Hi friends 🙂
I hope everyone had a wonderful day, especially you mamas out there! We went to see Earth, which was phenomenal! For my “movie snacks”, I brought in a fat free vanilla rooibos latte + a pure bar—
The movie made me want to play with little Mikey even more! 🙂
And then for the rest of the afternoon we all just relaxed. I watched golf with my dad and we read the bible together, which was nice. My brother, a few weeks before his death, had written my mom a card that he was waiting to present to her on graduation day, so we let her open that today. I think John would have wanted her to have it today on Mother’s Day; it was his card to her. So of course the waterworks were going on that one but it was necessary.
I got my mom this cute Namaste sign from the Farmer’s Market yesterday…isn’t it adorable?!
Tonight for dinner I was the chef in the house and made one of our favorites—Engagement Scampi!! This recipe has been on the site for over a year now so if you haven’t made it yet you are just downright silly.
Yes it’s rich, yes it’s decadent…but I whole heartedly promise you that it is the BEST scampi you will ever have. This recipe is my mama’s and I’ve made it countless times over the years and always get rave reviews. Promise me you will try it, buttery sauce and all. Like any good chef, I enjoyed a healthy glass of red wine while I cooked—
And here is the finished product—I served mine with a small amount of whole wheat pasta + a slice of organic baguette:
Not to toot my own horn or anything, but it was pretty spectacular.
Of course after having a rich meal I was craving something sweet so I dug into the depths of the freezer and what did I find?! Nothing but the amazing VeggieGirl’s vegan chocolate chip almond fig blondies!
Whew! Now I’m REALLY full but a good kind of full. I love spending time with my family!
To sum it all up: yes, today was hard because our hearts are shattered and we miss John more every minute, however it was a peaceful day and I fully believe that my little brother was up there in heaven watching over us and gave my mom her card. My mom is my very best friend in the world and we are incredibly close; as I told her today, she is the strongest person I have ever known and I love her very, very much! Thank you for being you, mom!
Kristin
May 10, 2009 at 6:06 pmI’m so glad it was a wonderful day for you and your mom!
Becky
May 10, 2009 at 6:19 pmHey Jenna, I just started reading your blog and I love it! Your meals and snacks always look so wholesome and delicious! I have yet to try your 8 minute abs but its on the list. Keep up the good spirits and keep truckin’!
LT
May 10, 2009 at 6:22 pmWhat a beautiful pile of scampi!! Your mom is blessed to have you as a daughter. You’re so sweet.
Bec
May 10, 2009 at 6:24 pmOk those scampi look great, ill have to remember the recipe!
katie s
May 10, 2009 at 6:25 pmSuch a great post, Jenna. I’m sure your brother was there with you all while you read his card. Your mother sounds like such a strong woman and I’m sure she feels very blessed to have you as a daughter!!! Stay strong, Jenna. We are here for you.
Shelby
May 10, 2009 at 6:26 pmAww, you and your mom are so cute!
Love that sign, and the VeggieGirl blondies! YUM!
meg
May 10, 2009 at 6:26 pmGlad you all had a peaceful day. That scampi looks delicious!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
May 10, 2009 at 6:36 pmAww Jenna, what a touching post. I’m glad you had such a special day with your family. They are so lucky to have such a loving and caring daughter.
Much love and many thoughts,
Courtney
Stephanie
May 10, 2009 at 6:47 pmJenna, I’m glad you had a nice day with your family. As I read about John’s card I could feel the sadness in my chest. But you also have such light within. You are a special girl. Love and prayers. Stephanie
michelle
May 10, 2009 at 6:50 pmHi Jenna,
I am glad you had a nice day with your family and a good meal to boot!!
Graze With Me
May 10, 2009 at 6:52 pmYour scampi sounds amazing, I will definitely put it on my to-cook list. Your mom is beautiful as are you and she is lucky to have such a wonderful daughter on Mother’s Day.
Jennifer @ His N' Her Health
May 10, 2009 at 7:02 pmI am glad you have a peaceful Mother’s day! You and your mom look beautiful!
Michelle
May 10, 2009 at 7:03 pmOooh I love those Pure bars but I haven’t seen the choc. chip trail mix one yet! I’ll have to keep my eyes open for it. Glad you and your mom had a nice day! 🙂
K
May 10, 2009 at 7:04 pmYou and your mom are beautiful! I’m glad your family had a good day 🙂
Help Meghan Run
May 10, 2009 at 7:07 pmWhat a great day y’all had. So happy for you! 🙂 And I haven’t tried that recipe yet, but it’s on the list. I’ll probably save it for a special occasion. 😉
www. HelpMeghanRun .com
Jen
May 10, 2009 at 7:11 pmI hope your mom had a wonderful Mother’s Day. To read John’s card to her must have been both amazing and so sad. She is truly an incredibly strong woman, and you clearly inherited her strength, Jenna! I’ll have to try the scampi soon; it sounds like it’s a classic in your house!
Kristie
May 10, 2009 at 7:16 pmAww what a sweet deal… love the sign and love the pic of you and your mom! Too cute. It’s a really good photo!
kim
May 10, 2009 at 7:19 pmYou two are like sisters! Please…tell your mom that. 🙂 And…of course, you’re young too! 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day everyone! Treated my mom to brunch today. So many moms were out and about on the street of NY today. All dressed up. They deserve a break.
Angie
May 10, 2009 at 7:32 pmStill praying for you and your family.
The scampi looks delicious!
Danielle
May 10, 2009 at 7:41 pmOh Jenna. I’m glad that you were able to spend a calm, serene day with your parents. Despite all the tragedy it seems like she had a spectacular Mother’s day and I’m sure that your brother would have wanted it to be that way. I hope that which each day it’s getting a little easier for everyone. Take care sweetheart!
RunToFinish
May 10, 2009 at 7:46 pmso glad you were able to be with your mom today. my mom was very surprised by the little package I mailed her, which was a lot of fun
Run Sarah
May 10, 2009 at 7:55 pmGlad you were able to spend the day with your parents. You and your mom look so much alike – both so beautiful! I love the Namaste sign, too.
Priyanka
May 10, 2009 at 8:04 pmThe scampi looks really good! You are really strong and it is pretty clear where you get it from, your MoM.
Adi (oatonomy.com - repaired!)
May 10, 2009 at 8:09 pmSo glad you had a peaceful day. It is so good that your family can all support each other.
I have been hearing all kinds of mixed reviews of Earth… can’t decide if I want to check it out!
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
May 10, 2009 at 8:25 pmWhat a lovely post! How amazing is that that you had that card from your brother to give to your mom? I’m sure your brother WAS there with you today.
God bless!
Erin
May 10, 2009 at 8:26 pmJenna, your words about your mom make me realize what a truly fabulous gal you are.
I wish you a more peaceful tomorrow.
Anais
May 10, 2009 at 8:32 pmI’m so glad this day turned out well 🙂 The scampi does look extremely delicious! 🙂
Allie Katie
May 10, 2009 at 9:11 pmJenna–You and your mom are so beautiful! You do look soooooo alike (just like my mom and me!). I am glad you had a meaningful day with your parents–I know your brother was smiling down.
xox
AK
Hallie
May 10, 2009 at 9:58 pmSounds like a you had a great day (all things considered). Your mom is as lucky to have you as you are to have her.
Kailey (SnackFace)
May 10, 2009 at 10:12 pmJenna, thank you for the intimate, touching post. It sounds as though it was both a challenging, yet strengthening day. I’m positive John was there the whole time, and especially for the card reading.
I must make that scampi! It looks delicious and perfect for special days. Have a good night 🙂
Brooke (HomegirlCanEat)
May 10, 2009 at 11:09 pmHow beautiful was this post? SO beautiful! That is so cute and touching that your brother already had a card waiting to give your mom. I’m glad you had such a great day of yoga, family, and good food!
xoxo
Brooke (HomegirlCanEat)
May 10, 2009 at 11:09 pmHow beautiful was this post? SO beautiful! That is so cute and touching that your brother already had a card waiting to give your mom. I’m glad you had such a great day of yoga, family, and good food!
xoxo
Brianna
May 11, 2009 at 12:04 amyour entire family is so incredibly strong jenna. Each and every one of you! I’m glad you and your mom had a relaxing day at yoga!
Leah @ Simply Fabulous Now
May 11, 2009 at 12:39 amBeautiful photo of you and your Mom!! You two look so much alike.
Stef
May 11, 2009 at 1:25 amHow lucky that John wrote a card for your mom before he passed…it must have been so powerful for her to read his words today. You are both beautiful! I’ve never seen that flavor Pure bar, but I love the chocolate brownie one! Aww Mikey!
Akshu
May 11, 2009 at 4:05 amJenna
I feel the same way about my mother, we are both so lucky and blessed to have increadible parents in our lives!
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday
May 11, 2009 at 5:09 amI am glad you shared such a peaceful day with your mom. Your brother was watching over your whole family with love.
Lauren
May 11, 2009 at 6:31 amWhat a beautiful Mother’s Day. I’m sure your mom feels very, very to have a daughter like you!
Still Life in South America
May 11, 2009 at 6:36 amSounds like a wonderful day, Jenna–full of activities but not too stressful. Your mom sounds like a wonderful person.
Blessings~~
Jenna
May 11, 2009 at 6:41 amThis post was really touching(i can’t stop crying!) I’m glad to know you and your family spent the day together and a pretty good day!! 🙂 I’m praying for you.
Steph (Steph Runs the City)
May 11, 2009 at 9:08 amhey jenna, i just started reading your blog a few weeks ago, and i love it! i’m so sorry to hear about your brother, and i hope you and your family had a relaxing day yesterday. on a happier note- i made your kashi waffle concoction, and it was amazing! i linked to it from my blog, so check it out. also, i LOVE your kitty, MIKEY, and i think my cat, MATTY, is his twin, no joke, they look identical! stay tuned for pics of the cat on my blog 🙂