Menu Monday**Edit**

Today is going to be a relaxing day for me!  I plan on keeping my feet up and vegging.  Tomorrow is payday, grocery shopping will occur this week.

#1 son starts school tomorrow. 


#2 son starts piano lessons Wednesday.



Not much else planned for the week!

I'll post a menu later today!

I had the menu done yesterday afternoon~  It sounds so boring!  So sorry you all were waiting with baited breath for this.  Red Robin sounds great right about now!  This menu will take me through until my manly man leaves for training Sept. 14.  A couple of these night are girls night in...the guys will be at a men's campout.

Tuesday-  Velveeta macaroni and cheese, garlic broccoli, grilled chicken pieces

Wednesday-  Stuffed pork chops, ranch carrots, Pear Salad

Thursday-  Lemon alfredo ravioli, Rosemary bread, 24 hour layered salad

Friday-  Pork and pineapple kebabs with cooked white rice

Saturday-  Franks Red Hot Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, black eyed peas, cornbread

Sunday-  Mushroom swiss steak with egg noodles, ambrosia fruit salad, green beans

Monday-  Tator tot casserole

Tuesday-Slow cooked ribs with cooked rice, stir fried baby bok choy

Wednesday-  White chicken chili, cornbread

Thursday-  Hawaiian chicken, rice roni, vegetable

Friday-  girls night in

Saturday-  girls night in

Sunday-  Ham and scalloped potatoes, fried apples and something green

***Dessert Ideas***
Blackberry Banana Bread
Lemon Layered Dessert

Flashback Friday

The flash back is from yesterday.

The first three pictures are of #2 son.  He lost a tooth yesterday and it was quite traumatic for him. 


#1 son helped me tie floss to the tooth.  We tried getting the little guy to punch his brother, he wouldn't.  We tried to get him to slam his bedroom door, he wouldn't. 


He finally went outside to ride his bike and dropped his helmet which was connected to the floss, out popped the tooth.



We also went fishing last evening.



Would you ever guess this is in the suburbs?







Getting pretty excited to haul in a largemouth bass!



I've had visitors the past 4 weeks!  It only 5 months for them to show up!  Yesterday I actually saw two fight over the feeder!

It's Thursday

Outside my window... It's dark and much less humid today.  It's going to be cooler!

I am thinking... About cleaning house today!

I am thankful for...Fresh tomatoes and corn on the cob from the farm stand!

 From the learning rooms...Still practicing different way to fry brain cells this week.  Computer games are a favorite!  School resumes September 8th.

From the kitchen...We've had some interesting food this week.  Homemade velveeta macaroni with chicken and broccoli,  swiss steak hamburger patties with cooked white rice and green beans, beef tips and egg noodles...with fried zucchini and fried green tomatoes!  (the green tomatoes were great!) Not sure what I am going to fix tonight.  We've had fresh tomatoes from my garden almost every night this week.  I sure do LOVE those great tasting things!

I am wearing... I'm in my pj's still and clutching my cup of black coffee!

I am creating... Gonna make some peanut butter pies today. 

I am going... I've got to run a few shopping errands today...to the farm stand and to the grocery store.

I am reading... Another mystery of course.  I am a little disappointed in this one.  It seems to have a lot more bad language than some of the others I've read.  There are recipes at the back of the book!

I am hoping... Company is coming for barbecue tomorrow...I hope we don't get rained out...we're planning on starting the firepit and grilling a pork loin...

I am hearing...  The Magic Schoolbus is being enjoyed by #2 son.  He wasn't feeling well last night.  He is too funny!  Last night he kept saying "I don't feel good.  I have a headache and I am NOT lying!  I want to stay home from church and play on the computer!"  We took him to church with a 101 degree temperature.  After we had prayer I took him out to sit in the van for the rest of the church service.  He kept moaning and looking worse and worse.  He was falling asleep on the way home, he hardly ever does that.  Before he went to bed his temperature was 102.4.  I gave him Ibuprofen and sent him to bed.  He woke up saying he got a good sleep and is well..."Can I play on the computer today?"  he asked

Around the house...Vacuuming,  toilet cleaning, sweep the back porch, make pies...

One of my favorite things...  This cd.  

((Combining elements of acoustic pop, country, and folk, Peaceful Easy Feeling is an instrumental tribute to artists like The Eagles, Jim Croce, The Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, and Pure Prairie League. Featuring guitars, mandolin, bass, percussion, and other eclectic instrumentation on songs like Take It Easy, I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song, Amie, Listen To The Music, Sailing and the title track, it's sure to be the first CD you reach for in the car or unwinding at home.))

I bought this at the airport in Nashville several years ago.  I have a few other cd's from this company as well.  I love the bluegrass/country style of this cd!

  A few plans for the rest of the week:  Company tomorrow night...for Saturday?  Not sure...we're supposed to be getting the tail end of a HUGE tropical storm on Saturday.  That will probably spoil any fishing plans we were thinking about!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...My silly Banjo dog.  I was watching him rest in his little bed yesterday afternoon.  He was dozing but still quite alert because he was anticipating his dinner.  He stayed pretty still for these pictures.  His eyeballs would follow me wondering what I was doing.  The last picture captures the 'eyeball' pretty good.  I love my funny dog!

 

 

 

Have a great weekend!

Cruise Attire

 

Some of my new favorites...for our cruise...

(the swim mini bottoms with 15 1/2 inches in length.  I couldn't get the pic. to go larger!)

I am having fun looking at clothes!.  My manly man is off to training in Virginia in the middle of September.  I'll use that time to really shop, maybe hit the malls and narrow down a few more choices.

 

Flashback Friday

 

This is me, betheelou, as a senior in high school in the spring of 1988.

Have a great Friday friends!

It's Thursday

 

Outside my window...The sun is just peeking through some of the windows.  I love that early morning light.  It makes the house look so cozy!

I am thinking...About clothes shopping for our cruise.  On our little swimming adventure Tuesday, my husband told me he doesn't like my swimsuit!  I've worn the same style for almost 10 years!  Better change that...  I also found another little black dress that I 'love'  It is sold by Avon.

I am thankful for...The relaxing dog days of summer.

 From the learning rooms...No learning today.  My student is trying to find other ways to fry his little brain.  Computer games, spiderman videos and more...

From the kitchen...I may roast another chicken outside on the grill to go with fresh sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes I bought at the farmstand yesterday!

I am wearing...I'm in my pj's still and clutching my cup of black coffee!

I am creating... Nothing right now... it's wonderful

I am going...I went grocery shopping yesterday and the only thing I didn't get is potatoes.  It is so convenient to have a little grocery store one block away!

I am reading...One of my favorite, decent writing, mystery authors...Carol Higgins Clark...

I am hoping...I'm always hoping that the Lord will answer prayers, mine and others!

I am hearing...The news being read and the traffic report.

Around the house...Got some dust bunnies hanging out, the rugs need vacuumed today.

One of my favorite things...Sitting in one of my massaging recliners with soothing music playing, a glass of iced tea by my side,a good book in my hand and a spicy candle burning on the table.

  A few plans for the rest of the week:  Momma's mini spa day.  Nails and hair...anybody want to join me?

Here is picture thought I am sharing...More mushroom pictures.  These little-big mushrooms are growing on the woodpile.

((I love all the colors in these guys!))

Have a great weekend!

Our Tuesday

 

(Victoria)

We tried to beat the heat a little yesterday and went and spent the day at a small water park.  We went with friends from church and had a great time.

(#2 son)

Not sure what the plans for the rest of the week are.  My manly man has next week off and we are planning to go and spend a few days on the beach at Long Island, New York to enjoy the last few days of our summer.

(Joshua, victoria, Alex, Jake and #2 son)

It's Been A Great Day **Edited**

 

We sang at church this morning before the preaching.  It was great!  I am in love with the song we sang.  I'll do an edit to this post later and add the words to the song.

It's Through the Blood

 

Wow...next time we sing I'll try to get someone to record it with our camera.  Not sure how long it will record maybe only a minute or two!  This would have been a great song.  Believe me, it's better this way, then you can't hear all our mistakes!

It's Through the Blood

When I think of heaven and all the sights I'll see:  the walls of jasper, gates of pearl, the clear and golden stream.  Why should I be present; why should I enter in, After all the sinful living and the wicked one I've been?

**Chorus**

In the presence of Jehovah as I stand before the throne, The accuser of the brethren starts to ready the things I've done.  As I hear the awful charges, the question fills my mind:  Why should I not be put put in hell to suffer for all time?

**Chorus**

When I'm walking through a valley and I feel there's no way out;  When the winds of sorrow threaten me and turn my world around.  That' when I look to Jesus and the price he paid for me.  I can lift my hands in praise to him and shout the victory.

**Chorus**  It's through the blood, that's all I have to plead.  It's through the blood that Jesus paid for me.  Not by works of my own righteousness for filthy rags are they.  But because of that old rugged tree, hanging on dark calvary, that is my only plea,  It's through the blood!**

((Tag...))Oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, It's through the blood.

Repeat Chorus

 

Getting to Know Me

 

Maybe your curious about me?  Maybe you want to know a little more about me?  Maybe things like this are time wasters?  Most likely...my sister in law really, really wants me to do this...so here it is...AND she has to come over to my blog to read it!  Ha-Ha!!

What time did you get up this morning?
7:45 a.m
2. How do you like your steak?
Medium-Rare
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Night at the Museum 2

4. What is your favorite TV show?
CSI
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Right now...California on about 5 acres of land near good trails to ride dirt bikes!

6. What did you have for breakfast?
Granola cereal and 3 cups of black coffee

7. What is your favorite cuisine?
My own cooking

8. What foods do you dislike?
I'll try most anything.  My most un favorite food is food that is not prepared well at restaurants and you still have to pay for it or find that it is prepared better at home.

9. Favorite Place to Eat?
Years ago, my husband and I were on our way to a couples retreat and we stopped a a steak place we had heard about.  Where you could pick out your meat and grill your own (fish, chicken or beef) and it was served with baked potato and green salad.  It was excellent! 

The other place I liked is having a bowl of clam chowder at a restaurant called Ship Inn located in Astoria, Oregon.  That was a favorite date (usually on our anniversary) place! 

Oh yes, one other favorite, it's kinda a dive but it is a great date spot for us as a couple when we go see family in Kansas City...Smokehouse Barbecue.

10. Favorite dressing?
Virginia Brand Vidalia Onion Vinegarette...sold at Sam's Club

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
2001, 7 passenger, white, dodge caravan

12. What are your favorite clothes?
Long, straight skirts from Christopher Banks and a top with comfy tennis shoes and white socks.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
I am going to be blessed to go on my Mediterranean Cruise for my 20th wedding anniversary and see an area of the world, I never thought I'd see!  I'm totally excited!

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
1/2 empty!

15. Where would you want to retire?
If money were no object?  Probably California...until the grandkids arrive, then I may change my mind!  I also love eastern Oregon.  If money were no object, I may have a summer place and a winter place!  Like summer in Montana/Wyoming/Alaska? and winter in the southern parts of the US...okay maybe even Costa Rica!

16. Favorite time of day?
bedtime

17. Where were you born?
Portland, Oregon

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Monster Truck races, especially freestyle competition!

19. Who do you think will not tag you back?
I am not tagging anyone...if you like this, feel free to copy and paste and answer, but let me know you did so I can read your answers!

20. Person you expect to tag you back first?
Well, no one!

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
Curiosity is good...

22. Bird watcher?
Yes...I love to watch them all.  My favorite bird to watch is the hummingbird!  Eagles and Hawks are interesting as well.  Especially the eagles that nested on the lake by our home in Alaska!  Interesting!

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Day time person.  It takes a couple cups of coffee and a shower before I fell up to starting the day.  I get tired when it's gets dark/bedtime.  I am most productive during the day!

24. Pets?
Of course, Banjo our dog/child and Shadow the cat

25. Any new and exciting news that you'd like to share?
Ha! 

26. What did you want to be when you were little?
Everything!  When I graduated from high school I though I wanted to teach special education!  I've also wanted to be a beautician, detective and realtor.

27. What is your best childhood memory?
humm...there are so many.  I used to love going to Uncle Bill and Aunt Hazels house.  They had about 100 acres in the country with woods, pond horses, chickens, cows a garden.  It was wonderful to spend time there.  We rode bikes on cow trails, swam in the stock tanks played in the barn and she was a great cook!

28. Are you a cat or dog person?
Fish!  If I could always have Banjo as my dog I'd be a dog person.  I do love a nice cuddly kitty though!  I also loved my little pocket parrot.  But sadly not all birds, cats, fish or dogs are the same!

29. Are you married?
For 20 years in 6 weeks!

30. Always wear your seat belt?
Only because it's the law!

31. Been in a car accident?
Twice in San Diego.  I turned in front of a speeder and he clipped my back turn signal light.  And I rear ended someone but we were going slow, his little truck-no damage.  Mine...well about $2000 worth.  Both times!  I've never been in an accident as a passenger with anyone.

32. Any pet peeves?
Public speakers who say UM!  New Jersey drivers and several more if I had time to think about all of them!

33. Favorite pizza topping?
All the meats and add onion.  Second favorite, pepperoni.

34. Favorite Flower?
Jasmine  (but really there are too many favorites to list!)

35. Favorite ice cream?
Chocolate chip mint but I love Moose Tracks... and Baseball Nut from Baskin Robbins

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Right now...Baja Fresh

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
Permit...2 times (this was before computers) road test, passed 1st time!

38. From whom did you get your last email?
Facebook

39. At which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Michaels Craft

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
  We ate a Burger King on Thursday.

42. Broccoli?
Yummy... with hot cheese and a few other ways!

43. What was your favorite vacation?
Costa Rica for 5 days with my manly man.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
OUT to dinner?  Probably 4 weeks ago when we went to Old Country Buffet after church as a family.  I need another date night!

45. What are you listening to right now?
the AC

46. What is your favorite color?
Hot pink, purple, teal green in that order...

47. How many tattoos do you have?
Are you kidding me?  NONE.  I can't imagine myself as a 75 year old fat lady, that has birthed children, with a tatoo anywhere on my body.  Can you picture it on the cleavage, or on the small of the back or across the stretch marks on the belly?  GROSS!

49. What time did you finish this quiz?
Afternoon

50. Coffee Drinker?
Um-Um good! The only thing I don't drink, straight shots of espresso.

 

Flashback Friday

 

Momma and baby #1 early-early summer 1991.  And I'll say it again...I am a product of the 80's.  I love that big hair and shoulder pads...'like totally'

Hubba-Hubba...this is why I fell in love with this guy! He's handsome and he's about to be taken off the market. This is aboard the ship he was stationed on. He is giving a tour to his family, a few days before we married, September 1989.

I have to say, Sully looks at all these pictures, and recognizes Mom and sees the pictures of Daddy from so long ago and says, "Is that Aaron's (#1 son's) Daddy?"

 

It's Thursday!

 

(this is how dark it seems this morning!)

Outside my window...It's very dark this morning...there is supposed to be a big storm today with lots of rain.  I'm ready for it!

I am thinking...That summer was awful short.  My sister said she felt fall in the air and was ready for apple cider.  I feel the fallness in the air as well.  I am starting to watch for the leaves to start turning.  I am also thinking about all the good food that comes when the temperatures drop.  Having the oven on right now makes it very hot in my house.  I love soups and casseroles though, so cooler temperatures make me happy!

I am thankful for...A great man who provides well for our family so that I may stay at home!

 From the learning rooms...The letters Y and Z and number 17.  We're almost done with the alphabet.  Tomorrow will be our last day!  We'll start classes again, Tuesday, September 8th

From the kitchen...Time for a quick trip to my favorite farm stand for corn on the cob and maybe a watermelon.

I am wearing...I'm in my pj's still and clutching my cup of black coffee!

I am creating... Not much going on in the creativity department this week.  I did purchase some pink beads and crafted a pink watch this week.  I love relaxing and making watches.

I am going...To the farmstand after school work.

I am reading...Another tea shop mystery...  At the end of these books she posts tea party ideas and tea party recipes!  I love books like that.

I am hoping...I'm always hoping that the Lord will answer prayers, mine and others!

I am hearing...Sesame Street...one of #2 sons favorite shows.

Around the house...I did laundry on Monday and have yet to put it away...Yikes...dishes in the dish washer also need to be put away!  The bathroom floor needs to be swept before the clean rugs are laid down.

One of my favorite things...Quiet moments at home!

  A few plans for the rest of the week:  I'd like to give myself a manicure this weekend.  The boys are planning to go see a baseball game with a group from church.  (Baseball is not my favorite.)

Here is picture thought I am sharing...The pictures today are from mushrooms in my yard.  The little bit of occasional rain this week have made these mushrooms sprout.  They develop very quickly and are so fun to observe.

 

Monday

 

Yep... it's a Monday.  It's a slow starting day...motivation is not high on the priorities with anyone in my house!

Not sure what the menu plan is for the week.  The weather will be a big factor concerning cooking this week!  I think I'll make a pasta salad for tonight.  I have some fresh cucumbers and tomatoes from my garden to use!

My plans for the week include~ finish school with #2 son!  We're on the letter W.  I need to order some books for our next homeschool adventure!  I think I am going to combine Kindergarten and first grade for him.  We'll see how that goes when I look at the books a bit more and see what I think he accomplish.

Maybe the heat will be bring a big thunderstorm this evening.  I love those!

Enjoy the day!