Dear Jordyn Wieber

With the Olympics in full swing and upsets and failures inevitably happening to even the best, I heard the question asked: What would you say to Jordyn Wieber  (the reigning world gymnastics champion who was favored to be in the running for the all-around final) failing to advance after a few missteps?

I thought of all the "fluffy" things one could say to encourage, empathize, or put it all into perspective and nothing I could come up with cut the mustard. Only the honest, hard truth that: This sucks. Any other day, it could have been you. But to sum it all up in 3 words: Life goes on. The sting of this loss is going to hurt a day, a month, a year, 10 years, and even 20 years down the road. The "what-ifs" and "what could've gone differentlies" can haunt you forever. But you gotta let life go on. With time and by finding joy in other life experiences the pain will ease. Finish your best and let it be what it is. You don't have a choice. There may always be tears with this memory, but the pain and disappointment will fade as life goes on and the other joys it brings begin to trump this failure. If all we base our life's joy and our self-worth on is our talent, looks, strength, humor, or brains life will be nothing but disappointment after disappointment as our failures and weaknesses in these areas are brought to light. Finding joy and self worth in things outside of ourselves is what helps us move on when we fail ourselves. So dear Jordyn, life goes on and you are worth more than even the Olympic gold!

Seaside Vacation 2012

This Summer for our annual family vacation we headed to Seaside, OR. We used to vacation at Seaside when I was a kid and it hasn't lost it's charm. My niece and nephews hadn't experienced Seaside before so it was so precious to see their little faces light up when they saw the ocean for the first time, felt the unstable sand beneath their toes, and saw all the crazy looking sea creatures. It was nothing short of a blast and I am blessed to have spent quality time at the ocean with those I love. Some of our favorite moments included:

* Finding a penny at Multnomah falls for our usual penny print souvenir Jeremiah and I get everywhere we go and then finding one in the dryer at our beach house. I didn't have to spend a cent on this souvenir! (Side note and fun tip: I turn the pressed pennies into magnets so every time I look at the fridge I am reminded of all the cool places we have been.)


* Jeremiah running from the beach to a toyshop downtown to buy a kite when he realized how perfect the weather was for kite flying. And it was the craziest kite flying I've ever seen! Surprised no bystanders lost an eye! Said kite was also a U.S. Navy kite (my brother-in-law, Leroy, was in the navy). Let the bromance begin!


* Buying countless dollars worth of Salt Water Taffy between all of us.

* Deep Fried Twinkies and other treats from the The Buzz On Broadway - the best candy shop I have ever experienced! We served their salt water taffy at our wedding, even :)


* My sister's dog, Grunt, looking happier than I have ever seen him while running wild and free on the beach.

* Eating at Pig N' Pancake. A must do!


* S'mores on the deck of our beach house on a mini BBQ maintenance had to bring when the gas grill conked out on us.


* My 5 year old nephew, Eli, having more fun catching his marshmallows on fire than actually toasting them for the S'mores.


* Several trips to Rite Aid and Safeway for MORE drinks, food, and much "needed" items.

* Carousel rides, bumper cars, and the arcade! Complete with a giant sized version of Fruit Ninja, free games, and TONS of tickets won for the kids.

* My 3 year old niece, Harper, not enjoying the carousel worker calling her "cutie cutie" and pretending to take her shoes while on the ride.

* Seeing the Miss Oregon contestants everywhere (as the pageant was that weekend) and trying to pick out the winner. We were certain Miss Umpqua would take the title. Not only was she well put together, but I was sure she would have received bonus points for being from a place that makes amazing ice cream ;)

* My 10 month old nephew, Samson, getting a handful of a lazy sea anemone. That'll teach them to get complacent after all those years in the aquarium touch pool!

* My brother-in-law's fantastic "photobombing."

* Random Voodoo Doughnut side trips and zoo stops on the way home.


Pit stop at Multnomah Falls.

Looking cute on the deck of the beach house.

One of my fave little guys.

My fave girl in the world.

My other fave little guy.

Photobombed by the best.

Checking out the sealions at the aquarium.

I think he loved the beach more than anyone!

Jeremiah flying his kite.

S'mores on the deck in our college hoodies.

Gorgeous, Samson.

Loving the carousel until, "Hey there, cutie cutie" came and tried to take her shoes.

Some of our candy haul.

Headed home with some Voodoo Doughnuts.

IC Snack Attack

This post is just a little glimpse into some of the foods we ICers can enjoy. These are mainly pre-made and pre-packaged store bought foods that, for the most part, are "unhealthy" treats. I know, I know! But let's be real, sometimes a pear just doesn't curb the sugar cravings. I also know how hard it is when you are craving something sweet or salty and don't want to bake or cook anything. When I was first diagnosed, I had so many questions about pre-packaged foods. I  needed things I could take on the road, to work, vacations, etc. and it was hard to know what was safe. After countless hours of reading labels and brave trial and error, I came up with a list of things most ICers can tolerate. And if not, I plan on posting some recipes that might be better alternatives. One note: If you can't do peanut butter, try substituting almond butter. Costco sells the large sized Maranatha brand for a good deal and it's super yummy! Again, these aren't exactly health foods, but I think in moderation we all deserve a treat! So, without further adieu, here are some of my favorite foods to help curb those IC snack attacks:

Sweet Treats:

Jennie's Coconut Macaroons - I found these at Fred Meyer in the organic aisle
Just Fruit Pear Bars - I found these at Fred Meyer in the organic aisle
Golden Oreos
Nilla Wafers - I dip them in peanut butter or do a mixture of peanut butter and powdered sugar sandwiched between 2 cookies and it is amazing!
Lorna Doons
Talenti Gelato in Caribbean Coconut
Breyers Homestyle Vanilla or Extra Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream 
Rice Pudding  - Kozy Shack is my fave brand
Vanilla Pudding - I love the cook and serve!
Madagascar Vanilla Cookies - found at Walmart
Animal Cookies - you know those cute little cardboard packages with the string :)
Werther's Original Hard Candies
Plain White Chocolate
Toblerone White
Most Shortbread and Sugar Cookies - make sure they do not contain preservatives
Franz Plain Bagels - I top mine with cream cheese and fresh blueberries
Del Monte Pears in Lite Syrup - if you can't find fresh. Can even mix with cottage cheese (I prefer Kraft Simply Cottage Cheese since it has no acids in it)
Oregon Blueberries in Lite Syrup or Frozen Blueberries - if you can't find fresh


Salty Eats:

Plain Potato Chips - I prefer Kettle Cooked Sea Salt or Lays Lightly Salted
Baked Lays (plain)
Organic Popcorn - found at Safeway or Albertson's
Tortilla Chips
Pretzels or Pretzel Chips
String Cheese
Saltines - topped with peanut butter and honey
Ritz - topped with peanut butter (can even do the pre-made ones sold in the store)
Wheat Thins - with melted mozerlla cheese
Triscuits - with melted mozerella cheese
Fritos
Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato Chips (AMAZING!)
Plain rice cakes with almond or peanut butter - top with honey to make it a sweet treat 
Celery with peanut or almond butter
Almond Nut-Thins
Avocado mashed with garlic and salt for a sandwich spread or with tortilla chips - IF you can handle these things!


Another thing I do, is put mozerella cheese on top of pretty much anything salty and blueberries on top of almost anything sweet. I find it adds texture and flavor to various foods. Hope this list gives you an idea of some things to try. I figure, if people with food allergies can live this way their whole lives, surely we can survive on this crazy diet :)



* Some of these items can be found in the ICN Shop.

Chocolate Dipped Nilla Wafer Peanut Butter Sandwiches

When you have eaten your fair share of a Costco sized box of Nilla Wafers and are looking for something to change it up, this recipe will do the trick! Not that I know from experience or anything... but just saying ;) This recipe goes against all traditional methods of dealing with the Nilla Wafer. No pudding, whipped topping, or bananas involved. And the best part? It's beyond easy! Make it up, eat up, and Nilla it up :)

Chocolate Dipped Nilla Wafer Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Recipe by Angela Atkins

Ingredients

40 Nilla Wafers
1/3 cup peanut butter
2 Tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions

Beat peanut butter and powdered sugar in small bowl until combined. Spread 1/2 teaspoon peanut butter mixture on flat side of one cookie. Place another cookie flat side down to sandwich the peanut butter mixture. Do this with remaining cookies to create a total of 20 sandwiches. Next, melt the chocolate chips in microwave at increments of 30 seconds stirring in between until all chips are melted and smooth. Dip each sandwich in melted chocolate shaking off excess. (I found it easiest to drop the cookie in the bowl, cover it with chocolate using a spoon, and then pick up the cookie with said spoon tapping gently on the bowl to remove excess chocolate.) Place on wax paper to cool... Or eat it if you like a warm chocolate mess. I say rules are meant to be broken... especially in the kitchen ;)

Enjoy!

Vanilla Milk

Looking for a simple and delicious nightcap? Then look no further! Warm milk is not only relaxing, but good for the bones. This warm treat is especially tasty in the Fall and Winter months. However, that doesn't stop me from enjoying it year round. My mom always made warm Vanilla Milk for my sister and I growing up and as an adult I make it all the time for myself! Okay, okay... there are times I ask my mom to make it for me when I am at her house, but I am just trying to keep her connected to my childhood, like any thoughtful daughter would. Ladies and gents, put down your wine and try this before bedtime :)

Vanilla Milk

Ingredients

1 C milk
1 t Vanilla
Sugar to taste (I think about 1.5 t is perfect)

Directions

Pour milk and vanilla into sauce pan and heat over low-medium heat for about 10 minutes, depending on how hot you like your milk. Stir occasionally - being careful not to scorch your milk! Once warm, add sugar and stir.

Personally, I then like to let mine sit for a few minutes to get that "skin" on top (kind of like warm pudding does). It adds character to the drink ;)

* This recipe has not been tested with soy/rice or other non-dairy "milks."

Walking A Mile or Two In Her Shoes

There is a young lady in town who works at a restaurant Jeremiah and I frequent. We have seen her walking to and from work for the last couple years. She walks in heat, snow, wind, rain and all the elements we encounter in the Tri-Cities. She has an obvious disability and walks with a limp. She does not have a vehicle and the walk is well over 2 miles from the farthest point we have seen her to her place of employment. She is always friendly and working hard when we see her and has even worked her way up to a management position. This young lady could use every excuse in the book and live off of disability, but has chosen to persevere and live a "normal" and fulfilled life. It is clear that she has not let any of her physical or material set backs affect her getting to work and being a productive, hard working, pleasant member of society. Despite the fact that she must try twice as hard as the rest of us just to get to work, then stand on her feet all shift, and has faced obstacles many of us will never experience she has not let her body defeat her. I find this inspiring! Have you let your body, mind, or lack of material means defeat you? Do you listen to the aches, pains, thoughts, worries, insecurities, illnesses, lack of "things", or haters (I know I laughed when I used that word, too)? It can be hard to ignore those things, but when I see others can do it I know we all can. And the more we do it, the easier it will get.

When I think of people I know who are healthy, able bodied, and have no visible signs of a physical or cognitive impairment, yet who don't work I am stunned. I am not referring to people laid off who can't find work right now. I am referring to those who have no desire to work or look for every excuse to not get a job. Most people would rather be doing something more fun than working everyday, but there comes a sense of pride and fulfillment contributing to society and being able to live off your own means. We all have difficulties in life that make some days very hard to go to work. Having IC makes getting through the work day very hard when I don't feel well. But when I see people who don't let their set backs in life stop them from living I am inspired and motivated... and even more disappointed with those who don't try harder or care about the way their lives are going. Whether or not we let our excuses control us and ruin our full potential is up to us. Before thinking you can't do something, or simply choose not because of laziness or fear, try walking 2 miles in the shoes of someone with a disability. Thank God for your life and what you have been given. Life could have given you a much tougher deck of cards. I pray you don't have to learn the hard way to appreciate your life. I find this young woman's accomplishments to be far more inspiring than those I know who have a graduate degree or run their own business. In the words of America's icon Oprah, "You go girl!"

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."  - Booker T. Washington 

Baby Etiquette

So I have been doing a lot of visiting newborns, lately. Well, not just lately, but over the last 5 years. There has been a major baby boom in my family and I think the Atkins are the last to jump on the train. But being last has a lot of perks. I am learning so much from everyone else. The "do's and don't's" of baby etiquette are serious business. Let me tell you the 5 most important things I have learned:

1. People like it when you buy them practical gifts from their registry. They took the time to pick them out so try to get them something from their list, in addition to that "My Mommy Rocks" onesie.

2. Newborn sized diapers are probably the least used size. Buy multiple sizes! Especially, since most people tend to buy newborn sized for baby showers. This goes for clothing, too! Most newborns are in the teeny sizes for such a short period of time. Get some bigger sizes in season appropriate attire.

3. Always call before visiting. Whether it be at the hospital or home. New moms are tired and have been bombarded by calls/texts/visitors all day/every day for the first few weeks. It is polite to check-in or at least give a head's up that you are coming. Who knows if they're napping or indecent!

4. Bring a gift (balloons or flowers count) to the first viewing. It's just polite.

5. In this day of social media, it is important to not be posting the family's business all over the web. Let the parents be the first to announce the details or post the first picture. Then ask permission, if you must.

I know it's impossible to guarantee people will follow these rules, so I hope I have patience and grace on those who don't when it's my turn to be on the receiving end. After all, it's not everyday a baby is born... at least not to you!