Momma's Summer Treats

Summertime wreaks havoc on any sort of healthy eating at our house.  Having kids at home snacking and eating out much more than usual seems to completely corrupt any sort of healthy eating I try to commit to.  There are a few little staples that help keep me (and the rest of us) on track, sort of.

1. GoodPop - these awesome popsicles are made from 100% natural ingredients and have very little sugar.  They are only 90 calories each.  I have only tried the Banana Cinnamon variety but find that it is the perfect treat in the middle of the afternoon when I crave sweets and the kids are knee deep in snacks.

2. La Criox Sparkling water - this stuff is wonderful to beat the summertime Coke cravings.  These sparkling waters have a hint of flavor and just the right amount of fizz to satisfy and quench the need for a soda.  They are no calories and contain no artificial sweeteners.

3.  Hummus & Oikos Greek Yogurt Dill Dip - these wonderful dips help ensure I eat some veggies.  The dill dip is made from Greek yogurt and has very few calories.  The hummus is a nice change when the dill dip gets old.  Either way, a plate full of fresh veggies go fast with these dips around!

4. Julio's Mild Salsa - nothing beats Julio's salsa in my opinion.  It is wonderful with chips but for a healthier option, use it on scrambled eggs or on a breakfast taco.  It is perfect with chicken in the crock-pot to make crock-pot chicken tacos.

5. Frozen peas - these delectable little gems are perfect little snacking treats for everyone.  They are sweet icy treat when frozen.  It is a great way to sneak in a few extra greens for the kids.

Do you have any favorite summertime treats?  Please share!

two

It is sometimes hard to believe that just two years ago you were brand new.  We brought you outside in the warm summer sun to photograph our newest addition in the 100-year-old doll bed.  You slept so peacefully as your sisters and I tucked handmade blankets around you and tended to your every need.  After all you were our baby, our real baby.  

Now you are two!

 What a year it has been!  

Your fiery personality has kept us on our toes this past year but boy do we love you!  You are independent, head-strong, work ever-so-hard to keep up with your sisters, extremely loving, cuddly, love books, adore your big sisters and love being outside any chance you can get.  Your favorite activity is swinging outside on the swing as high as we can push you.  You holler, "higher, higher!"  Recently, you began to love swimming and floating with your float on in the pool.  More than all these things, you love to be with your sisters.

This year you were delighted to hear everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to you.  

You practiced blowing out your candles every time we sang the birthday song.  

On your special day, the neighbors left a surprise chalk drawing for your on our driveway along with a birthday balloon.  

You seemed overjoyed to be the center of attention.

  You watched carefully as we hung the birthday pennants around the kitchen.  

You were a little frightened when Daddy showed up at the front door with a big bouquet of balloons. 

You were eager to eat some of your cookie cake too.

Oh how we all enjoyed celebrating you, little red!  Happy Birthday!