It’s been a pretty busy week around here. Luckily I’ve knocked a lot of things off my to do list, but the craziness hasn’t leant itself to much playing around in the kitchen, so I apologize for the lack of food-related content. David has been gone from before I wake up to when it’s past time to go to bed, so it’s been long days for everyone.
Well, I guess I did whip these Cheesy Whole Wheat Ranch Crackers up and am sharing them on WCCB Charlotte News Rising this morning!
These weeks happen and I don’t find it too difficult to power through because I know things ebb and flow. I just focus on taking care of business around the house and keeping Hailey and myself busy with friends.
Yesterday we met my friend, Alison, and her daughter, Grace, for a hike at Lake Norman State Park. We took a new (to me) trail with a lot of water front. Not only was Koda the happiest pup alive, but the views were gorgeous!
The girls did great in their Keltys and allowed us to hike and chat for a solid hour. The fresh air and good conversation brightened my day and I’m grateful to Alison for letting me talk her ear off. Grace clearly didn’t find my blabbering all that entertaining…
Does it get any cuter?
After nap we had our weekly date with our play group.
PS- I’m in LOVE Leah’s new playroom!!
I met this group of girls at Gymboree when all our babies were truly babies and we decided we didn’t want to pay the Gymboree fee. We started our own group and they’ve become great friends that Hailey and I look forward to hanging out with weekly. I had hoped to grab another group photo yesterday since our last one was ALMOST A YEAR AGO, but two girls weren’t feeling well, so it was just three of us.
The kiddos still had a great time. It’s hard to imagine a time when we all sat in a circle holding our babies and chatting. Now we are masters at holding broken conversations over diaper changes and snack stealing.
I’m so grateful to have these (and other fantastic) friends in my life. It’s easy for me to get wrapped up in my own little world and having friends (both real life and online) to chat with makes long weeks a little easier 
Now to keep on truckin’… it’s almost Friday!
What helps keep you centered during a crazy week?
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Those crackers sound awesome! I can’t wait to see the segment!
jen says
question about the trail…were there places for koda to get in the water and swim? thinking about a sunday outing for sullie. how long was the trail?
Ali says
Lots of places for dogs to get in and swim. Lake Norman state park – lake shore loop trail – if you did the whole thing it’s about 3 miles and takes about 1.5 hours at an average pace (with a 5 year old and dog and toddler in a Kelty). We just hike for 20 or 30 minutes and then turn around if we can’t commit to the full loop! We always take the water view half in case we choose to just turn around because the 2nd half isn’t as much water front. Nice shaded trail too with a few benches along the way.
Brittany Dixon says
Alison is much more thorough in her answer than I could be! It is a great little trail and Koda spent half the time swimming! I hate to see Sullie after so much water and mud- hope you have a blanket in your car 😉 She’d love it though!
Have you ever been before? It’s a pretty large park with several trails to choose from if you were wanting a longer hike.
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
I think that’s such a great idea to have a play group with other new moms! Great for both the kids and you, as I’m sure it’s nice to chat with the other ladies :). The hike looks like it was beautiful!
Marie says
Your blog is great, Brittany. Love that you keep it real and honest. I’m solo-parenting for the first time this next week – we will miss daddy but I’m going to take your advice and just plow thru. “Ebbs and flows” — I will remember that as I get tired and stressed – with a busy and very active 19 month old that seems to happen!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much for your sweet words!
Solo parenting days can feel so long, so good luck! I’m usually exhausted by the evenings, but remind myself how grateful I am to have this time with her… as I sip on a glass of vino to unwind 😉
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Love that playroom! I hope I can be as lucky as you and meet some moms with babes around where we live soon!
Brittany Dixon says
I was so diligent in the beginning to meet mom friends. I’d strike up convos at the park, grocery store, anywhere. It kind of felt like dating, but after time I made some really great friends through it 🙂
Gcroft says
I admire your energy. I sometimes find it hard to stay centred when things get crazy. But crazy doesn’t last forever, thankfully.
Brittany Dixon says
If it makes you feel better, I’m running on pure fumes today, but I keep reminding myself it’s almost Friday 🙂 ::fist pump::
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
Seriously – the long days are rough. You know I feel your pain.
Sherry says
Kept looking for the “Like” button. Loved the blog. Would like to try out that trail.
jodi says
Great post today! I must admit I am envious of you for hiking and playgroup! With working three days a week, I never quite found my niche with playgroups bc my schedule kinda sucks! I am so lucky to have a lot of wonderful friends, but most work too or live far away, so we can never get on the same schedule. 🙁 It makes it hard to feel connected as a mom with other moms… As for hiking, I long for the days to feel a little more active and adventurous, but baby number two has left us not as flexible as we used to be. I know, I know, soon enough… 😉 (At least that’s what all my friends that have slightly older kiddos than mine say…)
ps- looks like another great recipe from today! Thanks for sharing!
jodi says
I just realized my last post involved a lot of ‘whining’ and not answering your question…. I think the other ‘wining’ keeps me centered when its been a bad/long week… 😉 That and planning something fun for the weekend!
John J. says
Another wonderful presentation on TV! Your poise, endearing personality, obvious passion and knowledge, impact with power and grace!
Cheryl says
Aw this made me smile 🙂 we missed you guys and the playroom debut!
blackhuff says
I love that the two of your went for a hike and so cute that her little girl fell asleep during the hike 🙂 Must have been the fresh air 🙂
What keeps me centered in a hectic week? My new found love namely Yoga with the kids in our living room.
Hanna says
CUTE playroom!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Oh my goodness those packs are intense! What a workout with that extra weight on your backs! I love how kids can fall asleep in the most awkward positions and locations. Too cute!
Namagiri Sridhar says
Hi Brittany,
How were these crackers? Did Hailey like it? Did the texture come out like gold fish crackers?
I am planning to try this. Going to use vegan butter though. Not sure about the substitution right now. Wil google it.
Love your blog. I have been reading all your posts and comments from the beginning 🙂 Meet your fan 🙂
Namagiri Sridhar says
An important question I wanted to ask. Your tummy and abdominal area looks very toned and firm. My son will be 2 in October. My tummy looks loose, fatty and stretched. What should I do? Please let me know. I do workout – moderate intensity. Will my tummy get lean and firm someday? Thank you .
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Namagiri! I appreciate the compliment. To feel my best I really just focus on the basics- eating unprocessed food, drinking a lot of water (which I could always do better at), staying active and getting enough sleep. Easier said than done most days, but when I get all this in sync, I tend to look and feel my best!
Namagiri Sridhar says
Thanks Brittany. I do all the same too. But my stomach and love handles and thigh areas look baggy and stretched. Hoping as I workout more and more , it will get firm and toned. I am planning to try coolsculpting after I stop breastfeeding if that’s not the case.
Did the crackers turn out like gold fish ?
Namagiri Sridhar says
Hi Brittany, I made this with vegan butter. My son liked it. Thanks.