Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Recap of Summer Goals


So, maybe this photo should really say "Goodbye Summer" but I hate goodbyes so we will keep it at hello!  Summer is always a tough call - some years I am all of projects and some years I'm not.  I started out strong in June and accomplished quite a bit.  July came and there were some hiccups - Darryl ended up being off work for a few weeks but was also struggling with vertigo.  Anytime he ends up being home for an extended period of time it takes a bit for me to get into a different routine . . . .he wasn't off quite long enough for me to do that!  Added to that - I ended up with poison ivy so I didn't want to do anything because then it would itch and then we all ended up with a summer cold (for real - not covid HA!) .  I feel like I spent half of July either trying not to itch or trying not to cough and sneeze!!  As August approached, though, I kind of got my motivation and hit my list a little harder.  It does help that my extra kids go back to school mid-way through August giving me some more time to work on my list! 

1.  Reading - I posted my summer reading goal earlier this week.   I struggled with reading - I didn't sit out on my swing every day because it was either hot or rainy or the wasps were enjoying my swing too.  I was also reading a couple of books that I didn't love but wanted to finish so they took a bit longer.  .  

2. Scrapbooking - 1) Match the printed album spines to the albums - Done.  2) Order 2011, 2016-2018 photos for September and October and 2020-2021 photos for May, June, July and August by September 1st(ish). I did get some ordered but not all of them!  3) Scrapbook March, April and May 2020 and 2021 4) Scrapbook at least one month in 2011, 2016-2018. 5) Add all memorabilia to any completed album (finally cleaning out my files!)  (Whew!  These are big goals!) I did not do any scrapbooking this summer for some reason.  I went to my first scrapbooking crop since before Covid this past Friday so I did finally get a little done!  

3. Completely clean out my file cabinet and organize it (a once a year project!) Done!

4. Progress through my "52 weeks of cleaning" list.  I got off track in April as we were getting ready for vacation so it is time to get back on track! I'd like to start September on the right week so I can finish strong. The main room I'm tackling is the kitchen but there is also the dining room, and finishing up the living room. I kind of spun my wheels on this over the summer.  I cleaned the dining room a few times, did some work in the basement, and helped Josh clean his room.  

5.  The basement - due to all of the plumbing things we had done, everything in the basement got shifted to one side.  Now the motivation is to get it all cleaned out so I can get to the Christmas decorations HA!  My goal for the summer is to finish the storage area of the basement - I had it about 80% done before the big shift so, really, this makes it easier to go through one bin at a time and then move stuff out!  This is about 50% done!  Josh really helped alot because he needed to make room for drums! 

6. Our Co-Op - I'm sign-up to teach two classes this fall.  My goal is to have my lessons ready for the first 4 weeks (of 8) of class by September and to have the second 4 planned out.  Done! 

7. Outside - we are slowly (very slowly) working on some outside projects.  We finished one already.  The second one is the garage/fence area.  We also want to power wash some things and re-stain my swing.  We got some projects done and then it stopped because I got hit with poison ivy!!!  Uuugg Talk about a motivation killer! 

8. Darryl's list - this list is a mile long LOL  I'd like it all done ;-) 

9. Piano - The kids are starting back up with piano this fall so the goal for them is to practice at least one day a week just to get back what they learned before and to be ready to start again.  My goal is to work on my Christmas song I want to "record" and post in December.  I don't think any of us touched the piano this summer.  Lessons start in September though so the kids need a quite review!! 

10. Birthdays and Holidays - 1) 4th of July - We need Fireworks and Fun. Done!   :-)  2) Finally celebrating Nate's 11th birthday with HIS day (we put it off due to covid) - Done! 3) Labor Day = our annual camping trip. - Done 4) Josh's 13th birthday 5) Thanksgiving - Done (My mom is hosting!) 6) Nate's 12th birthday and 7) Christmas.  I need to plan and/or plan ahead for all of these events. 

11. The Olympics - I love them and watch as much of it as I can  . .. for real :-)  It's important enough to make the list. Done! 

12. School - Clean out desks, make sure we have supplies for school and our co-op, figure out handwriting books, devotional books and any other "extra" stuff that is needed for the school year.  Done!

13. The Garage - I actually cleaned up the garage a few weeks ago when it was nice and cool out.  But, I have some bins that have been sitting in the garage for a few years that I want to sort through and clean out.  it will open up some space on the workbench to clean all of that out.  

14. Cooking - Remember that Macaroon set I bought in the spring - I want to actually use it and learn now to make them. 

15. Finally - just enjoy the summer.  It's easy to get wrapped up in a huge to do list and miss out on the sights and sounds of summer.  I love hearing the birds and seeing flowers bloom.  I enjoy reading outside and listening to the rain with the windows open.  So, just . .. breathe.  Last summer we stayed home most days due to covid - I found that I actually enjoyed the slowed down pace of life so I'm working purposefully to not get too busy but just enjoy every day.  It was a hot summer and a very wet summer at times so the windows were not open much and I didn't get to enjoy the outside relaxing much but I'm hopeful the fall will be better and maybe we can even have some campfires.

I'm actually happy with what I accomplished now that I see it in a list.  Could I have accomplished more?  Yes but I'm ok with what I did do and I also really enjoyed the summer as a whole! 

Friday, August 27, 2021

Weekly Menu

 Here it is the end of August!  I feel like July dragged by and August zoomed right on past!  Even though I'm ready for cooler, crisp fall weather, I'm not really ready for summer to end.  No stopping time, though, right?  This is also "clean out the fridge, freezer, and cupboards" week!  We've ended up with lots of hamburger in the freezer (We buy fresh for burgers and then freeze what's left . . . meaning lots of packages of frozen burger HA) so the main focus this week will be . .. . Hamburger meals!!  The other goal this week is easy meals :-)  

Friday - I'm going scrapbooking for the first time in about 2 years.  This is the first crop since pre-covid and I'm excited to not only scrapbook but to scrapbook with friends!!!  It's our drive thru night so the three guys will do their thing and I'll do mine! 

Saturday - Darryl is off on an adventure with his day.  We are going to do something different today - we are going to have lunch with my mom! 

Sunday - Amish Breakfast Casserole, Blueberry Coffee Cake, Crash Potatoes

Monday - Cornish Hens, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing and Corn

Tuesday - Korean Pork Bulgogi and Fried Rice

Wednesday - Beef Drips, Potato Salad and Chips

Thursday - Stromboli and Salad

Monday, August 23, 2021

School - It's that time again!

 We are still 100% enjoying our summer break and we still have a full month before we start school.  Yet, this is the time of year I start to think about our schedule and our/my goals for the school year.  Last year was so different because our friends where here from the start of school until the end of January doing their own virtual school too.  That made it hard to stick to some of our routines and goals.  Four kids with four different computer schedules and online times was hard to coordiante.  I'm hopeful that this year my two can not only get their class work done but also their seatwork items that we need to accomplish as well.  

Our schedule is still up in the air some because I'm not sure when Piano lessons will be or what time Nate's guitar lessons will be (I have looked to see when the group lessons were previously so I have an idea . . .)  Anyway, I have put together a basic plan as follows:

Monday-Thursday

9:00-10:00 - Josh works on Math and Science with me.  If time we will hit on art, ed tech or health.  Nate will be on his own working on his Language Arts Lesson.  

10:00-11:00 - Both kids will have seatwork time and free time.  I also set this hour up so I have time to get things done as well.  Last year their schedules did not overlap and I ended up without a break from 9:00-3:00 every day.  

11:00-12:00 - Josh works on LA; Nate and I will work on Math, Science and art, ed. tech or health

12:00-1:00 - Lunch

1:00-2:00 - Nate has Seatwork time; Josh and I will do Social Studies and any other lessons that need to be done.

2:00-3:00 - Josh has Seatwork time; Nate and I will do Social Studies and any other lessons that need to be done

** From September 13-October 18 Josh has running club so we will be gone from 12:30-3:30 on Mondays.  

** Josh as drums from 11:00-11:30 on Wednesday (so gone from 10:45-11:45).  

** Piano - once I know a day and time I'll work it in! 

** Nate will have guitar lessons - I think they will be in the evening on Tuesdays. 


I'm still on hold with their schedule too as the online site is not updated yet with that info.  I like to set up our schedule specifically for us!  


Saturday, August 21, 2021

2021 Week in Photos #27

 A quick look back at our week! 

Saturday - I feel like we did something on Saturday but I cannot remember!!  How crazy is that?  I think we worked on the trampoline and Josh had a youth activity. 

Sunday - We had church and then worked on the trampoline more! 




So, the trampoline is up -- we still have to get the enclosure up but it turned SUPER hot this week and there was no working outside!  

Monday - This was my do nothing day.  Some sleeping in, McDonald's as a treat for lunch, lots of reading and watching some of my recorded shows. 

Tuesday - We had a great day with my mom at our local animal refuge - Boulder Ridge! 


We had fun feeding the birds.  
And feeding ourselves :-) HA! 

My favorite!!  The giraffes :-)  Every time we go to Boulder Ridge I say, "I need to get a membership next year so I can go sit and watch the giraffes and read my book anytime I want!" 


Petting a baby kangaroo! 



Wednesday - Today was our last "vacation" day (with our friends on vacation) so we tried to enjoy a quiet day.  I did grocery shopping and Nate went to his friends house but otherwise we just enjoyed the day. 

Thursday - I used this day to work on things for my co-op classes.

Friday - TKD day followed by just doing things at home.  


It was a fun, hot week!  

Friday, August 20, 2021

Weekly Menu

 August has really slowed right down after a pretty busy July.  I'm trying to enjoy it as much as possible because our September is pretty busy (and we aren't even there yet!)  I'm still trying to really balance the love we had of the lockdown (doing nothing - no commitments - family time) and adding in the things that we really want to do - music lessons, a few field trips, etc.  I do not want to over commit and I want to make sure that school time gets done - we really loved having a long Christmas break because their lessons were done as well as finishing early in May.  :-)  I have no idea how that has to do with my weekly Menu post other than August is slow HA!  

Friday - Our normal take out night.  

Saturday - Dinner at my mom's!  We missed this last week due to a youth group activity but hopefully this weeks will stay on schedule! 

Sunday - Tacos and chips and salsa

Monday - Meatballs, baked rice, and broccoli

Tuesday - Roasted Cornish Hens, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Wednesday - Baked Breakfast Taquitos or Sausage, Egg and cheese crescent, Easy Lemon Raspberry scones, and banana bread (trying some new recipes) 

Thursday - Korean Pork Bulgogi, fried rice, and green beans

Monday, August 16, 2021

Summer Fun Week #9

 

Summer is winding down - well at least our "Summer Fun" posts as our friends return to school in just one more week.  Our "Summer Fun" is also winding down as our friends are gone on vacation for a week between this past week and this coming week.  I am trying to plan a little less and just let them all enjoy the last bit before they return to school.  This will be my last "Summer Fun" post as our friends are on vacation through most of next week and then start school! 

Here is the last recap! 

Monday - This is a 100% stay at home day.  No plans for the kids.  Actually we had a super busy weekend so I needed to use my Monday as a "recovery day" to get things put away!! 

Tuesday - My brother and sister-in-law were still in town and wanted to see a movie so we all went and saw Jungle Cruise! 



Wednesday - I had hoped to hit the pool today but we got hit with some storms so we just hung out at home! 

Thursday - Our Friends are on vacation.  So no real plans :-) I had a leadership team meeting followed by grocery shopping so it was a busy day in the end. 

Friday - TKD and that's all!  I'm looking forward to an afternoon of nothingness.  


Sunday, August 15, 2021

Weekly Worship - Lauren Daigle ~ Remember (Lyrics)


This is an older song by Lauren Daigle but I had never heard it before last night - I was listening to some songs on YouTube and came across this one.  It has a great message. 

Saturday, August 14, 2021

2021 Weekly Photos #26

 Here's a look back at our week.  

Saturday - Darryl and I took off for the day for our Anniversary.  We treated ourselves and rented a pick-up truck for the day (because driving a brand new car is always fun!), had lunch at Q'doba and headed to the Lakeshore.  We stopped at Muskegon State Park Beach before heading on through Silver Lake and then to Pentwater for dinner and to watch the Sunset on the beach.  Do you know what I did not do?  Take one single photo.  For real.  

Sunday - After church on Sunday morning, we went into the city to return our truck and then we had "Sunday Dinner" out - something we never do and it was fun. 

Monday - My brother and sister-in-law ended up in town for some extra days so we had dinner with them and then played a game.  

Tuesday - We got to see a movie with Kel and Deb and my mom! 


Wednesday - We had one last dinner with Kel and Deb at my mom's and played a game of Five Crowns.  Nate also had VBS - the last night of that as well.  

Thursday - Our extra friends are on vacation!  

Friday - Just TKD and then relaxing at home! OHHH And Josh got his drum set! 

I really slacked off on photos this week!!  Thankful that my brother took the one at the movie :-) 

Friday, August 13, 2021

Weekly Menu

 I should just delete last weeks menu post because it crashed and burned HA!  I finally made it to the store on Sunday late afternoon -----without a list ---- which is unheard of for me!  I planned on the cuff and picked up some super easy things to cook this week and planned to get back on track this week!  So, with that said, get ready for some repeats!!!! 

Friday - Our take out night!  

Saturday - Burgers on the grill, potato salad and Fruit and dip

Sunday - Dinner at my mom's.   

Monday - Brats, corn on the cob and French fries

Tuesday - Beef Stroganoff and broccoli

Wednesday - Stuffed Shells, Green Beans, and garlic bread

Thursday - Ham and Cheese Quiche, Coffee Cake, and Fruit 


Monday, August 9, 2021

Summer Fun Week 8

 


This past week felt a little weird because it is the first week that we didn't have automatic activities - the Library program ended last week so now we have 5 days to fill!  Well, not really fill but the two days of Library events gave us something to look forward too!  I knew before the week started that I wanted to do "something" at least one day during the week so we didn't just stay home.  We also finally got our new trampoline put together so the kids enjoyed that too. 

Monday - Today is a stay home day.  Well, kinda.  Josh and Nate had haircuts and then we enjoyed lunch at Taco Bell.  Nate went to his best friends house for the afternoon and the rest of us headed home.




Tuesday - Today was a true stay at home day.  We spent some time in the afternoon working on our new trampoline.  




Wednesday - Today the kids just got to be home while I left : -)  It's our anniversary so my mom hung out at the house while I headed to town to do some wondering through my favorite stores before meeting Darryl for dinner.

Thursday - There is actually a library activity today - another nerf war - so we headed to Mooville in Nashville first for a picnic and to see the petting zoo.   







Friday - Nate had TKD and everyone else just had Free Friday!  


** I know some of the photos are a repeat from my weekend post but they were just too fun not to share! 


Saturday, August 7, 2021

2021 Week in photos #26

 Here's a little look back at our week! 

Saturday - WE went to my mother-in-laws for the day. 

We started out our day with a treat - breakfast from McDonald's.  It's been a long time since we have treated ourselves to breakfast! 
My in-laws live on a lake so it's always fun to hang out at the lake for the day.  There were lots of games - giant checkers started the afternoon. 
After dinner, Grandpa taught Nate how to play Cribbage. 
Darryl, his mom, and Josh played Scrabble.  What did I do?  Tried not to fall asleep - talk about boring games HA!  

My mother-in-law attracted a Dragon Fly :-) 

Sunday - We visited a new church and had lunch with my mom before Nate headed to VBS. 


On Monday, Josh and Nate got haircuts, we had a fun outing to Taco Bell for lunch and then we met my good friend for Ice Cream before their family heads back to Florida 



Josh had to show he was taller than my friend Jessica :-) 

Tuesday - We had a quiet day at home and worked on the Trampoline


Wednesday - It was our anniversary so I took off for the day! 
My black eyed susans look amazing!  These are probably my favorite summer flower so I love seeing this area in my yard doing so well! 
My first stop was Panera Break for a cup of soup and some bagels to take home for breakfast the rest of the week. 
My second stop was Target where I also got a Starbucks.  From there I went to Hobby Lobby and Baker Bookhouse before meeting Darryl for dinner at Red Lobster!  It was a nice afternoon and fun meeting the big D for dinner!! 

Nate also attending another VBS with a friend. 
I love my lion.  I've always wanted a lion statue - this guy was at Menards and I have watched him all summer sitting on the shelf every time I went in to pick stuff up.  Well, I got some "Menards Money" (refunds from Menards) and decided if he was still there, I was getting him!!!  
Nate and his friend at VBS :-) 

Thursday - We visited Mooville and had dinner with my brother Kel and sister-in-law Deb. 
Our fun little picnic :-) 



Josh killed a fly and wanted to share his skill.  
For dinner, we got BBQ from the local food truck and Josh and Nate got McDonald's.  Josh's double cheeseburger was just a little smooshed HA! 

Friday - TKD, Coffee with my brother and dinner and games at my mom.

Nate got to spare today.  It's not his favorite thing but I'm proud of him for trying hard. 
Coffee time :-) 

Darryl cooked the steaks for dinner with my mom, Kel, and Deb.  After dinner we enjoyed a great zoom call with Ken and Jeff followed by a game of Exploding Kittens!  

So yes, it was a great, busy week.  And yes, I'll probably re-share a few photos on my Summer Fun post but that's ok because I just wanted to share the fun we all had this week!