Drexel University College of Medicine - White Coat Ceremony

      

Cody had his White Coat Ceremony the first week of August. Thanks to Covid the ceremony was online and the family could watch it, because we wouldn't have all been able to physically be there. There were around 200 new students for this upcoming year. It was fun to watch as their names were announced. Some struggled more than others to get their White Coats on in the minimal time they were given. One thing the first speaker mentioned was that out of 14,000 applicants these were the top selection - such an honor!

They had a chat board we could post well wishes, so we all contributed...

Good Eats

It doesn't happen often and when it does happen it's rare, so I'm documenting a dinner that EVERYONE LIKED!

In the last 6 years(in October) since Casey's accident I've read a lot of books about health. I bought several new (healthy) cook books and have learned a lot, while trying to incorporate that learning into what I'm cooking/eating on a daily basis. Is it perfect??...never, but I try the best I can with what I've learned. The meals are always appreciated, but not always tasteful to everyone's liking. This week I've lucked out with the recipes I've used. Everyone has left the dinner table mostly happy and fulfilled.

This recipe was a favorite!

Taco Chicken Salad: Paleo, Whole30, Keto

· 15 minutes · Gluten free · Serves 6 · This easy taco chicken salad is a family friendly paleo recipe that only takes 15 minutes to whip together. No cooking needed! It's a great Whole30 salad for meal prep or Whole30 side dish for any event.

Ingredients

3 cups Chicken, cooked

1/4 tsp Chipotle, powder

1/2 cup Cilantro

1/2 tbsp Garlic powder

1/2 Green pepper

1/2 Lime, Juice of

1/2 cup Red onion

1/2 Tomato, medium

1/2 cup Mayo

1/4 tsp Cayenne

1 tbsp Chili powder

1/4 tbsp Paprika

1/2 Red pepper

1/2 tsp Cumin

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix mayo with the spices first to evenly combine Add in chicken and vegetables, mix well to evenly coat with seasoned mayo Squeeze lime juice over chicken salad and mix again to combine.

Top with any additional garnishes (more cilantro, diced green onion) Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Instead of the spices listed I used my own homemade taco seasoning. I also sliced some avocados to put on top.

Found here:

https://stacyspage.wordpress.com/2016/06/06/homemade-taco-seasoning-mix/

Also, when cooking chicken ahead for most recipes I always use my indoor grill. It cooks up and tastes so much better(in my opinion). One of my very favorite kitchen purchases I've made lately.

Full taco chicken salad recipe is found here:

https://www.wholekitchensink.com/taco-chicken-salad

Senior Year - Class of 2021

He is a senior this year. It's still really hard to believe that he is old enough to be in his last year of high school. Where does the time go?! As exciting as it sounds, this year is not a typical year, so it's made going back to school a little more difficult. He is wearing a mask all day. To say that it is hard to do is an understatement. It's distracting and also not comfortable. We've chosen to wear the mask, in hopes that we can better protect ourselves as well as others. It's uncharted territory-for sure-, but we can only do what we feel is best for ourselves and for our families.

He also has a new(used) car to drive himself to and from school this year - Woohoo!(although, I will miss our chats while driving together.)

Back to the Grind

This week was the first week that we are all back to school and work. These last 6 months have been a slower pace of life, which was (and is) always very much needed. I know it has been different for every single person/family, but (as I said before) for us it was a gift of time that was very hard to see come to an end. Casey worked from home, so we went to a local park and exercised in the mornings and spent the rest of the day doing what we wanted/needed to do.

Casey is a bug enthusiast(yikes), so sometimes we'd get to the park before sunrise and he'd search for bugs.

The view in the morning is always so beautiful and peaceful.

Here we go....back to work

Beautiful views and more yummy food- A good salad is always my favorite go to!

I will miss our days together, and I hope this world heals and we are able to always remember what's truly important - the gift of time - love of family/friends - health - true freedom - life -

Beautiful Georgia

Kaitlyn likes to take drives when she is in town. She graduated from UGA and spent a little more time in Athens, so she misses it. We were able to get some good photos on our drive.

I also used the app to change some of the photos to art, which I also love♥

And pumpkins in our garden...