Happy Fall! Surprisingly, it arrived right on time for us. Crisp sunny days, cooler nights, and open windows to start the season.

And of course, a busy weekend! Not so much for us as for kids. Isn’t that the way it goes? Friday night, G went to the rivalry high school football game, J hung out quite a while at a neighborhood friend’s house, my husband worked late, and I read my book (Whew, I’m exciting!).

Saturday:

We had the first marching band festival of the season (the last first..pass, the tissues). The band placed fourth overall, not bad considering the competition. And apparently, they put them in the wrong division during the preliminary contest (with bigger schools) where they placed 2nd! So, G’s senior year of marching band is off to a great start!

Sunday:

We had a bit of a slower day. G drove me to Target so we could stop by the gas station and I could help him with putting gas in his car. (That should be a part of driver’s education, I think) The $$ going into the tank seemed to shock him a bit.  I watched the Chief’s game (my husband had to help a friend) while the boys did whatever my non-sports kids do (I know J serenaded me with the Jurassic Park theme on his euphonium during part of the game). In the late afternoon/evening, I drove out to my sister in law’s house to practice for our other sister in law’s upcoming wedding. Overall, not a bad weekend!

Now, that I’ve finished with my weekend report, it’s time to move on to this week. Happy as always to be joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. If you blog, join in, it’s a fun way to plan the week!

The Weather In My Neck Of The Woods 

If it were a candle scent, we’d call it perfect fall. High of 81 predicted today, might be a bit too high for some but the rest of the week is all lower to mid 70’s. Slight chance of rain this afternoon or tomorrow.

Things That Make Me Happy

Hot coffee on cool, fall mornings.

Book I’m Reading

Not my typical style of book but I couldn’t pass up this  “delicious” title at the library:  Goodbye Cruller World by Ginger Bolton. (It’s a murder mystery and surprisingly not bad though I kept my expectations low)

What’s On My TV Today

The Walking Dead on Netflix! Finally, a new season added (Guilty pleasure)

On The Menu For Dinner

I’m going to make a lasagna and not from a box. Hopefully, they won’t all hate it.

On The Menu This Week

Need to make a grocery run today but also want to work with what we already have in the house.

MONDAY: Lasagna, salad, bread sticks (made from hotdog buns)

TUESDAY: BLT’s , French Fries *G has early morning band practice*

WEDNESDAY: Danish meatballs, salad *G has early morning band practice* *I have a hair appt*

THURSDAY: Something with chicken (detailed, huh? I may also switch this up with Wednesday) *G has evening band practice**I may go help with the band parents cooking in the evening*

FRIDAY: Probably, pizza. Maybe fish. *Both boys are off school for a teacher work day*

On My To-Do List

Too much. I keep thinking of that line from Top Gun, “Your ego’s writing checks your body can’t cash”  Still making my list:

1. Usual stuff: clean out fridge/freezer/grocery store/laundry
2. Clean the house, focusing on flat surfaces and floors
3. Pare down more clothes (worked on my dresser last week)
4. Take and inventory of what is actually in the fridge/freezer and prep stuff
5. Go get grass seed and get it in yard before rain comes
6. Get out fall decor
7. Work on clearing out some papers/clutter
8. Take book (I checked out a 14 day hold) to library
9. Make master list of all the home projects I want to finish
10. Blogging, make list of possible posts for 31 Days Series

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try Soon

Adapted the pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe from an old PTA magazine to make pumpkin spice cookies last week. The Danish meatballs are a new recipe I’m trying this week.

In The Craft Basket

Still nothing.

Looking Forward To

Traveling out-of-town to the marching band competition this Saturday.

Photo  Lesson Learned The Past Few Days

Had to remind myself of this one last night. What is right for my marriage and family does not have to be identical to everyone else.  When two highly independent (and completely opposite) people get together and stay together for 26+ years (married 20), it’s not because they do almost everything together. Sometimes I forget this and worry when I hear/see other couples doing almost everything together. Then, I have to remember…that would drive me crazy as I’m a space-needing person who likes to be around people (don’t try to figure that out…).

Quote For The Week

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore seeing we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily ensnare us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 

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What’s on your agenda for the week ahead?

 

 

 

Well, sort of healthy. G did stay home from school today. However, I’m excited to be feeling human again after battling an infection all weekend.  Perhaps I’ll actually accomplish something this week.

Excited to be joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom and her weekly link up for this last week of summer. Time to get to the categories and start planning.

The Weather In My Neck Of The Woods 

Red hot! Well, for all the Chiefs fans anyway. It is going to be hot, true summer weather for the last week of the season. Supposed to feel like 90 today. Then, Friday, just before fall, down to 79 degrees we go with chances of rain. Even though we need it, I do hope the rain is minimal on Saturday as it’s the marching band’s first competition of the season.

Things That Make Me Happy

Stepping out on the front porch during the early morning hours and hearing the high school marching band as they practice.

Book I’m Reading

So I went from reading about foreign policy to reading: Staying Stylish: Cultivating A Confident Look, Style, and Attitude by Candace Cameron Bure.  It’s light, fun, and I’m almost finished with it. I pulled it from the library since they didn’t have her title from my 18 for 2018 book list.

What’s On My TV Today

Depends on my energy level. I’d prefer to get things done instead of giving in to the call of Netflix (let’s just say I watched a lot on Friday and Saturday…) I do plan to perhaps watch The Emmy’s tonight. Love seeing all the pretty dresses.

On The Menu For Dinner

Great question! Really wish I had a good answer. Originally, I planned to try a new pizza place with the boys. However, my husband wanted pizza last night. Might also depend on when I get to the grocery store. Might try a ham and cheese crescent bake recipe since it’s just going to be the boys and myself tonight.

On The Menu This Week

MONDAY: Ham And Cheese Crescent Bake

TUESDAY: Chicken legs, salad (carry over) *G has early morning band* *I have Bunco*

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops, sweet potatoes *G has early morning band*

THURSDAY: BLT’s, French Fries *G has evening band practice*

FRIDAY: Roast in the crock pot (carry over)

On My To-Do List

1. Usual Monday things: clean out fridge, grocery store, laundry
2. Pay bills
3. Clean out freezer
4. Go through summer clothes, set aside things I haven’t worn
5. Send a few e-mails

New Recipe I Tried Or Want Try Soon

I made the bread pudding last week. Wasn’t as much of a hit as I’d hoped it would be. However, I also stumbled across a recipe for French Vanilla Wafers in my mom’s recipe box. Those were a hit!

In The Craft Basket

I have a few ideas to add to my butterfly garden area. Hope to have something to show next week.

Looking Forward To

Getting a few things done around the house this week.

Tips And Tricks

I like knowing what’s going on the world but I don’t always get a chance to watch the world (or even the local news), somehow I stumbled across this daily e-mail of news stories called theSkimm.

It comes to my e-mail Monday through Friday and reading it feels sort of like skimming the headlines of the newspapers.  Twice last week, it proved useful in helping me discuss current events. It’s nice to being able to say “Yes, I heard about that” to my teenager as well.

They have some sort of Skimm’bassador program if you refer 10 people, not sure what it’s all about though. If you want to help me find out, sign up by clicking here.

(If you don’t want to sign up under me or at all, no big deal. I’ll still be your friend!)

Photo

Lesson Learned The Past Few Days

Take the medicine to make yourself feel better. I had a bladder infection start on Thursday. Not sure I’ve ever had one prior, certainly blocked the memory if I did. I would not wish this ailment on my worst enemy!  As someone with a pretty high pain tolerance, I thought I would just take the over the counter remedy, drink some cranberry juice, and tough it out.

That nonsense lasted one day. By Friday evening, I still felt bad enough to say “okay” when my husband said I should probably not go to the high school football game in the 90 degree heat. When I start agreeing with my husband, it’s time to take action! Saturday morning, I took myself to the urgent care and got a proper dose of antibiotics. The nurse practitioner told me the cranberry juice thing is a myth. So nice to feel human again.  So thankful for modern medicine!

On My Mind

What a blessing it can be to live in a bigger city with options. I was able to go to an urgent care on a Saturday morning, just driving down the street and not wait until the start of the week or drive miles to another city. We have lots of choices of places to shop, eat, and entertain ourselves. Of course, we also have a fair amount of crime and because we live close to the Kansas state line, twice the political ads airing on TV (ugh!). Overall though I love where we live.

Quote For The Week

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh, and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36: 26)

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Happy Monday! It’s a cool September morning around here. And with my husband at work, plus both boys at school, I have a quiet house to myself. So I’m sitting here with the windows open, drinking my coffee, and working on this post.   

Did you add that glorious morning bit to your title just so you could add this picture of your morning glories?  Yes, yes I did. Aren’t they glorious? I waited a long time for these blooms!  Okay, now let’s get back to the serious business of planning the week ahead. Happy as always to join with Sandra’s blog for her fabulous, inspiring and encouraging link up. Check it out here: Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather In My Neck Of The Woods

I mentioned above this morning it’s picture perfect out there. A bit chilly but the sun is shining and it’s 62 degrees. Later today and this week, low to mid 80’s with a slight chance of rain for the weekend.

Things That Make Me Happy

All the late-blooming wildflowers growing along the side of the roads. Sunflowers, goldenrod, yellow cone flowers, lots of others I couldn’t identify.

Book I’m Reading

Still reading A World In Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order by Richard Haass. It’s interesting and refreshingly non-partisan.

What’s On My TV Today

Not sure. Need to see if any new fall shows premiere this week.

On The Menu For Dinner

A carry-over meal: ham steaks, sweet potatoes, maybe salads and tomatoes. Might make a dessert.

On The Menu This Week

MONDAY: See above

TUESDAY:  Popcorn shrimp, baked potatoes or maybe rice, salads, garlic toast *G has early band practice*

WEDNESDAY:   Chicken legs, salad *I work 9:00-12:30* *MNO*

THURSDAY:  Roast in crock pot made into BBQ sandwiches, frozen French fries *G has evening band practice*

FRIDAY: OUT  (we’ll eat at the high school football game) *I work 7:45-12:30* *Football game*

On My To-Do List

1. The usual: Clean out fridge, grocery store, laundry
2. Make another list (ha!) of home projects to-do
3. Mow the lawn
4. Pay a few bills
5. Work on some blog stuff (edit photos, blog post ideas)
6. Get things together for charity truck donation

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try Soon

Thinking of trying to make my late aunt’s bread pudding recipe using cinnamon bread.

In The Craft Basket

I might have something once I make my big to-do list of home projects.

Looking Forward To

A peaceful, quiet day spent at home. (Except for the side trip I must take to the grocery store!)

Tips And Tricks

Sometimes I take a cotton ball (or damp paper towel wadded up…more likely around here) and add several drops of peppermint and lemon to it. Then, place it in one of the car vents. Makes a refreshing scent to help wake up on tired mornings.

Photo

My husband and I took a belated 20th anniversary trip to Roaring River State Park last weekend. 

Lesson Learned The Past Few Days

Our kids might be okay.  The boys stayed home alone.  We arrived home to find the house still standing (whew!) and the cat alive (sigh of relief!) as well as two kids who were perfectly fine without us (tears!). Next time we might leave them a few ground rules about having friends staying over (thankfully, they’re all good kids so no funny business or they were smart enough to hide any evidence at least).

Also, I learned it might be important to check the cell phone coverage of a location before traveling out-of-town. No cell service (at least on our network) in the park! We had to drive 7 miles into town to call the kids. We did stay at the parks lodge and conference center so we were able to give the boys the landline number to our room in case of an emergency.

On My Mind

Still thinking (I should be doing!) about getting the house all cleaned and cleared out for the fall/winter seasons. Overhead a man in Target last week telling his son that the Farmer’s Almanac predicted this to be one of the worst winters in history. Don’t they always say that?

Quote For The Week

This seems appropriate given the significance of tomorrow’s date:

United we stand, divided we fall. (Aesop)

I will certainly never forget taking a walk with my 4 month old son, 17 years ago, stopping to chat with neighbors about a plane “accidentally” flying into one of the world trade towers. Returning from my walk, flipping the TV back on and discovering the news about the second plane and how none of it was an accident.

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What’s on your agenda for the week ahead?

 

 

 

Labor Day signals the final four months of the year. I’m wondering how we got here. I feel like I fell asleep on a long road trip and woke up several miles later. Time to make a conscious effort to enjoy the scenery for the rest of the year!  And maybe figure out who’s driving the car, ha!

It’s also time for another Happy Homemaker Monday weekly planning post. A fun way to plan the week ahead and meet other bloggers and glance into their weeks. Be sure and check it out by hopping over to Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom, the blog of our host, Sandra.

On to the categories and planning the week in these parts…

The Weather In My Neck Of The Woods

Hot today, almost 90, then it cools off to the high 70’s to mid 80’s the rest of the week. With a slight chance of storms each day, it’s a “we don’t know” kind of forecast.

Things That Make Me Happy

When I manage to change something on the technical hosting side of my blog without breaking anything over here. Thank you, Google! It also makes me happy how seldom I have to go look at the hosting side.

Book I’m Reading

A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order by Richard Haass.

What’s On My TV Today

Not really sure. My husband was watching Troy on Netflix earlier but decided to turn it off for a while (it’s a long movie).

On The Menu For Dinner

It’s national baby back ribs day. Thinking of grabbing some of the already cooked ribs (regular ones) from the grocery store later. Or I might throw a roast in the crock pot (carry over from last week). Guess I could have typed I don’t have a clue.

MONDAY: See above

TUESDAY:  Something easy, maybe ham steaks and sweet potatoes  *I work 8-4:30* *G has evening band practice, maybe*

WEDNESDAY: Chicken strips, salad, maybe French fries in the oven

THURSDAY: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad *G has early morning band practice*

FRIDAY: OUT

On My To Do List

1. Go to grocery store
2. Clean off the top of this desk
3. Laundry
4. Work in garden areas, get some spring bulbs
5. Get things ready for upcoming trip

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try Soon

If you’re a peanut butter cookie fan, make these peanut butter oatmeal cookies! So good I forgot to take any pictures of the ones I made before they disappeared.

In The Craft Basket

Nothing at the moment.

Looking Forward To This Week

Hopefully, the start of a slower pace for my work schedule.

Tips and Tricks

This is a good time to go buy extra school supplies, most of them are on clearance. I keep a bag filled with extra paper, notebooks, pens, and pencils so my boys can grab them if needed.

Photo Lesson Learned The Past Few Days

I’m going to give a real literal interpretation here.  For fun, I’ve been trying to learn Danish using the Duolingo site.  One of yesterday’s translations: Cats do not eat boys. (Whew! So good to know). By the way, it’s “Katte ikke spiser drenge” in Danish just in case you find yourself in need of soothing a Danish boy afraid of cats.

On My Mind

I think my goal for September is to go slow and work on cleaning the house.  One project a day (or week if my schedule’s crazy). Looking for that sense of accomplishment that spurs a little motivation to return soon.

Quote

Found this quote on the back of my 8th grader’s science syllabus and loved it.

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” (Nelson Mandela)

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What’s on your agenda for the week ahead?

 

A bit late with my post today as I worked a half-day this morning. Usually, my work slows down once school starts but for whatever reason, not this year. Full day tomorrow and Friday and possibly another half-day on Thursday.  Better take some time for a Monday planning post.

It’s always fun to join the link up hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom!

The Weather In My Neck Of The Woods

This morning, cloudy with a chance of rain, this afternoon hot and humid in the low 90’s. Tomorrow, a chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the 80’s and 90’s all week. Unless it changes.

Things That Make Me Happy

Sleeping in on weekend mornings after a full week of getting up early.  Conversations with the kids. Taking my shortcut (it’s probably actually longer) through the park on the way to work.

Book I’m Reading

Nothing. I’m officially admitting I can’t get through the Carpe Diem book. I placed hold on a few books at the library so I’m hoping they’ll hold my interest better.

TV Today

Sat and watched part of an episode of The Ranch with my husband. Stupid but I still laughed. May finish up Parks and Recreation later. Not sure. Time for fall television to return!

For Dinner Tonight

I should know this answer. However, I have no idea. Chicken?

On The Menu

MONDAY: *I worked 8:30-1:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot, BBQ sandwiches *I work 9:30-6* *G has evening band practice at 6*

WEDNESDAY: Steak bites, baked potatoes *Our 20th wedding anniversary* *We’re celebrating with a trip next month*

THURSDAY:  BLT’s maybe?  *I will probably work 11-2*

FRIDAY: OUT *I work 8-4:30*

To Do List

1. Get husband anniversary card
2. Mow lawn
3. Take books back to library/pick up books
4. Clean out fridge
5. Laundry

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try Soon

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

Looking Forward To This Week

Our anniversary on Wednesday (and a day off work!)

From The Camera

I finally had a minute to pick up my camera on Saturday night and grab a couple of shots of the moon.   On My Mind

It’s already Emergen-C season! Drink my vitamin water in the morning, come home from work and fix a glass of Emergen-C. Plus I’m taking my vitamins. I’m not sick and I’m trying very hard not to get sick. Lots of sickness floating around my work already so let’s hope it works!

Also, feeling a bit burned out in general so took it slower with the blog last week. Maybe this week as well.

Quote For The Week 

There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither. (Alan Cohen)

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And now, I think I will rest for a bit. What’s on your agenda this week?