Welcome to the Good Life

Fearless with cape in hand

2011-05-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

I'm ready now. Nursery is done. Baby Shower is over (thank you again for all involved). Bags are packed. Classes are taken. Books are read.
I find comfort in the fact that many women less prepared than I am have had babies and survived! I'm anxious to start this new chapter. I'm anxious to be comfortable again. Unfortuantely, I'm not one of those women who just glow with pregnancy. It has been a challenge for me, which makes this baby's arrival even that much more special to me.
With this being my first child, I've heard a lot of advice. However, I'm anxious to learn about Kenny from him and to find out what his personality, wants, and needs are. I really think that if I did anything else to prepare, it would be overkill. Now is my time to relax and rest and wait. Ryan is back in town for awhile and we have increased our walking so I'm more active now than previously in the pregnancy. We're ready. I'm ready. Now we just have to wait for Kenny to be ready!

Oh to sleep, perchance to dream . . .

2011-05-05T07:50:00.001-07:00

So, my life has been non-stop getting ready for baby. I'm burnt out. My mind is fried. I'm tired. I can't sleep anymore. I'm too uncomfortable. I can't bend. I'm sure I'll feel a whole lot better once I actually get some sleep, but for right now, I'm just going to complain so I get it all out of my system. One month until my due date. Please, don't be late, Kenny!

In case you haven't heard . . .

2011-04-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Our baby already has a name! Before we found out the sex of our baby, Ryan and I already had names picked out. The fact that the baby turned out to be a boy, made everything really special for us. We wanted a strong name, a family name, and a name with a lot of meaning behind it. So, if you haven't heard me say it already, our little guy will be named

Kenneth Royce Pedersen

Kenneth comes from Ryan's uncle, who died in his early twenties fighting in Vietnam.
Royce comes from my uncle, who passed just last year.

I did not have the honor of knowing "Uncle Kenny", but I've read stories from those who fought with him in the war. He was 23 when he died from wounds sustained in a grenade explosion in Vietnam. He had only been fighting there a couple months. Here are a few words from a fellow soldier of his:

"He was not your average kid, not at all. Pedersen was that rare kind of person that made the world a better place by his just being there; the kind of young man we'd all like to have for a son, or brother, or husband, or best friend. He was tall, blond, clear eyes, a strong face; very Scandinavian-like, but it was more than his good looks that set him apart. He was intelligent and kind, mature, focused, quiet and calm in his manner and he was always looking out for those around him. Pedersen never spoke of it, but one sensed that he had some very deeply felt spiritual conviction. He rarely, if ever, used any of the foul language that was so common with virtually all of us. I doubt he had any natural inclination to be a combat soldier; he was too kind and gentle, but in a very short time he was widely respected as one of the best grunts in Delta company. Pedersen didn't act like a good guy, he was a good guy."

My Uncle Royce had always been a prominent figure in my life. With my grandparents on my dad's side passing away when I was very young, my Uncle Royce always filled that void. He was more like my grandpa than my uncle. He rarely missed a birthday, holiday, or special event that I was involved in. Soon after he was married, he was in a terrible car accident that left him with debilitating injuries that he would struggle with for the rest of his life. In spite of that, he become known for his generosity, humility, and perseverance. He never hesitated to show his love and concern for you. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and the spirit just radiated from him. I miss him so much, but I know that he's now free of pain and watching down on me from above. I can still feel his love, and I know he has watched over me throughout my trials with this pregnancy and I know he's with my little boy's spirit right now, telling him how wonderful of a family he is soon going to be apart of.

I am so thankful that these two great men lived such incredible legacies.

Ryan and I are honored to give our son this name.

Miss me much?

2011-04-21T07:32:00.001-07:00

So I had every intention of doing this a long time ago, but life gets in the way and yadda yadda yadda. The short and sweet of it is . . . I'm back! I've decided to restart the blogging adventure. Reason #1: I'm about to have a baby (which is beyond insane and I'm still trying to believe it myself) and, let's be honest, I'm gonna need an outlet for all my bragging and completely ridiculous new mom moments.

Reason #2: I have a centralized pile of weight on my belly region that prevents me from being as active as I would like. I get so frustrated when I can't do everything I want to do because of the huffing and puffing and overheating. Therefore, the more time I can relax with my feet up, the better.

Okay, so in case you haven't heard from me in ages, I'm pregnant! 34 weeks and getting fatter by the day! It's been quite an emotional journey, but one that I feel so blessed to be going through. I've become the stereotypical pregnant woman: moody, cranky, swollen, ice cream craving, anxious, worried, and hot. But then again, I was all those things before! :)

Ryan and I have also moved back to Georgia and are now living in our first house in Sugar Hill, north of Atlanta. It feels so good to be in the South again! The trees are plentiful and the weather is perfect! Did I mention we live just down the road from the lake? I love love LOVE driving across it! I'm anxiously trying to put the house together before the baby comes, but considering we bought a house we could "grow into", I think it's gonna take quite awhile. Tank is still our little guy, and we wouldn't have it any other way. He's been loving running up and down the stairs and sunbathing in our (finally fenced!) yard. I think he's in heaven. :)

Just What I Needed to Read

2009-07-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

This is a great article, and I stumbled upon it exactly when I needed to read it.

Emily Thevenin, “Am I of Worth?,” Ensign, Jul 2009, 8–9

I knew where I was going with my education, career, and future family. How could I deal with a chronic illness?
Growing up, I always enjoyed being involved in activities. I played sports, participated in clubs, worked hard in school, and attended seminary and church activities. My participation and success in these activities played a major role in how I viewed myself. As a missionary in Ireland, I continued to evaluate myself according to my efforts and relative success. I was blessed with the strength to work hard and complete my mission. Upon returning home, I went back to school and enveloped myself in activities.
Shortly thereafter I began to feel very ill. After seeing many doctors and undergoing expensive tests and painful surgeries, I learned I had a chronic physical illness. Despite my attempts to go on living a busy and active life, the illness caught up with me.
That was more than five years ago. I now experience constant pain and fatigue, and I have forgotten what it feels like to be healthy. Medications reduce my pain, but they also leave me unable to do much of anything; some days I am not even able to get out of bed. There are times when I feel I have lost a significant part of my identity. How can I be of worth if I can’t even get out of bed?
As a youth I learned about individual worth. Now I’m really being tested as to the source of my worth. Is it based on my accomplishments, or is it based on the truth that I am a child of God? When faced with feelings of inadequacy, I seek guidance through conversing with my Heavenly Father as well as reading and pondering the scriptures.
I have often asked the Lord if I am still important. After much prayer and scripture study I have learned that Heavenly Father’s closeness helps me understand more fully who I really am. I have learned, and continue to learn each day, that my worth does not depend on my abilities but is founded in the fact that I am His child.
I continue to have days when I am discouraged, and I turn to the story of Job to give me comfort and direction. Despite unimaginable difficulties and being judged and misunderstood by friends, he continued to praise God (see Job 16; 19:14). While overwhelmed with grief, Job proclaimed, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15).
I find comfort in knowing that Job experienced difficulties despite his faithfulness. The story of Job teaches me that my illness is not a punishment from God, and that serving as a missionary and living right does not entitle me to a life free of pain and difficulty. The health problems I have do not make me less valuable to my Heavenly Father. In life we are often rewarded for our accomplishments, our work, our talents, and our abilities. I now find comfort in knowing that the Lord will bless me for my righteous desires despite my current physical weakness.
I lean on the Lord for support and guidance in my illness all the time. It is inspiring to feel the impressions of the Holy Ghost and know that Heavenly Father is teaching me. Through the gift of the Holy Ghost, He gives me peace, love, and assurance. I know by these specific impressions that I am of worth. Even if some days all I am able to do is lie in bed and pray that the pain lessens, it is comforting to know that He cares.
As a result of my trials, I am learning a powerful truth—I am a child of God. Now, instead of feeling empty and alone, I am filled with His love.

Slumber Party Courtesy of the Cassady's

2009-06-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, Ryan and I had a sleepover at my Aunt Carol and Uncle Royce's home in Monroe. We had such a good visit! We looked through tons of old pictures and stayed up way too late talking!

I love my Uncle Royce!

Kisses for the sweet!

Thanks for your hospitality, Cassady fam! We love you!

Our next adventure

2009-06-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, we'll be in Georgia for 6 more months, but after that, it's off to the great state of Texas!

Ryan's job is making our next home Texas, and we are excited for this new adventure! A few weeks ago, we went to check things out around Austin and met up with some old friends.

How could you not fall in love with the beautiful hills of Lakeway, TX?

It was so wonderful to visit with my old roommate, Michele, and her husband.

Did I mention I love this studmuffin?

Let's Make-up

2009-06-30T17:00:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I realize this blog has been neglected. With me so involved in church now and my workload doubled, my beloved blog has moved to the bottom of my to-do list. So pardon my infrequent posts. I pledge to be better.

Last post I said some funny things had happened. To start the day off, Ryan and I went shopping at Macy's (yes, I have the best husband, I know). Just as we walk in the store doors, we spy a little girl (5 or 6 years old) in front of one of the column mirrors. And this girl was dancing. I'm not talking ballerina-esque here; I'm talking full-on Britney Spears. It was perhaps the most hilarious thing I have seen in a long time, and it was the perfect way to start the day (not to mention I got an adorable pair of BCBG shoes)!

Next, we headed up to Buford to attend Lisa & Paul's wedding, friends Ryan has known a long time. Well, while we were waiting for the ceremony to start, we noticed there was a very boisterous guest behind us. Little did we know, he would offer up hilarious comment after hilarious comment at any given time throughout the evening. See if you can spot which one he is in the picture below.

reminder

2009-05-23T20:49:00.001-07:00

this is a reminder to myself to post about all the crazy funny things that happened today.

stay tuned!

I never used to cook

2009-05-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

I hate cooking for myself, so when Ryan came along, it was easy for me to start learning how to cook. Now I absolutely love putting a delicious and healthy meal together for my husband! Here are a couple of my favorite recipes:

Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients:
16 0z can of black beans, well-drained
1/2 green pepper
1/2 onion (more or less depending on your taste)
3 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 egg
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 cup bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly oil a baking sheet.
In a bowl, mash beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
In a food processor, finely chop pepper, onion, and garlic. Stir into beans
In another bowl, stir together egg and chili powder. Stir this mixture into beans, as well.
Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Add more bread crumbs if neccessary.
Divide mixture into 4 patties.
Bake 10 minutes on each side.
Serve on whole wheat buns with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and munster cheese (Ryan likes hot sauce on his).

Stuffed Green Peppers

Ingredients:
2 or 3 green peppers
1/2 lb ground turkey
1 small chopped onion (or lots of onion powder)
1 can organic tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
a couple pinches salt & pepper
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup shredded mozarella cheese

Cut off tops of green peppers & remove seeds.
Parboil green peppers in salted, boiling water for 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Brown meat in skillet with onion. Add tomatoes, sauce, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 15 minutes. *
Add rice. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Remove from heat. Add almost all of cheese. Stir until well-blended.
Stuff mixture into peppers & top with rest of cheese.
Bake for 20 mintues.

Somebody bring me the sunscreen!

2009-04-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today, on my way out of the neighborhood, I noticed there were people at the pool. THE POOL! Don't know if I'm ready to put on that swimsuit just yet; I've been eating crap the past couple of weeks. Crap, I tell ya! I couldn't help but reminisce back to the days of my honeymoon. Oh, the good ol' days! That Bahamian resort was FABULOUS! Take me back! Please!

Yes, world, I'm still here

2009-03-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, do you just get annoyed with writing about yourself? I do, so you can understand the lack of posting lately. However, I'm back and better than ever! Ryan and I have been trying to plan our future lately, so any thoughts I had were devoted to that, and frankly, I just didn't want to talk about it. Who knew I would become a private person?

Anways, on Sunday Ryan and I were unfortunately released as Primary Teachers for the 5 yr olds. Then, in a surprising twist, I was called to be first counselor in the Primary Presidency. Ahhh!!! I can't imagine possibly doing it without Ryan, but I'm going to give it my best shot! In honor of this, I would like to tell you all about our favorite classroom activity. Since we have 10 very active wiggle worms, we have what we call "Shake It Out Time." Ryan or I will say, "Shake It Out Time" and then "Ready, Set . . ." and when we say, "Go" all the kiddies have until we count to 10 to shake all their wiggles out. Everyone always makes noises and laughs, but when we say "TEN!" everyone sit quiet and still in their seat. I love it!

Also, I have a new car! I bought a brand new 2009 Midnight Blue Mazda 3. I've never had a brand new car before, but Ryan and I have been extra watchful over our finances, and it paid off! We love it! I've always loved little cars, and this one gets 30 miles per gallon!

New Me

2009-01-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this by saying, there are 3 major football games left this season. I'm beyond excited to have my husband back!!!

Ok, now onto other things that have nothing to do with play-offs, fantasy leagues, ESPN stats, or draft picks . . .

This year, for the first year ever, I've decided to lose weight and get healthier. Now that my asthma is under control, Ryan and I have been hitting the gym almost every night! In fact, last Monday, I came home from work to find brand new hot pink running shoes (right size, too!), a new hot pink ipod nano, and an ipod armband!

Needless to say, I was ecstatic that my wonderful husband had been so thoughtful, and I was more geared up than ever to get to work! So far, I have lost 3 pounds! I must say, Ryan is joining in and has lost weight, as well! Watch out swimsuit season!!

P.S. "The Hills" spin-off "The City" is my current guilty pleasure. Check it out if you enjoy super-edited reality shows about spoiled twenty year olds!!

Camera snaps

2008-12-20T18:50:00.001-08:00

Some of my lastest creations: Veggie Lasagna
Adam's birthday cake! Strawberry jell-o cake (thanks for the recipe, Megan!)

Our Christmas-themed dining room. I'm trying to be a good decorator!

Our Christmas tree and my new hair color. I love it! I believe every girl should have the right to be blonde once in her lifetime. I lived it, loved it, and have now moved on. Rock on sista friend :)

Just Because

2008-12-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

Friday night Ryan and I headed up to Atlanta to attend a Christmas party hosted by our friends Charity and Derek Carter. We had so much fun! There is nothing like the company of good friends, especially during the holiday season. A couple of days before, Ryan decided to book us a night at the Westin downtown just because we had the opportunity. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend checking out the Sundial restaurant. The restaurant slowing turns, giving you a complete 360 degree view of Atlanta. The restaurant is on the 73rd floor of the hotel, and the only way to get there is to ride a glass elevator to the top. Unfortunately, the elevator's windows were blacked out because a tornado took out a lot of the windows, windows that are still been repaired. All in all, it was great! So romantic! I'm so grateful for my marriage and all the things I've learned and have yet to learn about loving someone to the fullest. I love you, honey!

Best Mashed Potato Recipe

2008-12-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

I tried this recipe for Thanksgiving, and it was such a hit! Thank you Paula Dean and Liz!

Ingredients:
5 cups water
4 cups frozen hashbrown potatoes (shredded)
7.6 oz pkg butter & herb instant mashed potato mix
1/2 c butter
4 oz cream cheese
1 c monterey jack cheese
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 c canned french fried onion rings

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Boil the water and add hashbrowns. Cook for 5-10 minutes. Drain.
Prepare mashed potatoes according to the package directions. Mix in the hashbrowns in a large bowl.
Soften the butter and cream cheese in the microwave. Add to the potato mixture in bowl.
Mix in jack cheese, sour cream, and seasonings.
Place in a greased 3 quart casserole dish.
bake 25-35 mins, or until golden on top.
Sprinkle the onion rings on top and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes.

Makes 8-10 servings

Tis the season, but not just because it's the season

2008-11-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

I find myself so humbled today with my life. In these trying economic times, I have a great job, a wonderful husband, a lovely home, and a knowledge of the true gospel in my life. I'm very aware that circumstances change and are changing all over the country for millions of people who thought their life was set and job secure. My heart aches for all the people out there who are struggling because I know, at any moment, that could be me. As I learn and grow and appreciate things so much more, I grow in my love of the Thanksgiving holiday.
I found this quote today, and it has struck a chord inside me:

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."

Amen to that.

Relief might be in sight

2008-11-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

Went to an urgent care clinic yesterday since I couldn't get into see my doctor. Tonight I will have been on steroids and a new and stronger round of antibiotics for 24 hours. Hopefully, my husband will be able to sleep in the same bed as me (my humidifier and coughing are not good sleeping aids). Columbus definitely has allergy issues, so if this is going to be a reoccuring theme, I'm going to really think about my future plans here.

Clarise, the red-nosed wife

2008-11-15T18:19:00.000-08:00

Ugh. Talk about no fun for the last 3 weeks. The weather keeps changing from warm to cold to warm again so flowers are blooming, dying, and then blooming again. Columbus seems to be allergy capital of the world, which I am not too happy about. I have gone through countless tissues, hot tea, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, cough drops, airborne, and claritin. I've even invested in a humidifier and the best air filters money can buy. I've tried every home remedy, had a round of antibiotics, and lost my voice completely. I really hope this clears up soon. There's a great possibility my sanity could be on the line.

Whoa!

2008-11-09T17:50:00.001-08:00

Before Saturday, I had never ever ridden a horse. I really wanted to on our honeymoon, but we never got the chance. Well, Ryan (being the thoughtful husband he is) arranged for us to go for a trail ride out in this gorgeous country town about an hour from our home. Ryan's horse was named Chase, and they took to each other immediately. My horse was named Mississippi and he always wanted to be in lead (my kinda horse). He scared me a couple times when he trotted ahead, but all in all, we had a great time. It was so relaxing for us to ride along all the trees that were changing colors. Now, I'm working the Icyhot on my sore muscles!

Even the drive there and back was gorgeous!

Ryan and Chase

Me and Mississippi (and the trail guide)

Who knew?

2008-11-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

I can cook! There is a lady in our ward who used to be a gourmet cook, and she offers cooking lessons. I was lucky enough to be able to attend one of her classes. I took notes and made Ryan this spaghetti sauce from stratch with whole wheat pasta and fresh herbs. Our home smelled like heaven for hours! Ryan has always been the main cook in our household, but I think I'm going to give him a run for his money!

A great birthday present

2008-10-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

( Ryan snapped this picture of me on a Sunday after church. I'm closing the door to our guest room so you can't see how disorganized it is!)
For my birthday, my mother-in-law bought me these oh-so-comfy house slippers/boots. They are now a wardrobe essential! I will spend half my life in these; I am sure.

Shout out

2008-10-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here's my shout-out to ATL, home sweet home! How I miss you!

Thank you, McDreamy!

2008-10-26T16:30:00.001-07:00

To say I'm a fan of Grey's Anatomy, is a bit of an understatement. Ask me a question about the show, I probably know the answer. It is the only thing I have to compare to my husband's football passion. Grey's is my passion! I mean, really, who would pass up an opportunity to check this hot doctor out every Thursday night? Anywho, I love this new season because there is enough blood and guts to attract my husband. Yes, you can believe it's true. I actually can sit and watch my beloved show with Ryan at my side. Life can't get much better than this!

P.S. To all the other fans out there, don't forget to check out the writer's blog after every episode: http://www.greyswriters.com/

Ooh Ooh Baby

2008-10-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

I took the plunge and changed my hair! Ryan took this picture with his phone, so it's not that great, but you get the idea.

Haunted House

2008-10-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

One interesting fact about Ryan is that he is in love with gingerbread houses. No joke! Well, he couldn't wait until Christmas; when he was at the craft store with me, he spotted haunted gingerbread house kits. With a cute face like his, how could I say no? I had to wash my frosting-covered hands quite a few times to snag these priceless pictures:

We started out in the living roomthen moved to the kitchen tablehe was determined the finished product:

scary, yet delicious!

Zip Lining

2008-10-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I are thinking of going zip lining next weekend. Check out this cool place (and it's not too far away!):

http://www.historicbanningmills.com/canopy.html

And here's a youtube video of someone zip lining at this place:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw9GeIkySk8

We can't wait!

Halloween Decorations

2008-10-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone's advice, I went to JoAnn's Monday night and stocked up on Fall/Halloween decorations at 50% off! Loved it!

scarecrow dolls:

cute little pumpkins:welcome pumpkins:

Decorations

2008-09-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Somehow, I seem to have spent my adult life with little or no holiday decorations. Well, I'm ready to make up for that. Anyone know some good places to shop?

Adapting

2008-09-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

The year was probably the most eventful year either one of us have ever experienced! Ryan and I began dating in November; Ryan proposed in February; we were married in August! I was working for a stucco company in Atlanta, but they transferred me to the corporate office in Columbus this summer. Ryan works for a marketing business for home contractors, and he's lucky enough to work from home most of the time. It's such a treat to come home on my lunch break and be able to spend time together! We are adjusting well to married life, and are learning so much about each other. We miss all our friends in Atlanta so much, but are trying our best to make the most of small town life!