Date, Carrot, Apple & Pecan Muffin

I'm kinda obsessed with this muffin.  I've made these three times in the last two weeks and shared them with almost everyone I know.  The ingredient list is longer than your average muffin, but worth the extra time and effort.  Sweetened with maple syrup, full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, it's a healthy one too.  The original recipe used double the sugar and while I have made that version, I prefer them more wholesome and less dessert category.

Pear & Cinnamon Muffins

On any given day I would tell you how thankful I am to have good friends.  I would tell you what a great community I live in and how supported our family is each and everyday.  This week in particular my gratitude has been struck deeply.  In a moment when I needed to be two places at once, I made a call.  Twice in one week this happened and on both occasions I was met with a receptive friend willing to step in and be "me" when I couldn't be there.  Picking up a sick child from school so they wouldn't have to linger in the school office might seem like a small favour, but for the mom racing to get to her child, it is like moving the earth.

Blueberry Whole Wheat Muffin

It's just the kids and I home this week in Kale Eats kitchen.  Don is off visiting relatives in another province for a much needed family reunion.  We would have loved to all go on this trip, but between a full calendar and the cost of a family of four to travel, it was the best decision at the time.

Yellow Plum Chia Seed Muffins

 

Today marks the fourth anniversary since my dad passed away.   It's hard to believe it's been four years since that call in the middle of the night.  In those first days when we were all in shock a dear friend stopped by for support.  She had lost her mom years before to cancer and the look in her eyes told me she knew what I was experiencing.  The loss of a parent is the club no one wants to join.  Meeting anyone who has lost their parent means skipping a whole bunch of small talk and a joining that only pain can create.  What my friend said in those early days still rings true for me.  In an effort to improve my mood she told me things would get better.  She said the instensity of loss wouldn't lessen, but the frequency that it occurred would.  Four years on, I couldn't agree more.

Banana Muffins sweetened with Dates

The kids are heading back to school on Monday.  What a wonderful break they have had; skating on our backyard rink, visiting friends and family, sleeping in and playing board games.  Although I have not enjoyed all the time off with them, I have certainly enjoyed the break from packing lunches.