Repeat:

This week has been a hard one.  Isn't it lovely that we have promises and wisdom and encouragement written down and available for us at all times?  I am not always great at reading my bible on a daily basis but I am so grateful that those pages are there when I need to hear them the most.  It is my favorite collection of love letters.  Happy weekend!  I'll be here... trying to be still.

Paley Caroline is turning ONE

Today the Bestie reminded me that it's time to plan a Party!  And while we're gearing up for a little celebration in honor of the completion of her first year on this earth...  I could not be more emotional.  Oh geez, I'm tearing up as I type this.  This year has been such a wild ride, full of the biggest and smallest delights that I never knew I'd know.  So intimate and so precious {aha! another P word!}and ever so fleeting.

Our little girl evolves everyday, stretching and moving in a body not quite ready for her.  She is strong -  & strong willed {we don't know where she gets it}. She is loving and kissy and she hugs because she means it.  She loves her GG and her Shelley.  She tells us no when she doesn't like the song we're singing.  She smiles pure joy and her eyes look deep into everyone who catches her glance.  She is smart and gentle.  She doesn't rush. She loves strumming Papa's guitar and watching while he sings.  And when I woke her up this morning, she was lying on her belly and had her blanket pulled over her head just like me. Approaching the borderland of 1, she is shedding her footie jams and walking her way across into being our little girl.

This deserves a party!  WE deserve a party!  The three of us.  For trusting God that he IS.  For making such an incredible little joy.  For sleepless nights.  For anxiety medication.  For making it this far, a year in, still amazed by the depth and whimsy that she congruently brought to our family of two.

God bless The House of {3} Thorns.

{Here are a handful of shots of the P during her first few days here...}

How To Talk To Little Girls

Tonight I stumbled across an inspiring article by Lisa Bloom, titled "How To Talk To Little Girls" and I have to share!  It's a lovely, interesting, thoughtful examination of what our society teaches our girls to value {looks, bodies, etc}and how to change this - one conversation at a time.  Take a gander here and let it speak for itself.  Emjoy!  {yes, my sweet, sweet husband just pointed out that I misspelled "enjoy" but I like my mistake so I'm keeping it.  EMJOY!}

Frozen Banana Ice Cream

Here at the Thorn's we have a few simple rules about dinner:

1. We eat at a time typically reserved for those over 65 {because we're freakin' HUNGRY when we get home}

2. The faster the better {maybe this one is just for me since I usually don't cook until I'm ravenous}

3. Eat what you're craving - what's the point of eating something that leaves you unsatisfied? 

4. No food is ever too spciy.

That being said...

1. After dinner we don't snack around much... maybe a piece of fruit or yogurt if we're really wanting something special.  In my mind, the absolute most important time of the day to eat WHOLE foods is at night when you're body is slowing down and moving into repair-mode.  It just makes sense to give your body unprocessed, clean, nutritious food that can be easily broken down and utilized as you sleep. I have no science to back this up, just my own personal theory.

2.Faster for us doesn't mean that it comes out of a box.  It takes about 5 min to steam broccoli {less time than Kraft Mac N Cheese which is nooooo good} and a piece of fish can be broiled in about the same amount of time.  

3. We eat what we're craving with modifications if necessary.  For example, if we're in the mood for pizza, I make my own crust, use tomatoes, garlic and fresh mozzarella cheese, and my own homegrown basil.  It actually tastes way better than a greasy slice of Pizza Hut.

4. We have been known to overdue the chili flakes and need a little refreshment.

Tonight is one of those nights when we NEED something cool and sweet.  We've already had dinner {easy Thai wraps: lettuce leafs from gma's garden filled with plain broccoli slaw, grilled chicken, and topped with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of spicy peanut sauce and chili flakes... YUM!}.  So, I'm making our new favorite special... Banana "ice cream"!

This is sooooo easy everyone should be eating this.  All you have to do is slice a few ripe bananas into little slivers and spread them evenly over a cookie sheet.  Then toss them into the freezer for 1.5-2hours.

Once they're thoroughly cold, drop the frozen slices into your blender or food processor.  Blend, Blend, Blend!  You'll end up with a banana puree that can be scooped into little dishes.

{image and recipe from The Kitchn}

The end result is like the best frozen custard/gelato/deliciousness you've ever had.  Chris likes to top his with dark chocolate shavings and I toss in a handful of walnuts.  I've read that peanut butter and honey both make excellent additions as well.  This is excellent for kiddos too.  Loads of potassium and enough natural sugar to satisfy that annoying craving.  

Seriously, this stuff is Ah.Maze.Ing.  Gotta run... my bananas are ready to be whipped up and my mouth is watering!

We {heart} Bend

Our little trip to Bend was a wonderful getaway... if not a bit too short.  We had fun in the sun and Paley took a dip in her new swimming suit and pink life jacket {HATED it!}.

{here's a little pic I snapped before we actually took the plunge...}

Later on, Chris did a little work, and Paley and I cruised the streets of the Drake Park neighborhood stalking real estate. This is one of my all time favorite areas.  Super walk friendly, gorgeous old houses, so close to downtown, and the Deschutes river runs right through it!  In the summertime the park hosts the farmers market as well as Thursday night's Munch N Music {food + tunes on gorgeous summer evenings = happy Thorns}.  While I was out wandering, I snapped a few pics for inspiration at home.  Here are my favs:

We also ate our way across town {Amalia's is my fav, Chris favors Bend Brewing Co} and Paley was along for the ride, loving on her Papa...

Now we're back, refreshed, and ready for a busy week ahead!  Happy August!