Mother's Day, the Hippie Chick half marathon, some inspiration, and a recipe for a summer BBQ staple

First off, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!! So what if it's a day late, right?  I was too busy partying like a mother to stop and type up a blog post yesterday...or last week...and possibly the week before that.  I realized I neglected to post the May calendars (even though I made them).  This month is going to fly by.  I wish I had just a little more time in each day, but I don't!   Oh well....

Click Here To Print Recipe

We had waaaaaaaaay too many goodies during yesterday's festivities.  Not only were we celebrating Mother's Day, but I ran another half marathon.  This one was with my sister in law, and it was her very first half marathon!  So there was much celebrating taking place at my house.  [We moved to Washington nearly a year ago, and all we've done is eat our way through the Portland/Vancouver area.  This must stop!  I'm shocked I fit into any of my clothes at this point.  lol  The only thing saving my butt are all the miles I run each week.]  Anyway, one of the dishes I made yesterday was baked beans with pork.  Or was it baked pork with beans?  It doesn't matter. 

I really don't care for baked beans from a can, and I cannot STAND canned pork 'n beans (ick!).  I made this recipe several years ago, and have been hooked ever since.  It's from an old Weight Watchers cookbook called Pure Comfort & comes out to be 7 Pts for about a cup of the beans plus 1 slice of pork.  You'll have to figure out the Pts values on your own if you're using the newest system from WW.  I had to make my own Asian chili sauce since most jarred Asian sauces contain wheat (gluten), but that's the only thing I changed to create this dish.  If you're feeling as though summer holidays & potlucks lead you to eat from a can, here's a healthy, scrumptious, homemade alternative for you.  Making healthier choices during summer celebrations CAN be done. [Can pun totally intended.  I crack myself up.] 

jody after the big race!

As I mentioned above, my fabulous sister in law and I ran the Hippie Chick Half Marathon together yesterday.  This was her very first half marathon. 

Woohoo!
Go, Jody, go!!!!  

Though things did not go as groovy as Jody had hoped, she muddled through & crossed the finish line with pride.  If you're ever in need of some inspiration to get up, get moving, and become more active, read Jody's blog at http://chroniclesofachubbyrunner.blogspot.com/. 

In the past two years, Jody has lost 70 pounds, become a runner (which benefits me because now I have a running buddy), and has totally taken control of her health. She's a total inspiration!!!!!

{Me with my latest half marathon *bLiNg*}