First Days of School

It is hard to believe that school has started already. Mr. Henry has started 5th grade and is now in Middle School. Ack! How did that happen? I am so not ready for the middle school drama. She was happy to start this year. Last year was so hard with starting a new school, but this year everyone is in one school and she is seeing all of her friends.

Mr. Oswald started Preschool this year. She has always went to a babysitter during the day, but this is her foray into formal education. She has been there for two days and loves it. We took her in the first morning, and after she dropped her backpack in her cubby, she looked at us and said "See ya!" Love that kid; she is fearless!

Mr. Henry's Birthday-the month long jubilee

Mr. Henry recently turned 10. She has managed to extend her birthday celebration into an entire month.

First, the hubby and I took her to Chicago for a mini-vacation. She loves Harry Potter. So, we took her to the Museum of Science and Industry to see the Harry Potter exhibition. they all kinds of props from the movie and explanations about how things were done. While at the museum, we also saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince at the IMAX theater. While in Chicago, we also managed to catch up with some old friends of mine from college, go shopping on the Miracle Mile (hubby was so thrilled) and play at Navy Pier.

Second, we had a party for the family. Nothing too big, just the grandparents and uncle/aunts. Mr. Henry is not a cake kind of girl; she is more of a cupcake girl. So, we made cupcakes with her favorite animal-penguins. These were so easy and cute.

Finally, we are having a slumber party next Friday for nine of her friends. It will be, of course, Harry Potter themed. I have plans for Herbology, Transfiguration, Potions, and Quidditch. It should be fun. Mr. Henry is really looking forward to it.

I still wonder how she conned me into an entire month's worth of celebrations. It's a good thing you only turn 10 once.

Happy Birthday to Me--Part 2

I bought myself a birthday present. I have wanted a comfy chair for my front porch since we moved into this house a year ago. I wanted someplace to read and relax, and now with my laptop, work on my days at home.

Happy Birthday to me

It's my birthday today. It's not a significantly big one, but for some reason it has me down. I feel old and worn out. Worn down and neglected. The gray hairs and fat cells are winning. The trouble is I don't know what the race is about anymore.

Bah! Apathy and self-pity are not attractive qualities, but today I just don't care.

The best subjects

Like any other mom, I love taking pictures of my girls. Also, like any other mom, I think my girls are uncommonly cute. Mr. Henry is at that awkward age when you don't want you mom hovering around with a camera, and your smiles tend to be fake. However, I do catch her off guard sometimes, and she is beautiful. Mr. Oswald is the best subject--her red curls and infectious grin are so camera ready. Although Miss Pretty is closing the gap quickly with her flirtatious eyes and impish grin. I had the best day last weekend taking them to the zoo. I also just happened to get some really cute pictures!

"Now listen to me sister!"

Don't you just want to eat her up with a spoon?

She is so patient.

There are just no words for this one... *love*

Menu Monday--Freezer Finds

It is officially "Freezer Finds" week. I plan on only buying the produce and milk needed to get through the week. Money is tight due to recent vacations and other events. Let's see how I can clean out the freezer and pantry.

Monday--Grilled Chicken Dijon Salad (marinated chicken breast in freezer; dressing in fridge)

Tuesday--French Dip Sandwiches, Tater Tots and Cucumber Salad (Meat, buns and tots in freezer; cucumber and tomatoes from garden)

Wednesday--Spicy Venison Stir Fry (small roast in freezer, rice and marinade ingredients in pantry)

Thursday--BLT's (Bacon in fridge, Tomatoes from garden)

Friday--Pancakes and Sausage (Pancake mix in freezer, sausage in fridge)

Saturday--Steaks, Baked Potatoes, and Asparagus (steaks in freezer, potatoes in pantry)

Maybe I can get all our groceries for the week for under $40? I hope so because Most of my food budget this week needs to go toward Mr. Henry's birthday on Sunday. She's going to be 10...sob! Another post later.

Menu Monday

The past week was really busy, and when it came time to plan the menu all I was looking for was easy. So, this week is a selection of tried and true favorites.

Monday: Venison Steaks with a Balsamic Shallot Sauce, Cous Cous, and Roasted Asparagus

Tuesday: Left Overs

Wednesday: Spaghetti and Salad

Thursday: California Bowls (must remember to make rice Wed. night)

Friday: Coupon Madness (out to eat--local restaurant w/ coupons)

Saturday: ??? Husband will be fishing and I don't know how inspired I will be to cook for 3 picky girls.

Sunday: Fish Fry, Cole Slaw, Corn on the Cob