Blog Brain Dump

I'm happy to report that volleyball season has come to an end.  And while Randy and I thoroughly enjoyed coaching the 5th grade volleyball team at school, I have to say... I'm glad it's over. 

Because I was busy keeping the score book or running the scoreboard (or heck... even single-handedly coaching one of the last two games!) I was not able to get a lot of pictures of the action.  But here's my favorite.

I have a new appreciation for coaches and what they do.  It takes a lot to manage 15 girls on one team, guaranteeing everyone have equitable play time and keeping the parents from jumping down your throat all at the same time.  Yep.  It was fun and we can't wait to do it again next year!

We're also about to wrap up the Fall session of soccer.  Despite the rocky start with Elisan not being placed on the team we felt she should be playing on, it's actually worked out favorably for her.  Not only is she playing on her current team, but she's been invited to play on the other team when her schedule permits.  In addition, Kyla has been playing up a level on Elisan's current team and has been consistently the high scorer for those games.  In effect, my girls are playing anywhere from 2-3 soccer games a weekend and getting a lot of experience and having a blast! 

Here's the dynamic duo going in for a goal!

(Kyla is #2 and Elisan is #33)

I would have never ever in a million years thought I'd be writing these words, but I've been drinking green smoothies for the last couple of weeks and I can honestly say... I love them!

I found a general recipe online and I tweeked it to my liking.  I drink it on the way to school and gym.  It's so easy and I am satisfied for my entire workout.

Erica's Green Smoothie Breakfast
1 cup frozen mixed fruit (I use Mango, Papaya & Strawberry and Peaches -75 calories)
1/2 cup (or more) of baby spinach leaves (10 calories)
1/2 banana (approx 55 calories)
1 cup of Unsweetened Vanilla flavored Almond Milk (40 calories per 8oz)
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (approx 90-125 calories - depending on brand)

Blend ingredients on high until smooth.
Approximately 275 - 300 calories (depending on protein powder used.)


Yes, I know it looks like guacamole.  Yes, I know it doesn't look appealing at all... but trust me on this one.  You CANNOT taste the spinach, but you can't deny the nutrients!

Speaking of recipes, I found a recipe on Pinterest that I made for a dinner gathering over the weekend.  It's a recipe for Pumpkin Trifle from Taste of Home. It was super easy, tasted really good and everyone seemed to really like it.  Plus, you can make this recipe with a lower calorie content by using lite cool whip and sugar-free butterscotch pudding. (I added toasted pecans on top.)

Wondering about my bowl?  Yes, it's a glass covered cake stand/platter.  I flipped the lid and used as a bowl. I also flipped the stand over to make a pedestal for the bowl.  Looks classy huh? 

Anyway, so that's it for now.  We have less than 10 days until our Disney trip and we could not be more excited!  Now, it's time to get packing!