Fairies and Superheroes

Health and Cupcakes

So I've never really had to worry much about what I eat, I guess I'm just lucky like that. I don't have too many bad habits, I like a variety of healthy foods and if we're talking meals, I generally make reasonable choices.

BUT, I do have a really serious, counseling required kind of problem when it comes to sweets. Baked goods, ice cream and chocolate of all varieties are too tempting to resist. And boy can I eat, I'm talking single-handedly taking down entire batches of cookies, pans of brownies or both in record time!

Fortunately I also like to run, maybe more, but definitely equally as much. Wow, never really thought about what I liked more, treats or running, hmmm, that's a tough one, I'll have to ponder that one some more.

Anyway, as tasty as binging on desserts may be, I do realize it may not be the smartest decision from a health perspective. And as a parent I certainly can't allow that behavior in my kiddos, therefore in the name of rooting out hypocrisy, here's our new family plan. Once a week we will bake something super yummy, delicious and delectable we can all really enjoy and try to abstain from sweets for the remainder of the week. This is gonna be hard! It's funny, I've already noticed how habitual my need to feast upon sweets is, I don't think it's a true addiction, but it sure does feel like one. So to cope from withdrawals, I now spend countless hours browsing for yummy recipes. With only one shot each week, we have to be a little more selective. I have to tell you, to me dessert is always about chocolate, I can skip the fruity, savory, less rich varieties any time. So to add a twist, I only get to choose once every three weeks. It's good for me, and for my budding little baker to expand our palates.

Naturally, little A had the first pick and I just love how creative, specific and savvy she is. I thought she might like something with a Halloween theme or fall at the very least. But no, she planned in out on the spot. She wanted pink raspberry butterfly cupcakes! I agreed that sounded good, but really butterflies, I'm no pastry chef, but I knew the trusty old internet could get us to comply with all of her specifications, and we were in luck. We found a great recipe for raspberry white chocolate cupcakes complete with fresh raspberry (PINK) frosting. And for the butterflies we have to give a shout out to ol' Martha. A approved and we were ready to get to work.

Cutest little chef ever working away and having a blast...


After a nap and change of clothes we are ready for assembly,
admiration,and enjoyment!!
I'm really looking forward to what she comes up with. Somehow I don't think it will be long before I no longer need to search for recipes, she will just be making those up for us. But in the meantime, I will break from my search long enough to run out and get the ingredients for our next treat, Eric's pick, ORANGE velvet cake balls in honor of Halloween. Festive and YUMMY!

Meet BOB

After Avery confirmed there were in fact two lines on the pregnancy test just days before the Houston marathon, I knew the only big purchase I really wanted to make this time around was a BOB stroller.

Running with Avery in our old running stroller was never quite what I imagined. For one thing, she was not a big fan of riding in a stroller. Ever. So that obviously made things a little difficult. Her negotiating skills, on the other hand, are phenomenal. Despite my clear recollection of her distaste for strollers, she had us seriously considering the duallie BOB, so she could ride next to Camden. What?? Luckily we wised up and decided to bring this beauty home with us.

During the time Eric was home, we were soaking up the fall weather by taking BOB on daily walks, enjoying all the Houston trails. Now that I was given spousal approval (never mind that physician approval is still a couple weeks away) to really see what BOB can do, Camden and I wasted no time testing him out. Mind you, our walking/mothering/running 45 minute 5k isn't likely to set any records, but it is enough to know that I am very happy to welcome BOB to the family!

Kemah

We had our first official outing as a family of four this weekend in Kemah. It was a great time, complete with beautiful fall weather (well probably summer by non-Houston standards) and lots of fun!

Avery and Eric hit the rides together.

Avery was even tall enough to ride a few on her own.

And of course the outing just wouldn't be complete without running through the fountains to cool off.

I'm not sure Camden actually knew he was there, but he sure was content to nap in his stroller the entire time.

Avery's favorite part of the day was riding the tall rides with Daddy and running into her pre-school teacher, Ms. Michelle!

Love these kids!

Blogging??

After Avery was born Eric broke out some serious photography skills I was unaware he possessed. Rather than let his new found talents be enjoyed only briefly, I found Shutterfly and Avery's annual photobooks were born.

I love these books as a means to showcase the photos and recall the associated memories, and am excited to continue this tradition, but now that little Camden has arrived, I feel the need to begin something new as well.

I've never been much for journaling and while writing does not necessarily top my list of strengths, I have come to the realization that despite my exceptional memory, I can't remember everything that happens in our lives, I need some way to document it. So a blog about our kiddos and what we are up to seems like the logical solution, and with so many of our loved ones not near enough to see as often as we would like, maybe this will be a way for all of us to share in this journey.

I don't promise to inspire greatness with the words recorded here, but rather to document our journey as a family, trying to raise two great kids while working and attempting to mix in a marathon now and again. Thanks for joining us!