Kindergarten.

My dearest baby boy,

In twelve short days I'll be waking you up bright and early for your first day of kindergarten. Up until now, you've been by my side every single day for the past five years. Everything you've learned you have learned from your daddy and I. In a way, we've all been learning together. 

You are my first born. All of your firsts, are my firsts as well. And oh how I've loved watching you experience new firsts. Your first breath. Your first cry. Your first steps. Your first time meeting your daddy after his first deployment. And now your first day of school. Ever since you were a baby I would cry thinking about this day. Knowing it would come sooner than I would like. And here it is. 

I've never been good at sharing you. I wish I could keep you all to myself. But I know God gave me you because the world needs your bright and beautiful soul in it. You're going to do great and amazing things. I just know it.  

Remember to always be kind. Be creative. Ask questions. Listen. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Always. 

I sure do love you, Luke. 

Baked Oatmeal Muffins.

It's May! Which means it's officially my birthday month. This month I'm treating myself, and my family, to all of my favorite foods with a twist. The twist is, all of the recipes I'm making are packed with super yummy and good for you ingredients. 

I'm on a mission to get healthy. I'm not interested in losing weight, or becoming the size of a super model. I love food. Like, a lot. So I figured why not have the best of both world. Make delicious food that's super healthy. And the best part, I don't have to feel guilty about eating it. I can have my cake, and eat it too! Of course, it will have to be a healthy cake. That exists, right? 

So the first recipe is a combination of two of my favorite things, oatmeal and fruit! Oh, and some chocolate. ;) I used all organic ingredients, but anything will work.

Ingredients: 

2 eggs.

1/4 cup canola oil. 

1 cup packed brown sugar. 

1/2 cup applesauce. 

1 1/2 cup milk. 

2 tsp. vanilla extract. 

1/2 tsp. salt. 

1 tbsp. ground cinnamon. 

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats. 

2 tsp. baking powder. 

Tbsp. of your choice of topping. (I used chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and blueberries.)

Directions:  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners. In a stand mixer or large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, and brown sugar. Add applesauce, milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined. Stir in oats and baking powder. Fill muffin tin with 1/2 or mixture and add your favorite toppings. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool for about 10 minutes and enjoy! 

 

xoxo, E. 

Luke's Party.

My little boy turned five a few days ago. It was definitely the most bittersweet birthday so far. Five is kind of a big deal. At five he's able to start school. He's able to start sports. Five feels closer to eighteen than four did! And it has me freaking out a little bit. Okay, a lot a bit. But I suppose that's natural. 

For Luke's fifth birthday, he wanted a Peter Pan themed party. So that's exactly what he got. Here's a few pictures of this monumental birthday.

xoxo, E.  

Resolutions.

I don't believe in resolutions. I don't think anyone really follows through with them. They're nice in theory, but they just don't work. So this year, instead of making lame resolutions I know I won't follow through with, I am vowing to simply be a better version of myself than I was last year. 

I want to be more thankful for the life I live. I want to make more time for the little things I know I take for granted. I want to be more patient. I want to listen more, instead of thinking I know it all. I want to go on more dates with my husband. I want to snuggle my children more. I want to be a more loving and caring person to everyone I know. I feel like these are all things I know I can achieve and make possible. 

I hope this new year brings everyone happiness, blessings and love. 

XOXO, E.