Summer Swim Fun

We enrolled Ty is swim lessons for the first time this summer. He has always been very comfortable in the water and we wanted something that would take him to the next level. I was very impressed by the park districts work with the children. The child to teacher ratio was 3 to 1 and they made it so much fun that the kiddos didn't know they were actually learning something. Ty couldn't wait to go to lessons and I cannot wait for next year. In the meantime, we continue to play at the Y pool and be little fishies.

Look at the smiles on the instructors faces!

Look at the joy on Ty's face! Priceless.

E-Mealz, You Make My Heart Sing!

I decided to sign up for E-Mealz after hearing several promotions and reading about it in our paper. I have gotten into a rut and cooked the same meals over and over while inserting a new one in hear and there. Each week I was determined to try something new and after spending several hours in recipe books and then writing a grocery list, I had enough. It was easier to go back to the basics. So E-Mealz has come to my rescue. So far I have been impressed. It only costs $1.25 a week or $5 a month and I believe I actually save money. You pick the store you would prefer to shop at and the type of meal style you would prefer to eat. We are experimenting with the low-carb at Walmart, but do our shopping at various places with the best deal. I have been impressed so far. I don't have to think what I am going to cook for dinner and it prints out a shopping list for you! I think our family is actually eating healthier, not that we didn't do so already. Plus, we are exposing Ty to a new variety of flavors. He has become somewhat pickier then he used to be, but I refuse to meal plan just for him. Try it out and see for yourself!

Summer Experiments with the Vitamix

The Vitamix has been one of the best gifts I have received! Thanks Dad! It is a blender on steroids that is so versatile and easy to clean. It is right up there with our coffee pot and microwave for almost daily use. I have made ice cream in 30 seconds or less, smoothies, salad dressings, hot soup, margaritas with the consistency of many restaurants and lots of juice. My favorites so far have been mango and pineapple ice cream, nectarine margaritas, and this refreshing cucumber/mint drink below. Those that have devoured these with me will agree.

Praise God we have a plethora of cucumbers to use for this drink. Next year we will add mint to the garden. It reminds me of a mojito without the alcohol.

Take our only zucchini from the garden believe it or not...

add some celery, carrot, potato, chicken broth and spices...PRESTO! This soup comes out hot!

...and you get a little guy enjoying all of his vegetables without even realizing it! Thank God he enjoys his veggies anyway, but this machine is perfect when our little ones are on soft/liquid diets after surgeries.

Brother and Sister

I came upon the first photo of Ty while he was looking at pictures of his Gotcha Day on the iTouch. Look at the similarities between him and Remy! Only God could set this up!