'm back in size 13 jeans! I love being curvy (picture Shakira and Beyonce) so I'm not worried about trying to be Paris Hilton, I just want to be the healthiest, hottest me!

Also I have to get some fenugreek as my milk supply seems to have decreased somewhat. I'm a little worried that the exercise and slight cut in calories has affected my supply. If it comes down to losing weight or continuing to bf then I will choose breastfeeding.

The baby has been a little tough with naps lately. He's been taking about 5 twenty minute naps a day. But he's seems to be doing all right so I don't mind being a little more worn out than usual.

Mike has been working from 1:30 to 10 at night which can be lonely, but my mom comes over most nights for at least half an hour so it's not too bad. I think the baby prefers his daddy to work mornings though. I think it allows him to wind down better at night knowing his daddy is home.

Well lo is getting tired here so I'm going to rescue him from his jumper. Peace out!

SAHM and 30 Day Shred

So I've managed to be a stay at home mom. Because I couldn't find work. We're making it though. The hubby and I are both glad I can stay at home with Caleb. I don't have to miss out on any of his moments and we can continue with our attached parenting. I don't have to worry about getting him to take a bottle, which he's made quite clear he rejects. It's nice too because hubby and I don't have to spend anymore time apart because of conflicting schedules. I'm still trying to work out something so I can contribute some to our finances. But Mike (hubby) is such a great provider :)

Keeping up the house is a bit of a challenge. Often things get piled up to the point of being grotesque but I manage to get it all under control again. It can be hard, but satisfying. And of course Mike helps out too. His hours can be erratic and long but we're thanking God he has work. The shop is thankfully getting some more business so he'll be able to work 40+ hours again. All things considered we're still doing quite well. We have cable and internet and plenty of food and a nice apartment and first and foremost each other!

I love being a mother and wife. Especially to my two wonderful men.

On another note, I've started an exercise program called 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michales. It is unbelievably intense, but I can't wait to to see the results of the hard work. I've been stuck at about 180 pounds and I need to lose about 45. I'm hoping it won't take longer than 6 months with this routine. I'll post updates in two weeks, if there is anything worth mentioning :p

Caleb 5 months strong

So it has been almost a year since my last post. Caleb was born 1:17 am via c section on September 17th, 2009. He is now 5 months and 3 days old. He is amazing. He's so handsome and sweet. He's very inquisitive and interactive.

Motherhood and wife-hood are treating me fantastically. I've been so blessed. It's exhausting but with the support of my husband, family and friends it's been a truly joyous experience thus far.

That being said, I have never prayed more in my life. Succinctly I pray for Caleb to have health and happiness and to live a long and fruitful life in God.

He never ceases to amaze me. Everyday he does something fantastic, whether it's a laugh a cuddle or reaching a new milestone. I honestly cannot believe he is almost 6 months old.

He can roll over both directions, he can get up on his hands and knees though he is still perfecting that art. He loves standing and can hold his own weight though he needs support to keep his balance. He is gabbing away and is a total daredevil, enjoying being flipped, swung and hanged upside down. He's gotten his first two teeth (bottom front) and has started his first solids, so far he has had rice cereal, carrots and peas. Carrots are his favorite.

I plan on keeping a regular blog tracking his growth and my marriage to the fabulous Mr. S. Pictures will be abundant.