Thursday Thirteen~Letter O

13 Things About Me (& My Family) Beginning with the Letter 'O.'



1. Occupation~I am currently a stay-at-home mom/housewife. I am comfortable with both terms. I hope to someday be a housewife that works as a teacher's aide at one of our local grade schools. I have my degree in Elementary Education, but I can't ever see myself working full time unless finances get really tight because I want my focus to be on my family.

2. Owl~I recently had a dream where an owl was flying around my house. It later flew out into my garage, and the garage door closed on it and killed the owl. Weird right? According to dreammoods.com "To see a dead owl, signifies a narrow escape from desperate illness and death. Death in this sense may also represent a symbolic death, as in an important transition in life." Hmmmmm??? I'm pretty sure there is a meaning behind this dream, but I'm still not 100% sure what it is. Heck, I'm not even 10% sure. ;-)

3. Ohio~I was born in Ohio, and I lived there for the first 5 years of my life. We still have family there, and we recently went back for a visit.

4. Orchestra~I played the violin in the orchestra when I was younger. While I showed some talent, this activity was short lived. I would love to take violin lessons again someday.

5. Opera~My minor was theater in college, and I often had to go see different plays for classes. One that I had to attend was an opera, and Jeff agreed to go with me. It was a very painful experience for both of us. I'm not convinced all operas would be that painful, but I am also not willing to try again just in case I'm wrong.

6. Ophthalmologist~I recently took my son, Josh, to see a pediatric ophthalmologist who informed us that he didn't need to be wearing glasses. He has been wearing his for a little over a year. We have ordered his files from our old eye doctor to see if they unnecessarily prescribed them or to see if his eyesight has gotten better in that time. I'm betting they prescribed them without cause, which makes me wonder about my little Meghan. Time to get her in to see the pediatric ophthalmologist. They sure were cute in their glasses though!

Here was Josh back when he got his glasses...

Here is Meghan with her big sister, Ali.

7. October~This is my absolutely favorite month. I love it because the weather gets cooler, the leaves change colors, and the air feels crisp and smells delightful. It's a time for beautiful mum flowers, and it is also the time for visiting the apple orchard and pumpkin patch. We drive north for our annual family weenie roast around the middle of October, which is a highlight for all of us. Of course, we can't forget that October is the time for Halloween. It is just a fun filled month! Here are some pics from my kids last October.

Here is Josh getting ready to ride the barrel train at the apple orchard.
Here is Ali, Josh and I standing in front of a crazy mirror at the apple orchard.
The past two Octobers we have visited friends at a local campground for a Halloween night. Here is Ali with her friend, Madison, and Josh enjoying the campfire.
Spoon River Drive is over two weekends in October, and it is a time to drive around to see beautiful scenery, as well as enjoy the tents of food and fun goodies for sale. Here are Ali and Jeff at a food booth during last years Spoon River Drive.
Here are all three of them on Halloween night. They got a ton of candy!
Here is Meghan with her Aunt Angie at the annual family weenie roast.
Ali enjoyed roasting and eating marshmallows at the annual family weenie roast. So much fun!
October rocks!

8. Onion~I absolutely love onions! White, yellow, red, green, sweet...you name it, I love it! They add so much flavor to food, and I can't imagine not cooking with them.


9. Oasis~We lived in Wisconsin for a good part of my childhood, and we would often travel to see family in Ohio and Illinois. I can't even tell you how many times we stopped at the Janesville (WI) oasis, which was home to a very large cow. I say was because the oasis is apparently gone, but Bessie the cow has survived...so far. Here is a picture of us with Bessie from our honeymoon.


10. Okra~Fried okra is yummy, but it isn't something that I normally make at home. Whenever I think of fried okra, I fondly think of Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, MO. This unique restaurant is the only home of throwed rolls. When I was in college, my roommate and I decided to drive there for dinner. It was an hour and a half drive, and I was apparently trying to get there in record time, but all I wound up doing was getting a speeding ticket. Ugh!

11. Odometer~I have always have used cars, which is perfectly fine by me. However, this last time we bought a vehicle it was a 2006 Kia Sedona, and the odometer only read '7'. It is kind of nice to know that I have been the one to put the miles on this vehicle. I only wish there weren't so many!

12. Organic~It seems like everything is organic these days, and I am sure I should be better about buying organic, but to be honest I rarely ever do. I don't know what my problem is, but the word organic is a turnoff to me. I like what it stands for, but the word itself just triggers negative feelings for me. I know I am odd!

13. Ocean~I have only been to the ocean once, and I actually don't remember it very well. I hope to take my kids to see an ocean someday. Maybe we will get to visit St. Thomas or Tybee Island, which my friend Betsy tells me is wonderful.

Join in on Thursday Thirteen, and don't forget to check back next week, when I look at the letter 'P'...it should be a perfectly good time! ;-)

Back From Vacation

Okay, we have been back from vacation for 3 days now, and I think I am finally rested up. I didn't think this trip would wear me out, since it was going to be so low key, but any trip with three young kids is exhausting! Am I right? You know I am! ;-)

We went to Toledo, Ohio to visit my mom's side of the family. We arrived on Thursday the 9th, and the very first thing we did was jump in my Aunt and Uncle's pool. Very refreshing (and cold) after a long drive. Of course, I needed the water to make me feel clean.

You see on our drive we were heading through the Chicago area traffic and Josh kept complaining that he had to go to the bathroom. My mom was driving, and she wasn't able to pull over any time soon. So, I took my large McDonald's cup to the back and had Josh pee in the cup. He was a little unsure of this idea, but I reassured him it would be fine. Was I wrong! My mom had to hit the brakes, and she says she told me to brace myself, but I missed that warning completely. So, the cup and I flew towards the front, and Josh kept peeing. He wound up peeing on me. Ugh! I cleaned myself up with wipes, but I still didn't feel fresh. The chlorinated water took care of that, as well as helped relax my body. We need a pool!

After our swim, we went out to dinner at The Barn Restaurant, which is located in Archbold, Ohio. It is right outside the historic Sauder village. The food was very tasty. It was a buffet, and I had a fajita, mashed potatoes, bread pudding, salad, and cream of mushroom soup. Yum! Next time I hope we will get there early enough to walk through the historic village too.

Friday morning Aunt Cathy and Uncle Rodger took us to Grand Rapids, which is the town that my mom, dad and I lived in before we left Ohio when I was 5. We drove around trying to find our old home, but we had no luck. The problem was that none of us remembered what street we lived on back then. After driving around, we walked through some of the shops downtown. I was very excited to find a coobook put together by the American Legion ladies in Grand Rapids. It's the little things in life!

Once we were done there, we dropped my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Rodger back off at home, and we went to visit my Aunt Barb, cousin Barbie, and cousin Angel and her three girls. I can't even remember the last time I saw my Aunt Barb and Barbie, and I had never met Angel or her girls. My kids got along great with her girls, and I learned that I have quite a bit in common with Angle...we both have three kids, like to cook, and struggle to keep our homes as clean as we would like. ;-)

Here is a picture of Angel's and my kids together. From left to right we have Meghan (with her lip whistle Angel gave her), Mary Jane, Abby, Buggy (which is obviously her nickname), Ali & Josh. When we were leaving my kids kept saying, "Bye Buggy! I love you Buggy!" It was sweet!

While we were visiting, I spotted this really cool plant arrangement hanging from Angel's front porch. Her husband made it for her out of a large shephards hook and terra cotta pots. I am so going to do that next year! Such a unique idea.

Friday night was a fun night. My mom, Aunt Cathy, cousin Cindy, and I all went out to bingo. We split our winnings between the four of us, so we each walked away with $15. Of course, Cindy and I only mentioned about 20 times that we were the only two to actually call bingo that night. We wouldn't want to hold it over their heads too much. LOL!

On the way home from bingo somebody tooted, I can't even remember who, and we all were laughing so hard. I didn't even know bodily functions could be that funny. I had to pull the car over because I was laughing so hard. I couldn't see the road, and I am only slightly embarrassed to say that I dribbled a bit in my pants. Once the laughter subsided, I started driving towards their home, and this is what we found when we got there...

They were all sacked out. Aren't they just precious?

The next day we ventured out to...

This is a fabulous zoo! Way cooler than our local zoo. Here are some pics from our day.

My mom and her sister, Cathy, had way too much fun. They are a hoot!

Okay, call me a dork. I don't care. I had to take this picture because I never knew a zoo would have such good food. I thoroughly enjoyed my Blue Cheese and Bacon Burger. Oh, and the chips and salsa they brought out was fantastic. The salsa had almost too much heat for me, but I was not complaining.

Doesn't Josh look thrilled to be a butterfly? Love it!

He is much happier here being a more "masculine" animal. Silly kid!

Ali liked pretending she had a bird on her shoulder. She is a hoot!

The zoo has a new kid area, and in that area is this cool stream. I fought the urge to take off my shoes and walk through it too.

Inside the "forest" we found a huge honeycomb, trees that we could talk through, an ant tube, and this spider web. Notice the little boy that I couldn't crop out of the photo. I think he was a little miffed that he had to wait until we were done. I promise we didn't take super long!

Next to the "forest" was the "home." My kids crawled through the doggy door to get into the house. Very fun! I didn't have to fight the urge to try that. I was too afraid I would get stuck LOL! Here I am giving Ali a big ol' smooch on her cheek while we chill for a bit.

They also have a small goat petting area. I was surprised my kids weren't more freaked out by this, since it took Josh and Meghan days to warm up to my Aunt Cathy & Uncle Rodger's dog, Molly.

While we were in the zoo, we went into the Toledo Museum of Science building. There were some really creepy bugs in there. I was fascinated by this one water bug though because it swam like a turtle. Quite cool!

I just love this picture of Meghan hammin' it up with the T-Rex replica in the museum. She is such a ham bone!

After the zoo, as well as all the next day, we were fish. We swam in the pool, played in the hot tub, and we even had a hobo dinner. That is where you boil a pot of water outside and add ham, kielbasa, cabbage, onions, carrots, and potatoes. Usually everyone that comes to the shindig brings one of those items. It is very tasty, and it is something that you can munch on from early afternoon to late at night. Of course, you will also end up gassy from the cabbage. Trust me on this!

Here are Josh and I enjoying the hot tub.

Aren't my girls cuties?

I absolutely love this picture of all three of my kiddos. I want to frame this somewhere in my home.

Ali was enjoying being flipped off a raft by her cousin, Corey. Good times! My cousin, Cindy, brought her goddaughter, Maya, over. Maya and Ali took turns getting flipped. They were lovin' this.

Josh found a car that he was way to big for, but he insisted on playing with it anyway. The boy loves anything on wheels! Meghan was enjoying riding the bike.

She also got a turn in the car too. It was just her size!

We left Toledo on Sunday morning. It was a great trip, but I admit I was ready to get back to our routine. I got to do some shopping on the way home, so that made the trip back pretty enjoyable for me. I didn't even get peed on! ;-)

Heads or Tails

The theme/prompt for THIS week is:

HEADS - "Pile"

My office is one big pile. It's not a neat and tidy pile. It's a pile of poo!
Check it out...



If you know me at all or have ever been in my home (or seen pictures), you know that this room is not the norm. This room is hideous! I am embarrassed to post these pictures, but I try to be as real as I can on this blog. This is 100% real folks! I am really going to try to get this room clean by next Heads or Tails Tuesday. Check back to see if the pile got cleaned up. ;-)

Our Menu for 7/13/09 to 7/19/09

Monday~fried fish, corn bread and applesauce
Tuesday~pork steaks over rice
Wednesday~mustgoes
Thursday~chicken burgers and scalloped corn
Friday~tacos
Saturday~mustgoes
Sunday~shish kabob and veggies on the grill

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

July 13th~National French Fries Day & Beans 'N Franks Day
July 14th~Pick Blueberries Day, Macaroni Day & National Grand Marnier Day
July 15th~National Tapioca Pudding Day
July 16th~National Corn Fritters Day
July 17th~National Peach Ice Cream Day
July 18th~National Caviar Day
July 19th~National Daiquiri Day

Next Week:

July 20th~National Lollipop Day, National Ice Cream Soda Day, Fortune Cookie Day
July 21st~National Ice Cream Day & National Junk Food Day
July 22nd~National Penuche Fudge Day
July 23rd~National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
July 24th~National Tequila Day
July 25th~National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
July 26th~National Coffee Milkshake Day

The Last Monday Morning Meme

I love me a good meme, and Monday Morning Meme is a great one. Sadly, it has come to an end after this week. Thank you Karen for hosting this great meme!

1. How has your life most benefited from the Internet? Whether it’s meeting people, cutting business overhead, finding rare collectibles, or simply sharing funny cat pictures, share how the web has made life easier. I would say that my life has most benefited from the Internet by helping me keep in touch with friends and family that don't live nearby, as well as helping me to meet other great Christian woman.

2. The getaway car is waiting outside – where is it taking you? I am thinking it is heading down to southern Illinois, which is where I lived during my high school and college years. I don't have family there anymore, but I do have friends there. In a way, that will always be "home" to me, and I have been longing to go "home" for awhile now. :-)

3. Do you reply to comments on your blog? All of them? Or just the really interesting ones? Do you go back to check if the authors or the blogs you comment on reply to your comments? I do reply to some, but I am not great at replying to all of them. There really isn't any rhyme or reason to the ones I do reply to. I do not often check back on other blogs to see if they replied to my comment unless I have asked a question.

4. On average, how long does it take you to make an important decision? Do you gather a lot of information prior to making the decision, or do you go with your gut in the heat of the moment? I am go with your gut kind of girl. I make rash desicions, and I often pay for that later. ;-)

Grilling Goodness

1. What's the heaviest thing in your purse? That would probably be my wallet.

2. Do you mostly use cash or debit/credit cards? I am a debit card kind of gal. I rarely ever have cash, and I am trying real hard not to use my credit card.

3. Do you cut your hair shorter in the summer or pull it up a lot? Lately I have been keeping my hair short all year round, but I kind of miss being able to pull it up in a pony tail. Maybe it is time to start growing it back out again.

4. Do you like your man scruffy or clean shaven? If we are going somewhwere, I would prefer he be clean shaven, but he sure does look handsome scruffy too. ;-) I guess there is a time and a place for both.

5. What have your children done/said to embarrass you lately? Last Friday the kids and I went to a concert. While we were there, Ali decided to be real sulky, and just wasn't being her friendly self. She also decided she didn't have to listen to me. I wasn't too embarrassed, since we were with close friends, but I was extremely ticked off. We wound up leaving early.

6. Do you use plug-in type air fresheners around the house? Nope. I use Lampe Berger oil lamps. Smells great!

7. Do you have any interest in the NBA or NHL finals? (Do you even know who's competing?) No interest whatsoever! I don't have a clue who is competing.

8. What is weighing heavily on your mind lately? My weight is weighing heavily on my mind. I have got to quit being lazy!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. I grew up thinking that I wasn't very pretty, and so I thought I might never find love. I wound up latching on to the first person that show me any attention. Thankfully I figured out that beauty isn't just on the outside, and I am one great looking gal because of that!

2. Facebook was the last website I was at before coming here. I'm addicted!

3. Why don't you stop following me and go play? Just something that I say to my kids quite often!

4.Peace and quiet helps me relax, but I don't often get that at home. Darn those three young kids! ;-)

5. Thanks for the time you took to read my answers. You are so sweet!

6. People who don't "place nice with others" are very off-putting.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out here at home, tomorrow my plans include hopefully going to the Farmer's Market in the morning, cleaning the church nursery in the afternoon, and then going to the Turkey Festival with my family at night and Sunday, I want to go to church and then go to Ali's dance recital!

Surprise, Surprise!

I bought a new cookbook. I know you are surprised. ;-) I just can't help myself. I am an addict, and Barnes & Noble is like my dealer. I went in there yesterday, and I instantly felt happy. I don't just love cookbooks; I love all books.

So, which one did I get you ask. Well, I bought another one by Barbara Greenman. I love her cookbooks! The only thing that bothers me at all about her cookbooks is that there aren't any pictures, but since the foods are super exotic, I am alright with that. I already have these three...



and now I have added this one to my collection...

I am not joking when I say that her cookbooks are filled with wonderful recipes that are family friendly. In the one I bought yesterday there is actually a section called 'Kid's Favorites.' How cool is that?

The title of the cookbook pretty much sums up what this book is all about. It houses 500 recipes from product packages, websites and test kitchens of over 50 brands we all know and love. Fabulous! Since I love recipes, I had to look through it right away, and I found a few recipes that I hope to try soon and want to share with you all. I hope you enjoy! :-)

Lasagna Roll-Ups

Ingredients

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb. Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (18 ounce) can Contadina Tomato Paste
• 1 teaspoon oregano leaves, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon basil leaves, crushed
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided into 1 cup and 1/2 cup
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Cook sausage, onion, and garlic in large skillet until meat is done; drain. Stir in tomato paste, 2 cups water, oregano, and basil. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine ricotta, spinach, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and salt. Spread about 1/2 cup on this mixture over each noodle; roll up. Place seam side down in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Pour sauce over rolls. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cover and bake 35 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie

Ingredients

• 1/2 gallon softened vanilla ice cream
• 1/4 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Topping (plus more for garnish)
• 1 (9 ounce) extra-serving size packaged crumb crust
• Whipped topping (optional)
• Reese's Milk Chocolate Baking Pieces filled with Peanut Butter Creme (optional)

Directions

Place softened ice cream in a large bowl; stir until it looks like soft serve ice cream. Quickly stir in peanut butter topping. (Do not overmix. You want to see streaks of the topping throughout the ice cream.) Spread ice cream mixture in crumb crust. Cover; freeze 6 to 8 hours or until firm. Serve with additional peanut butter topping. Garnish with whipped topping and peanut butter filled pieces, if desired.

Brie en Croute

Ingredients

• 1/2 package (1 sheet) Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed at room temperature for 30 minutes
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 (13.2 ounce) Brie round
• 1 (26 ounce) carton Pepperidge Farm Entertaining Cracker Quartet Collection

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix egg and water. Unfold pastry on lightly floured surface. Roll out into a 14-inch square. Cutt off corners to make a circle. Sprinkle almonds and parsley in center of circle. Top with cheese. Brush edge of circle with egg mixture. Fold two opposite sides over cheese. Trim remaining two sides to 2 inches from edge of cheese. Fold these two sides onto the round. Press edges to seal. Place seam side down on baking sheet. Decorate top with pastry scraps if desired. Brush with egg mixture. Bake 20 minutes or until golden. Let stand 1 hour. Serve with crackers.

Grape Glazed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Welch's 100% Grape Juice made from Concord grapes
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger

Directions

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. In a nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the chicken and cook over medium heat until nicely browned on both sides, about 12 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate. Add the garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, about 30 seconds. Stir in the remaining ingredients, scraping the bottom of the pan. Bring the liquic to a simmer and return the chicken to the pan. Cook, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate. Cover and keep warm. Turn the heat to high and boil the sauce until thickened. Return the chicken to the pan and turn it once or twice in the sauce. Serve immediately.

Cook's Note~Make wraps with the leftovers. Cut the chicken breasts into thin crosswise slices. Place the slices on tortillas or wrap bread, then add cucumber spears, cilantro leaves, and thinly sliced scallions. Drizzle with the grape sauce. Roll up the wraps and serve immediately.

Well, there you have it, four new recipes that I want to try. Do any of those sound good to you? Let me know if you give them a try.

Heads Or Tails

This week is....

HEADS - "Tune"

I often get tunes stuck in my head, and then I walk around humming them. I am not joking when I say that I hum my way through the grocery store. People probably think I am nuts! Especially since the tune I most often hum sounds like a tweaked version of the theme song from Mission Impossible. I guess I feel like I am on a mission when I am shopping. LOL!

Our Menu for 6/8/09 to 6/14/09

I don't know why I am going to post my menu. I am in such a cooking slump. I keep carrying meals over from week to week, and I find myself eating out more than I should. I have got to change this. Help! Encourage me please! :-)

Monday~Pork Chops, Peas, & Fried Potatoes
Tuesday~Ham, Broccoli, Rice & Cheese Casserole
Wednesday~Hoagies and Potato Salad
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Chicken Burgers with Homemade French Fries
Saturday~Turkey Sandwiches & Strawberry Shortcake...we are going to the Tremont Turkey Festival!
Sunday~Spaghetti & Garlic Bread

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

June 8th~Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day
June 9th~National Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Day
June 10th~Herbs & Spice Day, National Iced Tea Day, & National Black Cow Day
June 11th~National German Chocolate Cake Day
June 12th~National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
June 13th~Kitchen Klutzes of America Day
June 14th~National Strawberry Shortcake Day

Next Week:

June 15th~National Lobster Day
June 16th~National Fudge Day
June 17th~Eat All Your Veggies Day, National Apple Streudel Day
June 18th~National Cherry Tart Day, International Picnic Day
June 19th~National Dry Martini Day
June 20th~National Vanilla Milkshake Day
June 21st~National Peaches & Cream Day

Monday Morning Meme

1. If you knew of a way to use your estate (and let’s assume you HAVE money to leave), following your death, to greatly benefit humanity, would you do it and leave only a minimal amount to your family? Why or why not? Well, since my family would be included in the humanity, I would have to say that I would. Greatly is the word that got me. We aren't talking about building a cool statue in the center of town. We are talking about benefiting many people. I like to think my family would not only understand but that they would agree with my decision.

2. What’s something your parents used to say to you as a child that you promised yourself you’d never say — but now you catch yourself saying all the time? Now tell us something that you say all the time that is uniquely you. That would have to be "because I said so!" That used to drive me nuts, but now I find myself saying that all the time. Kids are just naturally curious, and they want to know every little thing. My children don't need to know why we are going to the grocery store. The minute I tell them "because we need food," I will be asked a million other questions. Sometimes saying "because I said so" is much, much simpler. As for something I say all the time that is uniquely me, I guess that would be "Quit fighting!" Oh, that isn't unique? I really don't know what is then. I have unique things I call my kids, but I don't have a unique saying. Sorry!

3. List all the things you’d put in a time capsule to be opened in 40 years. Definitely a current cookbook. I love looking back on older cookbooks. You can get a feel for the era in a cookbook. I would also put some music in there, some current newspapers and magazine articles that I found interesting. Some clothing pieces from our era should also go in there, since in 40 years they might be back in style. ;-)

4.Do you prefer gas grills or charcoal grills? Do you grill out very often? When was the last time you grilled? What did you grill? Tell us about your favorite grilling memory. I prefer charcoal grills, and I think I always will. The taste is far better, in my opinion. We only grill out 2 or 3 times a month during the nicer months (June through September). We actually just grilled out yesterday. Jeffrey made 2 beer can chickens, and they were quite tasty. I can't say that I really have a favorite grilling memory, but that may be because I don't ever do the grilling. When I was little my mom had that job, but she taught me when I got married to never learn how to grill. She said that I would forever have to do it if I did learn, so I have listened to her wise words, and now Jeff does all the grill cooking for our family.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. I really do love my home. I only wish I could afford to make some changes. ;-)

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been Taco Salad.

3. One reason we don't have a dog is because I don't want to hear bark! bark! bark!

4. A nice long walk is something I am too lazy to do these days. Sad!

5. If you are going to give me some bad news, could you also give me some good news? Please!

6. When all is said and done, all that matters is our relationship with Christ.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to the 33 miles concert with friends and enjoying some KFC while we are there, tomorrow my plans include taking Ali to her dance dress rehearsal and hopefully going out with my hubby afterwards and Sunday, I want to go to church and then eat lunch there and hang out for the VBS training!

Our Menu For 6/1/09 to 6/7/09

Monday~Spaghetti Pie with Garlic Bread
Tuesday~Pig in a Blankets with Mac 'N Cheese
Wednesday~Pork Chops, Peas, & Fried Potatoes....3rd week on the menu, so I have got to finally make this
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Ham, Broccoli, Rice & Cheese Casserole
Saturday~Pizza
Sunday~Mustgoes

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

June 1st~National Hazelnut Cake Day
June 2nd~National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day
June 3rd~National Egg Day
June 4th~National Cheese Day, National Frozen Yogurt Day, & National Cognac Day
June 5th~National Gingerbread Day
June 6th~National Applesauce Cake Day
June 7th~National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

Next Week:

June 8th~Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day
June 9th~National Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Day
June 10th~Herbs & Spice Day, National Iced Tea Day, & National Black Cow Day
June 11th~National German Chocolate Cake Day
June 12th~National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
June 13th~Kitchen Klutzes of America Day
June 14th~National Strawberry Shortcake Day

Monday Morning Meme

1. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned recently? I have learned that I can't do everything, and I have also learned that it is okay to say no to things.

2. What’s your hidden talent? Are you double-jointed? Can you sneeze the alphabet? Share your unique skill. I don't think I have any hidden talents. Nothing like being double-jointed or sneezing the alphabet. Heck, I can't even burp the alphabet or whistle a funky tune. I can pick things up with my toes, but can't everyone do that? That's not really a talent. I can bake cakes and decorate them. Does that count as a hidden talent? I hope to someday take classes, so as to refine my talents.

3. Hello June! What are your final words for May? Adios May! I enjoyed spending time with you, and I look forward to seeing you again next year. Thank you for not producing any tornadoes in our area. I can only pray the rest of the summer months will be as kind as you. ;-)

4. Summer Vacation: Staying home or traveling? We are doing a tad bit of traveling. For now our only plan is for my mom, my kids and myself to take a quick 3 or 4 day trip to Toledo, Ohio to visit family. My mom and I are also contemplating taking the kids on a quick day trip to Chicago on the train. I would love to take the kids to a museum while we were up there. Also, if hubby could squeeze in a bit of time off, I would love for our family to spend a weekend in St. Louis. No really big trips this summer though. I think I am still a bit worn out from our trip to Disney World last November. ;-)

Grilling Goodness

1. If you had 10 hours at home alone, what would you do? Well, call me lazy, but I would sit around and read. I would probably take a long soak in the tub while I read, and I might even take a nap.

2. Do you have a fond memory of your dad? Many! One of them is when I was about 8, and my dad took me to a gig at a park where he was playing drums. I listened to the band, played, and we ate a delicious hamburger together. Fun times!

3. Do you prefer the pool or the beach? For scenery I prefer the beach, but for swimming I prefer the pool. I'm crazy like that!

4. What's the furthest you've driven for one day of fun? For one day of fun? That would probably be 3 hours.

5. Solid, clear solid, clear gel or aerosol? Deodorant of choice, that is. Clear solid

6. Do you tan or burn/peel? I usually pink up first, and sometimes I burn. Eventually I tan, but it takes my super white (sometimes called glow-in-the-dark white) skin longer to get any real color.

7. What's your favorite pasta-based meal? manicotti

8. Do you wax or pluck your eyebrows? Wax and I am in desperate need of going to the salon to get that done. Desperate need I say!