arms full, pocket stocked.

I wish, I wish I had had my camera with me this morning. If ever there was a picture perfect moment, one that sums up my sons' lives right now, it is as they walk out the door to go to school every morning. And this morning was particularly funny. All or our arms were completely full to the brim; a passerby would thing we needed a moving truck just to make it through the day.

My fifth grade son had in his arms: a lunch bag, a small plastic bag with his name written on it, full of his costume for the school musical---it needs approval from the drama teacher---and his saxophone, with its respective music, for band this morning. He also had his backpack, a second backpack for soccer (because of course, he is going straight from musical practice to play practice and needs to change on the way), 4 large empty cardboard boxes (ironically, Dry Soda) for some recycling art event they have at school today, and a soccer ball at his feet. A picture is seemingly worth a thousand words.

My sixth grades son (this day was easily our record for hands-full, by the way) had his viola (practice at noon recess) and music, his lunch, his backpack, and two large plastic toolboxes that hold all the parts and pieces for a Robotics (think legos plus software/programming).

Huh. And I thought I needed extra arms.

Me? A few books (to study for culinary school), my computer with its power cord trailing along behind me like a long, black, bouncing, mechanical tail, and one large cardboard box---which I return as I pickup this week's CSA box. Add to that my purse, and my workout backpack. And the smallest and largest item: my 'to-do list' which I might as well bungee cord around my waist, or better, carry it on top of my head like some sort of twisted, defiant, yet confidently forward statement.

Days like these are perfect for packing healthy snacks, to fill your pocket with food for later. When my kids are on the go, or when I am jostling from point A to B---and need a quick energy or nutrition boost---it is a relief to know your pocket is stocked. And what else screams healthy, energy-packed, omega 3 infused snack than a lemon-iced, zucchini-and-walnut filled cookie?

These will help you rally through your busy day (also good for on-the-go breakfast, and perfect for kiddos' lunch):

Zucchini Cookies 3/4 cup butter 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1 T lemon zest 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup shredded zucchini 1 cup chopped walnut

Glaze: 1 cup confectioners sugar 2 T lemon juice

Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg and zest, sift dry ingredients and stir into batter. Mix in zucchini and walnuts. Drop on cookie sheets and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes; cool then glaze (make glaze: combine sugar and juice). Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Note: (taking Intro to Baking made me think differently about these cookies). I made sure to BEAT the eggs and sugar, as in really cream them well, on high for 3-4 minutes. I actually sifted the dry ingredients, and when adding dry ingredients, walnuts then zucchini, I stirred just to blend.

These are really awesome cookies. If you try them with a wheat or different flour, let me know, as I am curious how they turn out. Cheers!