Give Thanks

Hallow's eve

Barry and I were kinda party poopers this year for Halloween. True. We didn't dress-up or even give out candy, but I did, at least, carve pumpkins with Bret, Becki and the kids.  The Sunday before Halloween, Becki made us a traditional pumpkin rice casserole which she baked inside the pumpkin- very festive! I was quite proud of my carving skills. On Halloween Barry and I got some treats and watched the walking dead mini series. Super spooky. Happy Halloween 2011.

"Nat's Run"

A few weeks ago Barry's sister Natalie had her 39th birthday and to celebrate she put together a little fun run for the fam. She mapped out a 3.9 mile route and invited all to join. So Andrea, Madison, Lizzy, Holly, Collette, Natalie, Zoe, Gianna, Miles and I took her up on the challenge and we all met at 7:00 Saturday morning (*just for the record, NONE of the husbands seemed to be up for it). The kids all biked. She made up these cute metals and Miles gave them out to us all when we got finished. I think it is a fabulous idea to do activities like this versus, well, non active things like sitting and watching a movie or the typical EATING. So many celebrations center around food, food, food. Isn't it true? My personal opinion is more things should be getting us up and out and active!! But that's just me. Does any one else agree or am I just a freak? It was a great morning and a fun way to get family together. I sorta might have gotten lost on the way back and think I ran an extra 1/2 mile or so, but that's okay. I'm looking forward to next year the BIG 4-0 Natalie : )

Better After....

I was hesitant to put these pictures up because my "before's" are so bad, but that's how they are supposed to be right? So the "after's" are more dramatic. Well, that's what I was going for -- right after the gym, 3rd day hair in all its glory. I present to you my Before and After. Katee my good pally has been my hairstylist for years and i love her! Yes, I was much over due for some hair care. TA-DAAA

Have a heart!

Last week I got a phone call from my Mom about my Pompa. She told me he was in hospital with what they called an aneurism that was close to his aorta the size of a small grapefruit!!! AHHHH!! He had surgery to make the needed repairs to strengthen the artery. He is such a trooper and made it through the operation well! 4 years ago he had a quadruple bypass where he was pretty down and out for awhile so I am grateful for every single day I get to spend with my sweet grandfather. He is dear to my heart! I am grateful for his story! His life is full of the highs and lows and he always has a story to tell.  Pomp has the biggest heart! He gives and gives. He values his family and wants nothing but their happiness. If there were ever anyone who has a heart it is Don E. Dawes!

Caramel Apples

 My sister Tami and I have decided that every fall we are going to perfect the art of homemade caramel apples. We are gonna be pro's! Our 1st attempt was last fall. We didn't do so hot. We tried really hard too. We had all the toppings imaginable that could go on a caramel apple, but they all ended up at the bottom of the cookie sheet. The caramel did not stick to the apple. They were a mess. This year as you can see, we are getting better right? yeah! We are learning some tricks. Mom joined us this year. She had a bit of a hard time with her toppings sticking. Can you tell? : ) It was really fun to hang out with the girls. We laughed and talked 'till late. It was a good time! ...and yes, I broke down, and just had to taste our yummy creations. We missed our sister Kari!! 

*Please excuse my horrible hair cut and cheesy grin haa!  I am so cute. wink : )

My new chocolate fix

So with my new no processed sugar, no processed flour diet I have been discovering new and creative ways to cook without processed sugar. In the past when I made a bowl of oatmeal I wouldn't think twice about adding a few spoonfuls  of brown sugar and butter etc. Well, now my oatmeal is my version of a no-bake cookie with no processed sugar or butter.

2/3 C whole old fashion oats,
pinch of salt,
2 tsp  or more if you want it more chocolaty unsweetened cocoa, 
water (how ever runny/thick you like it)
drop of vanilla,

and my new discovery 1 tsp more or less Agave nector
mix and microwave or cook for severl mins

after cooking, top with 2 tsp organic peanut butter (no sugar added) and ENJOY. yumm it is really good! If you are used to super sweet oatmeal it might taste a tinsey bit bland until you get used to way less sugar. Delicious and nutritious. To make it a 100% balanced snack have a 1/4 of cup of cottage cheese for your protein.