Day Three Hundred Fifty-Five: Homemade Samoa Cookies

It's hard to choose a favorite flavor of Girl Scout cookies, and, frankly, sometimes it just depends on your mood. But, having said that, I can say that I ALWAYS like the Samoas. I haven't had an actual Girl Scout Samoa in years, but just thinking about them gets my salivary glands all fired up! So when I came across a recipe for healthy Samoas, I knew for sure they would materialize in my kitchen in the near future. They are very easy to make, and they only have four ingredients: dates, coconut, dark chocolate, and coconut oil. I thought they were super yummy. Maybe they can be my gateway back into the sugar-free lifestyle I have sadly abandoned over the summer.

Day Three Hundred Fifty-Four: Kajukenbo

Our library organized a free, two-night, self-defense class for women, and I signed up as soon as I heard about it. The kajukenbo class is taught by a fifth-degree blackbelt and focuses on a  blended form of martial arts, which borrows techniques from karate, judo, jiu jitsu, kenpo, kung-fu, and Chinese boxing. I did take a self-defense class in college, but thankfully, I haven't needed to use any of that knowledge, so it's gotten a bit rusty. I think it's a great service to our community, and I'm glad I have the chance to participate.

Day Three Hundred Fifty-Three: Rocket

Clay came to me and asked if I would help him build a rocket from a kit he had acquired from who-knows-where. I said, "Sure," because I like to occasionally pretend to be a fun mom. Besides, it was a kid's rocket kit; how hard could it be? Well, five minutes into the project, Clay and I both realized it was going to be quite a bit more involved than we had suspected and that there were only picture instructions that tended toward vagueness at times. Clay quietly slipped out of the room the first time we had to wait for glue to dry, but for some dumb reason, I just couldn't let it go and would get all cringy seeing the partially finished rocket sitting on the table where I was trying to plan Grammar lessons for the upcoming school year. So, I would glue a part, prop it up just so, and work while I waited for it to dry. And I did that over and over again until I got the whole dang thing put together, fudging a little at the end when I realized that we did not actually own all of the parts needed to complete the project as per the instructions because the launching mechanism was deceitfully "sold separately." It was my first rocket to build, and unless an adorable little boy who shares my DNA asks me to build another one on a day I feel like I need to prove myself as a fun mom, it will likely be my last.

Day Three Hundred Fifty-Two: Roasted Plantain Chips

I love shopping at Trader Joe's, and every time I visit, I find some new product to try. Unfortunately, we don't have one here, so I rarely have the opportunity to shop there. But, when Jeff and I were in McKinney the other day, we made a point of stopping by. I picked up some roasted plantain chips while we were there and finally opened the bag this evening. This could very well be my new favorite hummus substrate!

Day Three Hundred Fifty-One: Donating to a Busker

Clay will be taking a guitar class during the upcoming school year, and he was thrilled to find that his new guitar had arrived while he was away. He immediately pulled it out and started playing around with it. After dinner, he had already set himself up as a busker in our living room. I normally don't give donations to buskers, but this time I found myself powerless to refuse!

Day Three Hundred Fifty: Hot Air Balloon Flight

This morning, Jeff and I got to check off a bucket list item by going on a hot air balloon flight. I have always wanted to do this, and I was absolutely thrilled that we had the chance! We met the crew about 6:00 am and were airborne by 7:00. We travelled about 10 miles, reaching a speed of 17 mph, at our fastest. The trip took a little more than an hour, and then we all had celebratory mimosas upon landing. It was beautiful and peaceful and such an amazing experience!

Blowing up the balloon

Adding some heat

In the basket and ready to fly

Up with the sun

We dipped down into this
fountain, and I got soaked!

A perfect landing

Here's to another great First!

Day Three Hundred Forty-Nine: A Day in McKinney

We have been to McKinney but mostly just for kids' sporting events. But, on day two without the kids, Jeff and I decided to go over to just hang out. We had lunch at Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen, visted Landon Winery and Lone Star Wine Cellars, and did a little shopping in the historic dowtown area. Later, we had an appetizer dinner a Sol, picked up a few things at Trader Joe's, and browsed in Half-Price Books. It was a lovely day, and we enjoyed it very much!

Fun in McKinney