Summer Fun is almost here

So last night I stayed up way past my bedtime to watch 4 season final. Yes 4! Sheesh. I will actually be glad when they are all over and I don't feel obligated to see what happens. Last summer I cut off the cable because everything was re-runs but this summer Blake is here and that won't fly -although my plan is to not watch TV when I get home from work this summer. I plan to spend most of it outside with Bailey enjoying the hot sun and little pleasures in life (water sprinkler, pool time, blowing bubbles, side walk chalk, reading library books...) Even though I still work the same hours it feels like there is more time in the day because the sun stays up until 7:30 PM.

A popular post among blogs is to make lists of summer activities to complete with your child or children. I have been thinking about what things and places to go with Bailey but didn't think about making a chart for her to mark off items. I started making a list of things to do with Bailey before the summer is over - our last summer as a family of three. Then I started thinking about all the things I needed/wanted to accomplish this summer...a few big things, but doable. It's going to be a great summer and we are excited that Blake will be here...he was gone the summers of 2008 & 2010 and half of 2009 with the Air Force.

I will see how the chart goes - it's Tuesday Craft Night tonight! I might have to skip on making baby shower gifts and make a fun check list for Bailey.

Weekly Dinners

Blake has been off orders for the past 3 weeks so dinner time is back in full swing. We have a regular sized pantry full of food with "nothing to eat" so a few weeks ago I took inventory of the freezer and pantry to make lists of meals. I came up with 8 meal options (2 weeks of dinner)...not bad for "nothing to eat". Finally, our pantry started to look bare and the freezer only had bagged vegis and some old ice cream. The meals I prepare take about 30 minutes to an hour to cook. If using chicken in a casserole, I try to cook it the night before while doing laundry or some other chore. If I'm browning hamburger meat I just do it all at one time and half it for another meal later. But I have found that "meals in a box" are delicious! And we love the skillet meals, but there isn't enough food for 3 so I throw in 2 cups of frozen vegetables to make more of it.

Week of May 8 -14:
Sunday - leftovers from cookout and lunch
Monday - Chicken and rice "meal in a box" with broccoli
Tuesday - Blake's Birthday Dinner at restaurant
Wednesday - Soft tacos with hamburger meat and fruit
Thursday - Sloppy Joes Hamburger Helper
Friday - Night out
Saturday - Leftovers or Frozen Pizza

It's nice planning ahead for the week because Blake can help if he gets home before me. Also, if I need to grab an ingredient or two I can stop by the grocery store on the way home. I have meetings or things to go to at least once a week but we plan to eat before 5:30 so I am usually able to eat together as a family before going.

Another Burp Cloth

This is my favorite one so far...just because it's layered. I wish I had a more elaborate monogramming machine but I love the way this turned out and it makes for a great gift. Even though I can't do big things these 4x4 appliques are just enough for most items.