Our 10 Year Anniversary

For the last 5 years, we said that we would take a big trip together for our 10 year anniversary. Well, we did not take a trip but we had a really good weekend together. This was the best anniversary we have had yet! We didn’t dress up and go spend too much money at a fancy restaurant. We had fun, most of all, we did what was right for us.

I did receive a gift for my anniversary. No, no big diamond ring or a pretty necklace (we’re on a budget remember). I got knifes! Yes, knifes. I love them. One thing that I love about my husband is that he really thinks about what he buys me. Don’t be fooled though. We did just do a professional family photo shoot – an hour long! That was my official anniversary present!

Here we are, ready to go. In blue jeans!

First we went to a movie at a really cool theater in Athens.

We saw Away We Go. We loved it! A little quirky, but we are a little quirky too!

We went to eat at The Grit for dinner. The food was so fresh and so good. Our bill came out to $30.00 and we were full!

We had these nachos first with freshly made salsa:

Here is my dish:

Tabouli Salad (middle eastern salad made with bulgur, veggies and spices), Zucchini Fritters, Collard Greens.

 

Here is Jason’s:

Tabouli Salad, Falafel (chick pea fritters), Hummus with Veggies/Pita

After we ate a very healthy, fresh meal, Jason went next door to this restaurant and ordered a deep fried Twinkie – kind-of ironic!

I refused to try it! But he said it was really good!

 

Before kids, we used to go hiking – a lot. So to celebrate us, we decided to hike up Blood Mountain. It was great! It felt good to be in the woods and breath fresh air! We ran into this lovely fellow on the highest point on the mountain:

Here I am at a sleeping shelter (not so sure I would want to sleep in it though):

It was a beautiful view!

On the way home we stopped and ate a Johnny’s BBQ. This was the restaurant that catered our wedding. The funny part is that 10 years ago, this food tasted so good to me – but it didn’t taste that good this time. It hit my stomach like a ton of bricks!

The best part about our weekend was that we were together. Maybe not on a romantic beach, but we were together having fun and that’s all that matters!

10 Years!

 

Happy Anniversary Jason!

Quinoa

This is just for you Caroline!

So I love Quinoa, and have found this fab dish!

Cooked Quinoa, garlic, sunflower seeds, olive oil spinach and a little bit of cheese.

I really don’t measure out my ingredients. Heat a little EVOO and toast the sunflower seeds (don’t burn them)! Then add the garlic.

Then add a big pile of spinach.

Throw in cooked Quinoa and stir until the spinach is wilted.

At the very end, add some cheese and lemon juice. I have made it with the lemon juice and cheese, and without – good both ways.

You can eat it hot or cold. Yummy!

I am bringing this to you Caroline (Quinoa and Sunflower Seeds):

I saw Giada make this on Food Network the other day. Really good and fresh:

Asparagus and Zucchini Salad:

Cut up 1 bunch of asparagus and peel 2 zucchini (using veggie peeler). Mix a little EVOO and lemon juice with salt and pepper and toss.

My Favorite Part of the Day

My favorite part of the day is when the girls get off the school bus.

I love looking through their Friday Folder’s.

I love sitting down with the girls while enjoying a snack to talk about their day. Today we made popcorn!

PS: I got a hair cut this week! But I am a little sad because I can’t run! I pulled a back muscle a few weeks ago, and it is still giving me a little problem, so no running till it is all better!

Happy Weekend!

Yummy!

We went to the market on Saturday and purchased this:

I got another juice:

Here is my shopping list:

It helps me to have a menu plan and a list when I go shopping. Our week runs much smoother, when I have a plan!

A New Season

I’ve had a ton of emotions these last two weeks. My life is changing and I’ve entered into a new season in my life. I have been thinking, remembering, crying, and laughing – and pondering. Pondering what’s next for me. Now what?

I went to school today to volunteer. From a distance, I watched Claudia stand in line, laughing and talking to another child. As they walked off, she turned to me, smiled, waved and walked away. Wow, what happened? Wasn’t she just a baby? Everyone always told me that it happens so fast. I think that in the moment, it seems long, but when that moment passes – it feels like it went by way to fast.

We celebrate our 10 year anniversary in two weeks, I turn 35 next month, I no longer have preschoolers at home. For the last 8 years, my main focus has been caring for my two wonderful girls. Now they are in school and are becoming so independent. Where has the time gone?

The house is very quiet, and I feel a little lost. I used to dream about the day they would both be in school, now I wish they were two again.

I have focused  on trying to figure out what I am supposed to do with my life. Does anyone really figure that out? I’ve asked God, and have heard no answer. I believe that He wants me to be exactly who I am right now and be doing what I am doing right now. Supporting my family. So I will take pride in supporting my family, be fortunate for the opportunity, and cherish every minute of it!  I must quite longing for the past, pondering the future, and embrace this new season in my life!

A Little Bit of Everything!

The girls had a great first day of school. I had several emotions running through me as Claudia got on the bus for the first time. It is very strange having both girls in school all day, but I think that I will get used to it fast!

 

 

We are cat sitting for Nanny while she as at the beach. This is Duke, and he is the best cat I have ever been around!

We have been spending some time working on this memorial garden at school:

 

We pulled lots of weeds:

Even the girls helped:

My new favorite snack is greek yogurt with some granola mixed in, it is so yummy!

My Dishwasher is broken and we have to get a new one! Good bye dishwasher, I already miss you! My hands are tired of doing your job!

So now my sink looks like this:

Because we have to replace the dishwasher and now the lawn mower too, we are foregoing our semi elaborate anniversary plans. Oh well, there is always next year!

PS: I have been spray painting again! I will have my project ready to post soon!

Open House and Haircuts

 

Open House

We went to open house on Thursday. The girls got to see their room and meet their teachers.

Claudia and Mrs. Britt (we already knew Mrs. Britt since Marley had her too):

Marley and Mrs. Prandy:

Spirit Wear:

Back to school Haircuts

Claudia wanted bangs to the side (like mom’s) and Marley wanted her hair short like Claudia’s.

 

After! The girls love their new haircuts. Claudia said she really likes her new bangs!