WOW Run 2011

Each year the gym hosts a 5K run to benefit a local organization. The run is held in October. This year it benefited Women Build Habitat for Humanity. I ran it last year, and yesterday, Eli ran it with me! To me, this meant so much that he would run with me. Eli does like fitness and weights ... just not as crazy as me! So, this was like a little boost to get to do something together. He has been doing some running to get ready - not as much as he would have liked do to an I.N.S.A.N.E. schedule in October this year - but he still did awesome!

We woke up bright and early (although it was still dark outside!) to get ourselves ready to go. My dad came over to watch the boys while we went. We joined about 270 other runners for a crisp - think 40 degrees - autumn morning run!

Neither of us ran to "win", but to enjoy being outside together, supporting a great cause, and being around lots of great people. It was a hilly run through lots of beautiful neighborhoods. What was really fun was to see how many kids came to run with their parents - we're excited to maybe have Jonah do a run with us next year or the year after!

My friend Natalie took our picture after the run, and commented that if Baby No. 3 becomes a marathon runner, it wouldn't be a surprise! 3+ months pregnant, and I felt great as I ran. We're thinking that we might be running the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in a few weeks and recuit some other family members to join. = )

Pumpkin "Sherbet"

I love all things pumpkin. Pretty sure I haven't met a pumpkin recipe that I haven't liked! I have 7 cans of pureed pumpkin just sitting in my kitchen shelves, begging to be made into something delicious!

I stumbled across this website and found this recipe for Pumpkin Sherbet. Okay, so I have been calling it ice cream, but since it doesn't use cream, half and half, or butter, it really does resemble a sherbet-type consistency a bit more than ice cream. BUT, you cannot complain about the stats (and mine was lower in calories because of using Almond Milk and less sugar)! I modified the recipe a bit to suit what exactly I was looking for. Here is what I did:


PUMPKIN SHERBET


2 1/4 c. Almond Milk - unsweetened

1 c. pumpkin puree

1/3 c. sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cloves

dash of salt

I prepared the recipe as directed above, and made it in our "borrowed" countertop ice cream maker. YUM!

As you can see from our picture, the texture was a bit grainy from the pumpkin, but doesn't bother you when you're eating it. Eli and I both really liked it (although, he had to throw out his comment that it "would still taste even better with cream! - Well, yes, but my goal was a healthy dessert) and I think we will be making it again!

Silver Dollar City

About a month ago, we attempting a trip to Branson, Missouri to visit Silver Dollar City. A theme park set in the 1800's that I have been going to with my family since I was in utero! Lots of great memories ... and one of the most family-friendly places in the world! Wholesome and fun. Well, that weekend it poured buckets of rain, and my morning sickness suddenly took a serious downtown. It was NOT good trip (although we did get to see some dear friends that we don't get to see often enough!) in regards to Silver Dollar City!

So, we attempted again last Thursday and Friday for a quick trip! We have season passes, and wanted to take the boys ONE MORE TIME before it gets too cold! And this mama seriously needed a day or two away from home and work and feeling overwhelmed!

It was perfect. Amazingly beautiful weather ... no meltdowns (which is truly a miracle!) ... the boys enjoyed every second of the park ... Jonah rode his first (little) roller coaster ... and family time was great. My dad, Eli's mom, and Eli's little sister came along, which was really fun. Here are some good memories ...

Opa, Jonah, and Reuben petting the goats

Reuben riding "ALL BY HIMSELF"

As always, I come home excited to return!

Annual Fall Indulgence

I have a fall candy love: candy pumpkins.

I know, there isn't much to them besides probably straight sugar ... but I love them anyway! And, they only sell them once a year, right? So, I indulge and get a bag or two in October. And since all things chocolate make me violently ill, this might be the only sweet indulgence that I have been having of late.

And Reuben decided to join me at the table one day to share a few = ) Much more fun to share with someone!

Milk and Eggs

What started as a way for our young marrieds' Bible study to "get out and DO something", rather than just talking about making a difference has turned into a valuable lesson for Jonah and Reuben.

I can't really remember how long, but I think it has been at least a year since the Bible study that Eli and I lead on Thursday evenings starting taking fresh milk and eggs to the Heartland Community Health Center. We had been talking a lot within the group about making a difference in our community, and wanted to find something we could do on a regular basis. We took a tour and met the director of HCHC, and decided that working with the food pantry would be perfect. We simply alternate weekends and deliver 15 half gallons of milk and 10 dozen eggs on Saturday morning, so that individuals and families can get more than just pantry goods when they need some extra help.

Right now, we typically each take one Saturday a month or so, and do the delivery. Sometimes couples stay and help run the time frame in which people come to get groceries: it depends on schedules and such. But, I like DOING something, you know?

And now, Jonah and Reuben look forward to our weekends. We usually have to get them up for an "up and at'em" to get to the grocery store and then the pantry in time. They jump right out of bed! We have had many a conversation during those Saturday morning drives about caring for others, and making sure that other kids have milk and eggs too. About not taking things for granted that we have.

And then when we get there, they each run their 1/2 gallons up the wheelchair ramp (because WHY ON EARTH would you take the stairs when you can run in a zig zag!), and put them away in the fridge. Back and forth, back and forth.

Van loaded up after the grocery store ...

Proud little helper...

I need to do more things like this with them ...

Pumpkin Patch - Take One

Reuben and his "wittle" pumpkin

This morning we headed to a local pumpkin patch with Jonah's preschool. This is a LONG awaited event! Jonah has been counting down days on a calendar to the "Pumpkin Patch Day"!!!

We had lots of fun: riding the hayride, looking at animals, picking out pumpkins, running through a haybale maze, sliding down slides, and enjoying friends. It was really windy and dusty, so we came home covered in a film of brown dust ... but it was worth it!

I love this picture - such excitement in their faces! Jonah and his best buddy from preschool.




We DID try and get Reuben to smile! This was as best as it got ... = )

Bright sun and wind didn't give great pictures - but we had fun!


We love the pumpkin patch so much, we may make another trip before October 31st!