Timing is everything.

This being said, I still am so proud of O when she says Hi and Bye Bye minutes after we arrive or leave somewhere. I'm trying to teach her to say it as we approach or depart. Timing with a 1 yr old, as crazy as me  skillfully trying to explain to her yesterday that we don't feed the doggy from our highchair - as said dog is all over me working to get through to her as she giggles holding food out for him. Useless for now perhaps. A lesson for the near future when I am more patient. Today all through the Trader Joe's parking lot O was saying Bye Bye. To whom, I don't know. Thank heaven she wasn't repeating one of the explatives momma slips and says hoping she is not in earshot.

It's been over a year now since I was pregnant. I can't let go of my maternity Old Navy yoga pants. I am happily wearing them today. Wish I was like so many who are back in pre-preggy clothes so soon after birth. Tis not for I apparently. Have tried everything I can think of, even just not eating. Something else is going on, will have to check that out. Soon. For now, my wobbly bits and I will continue wearing the yoga pants as comfy clothes and not feel one ounce of bad for it!

Fertile ground. No, I am not pregnant. I miss parts of it, after the first 13 weeks of course. I mean fertile ground as in time for growth. Plants, veggies, etc. Must be the right time, must have the right ingredients/combinations. Me thinks me will gets has gotten in the way of being that fertile ground in years past. Darn stubbornness. Am becoming more aware these days, of that will. Of doing the best I could with what I have had at any given time. God can use anything for His good - I will borrow someone's faith on this one for today.

Thank my Lord in heaven for the invention of the kitchen timer. I think this person is probably in heaven with the crock pot person, or will be there eventually! I love to bake but couldn't do it without the timer. Thank you M.R. for the recipe on "no-bake energy bites"! This made my day yesterday. Here is the recipe for those who are interested. Truly they are scrumptious! I added in craisins instead of chocolate chips, and added in walnuts because I am crazy for them. I also added chia seeds instead of flaxseed 'cuz that's what my cupboards offered me. There are gluten free oats from Bob's Redmill.

No Bake Energy Bites  

(makes 18-20 bites, depending on size.)

We like big balls.

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup sunflower butter

1/3 cup agave

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated.  Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls.  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

We've used good ol' peanut butter, honey, craisins, raisins, butterscotch chips and vanilla chips. The recipe above has been ourfavorite concoction so far.

Original post for recipe found here

In closing . . . I'm trying each day to really believe that God knows better than I do. The proof is in the pudding, or at least in the tiny soul entrusted to us. As tedious as bath time for her can be at the end of a long day . . . when she holds my soapy hands while standing bravely in the bathtub, shaking her groove thaaang, I can't help but be grateful and relish these times. That smile, those chocolate eyes, those perfect little hands (when they are not flinging peas from her highchair to the floor or feeding the darn dog), I love them, her so very much.