Me in 250 words....more or less

I was born and raised in Salinas, Ca. NOT to be confused with Salina, Ut. I lived in the same house across the street from a park for 19 years. I have two older brothers which makes me the youngest and only girl. Growing up I was a perfect cross between a tom boy and a girly girl. I skateboarded and road bmx bikes with my brothers while also enjoying shopping and crocheting with my mom. Fast forward to high school. I went to an all girl catholic school, which believe it or not was awesome. We wore uniforms and had a graduating class of 87 girls. I began running cross country and track and field in high school and found my passion. After high school I went to San Francisco State for 2 days, realized I hated it and came home. I attended Hartnell Junior College in my home town and excelled. I got my associated degree all while running on the XC and track team. I got to spend time with an amazing team traveling over California for 2 years and loved every minutes of it. I discovered strength in myself I didn't know I had and placed 3rd in the state of Ca. in the 800m at the state championships. After graduating I moved to St. George, Ut (cough) following a boy I was dating. Well that didn't last but something did. I was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I took the missionary discussions and was baptized in Sept. 2007. One of the best decisions I have ever made. St. George was just not for me and I moved to Orem, Ut. to attend Utah Valley University and study exercise science. I met my husband while living in student housing. We lived down the hall from each other and he went running with me to train for a marathon. We were close friends for a year and then we decided to date. It wasn't long after we were dating that we decided we wanted to get married. We got married in Sept 2009 in the Sacramento, Ca. temple. I have since graduated with a Bachelors Degree in exercise science and had a baby. 

Wow! There is is, all summed up!

Something I miss

I'm running behind and being choosy with which "blog a day in May" topics I right about. I can definitely write about something I miss. 

I MISS the OCEAN!

Above 3 Monterey & Carmel, Ca

Bottom 2 Eureka, CA

I grew up in Salinas, California which is 15 minutes to the closest beach. It is nestled into the center of the Monterey Bay and is know to be some of the most beautiful coastline in the country, if not the world. There are days when I wake up and think "what do I want to do today". Some days all I want to do it go to the beach and go get some squid and chips for lunch. I miss it. Luckily I traded that for living 3 blocks from massive mountains. I guess the mountain will do for now. Good news is both my parents and Jared's parents still live in California so we get to go back and visit whenever we want!

New Merchandise

I finally got around to getting some new merchandise up in my Etsy shop. Last week was so crazy for some reason. I wasn't even that busy, but It just seemed crazy! Probably the stress of of 14 month old who wouldn't eat anything. Well it's a new week and she is eating everything in sight, so we are back on track ;)

Orzo Tomato Pasta

This is what I made for Mother's Day dinner. I was on the verge of going out, I really didn't feel like cooking. Luckily this was really fast and easy. 

1 can crushed tomatoes
1/4 white onion
3 cloves of garlic
2 cups orzo pasta
2 chicken breast
Italian bread crumbs
white cooking wine
3 tblsp butter
2 eggs

Preheat over to 400 degrees.

Slice chicken breast in half, dip in egg and coat in bread crumbs. Place on cookie sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes (15 each side).

Put orzo pasta on to boil.

Slice onion, and dice garlic. Cook onions with some cooking spray until they are just getting browned. Add garlic and saute for a few minutes (don't let garlic burn). Add cooking wine and butter. Then add the tomatoes. Let is simmer and bring the heat down to low. Season with salt, pepper and dried oregano to taste.

Once the orzo pasta is done, strain off excess water and dump orzo into the sauce mixture.

The chicken should be done right about now. Slice chicken breast and place on top of pasta. Garnish with some fresh basil or Parmesan cheese.

This was delicious, cheap and easy. What a great combination!

A Moment in My Day

Day 9: A Moment in My Day

mmmmm. 

Some Advice

Day 8: A piece of advice

My piece of advice is something I have to constantly remind myself of and it is...."Don't compare yourself to others." I am completely guilty of this. I struggle sometimes being surrounded by people who are at a completely different stage in life. All the younger couples we live around are in their 30's. They all have a few kids under their belt and own a home. I start feeling like there is something wrong with us since we don't own a home yet, but that's just where we are at in our lives. I just have to put myself in check and remember to count my blessings. Like my mom always says, everything is going great as long has you have a roof over your head and a refrigerator full of food. We have that so I guess we are doing pretty good!

What I do.....

Day 6: What I do?

Well I just quit my job at a garden center. I had worked there before I had Ellie and went back last fall. I  was only working Saturdays, but it was hard being away from Jared and Ellie on the ONE day we have together, so I quit :) During the week I am a wife and mother. Here is the way my day looks:

wake up

feed Ellie & myself

go running

shower while Ellie watches cartoons in the pack n play

run errands or do stuff around the house

feed Ellie lunch

Nap for Ellie

an episode or two of Grey's Anatomy while I work on the computer

crochet merch for my Etsy shop

Play outside with Ellie

DADS HOME

Dinner

bedtime for Ellie

FREEDOM

This is what I do people. This is a vague outline, but this is pretty much my everyday routine. It's not very glamorous but it's mine and I am grateful for it. 

My REAL life friends

Here we go, Day 5! Since I don't have any blogger friends I'll profess my LOVE for my real life friends. I think real life friends are better anyways! I have actually been thinking about this a lot lately, the friendships I have made over the past year. When Jared and I got married and started attending a family ward I felt very out of place. This was my FIRST time in a family ward and it was a transition. I took me 2 years and having a baby to finally truly connect with some ladies and I am so glad I did. I think that there is a bit of a moms club (it's not a bad thing) but it exists. We are all in the same stage of life and can all relate to each others experiences. ANYWHO I am so grateful for my friends. We are moms, we are real, and we like to run. We run every week and clog the rec trail with 3 strollers and 3 dogs. We always wonder what we look like to on comers. I am grateful to have people besides family to look to for advise, comfort and support. I am grateful to know there are people who love Ellie and would care for her just like I do. It is special things when you meet people who you know you will be friends with for the rest of your life. The kind of friends who even if you don't see them or talk to them for months on end, you can pick up right where you left off. I've got those and I am GRATEFUL for it!

Wonderful Words

My friend Katie Ashby is participating in the Blog everyday in May challenge. Although it is May 4th and I skipped the first 3 days I think I'll give this a go.  
Day 4: Favorite Quote

"Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly and definitely that. It is the essence of who we are as women. Motherhood defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits, talents and tendencies our Father gave us."
Sheri Dew

I have posted this quote before on my family blog, but I'll share it here too. This is from the book No One Can Take Your Place by Sheri Dew. She is such an inspirational writer and very uplifting towards women. On hard days, when I feel like crying, when I am so frustrated because Ellie wont eat dinner or she has been whining at my feet all day I think of these words. Our Heavenly Father has given me a great responsibility, which sometimes is overwhelming.  When I doubt myself I remind myself that my Father in heaven has entrusted me with an invaluable gift and he knows I am capable of be a great mom. I am strong, and I am a Mother!