Monday, October 18, 2010

Pumpkins and Hobo Gummy Bears



Yesterday was a family day, a stolen day away that I will remember and treasure forever. Over the past few months because of a sudden death or illness of someone dear I have vowed to take more time to enjoy life. Yet despite that promise one day began to blur into the next and before I knew it half of October had already come and gone. For some unknown reason, the warning bells went off in my head yesterday morning and I decided to throw caution to the wind. I decided to be spontaneous and ignore all of the mundane tasks and errands on my "to do" list. Yesterday was the day to put family first and foremost.

We spent the better part of the afternoon taking a leisurely drive through Hiram stopping along the way to pick pumpkins at Monroe Farms. The farm was absolutely amazing, a little off the beaten path but totally worth the trip. I will never forget the way the ladybugs captivated Alex or the look on Max's face while he searched for the perfect pumpkin all the while tripping over the vines like a child would trip over his shoelaces. Afterward we drove to Hiram College, our old stomping ground to soak in all of the beautiful colors.

Like so many times before we left Hiram and drove out to Sharon Pennsylvania for wings at Quaker Steak & Lube. A leisurely dinner together sharing our favorite parts of the day and telling knock knock jokes. On the way home my husband suggested we stop for a little treat. He said that we would stop and pick up the kids new favorite kind of candy to which Max replied, "we're stopping to get Hobo Gummy Bears. Yes!!" Hobo Gummy Bears (Haribo) indeed.

As I look back over our day yesterday my only regret is that we don't put our family first every week. Dishes, laundry, housework, etc. will all still be waiting for us even if we wait an extra day but magical days spent making memories with loved ones are fleeting and much to precious to waste.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Uh, Thanks!

Speaking with my mother- in- law is always interesting. She has been chosen as a first responder should a chemical/biological attack occur. Apparently she will have a kit to treat herself, my husband, kids and myself. After what seemed like an eternity for her to explain everything she took a big breath which was followed by an incredibly long awkward silence. Exactly what should one say for the possibility of a potentially life saving gift should something horrific happen? Uh, thanks!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Gluten Free, The Way To Be

Gluten Free is the way to be. Well, at least in our household. After having a love/hate relationship with my oldest son's wheat/dairy allergy for the past 4 years I've decided once again to embrace the challenges set before me. So just like the movie Julie and Julia, I've purchased more gluten free cookbooks and will be trying to make a new gluten/dairy free recipe every couple of days.

A Gluten Free diet really is a lot healthier for you and my whole family feels a lot better when we eat this way. Well, minus the dairy free part. It's probably not all that healthy for me but I feel like it's my soul mate. I just can't give up dairy.

Fortunately I've found a great new cookbook written by the Owner of the shop Baby Cakes in New York. I've tried a few recipes in the past and they were delicious. Some of the ingredients sound and smell disgusting but seem to have this perfect little symbiotic relationship going on. On the menu today was pumpkin muffins with chocolate chips. Gluten free flour, coconut oil, baking powder and soda, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, salt and pumpkin sweetened with agave nectar. My family gives them two thumbs up, even my husband who is super picky.