Summer update

Here is an update on what I have completed so far this summer .  I only have 2 weeks until I start back to school.

1. Organize pictures of Amy to prepare for graduation next summer.- haven't started yet.

2. Make a banquette for my kitchen- doubtful this will get done.

3.  Make a shelf for above the fridge, since or cabinet no longer fits there.  It's been 2 years, why rush?- I have priced a new one, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.
4.  Clean and organize garage. - Done (all that I can do)

5.  Work on back porch- carpet cleaned, clock and wreath put up, lamps painted.

6.  Really clean the kids rooms.  We did it last summer, but it has gotten rough again.- done while each was away at camp etc.

7.Clean out my closet- next on my list.

8. Clean basement storage area. Done, whew, that was a big full day job!

9. Cook healthier- somewhat, with Joe gone we eat out more.

10.  Go to Jazzercise more often-yep

11.  Go to lunch with friends more often- yep

12. Relax and enjoy what I have- a work in progress :)

13.  Stay off computer more- yes

14. Clean out cabinets- somewhat

15. Slip cover slipper chairs for girls rooms-nope

16. Work on some new landscaping.- done

17.  Paint family room, which includes patching LOTS of spots in the paneling. grr- done

Summer Goals

I am a list maker.  Maybe if I get this on here it will actually happen :) 
Wishful thinking.  Unless it can be accomplished while driving kids to and from things this summer, I doubt I will have time to get much done .

1. Organize pictures of Amy to prepare for graduation next summer.

2. Make a banquette for my kitchen

3.  Make a shelf for above the fridge, since or cabinet no longer fits there.  It's been 2 years, why rush?
4.  Clean and organize garage.

5.  Work on back porch

6.  Really clean the kids rooms.  We did it last summer, but it has gotten rough again.

7.Clean out my closet

8. Clean basement storage area.

9. Cook healthier

10.  Go to Jazzercise more often

11.  Go to lunch with friends more often

12. Relax and enjoy what I have

13.  Stay off computer more

14. Clean out cabinets

15. Slip cover slipper chairs for girls rooms

16. Work on some new landscaping.

17.  Paint family room, which includes patching LOTS of spots in the paneling. grr

Menus and a recipe

Monday
Crock pot chicken and dumplings(Amy's Birthday choice)

Tuesday
Broccoli and Beef(a new favorite)
strawberries

Wednesday
Spaghetti (carb loading for Friday track meet)
garlic bread

Thursday
Leftover pulled pork
beans
fruit

Friday
Out to eat

Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

3 large Chicken Breasts, uncooked
2 cans Cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup butter
1 Quart Chicken or Vegetable broth
2 tsp(to taste) all natural seasoning salt (I use tastefully simple)

Throw all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Increase to high and add 5-6 frozen biscuits, thawed and cut into fourths.  Cook another 30-45 on high or until biscuits are done

Weekend and Menus

We had a fun weekend, starting with a Conference track meet on Friday night.  Aaron was able to break 2 conference records in the 1600m and the 2400m.  It was extra fun to have his grandparents and cousin John in to watch him.  It is always fun to watch him run, he truly has a gift.

I came down with the stomach flu Sunday and have not been that sick in years.  It makes me so thankful for my health.  All I could think about was a friend going through chemo.  I only have this for a day, she is enduring for months.  I just can't imagine.
Luckily I have a job that is relatively quiet in the mornings.  I can have time to rehydrate and feel less dizzy. I am sooo thankful to be feeling better and that no one else is showing signs of it yet.  I am sure I got it from the little darlings I clean up after every day at school :)

Last weeks menus weren't used much.  It was a busy week and we ate out fast food more than normal(maybe that explains my sickness).  Joe is gone all week again, so who knows if these will get made either, but I will try.

Monday
Beef and Broccoli
rice

Tuesday
Tacos in the crock pot

Wednesday
Chili in the crock pot

Thursday
Leftovers

Friday
pizza?

Menus and a few Pics

It was Prom weekend.  Amy, Cameron, and Haley all looked so beautiful! We all had such a great time, and are still recovering :)  Mom is not used to being up all night anymore though.  Afterprom lasted until 3am, and I got in bed around 4:30. I am still feeling it today!  It was worth it to see all the kids enjoying themselves. 

Here are our menus for the week.
Monday
Nacho Chicken and rice(freezer meal)
strawberries

Tuesday(track meet)
Grilled Chicken
Caesar Salad

Wednesday
Beef and Broccoli(new recipe)

Thursday
Tacos in crock pot (freezer meal)

Friday
County track meet in Lafayette

Menus

Monday
Chicken Parmesan
Salad

Tuesday- Track meet, Soccer practice and meeting
Crock pot Chicken and dumplings

Wednesday
Hamburgers on the grill
vegetable

Thursday
Marinated Chicken on the grill
vegetable
fruit

Friday
Cold again-BOOOO!
Chili

Favorites and Fails Pinterest Pins

Favorites:

Making Mascara last longer- it really works!
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/03/make-your-expensive-or-inexpensive-mascara-last-longer.html

Cinnamon Rolls in the waffle maker!  I think I like them better this way, they're crispy.  http://pinterest.com/pin/547468898421730929/

Tortellini Soup- Yummy and easy.  http://www.the6bennetts.blogspot.com/

Pretzel Choco chip cookies.  http://dessertnowdinnerlater.blogspot.com/2012/12/caramel-pretzel-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

Peanut Butter cookie dough Brownies.  http://thenonpareilbaker.blogspot.com/2011/04/peanut-butter-cookie-dough-brownies.html


Fails:
Homemade shower cleaner.  We have super hard water and no softener.  My hard water stains laughed when I sprayed this on :)
http://www.simpleorganizedliving.com/2012/02/01/homemade-shower-cleaner/

Same with this one, a scrubber with a shower cleaning mixture in it.  Laughable for our house.  http://pinterest.com/pin/44543483786606343

Mexican stuffed shells, not a hit at our house.  Just Ok.  http://thewaytohisheart.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/mexican-stuffed-shells/

Cake mix cookie bars- fail.  Not even close to the picture, actually I ended up throwing them away.  http://parentpretty.com/cake-mix-cookie-bars-recipe/