Yesterday Mairead and I went to the Remembrance Day service here in Fort Saskatchewan.  Despite bundling her up in all of her snow gear, she complained loudly the entire time.  Suck it up kiddo, people died so you could stand there and complain.  Ooh, harsh.  It was pretty cold though and we were both pretty eager to stop for hot chocolate on the drive home!

I have attended Remembrance Day services as long as I can remember and I really believe it’s important (maybe now more than ever) to take part, especially for children.  My grandfather was a WWII veteran which made it easier to understand the reasons behind why taking the time to remember is so important.  But Mairead’s generation will likely not have the pleasure of knowing those who fought in the first and second world wars.  One thing that stood out for her today was the women in uniform, especially the ones who had small children clinging to their leg.  I think it helped personify it for her a little bit, that they aren’t just soldiers, sometimes they are Moms and Dads too.

Life has been busy but not interesting enough to blog about.  Ironically since Mairead has started school I am finding less time for what I want to do opposed to what I am trying to get done before it’s time to pick her up again.  Because of this blogging has kind of fallen by the wayside.  Also, Aaron has been working out of town for a few weeks so I haven’t really been baking or crafting anything that has been worth sharing.

I hate to admit it (but I like to think all parents find themselves in this predicament), Mai and I are getting a little too comfortable dipping into the Halloween treat bag too many times a day.  And we went to Wendy’s for lunch today (it was disgusting and delicious all at the same time).  So to try and bring our blood sugar back to a level that’s safe for humans, I whipped up a healthy snack this afternoon, Coconut Date Energy Bites.

I love these types of recipes because other than a few staples you can pretty much throw any nut, seed, nut butter or fruit in the mix without compromising the end result.  I have made many variations of these and today I just threw what I had on hand in the pantry.  If you make some of your own I’d love to hear what variation you have come up with (comment below!).  Have a great week folks!

Coconut Date Energy Bites

Ingredients

14 Medjool dates, pitted
1/8 cup chopped almonds
2 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
dash of sea salt
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Directions

In a food processor,  pulsate dates until smooth and no lumps remain.

Transfer to a mixing bowl and add chopped almonds, almond butter, chia seeds, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt.  Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Using your hands, roll mixture into bite-size balls, then roll into shredded coconut spread out on a plate until fully coated.  Enjoy!

By Three Happy Folk