GOLD SILVER BRONZE

One of the highlights of this month for us was going to Vancouver, BC the same night as opening ceremonies for the WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES 2010. We took the sky train into the city and it was a rush of excitement to see the athletes running into the stadium and to watch as the Canadians celebrated this big event happening in their country. We went with our good friends Jeff and Kelly and my parents. The six of us had a great time eating dinner at Earl's (an yummy restaurant right in the city) and watching the ceremonies on a big screen TV. We even walked outside in the rain to take everything in and see all the people. We saw people from many different countries. We had a large group from Russia on the sky train with us. It was powerful just to see people from all over the world coming together like that.

Pete mentioned the other night how much he enjoys watching the olympics-he has been following it almost nightly. He brought up a good point that it doesn't happen every year and that in our life time there will only be so many olympics especially ones that are held so close to home. I wish I could have watched more these past weeks and I am sad to see it ending this weekend. The events I did watch were so emotional. It is so amazing to see someone win a medal. Gold, Silver, or Bronze. . .What an accomplishment. You think of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into that and it is truly unbelievable.

So KUDOS to the WINTER OLYMPICS 2010 and all of those who participated. We felt more connected to it this year as we cheered in the heart of Vancouver opening night. :) Can't wait to watch in 2014!

Health Tips: Folic Acid

Being in school for almost 7 years now (working towards my nursing degree), my mind is starting to fill with lots of healthy tips. So I thought every once in awhile I might share a tip that I find interesting or healthful :)

Folic acid has been on my mind because I recently started taking it. Folic acid is a very important B vitamin and it does numerous things for our bodies such as assisting in the formation of nucleic acid, it is essential for growth and reproduction, and it stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. I recently had a check up with my Dr. and she said it is important for every woman of the child bearing age to be getting 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid a day.

WHY? Folic acid helps develop the nervous system of babies and is very important during times of growth. Even if a woman is not planning on getting pregnant-folic acid is advised. This is because folic acid is needed during the first weeks of pregnancy to prevent birth defects. Half of all pregnancies in the US are not planned, therefore if the mother is on folic acid before hand the baby will be receiving it from conception. Breast feeding mothers are advised to be taking 500 mcg of folic acid as well.

HOW CAN I GET THE RIGHT AMOUNT? Most daily vitamins have 400 mcg of folic acid (check the back of the bottle to make sure) and then you can take an additional 400 mcg pill of folic acid. They can be bought over-the-counter at any drug store.

SIDE TIP: I find it works best to take my daily vitamin and folic acid pill in the morning with breakfast. I did not like taking it on an empty stomach because it made me feel full.

Some of the things we LOVE-A tribute to Valentine's Day!

Jesus Christ

Each other

The Bible

Frozen yogurt

T-R-A-V-E-L-I-N-G

Lazy Sundays

Waves crashing on the shore

Levi Jeans

True Friends

Laughing so hard it hurts

Long walks with Nellie

Random Adventures

Chocolate chip COOKIES right out of the oven

SALE prices

Supportive families

A clean house

B-A-B-I-E-S

A good movie

Surprises

Fresh flowers

Subarus

Sitting in the hot tub after a day of snowboarding

The warmth of a good hug

Learning from mistakes

Happy Hour

The silence of the OUTDOORS

Surfing in San Diego

LONG RUNS and Power walks

A kiss hello after a long day apart

White chili on a cold day

The beauty of LOVE!!!

THE DOUG FIR

This past Sunday-Pete and I tried a new breakfast spot called the Doug Fir. It is on the East side just past the Burnside Bridge. It is a music venue and also inside of a cool retro hotel called the Jupiter Hotel. It was really yummy and just a cute funky place all around. I had banana hazelnut pancakes and Pete had this delicious egg-bacon-rosemary potato dish called the logger special. And of course they served the one and only Stump town coffee. If you live here in Portland-I urge you to try it. If you are coming to visit us any time soon-we will take you there to try it. :) They also have a really sweet happy hour that we are hoping to dine at. There was mashed potatoes and macaroni on the menu...yum..comfort food! Just wanted to point out a cool place with a good vibe!