College

So I started my very first day of college- I am attending University of Phoenix Online campus. So far so good... I will be doing two courses every 9 weeks- whew! Right now I am working on my AA in Business then I will work on my Bachelor of Science in Business/Accounting. Kind of exciting and scary right now... The kids liked the movie so I could log in with my counselor on the phone in case I have any trouble and time spent doing some exploring of the syllabus and my first assignment of checking in. [Don't worry I won't make the tv a regular babysitter!]

Happy Father's Day [a day late]

Happy Father's Day to Dan!
To Grandpas Duff and Dave!
Sorry I didn't call- I ended up taking over Father's Day from Dan by taking this heavenly, long, and very well deserved nap after working that morning. Dan enjoyed playing video games with both boys and just having a relaxing weekend especially since he won't be home this coming weekend.

Summer TV

I have great fun on Wednesday nights- it is So You Think You Can Dance on Fox network tv channel. I started this great reality tv show last season and was instantly hooked! Basically talented dancers with different backgrounds do some dancing each week to compete with one another [also as couples] in all different dance styles [beyond their "signature" style that got them on the show] to reveal the best dancer of this season. Tonight starts the final 20 dancers- 10 guys and 10 girls. The final 10 dancers will be a part of So You Think You Can Dance tour after the show. Truly talented dancers and just wonderful to watch.

This is the only reality show I like [I cannot stand American Idol so don't think the dancing show is like that].

Menu Plan for the week

Alright I am going very simple this week- I don't know what I try to keep cooking as if D is home during the week so keep in mind that it is the boys and myself:

Monday: Shrimp Potsickers [from Trader Joe's] with mandarin oranges

Tuesday: Our favorite pizza that is the special of the day and at the price of $10 for a large- a good deal! It is ham and pineapple.

Wednesday: Minestrone Verde

Thursday: Pasta, shrimp, and pesto

Friday: Pad Thai

More menu ideas see Organizing Junkie

I joined a gym

I got another Mother's Day gift from my friend, E, which I used for a great special at 24 Hour Fitness to finally join a gym so I can get back into shape and be healthy. The weather is yuckier this year than the average year and so getting out to walk hasn't been as possible- plus the kids slow me down and they really are too big and old for a double stroller. So joining a gym is the perfect fit for us and at this deal: $24 to join and $24 a month in membership fees was way too good to pass up. Sadly this deal is no longer going but keep an eye and ear out for the next deal that can fit your budget!
Thank you E! I am very happy with my gym- already been 2 times this week and will be going tomorrow and Saturday!

Art

Solomon is quite talented with clay and this is his latest great work:



With all of his interest in knights- it is appropraite that he made a castle.

Disclaimer: I did help with the lines on the drawbridge and some finishing details upon what he did...

Go Beavers!

Saturday [May 31st] the whole family plus Dan's sister, L, went to see Portland's Baseball team, the Beavers play at against Las Vegas' 51s. The boys had a great time, got a free baseball jersey, and ate some sweets [cotton candy, licorce, and ice cream- but sadly no snowcone]... I would post pictures but my camera got destroyed in my cup of beer while attempting to help Cyrus put on his jersey shirt towards the end of the game. I did save my memory card so I will post pictures as soon as I can.

I am going to get tickets for another game for Friday night, June 19th as there is a special deal going on to help raise money for the Strike Out Lou Gehrig's Disease and it is $5 a seat for general admissions! I will probably get Dan to get his camera out or get a throw away camera to capture upcoming moments until I get a new camera...

Any suggestions on what kind of camera I should get?

Weekly Menu

Monday: Quiche again- it sooo easy to make and I have lots of cheddar and monterey jack cheese already shredded by Solomon from yesterday's meal. Plus we have a lot of eggs from our friends' chickens.

Tuesday: Zuppa Toscana- I ended up doing pizza last Thursday rather than this soup and so here it is. Tuesday is also supposed to be a rainy day so ending it with soup sounds like a great idea.

Wednesday: Shrimp and angel hair pasta

Thursday: Breakfast for dinner- fried egg, hash brown [have to use up the last of the potatoes], and fruit kabob.

Friday: With an ugly day outside I am making chicken noodle soup

For more great menu ideas, please go to Organizing Junkie's website and there is a link on her website for a free menu planning e-book that is offered through Menu Planning Central

Menu Plan Monday

Alright I am going to join a few hundred people who post their menu plan on Mondays- it is so inspiring to be a part of a community even just for one idea. This is hosted by Organizing Junkie [please click on the link at left to see other Menu ideas]:



Monday: Quiche that will be made of eggs, bacon, spinach, mushroom, onions, various cheese including parmesan, in a pie crust...

Tuesday: Baked Chicken Breasts, mashed potatoes, and salad

Wednesday: Chili on top Baked Potatoes with carrots or salad

Thursday: Zuppa Toscana with recipe coutesy of The Food Slut! Also

Friday: Chicken Fajitas with Grandma's recipe for rice and pot of black beans...

Notice I have three nights with potatoes?! I got a 5lb bag of potatoes from the Farmer Market for $2!!!