Pushing Two, Eating Two

Working out is something that I used to take for granted. I remember the days where I could wake up and go for a run without having to worry about anything. I loved listening to my ipod music and feeling so free as the breeze hit my face.  Today it takes me about 30 minutes to get out the door to exercise, between getting outerwear on my children and myself, filling snack traps and waters and making sure the dog is outside and not twisted around any bushes.  Now my exercise is not a 4-mile run alone, it's a walk/jog pushing my orange double stroller around East Greenwich with my two boys. That is the only exercise I get these days, besides chasing my two little ones around the playground and hoisting my almost 16-year-old lab up the stairs. You've probably seen me around if you're out before 9 a.m. I push my boys in the stroller almost every morning - rain, sun, or snow! 

Although I don't get the workout I used to get before having our children, it is still a time for me to get a little exercise while chatting with my 2 1/5 year old and 14 month old. I would not trade it for anything. So many people always say to me, "You should join the gym. They have programs for the kids," etc. But to me, I prefer to be with my children while I exercise because I know I'll never get this time back with them. They are only little once and I am reminded of that daily by people that tell me to "enjoy this - it goes by so fast." And let me tell you, it does go by fast. I feel like it was yesterday that I gave birth to our first son. I love every minute I have with my boys and I actually hate being away from them, even if it's for an hour! Call me crazy, but being a stay-at-home mom is the BEST thing in the world. I absolutely LOVE it. 

So you're probably wondering, "Hey, I thought this girl wrote about food!" Well the food part is coming, I promise. The title "Pushing Two, Eating Two" simply means this: I feel I deserve to eat two cookies if I want to. I'm not the type of girl that feels guilty if I have a cookie here and there. I mean come on, I'm pushing two kids up Middle Road daily - I deserve a cookie here and there!

I want to share with you two recipes for cookies that our family and friends really enjoy: Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chocolate Chip Cookies.  These are really simple recipes that are great for any occasion. Are your children having a sleepover and you want to make something special? Do you need to bring something to a party you were invited to? Or maybe you can't think of what to make your family and friends for the holidays. Individually wrap these and present them in a nice box and you have a great gift! Whomever you make them for, be sure to eat two for yourself - you deserve it!  And one more thing, I am all about eating healthy and taking care of your body ... but I also feel as though a treat here and there is important ... so go ahead ... indulge and enjoy it!

Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tips: I always make my cookies by hand ... I feel as though a mixer makes the cookie flat ... be sure to use a fork or wooden spoon to mix ... your hand will get tired but the results are worth it! Also, feel free to do only raisins or only chocolate chips!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup softened butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups oats (i like quick oats...they seem to make the cookies puffier)

1 cup raisins

1 cup chocolate chips (semi sweet)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a big bowl using ONLY a fork or wooden spoon...beat the butter and sugars until creamy.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix with fork or wooden spoon until creamy.

4. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  Now...be sure to use a fork to mix these dry ingredients together (while they sit on top of the creamy mixture).  THEN you can mix the flour mixture with the creamy mixture.  Blend well.

5. Add the oats and mix well.

6. Add the raisins and chocolate chips and mix well.

7. Now for the fun part: roll dough into meatballs. I put about five on each baking sheet. Bake until lightly golden brown. Let sit on tray until hardened, then put onto rack to cool. Repeat process if dough is left (sometimes I get about 12 cookies out of this...depending on how big you roll your "meatballs").

Chocolate Chip Cookies

All you do for this recipe is the same thing as above except do NOT put in the Cinnamon, Oats, and Raisins. PLUS...you should DOUBLE this recipe from above.  Roll them the same way (meatballs) and cook until lightly golden brown. You can try chocolate chunks, mini chocolate chips, m and m's ... anything you'd like! 

Let me know how you like them! And remember...don't feel guilty having a cookie here and there if you live a generally healthy lifestyle!