Saturday, May 19, 2012

Overnight Oats & a "Delurk"

I have had the following conversation probably three dozen times.

Me: [Random story/fact about the boys/etc.]

You [or your husband]: "Oh yeah! I [my wife] totally read that on your blog. Is that creepy?"

Me: "Not creepy at all. That's why I write it!"

Ok. This is me calling you out. You are not creepy. You are, however, awkward. Say hello! I am calling for a delurk today. If you've never commented, or you comment on every post, or somewhere in between leave a comment! Either on this post or another one of your liking. It doesn't even have to have anything to do with the post. I just want to get to know YOU. Introduce yourself!

I'll even throw in a "nice to meet you!" picture of the boys.

How can you say no to faces like that?


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As for the Overnight Oats. Are you excited? You should be. These have the power to change your life. To start with, I have a love for oats that I didn't know existed until I was pregnant with the boys. I had this master list of things I wanted to make to have on hand so I ate well and could build and keep a good milk supply. It just turns out that oats were in almost every single one. Granola, smoothies, breakfast cookies, etc. Then, we moved to Arizona. And my milk supply was all but gone. I called the NICU to see if I could get it back and the nurse just asked me how often I eat oats.


I had pinned a recipe for overnight oats on pinterest a while ago that I kept meaning to try, but it called for "chia seeds" and I had never seen them anywhere but on Amazon. I didn't want to buy a whole pound just in case I didn't like it. [Now, guess where my swagbucks gift cards are going to go?] I found chia seeds down here at Sprouts in their bulk section and grabbed a scoop for a couple bucks. And I've had overnight oats every day since.


They are magic.


They fill me up all morning. They're full of protein. I get fruit and calcium and fiber in my diet from the get go. They are YUMMY and I'm a night owl, so making myself a balanced breakfast in the morning [even just adding fruit to my bowl of cereal] just doesn't happen. However, making a balanced breakfast the night before? I can, and do, do that.


[Happy to say my milk supply has never been better.]


I've since modified the recipe a bit, because I'm one of the weird ones that doesn't like greek yogurt. Also, eventually [when I'm not living at my in-laws house], I plan to make a big batch of my own yogurt to use, and I don't intend to greek strain it. And the recipe made about half of what I needed to eat for breakfast, so I started by doubling the amount of oats it called for. I make mine in ziploc tupperware containers. They're not a part of the cutesy mason jar trend, but they do the job just fine. And fit a lot more of everything.


So without further ado, here's my favorite breakfast secret!



Overnight Oats




  • 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats

  • 1/3 c. milk [I use 1%]

  • 1/2 c. yogurt [I have used vanilla and strawberry so far. Must say, I prefer vanilla.]

  • 1 Tablespoon chia seeds <--don't skimp on these. They're my favorite part! [And they soak up the liquid and make it the right consistency.]

  • Fruit or other mix-ins


Put everything but your mix-ins in a container. Stir well. Mix-in your mix-ins. Let it sit in the fridge overnight. Enjoy in the morning!

I've tried applesauce and cinnamon, mango, fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, a tablespoon of cocoa and half a banana, a tablespoon of peanut butter and half a banana, and strawberry yogurt [instead of vanilla] with half a banana. Must say, the only one I didn't like was the peanut butter combo. And if you make one with banana, be sure to eat it within 2 days. [I generally make 4 of these at a time and let them sit in the fridge. I eat the banana ones first because I have a weird thing about banana...the blueberry one lasted a good 4 days and tasted divine!]

So there you have it. Have you tried these before? Favorite mix ins? I want to hear about it!

52 comments:

  1. I AM HERE! I love your blog... I might do a post similar. When I have only 1 or 2 comments it makes me wonder if anyone even reads what I write...

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  2. Hi Kristen! I'm not even sure if you remember me, but we lived at the BC together right when you met Cameron (RS Presidency, anyone?) As someone who is struggling with infertility, I love the hope that your blog brings! Thanks for the updates, they never fail to make me smile!

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  3. Hey Kristin!!

    I don't know if you remember me from high school, but we went to Sinagua together (my last name was Dunn then). I have been reading your blog for at least a year now (maybe two? I'm not sure), but never commented cuz I fell into the whole What if it's creepy cuz we don't know each other well? thing. But here I am, delurking. I finally started my own blog a little while ago so I'm making an attempt to comment.

    I LOVE your blog! I love the recipes/crafts that you post, seeing those lovely babies, and seeing such honesty from you about infertility and the pain it can bring. Gad has blessed your family richly!! :)

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  4. Hey Kristin, I was in the BYU 201st ward with you and Cameron way back in 2009...I've been reading your blog since we became friends on Facebook. I've never commented before, but I always look forward to your posts, and I love seeing pictures of your cute boys, keep them coming!

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  5. Kristin! Not trying to sound creepy or anything, but I couldn't sleep last night, so I was catching up on your blog. I was reading until about 3 am. And it made me feel better about life and I was able to go right to sleep afterwards, so thank you! And I can't wait to try this recipe!

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  6. @Emily, NEVER creepy. :) I do the same. Though perhaps I should write more exciting stuff? Happy to help you get to sleep. lol :)

    @Diana, HELLO! I love hearing from 201sters. That was such a great ward. How are you and Jordan doing??

    @JEN!!! Of course I remember you!!! #1, impressive blog missy. I really need to work on INTENTIONALLY eating instead of just consuming... too much brain power for this phase of life tho. ha. Congrats to you and the husband. :) I figure you've been married for a while, but I never said anything so YAY marriage!

    @Jen F. OF COURSE I remember you. I LOVED the BC. What a great place. And yeah, you were in the presidency with me and Crystal (now) Chatterton, right? Gosh that was a good summer. :) Sorry about having infertility in common. It makes me so happy to know that I've helped in even the smallest way. :)

    @Emily H. Can we PLEASE get together?? And do a de-lurk. I'm having a blast today. :)

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  7. Ummm... those oats sound brilliant! I didn't know oats could help with milk supply! Do you heat them up in the morning or eat them cold? Also, Andy and I visited the Gardens when we went to Dallas and it is so cute! I hope you're able to get an apartment there! We couldn't find anything in our price range in Valley Ranch that was open when we needed it!

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  8. A delurk. What a great idea! I know I have lurkers and it's true, it's a little awkward. I don't blog JUST to talk about my life--I blog to start a (albeit very one sided) conversation.

    And I'll have to try these oats. If I don't eat enough protein when I'm pregnant, I puke, and I'm running out of ideas for things that sound good :)

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  9. I read too! I think I just commented on one of your recent posts, but I'll do it again here! Love reading your blog, you guys are still as adorable as ever! I still remember the Chicken pot pie you guys brought over after we had M, which was almost 3 years ago!!! Cameron was one of our favorite home teachers too!

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  10. I love to follow your blog! These over night oats sound perfect for me. I'm always on the run leaving for work at 6:30am and these sound quick and easy and where it's pre made I can grab it and go.

    P.S. Egg retreival is about a week away!!!!

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  11. Krista Call NielsenMay 19, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    Ooh...I will definitely have to try this recipe for when my new baby comes. It took my milk a week to come in with my first, which landed us in the NICU for 3 days for dehydration! I'm really hoping it comes in faster with #2. Also, I love your blog, I read every single thing you write :-) I should definitely comment more!

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  12. de-lurking here. Congrats on your newest additions!

    I love overnight oats. I usually don't add my mix-ins till I'm ready to eat it, though.

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  13. Love reading your blog and getting updates on your cute little family of four! Your boys are so handsome. We are so happy for you guys!

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  14. I also meant to say this earlier: Ryan's mom just told us about these oats a few weeks ago -- i think she found the recipe on pintrest too! I've been meaning to try it but i'm having a hard time finding chia seeds too... She says their at New Frontiers. I'll have to investigate... So excited to hear how good they are!!

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  15. I love your blog! We've never met, but I found you on Infertility Spoiled Egg's blog. Ever since that post I've loved following your blog. Your boys are handsome, and I love your tips about milk supply. I had a hard time with my first baby and am now 11 weeks pregnant with my second (we have major infertility issues too so this is another huge celebration!) and I really want to do better. I'm bookmarking the posts where you talk about milk supply and boosts. Keep 'em coming!

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  16. I kind of hate oats but really wish I liked them- I'm going to give these a try, thanks for sharing Kristin!

    PS The boys are so cute, it was fun to see them for real and hold them, can't wait for the reunion!

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  17. Love your blog and am in love with your boys!

    Can't wait to try these oats, I have pinned it but not tried it yet...

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  18. Lela Wilkins DandoyMay 19, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Hey I kinda grew up with you. We went to high school together and we were in young womens together, but I am more Lindsay's age. I read your blog all the time and I just love how you put a positive spin on all situations. You are so motivating! I live in queen creek now and if you ever want to get together I would love someone to talk to and I would love to give those adorable babies a squeeze!

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  19. Love this quick and easy breakfast! I love seeing your growing family.

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  20. Hey Kristin, I have commented a couple of times right after the boys were born. My friend who has been struggling with infertility for a few years showed me your blog right around when she started going to he same clinic you went to in Pleasant Grove. Ever since then I have been reading and very much enjoying your blog. I find your story and what you have to say very inspiring and I love to hear how everything is going with your boys. This overnight oats recipe is one I have been wanting to try as well and now since you posted how much you love it I think I will : ) thanks for taking your time to write.

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  21. Total stranger,commented several times but never met you. Got to your blog on a blogtrain a LONG time ago. Just enjoy reading something clean and happy or not happy but hopeful depending on the topic, so thanks. Also a link on your blog led me to Kenna's - another thanks. =)

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  22. Hey Kristin, I absolutely LOVE your blog. I look forward to reading it whenever you have a new post! We met once at Melanie Young's baby shower where I got hooked on your cute party ideas. Good luck with your new move and everything fun and special going on in your life right now!
    Thanks for the oats recipe. With two kids it might just help me get breakfast in before noon!

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  23. Oh hey... Not sure if you know me? My name is Danica and I have a slight obsession with your boys. And with needing to try those oats.

    Miss you!

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  24. Your boys are so beautiful!!! And I so admire your blogging, mine fell to the wayside so bad this past year.

    Love ya! Rachel (Holder) Moser

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  25. Love your idea! My blog is private still, but I'm debating going public.. what do you think? And I am going to have to try that recipe!! PS. You are just a few miles down the road- Let's get together!!!

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  26. I don't know if I'm a lurker or not, but I heart your blog, and the only reason I haven't commented on it is because I thought you had to have a blog to comment on other people's blogs...in fact I'm still not sure if that's true or not lol. Anyway, thanks for your cute posts :)

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  27. I guess I'm a lurker--I don't know you at all in real life, but sometime a few years ago, some other blog linked to something on yours and I found it interesting and so I've been following your life story like a friend, but one that you don't really know and I'm sorry that does seem creepy! I don't mean it to be, I was so happy for you when you got pregnant and the pictures of the boys are so joyful! I live in Virginia and am working on my Master's in Counseling (not sure what else to comment on about me lol).

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  28. Kristin, I enjoy reading your blog and feel inspired by it! I especially love your joy for motherhood, which helps me put things into prespective on the days when everyone in the house (including me!) is either crying, pouting, or throwing something! :)
    PS: We met in the 201st ward...I still have the bread dough recipe you gave me.

    Another easy/yummy/high protein breakfast I like is yogurt (I use vanilla), cooked quinoa (I know it sounds wierd to add, but it's good) and fresh fruit (I use strawberry.) Yummy!

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  29. Hey Kristin!! It is so fun to catch up on how you guys are doing! Your boys are absolutely gorgeous. Blake and I are so happy for you guys! You are totally an inspiration to me in your attitude and all that you accomplish!

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  30. I think I commented once but I de-lurk. Once is not enough. I heart your blog. I'm friends with Karen Nani...she is the one who pointed me to your blog. Your blog inspired a very last minute switch of fertility clinics. We went to UFC shortly after you did and are finally pregnant with a little boy. Thanks for writing about it all!

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  31. We met briefly at the BC - went Country Dancing and I believe you may know my twin brother, Eric and his wife Cindy better than you know me. I sent some material for the boys quilt - I'm glad green was a good choice. ;) I enjoy reading your blog because it helps me feel like I'm a sane person, if you know what I mean!

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  32. Kristin, I LOVE your blog!
    I could never blog like you do, and you are such an inspiration to me and how I would love to document my life the way you do. I love keeping up with you and your amazing family!

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  33. I stumbled upon your blog when searching for "once at month cooking". I have been reading your blog since, probably for more than a year. I have thought about commenting but didn't really know what to say as you don't know me. I was so happy for you when you got pregnant and your boys are so cute. I am expecting a baby and I am most definitely going to try the oats. I live in northern Europe so I'm sorry if my spelling/writing is wrong.

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  34. Hey, Kristin! I'm an official lurker :) I found you on Pinterest which led me to your blog. My hubs and I are traveling the infertility road too(IVF in June! Say a prayer please!) so your blog has been a great source of hope for me. Congrats again on your sweet baby boys! They look like keepers ;)

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  35. Hi Kristen! We've never met in real life. I found your blog through a friend's blog who linked something on yours. As one who is currently struggling with infertility, I linke the hope that your blog brings!

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  36. Hi, I'm Sarah. I may have (maybe) commented once on the blog. I can't remember. I really enjoy your blog, especially your design segments. And your boys are cute. I think you mentioned earlier that you sewed the cloth diapers for them. I'm expected and just want to know how they worked for you. Best of luck in AZ!

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  37. hey you. i have an extra creepy thing for you. I dreamed you had another set of twins. They were girls. I was wondering how on earth you were staying sane.

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  38. Hi Kristen,I just started reading your blog a few months ago just before you had your boys. I found you though 'Baby Making' and was really interested as I have 5 month old boy/girl twins and am always interested in others stories.
    Will be trying your oats too hopefully will boost my milk supply that has been struggling a little.
    Keep up the great posts!

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  39. Karissa RosenfieldMay 21, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    I am a total lurker! I went to high school with Cameron. He posted something about your blog/website on his facebook one day and I have been hooked ever since. I greatly appreciate your honest and fantastic storytelling abilities. :)

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  40. I read all the time, and comment occasionally. I found your blog through my friend Shannon, and we talk about you like we know you, all the time LOL.

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  41. I started reading your blog after it was linked to from ldsinfertility.org. We moved from Utah about 4 years ago and I'm one of those readers that's a complete stranger!

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  42. Hiya! I think I've commented a couple times? Anyways, I found your blog through your sis-in-law Kiara. Thanks for the recipe, I'm definitely going to try it!

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  43. Are you waiting to post again until everyone "de-lurks"?? I was going to remain a lurker, but if you are just going to wait us all out of hiding, you win. I admit it, I love reading your blog. Post again already! I'm pretty sure most of us need another update on your cute little boys :)

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  44. Hi,
    I knew your sister Lindsay in college, and I'm pretty sure we might have worked at BYU Jamba together for a short period too. I started reading your blog because I loved seeing your digital scrapbooking pages and I was just starting at the time. Now i love reading about your boys and cute projects you do around your house (i LOVED your piano). I'm definitely going to try this recipe and see if it helps with nursing. Me and my 4 mo old have kind of been struggling lately--any other milk supply boosting tips would be appreciated :) Good Luck with everything in Arizona!

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  45. I lurk. But it is less awkward since I admitted lurking long ago and actually know you and Cameron (who I still think of as Elder Call). Love love love reading about your darling boys. I have to warn you, so far, IMHO, it only gets better. Keep enjoying them and sharing them with us. Be sure to let us know when you show up in Texas! And if you ever feel like Allen would be awesome, a house up the street is coming up for rent for $1050...can't beat that!

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  46. I found your blog linked up on my friend's blog...assuming that she knew you, but apparently she was a lurker too! I think we both were drawn to your blog because you are honest, and you tell it like it is. The first thing I remember seeing was your pregnancy announcement video. My husband and I have had to wait to have children for health reasons, so I found a lot of comfort reading your words. :)

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  47. [...] only the beginning. [They totally have red-hots in them, by the way. YUM. I'll be using them in my oatmeal, I think. And on top of ice cream.] Spiced Cider Apple Butter is also on the list, along with [...]

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  48. You know me and you know that I read. :) I'm in the process of buying the ingredients to try this oatmeal and I'm SUPER excited!

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  49. Guilty of lurking!I found your blog through my friend Lindsey and have been reading since your cute announcement about expecting! We are infertility survivors (champions if you will), we have two beautiful adopted kids and I am now 33 weeks along with twin girls through our 2nd IVF attempt. Amazing stuff. I love reading about your pregnancy and the twin boys, makes me excited for all that is about to come to our house! You're amazing!

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  50. Hi Kristin
    I went to High school with Cam, we were pretty much besties!! :)My mom and I came to your reception in Flagstaff so we met briefly then. I love reading your blog and being up to date with your sweet family. I'm so glad the boys are doing so well. Thanks for letting me Lurk, and (hopefully) now I won't be an Awkward lurker!!??!!

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  51. Hi Kristin! I've commented once before, but I wanted to say hi again! I found your blog from another person's and like reading since my twin girls are about a month younger than your boys, so it's fun to see how you guys are doing since our babies are so close.

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