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Author: jehdld

Happy Homemaker Monday, My Last Week of Full-Time Work

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My last week of a full-time schedule started today. Am I counting down a bit now? Maybe. I’ve enjoyed it but I’m ready to go back to being a part-time substitute for a bit.

As always, I’m joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom where her Happy Homemaker Monday posts help plan my weeks.

The Weather

It’s been so hot but last night it stormed a bit and then, again a bit this morning. Right now, it feels fantastic outside. It’s 81 degrees and partly cloudy (I see lots more clouds than blue sky).  There’s a chance for more rain tomorrow and Wednesday plus the heat is supposed to return. Not sure if we’ll get more heat advisory weather.

As I Look Outside My Window

Not exactly outside my window or current but on Saturday, we had two Belted Kingfisher birds in the yard! New sighting for around here. Not sure why they were so far from water (there is a pond at the end of the street though I’ve never seen any around there).

Right Now

I’m working on this post and enjoying a rare Monday where we don’t have to run to J’s lesson. He competed in a music competition on Saturday and rated so well that we had to return on Sunday for him to play an encore with an audience and get his award. The small band he plays in also competed and did very well.

Thinking And Pondering

At least getting up at the crack of dawn gets rewarded with viewing some nice sunrises

At the moment, I’m wondering how I’m going to get to work a half-hour earlier for the rest of the week. Schedule changes from being there at 8AM to getting there at 7:30AM.  I can do it but it’s going to be painful after being so used to my current schedule.

How I Am Feeling Today

A little tired, rainy days are nice when I’m at home to enjoy them. At school, however, they mean stuck inside with changes to the routine. And mud when we did go outside. It was just a rather long day. It was nice to come home and see my husband had already started dinner. That made me happy.

On The Breakfast Plate

I had a croissant with some cherry jam and one slice of bacon (leftover from yesterday).

On The Lunch Plate

It was hot dog day at school so that’s what I had along with chips and apple slices. Plus some grapes and a granola bar on my work break.

On The Dinner Plate

Korean meatballs and rice

What I Am Wearing Today

I’ve changed into jean shorts but I wore a short-sleeved purple shirt and light striped linen pants to work. Plus socks and tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Over the weekend, I had a quick read of my Prime first reads choice from July (barely squeezed it in!). I picked To Die For by Lisa Gray. A fun murder mystery with some surprising twists at the end. And I’m still working through Intuitive Eating and Soulful Simplicity (not sure how I got so sidetracked from it!).

On My TV This Week

I mostly have a log of shows I want to watch next week when I’m not so busy. My Doctor Who episodes, season 2 of Dark Winds, The Mario Movie, season 3 of Only Murders in the Building. For now, I’ve been watching House Hunters International because I enjoy seeing the different styles of houses from around the world. And the mystery of disconnect between the people who have no jobs and their home buying/renting budget.

On The Menu 

While I’m a summer person, this heat wave has me ready for some fall menus. And our grill broke on Saturday! Thankfully, it was nothing serious and my husband has already repaired it. However, I planned the menu this week without relying on it.

MONDAY: Korean meatballs and rice *I worked 8-4:30*

TUESDAY: Ham steaks, sweet potatoes *I work 7:30-3:45* *J has a recital at 7*

WEDNESDAY: Copycat Chik-Fil-A and waffle fries*I work 7:30-3:45*

THURSDAY: Fish sticks and ??? *I work 7:30-3:45*

FRIDAY: French Toast with fresh fruit *I work 7:30-3:45*

Looking Around The House

Probably don’t want to do that today. I didn’t get very far with my cleaning motivation this weekend. Look, a squirrel!

On My To Do List

I don’t even know…

  1. Get some fall garden plants in the ground
  2. Measure the flower pots of plants that need repotted/to come inside in cooler weather
  3. Laundry is mostly done
  4. This post/blog visiting
  5. ???? I’m sure there’s something…oh, clean up the living room.

From The Camera

Photos are a mix of phone and “real” camera pictures.

The sunflowers blooming at my work. Why can’t I grow sunflowers like this at home?

Is it even the end of July/start of August if the “naked ladies” aren’t dancing? Also known as surprise lilies. In our backyard. 

On My Prayer List

My father-in-law as he’s having back surgery on Wednesday, the homeless and others who are dealing with this extreme weather from super hot to rain can’t be much fun, friends, family, and strangers.

Quote For The Week

Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. (Maya Angelou)

July Edition of Share Four Somethings

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I really enjoy this link up hosted by Jennifer over at Overflowing With Thankfulness so much. It helps me focus on a lot of the joys and a few of the lessons as I go about the months.  The idea is to share 4 things in the categories of what you loved, read, learned, and ate. Here are my four for July.

(Note: I’ve been super busy with work so haven’t quite managed as many photos as I like to take, probably going to be a few repeat photos from previous posts sprinkled in here.)

Loved

Our quiet at home Fourth of July celebration plus getting to see an encore city produced fireworks display.

Working a full-time schedule (okay, mostly loved) at preschool. The kids are so much fun and the routine of day to day really helps my mood. However, I’m looking forward to spending some time at home following my own schedule after next week. And hopefully, being a bit better about taking photos.

Shower steamers. I’m obsessed with these. Found some at the Dollar Tree though I’ve also bought them other places. Just makes the shower feel a bit more spa like. The lavender ones are the best!

Mornings taking care of the garden. The heat did a number on things but I still enjoyed getting out there and watering. Harvesting our very limited produce. And the heat seemed to keep the Japanese beetles at bay for now. Hooray. I am truly loving that!

Going on a spontaneous outing to see the Barbie movie with friends last week. I enjoyed it and thought it was funny. Probably not everyone’s cup of tea but I thought it was fun. Rhea Perlman was my favorite part of the whole movie (I won’t share her role in case you’ve not seen it yet). And yes, I wore a pink shirt. It was so fun watching the movie goers show up and seeing most of them dressed in pink.

Read

I don’t have any book photos, so here’s a random photo of a bunny rabbit. Maybe he’s a reading rabbit?

The first three books of The Blossomwood Bay Series by Daisy James. I always enjoy the settings of her romance books. They might be a little predictable but each short book is like a little getaway for me.

So many books about the ocean and ocean creatures. Yesterday’s choice was fun though: If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don’t by Elise Parsley. And a few about kindness and tattle tailing and lying and peace but mostly books about the ocean. (For work, all preschool level)

The End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan. Didn’t enjoy it and I do like non-fiction usually.  And have a minor in economics. I was unimpressed and bored by this author.

Oh and I read one called Consent: A Memoir of Unwanted Attention by Donna Freitas. It was okay, the more interesting part of this book is that a random older gentleman in the library handed it to me out of the blue and said: Here, you look like you’d enjoy this book.  (I’m not even clear on whether he worked there. My oldest son thought it rather creepy. But, I like to read so I took it, checked it out, and read it. ha.)

And another feel good “light” one by Alison Sherlock, New Beginnings on Railway Lane.

Finally, I’m still reading a fantastic book called Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. As someone who grew up watching her mother go through fad diet after diet and of course, tried a few herself, this book just speaks to me.

Learned

That Google lens is very handy.

Great golden digger wasps are scary looking! However, supposedly, quite harmless unless they feel threatened. Still, scary looking!

Bees sleep in flowers! So much fun to see the little bees sleeping in the hollyhock blossoms and under the bee balm. 

I follow too closely behind cars on the highway (according to my son who completed a four hour defensive driving course). Apparently, I wasn’t counting my 3 seconds of time right. SIGH. Also, that terrifyingly texting and driving is only illegal for those under 21 in the state of Missouri. What?! Bigger SIGH. Legal or not, no matter where you are or how old you might be, please don’t text and drive.

It’s okay to be assertive. And it’s not the same thing as being mean. I knew that lesson but somewhere in the past few years, I think I lost it.

Ate

Blueberry and strawberry cobbler for dessert on the Fourth of July!

Lemon poppyseed muffins for breakfast one Saturday, made from a box mix. They were a nice change from our usual blueberry or chocolate chip choices.

Bangkok chicken when I tried Thai food for the very first time. I did like it but I fell in love with the tea! Been craving a Thai iced tea again ever since. Think we are going back to the restaurant in August since some friends who wanted to go couldn’t make the get together.

Probably other things as well but I’m drawing a blank. Watermelon, is it even July if you don’t have iced cold watermelon at some point?  And freezer pops. Plus some chocolate ice cream.

Last night we went out for Mexican food and were served something called spaghetti soup as a starter. I was skeptical but it was so good. Even on a 100 degree day. Had to look it up, officially it’s called Sopa de Fideos, here’s a recipe. Definitely planning to add this to the menu rotation on a chilly fall day.

********************

How was your July? What things did you love this month? Are you ready for August?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Still A Bit Busy

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Okay, not a bit busy. Still a lot busy but I’m starting to countdown just a little. Two full weeks left of the full-time work schedule. Then, I’m not sure what is happening the second week of August, I might be working or I might get a break. Same thing for the first week of school. 

However, we’re not there quite yet so let’s at least get a planning post on the blog for this week. I’ll be linking up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom sometime tomorrow as I’m putting this post together on Sunday afternoon.

The Weather

Last week we had some rain that cooled down our air, then the sun came out and did it ever get steamy out there! And then, we had another nice day with highs just in the mid 80’s, lower 90’s for Friday and Saturday. However, we’re bracing ourselves for the crazy heat due to arrive tomorrow. Highs near 100 every day with the heat index in the 100’s.

As I Look Outside My Window 

Well, this morning I did see the cutest little Carolina Wren sitting on the fence when I glanced outside the back door.

Thinking And Pondering

Nothing too deep today. Just enjoying the final fragments of my weekend. Thinking about what to wear to work this week to stay comfortable in the crazy heat. Pondering how crazy it would get if we did a Christmas in July day at preschool and a few ideas I have for it. Probably going to try it on Tuesday (one idea involves making “snow” from baking soda and shaving cream).

How I Am Feeling

Not too bad though a bit tired as the cat thought maybe 4:15 AM was a great wake-up time for a Sunday morning. It is not.

On The Breakfast Plate

A blueberry muffin and way too much coffee. Vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

I made tacos plus we had some chips and guacamole

On The Dinner Plate

No idea, maybe leftover pizza from last night. J and I were the only ones who ate tacos for lunch while my husband and G had leftover pizza. Sundays are hard because J and I leave to go his band practice basically at dinner time and don’t get home until around 8:30. *UPDATE: We had a frittata with red peppers, ham, cheese, and bacon bits*

What I’m Wearing Today

Missouri State t-shirt, black shorts, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

I feel like I have too many books on my pile which makes it funny that one of them is titled The One Thing by Gary Keller. Really need to read a bit more of that one, it’s interesting but I keep getting distracted from it. A few “real” books from the library plus another book on my kindle app called Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. It’s very intriguing and it sounds weird to say I’m enjoying a book about how to eat healthy but I am finding it so comforting and insightful to read. Focus is on our diet culture and this book is about making peace with food and ourselves and being healthy.

On My TV This Week

Nothing much. I did watch a couple Dr. Who episodes this weekend. And found a fun HGTV show called Problem Spaces that I really enjoyed.

On The Menu This Week

Nothing that bakes forever in the oven! Oh, and I’m also on a bit of a grocery store strike this week as well. Need to use what we have around here.

MONDAY: Pepper steak and rice *J has a baritone lesson at 6*

TUESDAY: Turkey sausage hash/salad?

WEDNESDAY: Ribs in the crockpot

THURSDAY: 15 minute Italian Garden Pasta (I’ll have to figure out some sort of meat to add for my husband)

FRIDAY: Probably OUT if we haven’t melted away.

Looking Around The House

Well, I could tell you it’s spotless and clutter free but I wouldn’t be talking about our home. It’s a mess with the exception of J’s room which I did deep clean yesterday morning while he was out. Oh, how it needed that and he was very happy that I did it. I think sometimes those suffering from depression and anxiety need that extra help so I didn’t mind. He’s doing so much better but I think his room was at the point where he didn’t even know where to start.

On My To Do List

Well, I did manage to mow and pay bills plus go to Menards this weekend. By the way, I’m changing their slogan from save big money to spend big money. SIGH. Let’s see what’s left.

  1. Do a bit of housework/laundry (thankful that my husband is helping with the laundry!)
  2. Encourage/Coerce/Bribe? J to finish his graduation thank you cards.
  3. Get J signed up for the driving lessons that came with yesterday’s driving safety course
  4. Water the garden/measure some pots so I can replant a few things in cooler weather
  5. Whatever stuff I’m forgetting and I’m sure I’m forgetting stuff

From The Camera

I did make an effort to pick up the camera a bit this past week. These brown-eyed susans take over my front porch garden area every summer but I don’t mind as they are such easy going and cheerful little flowers. 

A few different colors are still mixed in with all the yellow.

Quote For The Week

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. (Aesop)

Happy Homemaker Monday, Middle Of A Busy Season

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I’m in the middle of a busy season over here. Missed last week’s post though I did get a start on it last Sunday. It’s Sunday once again, hopefully, this start leads to a finish!

Three weeks left of straight on scheduled full-time work. As much as I am loving it, I’m also starting to be ready to be able to be at home a bit more. Every photo in this post is actually from the week of July 4 as I didn’t pick up my camera one time last week. Going to have to make a bit more effort this week.

I’ll probably go ahead and post this today (so I don’t forget!) and then, join Sandra’s link up over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom later tomorrow.

The Weather

We’ve had rain! Twice in one weekend! Actually, pretty strong storms moved through our area on Friday knocking power out for quite a few. We were lucky and only have a few tree branches to clean out of the yard. The rain’s been nice after all the crazy heat though. Today was just a steady downpour with a bit of thunder. Rest of the week is supposed to be highs in the upper 80’s/low 90’s.

As I Look Outside My Window

Everything is wet! I did see 2 hummingbirds on the feeder at the same time earlier.

Right Now

I’m working on this post instead of paying bills like I came downstairs to do.

Thinking/Pondering

The upcoming week. The fact that I think it’s actually my husband who doesn’t want me to go full-time at my job and I’m actually okay with it. As I said to someone last week, “This working everyday stuff is a bit overrated.”  I could do it if I had to and not mind it (I do enjoy the other teachers and of course, I love the kids!).

She misses me being at home as well! She doesn’t know what to do without me there to obey her commands.

Yet, I am thankful we are currently in a position that I can keep subbing and have another year to (maybe) get the house in order.

Oh, and I wanted to say thank you for all the nice feedback regarding my thoughts on the subject in my last post. I also keep going back to my word of the year which was/is: wait. So that is what I’m going to do, go ahead and wait.

How I Am Feeling

My stomach was feeling a bit out of whack near the end of last week (thinking the protein shakes weren’t exactly agreeing with me as I felt good otherwise) but feel fine today.

On The Breakfast Plate

My husband fried bacon and made cinnamon rolls (from a tube, we’re not too fancy over here)

On The Lunch Plate

I made this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta and it was delicious! (Note: I used precooked chicken we had in our freezer, elbow macaroni, and not quite as much broccoli)

On The Dinner Plate

No idea, likely just leftovers

What I Am Wearing Today

Duluth, MN tee-shirt, jean shorts, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Finished The End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan. I have to say this is the first book in a long time that I truly did not enjoy. Mainly kept reading to see why others seemed to love it so much. I found the lengthy historical references dull, and I’m pretty sure I’ve had conversations with 4 year olds that changed subjects less often than the author. Not to mention intentional or not, the author seemed to write with a hubris that I found extremely annoying. I don’t doubt the author is talented at his job and knows his subject matter. However, a writer of interesting and engaging non-fiction, he is not.

Thankfully, I had a lovely light cozy romance on deck for my next read, New Beginnings at Railway Lane by Alison Sherlock. Her books never disappoint me and this one was just as heartwarming and feel-good as all her previous works.

On My TV This Week

No idea, maybe Doctor Who while folding laundry later tonight? Mainly, whatever is on regular tv. It’s summer, no time for watching lots of tv. We did watch Deadpool 2 with G on Friday night.

On The Menu

MONDAY: green chile roast (basically roast in the crock pot but I’m throwing in some onions and green chiles so we can have it in tortillas) *I work 8-4:30* *J has an appt at 1, G is taking him* *J has a lesson/practice session at 6*

TUESDAY: fried turkey cutlets, stuffed sweet potatoes *I work 8-4:30* *I have Bunco at 7*

WEDNESDAY: spaghetti *I work 8-4:30*

THURSDAY: waffles and sausage *I work 8-4:30*

FRIDAY: grilled teriyaki shrimp and rice *I work 8-4:30*

This was our fourth of July dessert, blueberry/strawberry cobbler. It was very good, room temp, hot, and cold!

Looking Around The House

I did manage to get a box of donations out of the living room yesterday but really other than the bathroom, nothing is super tidy or clean. And I have a huge laundry pile on the bed.

On My To Do List

  1. This post
  2. Pay bills *next*
  3. Laundry
  4. Mail birthday card to my nephew *it’s late*
  5. Finish putting away groceries (lots of things were wet when I got home from the store earlier as I got caught in the heavy part of the downpour when leaving the store)
  6. Clean up the kitchen a bit
  7. So many outdoor chores but it’s too wet to mow now.

From The Camera

Again, all from last week. Let’s just say my photos were delayed like the fireworks show we attended (it was supposed to be the 1st but delayed because of rain so we got to see it on the 7th)

On My Prayer List

bee sleeping in the hollyhock bloom

A couple of prayer requests: My husband’s cousin lost her husband very unexpectedly last week when he crashed on his motorcycle. Prayers of comfort and peace for her. And for safe travels for my husband as he travels out of town today with his brother and my sister in law to attend the service on Monday.

Also, our neighbors and their daughter who is having a mental health crisis and currently hospitalized. Prayers for all of them.

And as always, prayers for friends, family,strangers, and for kindness to takeover and replace the bitterness in the world.

Quote For The Week

Please look out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It’s a good life, enjoy it. (Jim Henson)

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, July 4th Week

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Since they expected a lot of families to travel for the holiday, my work gave us today and tomorrow off. Why not Wednesday as well since everyone will be tired? Ha. No such luck.

I’m just happy to have an extra day to take care of a few things before I start my 5 weeks straight of full-time work. Time to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It rained over the weekend! And thankfully, cooled things down as we did end up with some of that crazy heat wave last week. Right now it’s 73 and sunny out there. It’s going to be steamy hot later, I’m sure of that. Highs in the upper 80’s/low 90’s with a 50% chance of much needed rain tomorrow and Wednesday as well as through the weekend. We’ll see how much rain we actually get.

As I Look Outside My Window

I took this photo with my phone out the back door as I was barely awake. The property next to us is empty, we’ll probably call the owner but I doubt he’ll take any action. SIGH. Better in the attic of the empty house than in our attic I suppose.

Right Now

I’m getting a quick start on this post while waiting for some lotion to sink in on my legs and my hair to dry a bit. However, I really should be going to the grocery store to beat the crowd.

Thinking And Pondering

Lots on my mind regarding my work. It appears the same position as last year is once again open. I’ve always said once J graduated I’d switch to working there full-time and I do (despite my  minor complaints the past few months) love my job. However, my husband earlier this year had said to give it one more year to make sure J is settled.

I understand and yet at the same time, I don’t want to miss my second chance. (Should note: I’ve been told on more than one occasion, I just have to say the word to be hired on full time). On the other hand, I fully admit to having a lot of guilt about J and that maybe I wasn’t available enough to him because of working so much even though it wasn’t full-time. It was a lot at times.

Trying to listen for that quiet voice of guidance except at home it whispers one thing and at work it whispers the complete opposite answer.UGH.

How I Am Feeling

Slept later than normal today and yet, I don’t feel like I slept well.

On The Breakfast Plate

Nothing yet, can’t decide, might go ahead and do a shake *UPDATE* I had a croissant and sweet cream cold brew from the Starbucks in the grocery store. Also, smart people eat breakfast before grocery shopping.

On The Lunch Plate

Craving a PBJ so that’s probably what I’ll fix *UPDATE* G might run to McDonald’s for J so I may do that instead still undecided

On The Dinner Plate

Turkey dogs, sliced cucumbers from the garden!, I don’t know what else

What I’m Wearing Today

Maroon Missouri State T-shirt, olive colored shorts, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

I struggled with my reading focus a bit last week. Still enjoying and working through Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver. And The End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan came back up from my 2nd time putting it on hold. Maybe I can finish it this time, we’ll see.

On My TV This Week

Same problem with focus regarding watching tv, just that time of year. I did rewatch Men in Black (our Saturday night entertainment) and Terminator over the weekend. Some time today or tomorrow, I will, of course, watch Independence Day per tradition. Excited to see season 4 of Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime but probably going to save it for next weekend or maybe watch an episode a week?

On My Menu

We’re not going to have a super exciting week in the world of menu plans.

MONDAY: turkey sausages (basically, hot dogs) on buns, chips, sliced cucumbers *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: brisket on the grill, grilled potatoes , not sure what else…meant to pick up baked beans for my husband at the store but forgot them, maybe a berry pie for dessert? *HAPPY 4th OF JULY!*

WEDNESDAY: Beef empanadas, however, they may morph into tacos depending on my energy level *I work 8-4:30*

THURSDAY: copycat Chik-fil-a sandwiches, waffle fries *I work 8-4:30*

FRIDAY: not sure, leftovers maybe? or OUT. They rescheduled our city fireworks display from last Saturday so I’m hoping we can go see it. *I work 8-4:30*

All of the above subject to change as always.

Looking Around The House

Still a disaster. Thought I’d use this extended weekend to clean it up a bit. Maybe this afternoon. Let’s just sit outside and watch the bees and admire the flowers.

On My To Do List

Oh, how I need to weed this area…
  1. Grocery store *DONE*
  2. Clean the house (always)
  3. Small amount of laundry, husband did most of it over the weekend
  4. Pretty much most of last week’s list except I did pay bills
  5. Lots of gardening, I keep buying more plants/flowers without planting them 

From The Camera

These were from the phone (rest of photos in post minus racoons are from the actual camera) on Saturday.

Day:

Night:

Quote For The Week

If I had my way, I’d remove January from the calendar altogether and have an extra July instead. (Roald Dahl)

I know not everyone is going to share that thought but oh, how I love the idea!

 

Day 4 Report: The Last Day Of Our 5 Day Vacation

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Remember, we cut our vacation a bit short. So here’s my final report on family vacation to the Table Rock lake area.

First, I was treated to one last beautiful sunrise over the lake:

Our Lodging: Why We Cut Our Vacation A Bit Short

I can usually do a pretty good job of adapting to less than ideal conditions but this lodging was simply 2 small for the 4 of us. Three of whom are quite introverted. Thus, I spent so much time on the screened porch trying to give everyone their space. Not that I didn’t enjoy sitting out there reading but at the same time, it was kinda hot outside, reading by a pool/beside the lake would’ve been more my speed.

So basically, the boys twin beds/bedroom was in the living room. Probably just about 3 feet from the kitchen table pictured up there (I’d say excuse the mess but we were on vacation and I took these photos on a whim to share with my girlfriends via text). As you can see, we had our own bedroom with room for pretty much a bed and unpictured, a tall dresser where thankfully, we could put a fan or it would’ve been so hot in there!

Guess one thing we did learn: Tiny house living is not for us! Ha. And I’m never giving the ok on a resort/hotel without a pool ever again.

On The Way Home

We didn’t decide until Friday morning to just pack it in and go home. There might’ve been a few tears (probably happiness from the kids except they weren’t crying). I explained a few times that I wasn’t mad but simply disappointed. The trip did get better once we packed all our belongings up and started on the road home.

First, we ate lunch at a Godfather’s Pizza buffet. So I was happy about that. After lunch, we went to the The World’s Largest Toy Museum-Branson. Is it truly the largest in the world? I have no idea but they had lots of toys. It was somewhere G had mentioned sounded interesting so we wanted to go somewhere he wanted to go after he endured Silver Dollar City.

We had a good time. Lots of nostalgia. Note: I would not in a million years attempt this museum with anyone under age 10-11. They’d be bored I think. Lots of looking at things behind glass with a few interactive things here and there but not enough for young children.

One of my favorite childhood Christmas memories on display:

I had that stage set and those dolls!

Does anyone else remember playing this game? Good times, ha!

Or watching Mork from Ork on tv?

G liked the Spiderman exhibit, my husband enjoyed the fishing exhibit, and J enjoyed it all though I’m not sure he had a big favorite…maybe the Hot Wheels though I didn’t get a photo of those (the Hot Wheels were all for sale!):

On the outside of the building:

Lots of different movie posters. And yes, they had a huge Star Wars section inside as well. My sweet G took some pictures to send his cousin as it made us both think of his late uncle who’d been a huge Star Wars fanatic.

Then, it was goodbye to the toy museum and Branson.

Thoughts and Conversations Along The Way Home

We decided our house would feel like a mansion upon arrival home. It did. No place like home is quite true.

We also ranked our vacations. When G said it was in the bottom 3 of our family vacations, I thought to ask all of them what their favorite vacations were:

G: Minnesota the first time we went there. Funny since that trip to Minneapolis and Nickelodeon Universe is where we discovered he suffered from motion sickness. It was a fun time though.

At the Minnesota Zoo

My husband: South Dakota

Needles highway on the way into Custer State Park

 

J and I had the same answer: We both fell in love with Duluth, Minnesota located along the shores of Lake Superior

We all also enjoyed our Colorado vacation. So to end this post of a not so great vacation on a positive note, my top 3 family vacations were: Colorado Springs, Colorado, South Dakota (We stayed in Custer and drove into Rapid City), and Duluth, Minnesota. I’d have voted for Washington D.C. had it not been us tagging along on G’s band trip so we weren’t together that much as a family.

Do you have a favorite family vacation?

Four Things From June

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I enjoyed joining in with the share 4 somethings over at Overflowing With Thankfulness so much last month. Such a fun way to look back and recap the month a bit.

Here’s my 4 things I learned, loved, read, and ate in June.

LEARNED

That I need to write it down! I remember thinking: Oh this would be a good thing to include in what I learned in June. Do I remember what it was? Nope. Will I start writing things down now? Honestly, I doubt it. Some lessons take a little longer to sink in with me.

Also, that I still need to work on exercising my “no” muscle. This is mostly regarding my work. As a substitute, it’s very hard to say no. Part of it is the balance, say no too often, don’t get any calls. However, I sometimes struggle to remember the reason I sub is so I can have and plan days for myself.

Even this week, I planned to have Tuesday through today completely off. Starting today I am working for the next 5 weeks straight (same classroom, one teacher the whole month of July, the other the first week of August, maybe the 2nd week as well). This is typical for summer for me. However, I caved and went into work yesterday. SIGH. I’ve learned I’m good at saying no via text but if asked in person/over a phone call, I still struggle.

Very recent lessons: That it’s okay to go slow. Kind of nice actually.

Always something to learn/work on isn’t there?

LOVED

The summer skies! So much blue.

Traveling twice in one month! First on a girlfriend’s getaway to Lampe, Missouri. On the way there, we visited Harry S Truman’s birthplace:

In Lampe, we visited Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Well worth it!

And on the way home, The George Washington Carver National Monument

While I loved traveling a second time with family, the vacation to Table Rock wasn’t the best. Still the scenery was beautiful.

READ

The books that I read that really stood out to me were:

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson: I didn’t even remember putting this book on hold but it came up for me at the library. It was a bit different than my typical reads but very engaging. It followed the journey of two black women in the late 50’s as one faced an unwanted pregnancy while the other dealt with infertility. Definitely worth a read.

The Wayward Pines trilogy by Blake Crouch: We’d watched the series on Hulu. Oh my, the television series toned things way down. An enjoyable science fiction/dystopian (maybe?) kind of read. Basic subplot of most things in that genre: The humans are always scarier than the monsters.

Soulful Simplicity: How Living With Less Can Lead to So Much More by Courtney Carver: Full disclosure, I’m still reading this one. However, I’m finding it very down to Earth and motivating.

Ate

Can I just say too much and stop here? Ha.

Too much saltwater taffy. Still have my favorite flavor (huckleberry) in the freezer:

Plus all the other road trip fare: red twizzlers, trail mix, etc.

Really good chicken kabobs that one of my girlfriends made on our weekend trip.

And really BAD chicken kabobs that didn’t work out when I tried to duplicate the recipe on our family vacation:

However, I redeemed myself with making some amazingly good chicken legs on our grill at home last night:

Other food items/places we ate not pictured: Wendy’s, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s (I tried a Grimace shake & liked it), Taco Bell (a mistake and my stomach let me know!), Steak and Shake. Finally, the best one: A Godfather’s Pizza Buffet in Branson, MO. Godfather’s pizza is my favorite and they aren’t really around here anymore though J and I did discover one is near us about 45 minutes away. I see a day trip in our future.

In between all the junk, I tried to stay on a healthy track though I’m pretty sure I’m still working on the derailment from a stressful family vacation over here.

Working the whole month of July should help with staying a bit more on the healthy side of things as long as it doesn’t get too stressful. Usually isn’t too bad during the summer.

Looking forward to July! Maybe I’ll even write down any lessons I learn along the way.

*****************

 

Vacation Day 3: A Pretty Good Day

Blog365 Chitchat 4 Comments

This was actually exactly a week ago today. Wow, seems so much longer than that.

Silver Dollar City mostly saved our vacation from not being the bottom of the 3 worst vacations we’ve ever taken.

Note: There won’t be a lot of pictures with this post as I didn’t get my phone out very much.

Have I ever mentioned that poor G gets motion sickness? So amusement parks aren’t a lot of fun for him. However, he enjoyed the food and did ride a couple things with us.

The First Rides

First up, we each took turns riding a roller coaster with J called Wildfire. Always that slight fear as you get older that things might be different or is that just me? I can still ride!

Then, we were off to relive my childhood a bit and ride the Fire in the Hole. It was one of their first roller coasters and this is the last year for it so I was happy for that experience. We also enjoyed talking with a gentleman from Oklahoma while waiting to ride.

Park Food

When J and I returned from the ride, G and my husband were eating some homemade kettle chips that were very good.

At lunch, we had pretty standard amusement park food although I did feel like we got good portions for the price. The boys and I had chicken strips/tater tots and my husband had some kind of pulled pork.

Best thing, outside the saltwater taffy–brought way too much of that home, was the icee station. So the boys and I were able to each get a mix and match flavors icee. I had watermelon, blue raspberry, and drop of cherry limeade for mine.

Rides We Rode Together

As I mentioned, G gets pretty bad motion sickness but thought he could handle one of the water rides. It was called Mystic River Falls and lots of fun. Did we get wet? Oh my, yes!  Big wave right down my back. Thankfully, we’d put all our things in a locker prior to going on the ride. Our shoes were squishy the rest of the day/evening.

Fun thing I’d never seen before, for a price, they had these huge drying chambers you could go in after the ride next to the lockers. We didn’t pay the (crazy high) price but someone had left one running so we did stand in it for a bit. Hot on a hot day though.

We were going to ride the train but that turned into a bit of a fiasco which I did share in my guest survey via email a few days ago. Basically, they crammed us into the station but then, not everyone in the station was able to board and the next train was not due round for another 30 minutes! So sadly, we missed out on that. I was a bit disappointed as it was another fond childhood memory for me.

So instead, though by this point most of them–read G and my husband–were tired and cranky, we rode one called the Flooded Mine. Basically a very slow boat ride where you get these little attached guns to shoot the targets that make things happen (think piano plays, bell rings, etc).

Scary and Fun Rides

The main two rides J wanted to try were the new wooden roller coaster called Outlaw Run and one that spins around called The Time Traveler. 

We’d already decided I’d do the Time Traveler with him as the spinning did not appeal to my husband. I was a bit nervous as well but you know, the things we do for our kids and all that.

My husband and J rode the Outlaw Run first. I’d planned to take a turn as well. However, J’s first words after they came out of the ride were: Mom, I don’t think you should do that one.

My husband said: I’ve never been so scared on a roller coaster in my life!

J didn’t even want to ride it a second time.

I was nervous about riding the Time Traveler but we got in line. And it was a bit scary as the que is up several flights of steps which meant….I was not ready for it….you get in and then, go DOWN….FAST! No hill climb to prepare for the fast hill. A bit scary but it was really fun. I’d have gone again had everyone not been a bit wiped out and ready to go home by that point.

The End of Our Day

My husband and I rode the tram back to the parking lot while the boys opted to walk. They won. Thankfully, they had the keys so could get in the truck and cool off a bit. Back at our “resort” my husband grilled hot dogs and hamburgers though none of use were super hungry. And poor J had a really bad headache so took some Ibuprofen and called it a night.

Then, we briefly talked about what to do the next day including floating by the idea of just heading home early.

 

 

 

 

 

Vacation Report, Days 1 and 2

Blog365 Chitchat 6 Comments

A week ago today, we were on our way to the Table Rock lake area near Branson, Missouri.

Branson, Missouri while a super popular vacation destination is not my favorite place to go. At all.

Every year when I was a young child into my teen years, our family vacation was a resort on Table Rock lake. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, I swore we would go DIFFERENT places when I had kids so we have done that. This was only our 2nd, maybe 3rd family vacation to the area.

So if you don’t like it why’d you go there? We went because J wanted to go ride the roller coasters at Silver Dollar City. Actually, he was looking at the roller coasters in Ohio, I forget what city…where a big amusement park is located? However, time restraints made us reel in our plans to what was nearby.

A well-kept secret: Branson is not a budget friendly vacation! Maybe if you go and stay at a resort on the lake and do nothing else but even then, some of those resorts can get pricey. Ours was not. And ahem, you get what you pay for…

Tuesday:

Our trip down there was fine. It’s only about a 3 1/2 hour drive from KC. This is nice especially with older kids/teenagers/young adults who aren’t excited about leaving the house at 7 in the morning. We didn’t leave the house until probably 10 or 10:30.

I laughed a bit as when I went on my girlfriends weekend we stopped at a nice restaurant and then, toured Truman’s birthplace. When we went as a family, we ate at Wendy’s and then, browsed a shoe store (I’d forgotten my water shoes so there was a purpose).

We arrived at our destination around 3:30. In some ways it was exactly what I expected. In others, it was not.

The screened porch was nice and I spent most my time there reading my books. I didn’t end up needing the forgotten water shoes because the resort had no shore line! And it was such a steep walk down to the dock that none of us braved it in anything less than our tennis shoes. We did spend a bit of time fishing on Tuesday night though we caught nothing but a few very small perch.

We looked into renting a boat for one of the days but ultimately decided against it. My husband said he could borrow his brother’s boat and take the kids fishing around here for free. (Boat rentals in this area were crazy high! Usually resorts have boats for rent but the one boat we saw at the resort wouldn’t have safely held 4 people.)

Wednesday

We ventured into Branson on Wednesday. Since I was a little upset and disappointed over a few things, my husband surprised me with a trip to:

The Butterfly Palace

I do love butterflies and we all enjoyed this. Can’t remember the name of the butterfly pictured here:

I have a video of the butterfly below in flight but no idea how to get it on here but you can click on this link to see what the wings look like spread out:  blue morpho:

For Daniela from Danahandmade:

Can’t remember exactly what it was called, some sort of geode.

After the Butterfly Palace, G was especially happy as we stumbled across a Steak and Shake so ate lunch there. We used to have one near us but it closed down and now the closest one is about a 40 minute drive.

Then, it was on to:

Branson Landing

This is essentially a huge shopping area along Lake Taneycomo. None of it existed when we used to go to Branson when I was a kid. It’s so built up now. However, I still think Lake Taneycomo is beautiful! And honestly, kind of prefer it to Table Rock Lake. It’s a cold water lake where the main fishing is for trout. 

There’s a walkway where you can walk along the lake. And they have fountains that put on a little show every hour starting at noon. Again, I have a video but no idea how to get it from the phone to here. Maybe I’ll mess with trying to figure it out later.

Otherwise, it’s basically like any other overpriced outdoor shopping place you’ve been with the brick sidewalks and expensive restaurants. We were trying to go the Dicks 5 & 10 which is an iconic downtown Branson store but my husband got mixed up and we went to the “dime” store in the landing instead. They are not the same!

After those two adventures, we returned to our cabin and had some down time before a less than successful dinner I cooked there. Then, we retreated to our various spaces, mine being the screened porch where I read until dark.

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Back On Track

Blog365 HappyHomemakerMonday 15 Comments

I’m sort of back on track. We returned from our vacation on Friday.

And then, I went ahead and took Saturday and Sunday “off” as well. Now, it’s time to get back on track with things.

I can’t think of a better place to start than with a Happy Homemaker Monday post. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom like always.

The Weather

Excited to have a blooming hollyhock this year!

Pretty standard summer stuff today, highs in the 80’s and a little windy. Supposed to be HOT to end out our week though with highs in the upper 90’s. Funny, yahoo weather shows a few days with 50% rain chances but my weather app on my phone only shows one day with a 24% rain chance so who knows what’s going to happen in that area. We’re still pretty dry though our drought conditions aren’t as poor as other areas of the state.

As I Look Outside My Window

My bee was camera shy and left before his photo shoot could happen

Not really outside my window but out the front door I did see a  happy honeybee on the blooms from my lavender pot.

Right Now

I just came back from the grocery store and brought the final downstairs freezer items down here. And now started working on this post for a minute while I’m rewashing (SIGH) some clothes I forgot in the washer.

Thinking And Pondering

So much. All the things I’d like to cram into the next 3 days. Why on Earth I said I’d work today (just for a few hours in the afternoon but still what was I thinking?). How this year seems to be going by so fast and why? I’m usually not one to say where has the time gone but where has the time gone? Oh, and what to have for dinners this week. Probably other thoughts whirling away in my brain as well.

How I’m Feeling

Flowers growing wild at our vacation cabin

I have a slight headache (probably from all those thoughts above and I need to drink some water). Also, feeling very much like I need to get back on track with eating healthy again. Vacation food does not exactly equal healthy food.

On The Breakfast Plate 

Coffee with coconut milk, then a 310 shake using their caramel macchiato recipe (basically, more coffee, a frozen banana, tablespoon of cocoa, and the shake mix)

On The Lunch Plate

No idea. Maybe just a sandwich or perhaps another shake.

On The Dinner Plate

Not sure what we’re having yet. Hoping to figure it out soon. Probably turkey sausage, hashbrown potatoes, and strawberries. Need to use up some buns from vacation.

What I’m Wearing Today

Navy blue v-neck short sleeve shirt with butterfly design, capris that match the butterfly colors, socks and tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I read a couple thrillers during our vacation, the 3rd in the Wayward Pines tribology. It was creepy but okay. Then, I read A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham. It was a decent thriller, semi-predictable but enough there to keep me guessing to the end. Currently, I’m reading Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver. Promising so far, pretty motivating.

On My TV This Week

Not sure. I know season 4 of Jack Ryan releases on Friday so I’ll probably watch that this weekend. Wasted time watching Ant Man Quantum Mania this past weekend. SO glad I didn’t pay to see that one in the theater. Though I did enjoy the first episode of Secret Invasion on Disney Plus and will probably follow along with that series. Missing Ted Lasso.

On The Menu

Let’s see….

MONDAY: Turkey sausages on grill, hashbrown potatoes, iceberg wedge salad, and strawberries *I work 1:45-4:45* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic breadsticks

WEDNESDAY: Chicken legs on the grill, coleslaw, corn on the cob

THURSDAY: Pepper steak/chicken and rice OR leftovers

FRIDAY: Waffles and sausage, fruit OR G’s French Toast *I work 8-4:30*

Sat/Sun: Leftovers, homemade pizza, tacos, OUT

Looking Around The House

It’s still pretty much an after vacation disaster! Needs serious attention.

On My To Do List

I’m not even sure…

  1. Grocery store *DONE*
  2. Need to plant some flowers/veggies/yard work
  3. Pay a couple bills
  4. See what day J wants to take his driver’s test. Am I ready? No. Is he ready? Yes.
  5. Sign J up for a defensive driving course
  6. Clean the house
  7. Laundry
  8. Anniversary trip planning with husband
  9. Need to call/text and catch up with some friends/family members
  10. Mail a couple cards

From The Camera

Most my vacation photos are on my phone. Here are a few I did take with the camera

Quote For The Week

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

 

 

 

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