Healing Power of Mexican Food

Well, I've been at the "Body for Life" style of eating and exercising for about 2 weeks now. One of the most enticing things about this diet plan is that it offers a free day. Literally, a no-holds-barred license to eat whatever my gluttonous heart desires one day a week. The other 6 days, I am ingesting whole wheat, protein & vegetables at an alarming rate.

So it was with great pleasure that 4 friends and I celebrated a birthday at Hacienda Colorado on Saturday night. Outdoor dining by the fire pit, chips and queso, margaritas, the loco sundae...need I say more? Of course I don't because you all know that it was amazing. Enchiladas actually make you feel better. After eating healthy for a few weeks, it was definitely more psychological than physical.

Which is ironic. Researchers conduct all these elaborate studies on vegetables to convince us that they are healthy. That is really their only chance because there's no way that anyone would eat broccoli to "feel good" or unwind after a rough day. No, that is the sacred duty of double-chocolate brownies and chicken quesadillas.

If we didn't know the vitamin and mineral advantages to vegetables there's no chance we'd voluntarily eat them. Some might argue our taste buds have been trained to adore the refined sugars and enriched flours of the Industrial Age, but personally, I can't believe the cavemen wouldn't have chosen them if they had the chance.

I have never known anyone on a diet who cherishes her days eating healthy more than the days where a glob or two of cookie dough slides down their throat.

So this week on my free day I'll be celebrating my Dad's birthday...with a corner piece of Costco carrot cake (with cream cheese frosting and apricot filling) along with whichever other mentally healthy foods I please.

That's All She Wrote

Last night, 11:00 p.m.

We did not put her to bed like this. (I should note: it was Brad's night to tuck her in).

I "Love" You

Jackson is really into using air quotes. Apparently Brad or I must be, too. Here are some examples.

J: Should I put on my "jammies?"

J: Can I go play with my "friends?"

J: Mom, the "Redskins" are playing the Eagles!

Usually followed up with, 'Mom, why are you "laughing" at me?'

Really, could you keep a straight face? No shame in trying...

Back in the Saddle

Well, after about a year hiatus, I've decided to resume blogging. It may be short-lived, but I really want to have a forum to keep the masses updated on our Super Exciting Lives!

Mostly, I want grandparents and extended family to know what's going on with Jackson and Lilly. There are so many hysterical stories to report (probably none now that I'm promising to publish them) and little accomplishments at school that are noteworthy (at least to relatives).

Not to mention the fact that Brad and I are still on the Great Rollercoaster Ride of 2007 and hanging on for dear life. For those of you who haven't seen the trail of tears that I leave in my wake, we are seriously considering a move to Dallas.

So, to answer your questions:
YES! We would love to live near family!
and
YES! We have only lived in our brand new house that we probably love too much for 3 months and thought we would be in for 30 years because it's near all of our friends and church that we also love.

I will keep you updated on the unfolding drama. And I would covet your prayers as I remember that God is holding us in the palm of his hand. No matter what.