Banana Bread How We Like It

3 or 4 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cup of flour
walnuts (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Stir all the “wet” ingredients in a bowl.
Then stir all the “dry” ingredients in a bowl.
Then use a mixer to combine them.

Time:
25 min for mini-loaf.
45 min for normal loaf.

Calories:
Lots.

LiveJournal Tags: banana,bread

Udder Covers

I though I would share this product my SIL told me about. I plan to get both the Udder Cover and Milk Band before baby comes. So cute and functional.

Peace of Mind

Tonight I went to a Relief Society Broadcast at the Stake Center. A couple of good friends picked me up and we drove together. We chatted about different topics, one being homosexuality and my sister, Niki. She has chosen that lifestyle. At times it has been difficult to be there for her and also feel right with the teachings of the gospel. One of my friends recommended I read a recent Ensign article called The Best Thing I Can Do for Leigh. It was helpful for me to read. Here is a pic of Niki with my Nicholas.

Perfect Heart

Today I went to my pediatric cardiology appointment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. My OB/GYN referred me there because of a slight concern that the 2 vessel umbilical cord could be associated with a heart abnormality.

After the doctor read the ultrasound scans he reassured Don and I that baby has a perfectly normal functioning heart (also reminded me not to take Ibuprofen.)

I left the hospital with a mixture of emotions. I was very relieved our baby’s heart is fine. I was in awe, once again, to watch him kicking and squirming on the screen while at the some time feeling the movements. I was in love with Don as we held hands while the doctor spoke. I was humbled as I walked through the halls of the hospital and saw such extremely ill patients being pushed by wheelchairs. I was reminded of how fragile our lives are. I was reminded how blessed my family and I are to enjoy such great health.

Half Way Through Practicum

As you probably know, I have been studying medical transcription for over a year now. It is a great experience and is teaching me tons. I finished the textbook portion a few months ago and I am now trying to get through 800 doctor dictated medical reports. It is kickin' my butt! I just reached the halfway point of 400 down, so 400 more to go (before Oct. 30). I better get off this blog!

Getting Ready for Big Bros

This is how I imagine our new baby to look based on what I have been feeling lately:

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I am now able to see and feel the kicks sporadically jumping within me. He must be preparing for a match with his older brothers.

Sisters and Babies

There are 4 sisters pregnant at the same time Niki, Lena, Sara, and I. So far, there will be 3 boys and a big question mark for Niki. We are just boy making MACHINES in this family. It is so fun to share this time with them and know that this "batch" of cousins will be close. Congrats sistas! Love ya!

A Small Bump

When I got my ultrasound at the beginning of the week, everything looked great with our baby. He appears to be in good health.

The only concern is the umbilical cord has 1 artery and 1 vein. It normally contains 2 arteries and a single vein. This means is I get to have an ultrasound once a month until baby arrives. The doctor will check to make sure he is growing enough. If he is not keeping up, I will have to go on bed rest. I am praying it will not come to that. I don’t have a clue what we would all do.

This Friday, I go to a pediatric cardiologist who will check on his heart and make sure all is well.

Boy or Girl?

We’ll let you decide…

…so there you go, a 4th little buckaroo in the Udall home. I am still queen! I know everyone was hoping for a girl, but I am still happy. Besides, I think we make pretty cool boys.

Congrats Serri and Rich

My sister, Serri ,

just got engaged to Rich.

I have never met him, but

I am happy she is happy!

Obama’s Education Speech

Many K-12 schools across the nation tuned into Obama’s speech to the students. However, Hampton Elementary (where Jayden goes to school) did not broadcast it for some reason.  Some crazy parents disapproved of the President addressing their kids' in school, which seems very irrational to me.

I read the speech and wanted the boys to see it so thanks to You Tube we watched it as part of our FHE lesson on Working Hard. If you didn’t get a chance to see it, here is a link:

President Obama's Message for Americas Students

Afterwards, I helped Jayden write Mr. President a letter stating his educational goals.

Little Butterfly

 Hello in there, baby. I love the moments when I am sitting still and can feel your tiny movements. It  feels just like a In 6 more days I get to see you and find out if you are a boy or girl. We are all excited.

12 Mi Appalachian Trail Hike

Don took Jayden “camping” over Labor Day weekend. They were going to go to a campsite about 10 miles away, where they went on the Father-Son campout with the church, but it was closed. So…Don drove out to the Appalachian Trail about an hour away and started on a 4 mile hike to a shelter thingy (below), WITH Jayden AT 6 or so p.m. Two miles in he said it got dark! They found the shelter, ate some MREs and marshmallows and tucked themselves in for the night. It was about then, that I called (I can’t believe they got service) to say goodnight and check in. Remember I thought they were close by at a “real campsite.”

The next day they hiked around for about 8 miles until they reached the car and came home. All in all Jayden hiked 12 miles in 24 hours. Very impressive for a 5-year-old! I am glad Don did not tell me where they really were or I would have been a worry wart. They had a great time.

People With Thin Thighs Die Sooner, Study Finds - Nutrition | Physical - FOXNews.com

People With Thin Thighs Die Sooner, Study Finds - Nutrition | Physical - FOXNews.com

What great news. Me and my child-bearing hips will live on! Sorry Ser, looks like I'll out live you.

Good Boy

Today Jayden came to me with his head down and said "I know I am going to have to go to time out for this." "Uh oh" I thought, this cannot be good. I asked him why and he lead me to my broken transcription headphones. They are not cheap, so I was upset and told him that yes, he would need to go to time out for breaking them.
A little while later, he came out and told me he was sorry for breaking my headphones.
If you are wondering why I would write about this it is because even though I was disappointed that he broke them, it was a big step for him to come to me and tell me he did it. I was also very pleasantly pleased he apologized without me even to ask him to. It was a proud mommy moment and made me smile.
Don jimmied them up and luckily they still work, they just look a little funny now.

First Day of K for J

 

Bitter-Sweet Bus

Our first walk to the bus stop.

After waiting 15 minutes, the bus did come. The bus driver was patient while Jayden gave each of us a hug and kiss and gave me his Spiderman toy. He confidently boarded the bus.  

He sat in the first row where a few other kindergarteners sat. The doors closed.

 

The bus drove away with my son. How crazy is that? This makes me feel a strange mixture of emotions… vulnerable, nervous, proud?