Paleo Part Time

So anyone who follows me on any manner of social media has probably noticed by now, because I've probably mentioned it an annoying amount of times, that we are attempting a more paleo-based diet around here. I think it's all so new to me...the cooking things from scratch and not just dumping cereal in a bowl. So give me a bit and I'm sure you won't be subjected to constant posting about me trying to figure out what in the world I'm doing, and if I'm ever going to find a paleo "bread" based recipe that doesn't taste like sawdust. Although I'm totally blaming my cooking skills for that, not the cavemen who didn't bake to begin with I don't believe. ;)

I've realized, as I've started this attempt to encourage good eating habits in my family, just how much processed food we were eating. And while we are semi following the paleo diet, which cuts out grains, dairy, all processed foods and added sugars, even legumes, I don't plan on becoming a food snob. (And still plan on eating some grains and dairy...our family has never had a bad reaction as of yet.) Cuz really...eat what you want. There's nothing more annoying than that person. You know the one...the one who insists they have the entirety of life figured out and you are, well, a moron. I think there are a couple things in life that are non-negotioables, but your diet really isn't one of them.

So far, I'm the biggest fan of this "diet". (I hate calling it that because I want it to be a permanent change for the good. I've done detoxes, cleanses, and all that mess, they never last and rarely have any lasting benefit on my health.) I think Billy is convinced solely because bacon is allowed and he isn't counting anything like calories or sugar grams or carbs. The kids are so far not fans of this change. I made them muffins and pancakes with coconut flour (a paleo staple, since your typical flour is a no-no.)  and they choked them down. Jericho has probably been the easiest of the 3, and he devoured the pancakes and the muffins. I knew he was a barbarian. ;)

In pinning and googling recipes and finding blogs and info, I've realized a couple of things. 1) Cavemen loved coconut, 2) They always carried a spear and a food processor on their person. 3) They all died out because they had a chocolate deficiency. Ok, while that may just be the sarcastic observations of a girl who'd like a candy bar, I am enjoying this new endeavor, and am hoping that, if nothing else, I stop craving candy bars and my kiddos grow up to appreciate real food and the benefits of eating it.

Monsoon Season

I honestly can't remember a Summer in my past where there has been so much rain. I am sure there have been some, but I always recall hearing about droughts and how much we need rain in the summer,  not people complaining about the lack of pool worthy days we've had this time around.

I know plenty of people will probably want to smack me for this, but I also don't think it's even been that hot this summer. Global warming is totally a disappointment if you ask me. ;) I love hot weather, and gotta get my fix while I can...since I shiver for the other 9 months of the year.

On the positive note, it's made us to be more creative with our summer activities. Yesterday, it was literally a downpour off and on all day. Pouring. So finally, after hours in the house and the kids trying to watch yet another episode of Caillou, I had them put on their swimsuits and go outside to jump in puddles.

They had a great time, after they got over the shock of being told to jump in a puddle. It's always good to keep them on their toes, less chance of them getting bored and setting something on fire. ;)

Two of a Kind

It's that time again...time for a session with my fav family of clients. :) Since they recently added another handsome guy to their group, we've been doing more frequent sessions to document his first year, much like we did with their first little guy. It's been fun getting to see them more often!

I always thought that the smiley-ness of the elder brother couldn't be topped. He smiles on demand and is always willing to pose. Little brother has decided, however, that he won't be shown up. He's out to make sure big brother doesn't steal all the glory when it comes to photogenic-ness. If being photogenic is in the genes, then somehow this family hit the jackpot with their adorable smiley sons. And they're not so bad themselves. ;)

Always love getting a chance to spend time with these guys. I really can't even consider it "work"...it's more like just hanging out with friends and their cute kiddos while I lug around my camera. I'm always grateful that they let me do it! :)

Bounce Baby

The other day I was plotting to find something fun and different to do with the hooligans. We had played in the pool till we were wrinkly, eaten too many cheez its, watched a movie, etc. I just happened to look at Groupon and found a deal for a local bouncy house place. (It's like a giant airplane hanger full of bouncy houses and screaming children.)

It was only about $16 for all 3 kids, and some form of dinner. I figured that I was more than willing to pay that kind of money for them to scream not in my ear and run not in my house and eat food I didn't have to fix. Fabulous.

It was a huge success. One day when I'm rich they want to go back. The only problem we had was with Jericho being extremely suspicious of the giant Batman bouncy house. He kept staring at it, and running back to grab my leg. I think it was just weird for him to see a person that much bigger than himself. ;)

The Terrorist

Recently Billy has started referring to Jericho as "the terrorist". Maybe sounds a bit harsh, but watch this clip and you'll get the point.

This one was all fun and games. Most of the time he sneaks up on his older siblings and steals items and runs away, hits them with something when they least expect it, turns off movies they are watching, etc. He thinks he's funny...and that's probably because me and his father can't keep from laughing at him. The older two have harassed him since his birth 18+ months ago, so I kinda feel like they've got a little terror coming to them.