Today Was a Good Day and GF Banana Ginger Breakfast Brownies

Well the weekend really, was good. It started with my favorite yoga class Saturday morning, that is more like a therapy workout session than just a typical hour at the gym. I joked with a friend before, that "it's therapy but without words", and although this most certainly was a drunken epiphany, I was also speaking the truth. I walked in feeling stressed, stiff, and my mind a bit frazzled. Somehow that hour I can spend on just me completely changes how I see the world. My strength startles me and I am becoming more aware than ever of my poses and openness in them. My husband brought the kids to Kid's Kove (ah-mazing) about a half hour into class and then we met in the hot tub at the rec center. Our Saturday mini date has become a highlight of my week and I love that we are making time just for the two of us. Later in the day we were back at the pool but for a friend's (Yay!! We have friends in Ohio!!!) birthday party, while daddy and Syd (our 15 month old) got some special time together. My son, Frankie, is a bit timid in the water. If his feet can touch he's generally ok but he's hesitant to try anything new. His twin, Veronica, LOVES the water but feeds off of Frankie's timidness. I don't know if it's a twin thing, but these two seem to totally mirror each others emotions. So it was nice that their friends were already hopping thru the lazy river and shouting "come on!!!" to them. They jumped in and were off!! Let me tell you how wonderful it was to not have to get my swim suit on and have two babies clenching and climbing on me; which has been the case when I am on my own with them at the pool, NOT fun. Whining instead of jumping, splashing, and laughing like the other kids their age were doing; all the while their lucky mothers sat on the side of the pool cheering them on. Oh how I longed to be that mom. After 4 and half years and some much needed friends, Hooray!, the moment has arrived!! And nothing felt sweeter and made my heart jump for joy more than watching them take that leap and have fun, on their own!! Hallelujah! 

Came home to a cozy fire crackling, and played board games and laughed with these two awesome kids. I love my family. So much. Spoke to my parents and shared an unexpected and comical moment with my mama and went to bed with a smile on my face. Sunday came along and I made a new soup that turned out delicious; chicken sausage, kale, and lentil soup ~ so so yummy! I also finally found some coconut flour that was reasonably priced to try out a few new recipes. I found this recipe, but I tweaked it a bit. Even my pickiest eater was scarfing these! Definitely a new morning staple around here, especially school days.

Gluten Free Banana Ginger Breakfast Brownies

Ingredients:

• 2 large or 3 small very ripe bananas
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, liquefied
• 1/3 cup 100% real maple syrup
• 1/3 cup Enjoy Life Mini Chips (dairy, nut & soy free plus non gmo certified)
• 6 eggs
• 1 1/2 Tbs. grated fresh ginger
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Molasses
• 1 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 335 degrees. Line a 9x11 baking dish with parchment paper.
• In a VitaMix or food processor, blend together everything except the baking soda and vinegar. Blend until smooth. Add the baking soda and vinegar, blend quickly and pour into the prepared dish.
• Bake for about 35-45 minutes - until a toothpick comes out clean.

A lot of times, my adventures in new recipes ends in disaster, but every once in a while I get on a roll and it feels great. Got our green drink made for the week and peanut butter. Then my husband did the most amazing thing. He took the kids and went. I was able to focus on getting the office in order and start the ever daunting task of gathering information for taxes. Not fun but so much faster and easier without hearing the word mama every five seconds. We then tested a new recipe for shrimp tacos and homemade fresh tomatillo salsa that I am craving now just thinking about it. All the while enjoying a Moscow Mule in our new copper cups.

This could be the best weekend I have had in a LONG time. And I just don't want to forget it. The next time I am frustrated and my patience level is at zero, maybe rereading this will remind myself that this too shall pass and a great moment is just around the corner. I think the start of this new year has brought an essence of peace to my soul that I didn't realize was lacking. I have honestly never lived in the moment as I am now and embracing the joy that I am so blessed to be surrounded by.

I will leave you now with my favorite overheard Twinning Conversation of the night.

Franklin: "Say Leaf Cup Ron"
Veronica: (whispering) "leaf cup"
Franklin: Louder
Veronica: (in normal voice) "Leaf Cup"
Franklin: LOUDER
Veronica: (screaming) "LEAF CUP"
Franklin: "Awe, that's my girl."