Popable Energy Bites

I'm not going to lie.  I've made three batches of these in the past two weeks.

After I noticed that the first batch was literally gone one morning, I had to gently remind the husband that these are "energy bites".  They are designed for an in-between-meals-pick-me-up.  They are not designed to eat four after every meal.  Yeah, they've got lots of healthy stuff in them, but like anything you probably shouldn't eat a whole batch in a day.

He refrained and got better after I made the second batch.

Keep these babies in the fridge and they'll last up to a week!

Popable Energy Bites

1 c. dry oatmeal

1/2 c. dry barley

1 T. chia seeds

1/4 c. unsweetened coconut

1/2 c. peanut butter

2 T. honey

2 T. pure maple syrup

1/4 c. chocolate chips

1.  In a large bowl combine all ingredients.

2.  Once combined, refrigerate for 1 hour.

3.  Remove from the fridge and roll into bite-sized balls.

4.  Keep refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container.

This week was another big milestone.  The Little Man turned 4.  It's hard to believe its been four years since we brought home this 9 lb. 1 oz. baby boy.  He is our funny, shy, organized, playful and thrilled-to-finally-be-in-preschool BIG BOY.

He is such a blessing in our lives, we are thankful to be his parents.  Since he was such a good boy this summer he got his first bike.  He took off in it in the restaurant parking lot that night, with his little sister in awe watching him.  I'm equally as proud of her, as she hasn't once asked to get on it, nor squawk with he wants to ride it.  She is happy to walk along beside me.

Although, she will tell you daily that "when I stop peeing my bed, I can get a princess bike". {She is potty-trained, but sometimes like to playfully take her diaper off at night....when then of course makes for a wet bed in the morning.  TMI?  Sorry.}

I hope you all have a great week!

Oh....and that chocolate cake in the birthday photo?  It's beyond delicious and has become a staple on my side of the family.  But here's the secret.  It's the recipe for made from scratch chocolate cake on the side of the Hershey's cocoa container.

So, you are all welcome to make it yourself.  Hershey's has granted us all permission.