She's Back

Jasmine got home last night. She had such a great trip. They were going non-stop the whole time there. Disneyland, Dodger game, beach, Hollywood Bowl, Museum of Natural History, etc. Like I said, she had a great time, but we were all ready for her to be home.

Her birthday is Friday and we have parties scheduled for Saturday and Sunday for her.

I really hate not being able to check in on everyone and post with pictures daily... :(


BTW - Jasmine's favorite things in Cali were boogie boarding in the ocean and the yellow submarine at Disneyland.

Quickie

OK, I'm here for half a minutes. We had a very good weekend, especially the Thrifting...I feel rejuvenated. I bought 20 items for just at $50, that was my spending limit. And I am very pleased with all of my purchases. We went to small group Saturday and as soon as I walked in a girl said 'I want some pants like that' that's right $3 at the Thrift store....love it.

Jasmine is still in Cali and on her way home tomorrow. It is like a huge void in our house without her, she is definitely the life of the party.

Gotta go, will blog later. Ciao

Bad News....

....I am no longer able to view or update my blog from work. And considering once I leave work, I have no desire to look at a computer my blogging will be very scarce. I'll try to update at least once a week, but that may be pushing it.

I'll miss ya'll.

Time Out....Please

I think I need a time out. Our summer has been so busy (which is how I like it) but occasionally I just want to stay home and chill. Stay in my PJs all day...clean a bit if I feel like it...watch some TV, which is something I usually don't take time to do. Well last Saturday was that day for me. On my planner I marked through it to ensure I didn't make plans. I was able to sleep until I woke up -- no alarm clock or kids dragging me out of bed. I made a yummy breakfast and after as were -- all four -- laying in our king size bed Joe says 'hey, let's go to a movie'. I'm thinking no, I wanna stay home ALL DAY and do nothing. Well, of course, the kids went into a frenzy and started getting dressed immediately. And since I like doing things with my family I eventually came around. So we went to the $1 movie (actually $1.25 now). After the movie we went back home after a quick Chick-Fil-A drive thru to use more FREE meal vouchers the kids earned through the reading program at the Library. And now I can feel the tension, I didn't get my free day at home full of nothing and I am irritable and tired and blah. Oh how I hate to feel blah! So I told Joe last night Saturday was all about me. Jasmine will be in California and him and Cash need to make plans. I'm going to my favorite Thrift, Goodwill and Resale Stores....and I can't wait. I know it's not a day of nothing at home, but thrifting brings me just as much joy!! I'm so excited.

And take a look at what Jasmine talked Cash into Saturday afternoon....

...Joe was not happy at this sight, not at all! I believe he waited less than 5 minutes before saying, 'Son, aren't you ready to take that dress off?'.

Menu Plan Monday

Well, I took a good long look in the freezer this morning and when I went back to the kitchen to make my list....I had nothing. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty in there. I just don't know what I want to make with all of it. I think my problem is I am a tad distracted because Jasmine is leaving Wednesday for a week in California. She is traveling with my Grandmother and will be visiting her very best friend (and cousin) Kaja...my aunt and cousin will also be in the mix but Kaja is the main focus for Jasmine. So, please be in prayer this week for safe travel and for me not to worry too much.

l

OK, here goes...although don't hold me to anything this week.

l

Monday - Breaded chicken breasts and veggies

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Tuesday - Tacos and beans -- Jasmine's favorite and her last meal w/ us for a week :(

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Wednesday - Hot dogs and mac&cheese -- Cash's favorite

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Thursday - Possibly going to the pool for family night luau -- $10 admission for family and that included a meal. Not sure if Joe will be up for a pool night during the week, but I'll try my darndest. If not - Meatloaf and potatoes

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Friday - Taco Bueno --if I have anything to say about it--

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Saturday - I'm going Thrifting - Yeehaw! And Saturday evening we have small group so I'll have to make something for that. Maybe these:

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PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
Ingredients:

1 cup PB

1 cup sugar

1 egg

Directions:Preheat oven 350 degrees. Mix the above ingredients. Roll the mixture into small balls. Roll the PB balls in a bowl of sugar. Bake 10-12 minutes. They will be soft when done. Do not overcook!

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and these:

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CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients:

1 chocolate cake mix

1 package chocolate chips

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

Directions: Mix cake mix, oil and egg together. Add in chocolate chips. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Again, soft when done - just take them out after 10 minutes.

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Sunday - Breakfast: We are responsible for taking a snack to Church for our class. I plan to make blueberry muffins and these:

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CINNAMON RAISIN BISCUITS

Ingredients:

2 cups bisquick
½ cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
Directions: Combine ingredients and cook @ 425 for 10-12 minutes

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Lunch: Chicken Salad. Although I don't have and exact recipe this is what I put in mine:

Canned chicken (unless there is leftover chicken in fridge)

Onion

Sweet relish

Miracle Whip

Red grapes

--and I like it on toast or a toasted croissant. YUM!

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Dinner: YO-YO (your on your own - leftovers - whatever you can find)

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OK, now I'm feeling a little better with a preliminary plan.

Friday Funny

This video made me laugh out loud (a few times), hope it does the same for you....have a great weekend!!

What Would You Do?

I don't know about you, but several of the 'Blogs I Enjoy' are some that I have just happened upon during my blog adventures these last two years. I leave messages on some of their sites, but others I just enjoy reading. Well what do you do when you see one of those families out and about? It is a bit odd. After church last week our small group went to lunch together and I see this little boy at the restaurant that looks very familiar. I just figured it is one I had watched while volunteering at church over the last few years. Then his sister walked up and said something to him and they went on their way. It was then that I realized I knew the family from a blog I visit on occasion. So weird, I'm not a very forward person and don't feel comfortable walking up to people who have no idea who I am and saying, 'Hey, I read your blog. Good to see you!'

My questions is this....what would you do? Say something or make a mental note and move on

* * Insert Jeopardy theme music here * *

Wordless Wednesday: Work Attire...Seriously??? (the dress ends where the polka dots end)

Fun in the Sun

Saturday was my niece's birthday party and same as we have been doing since her 3rd, we had it at a pool. This water park is soo much fun, lots of stuff for the kids to do on their own. I like that.

Jas and Vanessa (birthday girl)

Me and the kids


Cash and Luke

Jasmine chillin in the lazy river

Joe and Cash

Luke sat in my lap for just a minute to drink his juice and that's all she wrote...

Jasmine went home with a friend for a sleepover and Cash was not at all happy about it. As we were leaving he asked where Jasmine was. When I told him I then said, 'It's just me, you and Daddy' in my isn't that exciting voice his response 'I don't want you, I want Donna's house.' He then pouted the whole way home, I couldn't resist a picture....ain't he cute!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday - Meatloaf and broccoli

Tuesday - Leadership meeting at church w/ dinner provided :)

Wednesday - Crockpot chicken, potatoes and veggies with biscuits

Thursday - Free meal vouchers at Chick-Fil-A :)

Friday - Tacos, rice and beans

Saturday - NOTHING PLANNED -- can you believe it -- since no events are planned I'll probably make some eggs and pancakes for breakfast, chicken salad for lunch and grill steaks w/ mashed potatoes for dinner.

Sunday - Potluck directly after church and Workshop that evening (w/ dinner) :)

** Lots of :) this week. Although I enjoy preparing meals for the family, it's nice not to have to on occasion. **

Guess where we went Wednesday

The kids really enjoyed it, almost as much as I enjoyed watching them-watch the circus.

Cash was having such a great time jumping up and down and dancing I just couldn't stand the cuteness. Even the lady next to me watched him for a majority of the time.

During intermission we broke out the goodies. See those curious George toys on the trapeze-big hit (and straight from the .99 store-that's right we smuggled in our own goodies). I just can't bring myself to spend $20 on a light up wand or sword. We also brought our own glow sticks, ring pops and peanuts.

I tried my hardest to get a group shot with everyone looking but this is the closest we got out of about five shots.

Kaja went home to California the next morning, which Jasmine was sad about. But in another week Jasmine will be going there for a visit....without me.