Happiness

True happiness lies in that which never comes nor goes,

but simply is.

~ unknown

(was on the tag of my tea bag today) 

Ryann's ski day.

A week ago today Ryann skied for the first time.

The lesson started inside.

They learned how to step into the skies...

and walk in a circle making A's (a.k.a. pizza) and H's (a.k.a. french fries) with the skies.  

Then it was off to the slops!

Ryann, all geared up, found it difficult to eat the snow.  One of Ryann's favorite things to do, to taste, her experiences.  3-year-olds lick everything!!!!

Her first time down the mountain was a challenge.  She was attached to the instructor, literally, Ryann's ski clip was hooked on to the teachers ski so she could get the feeling of her feet.

With assistance,  she successfully loaded on the lift for ride #2.

What a big girl!

The video didn't load (BLOGGER!!!!!) of her trip down, but she looked like a champ!  It made her wore her out.

Ryann and Derek made snow angels to complete the run.

Ryann had to model Derek's goggles and helmet in the lodge.

We all enjoyed a little apre ski beverage after the lesson.

My poor kids had never had nachos before!...  SO, we ordered the nachos.  It was a fantastic ski day for the Sims.  We are now a complete skiing (Derek is a boarder) family.  Yeah!!!

Germs are everywhere!

Grace's class did a fine job with their science fair this year.  She welcomed the parents to the class and was the first to introduce us to their class experiments.

(sorry my video wouldn't upload)

They told us all about GERMS, how they spread and how germs can make us all sick.

Grace drew the germs displayed here....

They divided the class into groups to determine the best way to kill the germs...

~hand washing with water only

~hand washing with soap and water

~hand sanitizer 

~nothing at all (dirty)

Grace was in the group of hand sanitizer.  Her petri-dish had one big yellow spot.  The group with the most spots...HAND SANITIZER (dirty) and dirty hands (dirtier).

Hypothesis:  The best way to kill germs is washing with soap and water!

(DUH!!!)

These first graders are very smart!  Good job Gracie!

Eat LIVE!

I tried a new place for lunch and it was fantastic!!!!!  Well, it is new to me.  It has been around a few years....

OMAR'S RAWTOPIA

Omar's menu reads,

"Peace Through Food".

I can honestly say, "YES!"

I had the bean burrito.

?

I know that doesn't look like your typical bean burrito.  It is the Vegan version:  "beans consist of a puree of Tahini and sunflower seeds mixed with Mexican herbs and spices.  Topped with macadamia nut sour cream, sprouts, and served wrapped in collard greens, or with crackers, lettuce, cabbage, and love."  

DELICIOUS!

I love that every menu item includes "love".  How come I have never been here before!!!

If you are too lazy to click on the link above, I will tell you this is the only raw food restaurant in Utah.  Everything prepared is living and organic plant food.  All made with love and energy to heal the mind, body, and spirit.

Ryann had the Raw pasta (no pasta included).  Just fresh veggies, nuts, and love!

And, yes...she ate it!  Rich can testify.

Rich had the Sweet Basil Salad.  YUMMY!

I don't plan on becoming a vegan, but was really happy to see many of the ingredients on the menu have made their way into my kitchen!  

I love live food!  

Funny today I clinked on one of the fitness blogs I follow and the article reads,

Reconnecting with food.

I connected with my lunch today.  Perfect timing too.  Spring training starts next week and I need to get back to live energy to get me in the running spirit!

Ryann's new shades.

Hehe...well, the glasses didn't last long, but she looked so darn cute. 

 Ryann had her first eye appointment today.  They had to dilate her eyes.  She handled it well.  Her geneticist recommended this as part of the routine check-ups related to her NF1.  She has great eyes!  Maybe a little more far-sighted on the right, but great report from the doc.  No signs of spots. 

Ryann is a beautiful little girl. She is a typical 3-year-old with a very sweet spirit!  Along with a clean bill of health from her docs, she is doing fantastic in school.  I received a winter report card today with high marks from her teachers.    

I am so proud of my little RY.

Coming soon....

This week has been so busy, but I wanted to let you know where I have been.   I have a lot of pictures of both events here and will share as soon as I can sit down long enough to organize them.  

We took Ryann skiing for her first time weekend last weekend.  She did awesome!!!

Grace's class shared their science fair experiments with us yesterday!  Kids are so smart!!!

After a crazy week of running, running, running (Derek is traveling and I am single mom this week) I am feeling a little tired and unbalanced.  

I sat down for a cup of tea last night and this quote was on my tea bag...

One of the best actions we can take, with courage, is to relax.

SO glad tomorrow is Friday!

Don't eat the play-doh!

Ryann loves play-doh!!!!

Ryann loves to eat play-doh!!!!

No more play-doh :-(

(Sorry Grandmas and Grandpas.  I decided when Ryann was running into her closet to hide and eat the play-doh, it had to go.) 

Don't judge a soup by it's color...

 So... I realized after months (about 4) of holidays, entertaining, vacation and the day to day blah blah it is time to clean up my diet again.  Spring training (running camp) starts next week and I can't get through it if I don't straighten up.  As a type 1 diabetic I can't get through the day if I don't make wise food choices.

Today was great!  So great in fact I had to share my food with you.

This was dinner!  Ok, so not a flattering picture of the Greens + Beans Soup.  My brown bowl and orange placemat didn't set if off well, but this veggie packed blend will do a body good.  Broccoli, carrots, red pepper, kale and navy beans!!!!  Yummy!!!! 

You can check out the recipe at the link above.  I added an extra clove of garlic, 1/2 a sweet onion, and 4 cups of broth instead of 2.  I also choose fresh kale over the frozen variety the recipe called for.  

Instead of grilled cheese on the side I had a small, sprouted grain tortilla with tahini and goat cheese.  mmmmmmm!

I am really enjoying the foody blogs like Kat Eats Real food, with all the healthy stuff and I am getting more creative with my food.  I don't plan on starting my own food blog, but am happy to spread a good recipe around.

I told you about dinner, and this was lunch!

This one I came up with on my own.  Don't knock it til you try it!

1/2 c of fresh spinach

1 sm sweet potato (baked)

4 oz. ground chicken breast (browned, seasoned with chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, pepper, garlic oregano-all to taste)

drizzled with agava nectar

drizzled with balsamic vinegar

sprinkled with coconut (unsweetened)

That is a bowl full of energy!

I started my day off with some homemade steel cut oats!  I added a little cocoa powder, agave, pecans (to taste), flax seed, and a little protein powder!  I didn't think to take a picture, but you all know what oatmeal looks like.  

I am realizing the flavor in my cupboards.  It is amazing how easy it is to spice up whole foods.  After a day of clean eating I already feel better.  Hopefully it will pull me out of the winter funk and get me ready for spring!

Positive words mean everything!

Listen to the MUSTN'TS,

child,

listen to the don'ts-

listen to the shouldn'ts,

the impossibilities, 

the wont's-

listen to the never haves,

Then listen close to me.

Anything can happen,

child.

ANYTHING can be.

          -Shel Silberstein

Christmas in February.

Before I continue I have to say sorry for not being much in the blogging mood lately.  I have had company....YEAH!...but, I am worn out from entertaining, cleaning and the day to day grind...  love ya though!

Anyway...last weekend Derek's parents popped in for a quick visit.  We didn't get to see them over the holidays and the weather finally let up enough they could make the trip from Colorado.

We had a nice couple of days as they mostly watched me run the kids around to their usual school and activities.  

They brought some belated Christmas presents too!

The girls loved their new personalized bath towels!

Notice the look on Ryann's face here....PRESENTS!   AHHHH!  Doesn't matter if it is December or February!  Presents are always good.

I had to try out my new chapstick right away! 

And the biggest hit... the "cloppers" a.k.a snowball makers.

They work great and we had just enough snow to try them out!

After all of our company left Saturday, the girls and I enjoyed some girl time while Derek skied.  We broke out the pedicure kit (another gift from Grandma and Grandpa), cleaned our feet and painted our toe nails!

Nothing like a little quiet time with my girls.

Give me a few more weeks to recover from skiing and company and I will be ready for another round!

A little history...

My family is a big part of Park City history.  The sign behind Derek, "WILLY'S RUN" at Park City Mountain Resort is named after my Grandfather, Willy Murnin.  

My Grandfather excavated many of the runs at Park City on a back-ho.  Apparently he rolled the back-ho and almost lost his life, so they named a run after him.  

(That's my Grandpa Will 1926-1995)

In March of 1985, Park City Ski Area held its first World Cup ski race on Willy's run.  It was also host the Men's Giant Slalom during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

He was not a skier, but a minor.  His family homesteaded in PC from Ireland.  It is a nice reminder of my great heritage to see "Willy's" when I visit my home town and a huge honor to be part of the history in such a beautiful place.

Ski week in Utah!

Last week we had a stay-cation at home with friends from New York.  That is why you haven't heard from me in a week.  

We had the best week and I kept my guests very busy!

The first ski day was Brighton (no pics).  Day #2, Solitude!  Fantastic, fresh powder!  The lady on the right is Kathy.  She is my friend Rich's sister.  Rich had heart surgery a couple weeks ago (and he is doing great BTW).  Kathy came out to help him while he recovers and she snuck out on the slopes with us for a day.

Who is that masked man?  

Mark, our friend from Long Island.

Uncle Keith was in town for the World Championship ski events at Deer Valley.  We caught some runs with him and our childhood friend Teveka.  Was so great to catch up with everyone!

Derek used this opp to get some new bindings for his snowboard.  Ethan supervised as he installed the new gems.  

Derek and I took the NYC boys out on the town several nights!

We helped Jolie celebrate the big 4-0 and Paula the big 3-6!  You girls look gorgeous!

We had so much fun!  I thought this was a cute pic of Jolie and I in the midst of laughter.  Who knows what was so funny....

Me with my girl, Noelle!  So beautiful!

Grace went to Deer Valley with Uncle Keith.  She said it was the best day of her life!

These are just a few of the gazillion pictures we took through out the week and I am still gathering pics from everyone.  I thought it was important you knew I was still alive!  SO, this is what we have been up to.