Greg's 60th Birthday Weekend!

This past weekend, we spent a very special couple days with Jeremy's family at the beach celebrating Greg's 60th birthday. We ended the weekend by surprising Greg with a party at our home, full of friends and family who love him. We shared some wonderful moments together and made memories we will cherish forever... Thank you Greg for the love you shower on us, for your Godly example of how to serve others, and for a life worth emulating. We love you!

Harper, Ice Cream & her Imaginary Tiger

This video was taken when we told Harper she could have her 1st bowl of ice cream after her swimming lessons last week... it was pretty funny and a very typical "Harper" moment captured on video (rare these days as she is usually too aware of the camera). She is FULL of imagination and facial expressions! Jeremy and I hang on everything that comes out of her mouth... as we never know what to expect at this stage. Sometimes it's cute... and sometimes it's very much a 2 year old and not so cute. You parents know what I'm talking about ;)

Cutest Buns in the World

I just have to say... I think my little girl and my little man have the cutest little buns in the world ;) Little baby/toddler bodies are too adorable not to take these pictures...

A "Green" Dinner with the Girls

Over the past few months, I have had a small group of women over to my house every Wednesday night to eat dinner, to discuss life and to discuss the book we are reading together. Really, we talk about life, current "hot topics", and nutrition. I think it makes us feel smarter that it is formally called a "book club". We DO discuss the book we are reading... and have learned a lot from it... but so much more happens on these evenings that is needed and healthy as well.

The nutrition topic undoubtedly comes up, because it's my passion, but also because in some shape or form we all have questions about it and it's role in our lives. Some are trying to lose weight or eat more veggies or stop snacking at night... you know? The normal stuff we all struggle with.

On these evenings, I try to cook a special meal... One that will make us feel good about how we are treating our bodies and one that will nourish us. I won't fool you to believe that I'm always perfect. Sometimes dinner is a take and bake pizza... but when it is, you can put money on the fact that it will include a salad.Our most recent get together was accompanied by a plethora of foods that are the color green: Asparagus, brussel sprouts, snap peas, green beans, spinach, kale, lettuce!

On this particular night, our salad included mixed spring greens, spinach, kale, red and yellow peppers, a sprinkle of cheese, and Trader Joe's sweet & spicy pecans. The salad was tossed with a light coating of red wine vinaigrette. One of the aspects of the salad that made it different and gave it a step up nutritionally was the kale. Kale is especially high in vitamins A, C, and K. It is also high in dietary fiber, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, folate, magnesium, copper, and manganese. It also contains antioxidants that are associated with cancer-fighting properties. In other words, kale is a powerhouse food. Often kale is served cooked, either sauteed in something like a stir-fry or added into a soup. I decided to add it to the salad uncooked because I thought it would add an interesting texture and because I needed to use it up. I chopped it into small pieces so that it wasn't overwhelmingly chewy. I did read from a dietician's blog, however, that kale's nutritional benefits may be increased by steaming it. Check out her interesting supporting articles and recipes for more information.

Our entree that evening was made up of whole wheat spaghetti noodles with a little Alfredo sauce, topped with steamed butternut squash, asparagus, snap peas and brussel sprouts. This is the type of dinner that I consider my favorite, because it feels gourmet (especially when accompanied by a glass of red wine) but in actuality it is easy and fairly quick!

I feel so happy and blessed to be able to spend a night with these ladies each week... and that I am able exercise my creativity and passion for food, all the while, fill ourselves up with rich nutrients and healing conversation.

The Head Shake (Especially for Mimi...)

Lately Bentley has been doing this funny head-shake thing... it started by him copying us. I caught this moment between my boys.

These videos are for you Mimi (and Mormie)... since we just found out my Grandma has an aggressive form of cancer and less than a month to live. Mimi said these videos are one of the few things that make her smile these days... I love you Mormie and Mimi!

Harper Sings her ABC's (Especially for Mimi...)

Here is a normal moment at our breakfast table. Harper is still practicing her ABC's and sings them all the time... I hope this makes you smile Mimi!

Melt my Heart

This is the little face that looks up at me during our walks... so mellow and sweet. This little face makes me melt... Bentley, you are my sunshine and my joy. There is no little boy like you. I love you!