I will start this post with some really good news – my grandmother is home from the hospital! She was released yesterday afternoon and is so happy to be home. It’s really crazy how quickly the doctors get you moving after surgery. They had her up and sitting in a chair within two days and walking to the bathroom and down the hall on the third day. Apparently, it really helps your heart and speeds your recovery to begin moving again and not to just lie there.
She is feeling pretty worn out but that is to be expected. Her doctor says she will continue to improve more and more each day as her body recovers from surgery. She is optimistic about her recovery and grateful to be out of the hospital so that she can actually rest and heal without having people in and out of her room all hours of the day and night!
THANK YOU for your prayers, positivity and kindness over the past week. It’s hard to believe the surgery was just one week ago. It’s been hard for me not being able to be there but I can’t wait to go visit in a few days!
Since I didn’t want to overwhelm you with a gigantic weekend recap, here is a look at the rest of our weekend. After I wrapped up all of my fun fitness activities on Saturday, I headed home to clean and cook like a madwoman to prepare for dinner guests. In true Jen fashion, I was mopping the kitchen floor at 6:45 and our guests were set to arrive around 7…and I still needed to shower. 😳 Somehow I managed to pulled it all off!
I prepared white bean dip as a healthy and easy appetizer. I blogged the recipe on Bakin’ and Eggs last night. Check it out! I served the dip with pita chips and an assortment of fresh veggies. It was a perfect appetizer for a warm evening on the patio.
Our friends Lelia and Matt came over for a casual cookout. We’ve been trying to plan dinner for weeks and weeks so it was so nice to finally get together.
We had to laugh when Matt showed up wearing the same exact color and style of shirt as Brandon. Twins! ; )
It was a beautiful night to hang out outside – not too hot or humid. I am a big fan of outdoor dining!
Dinner was super simple because I prepared the side dish the night before and Brandon grilled the main course and our vegetable. It was nice to be able to hang out with our guests and not be crazy in the kitchen.
Brandon grilled ribeye steaks for Matt, Lia and himself and a portobello mushroom for me. He also grilled a giant zucchini that I brought home from a co-workers garden. I sprinkled it with parmesan when it came off the grill. I made a Mediterranean Couscous and Lentil Salad that was so delicious. I am going to be blogging the recipe this week so I will share it when I do!
The food highlight of the evening (for me) came when it was time for dessert. Lia brought an incredible Peach and Blueberry Cobbler.
I just don’t think that summer dessert gets better than cobbler and ice cream. Thank you Lia and Matt for a fun evening!
I taught a 90 minute hot yoga class on Sunday morning and then came home and got my own workout in.
I ran five miles at an average 8:20 pace. It was one of those runs where my legs just wanted to go, go, go despite the hot temperatures. A super sweaty and super awesome run.
Lunch was leftover lentil and couscous salad topped with tofu and leftover grilled zucchini. After lunch I booked it over to the Y where I was scheduled to teach an afternoon Total Strength class. I have to admit that teaching that class was a mental struggle yesterday. All I wanted to do was rest and relax…not motivate a big crowd of people to do an hour of tough strength training. As always, once I was there it was great; I just had to get going.
I was starving for dinner after my extremely active weekend.
I got busy in the kitchen and made panko crusted haddock with zucchini and tomato salad. Penne with parmesan and butter on the side.
And I think the weekend that I had deserved fro-yo, right? (Yes, I am addicted to dessert!)
Brandon and I went to Yoforia after dinner where I piled my cup high with yogurt and toppings (crushed waffle cone = best topping ever).
That gets us all caught up! I hope your Monday is off to an AMAZING start! Make it a great week!
What do you have to be happy about this week!? I always love hearing about the awesome things that you guys have going on!
I’m so glad your grandma is doing well! Keep us posted 🙂
I’m glad your grandmother is doing well! And looking at your food made me so hungry! I definitely think it’s time to head to lunch =)
So glad to hear about your grandmother!! 🙂
I’m so happy because I got to Skype with David last night for over an hour! 😀
2 vacations! I just got home from Vegas, and I’m off to Montana later this week! 🙂
Aw, hi Lia! I haven’t seen her in forever 🙂
Looks like a lovely dinner al fresco!
Glad to hear your grandmother is doing well! I love your dress – that color is one of my favs!
So happy that your grandmother is recovering well 🙂
And after all of that activity, I think you more than earned your desserts!
So glad to hear that about your grandma!!
Your din looks great–love grilling and eating outside all summer long!
I’m so happy to hear about your grandma! Such great news 🙂
And awesome job on the run! I really admire you for having so much determination in the heat!
Hi Jen! This post was super awesome. You continue to amaze me with your workout stamina! Also, the food looks super yummy. Cannot wait to have you and Brandon over for dinner once we are in your hood!
Mmm… your food always looks so good! And I’m glad your grandmother is recovering well. I’m excited for my first outdoor swimming pool workouts this week — I’m so looking forward to being back at the pool, since I grew up spending my summers @ the swimming pool but haven’t been able to do that as much since being all “adult” :).
You look like an incredible cook! How do you stay motivated to cook on the weekends? I always think of the weekend to just go crazy at restaurants! I am looking forward to be done teaching on Wednesday and then I am off to the mountains with my husband and friends for the weekend! YAY!
And I am so happy your grandmother is feeling better 🙂
Thank goodness your grandma is doing okay 🙂 I think I want to try making a cobbler for Canada Day this weekend – that one in your post looks delish!
I’m happy to hear that your grandmother is doing well! I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate your blog. I am a very busy, working mom (to a 10 month old!) and I try to stay fit and eat healthy, which isn’t always easy. I live in small-town Ohio and I don’t have a lot exercise classes or grocery shopping options always available. Reading your blog everyday gives me a lot of great ideas, inspiration, and motivation. It is a little Me break that I take everyday 🙂 So thank you for putting yourself out there everyday and putting a smile on all of our faces!
great news on your grandmother!
im happy about froyo always.
and your arms. they should be a national monument.
1. Finding your blog!
2. The great sunny weather!
3. My grandmother just got a clear bill of health, cancer free at 92!
4. The upcoming 3 day weekend!
So glad your grandma is doing well! I love your dress-where is it from?
Yay for your grandmother being ok 🙂 Also, yay for dessert – fruit cobblers are amazable, as are bowls of frozen yogurt burried under toppings. I’ve never had crushed waffle cone as a topping but it sounds deeelightful.
Jen! I’m so happy your grandmother is doing well and is home from the hospital! After discovering your blog last week I have been diligently following along and I must say… you are WonderWoman! How on earth do you find time to blog on top of all your other commitments? I’m impressed! O and by the way that fruit cobbler looks to-die-for!!