A lot of what I plan to talk about in this post is soooo cliché but I just don’t care. I will happily be a cliché if it means having a perfect afternoon like I did.

Both the wee ones napped long and hard this afternoon. Which only meant that I worked long and hard too. I got some writing and things done for some sites I’m contributing to next month, shared some good laughs with my top secret weapon for staying in shape, and became a cleaning/laundry folding machine. Once they both woke up (after three hours!!), I was itching to head outdoors to partake in the beautiful weather.

Yes, it’s cliché but I am SO excited for fall type weather!!!! It allows me to get outdoors even more to revel in God's natural beauty.

Although it was a little warmer than fall this afternoon, hitting the low-80s. Still anywhere from mid 70s to low 80s is my perfect temperature and makes me want to sit outside all day.

Wait. Did I say sit? I meant tag around after Makenzie as she runs from one side of the playground to the other more times than I can count.

And the kid has suddenly developed this new sense of adventure. Even a few months ago, she would freak out climbing up the stairs of a playground or going down the slide. Now, I have to make sure she doesn’t fall through the holes of rope ladders. It would inevitably happen. Kid has my klutzo genes.

Makenzie had the time of her life, while poor little B had to munch on some stroller strap for entertainment.

Kidding! He did chill in the stroller for a bit, but I’m not about to keep him from his love of the swing! I could swing him all day to hear his little giggles.

Once they burned off over an hour of energy on the playground, we took a brief stroll over to the pond at this particular park to check out the ducks and geese.

Makenzie is obsessed with ducks. It’s kind of insane. Ducks. Ducks. Ducks!

If you’re a friend or family member reading right now and wondering what to get her for her birthday next month…get her some of these little rubber ducks. She will love you forever.

And if you want me to love you forever, bring me a Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee.

I told you. Cliché.

While hanging out at the park, I spied with my little eye a fellow mom sipping on a Starbucks iced coffee. I immediately felt gripped with a craving. Normally I can tune those types of cravings out, but then I remember the benefits of coffee as part of my healthy motherhood. And after playing for two hours at the park, I needed some coffee in a bad way.

Starbucks decaf iced coffee with two pumps pumpkin spice and non-fat milk. Just how I like love it! Call me a cliché all you want. I’m a proud “pumpkin loving healthy living blogger”,“spend the day at the park stay at home mom”, and "find the joy in everything because God is awesome chick".

• Do you fit into any clichés? Does it bother you or do you rock it?
• What is your ideal temperatures?

Good morning and happy Labor Day to my fellow US residents! Although, in all honesty, my family & I never really celebrated or did much for Labor Day. It was just “the end of summer” and an extra day. I even just had to look up the reasoning behind the holiday. It’s a “day to celebrate workers” and started as something to appease labor unions, if you’re wondering. No matter what, though, it gives a good enough reason to gather together in Peter’s family.

We had a large group of family and family friends gather for a pot luck style meal late yesterday afternoon as our Labor Day celebrations. Before leaving for the fun, I whipped up a quick Three Bean & Feta Salad to contribute to the spread.

His sister’s face when I whipped that out was pretty priceless.  

CLICK FOR THE RECIPE

Side note: I have now set it up so I can post my recipes separately and have them post strictly to the recipes page. I will always link to them from the main page and you will still see them go through reader subscriptions. Subscribe via a Reader or subscribe via email if you want to get all the full recipe updates.  

We spent a good chunk of the day (aka the few hours before the kids would crash hard from not getting full naps), sharing a meal and talking around the table while the group of wee ones tried to keep from causing too much mayhem.

Braedon wanted to join the fun in a bad way. Why do I feel like the kid will be walking at 10 months old? Yeesh!

The family buffet focused on hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, grilled vegetables, a few casseroles, and my lonely bean salad down at the end of the table. Don’t worry – I gave it some love. Although, I did realize I used the wrong stevia and it left a bitter taste in this blend. Oops! Never stray from the recipe you know works, folks!

My plate consisted of Honey Dijon kettle chips (normally not a chips fan but these were addicting), macaroni and cheese, potato salad, grilled squash and zucchini, and the bean salad. Thank goodness for hefty sides so I can fill up a plate! And for Instagram when I forget my camera’s memory card and to charge the batteries. Ain’t no big thing. It was a chill night and I did just that – chilled.

I also plan to do that today. Normally on three day weekends we do our gatherings and celebrations the Sunday before the holiday. This usually means I treat the actually holiday day as any other Monday and busy myself catching up on work or things around the house or running errands. Well, not today, folks!

There is rain rolling in and I’m forcing myself to take a mental health day and relax. I’m not very good at relaxing, but I know I need it, and so that’s what I plan for today. I will see you all tomorrow! And working or not, I hope you find some time to sit back and relax too. Or at least have a glass of iced coffee or cozy cup of tea.  

• What do you like to do to relax?
• Do you normally have big plans for “three day weekend” holidays? Or is just another regular day normally to you too?