School, Snow, Sickness, Ski, Snowshoeing and Spaghetti Squash!

So apparently I love words that start with the letter “S.” I mean my name iiiissss Samantha, so there’s that. Anywhoo, I have lots to share about whats been going on lately, life has been super busy. I’m happy to announce that I am back in school! If you know me, you know that I have my BA in psychology, and if you know psychology, you know that you can’t do much in the field without at least a Masters degree. So here I am, beginning my journey to get my masters in school counseling! I’m taking a few classes at Eastern. It’s been an adjustment, but I’m trying to keep my eye on the prize! I am taking a couple workout classes as well, which I have been loving, EWU has a new rec center that is nothing short of amazing, ice rink and all! I’m taking some group fitness classes as well as just working out in the gym there. It’s very nice!

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Not my best photography skills below oops…

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In other news, Makenna has been taking ski lessons with one of her besties, Londyn. They are the cutest things ever! It amazes me how fast they learn, they went to the top of the mountain on the third lesson! Daredevils!

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She also got some ski time in with her cousin Reagan who was also up taking lessons

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She was exhausted!

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So, I normally snowboard, but this Saturday I’m going to attempt to ski with my babe…. wish me luck!

Guys, I have been so sick the last two weeks, hence why I haven’t been posting much. But this sickness kicked my ass! I know its going around but it got the best of me. Here is a snap of what I’ve been eating

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And I’m only half kidding. I’m finally feeling better and NEEDED to get outside and get some fresh air. So when Angie invited me for some snowshoeing, I thought I’d dig them out and head to Mt. Spokane with her, and her friends Dawn and Stephanie. We had a blast, it is so beautiful up there.

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I lost those sunglasses too grrrr

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Look how deep the snow is up there (on top of this outhouse) probably close to 4 ft

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Warming shelter

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Heres recovering sick me, obviously overheated and lacking oxygen haha

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They had a sign in sheet at the cabin, it was really fun to look and see where the poaple are from who have signed in

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Awwwww ❤

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I had such an amazing time, love these girls!

So, I wanted to share with you all how I cook my spaghetti squash. I’ve heard of and tried a lot of ways. I DESPISE cutting the spaghetti squash raw, it’s a workout in itself. It’s basically carving a small pumpkin. For me the easiest way is to take the spaghetti squash and simply stab a couple holes in it ( so it won’t explode/let out the steam).

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Next, I bake it at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. You may have to adjust the time depending on the size. Then I carefully remove it, cut it in half the long way, it’s soft now so the knife just slides on through. Open it up  and while holding the half with a hand towel, I scrape out the seeds, this is also easier now as the inside is much softer. Then fork out the “noodles” and enjoy however you like! Easy peasy!

Loving this kombucha right now ❤

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And this guy ❤

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And these two loves, they put on a fashion show for us

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And this quote from one of my faves

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And homemade low carb protein muffins. Once I get a healthy recipe down, I’ll share it 🙂 They’re still a little on the dry side, so I have some experimenting to do!

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Still one of my fave pre-workout breakfasts. Stick to what you know right!

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Loving walnuts in my yogurt too

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And kinda sorta addicted to these new bacon gruyere egg bites at Starbucks. You guys, they’re amazing. The texture is like nothing you’re ever tasted!

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I CAN NOT for the life of me find a copycat recipe. So I did look up the sous vide cooking technique, where you basically cook things in a vacuum sealed plastic baggie at low heat for a long time (6 hours or so). So, I took a stab at it…

First I melted the goat cheese so it was soft and easy to work with

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Next I added the eggs and cream and beat until blended

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Then put it in a ziplock and cooked slowly for about 45 minutes, who really has the patience for 6 hours 😉

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Next I put in cupcake pan, topped with bacon and baked at 350 for about 15 minutes.

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Turned out really yummy!

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I hope you all have an amazing rest of your week! Share your snow activities with me! I’m getting bored and need some ideas on what to do outside for fun!

Peace & Love ~Sami

 

Trip to the Canadian Border & Jax Juice

Crystal Falls

Dan, Mojo and I had a weekend sans kids, so we decided to take a quick road trip up to the Canadian border and stop and see some sights along the way.

Doesn’t this pic look like we’re about to sing a duet to the Frozen theme song haha …Maybe it’s the matching Goonies shirts #sorryimnotsorry #relationshipgoals

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Mojo looking comfy in the back

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Until this happened… Not quite sure what he’s doing but he crammed his booty here almost the entire drive… no judgement though Moj, we love ya!

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So, Jackie posted some pics of this place and I thought, how beautiful! It’s up past Colville just right off the road. We expected more of a challenge as far as getting to the falls, but it was pretty to hike a bit along the river. You can find directions on how to get there –> here.

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Overall, very beautiful and peaceful. I love the sound of natural running water.

We found a random thrift store along the way so thought we would have some pre halloween fun. I’m not gonna lie, I wanted everything in there! Well everything except the “dog bed” that was really just an old couch cushion haha

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Ok Ok, back to the trip. Our next stop was the Box Canyon Dam. The view was gorgeous, but I can only imagine how much prettier it would have been without that dam there.

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The train tracks were sure pretty though! This is the train ride that goes from Ione to Metaline Falls. 2016 is the last year they are doing this 😦 I logged in to their site as we wanted to get tickets, however, the rides are sold out for the rest of the year. We decided to stop by the train station to see if there was any way to still find tickets and to get to the bottom of why they are closing down. The lady there was very nice and gave us the run down on why. Turns out they would have to have an inspection of the bridges that would cost $130,000. On top of that, they would have to fix whatever came back insufficient on the inspection, this could lead to millions of dollars, which they just don’t have. You can read more below, excuse the wrinkles and footprint on the sheet. Road trip problems.

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This was by far THE most beautiful drive I have ever taken. I couldn’t help but snap a ton of pics. Enjoy.

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Creepy abandoned looking park, eeeek

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We headed farther North in hopes to see Gardner cave, but it was closed for the season when we finally got there. Next time!

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Jax Juice & Randomness

We checked out Jax Juice on Market and Wellesley, AKA Give It a Shot Espresso. He makes fresh vegetable juices, alkaline water, apple pie, and more! He knows Dan and is trying to get him to be a part of a program he trying to get started.  Buddy Ball, where you team up and play baseball with a child that is disabled. Dan works with kids that have disabilities and personally I think it would be a great fit! When we got there he told us he attended his first City Council meeting and that he brought juice samples for everyone there. He got up to speak, and told everyone there that the juice samples are not why he was there. He was there because  they are putting in a new baseball diamond at Mission Park. He is an advocate for children with disabilities and is hoping for a playground that will accommodate as well. He was there to say thank you <3.

This is Jack

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This is Jax Juice.

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Mak giving Mojo some love

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Slight obsession with roasted sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts right now

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Makenna and Lila have this cute love/hate thing going on! They argue, but then they miss each other/have each other’s backs if anyone is messing with the other. It’s super cute really!

Getting cozy at storytime haha

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And at dinner ❤

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Makenna’s braiding skills are on point! She’s been practicing a lot

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It wouldn’t be my blog without at least one running selfie. You win some. ya lose some haha

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Dan’s friend Dave had a bonfire for his 40th birthday, which was a blast! Kaylynn got the girls together for this!

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I hope you all are enjoying the fall so far! Have a blessed week ❤

~Sami