Why, Hello August, how are you this fine day? July was not the fastest month in the book but I don't mind that at all. It's nice to let summer linger a little. Normally, as August hits, we start to gear up for a lot of things but this year, I think it will match the rest of the months . . .slow and steady. I'm still enjoying the quieter schedule at this point even though I know eventually things will resume to normal again.
I had some really great plans for meals last week . .. and then my refrigerator died. Oops. We moved things to three electric coolers but we lost some food from the freezer because we didn't realize that it had quit working until I went to pull something out of the freezer on Monday afternoon and discovered a lot of mushy, unfrozen, warm food HA! Oh well. So, this weeks meals will be super simple to keep the need for food in the coolers simple. We still have our chest freezer in the basement so that does help :-)
Friday - Normally this is our treat night but we had treat night earlier in the week after a busy day of moving food into coolers :-) So tonight we are going to have either the Hawaiian Sliders or Chicken and Snow Peas that were on the plan earlier this week. At the typing of this - I'm not really sure which one I will feel like making! .
Saturday - This is our normal "eat at mom's" day. This might also continue forever.
Sunday - When my brother was here, he grilled some amazing pork chops. I've picked up the marinade that he used so we are going to grill up our own. I've also picked up some Michigan sweet corn to have with them along with Mac and Cheese. Yum!
Monday - French toast sticks, bacon and sausage.
Tuesday - Sloppy Joes and fries. The sloppy joes were leftover a few weeks ago and I threw the leftovers (in a container) in the freezer in the basement thankfully!
Wednesday - Pork Roast, Baked Potatoes, and fresh sweet corn (you have to eat it a lot while it is in season!)
Thursday - Chicken on the grill, baked beans, and a veggie
Friday, July 31, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020
July Goal Recap
Well, July wasn't my best month. As I mentioned in another post this week, statistically I probably shouldn't set goals in July - it's my least productive month! I don't love the heat at all so I tend to do not much :-) Oh well! There is always next month!
1) Scrapbooking. I'm going to continue on with my goals in May and June 1) I'd like to continue to order photos - I have changed my mindset a little and instead I'm working on ordering one month from each year I haven't printed (2011, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). My goal is to get March ordered :-) 2) I'd like to continue to make time to scrapbook a few weekends this month. 3) I'd like to finish ordering the 2010 scrapbook pages - just one month left to go and I'll only order if there is another sale. I did not order any photos. I think switching to doing all those years was so overwhelming that I didn't even want to look at photos so instead I'm going back to just ordering for one or two years at a time.
2) Reading - My goal this month, as the weather allows, is to spend at least 30 minutes outside a day reading. Or to just read in the house when it is too hot. I think I can say I read just about every day. I read outside as often as I could but we had some mercilessly hot days in July.
3) Cleaning - My goal in July is to get back to Flylady daily zone "challenges". I also want to work on my Drawer Project both upstairs and downstairs. Some months this just doesn't happen . .. July was one of them HA!
4) Family Time - We enjoy being together. We have enjoyed going for drives on the weekend the past few weekends so it's mostly just spending time together. We want to make it to the beach at least once in July and maybe the drive-in movie theater. We had some great family time not only with just the 4 of us but with extended family too!
5) Another main goal this month is my niece's graduation book - This book will be done this month since I will give it to her in July when they are visiting. This is as completed as it can be - I'm still waiting on some letters.
6) Darryl's list - Darryl is still working on his list. :-) there are just a few items left! Darryl worked on the garage and doing more weed control
7) Homeschool - 1) To continue to plan and execute our daily activities. 2) To work on my plans and goals for the fall and begin ordering any supplemental books (Bible, Cursive Writing, and some Grammar Practice books. Also, find a typing program) 1) We did do the first week in July and then we took vacation! 2) I have started to work on this buy ordering a few books but I have more to do.
8) The garage - I have some boxes to go through that have been stored out there for a few years. Then take anything to my friends fundraiser garage sale I don't want to keep. Depending on the heat level of July - Darryl and I will work on more organizing in the garage. I think I've mentioned the heat in a few posts -- so, I did not go through any boxes in the garage but Darryl did work in it some so it is much neater!
9) The basement - Work on my "Drawer Project" in the basement. The "Drawers" are the bins - going through them one by one and sorting stuff out, repacking it in correct bins, and putting them neatly on the shelves :-) Total Fail. The basement takes motivation and I didn't have much in July (those "dog days of summer", remember HA!)
10) Music - We are continuing with at home piano lessons for the summer We took a few weeks off
11) Co-Op - I'm also working on my lessons for homeschool co-op. I'm hoping to get 1-2 complete lessons done for each class. This means having my "teacher copy" put together and everything else ready to make copies once I know how many students (I'm going on faith we will have classes this fall and, if not, I'll have my two classes ready for when we DO meet again!) We cancelled our fall classes so I haven't done anything with these lessons.
12) Photography (- One of my goals this year was to take a photography class but, right now, I'm not sure I'll be doing that. I just bought a new lens I've wanted for a long time with some birthday money so I want to research how to use that lens better and I also know that there are some great classes being offered on line too. Never even touched this one!
13) Spiritual Goals - To continue on with my devotional book this month I let this slip too.
14) Dates with Darryl :-) Maybe this month we will try to get out together - just to a favorite take out place (Like the Adobe) We did get a "half date". We took Nate to a doctors appointment and then went and got Chinese (to go) food afterwards.
15) The Yard - This is all depended on the weather but some things on my radar are: 1) Clean out the sandbox 2) Begin weeding along side the house to get it ready for next summers idea (you'll have to wait HA!) 3) Just do general weeding around the yard 4) Figure out how to kill some big root weeds we have that constantly grow back. And . .. the heat. Yuck.
16) Misc - my one misc project on the list this month is just cleaning out the beach bags and consolidating things to make it easy to carry stuff. I also need to pick up two more beach chairs - the boys finally outgrew their little ones we've had for years. I did get the beach chairs but I did not get to the beach bags!
1) Scrapbooking. I'm going to continue on with my goals in May and June 1) I'd like to continue to order photos - I have changed my mindset a little and instead I'm working on ordering one month from each year I haven't printed (2011, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). My goal is to get March ordered :-) 2) I'd like to continue to make time to scrapbook a few weekends this month. 3) I'd like to finish ordering the 2010 scrapbook pages - just one month left to go and I'll only order if there is another sale. I did not order any photos. I think switching to doing all those years was so overwhelming that I didn't even want to look at photos so instead I'm going back to just ordering for one or two years at a time.
2) Reading - My goal this month, as the weather allows, is to spend at least 30 minutes outside a day reading. Or to just read in the house when it is too hot. I think I can say I read just about every day. I read outside as often as I could but we had some mercilessly hot days in July.
3) Cleaning - My goal in July is to get back to Flylady daily zone "challenges". I also want to work on my Drawer Project both upstairs and downstairs. Some months this just doesn't happen . .. July was one of them HA!
4) Family Time - We enjoy being together. We have enjoyed going for drives on the weekend the past few weekends so it's mostly just spending time together. We want to make it to the beach at least once in July and maybe the drive-in movie theater. We had some great family time not only with just the 4 of us but with extended family too!
5) Another main goal this month is my niece's graduation book - This book will be done this month since I will give it to her in July when they are visiting. This is as completed as it can be - I'm still waiting on some letters.
6) Darryl's list - Darryl is still working on his list. :-) there are just a few items left! Darryl worked on the garage and doing more weed control
7) Homeschool - 1) To continue to plan and execute our daily activities. 2) To work on my plans and goals for the fall and begin ordering any supplemental books (Bible, Cursive Writing, and some Grammar Practice books. Also, find a typing program) 1) We did do the first week in July and then we took vacation! 2) I have started to work on this buy ordering a few books but I have more to do.
8) The garage - I have some boxes to go through that have been stored out there for a few years. Then take anything to my friends fundraiser garage sale I don't want to keep. Depending on the heat level of July - Darryl and I will work on more organizing in the garage. I think I've mentioned the heat in a few posts -- so, I did not go through any boxes in the garage but Darryl did work in it some so it is much neater!
9) The basement - Work on my "Drawer Project" in the basement. The "Drawers" are the bins - going through them one by one and sorting stuff out, repacking it in correct bins, and putting them neatly on the shelves :-) Total Fail. The basement takes motivation and I didn't have much in July (those "dog days of summer", remember HA!)
10) Music - We are continuing with at home piano lessons for the summer We took a few weeks off
11) Co-Op - I'm also working on my lessons for homeschool co-op. I'm hoping to get 1-2 complete lessons done for each class. This means having my "teacher copy" put together and everything else ready to make copies once I know how many students (I'm going on faith we will have classes this fall and, if not, I'll have my two classes ready for when we DO meet again!) We cancelled our fall classes so I haven't done anything with these lessons.
12) Photography (- One of my goals this year was to take a photography class but, right now, I'm not sure I'll be doing that. I just bought a new lens I've wanted for a long time with some birthday money so I want to research how to use that lens better and I also know that there are some great classes being offered on line too. Never even touched this one!
13) Spiritual Goals - To continue on with my devotional book this month I let this slip too.
14) Dates with Darryl :-) Maybe this month we will try to get out together - just to a favorite take out place (Like the Adobe) We did get a "half date". We took Nate to a doctors appointment and then went and got Chinese (to go) food afterwards.
15) The Yard - This is all depended on the weather but some things on my radar are: 1) Clean out the sandbox 2) Begin weeding along side the house to get it ready for next summers idea (you'll have to wait HA!) 3) Just do general weeding around the yard 4) Figure out how to kill some big root weeds we have that constantly grow back. And . .. the heat. Yuck.
16) Misc - my one misc project on the list this month is just cleaning out the beach bags and consolidating things to make it easy to carry stuff. I also need to pick up two more beach chairs - the boys finally outgrew their little ones we've had for years. I did get the beach chairs but I did not get to the beach bags!
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
What We are Eating Wednesday - Swiss Chicken
My mom gave us some Swiss cheese that she was given (because she doesn't like it and we do!) which reminded me of a great chicken recipe I used to make a lot. I probably made it too often because we got tired of it but, it's been years since I made it so I figured it was worth it to try it again. Well, it was so good. I'm so glad I pulled it back out of the recipe file and tried it. The chicken is tender because it cooks in cream of chicken soup and the stuffing adds amazing flavor.
What you will need:
8 chicken breasts
1 can of cream of chicken soup
8 slices of Swiss cheese
1 box of stuffing mix
1/4 of butter
What to do:
Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray. Place the chicken breasts in the pan. Mix 1/2 can of water with the cream of chicken soup and pour over the top of the chicken. Lay one slice of cheese on each chicken breast. Melt the butter and mix it with the stuffing mix then place the stuffing on top of the chicken. Cover tightly with foil and place in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.
What you will need:
8 chicken breasts
1 can of cream of chicken soup
8 slices of Swiss cheese
1 box of stuffing mix
1/4 of butter
What to do:
Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray. Place the chicken breasts in the pan. Mix 1/2 can of water with the cream of chicken soup and pour over the top of the chicken. Lay one slice of cheese on each chicken breast. Melt the butter and mix it with the stuffing mix then place the stuffing on top of the chicken. Cover tightly with foil and place in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
What I'm Reading
I did more reading inside this month due to the crazy heat and humidity but the key is that I read :-)
I continued on with reading more of Lauraine Snelling's books. This was a great story that connected the lives of a CEO who lived a perfectly ordered life, a little boy who needs love, and a Veterinary Doctor who is welcoming and caring. I really enjoyed this story a lot - it kept me guessing on the characters back stories and made me cheer for them to succeed.
Again, this story tells the tale of two main characters who are both searching for something. They have a common goal and end up working together and, in doing so, find answers, friendship and maybe even something more. Like most of Lauraine's books, this is a feel good story in the end and makes for a great rainy day read.
This was a great story and it's not just because the author is a family member. This book drew me into the characters lives as they navigated some difficult waters of loss and disappointment.
These two books, Secrets of My Heart and The Ways of Love is another series by Tracie Peterson that follows the lives of young women as they navigate historical times in Oregon. It comes after the series I mentioned HERE It was interesting to read as well because it deals alot with the relationships between the white settlers that traveled West and they distaste for both the Native American's and African Americans. Giving the things that are going on currently in our country, reading about the hated all of those years ago was eye opening.
Monday, July 27, 2020
Summertime Week 6 - Links and Looks -- The Dog Days of Summer
Yeah, so, we've hit the dog days of summer in the Koll household. I think statistically if I looked back at July years past I'd find that July tends to be the month we were slow down and don't accomplish much! After pushing hard in June, the kids are all enjoying a few weeks of not a lot going on including "school" related things and group time. I fully planned to do our Animal theme this week but that didn't happen. We had some fun watching the Consumers guys replace all the poles and that's about it! Plus the kids did play outside in the hose with squirt guns, took a walk or two and rode bikes.
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Weekly Worship - Thomas Rhett - Be a Light ( lyrics ) ft. Keith Urban, Chris Tomlin, Hill...
As with many of the songs I share, I heard this one when a friend shared it on Facebook. It's more of a country song then one you'd sing in church but I still like the theme of the song about being a light because isn't that what we are supposed to be? A light for Jesus?
Enjoy!
Saturday, July 25, 2020
2020 Weekly Photos - #28
We had another great week. I keep thinking that summer is almost over but we are only in the middle of July. On one hand, that's great - we are getting to enjoy a nice long summer but on the other hand, July is kind of dragging for some reason! We are enjoying it though, so isn't that all that really matters?
Here's a look back at our week.
Saturday - Darryl went to pick my brother Ken up while I laid on the couch with an intense migraine. I don't get them often but when I do, they wipe me out. It wasn't long after Darryl got home that we had a knock on our door - my brother treated us to pizza! Yum!
Sunday - Darryl woke up with a headache and not feeling the best so he enjoyed a quiet day at home while the boys and I went to my mom's for a late lunch. I also had my zoom call with my brothers and mom. We always laugh, have fun, and get to share whats going on. Starting these zoom calls was one of the best things ever.
Monday - We had a busy day. It started with a trip to the orthodontist. Now, the boys orthodontist office is amazing. We had to wait outside until it was their turn; the boys went inside while I waited in the car. When they were done, they come out to the car and the office called me on the phone to go over details. Both are doing perfectly with their retainers and we don't go back for six months!
Once we got home, there was various levels of excitement:
Here's a look back at our week.
Saturday - Darryl went to pick my brother Ken up while I laid on the couch with an intense migraine. I don't get them often but when I do, they wipe me out. It wasn't long after Darryl got home that we had a knock on our door - my brother treated us to pizza! Yum!
Sunday - Darryl woke up with a headache and not feeling the best so he enjoyed a quiet day at home while the boys and I went to my mom's for a late lunch. I also had my zoom call with my brothers and mom. We always laugh, have fun, and get to share whats going on. Starting these zoom calls was one of the best things ever.
Monday - We had a busy day. It started with a trip to the orthodontist. Now, the boys orthodontist office is amazing. We had to wait outside until it was their turn; the boys went inside while I waited in the car. When they were done, they come out to the car and the office called me on the phone to go over details. Both are doing perfectly with their retainers and we don't go back for six months!
Once we got home, there was various levels of excitement:
All of the poles are being replaced on our street. The workers dropped the poles today. We are looking forward to watching them dig holes and replace the old poles.
The boys school books arrived. Nate's is the HUGE stack and Josh's is the short stack. I'm not super thrilled that the only book we have is a math book which means everything else is online. We'll see how 6th grade goes - we might have to look at different options.
My brother, Ken, came over and replaced the broken part in our light fixture so now my kitchen is filled with light once again!
The boys also had haircuts. Masks while doing haircuts are a whole new thing but we have a great hair stylist.
Finally, Nate had Tae Kwon Do but tonight it was just watching the Black Belts test which is always interesting to watch.
Tuesday - Today our excitement was outside the windows once again.
Dash sits at the door and whines when the kids leave him inside!!
The weather has been a little "cooler" and less humid this week so the kids even got the bikes out. The bikes tend to stay put away throughout much of July due to the heat so it's always nice to see them come back out
We had unexpected visitors. My in-laws were in town to pick up a pig from the local meat market so they called to see if we were home. Of course we were! It's the first time we've seen them since February, actually, so it was nice to catch up.
After they left, we just hung out . .. until we realized it was 8:30 and we had yet to eat. So, yes, we changed our menu and went and got our treat for the week. It was a beautiful night to enjoy Little Ceasers, McDonald's, and Arby's in the car (Yes, everyone gets to pick what they want!)
This truck has a huge vacuum on it - it "digs" the hole for the pole but sucking up all of the dirt.
This guy is moving some wires getting ready for the new pole to be lifted into the ground.
Finally, the pole gets lifted and placed into the hole.
Wednesday brought more fun with Consumers Energy.
Today the guys climbed the poles to move the wires. It was pretty impressive to watch.
Thursday - It was a quiet day at home as Darryl and Josh drove my brother to the other side of the state to meet up with my sister-in-law.
We have a bunny in our yard. This guy is pretty curious and brave. He just hops around the yard eating the grass and clover and doesn't care one bit about Dash. Amazingly, Dash doesn't care about him either.
The kids headed outside to play in the water for a bit.
I still love my flower box on my porch. It has held up really well and the flowers make me smile especially since I don't have to weed them.
It's finally Friday! Nate commented that Friday was taking forever and he was right. The day just dragged and I even went grocery shopping!
We had unexpected visitors. My in-laws were in town to pick up a pig from the local meat market so they called to see if we were home. Of course we were! It's the first time we've seen them since February, actually, so it was nice to catch up.
After they left, we just hung out . .. until we realized it was 8:30 and we had yet to eat. So, yes, we changed our menu and went and got our treat for the week. It was a beautiful night to enjoy Little Ceasers, McDonald's, and Arby's in the car (Yes, everyone gets to pick what they want!)
When we got home, a squirt gun fight started HA!
That's our week! It's hard to believe that we are entering the last week of July!
Friday, July 24, 2020
Weekly Menu
This week it is back to a little more of a normal routine. My brother and his family have headed back home and it's just going to be quiet for a bit.
I've become quite bored with our normal recipes so I've been saving and printing recipes for a few weeks as I've come across them online.
I've also been so enjoying the Pioneer Woman episodes during the pandemic because she is recording them at home with her kids as the camera crew and they are just all so fun!
Friday - I'm doing grocery shopping today. I don't love cooking after a big day of shopping and, considering I haven't had to do any major grocery shopping in over two weeks this one will be a little bigger, so I had to plan ahead. I put some potatoes in the crock pot, have frozen veggies to cook, and finally, Pioneer Woman Recipe #1 - Honey Chili Shrimp. Something really quick and easy!
Saturday - We are eating with my mom. I think we are treating ourselves to Pizza tonight. After all my mom and I both need a break from cooking HA! (Ok, really my mom - she's cooked a lot over the past two weeks!)
Sunday - Pioneer Woman recipe #2 - Veggie Ravioli Bake, a salad, and Garlic Bread. I might try to put the veggie portion on only part of it so Josh will still eat it :-)
Monday - Tacos. Nate has TKD testing tonight so we all just need to eat something. :-)
Tuesday - New Recipe #3 - Hawaiian Chicken Sliders, a new cauliflower recipe, french fries and salad
Wednesday - New Recipe #4 - Simple Chicken and Snow Pea Stir-Fry, Rice, and Salad
Thursday - New Recipe #5 - Chicken Legs in a new chicken marinade, Baked Beans, French Bread, and Veggies
I also have a couple of lunch ideas I'm going to try for myself and a new cake recipe.
So yes, this is the week of "new". All the recipes look good and most are pretty simple so hopefully it will all work out! Maybe they will even be good enough to be added into the recipe box verses the recipe being tossed in the garbage!
I've become quite bored with our normal recipes so I've been saving and printing recipes for a few weeks as I've come across them online.
I've also been so enjoying the Pioneer Woman episodes during the pandemic because she is recording them at home with her kids as the camera crew and they are just all so fun!
Friday - I'm doing grocery shopping today. I don't love cooking after a big day of shopping and, considering I haven't had to do any major grocery shopping in over two weeks this one will be a little bigger, so I had to plan ahead. I put some potatoes in the crock pot, have frozen veggies to cook, and finally, Pioneer Woman Recipe #1 - Honey Chili Shrimp. Something really quick and easy!
Saturday - We are eating with my mom. I think we are treating ourselves to Pizza tonight. After all my mom and I both need a break from cooking HA! (Ok, really my mom - she's cooked a lot over the past two weeks!)
Sunday - Pioneer Woman recipe #2 - Veggie Ravioli Bake, a salad, and Garlic Bread. I might try to put the veggie portion on only part of it so Josh will still eat it :-)
Monday - Tacos. Nate has TKD testing tonight so we all just need to eat something. :-)
Tuesday - New Recipe #3 - Hawaiian Chicken Sliders, a new cauliflower recipe, french fries and salad
Wednesday - New Recipe #4 - Simple Chicken and Snow Pea Stir-Fry, Rice, and Salad
Thursday - New Recipe #5 - Chicken Legs in a new chicken marinade, Baked Beans, French Bread, and Veggies
I also have a couple of lunch ideas I'm going to try for myself and a new cake recipe.
So yes, this is the week of "new". All the recipes look good and most are pretty simple so hopefully it will all work out! Maybe they will even be good enough to be added into the recipe box verses the recipe being tossed in the garbage!
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Inside the Mind of a List Maker
Are you a list maker? Do you set goals . .. yearly, weekly, or daily goals? I am a list maker and I set goals - all kinds of goals. It makes me happy!
In our first year of marriage, as we relaxed on New Years Day, I looked at Darryl and asked, 'So, what are your goals for the year?" He looked at me funny. He doesn't set goals. I made him write a goal list thinking everyone should do this wonderful thing. Guess what? By January 2nd he had no idea what he had written down. For real.
Darryl has asked me the following a few times -- "Why do you make a list or set goals when you know you won't complete them?" I think that's the secret behind the mind of a list maker.
Are you ready? That secret is simply without a list nothing gets done; with a list something gets done. I know when I post my monthly goals or when I write a daily list that I will not accomplish everything on the list. Shoot, sometimes I don't complete ANYTHING on it but at least I tried!
Planning makes me feel secure. Writing things down in my planner is my sure fire way of making sure that I don't miss an appointment or event that is important. Plus, a planner brings me joy.
Last week was a week where I made an incredible plan. I had a couple of days off from babysitting and I was giving the kids a "vacation" week so I didn't need to plan, prepare, and execute their plans. With that in mind, I made a plan of what I wanted to done - some huge projects to be honest. Do you know how much of that list I got done? Next to nothing!
On one hand I was a little mad at myself but on the other hand, I understand that I had other things get in the way and, honestly, it was humid and and that makes me not want to do much . As a list maker, I don't see failure, even though I'm sure some of you do, but rather I see opportunity. I can look at my long unfinished list and break it down into smaller bites to work on in the coming days.
Darryl has asked me the following a few times -- "Why do you make a list or set goals when you know you won't complete them?" I think that's the secret behind the mind of a list maker.
Planning makes me feel secure. Writing things down in my planner is my sure fire way of making sure that I don't miss an appointment or event that is important. Plus, a planner brings me joy.
Last week was a week where I made an incredible plan. I had a couple of days off from babysitting and I was giving the kids a "vacation" week so I didn't need to plan, prepare, and execute their plans. With that in mind, I made a plan of what I wanted to done - some huge projects to be honest. Do you know how much of that list I got done? Next to nothing!
On one hand I was a little mad at myself but on the other hand, I understand that I had other things get in the way and, honestly, it was humid and and that makes me not want to do much . As a list maker, I don't see failure, even though I'm sure some of you do, but rather I see opportunity. I can look at my long unfinished list and break it down into smaller bites to work on in the coming days.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
What We Are Eating Wednesday - Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sorry for slacking last week ;-) Since we've been eating with family a lot the last week and a half last weeks food post just slipped right by! I gathered a few new recipes recently and am working on trying those out so hopefully I'll have some "material" for the next few months!
I also feel like I'm in a rut with cooking - which usually happens in July/August. Searching Pinterest always brings up some new ideas along with my favorite, The Pioneer Woman. I like to keep things real with these posts so I will share new recipes that I try and be honest about how they tasted and how they looked!
So, a friend shared a post on Facebook for these super easy chocolate chip cookies. I used to bake a lot before we had kids. I usually baked some type of bread as well as a dessert or cookie. I quit baking because my kids don't really eat it so I was throwing a lot away. Well, they are starting to enjoy treats a little more so I figured this was a good recipe to try and it was actually a hit. Half the pan was gone before I even cut them and put them in a container and that is ALWAYS a positive sign of a successful cookie!
Here's the recipe:
And yes, it is really that easy.
I also feel like I'm in a rut with cooking - which usually happens in July/August. Searching Pinterest always brings up some new ideas along with my favorite, The Pioneer Woman. I like to keep things real with these posts so I will share new recipes that I try and be honest about how they tasted and how they looked!
So, a friend shared a post on Facebook for these super easy chocolate chip cookies. I used to bake a lot before we had kids. I usually baked some type of bread as well as a dessert or cookie. I quit baking because my kids don't really eat it so I was throwing a lot away. Well, they are starting to enjoy treats a little more so I figured this was a good recipe to try and it was actually a hit. Half the pan was gone before I even cut them and put them in a container and that is ALWAYS a positive sign of a successful cookie!
Here's the recipe:
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Graduation Album - The Final Book
This year I created my tenth and final graduation book for my nieces and nephews. I started this when the oldest graduated A LONG TIME AGO. I still remember his - it was huge. I printed off tons and tons of photos from the course of his life; I made everyone create their own scrapbook page and write a letter to him on that page; I incorporated the words of a song throughout the pages. Wow. Each year the books got a little more defined until about number 7 when I changed them to instead reflect family. I searched for photos with the graduate and family members through the years. This, I felt, made it more personal. I also had to resort to allowing the family to e-mail or message me their letters in order to make sure I received them all.
This years book is not quite done. With it being the final book it has taken a little more prompting to get the family letters and I'm still waiting on a few. I refuse to give the book as a gift without it being complete so I'll wait for those to arrive before I put the finishing touches on it and send it!
I'm not sure what I'll do for my boys when they graduate -- I might have to get creative :-)
I'm not sure what I'll do for my boys when they graduate -- I might have to get creative :-)
Monday, July 20, 2020
Week 5 - Looks and Links
Wow. We are on week 5 of our summer plans. I actually thought I'd be ready for a Vacation week after week 2 HA! Instead I've enjoyed planning our activities and seeing what the kids can do.
So, why is this week a vacation week? Very simply because it's a short week. We have family in town this week so we are doing a few things with them on Monday. My extra kids are also taking Tuesday off.
That brings us back together for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I know we will be busy with our family in the evenings so I wanted to keep the day time a little more relaxed for us.
I had planned to use the week as a "project week" but that did not happen either. We were busy, stayed up late, and I wasn't super motivated. On Friday I finally did some cleaning and picking up around the house.
I had also hoped to have some photos of those projects that didn't get done . . .but I don't HA! Oh well.
So, instead, I'll leave you with this cute photo.
So, why is this week a vacation week? Very simply because it's a short week. We have family in town this week so we are doing a few things with them on Monday. My extra kids are also taking Tuesday off.
That brings us back together for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I know we will be busy with our family in the evenings so I wanted to keep the day time a little more relaxed for us.
I had planned to use the week as a "project week" but that did not happen either. We were busy, stayed up late, and I wasn't super motivated. On Friday I finally did some cleaning and picking up around the house.
I had also hoped to have some photos of those projects that didn't get done . . .but I don't HA! Oh well.
So, instead, I'll leave you with this cute photo.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Weekly Photos 2020 #27
We had a good week with some family in town. Here's a look back at some of our adventures
Saturday - We hung out at home before going to my mom's for dinner.
Sunday - Another quiet day at home. Darryl and I were just commenting on how we always stay home on the weekend HA!
Monday - My brother and his family came into town late Sunday night. We then all headed to my nephews house for the day.
Tuesday - We played games at my moms before dinner. Then we headed to my cousins FroYo place. It was fun to catch up with family.
Wednesday - Time for more games!!
Thursday - This was a quite day at home.
Friday - Darryl spent the day with his dad and we spent the day at home! The boys and I went for a drive and grabbed dinner. On the way home, I stopped and told them to get out of the car and run down a sidewalk. Why? There were sprinklers!! HA! They had so much fun!
Saturday - We hung out at home before going to my mom's for dinner.
Sunday - Another quiet day at home. Darryl and I were just commenting on how we always stay home on the weekend HA!
Monday - My brother and his family came into town late Sunday night. We then all headed to my nephews house for the day.
This is proof that my mom climbed the rock wall!
We went to the beach. The water felt a little chilly . . .it was about 40 degrees HA! Two days before the water temp was about 75. Crazy Lake Michigan.
Wednesday - Time for more games!!
Nate stayed the night at Nana's on Tuesday. He hung out with Aunt Lynnette and they did a work out and went for a power walk. (For the record, on Thursday, Nate couldn't put deodorant on because he couldn't lift his arms HA!)
And yes, my mom played Twister too!
Friday - Darryl spent the day with his dad and we spent the day at home! The boys and I went for a drive and grabbed dinner. On the way home, I stopped and told them to get out of the car and run down a sidewalk. Why? There were sprinklers!! HA! They had so much fun!
Friday, July 17, 2020
Weekly Menu - Another easy one
We've enjoyed some great meals this past week with family made even better because I did not have to cook much HA! This week will be similar as we will be enjoying dinner with my brother and mom several nights.
Friday - I've promised Josh some Dairy Queen so I'm sure we will make a trip to get our weekly treat from there :-)
Saturday - Chicken, Noodles, and veggies.
Sunday - Dinner at my mom's
Monday - It's TKD night so spaghetti and garlic bread is easy to eat in shifts :-)
Tuesday - Dinner at my mom's (I think!)
Wednesday - The last night with my brother at my mom's.
Thursday - It's just us once again. Pork Loin, Mac and Cheese, mixed veggies, and french bread
Friday - I've promised Josh some Dairy Queen so I'm sure we will make a trip to get our weekly treat from there :-)
Saturday - Chicken, Noodles, and veggies.
Sunday - Dinner at my mom's
Monday - It's TKD night so spaghetti and garlic bread is easy to eat in shifts :-)
Tuesday - Dinner at my mom's (I think!)
Wednesday - The last night with my brother at my mom's.
Thursday - It's just us once again. Pork Loin, Mac and Cheese, mixed veggies, and french bread
Thursday, July 16, 2020
How we "cut the cord" on Cable . . .well, not really
For several years we have talked about "cutting the cord" on Cable to save money. Well, when they recently raised our price . . .again. . . we started doing some serious looking. A friend of mine shared that they had just done the same thing so she shared their info with us to make it easier.
The first thing we did was go to Suppose.tv. At this site you can put in your location and your favorite channels. It will give recommendations on the best streaming services as the best cost.
After finding what we thought we would work, we order a Roku.
We do not have a smart TV which would have eliminated the need for this but, thanks to a great deal on Amazon we were able to pick this up for half price.
Next, we signed up for a one week free trial of YouTube TV.
We picked YouTube TV because it had almost every channel we wanted with the exception of Hallmark. We had another steaming service picked that would had Hallmark but were waiting to do that piece. The Roku and YouTube TV were easy to use and we were very happy with the picture.
The final piece was contacting our cable company. Well, they wanted to keep a customer so they increased our internet speed and cut our bill significantly. The bill is lower then what it would be with the streaming! Which is where the "well, not really" comes in - we did not switch. Our price with cable is supposed to be locked in for a few years so for now, we will stick with what we have! Ironically, we got a notification that YouTube TV was increasing their price by $15.00 a month which would have made it more expensive after the cable company lowered our bill!!
The only reason I share this is in case you were considering switching you would have a little information to start digging with to find what works for you. I highly recommend starting with Suppose.TV.
The first thing we did was go to Suppose.tv. At this site you can put in your location and your favorite channels. It will give recommendations on the best streaming services as the best cost.
After finding what we thought we would work, we order a Roku.
Next, we signed up for a one week free trial of YouTube TV.
The final piece was contacting our cable company. Well, they wanted to keep a customer so they increased our internet speed and cut our bill significantly. The bill is lower then what it would be with the streaming! Which is where the "well, not really" comes in - we did not switch. Our price with cable is supposed to be locked in for a few years so for now, we will stick with what we have! Ironically, we got a notification that YouTube TV was increasing their price by $15.00 a month which would have made it more expensive after the cable company lowered our bill!!
The only reason I share this is in case you were considering switching you would have a little information to start digging with to find what works for you. I highly recommend starting with Suppose.TV.
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
School Goals for 5th and 6th Grade
It's the middle of July so I suppose it is time for me to start thinking about goals for our school year.
Every year, as we continue with Connections Academy, I always am confident that we finally have it all together. That I know the in's and outs of the whole deal but, guess what? Every year I find out I'm wrong! HA! Instead, we start the year and once again it takes me about 2 months to get it all together!
This year will be even more strange because I have a sixth grader! His whole routine will be different and something new to learn. I think we can figure it out, though, and maybe, just maybe help him become a little more independent!
First of all, the boys and I have some goals for Connections Academy itself. Some lessons were learned this past year in the way we did things and they weren't always for the best! So, with that in mind we discussed a few things at the end of the year in how to make the 2020-2021 better. This is what we came up with together:
1. Attend live lessons. Last year the boys did not attend any and they both said that they missed them. So, the goal is to attend as many live lessons as possible so that they can connect with the other students and their teachers. Plus, one comment I was given about Nate was that the teacher would love to see him in Live Lessons because he would be a great example to the other students. How can I not give him that opportunity?
2. Start the year strong. We have always been slow starters but this coming year my goal is to start strong with the goal of wrapping up first semester by Christmas time.
3. End the year strong. This is usually a non-issue but we still have the goal to wrap up our year by May 15th.
4. Complete projects on time.
Second, I also have some plans for additional things the boys need to accomplish.
1. We will continue on with cursive writing. Nate loves cursive writing whereas Josh does not. Either way, they are both continuing on with cursive writing. Don't worry, isn't that Josh hates it - he just wants his printing to be neater and isn't quite as focused on cursive.
2. Practice Grammar. I've picked up a grade level grammar practice book for each of the boys. I feel like grammar gets skimmed over in their lessons and think this will just give some added practice.
3. Add a Bible curriculum/study. Up until this year, I've relied on their AWANA books to be their "Bible" but now that they are getting older I feel like we can add something more. I'm still looking at a couple of options and haven't picked what we will do but I want this to be more student led and more then just their daily devotional that they currently have to read each day. We will continue on with AWANA verses as well.
4. Typing. There are some great, free typing curriculum available. I'm still looking at my options but I plan on adding that to their daily list as well. Just 1-2 days a week of practice but I think that is a skill that will help them as they get older. (No more one-finger typing!)
5. Clubs - This is something new for Josh as a sixth grader. We are going to look at the various clubs and hopefully find one he likes. I've heard there is a running club which is something he is already interested in at this point. I might also look into an art club as Josh really enjoys art.
6. Piano - this is not new. We will continue with piano lessons this fall as well.
In the coming weeks I will have to finalize a few things, help the boys clean out their desks and get them ready for the coming year and stock up on my favorite chocolate to get me through the first few weeks HA! (Not really!) . I can say in all honesty that I am so thankful I already homeschool my kids. In light of the current events, it is so nice to not have to think about all of the "what-if's" . Our biggest what -if is whether or not our Co-Op will meet this fall as normal and we should have that answer by the end of July!
Every year, as we continue with Connections Academy, I always am confident that we finally have it all together. That I know the in's and outs of the whole deal but, guess what? Every year I find out I'm wrong! HA! Instead, we start the year and once again it takes me about 2 months to get it all together!
This year will be even more strange because I have a sixth grader! His whole routine will be different and something new to learn. I think we can figure it out, though, and maybe, just maybe help him become a little more independent!
First of all, the boys and I have some goals for Connections Academy itself. Some lessons were learned this past year in the way we did things and they weren't always for the best! So, with that in mind we discussed a few things at the end of the year in how to make the 2020-2021 better. This is what we came up with together:
1. Attend live lessons. Last year the boys did not attend any and they both said that they missed them. So, the goal is to attend as many live lessons as possible so that they can connect with the other students and their teachers. Plus, one comment I was given about Nate was that the teacher would love to see him in Live Lessons because he would be a great example to the other students. How can I not give him that opportunity?
2. Start the year strong. We have always been slow starters but this coming year my goal is to start strong with the goal of wrapping up first semester by Christmas time.
3. End the year strong. This is usually a non-issue but we still have the goal to wrap up our year by May 15th.
4. Complete projects on time.
Second, I also have some plans for additional things the boys need to accomplish.
1. We will continue on with cursive writing. Nate loves cursive writing whereas Josh does not. Either way, they are both continuing on with cursive writing. Don't worry, isn't that Josh hates it - he just wants his printing to be neater and isn't quite as focused on cursive.
2. Practice Grammar. I've picked up a grade level grammar practice book for each of the boys. I feel like grammar gets skimmed over in their lessons and think this will just give some added practice.
3. Add a Bible curriculum/study. Up until this year, I've relied on their AWANA books to be their "Bible" but now that they are getting older I feel like we can add something more. I'm still looking at a couple of options and haven't picked what we will do but I want this to be more student led and more then just their daily devotional that they currently have to read each day. We will continue on with AWANA verses as well.
4. Typing. There are some great, free typing curriculum available. I'm still looking at my options but I plan on adding that to their daily list as well. Just 1-2 days a week of practice but I think that is a skill that will help them as they get older. (No more one-finger typing!)
5. Clubs - This is something new for Josh as a sixth grader. We are going to look at the various clubs and hopefully find one he likes. I've heard there is a running club which is something he is already interested in at this point. I might also look into an art club as Josh really enjoys art.
6. Piano - this is not new. We will continue with piano lessons this fall as well.
In the coming weeks I will have to finalize a few things, help the boys clean out their desks and get them ready for the coming year and stock up on my favorite chocolate to get me through the first few weeks HA! (Not really!) . I can say in all honesty that I am so thankful I already homeschool my kids. In light of the current events, it is so nice to not have to think about all of the "what-if's" . Our biggest what -if is whether or not our Co-Op will meet this fall as normal and we should have that answer by the end of July!
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