all morning.

Before school on the morning of someone's birthday those who aren't birthday-ing that day sneak down to the kitchen and put together a little breakfast in bed for the person (people) who are birthday-ing.  It's really nothing fancy...cold cereal, a glass of milk, a piece of cinnamon toast (the menu today) and a little birthday card.

We flip on the light and sing "Happy Birthday!" as well as you can after only being up for a grand total of 10 minutes.  (It's not something the world should be subjected to).  Sleepy heads rouse from their pillows, eyes half closed, and big smiles on their faces remembering that, "Oh ya! It's my special day. Yay for me!"

I love birthday mornings.

This morning was especially fun since it's Miriam's AND Emma's birthday. 

And because they were both taking turns singing to each other, "You say it's your birthday?!  It's my birthday, too!!"

I can't help but be really happy on the inside that I have these twin daughters who are sisters and the greatest of friends, too.  They're entering double digits and I'm hoping they get to be even better friends all through high school and for the rest of their lives.

How does it happen that your tiny little 4 and 5 pound babies grow up to be this age?  From dependent baby to grown up independent girls who have no problem telling you just what they think?

I love them with a love that I had no idea I had in me. 

deep. LOVE.

apples, bubbles, and books.

The evening couldn't be any more beautiful.  The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and there orchard was humming with excitement.  When I had called ahead to the orchard they had said that if was going to be the second to the last weekend before the end of the season so people were there hoping to get their last bushel of fresh apples.  No matter what, when I step into an orchard I feel like time stands still and that there really isn't a hurry to get to anywhere else.  I love the nostalgia of walking between rows of trees and seeing chickens dodge in and out of little running legs.

I arrived at the apple orchard to see Mason tugging on her mom's arm for the chance to go chase the chickens and Blaine waiting ever so patiently for the chance to run through the orchard and pick apples.  Blaine is such an exploring boy.  He wanted to check out the orchard and the chickens and ask questions about the apples.  Mason was right there with him discussing the state of the apples and why the ones on the ground were brown and mushy.  I loved to watch Mason follow her brother around underneath trees and branches trying to see what he was seeing.

yummy. LIFE.

curious and more curious-er.

This little missie was so curious about every little thing. She couldn't get enough of exploring the rocks, pebbles, the little bits of bolts and washers, planks and pieces of wood sitting around randomly, and everything else that she could discover.  Her imagination was so wonderful. 

The day was a bit chilly, the clouds were low, and the sun was pretty non-existent.  I loved that Jacy was completely oblivious to the coldness and the bit of wind.  When the sun was going down Jacy wanted to stay and play...

fun. LIFE.

burn baby burn.

Metabolism  involves your body's ability to burn calories and fat ..... It can be raised by exercise but ALSO by eating enough  healthy calories consistently throughout the day.
 
Try and eat every 4 hours. The best way to accomplish this is to keep easy-good-for-you-snacks on hand. Eating every 4 hours will keep your metabolism charged and your energy level HIGH
 
These are some easy on the go snacks - for the days that we feel like we  "live in our cars"
 
How to get started- 
A quick trip to the grocery and a portable snack box or small cooler that fits right in the front seat.  Count out and measure the portions so you know how many calories you are consumming. Having the whole box of crackers in the car and eating them all in a day will not give you the results you are looking for! Get your portions ready, pack your box, put it in the car and you are on your way to healthy snacking.
 
 
TO GO BOX SNACK IDEAS
 
Bananas and almonds(1 piece of fruit and 15 almonds)
10 mulitgrain crackers and 1 TBSP of peanut butter or 1 square of cheese
2 TBSPs Hummus and fresh vegtables(carrots, cucumbers, celery) , mini whole wheat pitas or organic blue chips

Move it Monday! This is the day your metabolism gets revved up.

Michelle is a certified personal trainer with over 15 years of experience. She helps individuals successfully optimize thier fitness potential through personalized programs that combine the latest exercise techniques, nutrition, diet analysis and coaching. Michelle comes to you with all of the equipment needed for your workouts, so making time for yourself around a busy schedule is easy.
email: mleonhardt@carolina.rr.com  phone: 704.277.3713

moving. LIFE.

Meet Kirsten.

I love our American Girl Book Club.  The moms in the club do such a great job with their daughters of putting together a really fun experience for everyone.  Melissa and Laura thought of so many fun things to do for the afternoon that we were all together.

The day was pretty hot and humid and clouds were threatening rain.  We had hoped to be able to have all of our activities and fun outside but the weather kept us inside.  Kirsten probably had to endure extreme temperatures without air conditioning so we talked about how grateful we were to be able to be inside where we could stay cool and out of the sticky air.  Kirsten also wore layers of clothes and a long dress.  The girls couldn't imagine having to be outside all day long in the dresses they were wearing. They peeled them off the first chance they got.

Kirsten sailed across the ocean blue with her family and her friend's family from Sweden.  While on the water her sweet friend died.  I love getting to discuss the sorrow of losing a friend, the difficult times that Kirsten endured with joy, and the sweet way her family interacted as we sit in polka dot form all around the sofa and carpet talking about the book.

When we arrived at Melissa and Laura's home there was wheat to grind into flour and beans to shuck.  Just like Kirsten, there was a lot of work to do before we could even eat.  We had some delicious Dutch oven potatoes and fruit cobbler. There was also quilting and butter making and feeding a baby squirrel a bottle of milk.

Stay tuned for more...

sweet. LIFE.