We just returned from a lovely trip to see my family in Canada for Christmas. One of the best things about the trip was meeting our 3 month old niece for the first time.

Some other noteworthy events from the trip: Most days we went to bed at 3am and got up at noon. It was awesome!

We had to run through the airport to catch a flight even though we’d had a 2 hour layover. We went to our gate 5 minutes before boarding and discovered that the departures board had had the wrong gate and we were in the wrong terminal. We had to go through security again (because it was an international flight). We were so blessed by the kindness of strangers who let us go ahead of them in line. And even the security officers were extra nice. We made it to our gate, winded and sweaty, with a few minutes to spare.

We have a niece. We love her so much. Oh, I already said this?

We dropped my youngest brother, Josh, off at the bus station to go back home after his holiday was over. We stood outside with him for about 15 minutes. It was -5C (23F), but felt like -12C (10F) with the windchill. I was so cold that my feet hurt. Never mind that we were wearing our California winter clothes… But, regardless, it was cold!

Tim turned 30 while we were in Canada. My brother, Josh, made an amazing Bag End Under the Hill cake for his Hobbit themed party. It was AWESOME! (A few years ago he made a Lost cake, also for Tim’s birthday!)

We wore crowns. It’s a tradition in our family.

My parents live on a large property. We went out as a family and cut down our Christmas tree in their “yard”. It was super cold and really fun. Then I made sure my really awesome crocheted candle was prominently displayed at the front.

While bringing in packages from a shopping trip I slipped and fell on the ice. Thankfully I was kinda behind a pillar, so I don’t know if anyone saw it happen. They just heard the shopping bags crash to the ground and saw me laying there. I’m just glad I wasn’t holding groceries!

There was snow! It was fun to jump in.

Unfortunately, after being there for just a day, my body must have finally given in and I got sick. The worst part of it (aside from feeling awful and being stuck in bed for 24 hours) was not being able to play with my 3 month old niece.

My brother, Papa to my darling niece, makes these amazingly healthy smoothies most mornings. He offered me some one morning. I was a little bit skeptical because it had kale in it. I know lots of people drink green smoothies, but I wasn’t one of them.

And then just like that I was.

This smoothie had kale, banana, apple, flax oil, strawberries, blueberries, acidophilus, and other healthful goodies.

I am sold on healthy green smoothies.

Here’s my brother’s recipe. It’s a very “to taste” kinda thing, so follow his recipe, or use what you like, in the quantities you prefer.

Happy Healthy Eating!!

Jake’s Healthful Smoothie

Last modified on 2013-01-08 01:48:28 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Jake and Jen’s Raw Green Smoothie

Last modified on 2013-01-08 01:48:33 GMT. 0 comments. Top.