Wordless Wednesday: Valentine's Night

A Trip to Lawrence, Kansas with 6 Kids

Thursday of Spring Break we met up with Tom and Lucy, fellow homeschoolers, since they moved to Lawrence (Lucy's mom is in Pharmacy School at KU!). We grabbed our Plus One, Julia, and headed out for the 30-minute journey to Lawrence.

Cool school park at Highland and Yale where we finished off our Long John Silver's and Burrito King

I'm  prepping my kids to go to KU if they choose to go to college. It's close!

Sam says the snakes and tigers are his brothers. (at the Natural History Museum)

How did Joel get that owl to perch on his shoulder?

Two hours later ... we are all beat.

Time for some DQ, a Lawrence trip tradition. We usually make this trip with my mom, Tutu, but we'll go again soon.

Then we hit the nature center park to finish our ice cream. It was a gorgeous, windy day filled with play.

Starting Yet Another Blog: Kerrie the Kitchen Queen

Mom and Aron, don't laugh. I've spent quite a bit of time in the ole kitchen since becoming a stay-at-home mom almost 13 years ago and thought it was time to start sharing some of my fun recipes and other stuff with those seeking that type of crazy knowledge. Come on over to Kerrie the Kitchen Queen.

Look at this lemon poke cake. YUMMY.

Starting a blog from scratch and trying to remember all the little steps I need to take to hopefully make it rock is a hard process.

Finally got in touch with my domestic side at age 42 3/4.

Jamberry Nail Wraps: Black and White Damask

Look, I don't know how YOU say it, but I say it DAM-usk, like it's a cuss word. You might say it DA-mask. Either way, it's vintage and it rocks. This is one of the free designs I picked out for having a $400 party. If you have a party like that you get a lot of free stuff. Then you can share half sheets with your pals like I did. Anyway, enjoy these nails, friends. Here's how to order your own!

My hand on Mr. Kerrie's muscley chest

Foods Full of Calcium That Are Easy to Eat

According to the experts, three servings of calcium each day can help to fight off osteoporosis, and can even aid in weight loss. While calcium is beneficial in any form, some studies suggest that dairy products high in calcium are the most efficient at aiding the body in weight loss. Keep that in mind the next time you fear mixing Greek yogurt sauce into your recipes will push your waistline past its limit.


Big Pay-Off Diet Changes
Many people fear that dairy products are high in fat and fail to reap the benefits of a diet full of calcium. Fortunately, dairy products come in low-fat and fat-free forms, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a healthy diet without worry.

Small changes to the diet can reap big rewards for individuals of any age. At times, all it takes it a commitment to change to enjoy big payoffs for the effort. Some of the most beneficial diet changes are:

1. Loading up on veggies and fruits by eating 2.5 cups of veggies and two cups of fruit each day.
2. Choose the right fats by switching from whole milk to skim milk, or cooking with olive oil rather than butter.
3. Drink more water, and shoot for consuming about six to eight glasses each day.
4. Increase your fiber consumption to increase energy, reduce belly fat, and lower risks of disease. 
5. Control your portions and avoid second helpings, eating only until you are full rather than uncomfortable.

These five easy steps can completely change your world, particularly if you are eating the correct calcium rich foods during the process.

Fill Your Diet With Calcium
Adding more dairy products to your diet is easy when done in the right ways. Stick with simple snacks like cottage cheese and fruit, or cucumber yogurt sauce for the more sophisticated palette. No matter how you do it, keep these calcium-rich foods in the back of your mind as you switch your diet.

Dark leafy greens (kale, turnips, spinach)

Fortified orange juice

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt 

Soybeans 

Fortified soymilk 

Sardines 

Fortified cereals 

Enriched waffles, grains, and breads

Although calcium supplements are available at most drug stores, dieticians recommend getting your daily calcium intake through foods. The body absorbs this form of calcium better, and is better able to utilize it to strengthen the bones.

Vitamins You Need
On the list of the top six vitamins humans need to be healthy, calcium is at the top. Increase your calcium intake as you age, and speak with your doctor about the recommended value for your age. It’s important to eat three meals a day, and enjoy several small snacks that keep the body energized and moving. Choose the right foods for your snacks and meals, and you’ll feel better all the time.

Plan for a Big Day
Well-balanced meals are particularly important on days that are full, but you can make every day a big day if you change your family’s eating habits now. Learn the benefits of foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, and empty your home of sugary, high-fat foods that aren’t good for your mind or your body.