Mama Mia

I got to thinking the other night about the kind of mom I wanted to be and how I could be a better mom (I wonder that a lot). And starting thinking about my mom (Gammie). And I suddenly realized that there was one thing I never want Sweet P to question. Because I, myself, have never questioned it.

I look back and look and look and look some more, nope. I never once questioned it. Not through all the fights or guilt-trips or chores or "I told you so's". And knowing that, never having to question it makes me understand why I know I can go to my mom no matter what. I can call her at 3am and she'd answer (no questions asked). I know that even though she threatened to throw us out on the street if we did XYZ, that she wouldn't (mainly because we did XYZ and she still talks to us and we've never been thrown out on the street).

In 30 years, I hope Sweet P looks back and realizes she never questioned it, either. She just knew. Through all our trials and tribulations, I never once questioned whether my mom loved me. I just knew.

Thanks, mom.

cutie patootie

Napping in her tent with her baby at Nana's

Ooh, I love the new things Sweet P is learning daily. Here are a few things that make me smile and make my heart melt:

: If you ask her to throw something away, she will. Just make sure it isn't something important.

: She knows how to say bye bye. Recently, however, she's started to say "Bye Bye Doo Doo!" We've realized she is mimicking the Farmer when he tells her "Bye Bye Boo Boo." So everywhere we go, it's "Bye Bye Doo Doo!" Such a hoot.

: She gives hugs and kisses on demand! (and spontaneously, too!) And just today pursed her lips!

: While blowing bubbles with daddy she learned to say "bubble" like a champ.

: She can point to most animals and tell you the sound they make when she sees them. Her favorite? Elephant.

: Put on music and watch her dance. The kid LOVES music and can't help but move to the beat. Love that.

Where did my baby go?

NOTE: As you can see my banner is under construction. You didn't really think I'd leave it like that did you?

Health Challenge Tip #4

#4: Learn to love beans.

Yes, my dears. If you don't love beans, you should. Because beans are fun and fun is good. (Dr. Seuss if you will).

Beans are such a fabulous food item. And can be put in just about anything. They are full of fiber, protein, vitamins and other goodness that makes your body go "Mmmm." Beans aren't always a "perfect" protein, but pairing them with grains like rice (BROWN!!!) or couscous make a "perfect" combination.

We get the question "What do you eat?" A LOT in our life as vegetarians. Well, we eat a lot of beans. Here's how:

Main dishes:

Lentil soup

Pinto beans (cooked with garlic and jalapenos) with tortillas

Black bean tacos

3 bean chili with kidney beans and chili beans

Chickpea nuggets

Black bean burgers

Vegetable soup w/ garbanzo beans

Lentil tacos

Tostadas w/ mashed pinto beans

Lentils w/ curry

Side dishes:

Pinto beans w/ enchiladas

Hummus

White bean hummus

Toppings:

Garbanzo beans on top of salad

Black beans on top of salad

White beans on top of salad

Black beans on nachos

Rarely do we eat beans as side dishes, because they are usually part of the main meal. I'm not trying to convert you to vegetarianism, but replacing meat every once in awhile is a great way to get other proteins. Beans are a healthy and cheap substitute for meat. Try a meatless Monday and incorporate beans into your diet. And if you don't like beans, try them again!

So what's for lunch today? A hummus sandwich. See? Beans can even replace lunch meat! We don't eat peanut butter and jelly ALL the time.

What do you make with beans?