Bolder Boulder

I did it!

After months of training, I was able to run the 10k Bolder Boulder this Memorial Day. When Griff was 6 weeks old, I started jogging. I could last for one minute. Everyone always worries about losing the baby weight, but I really wanted to feel as strong as I did before Griff was born. Although labor was the most difficult physical task I've ever undertaken, I needed a post-pregnancy challenge. I thought that I could do it, but was still amazed when I crossed the finish line. My goal was to run without stopping...no time goal...just keep jogging. Although I couldn't find Jose and Griff along the course, they found me at 7.5 km. They were a great supportive team. And, all three of us are worn out!

Beautiful Day

We met up with the Majewskis for a hike at Roxborough State Park. It was a glorious day. And, as always, it was a treat to spend time with our friends.

First Attempt

This is the ugly bunny.

It is a recycled bunny. Made from Jose's old shirts and plastic grocery bags. He may not be adorable, but Griff seems to like him. I was inspired by these ragamuffins!

Try It Tuesday!

Dried Fruit and Nut Clusters

I called Courtney the other day and she was making these energy bars. I was a little skeptical as she described the ingredients. But, seriously...this is so easy and delicious. I'll tell you how I made them...

Ingredients

2/3 cup whole, pitted dates

2/3 cup dried apples

2/3 cup almonds

1. Get your food processor out (if it lives on your counter, just make sure it's plugged in)

2. Grind the almonds

3. Dump the almonds into a bowl

4. Process the dried fruit

5. Add the almonds back into the processor

6. Blend them until they stick together

7. Roll the mixture into balls

8. Place them into an airtight container

9. Store them in the fridge

A few other options:

dates, apricots and almonds.

or dates, cherries and walnuts.

or dates, peanuts, vanilla and salt

Friday.

Try It Tuesday!

Crystal's Bread

Whenever we eat dinner as a Bible Study, I hope that Crystal will bring her homemade bread. Please understand, she has taught me how to make it. It's easy. It's delicious. But, there's something so good about someone else making something so tasty and sharing it with you. She made the cranberry walnut version last night...yum!

Now you can make it too!

Original No-Knead Recipe:

3 Cups flour
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 Cups water
Olive Oil as needed (about 1-2 Tablespoons)

1. Combine flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Add water and stir until blended. Dough should be shaggy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise at a warm room temperature (about 70) for 3 1/2-4 hours

2. Lightly oil a work surface and place dough on it, fold it over itself once or twice and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise 30 more minutes. At the same time begin heating the over to 425 degrees and put a heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, pyrex or ceramic) in the over as it heats to get the pot up to temperature.

3. Once the dough is ready, fold the outside in once more to ensure that the outside is oiled well, remove the lid of the pot and add the dough to the pot, seam side up. Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and bake another 5-7 minutes until the loaf is browned.

4. Cool and enjoy.

Yield: 1 loaf

Variations:

Sun-dried Tomato Bread

Mix 1/4 cup of diced sun-dried tomatoes and 1 1/2 tablespoons of Italian Seasoning with the dry ingredients
Add 2 Tablespoons of tomato paste to the water and mix thoroughly before adding to the dry ingredients

Cranberry Walnut Bread

Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts to the dry ingredients

Honey Whole Wheat

Use 1 cup whole wheat flour and 2 cups bread or all purpose flour
Add 1/2 cup of honey to 1 1/2 cups warm water before adding to the dry ingredients

Rosemary

Add 2-3 tablespoons of dried rosemary to dry ingredients

The Dog and His Boy

Before Griffin was born, I had a laundry list of worries. One of my biggest concerns was how Ike was going to react to and interact with our new little one. I read books about adding a new family member to a pet-friendly house. I heard horror stories from many sources...including my mom. And, I received some logical, reassuring advice from fellow dog owners...thanks, Mo. Until recently, Griff had apparently been unaware of Ike's presence in our house. I'm hoping this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Even though you can't really tell, Griff kept watching Ike until he finally settled in for a nap. (Ike not Griff)

Found It!!

I finally found my battery charger for my camera. It was behind a stack of books...of course. So, here's what Griff is up to.

Getting some Dad time!
The solid food adventure continues. Griff discovered that his hands can help him eat. Resulting in...a mess.

He loves his activity mat.

Just hanging out in the rocker.

Grrrrriff

In case you haven't seen Griff in a while, here's what you've been missing.

P.S. I still can't find my camera battery charger...let me know if you spot it!

Try It Tuesday!

Avocado Cupcakes

(Well, not really)

In trying to keep up with Griff's need to eat solid food, I have been blending and freezing veggies. We have a few baby-sized, freezable containers, which happen to be filled with squash. So, when he chowed down on some avocado, I decided to store the rest. Problem: All the containers are filled with squash.

In come the silicone cupcake liners. I do not like baking in them. The batter sticks to them. The cupcakes cook unevenly. I almost gave them away. But, guess what!? They are perfect for freezing baby portion. Avocado cupcakes!

Other possibilities:

Fruit juice ice cubes for a big pitcher of lemonade

Lunch box sized portions of soup

Mini ice cream cakes (just top with frosting)

5 Months

Griff is 5 months old today. I wanted to post some great photos and reflection to commemorate this special day. BUT...I can't find my battery charger and my camera is dead. It is 9:45 and I am tired. Where did the day go?

I love Griffin. 5 months old, sleeping soundly through the night, growling, eating rice cereal and avocado, laughing, and rolling around.