His Birthday

This guy.  We're celebrated him today as he turned another year older.  Another year, and so much to be thankful for...

I love his faith, and how he so passionately pursued the Catholic faith so that we could share in it together as we raise a family.

I love his love for me and how he teaches our babies exactly what their standards should be if they're given the vocation of marriage.

I love the way he loves Carter, Peter, John Paul, Sophie and this baby to come...each in their own special way but each unconditionally and fully.

I admire his ability to see the best in everything and to seek to bring out the best in others.

I love going to the store and having people come up to me in our small town saying how good of a man my husband is.  Yes, he is.

I love how trials have made him stronger, more forgiving, and grateful for the blessings we've been given.

I am so thankful for the way he helps with everything...showing that we are a team in every area of life.

I am grateful for what he teaches me daily about what is and isn't important in this life.

He is a rock for our family, a leader in the way we should follow after Him and an example of love like no other.

He doesn't like to make a big deal of things...especially his birthday.  But, he is our biggest "deal" and we love this birthday boy so much.

All the Carbs

So, this is what happens every time...I want to not eat like it's my last meal ever (every single meal), I say I'll start anew on Monday, and on Sunday I basically become a glutton.  All. The. Time.  Some times of year, I have great resolve.  Others it's like I pretend my legs aren't getting more cottage-cheese-like specks by the second.  Pretend is the key word.  But a long look in the mirror at the end of the day, and I'm regretting my indulgences, ha!  Oh, the cycle.  Add pregnancy and swelling to the mix...not good.

So, on one of those days of indulgence, I made this bread that is my go-to bread (here).  Then I got a wild hair and decided to make a cinnamon raisin version by just adding a tablespoon of cinnamon and as many raisins as I liked.

Luckily, I gave one loaf away and we didn't eat all of the plain one.  Somewhat of a win?!  Yes.

Then...then, I received a box of the world's best peaches, and they were getting soft faster than we could eat them.  And, believe me, we were eating them fast!  But, I had seen what's called a galette in a few instagram feeds over the months, and I'd always wanted to try baking one.  I am no pie maker (I wish I was).  But, this...well, this was easy.   Good ol' Martha Stewart came to the rescue with a recipe, and I added a few blueberries to the mix.  Delicious, folks.

With the rest of the peaches, my mom taught me to make jelly.  And, it's Jeremy's birthday tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll be figuring out another way to load up on the carbs.  Ohhhh well.  If you're in the baking mood, give these recipes a try!

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Jeremy's been doing a little CrossFit at home.  One of the things he recently added to his exercise "equipment" is a rope.  The boys have loved it and and to go for a swing daily!  Maybe someday they'll learn to climb it.  Maybe I will, too.  Maybe.

Carter // 5

Peter // 3

John Paul // 2 - more of an observer for the time being.

Sophie // 1 - She prefers the safety of a different kid of swing.

Have a great weekend!