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 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)

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)

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!).

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

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)

My June started with a quick little girlfriend weekend getaway to the Ozark mountain area in southern Missouri. Lampe, Missouri to be exact. So, I’ll be sprinkling pictures from our trip throughout this post.

This morning was spent trying to catch up on all the things before yet another somewhat busy work week.

Still, I wanted to make sure to take time today and join in for Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Summer is “officially” right around the corner. It’s hot and humid. Today is a poor air quality day (we get those sometimes) with an expected high of 88, small chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. I still watered everything. Rest of the week is supposed to have highs in the upper 80’s as well.

As I Look Outside My Window

(This is the only picture from here. I was releasing a lost ladybug back into the garden and stumbled on the crow family. I think these are the younger ones)

Right Now

I’m finishing up the laundry, working on this post, have a few too many tabs open on the computer, and am trying to figure out how to talk my husband into ordering a hotel mattress for our bed. (The current one is bothering us both).

Thinking And Pondering

I wasn’t able to keep up with some friends (not everyone went) on a hiking trail and it made me so mad (not at them, at myself for being so out of shape). The trail was very steep but still.

My weight has gotten very out of hand the past few years. Stress eater + lots o’ stress = not good news. Started with a nutrition shake this morning from 310 Nutrition. Probably share more about what I’m planning to do anyway in a different post. Especially as I’m still trying to figure things out with it all.

How I Am Feeling

Honestly? Fat and out of shape. Tired and grumpy. And like I need a few more vacations very soon.

On The Breakfast Plate

A 310 Nutrition shake made with the vanilla flavor, cup of coffee, banana, ice, and tablespoon of cocoa. It’s a recipe. Calls for the caramel flavor really but vanilla worked fine.

On The Lunch Plate

Great question, maybe another shake? Not really hungry.

On The Dinner Plate

Taco salads is the plan for tonight

What I’m Wearing

S.T.A.R. labs t-shirt, very old jean shorts, and leopard print slip on shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I was struggling with The End of the World is Just the Beginning so I put it down for a bit. Picked up Pines: Wayward Pines: 1 by Blake Crouch, barely started it.

On My TV

Finished both Barry (mixed feelings) and Ted Lasso (no comment on whether I cried throughout a lot of the last episode) last week. Probably just my Doctor Who episode and some cooking shows this week.  Oh and I almost forgot, I sat and watched Scott Pilgrim vs the World with G last night. I’d never seen it, so funny! (It’s the kind of super stupid comedy I love).

On My Menu This Week

It worked out well having the boys each take a night to cook last week so I’m doing that again this week.

MONDAY: taco salads *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Sausage, pepper, potato, and onion hash *I work 8-3*

WEDNESDAY: G is in charge of bacon wrapped chicken *I work 8-3*

THURSDAY: J’s choice. I still need to get with him about what he wants to make *J has an appt at 1* *I work 3-4:30, as a favor for a teacher*

FRIDAY: biscuit BLT’s (BLT’s on biscuits with lettuce from the garden) *I work 8-4:30*

Looking Around The House

It was surprisingly tidy when I got home yesterday. However, I still need to do the basic cleaning.

On My To Do List

Sometimes I feel like this could be its own post.

1. Laundry *In progress*
2. Grocery store *DONE*
3. Water flowers/garden *DONE*
4. Clean hummingbird feeder/replace food *DONE*
5. Sort/Pay bills if needed *DONE*
6. Make eye appointment for new glasses
7. Clean house
8. Research deals for upcoming family vacation
9. Need to pot some plants
10. Whatever I’m forgetting

From The Camera

Pictures from Dogwood Canyon in Lampe, MO. It’s a park created by Johnny Morris (the founder of Bass Pro Shops). We took a tram ride as well as walked the grounds and some of the trails, very beautiful place.

I think this is a dickcissel (spotted at the George Washington Carver national monument in Diamond, MO)

Quote For The Week

The finite mind of man can never grasp the mysteries of the infinite. It is the highest wisdom as it is our great happiness to accept our limitations to use what we have and leave the rest to God.                                             (George Washington Carver)

Still not sure  how I got so far away from posting every day to hardly posting. Wait, yes, I do know. Life got busy! And it’s not going to slow down much this week either. However, today is a holiday Monday so I have time to post this morning.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom as always.

The Weather

Well, I watered all my flower and the garden this morning and now it looks like it might rain. Pretty sure it wasn’t in the forecast. It’s currently 79 degrees and switching between sun and clouds. (Sprinkled just a bit as I was coming home from the store but by the time I arrived, sun was shining and it felt hot). Looks like there’s around a 50% chance of rain all week starting tomorrow with highs in the mid to upper 80’s.

As I Look Outside My Window

Over the weekend, I chased a catbird around with the camera (very shy, hard to capture on camera!). And this morning, I spotted a bluebird! First time I’ve ever seen one in my own backyard. Too slow with the camera. Not sure if I’ll see one again. Keep checking with no luck.

Right Now

I’ve just returned from the grocery store and sat down to continue writing this post. I did put most the groceries away first.

Thinking And Pondering

Still thinking about the catbirds (there were 2!) as well as the bluebird that I saw this morning. How whenever I feel a little lost or down, I almost always spot a different bird. And how I believe they are signs. On the morning of J’s graduation, I spotted a brown thrasher, only one I’ve seen this year, and it happened to have been my mom’s favorite bird. Hummingbirds were my late mother-in-law’s favorites and very recently, J saw one just hovering right outside our front windows almost like it was looking inside (nowhere near our feeders). 

And I have a feeling my late father might have sent the bluebird since they are a symbol for happiness and hope.

How I Am Feeling

A tiny bit overwhelmed. Who me? Put off all my have-to’s until the very last day of the weekend? Not me! SIGH.

On The Breakfast Plate

J and I had McDonald’s. We’ve been talking about getting it forever and finally both remembered on the same day. I had 2 breakfast burritos and a coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure yet. Probably some leftover chicken from yesterday.

On The Dinner Plate

Ribs (found some already cooked in freezer), hot dogs, cucumber salad, maybe corn on the cob, fruit

What I’m Wearing Today

Navy blue t shirt, jean shorts, and leopard print slip on shoes

On My Reading Pile

Finished The Outsider by Stephen King over the weekend. Looks like they made a series for it on HBO or Max (whatever they call it now). Pretty good book but a little scary, not sure I’ll watch the series, might though. Now I’ve started The End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan.  Barely into the book but interesting non-fiction so far.

On My TV This Week

Need to finish watching The Dungeons and Dragons movie, it’s on Paramount + and wasn’t bad but I started it too late and fell asleep. Barry, Dr. Who, the last episode of Ted Lasso.  Started watching Locke and Key, binging my way through that one.

On The Menu

Are you even surprised to hear it’s another busy week for me? And a busy week for my husband as well. Putting 2 young adults in charge of a few dinners. And we have a freezer full of frozen pizza for any dinner emergencies.

MONDAY: ribs (from freezer, already cooked) and hot dogs, cucumber salad

TUESDAY: French Toast (G is in charge of this meal) *I work 9:30-6*

WEDNESDAY: Poutine (J wanted to try this….I’m still a little iffy about it) *I work 9:30-6*

THURSDAY: Roast in the slow cooker *I work 9:30-6*

FRIDAY: Husband’s choice (I’m out of town for a girlfriend weekend getaway)

Looking Around The House

The helium balloons from J’s graduation last Saturday are still going strong! And I have a lot of cleaning to do today. Want to get it in some sort of order before this crazy busy week.

On My To Do List

(For the week)

1. Water garden/outdoor flowers *DONE*
2. Grocery store *DONE*
3. Pay Bills due at end of month
4. Laundry
5. Still need to order graduation announcements *DONE*
6. Bake quiches to take on trip (I’m in charge of breakfasts)
7. Pack for trip/decide what I’m wearing to work this week
8. Mow the lawn
9. Clean the entire house
10. Get gas for the car (waiting to see if it goes down a bit after holiday)

From The Camera

Walking around yesterday, I took notice of things in the yard on the verge of blooming…

Quote For The Week

Seems appropriate to share this poem today:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow  
Between the crosses, row on row,  
That mark our place; and in the sky  
The larks, still bravely singing, fly  
Scarce heard amid the guns below.  
–John McCrae (1872–1918) 

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

Well, it’s a bit late for planning the week I suppose. Has it really only been since last Tuesday since I posted last? Still wanted to hop on here and at least keep up with my joining in with every Happy Homemaker Monday. It’s a Thursday but I’m determined to keep my streak going on this at least.

Over the past week/weekend it’s been busy with mostly all good things. We went to our son’s high school graduation! And had a birthday celebration! In the middle of all that, I had lots of work days and J asking to go driving.

It seems to me this is the first day in ages where I don’t need to leave the house for any reason unless I choose to do so.

Looks like I can still add a very late link up to Sandra’s Happy Homemaker Monday post over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom so I’ll do that once I finish up this post. Let’s go ahead and go through the categories.

The Weather

Other than a few chilly mornings, it’s been pretty seasonable. We had a pop up thunderstorm last night which brought us some much needed rain. The weekend is supposed to be beautiful with warm sunny days and highs in the 80’s. I’m looking forward to finally getting the rest of my garden plants in the ground.

As I Look Outside My Window

It was a little cloudy out earlier but now the sun is shining and the birds are happy that I finally filled their feeders again. Oh, and out front, the peonies I moved from the backyard 2 years ago, I think, bloomed!

Right Now

I’m taking a moment to break from cleaning up the house and working on this post instead.

Thinking And Pondering

How relieved and happy I am that J graduated and is moving on to the next stages. Scared to even really write it/think it but life finally seems to be cycling back to the pre-pandemic normal. Starting to be happy that my husband suggested I take a year to just continue subbing before jumping into working full-time. Getting excited about maybe spending time getting the house in order before the next thing.

How I Am Feeling 

Tired and ready for the long weekend to hopefully, relax a bit.

On The Breakfast Plate

Toast on sourdough bread and sausage (husband cooked sausage to have with Eggo chocolate chip waffles but I needed savory). Vitamins and coffee

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure yet. Probably just forage through the fridge for something.

On The Dinner Plate

Probably going to keep it simple and just make tacos

What I Am Wearing Today

Missouri State T-shirt, black skort, and leopard print shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I just finished one of the best memoirs I’ve read in a long time: Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton. Definitely my favorite of all the memoirs I’ve read recently. Well-written and enjoyable. It’s like sitting at the table with him and just listening to stories of his childhood, acting roles in different movies (the biggest, of course, the Harry Potter franchise), and his struggles later with mental health. I don’t think you need to be a Harry Potter fan to find enjoyment and value within his story.

On My TV This Week

We watched Ted Lasso last night and I noticed next week is the season finale? Already! Sigh. Started watching Summer Baking Championship, we need to catch up with Top Chef, and then, I’ll watch Doctor Who and also, Barry at some point.

On The Menu This Week

Easy to plan the menu when it’s already Thursday! Here’s what we ate this week, let’s see if I can even remember…

MONDAY: Husband cooked ribeye steaks (I had no idea he was doing this and had bought a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store) *I worked 7:30-4* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Culvers for G’s birthday followed by homemade chocolate cake with white frosting  (His birthday was actually on Sunday but we postponed his celebration, his idea as he had another party to attend, until Tuesday) *I worked 8:15-3:45*

WEDNESDAY: Clean out the fridge night, J had leftover steak, I ate spinach dip and chips plus some salami from an appetizer tray, husband used the rotisserie chicken to make BBQ sandwiches. G went out with friends. *I worked 7-3:30, 3:45 really*

THURSDAY: tacos

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza using the rest of the pepperoni from the appetizer tray

Looking Around The House

The helium graduation balloons are still going strong. I have some more graduation decorations to take down. I’m slowly putting it back in order.

On My To Do List

Not that much as my list was much crazier last week.

1. Pay Bills *DONE*
2. Make reservations for family vacation next month
3. laundry *Always in progress*
4. Plant okra/sunflower seeds (over the weekend, a bit late with this)
5. Relax!

(I’ll also probably be taking J driving, hopefully doing a bit of decluttering, and cleaning-inside and outside)

From The Camera

Breaking my no personal pictures rule again (shhh! don’t tell). Here’s my high school graduate and his now 22 year old brother!

Quote For The Week

(Found on Pinterest, source: Inspirationformoms.com )

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

I’m still here, either running to work or elsewhere or staring blankly into space.

Mother’s Day was nice, we all went to see the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie, then got take out from Culver’s. And I made cupcakes later in the day, rose cupcakes from the Spring baking championship though I skipped the swiss meringue buttercream and just used a jar of frosting. (My skills aren’t at the swiss meringue level) Almost everyone liked them (G wasn’t a fan).

It’s just a busy time both at home and work right now. J’s graduation is this weekend as is G’s birthday the following day. And then next week, 3 full work days to start it out. In between all that: I’m working on making sure J gets lots of driving practice, meeting friends to plan a weekend trip for next month (honestly, I’d pass on it if I hadn’t already paid my share), and trying to keep the house at a tolerable level of mess.

Hoping to get around today and tomorrow to check on everyone, didn’t quite make it last week. However, I am going to get on with this Happy Homemaker Tuesday post today. Linking it up in a bit with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

We’ve had 2 days of rain and it’s cool enough out for the windows to be open. Actually, it was pretty chilly earlier today. Back to sun and the upper 70’s/low 80’s for the rest of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window

This was sometime last week but if you look near the dandelion, you can see the blue bird, not a bluebird but an indigo bunting.

Right Now

Laundry, this post, watching the time as I told J I’d take him out driving around 3:30

Thinking and Pondering

Not sure, honestly, I’ve been in a bit of a grumpy mood the past couple of days. Just feeling pulled in too many directions, I think.

How I’m Feeling 

See above. Tired and a bit stressed. Needing some quiet alone time.

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnamon “toast” croissant (I used a croissant to make cinnamon toast), coffee

On The Lunch Plate

Husband’s been home today so he grilled hot dogs, not my first choice. Also had chips and a sparkling rose cupcake.

On The Dinner Plate

Korean BBQ meatballs/rice

What I’m Wearing Today

Still need to shower but am currently wearing a Star Labs t-shirt (from The Flash), elephant pants, and leopard print slip on shoes. Fashionista over here. Ha! UPDATE: I am now wearing a light blue short-sleeved sweater (yes, in May!) with jeans and tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Finished one called All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham. A long wait for it but personally, I didn’t think it lived up to the hype. I’ve started something lighter now, Summer at the Cornish Beach Cafe by Donna Ashcroft.

On My TV This Week

Cooking shows, Barry, Dr. Who, Ted Lasso, not sure what else.

On My Menu

MONDAY: I made chicken chili but did something wrong, wasn’t very good *I worked 8:30-11:30* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30* *I had MNO, mainly for trip planning purposes*

TUESDAY: Korean Meatballs/rice *I have Bunco*

WEDNESDAY: Maybe chicken parmesan *might have an activity, not sure yet*

THURSDAY: ????

FRIDAY: ????? *I work 8:30-?2* *J has graduation practice*

SATURDAY: J’s graduation

SUNDAY: G’s birthday

Looking Around The House 

Well, to quote myself from this morning: How can this bathroom be more disgusting than one used by 40 preschool kids? UGH. Maybe let’s not look around the house right now.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Target
3. Laundry
4. Take J driving
5. Figure out how Saturday is going to work regarding tickets/family/etc
6. Party Store (thought I’d decorate house a bit)
7. CLEAN the house
8. Pay Bills
9. Plant second row of beans/other things in garden
10. ????Things I’m forgetting

From The Camera

Really haven’t picked up camera very much, not even sure when I took the pictures in my post, sometime last week I guess.

Quote For The Week

(Source: Pinterest)