A New Blog

I have started a new blog to chronicle the journey I have challenged myself to - running a mile.

Visit it if you feel so inclined:

Running Dialogue: One Measly Mile

When the News Touches Our Children

Upon arrival in PA (yes! we're here!!), we were given a basket filled with the most wonderful chocolate treats. In fact, they were from Ah! Some Chocolates (go ahead, click on it). Most delicious chocolate EVER.

Anyway, included in the gift basket were some chocolate covered peeps (y'know - those Easter peeps). As we're munching away Colt turns to us and says, "These peeps make me sad." When asked why, he replied with, "They remind me of the oil leak."

We now refer to the peeps as "oil leak peeps."

(thank you to my aunties for the wonderful amazing treat and such a sweet welcome!)

I Need a Hobby

Any suggestions?

Requirements:

1. It must be CHEAP, if not free.

2. It must be a hobby that is conducive to being a stay-at-home mom (easily dropped and picked back up when one of the kids NEEDS mom and NEEDS her right now, something I can do with the kids around - not something that takes me away from them).

Summer Cooking

I don't like cooking in the summer. It's way too hot. So, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite summertime meals that take little-to-no cooking with heat.

1. Salad bar - it's exactly what it sounds like. Put your lettuce in one bowl and have a variety of add-ons that you can pick and choose from. This is fun because it's really like you're at a salad bar and the kids dig picking out exactly what they want on their salad. Some of ideas for add-ons: bacon bits, croutons, baby corn, chick peas, sliced pickled beats, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, cheese, peppers, etc.

2. Pancakes and Smoothies - cooking on the griddle doesn't seem as bad as having the oven on. Quick healthy whole wheat pancake recipe: 1 cup whole wheat flour, 3 tsp baking powder, 1 cup milk, 1-2 eggs (up to you!), 2 TBS oil. In mixing bowl combine flour and baking powder. Make a well in the center. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg(s) and oil. Add wet mixture to dry mixture. Stir until smooth. Spoon onto hot griddle.

Smoothie recipe - 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 1/2 cup banana strawberry yogurt, 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, 2 cups milk. Blend until smooth.

3. Fruit salad and Cinnamon Toast - not only don't I like cooking heavy meals in the summer, but I don't even like eating heavy meals in the summer. Pot roast when it's 110 out? No thanks. Put together a fresh fruit salad. Serve with a side of cinnamon sugar toast.

4. Pasta Salad - This does require you to cook noodles on the stove. Cook and drain noodles. Add things like carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, chick peas, olives. Meat it up by adding pepperoni or cubed ham. Pour your favorite salad dressing over to coat to taste.

Do you have any favorite summertime meals?