Chia Vitality

Chia Vitality by Janie Hoffman

This book caught my eye because I've been so curious about all the health benefits of chia seeds and needed ways to use up my huge container of chia seeds that I currently have sitting on top of my fridge!
Janie Hoffman, the author, has put together a fantastic source of information on the many uses of chia seeds, a menu plan and has even incorporated a yoga routine to go along with all of this.
Some of the suggestions or information was a little too "out there" for my liking, but I did come away with more knowledge about all of the things you can do with chia seeds/what they do for you.
These tiny little seeds are a great source of Omega 3's, protein, fiber and antioxidants! Just a tablespoon or two a day will give you a boost of energy PLUS keep you fuller for longer! Add them to your smoothie, your oatmeal, chili, soups-whatever! You can even grind them into a powder and use it as an egg substitute. There are just so many ways you can incorporate these little seeds into your every day diet and you won't even notice them half of the time!
My favorite part of her book was the recipe section towards the end of the book. What a fantastic resource for healthy recipes incorporating chia seeds! I'd highly recommend getting this book if you are curious about all things related to chia! I don't think you'll be disappointed!

A Day in Lynchburg

Isaiah and I made a little day trip to L-burg before my friend Bethany had her first baby.

Figured it'd be a good time to get caught up before her life changes in many different ways!

We had a lot of fun baking together, seeing their nursery all set up and playing ball-yes! In the house ;)

We then headed right up the road to a little ice cream truck called Mr Goodies. So yummy!

They gave Isaiah his very own tiny little cone. It was the perfect amount for him-made him happy and let mommy eat her cone in peace :)

While we were there Amy and Asher showed up to visit as well. So much fun. I love seeing Isaiah and Asher play together-they are such great friends and cousins!

It was a great and busy day :)

We unfortunately got hit with the dreaded Hand Foot and Mouth virus. I hope we never have to experience that again. 

Isaiah definitely got hit the hardest. It was about 4 days with him whinning and crying over everything(which is way out of the norm), feeling feverish, a 2-year molar coming in, sores all over, and a headache eye. (Also on top of a runny nose and cough!)

The poor guy was so miserable and it made life very difficult, but! We made it through!! :)

Brandon and I also got mild cases of it ontop of colds. We stayed away from people for 2 weeks to make sure we didn't contaminate anyone. 

We are very thankful to all be back to good health and our normal, happy routine!

Lake day!

We joined my brother and his wife and son at Smith Mountain Lake one day last month and the boys had a blast! My dad and the three  youngest kids showed up as well :)

We had such a great time eating and playing in the sand and water! 

The shallow area was great for their ages and they had a wonderful time splashing and playing ball!

Next summer we will have to go back again. The price was a bit steep for one day-but the beach there was really nice and so it might be worth it to go a few times next year :)

Meeting a new cousin!

Last month Isaiah got to meet his brand new cousin, Caleb! He was absolutely enthralled with him and most definitely did not want to let go of him when we let him hold him.

My sister Stephanie delivered a perfect 10lb baby all naturally and at home. Talk about amazing. The little guy is such a cute chunker!!

We are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby cousin Henry any day now! And then Isaiah's very own baby brother in about 5 weeks!

Where has the time gone? 

I can't wait to see how all three of these new/soon to be cousins grow up together! 

Book Review :)

I was finally able to finish reading the book I had selected to review for Bloggingforbooks.org! 

What a great website-free book to read and all I have to do is write a review. I could get used to this!

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

Lori Benton is a very skilled author when it comes to writing historical romance. This was my first book to read written by her and I was most definitely not disappointed. 

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is riveting right from the start and filled with suspense and sweet, pure romance set in the mid 1700's. The whole story is set in the beautiful mountains of Watatuga, North Carolina. The descriptions of scenery make you feel like you are right there in the snow with each of the characters, feeling their pain or joy.

I was wishing the story wouldn't end when I was nearing the last few pages. It now makes me excited to read more by this author!