Several things which will make you think about your food and what you eat differently:

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle -- by Barbara Kingsolver

Fast Food Nation -- by Eric Schlosser

The History of the Chicken -- documentary

Supersize Me -- documentary

It has been making me think a lot about the Word of Wisdom's council to eat things in their season.

Here's Amy playing with a tape measurer. Thank you Ballifs for the cute PJs! (And thank you Katelynn for the movies :))

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

We had a very nice Christmas. We watched the Nativity movie,opened our presents and stockings Christmas Eve...Amy was happy and cute as a button.

Merry Christmas, family and friends!! We love you!! -the Weights

The Logan Temple was so pretty Sunday -- there was frost on all of the trees, so they looked like something out of an Ansel Adams photograph. My limited skills didn't really capture it, but it looked cool... believe me.

We gave Amy a mohawk the other day in the tub and thought she looked pretty cute...she's cut several new teeth, so now the count is 7 teeth, but I expect two more soon

She always makes us smile. Ryan and I often joke that we don't know what we did for entertainment before she was born -- we get such a kick out of watching her. She loves music and has started to bounce to it when she hears it. Someone did a musical number in church today, and as soon as they started, Amy turned to me with a big smile and started to clap. Here's her singing with the motab.

My Country

I love the holidays -- I love time with my family. Sometimes, I fear though that Americans are forgetting the reason for these celebrations. The reason is, quite simply, God -- and gratitude for what He has done for us and our nation.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, with its Black Friday embarrassments (I mean no disrespect to people who shop on Black Friday, but I do think that the bickering over gifts or the people trampled to death by the mobs of shoppers is so so so embarrassing to our country). How many realise that it was instituted as a holiday in the midst of the Civil War by Lincoln -- to give gratitude and honor to God who had preserved them to such an extent? Lincoln said in his Thanksgiving Proclamation: "No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy... I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States... to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

It is belief in God that makes this country great, as Alexis de Tocqueville (a 19th century french sociologist) observed: "I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers -- and it was not there... in her fertile fields... in her rich mines and her vast world commerce -- and it was not there... Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

Now, I do believe in being tolerant of other people, but I feel that America as a whole are being 'tolerant' to our peril -- neglecting to honor God or give Him praise and credit for what He has done for us. Regardless of the many different religions in the world, we do have a common belief in a higher Power. But we as so afraid of offending those who are atheists or agnostic, that we are afraid to mention Him in schools, we no longer recite the pledge of allegiance, or pray there. I think we are afraid of making waves -- and it's not only in the sense of mentioning God at school, but we don't want to make waves in upholding His commandments as truths.

I have been reading an excellent book by Tad Callister called "The Inevitable Apostacy and the Promised Restoration." He made a point that I greatly appreciated. I remember having philosophical discussions in high school and college trying to define pornography. Now, being a historian and art lover, it was difficult, because it seems that the painting of the Venus would not be classified that way, where if a woman were painted naked today, it would be. He quotes in his book early Renaissance writers who acknowledged these paintings as pornography, and certainly at that time they would've aroused feelings to look upon them. We are now desensitized it seems, so we don't think much of them. Now, I don't think we should necessarily torch them -- the Renaissance painters made amazing leaps in progress for painting a life-like figure, but let me give an example of what could happen if we do not stand up for our rights:

In Germany, almost 7 years ago, a tabloid magazine named "Bild" began circulating. Most Germans are family loving decent people and would not want hard porn being shown to their small children, but from their history they do not want to be seen as intolerant. So, though Bild was initially irritating to some, no one made waves. It began to thrive to the point that now it is sold at every corner Kiosk and opened on buses and trains right in front of women and children. Advertising has also responded and become more and more provocative. Sometimes you'll see women squirm a little when it's opened -- I know what they're thinking because I am a woman -- they feel cheapened and disgusted. I am grateful to have the gospel and not live in Germany, though I love that country more than words can say. What woman could possibly compete with the air-brushed images on display? Then stroll the streets dissatisfied men and women.

Because of the sexuality in Germany, and because pastors and preachers didn't want to offend parishioners by saying they sin, when they made the Einheitsuebersetzung (unity-translation, agreed upon by Lutherans and Catholics) they took out the concept of chastity and replaced it with loyalty, which, as you may know, is not the same thing. I met so many students my age who were having sex whenever they felt like it, and I can tell you they were not happy. They kept searching and searching for something to fill the void that money, stability, education, sex, or drugs cannot fill.

The only Being that can give us real happiness and satisfaction is God -- and He does so when we keep His commandments and remember His hand in our lives. Now, I don't want to crush other people's rights, but I feel I have rights too -- the right to not see pornography, the right to recognise marriage as ordained by God between a man and a woman... and other rights. The right to be grateful for the founding father's faith in God and say that God definitely had His hand in the initial stirrings of this nation, and will continue to if we will give Him place. George Washington himself said: "The man must be bad indeed who can look upon the events of the American Revolution without feeling the warmest gratitude towards the great Author of the Universe whose divine interposition was so frequently manifested in our behalf."

I hope we stand up for our beliefs -- because amid all the political correctness and not wanting to offend, the truth is our happiness, success and stability in this country comes from God alone. Our focus during Christmas should not be derailed by materialism or gift hording -- but it should be on God. The fact that God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son... a gift of the atonement which none of us could buy.

These are some pictures taken by our good friend, Matt. We probably should've put these on our Christmas card instead, but I didn't have the CD with me when we made them. Amy is growing like a weed -- walking and jabbering all the time. She fills our lives with so much joy. Sometimes I am disheartened by the news -- it seems only negative things are reported -- but when I think of Amy, it's as if my hope in humanity is restored. She is always thrilled by tiny new discoveries and radiates a smile to anyone who will look at her. Truly, with such a wonderful family, it is a wonderful life!

THANK YOU!!

Thank you to whoever left us 35$ -- I wish Ryan could see without his glasses and know who you were so we could at least give you a hug for being so kind. Thank you, whoever you are.

Blessings and Comfort

So, we went down for Rylee Rhys Taylor's baby blessing last week -- it was beautiful. She's a little darling girl and its great to see my brother as a Daddy.


I remember a conversation we once had, when we were putting in a fence around my parent's orchard. I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up (we were in high school). Ben said: "I want to be the type of Dad who goes to his son's t-ball games and takes his girls to ballet practice." I was so touched to hear him say that. I think he already is, and will become an even greater Daddy. Thanks Ben and Shera for letting us visit. We love you both. Here's a photo of us:


On the way down, Ryan and I were listening to C.S. Lewis' "A Grief Observed". In the introduction, a really profound point was made that has stuck with me of late. The Latin for 'comfort' means to give strength, or intense strength. For some reason, whenever I thought about 'comfort' in the past, I thought of it in the same sense as a down-comforter blanket -- as if, when you were comforted, you had that warm fuzzy feeling or could skip or whistle. But sometimes, life is not like that. There are some trials that, despite comfort, we struggle. I can only imagine it would be this way with the death of a dearly loved one. So, this new understanding of the meaning of the word is significant I think. The Holy Ghost is known as "The Comforter". He can give us strength to endure trials that we otherwise would be unable to. We may still cry, or struggle, but we can be assured that we would've struggled much more without His help. That may be part of this life's experience, but we can hope in the fact that there will be a day when "God shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelations 21:4).

I really like the idea that comfort means to give strength. I know God has comforted me many times in my life and given me help. I remember especially one night feeling low and sad when my sister Jenny had cancer. I viewed the cancer only in a negative light, and thought if it was a punishment, I should have it and not her - because I look up to her in so many ways. The fact is, God did not take away her cancer then, but He gave her strength to endure it, and to be an example to all of us in the meantime. He gave me strength to accept it and trust in Him. Without Him in the equation, our lives would be much much worse.

Sometimes God gives us strength or comfort through other people. I know He has given me Ryan as a comfort and strength for me. I am so grateful for the help he gives me -- he's so willing to help with Amy, or help clean the house. I love him dearly and am so grateful we can be together forever.

Snow snow snow...

We've been enjoying the holiday season...

visiting family, and eating good meals...

and sledding with our little munchkin...

and loving life!

Teeth Grinding, Duck, Swing Running

These are the new happenings in Amy's life: teeth grinding, which sounds like nails on the chalk board but should go away of its own accord one the novelty of having new teeth wears off; an ongoing obsession with ducks -- we have a regular little duck family now that we bought 2 more. Her favorite, naturally, is the little baby duck. And as always, she loves the park and hanging out with her Daddy. What fun!

Pics

Here's some pictures of Amy in the cute clothes someone left for her in our mail box... thanks again. I would've included a picture of her dress that she wore to church today (with cute pink tights) but when I took her upstairs and laid her in the crib, she turned immediately on her tummy, tucked her legs under her bum and fell asleep. I think it's darling that she can sleep bum up like that. Enjoy:

Have I mentioned that we like going to the park?

Pretty much the coolest place ever, as far as Amy's concerned, unless it's going to the Knorrs, which is better because there are not only toys, but two boys very anxious to share and make her laugh...

Amy has been drilling her tongue against the roof of her mouth like a cricket of late, now that she has 4 teeth on the top. It sounds really cute.

We sure love this little munchkimina!

Enjoying Family Time

I enjoy spending time with Ryan and Amy. They recently made a park within walking distance from our place and we like to stroll down there several times a week to enjoy the swings, rocking horses and slides.

It's a blessing to have family and to know we can be together eternally...

That's been on my mind a lot lately -- we have so much, and I'm so grateful for it. I can't imagine not knowing I could see these happy faces forever.


Amy has stretched our hearts more than we knew was possible. We love her and all the funny things she does... like this:

Long Thought(s)

You can never judge a book by its cover. How often have we heard this, or said this to ourselves, but are continually surprised by the fact that we have... and wrongly!

I've been studying 'charity' for the past while, and of late I've seen so many instances where I have, without even knowing it, NOT been charitable. Where I've judged someone wrongly, tucked it away and forgotten about it -- only to be surprised later to find someone's really nice. Surprised?! I find one of my most difficult challenges with charity is that I crave justice -- I like the bad guys to get their come-uppins... but who made me judge? Certainly the scriptures do anything but that. And the major flaw with judging, is that we do not have all the facts. Over and over, God has shown me the positive side of people that I've at first look been scared of, intimidated by, or peeved at. Yet, over and over again, I still need to be reminded of this fact.

The person who seemed rude to you in middle school, the police officer that seemed to talk down to you, the guy who butted you in line, the professor that made fun of you in class... all these types of encounters only show ONE facet of an individual. That middle schooler was probably struggling with crazy hormones, acne and low self-esteem. The Professor could have been struggling with anything - who knows. The point is, their act does not make up who they are. They are... we are... children of God, and even the meanest person on the planet was at one time good enough to choose this plan instead of Satan's.

Why does charity "vaunteth not itself" or "seeketh not her own"? Because she doesn't need to compare herself to others - she doesn't need worldly validation - she knows God is the judge and will do so in His own time. She knows He loves all His children. She knows that Christ's atonement can ransom anyone who will repent and come to Him, and she wants ALL to do so. This humility helps her to be 'kind'.

Charity NEVER faileth. She loves unconditionally, and probably realises that those who seem to deserve love the least, need it the most. She judges righteously. Oh, how I want to become a charitable person and have 'the pure love of Christ' for everyone. How I want to stop realising that I've judged someone and forgotten about it... but rather not be surprised by people's goodness, but simply rejoice in it knowing that they are striving to live up to the godly potential they have. I know that charity is a gift, and I know that Christ loves us and can make weaknesses become strong if we'll come unto Him. I pray I can do that, so I may be 'filled with this love'. That we all may be.

Running!

As requested... more videos of Amy. I know that she's the main high-light or attraction now in the Weight household. Some day I'll post some pics of all of us.

(By the by... I highly recommend several interesting and edifying books: "Yearning for the Living God" by F. Enzio Busche, "Building Zion: the Latter-day Saints in Europe", by Bruce A. Van Orden, and "The Inevitable Apostacy" by Tad Callister.)

Amy's been so fun this past week... I have loved every minute of this week! She's funny, laughing a lot, learning a lot, crawling, eating cheerios and whatever else she can cram in her mouth, easy to make giggle, and so smiley. What fun!! I know not all days or weeks are this way, so I am grateful for it. All in all though, I think God has blessed us with an extremely good baby. There's a saying that He gives you what He know you can handle... either I can't handle much, or more is to come, because Amy's a really good baby. We just love her. Here are some recent pics:

Our chubber bubber

(Amy, showing off a new skill)

Amy has been oodles of fun recently -- she is always challenging my sense of security in what I know as a Mom too, which is good I guess, else, how could I learn? She still loves bath time, eating, and Dad (especially paddling his face) and recently we take walks to the park in her new teddy bear snowsuit, which keeps her warm, but somewhat inhibits her movement.

crawling

don't make me touch the goat!

So, an update: We just got back from a family vacation to see my parents, and Ryan's siblings. It was really fun and nice. Amy enjoyed seeing her cousins, aunts and uncles and Oma and Opa. She continues to bring us loads of joy! My favorite things are the small noises she makes. Here's a sample:

Our little snuggly, adorable, eggplant baby

So, I decided to make Amy a practical Halloween costume. I wanted to make her a sleeper anyways, and then I thought: why don't I just make her a sleeper cut out somewhat like an eggplant. So I did... and then knitted her a beanie. She likes it, and likes eating her beanie. What a cute/funny girl!

She has also become my snuggle bunny. She still thinks Daddy's the cat's nightwear, but she thinks that Mommy's pretty awesome too. I'm moving up in the ranks. She will often snuggle with me for 20 minutes at a time now. Awww! Hope you enjoy the videos too!

Comparison

These are to show that Amy looks little like me. She is her own person I guess. It's not that there are NO similarities, but they are few and far between. Amy has chubby cheeks... so do I. Amy is going to have to invest in suspenders... I sadly can't bring myself to wear them, though I should. Amy may some day have dimples like her daddy, for which I rejoice! We think she's cute, adorable and so fun!

Family Adventures

Every weekend, we go on "adventures" with Amy. Usually small things, like taking a family hike or having me walk around with Amy while Ryan fishes. It is a tradition which I have enjoyed for the past month and think I'll like even more as Amy starts getting older. I am grateful to live in such a beautiful place and that we are healthy and able to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Simplicity

I hung some of the wash up to dry last weekend, and found it oddly beautiful to watch our clothes and sheets gently swaying in the breeze.

As a history major, I studied lots of different time periods with lots of advantages and disadvantages to each one. I think that something we should all stop to realize is it's not the richest or most talented people which are the happiest -- it's those that can find pleasure and happiness in simple things. Paul admonished the Hebrews to be "without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye hath: for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).

I don't think God means for us to be stressed out as we go through life. Sure, there is a lot to get done, but I think He wants us to find beauty in the journey and in the small things. I spent some time thinking last week of some simple things that make me happy, and I share 24 of them with you, hoping that if you are having a stressful day you can stop and consider what makes you happy too. These aren't in any particular order, so I'll start with laundry hanging on the line...

the sound of moths in autumn thundering up the windows, the sound of crickets chirping outside, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, watching ducks search for food "bottoms up", the smell of clorox, clorine, freshly cut grass, lilac and apple blossoms, reflections on the water...

the sound of a river, the sound of wind, running through sprinklers on a hot summer day, a hot shower, Ryan's dimples when he smiles at me, watching Ryan fish and relax by merely casting a pole and string into a river...

Amy's smile -- any baby's smile, Amy's laugh -- all baby giggles, hearing Amy coo after waking up from her nap, a snuggle, feeding Amy, watching her splash gleefully in a warm bath,

the smell and taste of homemade bread straight from the oven with butter and honey...

talking with family and friends, watching Wodehouse Playhouse and Wooster and Jeeves with Ryan, hiking, snuggling up under down-comforter blankets when it's cold, being clean after a long day working in the yard or being spit up on...

Ultimately, most of these do not require money, fame or a degree to have and anyone can enjoy them (other than Amy and Ryan, who are mine :) ) We seem to be so driven by the clock in our culture that we forget to enjoy the journey we are so frantic to accomplish. I agree with President Hinkley, that life is to be enjoyed not just endured. There are magical highlights along our path which can make us smile, laugh or merely relax if we'll stop to look. I hope that I can always remember to be content with what I have, and with the knowledge that God will not forsake us.

Cracked Wheat Sausage Recipe

Thanks to my sis-in-law Stephanie, we now can enjoy sausage, but NOT sausage! I know Jenny will really enjoy this, and I hope Corinna forgives me for forgetting a few ingredients when I gave it to her. Ryan really liked it, and with ketchup I don't think you can really tell it's not sausage:

"RaMay's Cracked Wheat Sausage"

1 cup cooked cracked wheat (my recipe is 1 cup dry cracked wheat plus 3 cups water and it makes about 2 or so cups -- boil, then simmer for 20 minutes)

1 1/2 tsp sage (I didn't have sage so I put a little marjoram, savory and thyme)
1 beef boulion cube
1 T oil
2-3 dashes garlic salt
2-3 dashes onion salt
1 tsp Worchestire sauce
1 T brown sugar
dash of cayenne pepper (I didn't use that: I put a dash of crushed red pepper)
1 egg

mix all ingredients except the egg and then you can taste it and see if you want to add any other spices. Then add the egg. If it's runny, you can add a little bit of flour. Form into patties and cook in a skillet. Delicious!

Tuckered Out

This is what too much fishing does to Amy.

Some long awaited movies

So, I couldn't find the batteries to our camera, and therefore have not updated recently, because let's face it: most of you check the blog to see Amy, don't you. It's true. I would too.

We had our 6 mo. meeting with the Dr, and when she was measured, our little Amy didn't even top 15 lbs. She's currently 14lb 12 oz! That means that since birth she's gained a little less than 6 lbs! She's grown 5 inches, which puts her now at 26.5 inches long, but she's a light weight. Crazy!! Especially considering that I feed her ALL the time, and she eats like 2 cups a day of baby food in addition to breastfeeding. She's ALWAYS been a good eater, and as far as solids are concerned, there are few foods she does not like (mostly associated with texture... if I blend them finer, she's alright). But, if you watch this clip, the reason for her lack of weight gain is apparent. As in my belly, Amy's always on the move. Can't seem to stop. Also, you can check out what she thinks of texture: bread and cheerios.

Borscht, and Potato Casserole

(Sorry, Sarah, that I ended up making it alone. We'll have to have the authentic version sometime)

Ryan and I planted 5 rows of beets. Tons, you might think, but since our garden gets minimal sunlight at the very end of the summer the largest ones were still only about as big as a golf ball. But, I peeled all 40+ of them up and made my own version of Borscht (which I've never made before but got the jist from some recipes online)

All my little beets made about 2 cups worth. This is what I did, and Ryan liked it a lot:

MY VERSION OF BORSCHT:

2 cups water
2 cups chopped beets
2 cups chopped carrots
1/2 onion chopped (I had about 10 baby onions)
1/4 cup chives or green onions chopped (like I said, my onions didn't grow much either... so I had to utilize the entire plant)
2 garlic cloves chopped

all this is boiling whilst I continue chopping and peeling miniscule beets

1/3 cup chopped beet tops (kind of like swiss chard, I'm told)
1/4 cabbage chopped into tiny slices
1 beef steak chopped in inch cubes
I also sliced up three pieces of ham lunch meat into small pieces.
1 can stewed tomatoes (THE FIRST TIME RYAN'S EATEN TOMATOES WILLINGLY SINCE HE TOLD ME HE DOESN'T LIKE THEM... SINCE EVERYTHING WAS RED ANYWAYS FROM THE BEETS, HE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW, AND I DIDN'T TELL HIM! BUWAHAHAHA!)
3 cubes chicken boulion.

Probably boiled all this for 40-60 minutes. I just kept on adding a little water when it would boil off.

Now... since most recipes called for potatoes, but I didn't have any, I just made some instant mashed potatoes and mixed them in with it. It turned it all pink and pretty-like.


POTATO CASSEROLE:
Ryan gets after me, because when I get stressed or busy, I forget to eat (also, I'm lazier about cooking for myself than I am about cooking for him... and since he liked the borscht so much he'd taken it for lunch). This was fast, um... probably high in calories, and had a little of every group:

3 cups made Instant potatoes
1 can corn
1 handful shredded cheddar cheese
1 scoop cottage cheese
some milk
some carrots chopped
a handful of some dried refried bean flakes which Ryan's Mom got us
2 scoops cream of chicken soup
2 garlic cloves chopped (I boiled them when I heated the water for the potatoes)
3 slices ham lunch meat chopped

And, there you go (said in the accent of the Dad from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding")

Jumpin'

Amy finally realized she can bounce in her jumper... she used to cry, but now she seems to enjoy it quite a bit. Enjoy!