Happy Labor Day

I hope everyone is have a wonderful Labor Day. It's been relaxing around the Forlines' house today. We both had the day off. It's been rainy all day and for the first time in months it's a bit chilly. A great day to be at home all day long.

I wanted to share a pregnant picture with those who care to see a growing belly.

This one was taken last week before our visit with the midwife.

We're thankful that everything is going so well. Feeling the baby move around is a gift. We're actually seeing it move on the outside now too. Amazing! People have caused me to start thinking about things I need to get before the baby comes. I'm trying to keep things simple when it comes to stuff for the baby. If any of you moms out there have any suggestions of necessities, I'd love your advice.

On another subject that I enjoy (food!), I discovered a granola bar recipe from one of my co-workers that I love. (just to clarify, I love the co-worker AND the recipe) I've been making them every week for the past 3 weeks. They're a great snack for Dane to help feed his insane metabolism. I wanted to share the recipe.

Mix together and toast at 350 until brown:
2 1/2 c rolled oats
1/2 c unsweetened coconut
1 1/2 cup chopped nuts of your choice

add 1/2 c raisins or craisins

Melt together and bring to a boil:
6 T butter (4 T butter)
6 T honey (4 T honey)
2 T molasses (1 T plus 1 t molasses)
1 c brown sugar (2/3 c brown sugar)
1 T cinnamon (1 T cinnamon)
*I use the measurements in parentheses to cut back on sugar a bit and they're still good

Immediately pour over oat mixture and press into 9x13 greased pan, cool and cut into bars or squares. They are mmmm mmmm good.

And on to yet another subject I enjoy (gardening)...We weren't totally lazy today even though it's been relaxing. I think relaxing but productive days are the best kind. I'm looking ahead to the spring when gardens get planted and I wanted to get a bed started out back, so I can plant a green cover crop over the winter to help get the ground nice and fertile. I'm making a raised bed to try to avoid some of the tree roots that cover our back yard. Today we used some scrap wood Dane had to make the 12x4 foot border. (Starting off small) Now I just need to get out all the grass and weeds, load it up with some good composted horse poo, and plant my cover crop. There are dreams of getting started with grapevines and bees in the spring too (I'm pretty sure these dreams are a result Dad's influence). Thankfully my neighbor has similar aspirations so we can work together on it. We'll see how all of these plans work out with the new baby Forlines!

Can't you just see it overflowing with vegetables?

I'm off to play some Rummikub with my Sweetums!