1. My daughter is officially a mini-me.

We went to a play center today with friends and she became obsessed with this cute little kiddie treadmill. “Just like mommy!” was repeated over and over with a huge smile. Make. My. Heart. Melt! Although oddly enough I cannot remember a time she has ever seen me on a treadmill???

2. Gabriela’s Super-Charge Me Cookies really are amazing.

I received my Blogger Gift Exchange package from my “Secret” Santa, Gabriela from Une Vie Saine. She was the one randomly selected as my partner and I was thrilled to see all the goodies she sent. Super-Charge Me Cookies, Trader Joes Cranberry Apple Butter, and even a special gift for Makenzie – a puzzle. She loves puzzles!

3. Allie’s pumpkin granola is also amazing.

And will be making an appearance tomorrow in my morning bowl of oats. Likely with some Cranberry Apple Butter. I’m already salivating. Thanks, Allie!!

4. So. Much. Pain!

Obviously, I tweeted that earlier. No, it did not mean I was in labor. It was just a rough day physically with back and hip pain.

5. My morning devotional started my day on the right note. What a powerful quote…

WE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE JOYFUL!

6. Peter is off work for the rest of the week. Yay for some extra help! And super yay for some fun we will be having tomorrow – a Trader Joes excursion!

7. Super sweet reader emails rock my world. You know who you are and I want to say once again how much your kind words meant to me. The support given and received through blogging makes every part of it worthwhile.

8. I have fallen in love with TweetDeck.

At first, I didn’t think I could get used to it. I adapted quickly and it makes using Twitter so much easier!

9. I will be hosting the Fit Blog Chat next Tuesday night.

Go ahead and put it on your calendar. The topic will be about motivation for goals, the use of numbers, and more.

10. I have a giveaway for a case of Chobani going on right now!

Have you entered yet? Click click click!

Question of the night – what are your top recommendations for Trader Joes purchases? Or share a tidbit from your day!

We had snow flurries here today!!! That calls for some excitement in Georgia. Especially before Christmas. And on our holiday filled weekend. I already told you all about my Christmas cookie exchange party on Friday night. Well, last night we had a holiday dinner with our friends from small group at church.

We all have kids in this group and decided that spending the evening out to dinner together sounded more appealing than any one person hosting a party. We all wanted to get out for an adults only evening and a nice dinner. I would say we succeeded.

For our dining venue we chose Maggianos to do the family style dining together. Plus, Italian tends to be a meal most everyone can agree on. I had never been to a Maggianos, but I was pleased with our meal. I was also pleased with my special beverage. I got a taste of an alcoholic drink! It was non-alcoholic, but tasted great – mint, lemon, raspberry sangria. Yes, I loved it that much.

We started with appetizers and salad – stuffed mushrooms, tomato caprese, and spinach salad. And of course, soft bread. I think I could have made a dinner out of the spinach mushrooms and spinach salad. Love.

The main course included traditional lasagna, a sausage angel hair pasta, mushroom ravioli, and a chicken dish. I put a sample of the sausage pasta, lasagna, and mushroom ravioli on my plate.

Last night was one of those times my stomach feels full very quickly, so I didn’t eat much of the main courses. I really only liked the mushroom ravioli anyways, so just ate the portion of that.

Dessert, though? I saved room. Cheesecake and tiramisu? Yes, please!

I could not have asked for a better evening. I was especially happy because Peter managed to make it to dinner. He flew up to New York and back yesterday. His grandmother’s health has started deteriorating even more and he decided it would be better to visit quickly to say his goodbyes rather than go up for the funeral, whenever that happens. I can’t travel at this stage, especially with all of my contractions, and he didn’t want to leave me for long, so he made a day trip of his visit. I hated not having the option or chance to go, but sometimes life just happens that way. I hope she knows that I care and have been praying for her. Prayers matter across any distance. I’m happy Peter got the chance to go, though.

Well, we will be heading out soon for another holiday evening. Part of which occurs outside. It should be interesting for this chick who hates the cold. Stay tuned for the fun, tomorrow!

• Do you like Italian food? What’s your favorite? I actually prefer my sauteed veggie bowls with a bit of pasta and lots of marinara over things you order at most Italian restaurants. I don’t like how heavy a lot of it tastes.
• A powerful quote to share - Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things.  ~Samuel M. Shoemaker