FINISHED!

So, last night I completed the Bible in 90 Days program (B90)!  The actual finish day was Saturday, so I finished 2 days early...well, actually only one day, because by the time I was done, it was 12:08am.

I did this entire reading program (except about a week) on my iPod touch using the YouVersion.com bible app.  It had the reading program already in the "reading plans" section, so it really helped me keep on track.  The only reason why I didn't do the entire program on it was because my 2nd son decided to throw my iPod in the toilet and I was without one for about a week :)


Anyway, this was my 2nd time completing the program and I learned some new things along the way this time:

1. For some reason, it was much more difficult to complete this time.  I think I tried to take on too much with my reading plan, training plan, trying to juggle 3 kids, Lent, and working my home-based bakery.
2. Most of the days, I actually got things from my reading.  There were days were I was reading just to mark it off the list, but I really tried to read at times where my comprehension was better and my attention span could be kept (i.e. not trying to read while the kids were awake and constantly interrupting or needing attention).
3. I did try and read some times while the kids were awake, though.  I wanted them to see me reading and to ask questions about it.  I even read a little out loud to them.
4. I still don't like Chronicles.
5. It's great to be finished! I will probably take the next week off from reading just because my schedule has piled up and I really need to concentrate on getting back on my training plan, but I'm looking for a study to start or just a book to start reading.

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Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I've been trying to catch up on pinterest the last couple days because I've been so busy that I haven't been on there much.  There are a couple spring/summer projects that I want to do, so I was searching for some inspiration and instructions on how to do these projects.  First, I want to buy, re-build or build a new swingset from scratch.  Not sure which way I'm going on this project yet, but I was able to find some ideas on what I want with a limited budget, limited space and limited time.  Another project that i want to do is to replace our door to the basement with a sliding barn door.  You know, like a pocket door, but on the outside of the wall.  When our door is open now, it swings out into the hallway and is just in the way.

Anyway, whenever I'm on pinterest, I tend to find a lot of YUMMY looking recipes.  I also found this quote...which is totally true for me!  

I'm Type 1 diabetic, but I love my sweets and baked goods.  That's probably the reason I started my at-home bakery. :) And also the reason why I love my insulin pump so much!

Anyway, back to the whole purpose for this post...to share a "healthy" cookie recipe I found on there.  it's Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chunk Cookies.  These were good!  They don't have any refined sugar in them and they also don't have any flour.  It's still a "dessert" so you have to eat them in moderation (I've only eaten 4 today, haha!), but it's much healthier than eating one of those frosted cookies that are so yummy but so fattening!

cookie dough

baked!

Here's the recipe.  I need to note that I used green coconut.  Not because it's any better or anything, but I made some cupcakes and dyed coconut for those.  I way over-estimated and had a lot leftover, so I bagged it up and put it in the freezer to keep.  Since I was just making the cookies for us to eat at home, I figured it couldn't hurt!  The interesting thing was that just the coconut stayed green...it didn't make the whole cookie green like I thought it would.  Also, my cookies weren't vegan because I used regular chocolate chips (but I did use bittersweet ones).  I think if I make it again I will use less coconut and more oats...just because I don't really care so much for coconut.  For better pictures of the cookies (and with regular, un-dyed coconut), click on the recipe link below!

Peanut Butter and Banana Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Recipe adapted from http://fooddoodles.com, originally from Kitchen Karate

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen small cookies

• 3 large ripe bananas
• 1/2 C peanut butter
• 3 tbsp coconut oil(or substitute any flavorless oil like canola)...I used 2 T canola oil plus 1 T applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 C old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 C shredded coconut
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 C chocolate chips
• up to 1/2 C other add ins(dried fruit, nuts, or more chocolate chips) Optional...I used 1/2 c dried cherries

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Mash the bananas in a large bowl using a fork and combine with peanut butter, oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.  In a separate bowl mix the dry ingredients and then combine with the wet ingredients and mix well.  Add in the chocolate chips and dried fruit and mix just to combine.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drop cookies by spoonfuls 1″ apart.  I used a smaller size ice-cream style scoop and then slightly flattened the tops. The cookies do not spread much and tend to keep their uncooked shape.  Bake for 12-14 minutes just till set.

Make sure they’re completely cool before putting them in an airtight container.  I’d even recommend leaving them on the counter for a couple hours because the bananas in them will make them soft if they’re covered too soon.  But don't leave them out too long, or you'll end up not having any left to put away!  

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Update!

Yikes!  I just realized that it's been a MONTH since my last post!  I've been busy, but not that busy!  We've been having some crazy weather here in Ohio...80+ degree days and it feels like summer!  We've been taking advantage of the nice, record-breaking temperatures and playing at the park, going to the zoo, and playing in the back yard.

source

There are two other reasons why I been lacking on posting lately...training for my triathlon and doing the Bible in 90 Days program (B90).  I completed my first race of the year earlier this month, and my training is pretty much on track.  I had to miss a couple runs because of a sprained ankle and some shin splints (from not doing a good transition from treadmill running to outdoor running).  But those are pretty much gone, so I've gotten into running 2-3 miles 3-4 times a week.

My B90 reading had actually been more difficult.  I have completed the program before, so I knew what it would take to finish, but it's been challenging.  To keep on schedule, it's pretty much 1 hour of reading every day.  So, as you can imagine, when you get behind it's really tough to catch up.  I was about a week behind at one point, but doubled up on my readings (2+ hours per day!) for a week and caught back up.  Right now I'm about 5 days behind, but the finish line is in sight.  March 31 is my scheduled completion date, so just another week of reading!  I see some more double reading days in my near future in order to finish up on time!

I've got lots of post ideas, so I'm hoping to get back into regular posting mode again.  But it might not start until March 31 :)

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