Pumpkins

I had grand plans. The idea of having a pumpkin patch makes me happy.  I love visiting them, I love taking pictures of them, and I love the feeling I get when I see them.  So, when I asked Casey if we could plant some pumpkins and he agreed, I was happy. I envisioned a patch full of pumpkins for giving away, and/or carving and eating lots and lots of pumpkin seeds. I was happy when they started to bloom and we saw the beginnings of what I thought would become my very own pumpkin patch to enjoy!

           

However, the plants quickly became eaten up by bugs. This did not make me happy! I was so sad to see the patch dwindle to just a few small pumpkins. Oh well, we'll try again next year!

Juicing

Juicing is another healthy treat I've incorporated into my life these last few years.  If you do a google search, you'll find  many health benefits.  I've been trying to juice on the weekends and enjoy it for the next 3-4 days. The list of ingredients will vary depending on what I have available, but most of the time it includes at least celery and pineapple. Casey also usually enjoys the flavors I create.  It's not a juice "diet" for me.  I just add it into my daily menu, and I love it!  

 

Here's a great link to some of the health benefits from Juicing:  

10 Reasons Why Juicing Can Improve Your Life

Happy Birthday Ry!

Ryan celebrated his 18th Birthday last week!  Hard to believe he is a legal adult?!  How did this happen so fast?!  I keep reminding him when he was younger he said he'd live with mom and dad forever and take care of us - hahahaha!  He has since changed his tune.  Here's a few flashback photos...

With a few more recent ones....

                                                                  -------The best uncle------

His birthday was on a Saturday this year, so he didn't have to go to school(lucky).  I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and he picked his birthday dinner - steak, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and macaroni with brownies and ice cream for dessert!  So, that is what we had!!

I'm so glad we were able to spend the day together!  We didn't do too much, just chilled and watched a movie.  Thankful to have a break from our busy week. 

Here are 18 fun facts you may or may not know about RJR😎

1. He barely slipped through in time to receive his Eagle Scout Award/Rank👍

2. He got his drivers license, but he got it during COVID when you could just apply online in GA without taking the actually driving test, but then Gov. Kemp changed the rules so he had to take the actual test, which really wasn't an actual driving test because Casey sat in the car with Ryan the whole time while the driving instructor instructed Ryan(outside of the car) with his window down telling him what to do in an empty parking lot.  They never actually went out on the road to drive.  So crazy!

3. He already has senior-i-tus(not a huge fan of school).  

4. He is creatively talented and funny(but you won't know unless you know him REALLY WELL.) - he made his own survivor-man video during lockdown.  

5. He is wise beyond his years.

6. He is still very sensitive and kind(but also with a side of sass-now that he's older😏).

7.  A fellow Japanese culture enthusiast -  Kaitlyn

8. Sweet spirit and patient with the boys - Janelle

9.  Music Rockstar(writes songs and creates music for it) - Andy

10. Music genius & good jam-sesh partner - Cody

11. Still loves his PB&J's

12. Has phased out of skate-boarding 

13. Has phased in the Nintendo Switch

14. Has the best smile - Dad

15. STILL is Josh's favorite!(see above picture💓)

16. The only child with natural curly hair(which he doesn't like).

17. Favorite ice cream flavor is Moose Tracks

18. Very cautious and careful by nature.

We love our Ry!! So thankful for him and his considerate, gentle soul!!  Happy 18th Birthday to our fun, sassy, cute, sweet, kind, sensitive, smart, talented, wise and very special legit adult!!  WE LOVE YOU LOTS & LOTS!!

Good-bye Summer

It's September and the weather is getting significantly cooler. Next week our night temps are down to the 40's-50's. That's 30 degrees cooler than it has been. I love the fall, but I'm not a fan of such a drastic change of seasons. I'd rather ease slowly into it. Let's try the 60's for awhile and then enjoy some nice sunny 70 degree days before winter arrives. I'd really LOVE  fall to last a few months with the warm days minus the humidity.  I'm just trying to enjoy all the warmth before it is gone.

        

Pumpkin Spice Muffins - Weekend Healthy Treat

In an effort to stay away from dairy, gluten and sugar(as much as i can) during the week I am very strict, but on the weekend I try and find things that fit a healthy balance. This weekend I tried a new recipe, and it turned out to be a good one. Casey even liked it!

Casey wanted to put his chocolate almond milk in the picture:)

RECIPE:

My favorite chocolate chips...

Butterflies

We had a yard full of butterflies a few weeks ago. They were everywhere, so I went out to take a few pictures of all the activity.