Thursday, March 31, 2022

March Recap

So, when I posted the March goals I ended it by saying I didn't think I could actually get it done well, I was right.  March started with food poisoning (thanks Dairy Queen)  then moved into a pretty great old fashioned head cold, followed by some super busy weekends.  Just when I thought things were slow down - March ended up being even busier then it has been!  

Anyway, I added notes.  You will see many of these again in April (I guess that makes writing April goals easier, right?) 

 Here's the plan for March: 

1. I'm working on following a "Declutter" calendar from a blog that I've followed for years.  My goal is to finish all of the March tasks and also to catch up on any tasks from January and February that are not done. 

2. Work in the basement - we had made a lot of progress last year but then we added drums and a "band" space for all my guys to play together and stuff got "shoved".  The plan is to drag everyone to the basement one day in March and spend a few hours working together.  That way we can sort and get things out together.  Josh is really great at this - he worked by himself a few times last year.  

3. Scrapbooking - I was really organized and well planned the last year and a half but then I stopped scrapbooking for a bit and am now a little unsure of where I stand.  Therefore I have a few goals with scrapbooking.  A) Get all of my pages that are done into albums and make a list of where I'm at for the 4 years I'm working on B) Write down where I'm at ordering photos so I don't re-order photos.  C) Set aside one weekend at least to scrapbook D) Upload all photos from my phone and camera and continue work on organizing my photos 

4) Lego Room/Play Room - We have some old bookshelves that we attached to the wall years ago but they are about ready to fall apart.  I want to get those emptied and taken down.  This will also open up a little space for storage and a Lego Building area. 

5) Reading - My goal this year is to read 52 books this year with 12 of them being non-fiction.  So my goal this month will be to read a total of 4 books - 3 for fun and 1 for learning.  I also want to sent up a Pinterest or Facebook page to record what I read all year. I did join an on-line book club this year so that will help with my reading too! 

6) Music - Learn one piano song this month and then play it at church as a prelude.  Also, work on a special music number. 

7) Family Fun - We always try to head to where Darryl and I got engage in March so that is on the plan.  Darryl and I also trying to go on a "date" once a month (even a simple coffee shop visit is fine).  Also plan some future events - maybe some concerts that are coming up or camping trips this summer, etc.  I just need to get an idea on some dates and costs to see what we can actually do  We DID go on our annual trip to the other side of the state AND Darryl and I got a date because we bought a car and then went out to dinner!  

8) Bible Study - Complete my Bible Study 3 days a week and create my prayer journal  

9) Make Darryl's to do list :-)  And then get some of those things done! He fixed our garage door opener :-)  He also hung up some of things in Nate's room that needed done! 

10) Learn how to make a really good Shrimp and Grits. I bought a cookbook specifically for this recipe so I'm half way there!  This was supposed to happen this week for dinner but I forgot to buy grits so I'm moving it to next week! 

11) Restock our toiletry and medicine cabinet.  

12) Update my holiday plan - I still need to do Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and now Valentine's.  Plus plan St. Patrick's Day and look ahead at Easter. 

13) Wrap up our Co-op Semester and turn in my classes for the fall. 100% done! 

14) Clean out my vehicle - it always gets a little crazy between October and March when I don't want to stand outside and clean it out! 

15) Work with Nate to clean his room and move stuff that he wants moved. We started this project but only got a small part done 

16) Finish filing our Taxes - normally I'm done by now but we are waiting on some paperwork still that we've told should be here by the end of February so we will see! 100% done! 

17) Put memorabilia in completed scrapbooks. This will free up some file space too! 

18) Spend less money :-)  Really it is "track our spending" - when I track it and plan it out each week, we spend much less because it is already accounted for and it gives me a goal to work towards each week.  (And in case you didn't know, I like goals!) 

19) Get my steps in every day.  Now the the weather will hopefully be slightly better for walking this will be easier. 

20) Do Yogo (or Mindful Stretching) once a week.  A few years ago, Nate did a "Yoga" style class at our Co-Op and I was able to help in it a few times and actually like it.  I'd like to find a super easy "beginning" program online to follow.  Who knows, maybe I'll like it more HA!

21) Go through my kids closets and figure out what fits (or doesn't fit!) for the summer.  It won't be long and it will be time to buy all the summer goods! 

22) Mattress shop.  Who knew buying a new Mattress is almost more stressful than buying a car (which we are in the process of doing right now!!) but it is!  Darryl's back requires certain things with a mattress so it makes it harder to find what will work.  So we will see! 

Friday, March 25, 2022

Weekly Menu

 March is flying by!  I keep thinking things will slow down but so far they haven't!  I am slowly getting back into the cooking groove (after getting the boxed food delivery for 8 weeks!) I enjoy what I cook a lot more than the box we were getting, that's for sure!  

I have followed a blog for years called "Skinny Taste" and have tried her recipes periodically; they never disappointed.  I finally bought her first cookbook from a few years ago because it has a recipe for Shrimp and Grits!  Well, I'm planning on trying many of her recipes.  (I also follow a Facebook group and am inspired to try even more!) 

Here's the plan for the coming week: 

Friday - Nate has TaeKownDo testing so we will get McDonald's afterwards to celebrate him.  (It's his favorite)

Saturday - This is the day we take off to go back to where we got engaged.  It's a fun day of reliving memories and making new ones!  

Sunday - Pork Loin in the crock pot, mashed potatoes and cole slaw

Monday - Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches (From SkinnyTaste) 

Tuesday - Shrimp and Grits! (From SkinnyTaste)

Wednesday - This is the week we run in different directions so we eat what we eat! 

Thursday - Shrimp Fajita Bowls (From SkinnyTaste)  

Friday, March 18, 2022

Weekly Menu

I think I missed posting last week.  It's been busy around these parts plus throw in some good old fashioned head colds and well, things get forgotten!  We did still eat though :-)  

Here's the plan for the coming week. 

Friday - It's our Presentation Night for our co-op so we will be eating there.  Lots of good finger foods to be had by all! 

Saturday - We will head to my mom's! 

Sunday - Chili!  This is so great to have in the crock pot when we get home from church so we can just eat. 

Monday - Chicken, Rice and Veggies. 

Tuesday -  Pulled Pork Sliders, Cole Slaw, and French Fries

Wednesday - Tacos!  I know, it is not Tuesday but our Wednesday is a bit chopped up so Tacos are a great choice so everyone can eat when they are hungry! 

Thursday - Ham and Cheese Quiche, Muffins, and fruit

Friday, March 4, 2022

Weekly Menu

 Here comes spring!  Not that it changes much  . . .except I am looking forward to some home grilled hamburgers and steak before too much longer!  For now, we are "stuck" with kitchen meals though!  Here's the plan for the coming week.


Friday - Mississippi Crock-Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans.  This is such an easy meal since it books in the crock pot all day!

Saturday - Dinner at my mom's

Sunday - Chili.  Usually in March (and even into April) I try to slide in some of our "hot and hearty" meals before summer arrives.  Chili is a favorite and it's a great Sunday dish since it cooks in the crock pot and is ready when we get home!  

Monday - Baked Tacos.  These are just so yummy!  I'll add a "Mexican Salad" and chips and salsa. 

Tuesday - Pork Roast, sweet potatoes, and a salad

Wednesday - Tacos :-)  Yes, Taco's two times this week and that's ok. 

Thursday - Beef Tips and Noodles