Monday, March 30, 2009

What's for Dinner - Week of March 30, 2009


Monday
~Left Overs~
BBQ Ribs
Potato Salad
Green Salad
Cole Slaw
Pizza
Veggies and Dip

Strawberries (from the CSA box)

Tuesday
Cream of Celery Soup
Biscuits
Roasted Beet Salad with Beet Greens and Feta

Wednesday
~Potluck before Kids Club / Bible Study~
Taco Meat

Thursday
Pancakes
Chicken Apples Sausages
Eggs

Friday
~Couples Home Group~
CORD

Saturday
Steak and a Movie Night
Baked Potatoes
Green Salad

Sunday
Spaghetti with Meat / Zucchini Sauce
Garlic Bread
Green Salad

Spring Cleaning - Day 2-4


I'm off to a slow start with my Spring Cleaning. I hope it's because I'm processing and mentally preparing for the job at hand. Grom and I did have a talk. We decided that we are going to have a huge garage sale at the end of it all and use the proceeds to go to Disneyland. I figured it was the best way to get Grom to part with some of his stuff.

There is one place where I need advice. Our house is very big and sprawling with lots of small rooms. Right now I have a room that I call my Studio. You can see the before and after pictures from when I reorganized and redecorated two years ago. My original thought was for it to be a creative place. A place where I could leave my sewing machine set up... sew a little... spin my chair and do some scrapping. Well, it has also become the place where my laptop usually lives. I email, blog and digiscrap.

With my computer comes bills and bank statements and paper and files. I keep trying to insist that this room is not my office and that all that office stuff screws with my creativity.

Where am I going with all of this? Another room has become available and I could make it into an office. We have a desk that could go in there. It could be set up quickly and nicely. I probably wouldn't spend much time in there, so I don't plan to do any painting or decorating.

Or I have a piece of furniture that I could move into my studio to become an office armoire. I love being in my studio and with the cabinet the office stuff could be organized and stay off my sewing table.

So... what do you think? Separate office? Bring it into the studio? Something else? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Daybook March 30, 2009

FOR TODAY...Monday March 30, 2009. I can't believe March is almost done.

Outside My Window... dark. I just got home from a nice little birthday celebration.

I am thinking... about simplifying. Stuff does not make you(me) happy.

I am thankful for... clean running water and the ability to take hot showers.

From the kitchen... leftovers! Yay for leftovers!

From the schoolroom... lots of art projects.

I am wearing... Jeans, flip flops and long sleeved orange top. (Notice I'm not wearing the usual black pants)

I am creating... digiscrapping projects lately. I'm wanting to learn Illustrator and Photoshop, but Apple's Pages has been pretty useful and simple. I also had some time to do some sewing. I made great progress. I hope to post some pictures soon.

I am going... to eat another peanut butter cup. I shouldn't buy peanut butter cups.

I am reading... the same book as last week. I don't remember what it's called. I'm enjoying it.

I am hoping... Grom has a great week as the STAR of the Week at Montessori. We put up pictures on a bulletin board and he gets to be first at everything all week. He's enjoying it.

I am hearing... television in the background.

Around the house... Spring Cleaning!

One of my favorite things... flip flops. I could wear them year round if my feet didn't get cold.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Spring Cleaning!, the usual stuff and a baby shower.

Here is picture I am sharing...Grom and Grandpa playing checkers. Grom is quite good. There is no "letting him" win.

How you can be praying for me and mine... Pray that our home would be holy. That our default would be towards His best instead of to whatever the world has to offer. Also pray for members of our extended family and their medical problems.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Spring Cleaning - Day 1


How about some BEFORE pictures? Yikes! How did it get so bad?



My goal is to do SOMETHING related to Spring Cleaning every day. Every day without fail.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Spring Cleaning


Spring sprung a few days ago.

It's time for Spring Cleaning. I'm going to spend the month of April decluttering, cleaning and organizing. Not just my house, but also our pantry and myself.

Anyone want to join me?

Thursday Thunks - 3/26/09


Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. I joined to add to the biographical quality of my blog. Think of it as another way to get to know me.

1. What is your favorite type of soda (if you drink soda)?
Pepsi and I have a thing. It's my go to when I'm tired, stressed, etc. I probably have 2 a week.

2. Do you believe in astrology? If so, what does your sign say about you?
Nope. I believe in God and his son, Jesus.

3. Who is John Galt?
No idea. After googling, it seems he's a character in an Ayn Rand book. Probably another one I missed in high school.

4. What is the last thing you do before you go to sleep at night?
uhh.. turn off the light? actually I read for a bit, then turn off the light and then pray until I actually fall asleep.

5. Who's your Daddy?
God's rad, He's my Dad. Bob is my earthly dad. He's pretty rad too.

6. Jelly beans or Jelly Bellies?
Jelly Bellies for sure! Pear and Pink Grapefruit are my favorites. I also like jelly belly recipes like peanut butter and jelly sandwich (2 peanut butter and 1 grape) and blueberry muffin (2 blueberry and 1 buttered popcorn).

7. What do you think about yellow car? Why car manufacturer actually made yellow cars?
I wouldn't want a yellow car, but they don't bother me. They have to make them for taxi cabs. Now if they made orange cars...

8. Holding on or Letting go?
I think I'm mostly a letting go kinda gal.

11. Spring - is it here yet??
I think so. I'll know for sure when strawberries get cheap at Farmer's Market.

12. Does Google Streetview scare you?
It's freaky but cool. A friend found her parents on their afternoon walk but browsing their neighborhood.

13. What is your favorite brand of ice cream?
Ben and Jerry's

14. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Everything but the...

15. Do you ever get tired of your everyday routine?
Sure. That's why we take trips to Maui and

16. What inspires you?
So many things... God's Word, friends, the internet, music, nature...

17. It’s springtime-do you spend more time outdoors?
I want to. It always seems to take us a little while to get used to having and taking advantage of more evening light. It's Bocce time!

19. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you, and why?
Right here. I might try Maui.

20. Why do you blog?
Good question. Autobiographical. Creativity. Fun.

21. What are electrolytes and why are they good for us?
I could copy from Wikipedia, but that's not the point. In this context, they are elements that make up our body fluids. They are important because they make our body work. When they are out of balance we can have all kinds of problems from dehydration to cardiac.

22. Do you twitter? Why or why not?
Yes. It's mini-blogging.

23. What did you dream last night?
I don't remember a dream last night.

24. What is the strangest thing you've eaten?
I once ate horse meat when we were visiting France.

25. What was the last picture that you took?
Grom. He was being particularly silly and letting me take pictures. It's not normal for him, so I took advantage and took lots. Here's one of the good ones...
26. What is your favorite part of spring?
Not spring allergies! I like the green mountains and the wildflowers... actually those probably cause those spring allergies.

27. What is one thing that you did this past week that no one knows about?
I got breakfast at McDonalds.

28. What kind of bandages do you typically have in your household?
I usually buy store brand band-aids.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Daybook March 23, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday March 23, 2009

Outside My Window... beautiful and sunny but a little cool

I am thinking... about taking a nap. I'm just a little sleepy today. I need to get to bed earlier.

I am thankful for... digital cameras. It's great to be able to take a bunch of photos and find the best one. It's so easy to catch a memory or even something fun or beautiful.

From the kitchen... pot roast tonight. It smells wonderful. I need to play with unleavened flat bread. I found a recipe, now I just need to find time to give it a trial.

From the schoolroom... we're kinda stalled. We've been doing projects, but aren't making much progress with Mike Mulligan.

I am wearing... black pants, black shoes, sage green top

I am creating... again kinda stalled. I have a couple of quilts in mind (and started). I'm diving back into digiscrapping. And there is always a washcloth on my knitting needles.

I am going...
I am reading... Cross Country Quilters.

I am hoping... Grom will take a nap. He's in his room in bed listening to a Story Nory podcast about Joseph and his colorful coat. If he doesn't fall asleep, he'll be up and wanting to do something. I'm a mean mommy. I make him rest when he acts like he needs it. A sissy mommy wouldn't have the guts to stick out the crying and wailing.

I am hearing... house noises... people walking, cupboards opening, the sound of traffic outside. It's really very peaceful.

Around the house... well... actually around the car... How would you get footprints off the headliner of your van? I noticed that I have some very clear, Grom sized footprints on my roof. I can't figure out how they got their. Grom thinks the shoe print matches the shoes of a boy from preschool. It's just one mystery after the next... now I have to figure out what that boy was doing in my van. What a puzzle...

One of my favorite things... fingerpuppet monsters. Grom and I bought these a couple of years ago and put them in everyone's Christmas stocking. They have all managed to make their way back to us. They hang out in different areas around the house. They make me smile. Here's the crew from the school room. A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: It's another normal busy week. I'm hoping Grom will make it to Montessori on Thursday. I have some projects I want to finish. I want to get my "
"brain" system revised and working. I need to go through my closet and get rid of some clothes. I need to find a CD that the library would like to get back.

Here is picture I am sharing...Doesn't he look pitiful? An ailing boy and his Momos aren't easily parted. The doctor prescribed warm washcloth compresses throughout the day. Grom has been quite the trooper.

How you can be praying for me and mine... Protection of Surferman and I from pink eye. Healing for Grom. The next few weeks promise to be busy and hectic. Pray for peace and patience and that I wouldn't sacrifice my family on the alter of service.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Erin Go Bragh

I know St Patrick's Day was last week, but I had to share these pictures.

My leprechauns. We recycled the Jolly Green Giant and Lil Sprout costumes I made a couple of years ago.


Aunt and Uncle chased the Leprechaun King to get his pot of gold.

The King was really fast...

zigging and zagging...

very tricky, that Leprechaun...

...finally caught. The treasure? A bag of gold coins (chocolate).


What's for Dinner - Week of March 23, 2009


Monday
~Crafty Women~
Family Dinner
Pot Roast
(my mom is cooking)

Tuesday
Roasted Beet Salad with Bleu Cheese
Ham and Cheese Strata
Fruit

Wednesday
~Taco Potluck before Kid's Club/Bible Study~
Beans

Thursday
BBQ at Farmer's Market

Friday
~Pottenger Care Team Meeting~
Refrigerator Scrounge Fest

Saturday
Steak and a Movie Night
Baked Potatoes
Salad

Sunday
Family Dinner

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Thursday Thunks - 3/19/09

Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. I joined to add to the biographical quality of my blog. Think of it as another way to get to know me.

1. The last flight of stairs you walked up/down - were the carpeted?
Carpeted. Grom and I went to City Rec to look into sports. I don't think he's going to be playing anything organized this Spring.

2. Green or purple grapes?
green grapes... huge green grapes. When I was little my sister and I used to have contests to see who could shove the most grapes in her mouth. I think my dad egged us on.

3. Do you like Peeps?
one or two every Easter.

4. The smell of Vicks - like it?
yep... it's in my fragrance pallet

5. Do you put decorative cling-ons on your windows for different holidays?
No. The scale always seems to small and they never stay on.

6. Finish the sentence - I spent too much money on ________ .
Starbucks... hands down.

7. Which celebrity should be flown into outer space or placed on a desert island?
Tom Cruise.

8. Would you support schools changing the "open" time? Such as 10am - 5pm, for example?
I'd listen if they had a good reason. I think school getting out at 5pm would mess up family dinner time and keep kids up later.

9. Do you go fishing?
Nope. To slow for me.

10. What question should we ask next week?
I googled "list of random questions". Here's some ideas.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Daybook March 16, 2009

FOR TODAY, Monday March 16, 2009...

Outside My Window... the sun is glaring off the ocean. I can't tell where water stops and sky starts.

I am thinking... about change and submission and family and relationships and...

I am thankful for... new jobs. Surferman officially started today. It's weird not having him around the house.

From the kitchen... Roasted Beet Salad (using those CSA veggies... yay Robin!)

From the schoolroom... Mike Mulligan. We need to finish it up this week.

I am wearing... flip flops, black pants and a floral print top

I am creating... Resurrection Eggs with Mommy and Me this week. I love celebrating the resurrection of my Lord. I also have some quilt projects going and there is always a washcloth on my knitting needles.

I am going... to try to be diligent about working Autofocus for my to-do list. Right now I have 2 notebooks going... one for my to do list and one for notes. I think I need to get it down to one book and divide it somehow. I'm always chasing the elusive system that will make me more productive.

I am reading... Animal Farm and the next Elm Creek Quilters book, Cross Country Quilters.

I am hoping... to figure out how to sync mail between my mac and my iPhone. I've got one account done, now I have to tackle my work account.

I am hearing... boys playing. Grom's best buddy is over. They play so well together. I only have to referee every so often.

Around the house...
One of my favorite things... when Surferman washes my car. It's even better when he blows out the inside. And it's the best when he wipes the dash and cleans the windows too. He did all three yesterday!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I get to go to a Pampered Chef party! I have a computer lesson at the Apple Store. Grom's last week of soccer (for now). And maybe a SuperSized Fabulous Fun Friday. We might adventure to the Train Wreck Store (Grocery Outlet) and stock up the pantry. And there is always laundry...

Here is picture I am sharing...Grom and Eli's barn. It's filled with animals and lego people. It was an exercise in cooperation and design. Grom wanted to play with legos. Eli wanted to play with animals. I think it turned out great.

How you can be praying for me and mine... Pray for Surferman as he settles into his new job. Pray for Grom as he gets used to having his Daddy around less. Pray for me... that I'd turn off the TV and close the computer when I should. Please also pray for my Aunt Sandi and her family. She is undergoing medical tests and they suspect she might have a brain tumor.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

I hope you have a blessed week.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Grom on Mom

Jules at Everyday Mommy posted this questionnaire and her son's answers. I thought I'd give Grom a shot...

1. What is something mom always says to you?
I love you. (he's one for one)

2. What makes mom happy?
hugs and kisses. (2/2)

3. What makes mom sad?
not listening. (3/3)

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
tickling. (guilty)

5. What did your mom like to do when she was a child?
play with playdoh (it was homemade claydoh, we just dug out the cool tools I used when I was a kid. I guess it's good to have a mom that saves everything).

6. How old is your mom?
pretty old... like 17 (he's right again! ha!)

7. How tall is your mom?
I don't know. (5'9")

8. What is her favorite thing to watch on TV?
commercials (what in the world?)

9. What does your mom do when you’re not around?
do the computer (sadly, mostly true...)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
cause you love me (I must be famous already)

11. What is your mom really good at?
fast forwarding the TV (umm... through the commercials that are my "favorites"??)

12. What is your mom not very good at?
fixing clocks or anything (this is where the interview started getting silly)

13. What does your mom do for her job?
work at Kids Club and in her office (true)

14. What is your mom’s favorite food?
fish and chips (hey Grom, where do we stop all the time... Starbucks! Coffee silly boy)

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Doing what she asks the first time (I'm so proud. Note he didn't listen to the question)

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Larry (my boy is so smart... I'd much rather be a cucumber than a tomato)

17. What do you and your mom do together?
have some fun, be with Elias, watch TV together

18. How are you and your mom the same?
We both have arms and we both got butts, we both have eyes, 2 eyes, and we both got one mouth (sheesh)

19. How are you and your mom different?
we don't have the same color hair. you have dark, I have light. (ouch, even my kid knows I'm not blonde)

20. What does your mom like most about your dad?
that he can fix and clean her car (it's definitely on the list of things I like about Surferman, but probably closer to the bottom of the list)

21. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
to the park and around the house and go around the neighborhood and go to Elias' house and see baby Simon and that's all I can think of.

I love you, Grom!

What's for Dinner - Week of March 16, 2009

Monday
~Crafty Women~
Slow Roasted Beet Salad with Bleu Cheese
Sourdough Rolls
Vegetable Soup

Tuesday
~Pampered Chef Party~
Ham and Cheese (and Veggie?) Quiche In A Bag
(plus one or two for the freezer)
Salad

Wednesday
~Taco Potluck before Kid's Club / Bible Study~
Cupcakes

Thursday
Pakistani Spicy Chickpeas
Brown Rice
Flatbread
Fresh Cucumber Salad


Friday
~Couples Home Group~
YOYO (you're on your own)
Pantry Purge

Saturday
Steak and a Movie Night
Baked Potato
Salad

Sunday
~Family Dinner~
My parents cook

Other recipes for the week...
Roasted Chickpeas
Mock Tuna Salad

I can blog about it now...

A few weeks ago I was expecting my quilting friends. My goal was to entertain from my pantry. I put together a nice spread... BBQ meatballs, stuffed eggs and hummus with veggies. Dessert was a team effort. Surferman and Grom baked the cake and I put it together. It was a lucious lemon icebox cake. I'm sure it was delicious. It was beautiful. I had found some little lemon tissue paper decorations. I was proud.

How does the saying go? Pride goes before a fall...

As I was putting the cake back in the fridge, it slipped right off the cake stand. SPLAT!

Fortunately there were some Girl Scout Cookies in the pantry. And Surferman cleaned it up for me. Surferman rocks!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Thursday Thunks - 3/12/09


Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. I joined to add to the biographical quality of my blog. Think of it as another way to get to know me.

1. You are walking down the road and you look down. There is a bug. Do you step on it?
Probably not. If it's not bothering me or mine, I'd leave it alone.

2. What is one fantasy that you want to come true more than any other?
The one where I wake up a "normal" weight with great hair.

3. Someone knocks on your door. Do you look out the window to see who it is before you open it? Do you open it regardless of who it is?
I'd try to figure out who it is, but I'd open the door regardless.

4. Have you ever eaten Play Doh?
I don't think I've eaten Play Doh, but I have eaten homemade Clay Doh. It's really salty.

5. What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon as a child and why?
Loony Tunes. Especially the ones with the Coyote and the Sheep Dog.

6. Are you a "people watcher"?
I am always very aware of EVERYTHING that is going on around me.

7. I have a bowl of fruit. There are apples, oranges & pears. You help yourself to one - which one do you choose?
I love a big, ripe, juicy pear.

8. What is your biggest pet peeve in the blogging world?
I wish people commented more. I understand though because I don't have a lot of time to comment myself.

9. What is one religion that you could just never see yourself joining?
I found my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There is nothing else to consider. It's all about Jesus.

10. What word do you use far too often?
Actually 2 words... "Yes, Grom". He says, "Mommy?". I reply, "Yes, Grom". And he say, "Mommy?"...all day long...

11. How long do you spend in the shower?
Surferman and I were just talking about this. We both spend too long in the shower. I think I'm in for about 20 minutes. Suferman and Grom usually shower together and they can be in there for over 1/2 hour. We need to get a timer.

12. If you were to write a personal ad about yourself, what would it say?
I don't know why I'd write a personal ad. If I had to it would probably be funny.

13. Your favorite flavor of soup is....?
I love soup. I don't have a favorite. Some favorites are Hot and Sour, Tomato, Broccoli Cheese, Turkey Barley. Like I said... I love soup.

14. You are sitting on a bench in the park and a bug walks in front of your feet.... do you squash him? I'd be more likely to squish in this scenario. Presuming I was going to be staying on the bench, I wouldn't want to be pestered by this pest. But it depends on the pest. Who would squish a ladybug?

Monday, March 09, 2009

Daybook March 9, 2009

FOR TODAY... March 9, 2009

Outside My Window... beautiful blue sky and a gentle breeze

I am thinking... I don't want to go to my tax appointment. I'm trying to get ready and am hoping I will be. It won't be bad news, there are just a hundred or more things I'd rather do. It's one of those "adult" things that I just don't want to do.

I am thankful for... a brand new baby boy who was lovingly given to our good friends. His birth-mom showed unconditional love by releasing him to be raised in a wonderful family. His mom showed faith and patience (although she'll readily admit she wasn't always that patient) waiting for this little one to complete their family.

From the kitchen... I need to find something (anything) to do with a bunch of turnips (and some kohlrabi and a few rutabegas). There has to be a lovely way to prepare them. I have fresh beets to cook too. The biggest problem with them is that they are a pain in the neck to peel.

From the schoolroom... More Mike Mulligan.

I am wearing... black pants, a new bright pink shirt and black flip flops

I am creating... I have a knit washcloth in the works as well as some paper crafts and a couple of quilts. I want to make Grom some PJ pants.

I am going... to eat dinner tonight that I didn't cook or have to clean up after. Those are the best meals.

I am reading... "Animal Farm" by George Orwell. It's one of those books that I probably should've read in school but somehow never did. I finally finished "Embrace Me" by Lisa Samson. I'm glad I finished it, but am not sure I'd tell you to read it.

I am hoping... to laugh a lot this week. Why not?

I am hearing... Surferman and Grom in the shower. Too much fun is going on.

Around the house... new clothes and shoes for me. I got a great deal on the shoes. Now I just have to make sure that I get rid of some of the old ones.

One of my favorite things... Trader Joe's. It's my favorite place and first stop for grocery shopping. Good stuff. Good prices.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: back to the routine... yay! Nothing exciting and I'm glad. I do have a baby shower this weekend that I'm looking forward to.

Here is picture I am sharing...
Grom's sandy feet. We had photos taken for a Christmas Card which was then going to be a New Year's Card which was then going to be a Valentine's Card and now might become a St Paddy's Greeting. sheesh. Our friend Janelle took the pictures. She has beautiful stuff for sale at Etsy. Go look at her pretties.

How you can be praying for me and mine... For me: that I'd get plenty of rest and be better at taking my supplements. Surferman is still waiting to actually get to work. He has a physical tomorrow. For Grom: that he'd love the Lord all of his days.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Fabulous Fun Friday

I always look forward to Fridays.

It's the end of my week. It's the start of a weekend. And... it's Fabulous Fun Friday.

Grom and I spend the day with his "friend buddy" Elias and my "friend buddy" Stacey (Elias' mom). We've been doing this quite a while. It's about time I blogged about it.

Grom and I swing by their house and pick them up. I put the "Grom" playlist on my iPod and we're off. The boys yap in the back seat. The moms yap in the front seat.

We start with some grocery shopping. Always Trader Joe's, sometimes Von's or Foods For Less. We have even ventured all the way to the "Train Wreck Store" in Santa Maria.
Our local TJ's is great. They have the nicest women working there (especially on Friday mornings). They know our names and are always so good to the boys - special "snacks" just for the boys when they are sampling items for the adult pallet.

They also have a very lazy employee, Sally the Seal. She always finds somewhere to hide so she can slack off. When kids find her, they get a treasure from the barrel.
She hides really well. Sometimes we have to walk through the store twice. Sometimes the boys ask for hints. She turns up in the funniest places... with the bananas, by the ice cream, on top of signs... she gets around.
Here she's lounging amongst the TP. If it's not a prize from the barrel, it might be a balloon or stickers.
At least they aren't stuck all over the inside of my car windows. (I can't figure out why in the world parents let their kids do that.) Start paying attention, check out those minivans and SUVs... stickers! Crazy! Anyway back on topic...
Insulated totes are key to FFF and not having to run right home to put those groceries away. Check out those "green" bags. I have quite a collection. Most are from the last time we worried about the planet. I think we were trying to save trees then and do away with the paper bag. Ha! Now plastic bags are evil. Wow another rabbit trail... back on topic...
After the groceries are loaded, we head to Starbucks. Here's a shot of the boys sitting like proper gentlemen. Yep... that's Grom sitting on his head.
Stacey and I get a drink and we're off to gymnastics. My newest favorite is a Decaf Pike's Place Misto.
Gymnastics has been great for both of the boys. Grom has learned to listen and follow directions. Elias has learned to be more adventurous. It's a fantastic facility.From the Observation Deck, Stacey and I solve the world's problems while the boys run through their stations.
Here's Grom with strong arms on the parallel bar. You should see him flip.Here's Elias jumping so fast on the trampoline that he's blurry.
Here's Grom hamming for his mommy in the ball pit.
Here's Elias zooming down the slide.

After gymnastics, we usually get lunch from Panda Express. It's cheap and the boys like it and well... the moms like it too. We use coupons from the survey on the back of each receipt and get an even better deal.
We head to a park. After eating the boys play. Stacey and I work on the any world problems that we've left unsolved.

Getting my grocery shopping done is fun.
Watching the boys flip and balance and jump and laugh is fun.
Going out to lunch is fun.
Playing at the park is fun.

But the best part and what I really look forward to is spending time with my friend, Stacey. She is a blessing from God. We have a lot in common and there are a lot of ways that we are really different. It's an "iron sharpening iron" relationship. I learn from her and she learns from me.

She makes Fridays fabulous.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

What's for Dinner - Week of March 8, 2009

Monday
~Family Dinner~
~Crafty Women~
Baby Back Ribs

Tuesday
~Take meal to friends with new baby~
Lentils and Rice
(just kidding... Stacey)
Brown Sugar Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Veggies
Cranberry Crunch Squares

Wednesday
~Taco Potluck before Kids Club/Bible Study~
Refried Beans?

Thursday
Bread and Tomato Soup
Salad

Friday
Steak and a Movie Night
Baked Potato
Salad

Saturday
Scrounge through the Fridge

Sunday
~Family Dinner~
My Parents Cook

More menus can be found at Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday Carnival.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

King of the Hill (shower edition)

I love the things Grom leaves behind. I wish I was 4 1/2 again.

Thursday Thunks - 3/4/09

Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. I joined to add to the biographical quality of my blog. Think of it as another way to get to know me.

1. This cat- Link- scary or cute?
Not scary. Not cute. Just strange.

3. Do you smile at strangers when you make eye contact?
Sure do.

4. What percentage of your sarcasm isn't really sarcasm at all?
I really try to not be sarcastic. I don't think it's a character trait that a Christian should aspire to.

5. If you were to be a dog breed, which breed would you be?
Maybe a lab... loyal, loves the beach, good with kids, likes to lay around

6. Go grab the closest book. Open up to page 27. Whats the 4th sentence?
"simple hospitality" by Jane Jarrell.
"Make a commitment today to call, send an e-mail, write a note, or run by your girlfriend's home or workplace with a small, special treat." ...sounds like a wonderful idea

7. When's the last time someone put one over on you, told you a story that you totally fell for when it wasn't anywhere near true?
I can't remember anything recent. Most of my friends are very truthful. Surferman thinks he pulls stuff over on me, but I mostly have him figured out.

8. Ever seen Michael Jackson in person?
No.

9. Do you have a gut?
uhh... yes

10. What is one thing in your kitchen you have too many/too much of?
coffee cups. I have my favorites. Surferman has his favorites. And then all the others.

11. Ever had a colon cleansing?
No.