How is this possible? My first baby is one step closer to becoming a man. I do not know how we got here, it just doesn't seem possible that the years have flown by so fast. I'm still processing this and have been in denial these weeks leading to Kodiak's birthday. I'll share more about my wonderful boy later. Happy Birthday Kodiak! You are an amazing young man and I'm so very proud to be your Mom.

Let the Good Times Roll...

It's been a very long time since we had such a fun weekend. In the midst of some emotional and challenging circumstances we were so very blessed to be distracted by the company of new friends not once but twice this weekend. Friday we went out for dinner (thanks again guys it was such fun) and then to a birthday party where we laughed so hard that my sides hurt the next day. Then last night we finally hooked up with a family who has boys the same age as our younger two. They moved to town the same time as we did but sadly with the busyness that is life all our well meaning intentions to get together had failed until now. The conversation was easy, we had a great dinner, lots of laughs, a fire and even fireworks.

It was just what we needed to keep our spirits up in the midst of the drama of Hazzard County and Cruella. I hope this is the beginning of more good times. We may finally put down some roots and it is good to have some friends to share the ups and downs of life with.

The Fabulous Mrs. Fussypants has started a new "meme", weekly post topic, whatever you want to call it. Unlike Fuss and her fabulous friends I'm a mere speck in the blogosphere but I do think it is important that we remind ourselves why we are blessed so I decided to play along.

We've had some behind the scenes things going on in our little town lately. Unfortunately I've been unable to speak of them but come tonight that all may change. ;) Throughout these tests and trials I've been proud to say that despite the best efforts to destroy my Hero and others like him we can hold our heads high. Unlike the destroyers, my Hero has integrity. I'm thankful that we know that our victory is in the Lord and no matter what the earthly destroyers can throw our way we will have victory. When one door closes another opens and we've been so blessed to see that play out in our lives on many occasions.

I am thankful that my Hero loves me so very much. Our little town is full of broken down families and marriages on the brink of destruction. It really breaks my heart to listen to how people who supposedly love one another treat each other and talk about each other when their spouse is not there and sometimes even in front of them. We've come such a long way and I'm so grateful that we have love and respect for each other. Our marriage is a blessing and even the hard stuff in life sucks far less because we are a team.

The crew are our constant source of joy. Even in the midst of teen/tween angst and hormonal overload, mean girl drama, close quarters, little boys getting independent and all the other challenges that come with raising 4 children we are blessed with great kids.

I'm also thankful that I'm beginning to see some light in the midst of my quest to figure out how to manage my torment. I'm thankful for medical professionals and alternative health care providers. I'm thankful for understanding friends who don't write me off because of my challenges. They love me even when I totally suck some days.

I am grateful for the beautiful weather we have been having. I love watching my garden grow under the beautiful blue skies.

What makes your life suck less today?

Summer recipes

I've made these lately and thought I'd share because they were yummy. :)

Watermelon Agua Fresca
Makes about 10 cups

Ingredients
8 cups cubed seeded watermelon (about 6 pounds with the rind), divided
1 cup water, divided
⅓ cup sugar, divided
¼ cup fresh lime juice
1 liter (4 cups) club soda or seltzer water, well chilled
Lime slices for garnish

1. Combine half the watermelon, half the water and half the sugar in a blender; puree. Pour through a coarse strainer into a large container. Repeat with the remaining watermelon, water and sugar. Stir in lime juice. Refrigerate until well chilled, about 4 hours. 2. To serve, stir in club soda (or seltzer) and garnish with lime.

Watermelon Agua Fresca Tips
Prepare through Step 1, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

recipe from Eating Well

Black Bean and Couscous Salad

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup uncooked couscous
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive
oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
8 green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and
chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup frozen corn kernels,
thawed
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans,
drained
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1.Bring chicken broth to a boil in a 2 quart or larger sauce pan and stir in the couscous. Cover the pot and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
2.In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, vinegar and cumin. Add green onions, red pepper, cilantro, corn and beans and toss to coat.
3.Fluff the couscous well, breaking up any chunks. Add to the bowl with the vegetables and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve at once or refrigerate until ready to serve.

from Allrecipes

Wordless Wednesday