TGIF!!!  Even though the kids only went to school four days this week, Emery’s heavy study load made it feel like a LONG week.  I’m happy to report that she did well on her tests.  I guess the Barnes and Noble study date will happen again.  Fine with me!  I think the rainy weather also contributed to the longness of this week.  I finally gave up waiting for a nice day and just bit the bullet and went for a run in the drizzle.  It was actually enjoyable!  Not cold at all.  Getting out the door is always the hardest part.

Santa brought me the TomTom Spark for Christmas and I’m still learning how to work it properly.  Due to the extreme cold, followed by days of rain, I’ve only worn it on an outside run once.  I’ve also worn it swimming laps in a 25 yard pool.  The watch did a great job keeping track of distances during those workouts, but I’m struggling to get an accurate read on the treadmill.  Not a huge deal because the treadmill displays that information, but it kind of bugs me.

Poor Emery had her first official horseback riding lesson today.  In a downpour.  I called the stables to confirm her lesson would happen in the rain and the owner replied, “horses have four wheel drive!’  Cute.  Emery has done a few riding camps and spent tons of time on a horse at a dude ranch two years ago and she’s smitten.  She couldn’t have cared less about the weather. Bodie and I watched from the comfort of the car.

Speaking of Bodie, this is how he dresses every day…

Apparently this is a thing?  “Tights” and fitted shirts under baggy athletic shorts and tee shirts?  I couldn’t help but laugh and snap a picture when Bodie’s buddy, J, showed up in an almost identical ensemble.

EmeryBodie orders are picking up again after the holidays!  I’ll post about a super fun request I just finished today next week in Monogram Monday, but here’s a sneak peek at some birthday gifts I put together for sweet friends.  These siblings celebrate birthdays just a few days apart.  Well, four years and a few days.  I initially planned to do the zipper bag for Big Sister and a monster truck themed gift for the Baby Boy.  But, I just love these bags so much and couldn’t resist the TMNT toiletries.

The monster truck box is actually a pencil box, but it’s also the perfect size for little boys’ toys.  Matchbox cars, Legos, Nerf bullets, etc.

Here’s another recipe I can usually get the entire fam to eat.  The kids will pick out the mushrooms and sundried tomatoes, but they really enjoy the pesto sauce and olives.  This is a good vegetarian option, or sub chicken or shrimp for the tofu if you prefer.  Side note:  I use hidden veggie noodles.

Pesto Tofu Pasta (recipe below pictures) from allrecipes.com

1 lb spiral pasta

1 package (16 oz) super firm cubed tofu

1/4 cup olive oil

Jar of pesto sauce (recipe calls for powdered mix and milk, but I think this is way easier)

1 pound mushrooms, chopped (I typically buy baby bellas)

1 tablespoon capers

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1 cup black olives

1 jar sundried tomatoes, drained

Sprig of basil

Cook pasta according to directions.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Place tofu in the skillet and season with salt and pepper.  Stir and cook until browned.  Remove from pan and add mushrooms.  After several minutes, add olives, capers and sundried tomatoes.  Mix in cheese.  Return tofu to the skillet and add pesto sauce.  Continue cooking for another five minutes.  Top with fresh basil.

I served our dinner with sliced apples and peanut butter, plus cucumbers with a sprinkle of pink salt.  Enjoy!