First Day of Preschool

Ethan started his second year of Preschool last month. He was excited to go back to school and to reunite with all of his friends. Such a big boy.

Friendship Reunion

Our little town swells in size during the Kansas' Biggest Rodeo event that takes place every year. More than the rodeo, I look forward to reuniting with friends that travel back home for the event.

This past Saturday, I hosted my best friends from childhood and their daughters at my home for lunch. It was so much fun to get to reconnect while our kiddos played.

(I really need to start using my real camera and not my camera phone. The quality of these photos make me sad. :( )

The kids had a great time playing, even if Cami (on the left) doesn't appear to want anything to do with the other kids. It made my heart soar to see the 2nd generation of, what I hope can be, life-long friendships being made. These mamas and their little ones are like family to me.

We've been friends for as long as I can remember. These women have played a vital role in my life. 

From childhood to those dramatic teenage years:

Through the college years and our budding romances with our soon to be spouses:

Through 4 weddings within 8 months of each other:

And now through the beginning of parenthood and discovering together of all the joys and challenges that come with being a mother.

There's just something about friendships that have spanned through so many years and so many milestones. I think it ties to the fact that they already know your back story, your faults, and your strengths. There's no use in pretending to be someone you're not or needing to explain your quirks...they already know.

I can't wait until our next little reunion! 

Drinking My Spinach

If you follow any of the popular healthy living or fitness blogs, you have probably already heard of Green Smoothies. I'm not inventing anything new here.

However, must people in my circles have not heard of incorporating spinach into smoothies and look at me like I've lost my marbles when I start talking about drinking a "green monster" and raving about the taste and how they make me feel. (or when I mention making spinach pancakes but I've already told you about those.)

I crave these smoothies, especially after a hot run. It's amazing how our bodies tell us what they need. (Of course, my stomach is usually screaming over the spinach cravings and telling my body that what it really needs is s'mores.)

I have a few favorite versions but the one I am going to share with you today is my go-to default mix.

In the mix: Unsweetened Almond Milk (less calories than skim milk), 1-2 Large Handfuls of Spinach, 1/2 Frozen Banana (makes it thick and creamy textured like a milkshake). This is the base to every smoothie that I make.

Today I added cocoa powder and a spoonful of peanut butter. I can't get enough of the chocolate/peanut butter flavor combo.

Put everything in a blender and blend until smooth. 

Pour into a glass and enjoy! I promise that it won't taste like spinach at all! You'll get your nutrients and vegetables in a yummy, thick chocolate treat. 

My son also loves these. We like to experiment with different frozen fruit combinations and Ethan really likes banana and pineapple green smoothies as a refreshing treat on hot summer days.

If you are looking for additional green smoothie recipes, here are some from bloggers that originally gave me the idea and nerve to try these in the first place. Meals & Moves, Peanut Butter Fingers, STUFT Mama