Can you believe how beautiful it is out there?

Every morning I have been making a habit out of going for an hour long walk with Kesa after I drop Autumn off at school. It is so beautiful! There is something about getting out first thing in the morning with the cool fresh air and the sun making it’s way high into the sky.It is also a great opportunity for me to take time and just be. It gears me up for the day ahead and helps me to not get ahead of myself.

One thing I am extremely missing is running! I ran for the first time in 10 days yesterday! It was hard, but I was so happy afterward. With Craig’s shiftwork the past two weeks I haven’t been able to go for my run after breakfast, like I was in the habit of doing before. I know I should just go later on, but in the evening we usually like to go for a walk or go to the park, so it just doesn’t happen. Blah, blah, blah , excuses, excuses! I am bad. Running is my love and I have been neglecting it. 😦

I have been super moody lately as a result of my lack of running high. Then I thought to myself, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” (Maya Angelou) So I decided that I am going to make time for running again! I need it. It makes me such a better mom. I am always super happy afterward!

Before Run:

(My hair has grown!)

He does not pity me! I know I have to take care of myself and make the decision to be get my pathetic self up and get out in the sunshine.

After Run:

Life is busy these days. Autumn is taking piano lessons.

She is really good!

Except for her freaky hand…

I keep trying to tell her to relax her fingers, but I guess she will learn.

Also, I made Rutabaga Fries yesterday, which they loved!

Rutabaga Fries

• 1 large rutabaga
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F. Cut the rutabaga into fries and place in a bowl with the sunflower oil and sea salt. Toss to coat and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. They are ready when they are golden.

I love making my own fries. It is so easy and something I know that my kids will always eat. Of course, you can always use potatoes too, but I like to use sweet potatoes  or rutabagas for a change. I actually like the rutabaga fries the best, they are a little sweet, but not as sweet as sweet potatoes.

I am still in the process of planning Autumn’s birthday party this weekend and bake a delicious and beautiful cake. She decided on a Strawberry Shortcake theme for the cake, like I did for Kesa’s birthday in June.

Also, I wanted to make this birthday more Eco-friendly so there will be no disposable spoons, forks, plates or cups. I picked up some plastic cups and plates so that we will have enough at Value Village.

Everything was under $9.oo. I think that disposable ones would be around the same price, but the cost on the environment would be way worse. These we can use again and again.

For the treat bag idea, since I don’t think kids need sugar and I didn’t want to buy little plastic toys that are full of toxicity and caused pollution to the environment, I decided to buy some books at Value Village and each kid can take home a book with them. I thought that would be a nice idea.

I am also making ice cream myself too. This whole party planning has been fun and makes you think of all the little things that cause so much pollution for a day of celebration. I will share more on this after we have the party and the recipe for my delicious whole foods strawberry cake!

Anyways, I guess houses don’t clean themselves (yet), so I am off!

Have yourself a fabulous day! 🙂