Blessings

I know every day that God has blessed me.  But there are some days that I am just more aware of that.  Today is one of those days that I feel His blessings in all of the little things in life.  While some nights involve very little sleep, He sends nights like last night where I get LOTS of good sleep.  I am blessed to have my parents and Cory's parents close by.  Mom offered to cook dinner for us tonight....great fellowship, great food, and a night off from cooking! I am blessed to have a job to go to each day.  I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who works hard to take care of our family.  God gave me the two daughters that are just perfect completions to our family.  And, on mornings like today when they are angels, I am more aware of that than ever.  I noticed how green the grass in our yard was this morning....more so than other days. 

Having said all of that, I wonder if you have days where you are more aware than normal of God's blessings in your life.  Be sure to thank Him.

menu for week of March 19

OK, to be real honest, I'm starting to think I'm not supposed to write this today.  I have started it 3 times now, and when I'm almost finished, I get a message that it cannot save and I lose it all.  Maybe this time will work. 

I know it's early, but I'm already preparing for next week.  We will be busy packing the girls as they prepare to take a trip with Grandma and Grandpa over Spring Break.  So, I'm trying to plan ahead :)

Here's what I've come up with so far....

Sunday lunch--grilled hamburgers and veggie kabobs

Sunday supper--sweet n tangy chicken, spinach pasta, and salad

Monday--roast, carrots, potatoes--cooked in crock pot all day

Tuesday--oven fried fish, baked potato (sweet potato for me), broccoli and cheese

Wednesday--chicken stir fry (chicken, bell pepper, carrots, onions, mushrooms, pineapple, etc. in store bought stir fry sauce)

Thursday--mini meatloaf

As always, most of these recipes have come from Pinterest.  Any that are underlined and in a different color can be found by clicking on the underlined words.  It will take you to the link with the recipe!! 

Anyone out there have suggestions for future menus or recipes??  I'm always looking for new ideas!

catching up

Clearly, I'm not great at making time to update my blog.  Maybe I will find a way to be better =)


My precious Anna Grace turned 9 in January!  I can't believe how fast time flies.  We had a bowling party with several of her friends from both church and school.  She asked me to make her cake, which is always an honor.  It might not be the prettiest, but it was made with love!

Anna is also on the Quiz Bowl team at her school.  We went to Parkers Chapel for a tournament recently.  While they didn't win, they played with enthusiasm and heart.  I thought they did great for their first tournament!

Audrey is also doing well.  She was recently inducted into the Junior Beta Club. Quite a honor!

She also won first place in her category at the school science fair. So, it's off to the regional fair this week!  Good luck KatieBug!


Cory is back at work after about 4 months off with back surgery.  I'm not sure if his returning to work will be more of an adjustment for him or us girls! lol

Menu for week of March 11

I was posting menus on Facebook, but not all my Facebook friends want to see those.  So, I will just try to post them here and then send a link to my FB account.  Maybe that's more PC ;\

Sunday--Salmon Fillets with Pineapple Salsa (http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/recipes/salmon-fillets-with-pineapple-salsa.html)


Monday--Tangy Slow Cooker Pork Roast (http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Tangy-Slow-Cooker-Pork-Roast-Allrecipes)


Tuesday--Baked Nutty Pretzel Chicken (http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/04/whats-for-dinner-next-week-baked-nutty.html)


Wednesday--Baked Fish Sticks (http://cleananddelicious.com/2010/07/19/baked_fish_sticks_w/)


Thursday--Taco Salad

Friday--Garlic Lime Chicken (http://randomanderson.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/garlic-lime-chicken/)


I will come back later and add side items, but gotta run now to pick up kids from school! Enjoy!!

Vacation

For the first time ever, we took a family vacation.  Cory and I both took a week off work and took the girls camping.  We went to Mid American Museum and the water park in Arkadelphia.  We took them to an Arkansas Travs game in LR and to eat dinner with Uncle Shannon.  The girls fished, rode bikes, and made new friends.  Overall, we had a wonderfully relaxing and fun time!!!  I'm already planning next year!

When Anna would get hot, she would sit on the edge of the boat and stick her feet in the water or would wade in the edge of the lake.

 Well, they fished, but didn't quite catch enough for supper!

Of course, what's better at a ball game than funnel cakes and frozen lemonade......?? :)

.....maybe getting a foul ball that someone near us caught and gave to the girls!

And, on any vacation, we need a little silliness!!!

Love my girls!!

End of the school year

The end of the school year seems to be one of the busiest times.  The girls are so busy with extra school activities and trips.  But, it is also one of the most fun times!  I can't believe we are finished with another school year....now I have a 3rd grader and a 6th grader....middle school!

The school district has a yearly literacy celebration.  This year, Governor Mike Beebe's wife, Ginger, participated.  Afterwards, she read to Anna's class!

Audrey and some of her classmates were able to visit the State Capitol.

Anna's school had a Spelling Bee this year.  She won the competition in her class, so she went on to compete against other 2nd grade classroom winners.  She won and is the Spelling Bee champ for her grade!  I was so very proud!

Audrey was able to participate in METS (Math, Engineering, Technology and Science) competition this year.  She and her partners built a soda bottle rocket that was launched across the football field.  While hers didn't win, she learned a lot while doing the project.

Anna's school had their end of the year Field Day at a local park.  There were tons of activities and they had a picnic.  The school and PTO did a great job!!!!

So far behind

Wow, I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted.  So I will work over the next few days to get caught up.  Since the last time I posted was before Easter (almost embarrassing), I will start there!  We went to church that morning and then had an egg hunt with family :)