Happy New Years!

This is the year that I vow to stop bitching about little things that don't matter.

This is the year that I will live in gratitude for all that I am blessed with.

This is the year that I will focus less on stuff and more on relationships - with myself, my husband, my children, my family and my friends.

My dear friends had their fourth baby on Christmas Eve - born with a heart defect and a brain malformation.  All things we knew before baby Penny was born.  At one week old she has been given the go-ahead for major open heart surgery.  Her family will travel to Edmonton, where the surgery will happen. 

Penny is a fighter.  She has been surrounded in prayer since before she was born.  I believe with all my heart that Penny will come out of surgery with the strength to live a long and happy life. 

Happy New Years to you all!

I love my life.

Even with all the craziness that is my life.

The chaos, the ups and downs,

the mess & the stress.

I love my life and I am so grateful for all that I have.

I am truly blessed.

Best breakfast ever today:

Banana Oatmeal  (1/3 cup oats, 1/2 banana, 2/3 cup of milk)

with 1 tablespoon of homemade peach jam

2 tablespoons of homemade maple pecan granola

1 tablespoon of trail mix

and 1/4 cup of homemade applesauce

so so so so so good.

I am trying to be concious these days, both of what I eat and how I spend my grocery money.

Last night the fridge was bare - I didn't get to grocery shopping yesterday.

Often in moments like this I would resort to eating out, or buying something pre-prepared.

Instead, for dinner I made a quick, easy & delicious soup. 

It really is good!

My Mom's Lentil Soup

In large pot, drizzle 2 T olive oil & add 1 onion, 3 celery stalks & 2 large carrots (I finely chopped everything in my food processor).  Saute for a few minutes.

Add 1 cup of dry red lentils, rinsed (I find red lentils work best as they mush up nicely) & 1 tetra pack of broth (I used veggie, but have used chicken in the past).

Simmer for about 30 minutes, add salt & pepper to taste, and you have a really easy, basic, healthy & yummy soup!