Fresh From the Garden

We are already halfway into August and finally able to enjoy some of the vegetables John we grew ourselves. The garden sucked didn't do very well this year. A combination of no rain right when we needed it and our decision to grow heirloom varieties (which grow VERY slowly by the way) made for a late harvest. Granted, we do have several huge, yummy Mr. Stripey tomatoes on the vine, but we will probably be pulling off many before the first frost. I'm thinking fried green tomatoes. Anyone have a recipe they would like to share?

No Excuses

...well almost.

Now that I have what was the best yard-sale find EVER

A brand new pair of Adidas

and two willing participants

There is no reason for me to not get into the shape I want to be in...except for the fact I have to let this sucker heal

As soon as it does, we are hitting the road and I am losing the ten pounds I managed to put back on after working so hard last Winter.

Wordless Wednesday | Kitchen Help

Good Music

Sometimes Nicolaus and I have the best conversations. I thought I'd share one exchange which really touched me.

We usually listen to PER (Positive Entertainment Radio) in the car. I can't remember what song was playing but from the backseat I hear

Nicolaus: What's this music?

Me: This music is about Jesus and his love for us

Nicolaus: Like in my book?

Me: Yes Sweetie, just like in our books

Nicolaus: I love Jesus

Me: I love Jesus too

Nicolaus: Are we going to meet him?

Me: Who?

Nicolaus: Jesus

Me: Yes Sweetie...someday

Nicolaus: That's GOOD music!

More Words Everyday

It really does seem like Carleigh says a few new words every day. Just this morning she uttered a perfectly recognizable "milk" and even said a half-recognizable "excuse me" when she passed gas at the dinner table (what a proper little lady, I know, but at least she had manners enough to laugh excuse herself).

Carleigh's Words:

Daddy, Momma, Buddy (for Nicolaus), Nanny, Nana (both for her Nana and banana), kitty, pretty, milk, baby, bite, ball, balloon, bubble, please, piece, cheese, more, moo, woof, eyes, teeth, bath, pee-pee, poo-poo

And if this picture doesn't say "DIVA" I don't know what does. And she's only 15 months...

Monday Mac-N-Cheese

It has long been said that humans are creatures of habit. I definitely fall into this stereotype. I like routines, I like lists, I like to know what to expect. My kids are the same way. I swear their nightime routine is the reason they both sleep so well. Every evening we do the same thing--dinner, bath, pjs, story and bed. Every. Single. Night. When we slip up just a little, even if it is to have dinner over at a friend's house and we stay up just a little past the kiddos' bedtime, we pay for it for two to three days.

Part of my routine includes a weekly meal plan and every Monday we have macaroni and cheese for lunch. This weekend, I read a letter sent in by a subscriber of Parenting magazine about how she modifies her instant mac to make it a little bit healthier for her kids. I was intrigued and decided to give it a try. Besides, I still have a hefty supply of organic sweet potato baby food I need to use. The outcome was a really creamy, pretty tastey alternative to regular mac. And, it doesn't make me feel so guilty for feeding the kids something so processed. But hey, we can't all be diva's in the kitchen for every meal...there are other blogs for that.

All you need is:
one box of mac-n-cheese. I used Kraft whole grain.
1 jar organic sweet potato puree/baby food
4 TBS plain greek yogurt

Cook the noodles per the box instructions.

Once you have strained the noodles, stir in the puree, yogurt and cheese powder.

Enjoy!

Note: After this meal, 14 month old Carleigh reached her bowl out and asked for more (the first time she has ever said "more")

Wordless Wednesday | Berry Picking!