Gratitude... worth the watch

Forks Over Knives- watch it!

John and I watched this last night and afterwards, much to my astonishment, John said he was going to stop eating meat and dairy and give it a try!! I couldn't believe it! 2 years ago I read an amazing book called The China Study and because it read like a textbook and was saying things like don't eat meat and dairy, John had no desire to read it. I stopped cooking meat for a week straight after I finished it and he was barely speaking to me. Ha! I cut way down on the meat served in our house after that grumpy week but as the months went by, it slowly began sneaking back into our diet more. We also became more lax about eating out, a few processed foods, too many sweets, ect. Don't get me wrong- we still ate tons of veggies and fruit and we have been drinking almond milk for 2 years but John and I still felt run down all the time and we were slowly gaining weight- we just didn't feel great! Fast forward to yesterday when I stumbled upon this movie...

Well, this documentary is based on that book and I was so excited to be able to present it once again to John- this time in a manner that didn't require hours of reading a book he had already decided he didn't like. So now we have been on a whole food-plant based diet and so far so good! I have lost 3 pounds this week and I'm feeling better already! A commercial came on for hamburgers the other night and I said to John: you want one of those right now, don't you? And he said no, he actually isn't even craving meat at all! I was shocked! (especially because I have been craving it- at least a little bit!)

It is on Netflix-watch instantly for those of you that have that. You can also find it online on different sites. And probably the video store?? Please watch it- it will really make you think.

concert time!

Last night was Mickey's orchestra concert- but things didn't go as planned. An hour or so before it was time to leave, Jeffrey came down saying he didn't feel good and laid on the couch. Then after having some sprite... he barfed. Sooooo- I had to stay home with him while John and Mary Beth went to the concert. I don't think I could have carried his bass so it had to be John. Ha! So I sent my camera with them and wished them all luck.

Mickey was pretty upset but he did great! They recorded it all for Jeffrey and I to watch when they got home. And since we always go out for ice cream after concerts- they brought that home for us too!

Poor John- he said it was really hard to see Mick even though he got front row seats. The basses are always way in the back. Look at how cute he looks with that giant instrument! As they were packing it up to leave for the concert I said "gee, Mick- could you have picked a bigger instrument?" Thankfully, that was the only time we've had to take the one at our house anywhere- he has another one at school he uses there. But this concert was at the middle school so he had to bring his home bass.

We are so proud of you Mickey- I'm sorry I had to miss it. I can't wait until the next one!

The Bear Facts- Valentine's Day Edition

Mary Beth's teacher has her 1st grade class publish "The Bear Facts" twice a year. It is hilarious. Jeffrey's class did it too when he was in 1st grade. I thought I would share Mary Beth's answers with you- you can see some of the other kids' too... so funny! I took a picture of the question that was asked and then one of the sheet that has Mary Beth's answer on it:

"She watches him all the time to see if he needs her."

"When I can make pumpkin pie for my husband."

"He will bring me pink flowers every week."

Five m&m cookies and a glass of milk. Use red m&ms."

"Take her dancing. Wear a pink shirt. Leave the kids at home."

Mary Beth's bear(wearing ballerina shoes).

today

I got the boys all upset/prepared for a big time haircut but then I felt bad for them and sentimental about Jeffrey's curls and told them they could wait longer. I'm such a softy.

Mary Beth used the rest of her money(she's a big time saver) to buy the Lego Friends Tree House. It's adorable.

And so is she! Look at her baby cheeks...do I say that a lot?

perfect

It was sooo foggy last night and then it snowed a bit this morning. The result was a winter wonderland! Every single branch and twig was covered in glittery crystals. I had to pull over on the way to coffee with my friends to take a picture. I know I didn't capture the snow on the trees very well(just had my phone) but I thought this still looked cool.

spaghetti & blankets

Tonight we went to Nativity for the spaghetti dinner and community service project.

It was nice to not have to worry about fixing supper!

I can't fix Mary Beth's eyes on this picture(above) so they will just keep glowing!

The service project was tying up fleece blankets for the families staying at the YWCA.

Jeffrey LOVED making these- he's dying to make his own at home.

They were all tying machines! They didn't want to stop but after awhile we left so the other families would have a chance to make some blankets.

The kids also got ahold of my phone and took about a million pictures. Good ones too!

It was a good night!