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.

Getting Wet

Sunday after church we went to an Aquatic Center. We met some family up there and the kids had a really good time. We were there for a good amount of time, 1p - 5p. As we were pulling out of the parking lot Jas asked if we could go to another pool. I told her no, it was time to go home eat dinner and take baths before bedtime. She then looked at the temperature gage in my van and said, 'But it is 105 outside, we should be getting wet somewhere!' ~~so true, so true~~it is just dang hot here...

Cash finally going down the slide ALL BY HIMSELF...yippee!!

Jas and Kaja soaking up the rays

Wordless Wednesday: Searching for Popsicles (and we are NOT at our house)!

**good thing our friend Traci loves my kids so much**

Planet Pizza Birthday Party

Saturday was a fun fun day. It was so nice not to have to ride all the rides with the kids this year at Planet Pizza. I was just a spectator this year (yippee!). Cash is really starting to come out of his shell with trying new things, I just love watching them evolve.

Jas and Aunt Kathy on the roller coaster
Jas, Cash and Nessa
Kung Fu Panda masks were a hit

Cash was VERY interested in all of Charlie's gifts (a majority of them were Spiderman). After all the presents were opened and I told the kids to go play some more before we left he headed for the bucket with the gifts in it. He wanted to play with the good stuff!

Cash flying high

Jasmine and Kaja
Cash and Grandpa on the pirate ship
Jasmine and Noah
Uh-oh, I think there's going to be a dance off...

Menu Plan Monday

We had a busy busy weekend and planning our menu for the week is something I am just now getting around to...

Monday...since no meat is thawing I think we'll go easy Spaghetti and salad

Tuesday...Fajitas and refried beans

Wednesday...going to the CIRCUS

Thursday...Breaded chicken and rice

Friday...Steaks on the grill and potatoes

Saturday...Bday party and small group

Sunday...Potluck at church

Whew, now I feel a little better just having that out of the way.

Watch the Birdie - Take Two - Weekly Update

They look pretty hungry to me...

I think the mama at the other nest is giving me the evil eye...

Indoor Playground

Sunday evening I had something at church (at least I thought I did -- the date was changed and I didn't update my planner...oops). We arrived a little early and when no one else was there I told the kids they could play on a playground for a bit, to give everyone a chance to get there (or so I thought). Our church has two outdoor playgrounds and two indoor playground (yes, it is a very large church). I was so happy when they chose the newest indoor playground for two reasons 1. it was not outside in the 100 degree heat 2. the other indoor is an enclosed room with the tube type mazes you see at McDonald's and a little stuffy. They had lots of fun swimming and fishing (can you tell the theme of the playground). Here are some pics...

Wordless Wednesday: Why do all the strays end up on our property...and STAY??

Menu Plan Monday

OK, so I've been participating in this (in my mind) for a while now and thought I'd finally start posting the information on my blog. Each weekend I roughly put together in my head what we will be having for dinner throughout the week. And I have to admit summer has thrown in an added challenge with swim lessons, VBS and trips to the Library.

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Monday - Tacos, spanish rice and beans.

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Tuesday - Turkey meatloaf muffins, mashed potatoes & salad - Will prepare the muffins on Monday and will peel potatoes and place in water in pot in the fridge. This way Joe can just put meatloafs in oven and potatoes on stove top when he gets home. Will also cook double portion of mashed potatoes to use with Fridays meal.

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Wednesday - Chicken quesadillas with leftover rice and beans and salad.

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Thursday - Chicken nuggets and french fries - This is one of our in&out nights. Going to girlfriends house for haircuts.

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Friday - Chicken fried steaks, mashed potatoes, green beans and biscuits.

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Saturday - CRAZY - Bday party and Bday party!

Watch the Birdie - Take Two - Update

Well, they've hatched. I took a picture, but it is really hard to make out what is what. They are actually kind of gross looking at this point. Let me know if you can make out what is in the picture. I'll try to get some better ones, but where the nest is I am stretching my arm up to shoot the picture and don't get to see what I am pointed at until after. I would have tried to get some better ones last night, but Joe was afraid I might get pecked in the head by a protective momma if I didn't stop taking pictures.

Wordless Wednesday: If You Pick Your Nose...Jesus Knows

Shoes

Last night while I was doing the dishes Jasmine brought in a pair of my heels and said 'Here, Momma, wear these and I'll wear the pink ones'. So there I am doing dishes in a pair of fabulous red heels (and my purple polka dot sleep pants :) ....what??? doesn't everybody do this...

Then later when I went into my closet I see she has been busier than I thought. I think I even saw Cash sporting a pair at one point in the evening (but don't tell Joe, he's a little touchy about that kind of thing).

Rude Awakening

The other night, while we were tucked safely in our beds, having sweet sweet dreams, Joe and I were awakened by a loud noise about 3am. We both groggily looked at each other for a moment then 'BOOM'. We jump out of bed and I start to run to the other end of the house where the kids rooms are and Joe goes to the front door. As he opens the door he yells 'Call 911, it's on fire!'. So, naturally, my mind is going 90mph and I finally say 'WHAT????' (guys - this is my worst nightmare, when I was 5 I slept with a bag packed next to my bed so just in case there was a fire I would have some of my favorite things)...he then yells back 'the tractor, the neighbors tractor is on fire!'. I run to get my phone - which of course I could not find, so I dump out my purse, my bag and anything else I could possibly dump - after I call and am told the fire department has been dispatched I go to the front door. That is when I see this.....

This is about 20ft from the side of our house...just outside Jasmine's bedroom window!!!

Once I see the fire and where it is I go running back into the house and get Jasmine to put into our bed. It is by the grace of God that she was so exhausted from going to Vacation Bible School all week that she did not wake up during the explosions that jarred Joe and I on the opposite end of the house. I'm afraid if she would have awoke to this, she would never sleep in her room again (I know I wouldn't have at that age). After about 10 minutes - remember we live in the country, our fire department is volunteer and takes a little longer for them to respond - they showed up and put the fire out. Whew, I tell ya, sleep after that did not come easy. Had my heart pumping for the rest of the day. Here is the aftermath, I took this as I was leaving for work about 6:15a so it is kind of dark. By the time we got home that evening it was gone, already towed away.