Last Saturday, Hadley had a very loose bottom molar (actually, she had two very loose bottom molars) On Sunday morning, when she went to brush her teeth, she noticed the tooth was missing. We searched high and low for the tooth, but we didn’t find it by Sunday bedtime.
Each kid has swallowed or misplaced a tooth at least once or twice, so we pulled our normal Tooth Fairy trick, and placed a mini marshmallow under Hadley’s pillow.
Monday morning, Hadley put the $2 from the Tooth Fairy in her piggy bank…but then, while making her bed, found the tooth on her floor! She was so excited. As I put on my Facebook post, she put the tooth “under her pillow in hopes that the TF will return for a second night in a row because apparently she’s (the TF) a moron?!” Well, the verdict is in: The Tooth Fairy is a sentimental moron. $1 for the return trip.
Hayden has lost all of his teeth, so his Tooth Fairy days are over, and Hadley has a few left still to lose. Someone pass me the parenting handbook, please. haha
Ready for the Tooth Fairy to visit again.Homer was wondering why Hadley didn’t have a guilty conscience about tricking the TF.
Just a little humor from our house where there’s never a dull moment.
It’s the middle Wednesday of the month, so that means Shay and Erika are linking up again for Let’s Look. This month’s focus is: Let’s Look at your calendar.
My type A personality is both a blessing and a curse. There’s a sort of thrill for me (I’m lame, I know) about being super organized. I love on Sunday to sit down and plan the week, but then again, sometimes I’m completely overwhelmed by all of our daily activities. Let’s get one thing straight–if I didn’t write it down or put in on my phone calendar, I would completely forget to show up to a certain meeting, take my kids to a doctor’s appointment, or miss a soccer practice.
As far as calendars go, well, I have lots of them.
Phone Calendar
Definitely my #1 calendar is my calendar on my phone. That’s where I keep all the dates and even set reminders for myself. Travis and I don’t have a shared calendar; I know people who do that, but for some reason we just never have. I guess he knows I will tell him what’s on the agenda, and he can also look on the fridge calendar. There have been times where I have sent him a calendar invite for “Get s$%! done Saturday” when we are up to our eyeballs in chores to do…and he knows better than to decline that invite request 😉
Fridge Weekly Calendar
My weekly fridge calendar is where all my people look to see our activities and what’s for dinner. I love sitting down on Sunday and planning out the week. I always write my workout days, what we have going on and our dinners. I cross each day off as we go because that makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something 😉 I’ve been using these paper calendars for many years as my mom put one in my stocking at least six or seven years ago…and then I’ve found them at Michaels and now on Amazon #becauseAmazonhasallthethings
I have many notes on my phone, but the one that I visit daily is my weekly note. Every Sunday, I update with with our schedule, my workouts, and any chores or errands I need to accomplish. Just like crossing off the days fridge calendar, I love deleting tasks too!
School organization :
At school, I couldn’t live without my desk calendar, but more importantly my lesson planner. The desk calendar has most of my after school and weekend appointments or activities but also school meetings. I used to buy the cheaper calendars from Walmart or Office Depot (or, at times, there are free ones at school), but this is the second year I’ve purchased this Bloom calendar and I love the bright colors and floral pattern.
I love my lesson planner. I used to buy one at the Parent Teacher store at the end of every summer, but then a couple years ago, I found this one by Blue Sky on Amazon. Like the ones I bought in previous years, I liked the layout (which I am picky about). The vertical layout with room for lessons, a to do list, and activities is exactly what I need.
While this isn’t an #ad for Amazon, I should be sponsored 😉 …at least for calendars as all my calendars have been purchased from there 🙂 Links below to the desk calendar and lesson planner.
Next month’s focus is on yummy fall recipes. I have a favorite pumpkin pasta to share. The recipe came, from all places, the Kroger coupon packet they send in the mail! It’s one of my family’s favorites. I hope you are having a great week.
If writing memes could be a job, I feel like I could be a millionaire…especially the sarcastic memes (#sarcasmisagift)
Mondays can be difficult, so I thought I’d start the week off with a laugh or two 😂
Poor Travis. This first meme is definitely me. #notamorningperson I wake up 45 minutes before the rest of the household to get my “me time” in and start my day off right…& I still don’t really want to talk to anyone when it’s time to wake the crew.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times…I’d rather hang out with my dog than hang out with most people…Just saying …dogs love you unconditionally, they don’t judge you, and they just want to snuggle.
If I don’t know you are coming over, I’m probably not answering the door. Safety first combined with the fact that if I’m home for more than 30 minutes, I’m probably in my robe.
English teacher humor. 😂
1. About the only science I actually know. 2. Why are my kids hungry all of the time?
I want to decorate for autumn so badly, but I’m going to need Mother Nature to drop the temp about 20 degrees, please.
Not a meme, but Hayden found this card at Kroger, and I literally laughed out loud!
Friday night I met up with some friends for book club. We were to have read Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of 69, but only a few of us had read it. I was recently added to this group, and the waitlist at the library was long for the book…since I was reading a couple of other books, I never got around to Summer of 69…and I wasn’t the only one in the group who hadn’t read it 🙂 Instead, we all chatted, caught up with one another, and enjoyed hibachi. It was a great way to start the weekend, and I’m determined to actually read our next book choice: Ask Again, Yes which I’ve heard good things about. (Also, a friend is letting me borrow Summer of 69, so I may actually read it too! 😉 )
Finished a book & started a new book
On Friday night, I finished a book I started a bit ago: Sadie. At my school, our librarian is awesome…and gives great book talks to my students. I had added Sadie to my list after hearing her book talk on it. It’s a young adult (YA) book, and I do try to read those every once in awhile, so I can share with my students book ideas as well. Overall, I liked it…especially how it was formatted alternating between a podcast and the point of view of the missing main character Sadie. I hope to write more about it in my September Book Review.
Then, I started reading The Mother-in-Law after being on the library wait list for a bit to get it. I’m about 100 pages in, and so far, so good.
Hayden’s Soccer Game
Hayden finally had his first soccer game of the season. This year he’s on a new team with many friends that he knows from baseball. It’s fun to watch them play a different sport together and while they are young for their age group, they dominated with an 8-1 (I think) victory with Hayden scoring the final goal of the game.
Why does portrait mode make him look 16?!Hayden headed to the ball on defense
Cross Country
While Saturday was hectic with a soccer game and cross country meet immediately following the game, at least the soccer game and CC meet were at the same park!
Travis had hoped to start a cross country team at the kids’ school last year, but it logistically didn’t work out at the time. This year, with the help of a teacher at their school,he and Travis started the program.
The first meet EVER for their school was on Saturday with schools from Lexington but also surrounding areas as well. Running is definitely something that’s in our kids’ blood #buttheydontgetitfromme, and they did great. It was fun to see the sense of community with parents helping out, parent volunteers getting kids where they needed to be, kids cheering for one another and an outstanding showing for the sixty or so runners with the girls (3rd-5th grade) placing 4th overall and the boys (3rd-5th grade) placing 6th. It was a great effort by all: the runners, the parents, and the coaches. We can’t wait for the next meet!
Pre race and I was already proud of my crew!During and post race pics…and fun with friends!Ready to run!Uncle Chet always gets the best pics: Hadley & her friend mid-race Hayden gave it his all. Hashtag: exhausted Photo cred: Uncle Chet
Homer & the KC Chiefs
(Ma)Homer #mahomie
It’s been awhile since Kansas City has had a strong football team to cheer on…last year’s season was amazing and much like the wait and anticipation of the 2015 KC Royals season (#WorldSeriesChamps), KC is ready to once again cheer on Mahomes and the Chiefs. At times, we call Homer “Homie” which sometimes also turns into “Mahomie.” Once again, thanks to Etsy and the Golden Doodle Dog Co, Homer is stylish and cheered his team to a victory today.
Besides the top 5, we also tailgated for a bit with friends before UK’s home football game. Hadley and I headed home while the boys stayed at the game.
Sunday is always a day to regroup for the upcoming week and we did that with church, laundry, grocery shopping, keeping an eye on the Chiefs score, and an afternoon nap for 🙋♀️.
My first favorite of the week is the fact that coming off of a three day weekend meant having a four day week of school. While my school year is off to a great start, I will take breaks as they come! It’s still nice to ease into this first month of school.
One Bars
We live near a Trader Joe’s and one of my favorite things to buy there are the ONE bars. I’m sure you can get them many places, but I just grab a few on my every other week trip to TJ. I also like the chocolate chip and glazed donut flavors. Surprisingly, I have the will power to usually just eat half of these bars. I think because they are rich in flavor, I just eat half one day, leave it in my lunch bag and eat half on the other day. It’s the perfect sweet to eat half of …even on my low carb days.
Packing Cubes
I’ve been using these packing cubes for at least two years, and they are certainly a favorite of mine. I was talking about them with friends the other day, so I thought I’d share them. While they are intended to help you fit more into your suitcase and I do believe that’s true, I just love them from an organizational standpoint. I’m a chronic over-packer, so these don’t help me pack less (haha!), but at least what I pack is organized. I’ve used them where each family member has a certain color for their clothes…or I’ve used them where everyone’s swim stuff goes in one, everyone’s dress clothes go in another, etc.
On our recent trip home from Florida, we were over by five pounds (this shocks no one who travels with me as I always fret if my luggage will be over in weight)…40 pounds adds up quickly. Anyway, just as Travis was about to pay the $50 (WTF?!) baggage fee, I whipped open the suitcase, pulled out one of the cubes, stuffed it in my carry on, and we made the second weight check. I looked at my family waiting for them to applaud me and confirm I’m a genius for making us use these when we travel…but let’s just say I’m still waiting for those accolades.
Another favorite is a night out with these ladies. To say I’ve hit the jackpot of friends would be an understatement. Most of these ladies I’ve met through Hadley’s Girl Scout troop, but we all have kids that go to my kids’ school. They are certainly a blessing in my life…and going out to dinner on a Thursday night (we were missing a few ladies!) to celebrate Cassie and Estee’s birthdays was definitely something I needed.
The Flay List
One of my favorite shows to watch lately has been The Flay List on The Food Network. Bobby Flay has always been a fave of mine…and while he seems to have a tough exterior, it’s fun to see a softer side while he interacts with his daughter Sophie. The first few episodes had them sharing their favorite taco, fried chicken, and burger places in NYC. They seem to have a sweet relationship, and it’s fun to see her get him to relax and laugh a bit.
Side note: Flay is in the horse business as well, and we’ve seen him at the horse sales through the years…Hayden (who loves the show Beat Bobby Flay), spotted him when we were visiting Travis at a sale last fall and watched his every move. Hayden was star struck!
Friday Nights at the Pool
Friday nights at the pool have been a favorite. Sometimes we just go for a couple of hours, grab dinner and a drink while the kids swim, and cling to the carefree summer nights. (Real talk: the kids had to wake me from my Friday afternoon nap to convince me to go last Friday night…but so glad we did…it’s fun seeing friends, chatting, and letting the kids burn some energy)
Cross Country
Another fave is seeing the kids’ cross country team swag come in. They were so excited to see the shirts for their team, and the first race is tomorrow! We’re all excited to get the season rolling (or running?!) 😉
Homer’s Scarf
Homer, of course , is still a fave…although, I would love it if he’d quit knocking over small children with his enthusiasm. I definitely treat him like the third child I never had …complete with a new autumn scarf. September 1st = fall (y’all) in our house. I’ve ordered a few scarves from Golden Doodle Co on Instagram (thanks to a recommendation from my friend Natalie). The scarves are so cute and great quality…plus, he’s just too cute while wearing his pumpkin scarf!
Kindle Paperwhite
My Kindle Paperwhite is definitely a favorite of mine…so much so that I’m wondering what I did before I had one (besides read hardback books) 😉 Fun fact: I buy myself an end of the school year gift…basically because I survived that year…haha. So, I purchased mine from Amazon in May. I usually just check out books from the library (for free!), but have purchased a few on Amazon. Don’t get it twisted…I still prefer the feel of holding an actual book, but the Kindle is so convenient. It’s always in my purse, so I can read it while waiting on Hadley to finish dance class or if I have a few minutes before school starts, etc. I actually tend to read two books at once: one on my Kindle and one hardback book that usually just stays on my nightstand to read at bedtime. I never thought I’d do that, but it’s been a part of my reading routine for quite some time…and I tend to have two different kinds of books I’m reading to not confuse plot, characters, etc.
When I bought mine in May, it was on sale for $90 and definitely an awesome deal, and I bought the cover to ensure it would be safe when I kept it in my purse.
Occasionally I find (52) Hadley selfies on my phone. They are always unexpected to find and always crack me up. She gives me a run for my money (on the daily), but I love her caring, outgoing, and silly spirit.
Another favorite has been seeing Hadley transition from only taking a hip hop class to also taking the combo tap/jazz/ballet class. I feel like this is next level 😂as she’s at dance for TWO hours on Wednesday nights. She comes home with the biggest smile on her face while plié-ing, prancing, arabesque-ing all over the house. I’m not saying she’s headed to Juilliard, but her grace, strength, and the five seconds she stands still to hold a pose amaze me. ❤️
Also- not to leave Hayden out but he’s been busting it on the soccer field…but Travis wins best dad award taking him to his practices while I take Hadley to dance…He’s on a team with lots of his baseball buddies, and the first game is tomorrow (followed immediately by the cross country race). #sweatyBoostatus 😂
Blogging
Blogging has become an absolute favorite of mine. I sooo appreciate all that take the time to read my posts. It’s been easy to think of content so far as I guess I’ve read many blogs for awhile…and I know what posts are of interest to me while also coming up with a few of my own ideas. I love sharing about my family, what we are eating, what I’m reading and other topics as well. It’s true that you find time to do things that are important to you, and blogging, so far, has become a part of my routine…and not stressful at all. Again, that’s so much for following along, and I hope there’s a little something for everyone!
Friday Meme
Lastly, this meme is a favorite that made me laugh out loud. Even though it’s been a great week, always TGIF!
I hope you have a great weekend, and thanks for reading my first ever Friday Favorites. Feel free to check out the other bloggers who linked up as well.
Just a little bit of this and that from the past few weeks…
Hadley was at a sleepover, so Hayden had some quality time with us 🙂 We went out to dinner at a local restaurant we love: The Bear and the Butcher…and then Hayden talked us into ice cream at Graeters.
We wrapped up summer with our church’s back to school picnic. The kids had a great time running around, eating (too many) desserts, playing on bounce houses, and even going on horse rides with friends.
Official big kid status—the kids have been riding their bikes to school once or twice a week. While I’m kind of bummed we aren’t walking together as much, I know they are excited to feel like big kids having a little more independence. My friend who is a teacher at their school (hi, Cari!) sent me this pic at the end of the school day because I was a bit nervous about them making the trek (.5 miles ;)) home. All was good.
GG (my mom) and Gma (my grandma) visited a couple of weekends ago. They always come bearing gifts. Hayden and Hadley were both excited about their new KC Chiefs shirts, but Hayden was extra excited for Mahomes Magic Crunch. He’s still torn on if he should eat it or not. 😉
Lots of Homer snuggles going on at our house. I’m losing the battle of ‘no Homer on the couch.” #TGHC (thank goodness he’s cute!)
Dressed in their Sunday best. I always love seeing what they pick out to wear to church. Hadley’s dress is courtesy of Gma…and super cute.
I attended Curriculum Night at the kids’ school. I always love going to this event at their school (I’m a teacher nerd, ok?!)…and hearing about what’s going on in the classroom. Hayden’s teacher included this handout in the packet…and I loved every word of it. Real talk. Truth.
Most Saturdays at the fall are spent at Kroger Field cheering on the CATS. I’ve said it before…I don’t bleed blue…but I’m not mad about it that my kids and husband do. While Hadley and I don’t always make it into the stadium, we did last weekend. Sometimes, we just let the guys go into the game and cheer for the CATS while we stay outside and socialize 🙂 (or when it’s less than 60 degrees, stay at home and watch the game on the couch!_ It was a super hot Saturday, but we made the most of it and had fun with friends…and the CATS won…so that’s always a good thing!
These girls have my heart. Hadley is so blessed to have such great friends…and even better, Travis and I are friends with their parents. It’s such a blessing. These ladies were super serious about their tailgating football game…but stopped and let me snap their photo…and then…
My friend Amy said we should recreate the same pic! #momlife #friends
Travis and I had an impromptu date night on Saturday. Both kids were invited to a birthday party, so we had a couple of hours free and no sitter to have to pay! 🙌🏻
I honestly wanted to stay home and get takeout (#homebodystatus), but glad Travis insisted on going out to one of our favorite places: OBC kitchen. (Bacon in a glass with peanut butter dipping sauce—best appetizer in town).
OBC Kitchen
That’s a little bit of our life lately. We are in the throes of back to school, sports, routines…but walking the fine line of not wanting summer to end but ready for all things fall.
I try to eat low carb at least two days a week which means if I’m cooking dinner, my family is eating low carb too! haha. This recipe is a family favorite. When I made this last week, Hadley said, “Mom, it DOES taste like tacos.” Well, I’m not sure about that, but definitely that flavor profile and a way to get a low carb meal in. This recipe is courtesy of Simply So Healthy.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef 1 packet taco seasoning 3 green onions thinly sliced 1/4 c salsa 1 c Mexican blend cheese (although often times I use shredded mild cheddar and/or Monterey jack) 4 large eggs (I always buy medium eggs and use about 6 eggs) 2/3 c heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Ready to cookTime to bake!Dinner is served with our favorite green beans
So, having Homer in the house is basically like living with a toddler. (Newsflash Homer: I raised two toddlers at once!) He’s always on the move, begs for treats, & is constantly doing things he shouldn’t be doing like licking the dishes in the dishwasher, putting his paws on the counter (as evidenced above), chewing on my coffee table, and, well, even bringing a dead bird into the house!
One morning last week, Hayden called me into the living room saying Homer had something in his mouth. As soon as he dropped it, I knew what it was. A bird…even though it looked like a chewed up hash brown. Travis was already at work, I was near tears, and Hadley, for once in her life, was speechless. Hayden bravely got the dust pan and retrieved the bird. As soon as he got a good look at it, he continued to yell, “It has a beak. IT HAS A BEAK!” while running with the dust pan outside to the garbage can. I hugged him (after he washed his hands) and told him he that he was my hero! 😂
Later, after I texted my dad, brother and Travis, all said something to the effect of, “Well, I guess he is part retriever!” While that’s a cute response, I’m not sure they were completely understanding the trauma I had experienced that morning. 😂
Later that evening, I was telling Hayden about what they said and what retrievers are bred to do, so I guess it made sense that Homer was acting on his instincts.
The next day, Hayden was lying on the living room floor which is fair game for Homer thinking he wanted to play with him. While Homer licked him and nipped at him a bit while playing, Hayden was laughing and said, “Homer! Quit retrieving me!” I busted out laughing. 😂
Needless to say the kids AND Homer keep us on our toes…and like when my kids were in the toddler phase, I always held on tight until nap time. They are always the cutest when they are sleep 😉
I typically cook Monday-Thursday (but try to at least have one meal that will last two nights). This week was a little different because I didn’t have to cook Sunday night since we were celebrating our nephew, Wyatt’s birthday.
Monday night I made InstantPot Crack Chicken Casserole. It’s always a family favorite, and it’s what we ate Tuesday evening as well with a salad or fruit as a side. The recipe is from Pinterest 🙂
I try to eat low carb at least two days a week, and one of my favorite low carb recipes that even my family loves is Crustless Taco Pie which I will make tonight for dinner. I will even have some left over for Thursday’s lunch. I hope to share that recipe next week.
Thursday evening, everyone may kind of be on their own for dinner. Between cross country practice and Curriculum Night at school (and I have dinner plans with friends afterwards (This may be news to Travis! ;)) , dinner may just have to be pieced together. I have discovered Hormel’s already cooked taco meat recently, so that’s something I usually have on hand if anyone needs to throw tacos together for dinner in a pinch.
The chicken option is great as well!
Friday and Saturday night, mom is off duty from cooking! We usually get carry out one night and eat out another evening…then it’s time to plan groceries all over again for the next week. 🙂
2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
Hadley back at the ballet barre. When she was in kindergarten, she took a combo ballet/tap class. Then, took a few years off, but started back with a hip hop class last year. This year, along with hip hop, she’s added a ballet/tap/jazz combo class and is loving it. She’s growing up right before my very eyes. Side note: we have NO clue where she got her grace and rhythm…but dang, she’s got it…and loves dancing so much…which makes me so happy #dancemomtipsplease
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3. WHAT I’M LOVING:
Homer’s new bow tie collar from Amazon. I told him it’s time for him to dress for success…and by success, I mean quit chewing on flip flops, hopping on the couch with muddy paws, and bringing dead birds into the house. #hecutetho #Amazonforthewin
4. WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
All the activities and school work on repeat. News flash: fourth grade is no joke. Multiplication, reading, homework + cross country, soccer, dance. Repeat.
Also, we celebrated cousin Wyatt’s 5th birthday at his party this past weekend. It’s hard to believe he’s already five…next year, he’ll be at the same elementary school as my kids…
Meeting Wyatt, Wyatt’s first birthday party, and celebrating #5Birthday boy!Wyatt’s a big fan of Spongebob!
We also had family visit this past weekend. GG & Gma came to town for Wyatt’s party!
5. WHAT I’M DREADING:
These days, setting an alarm! Sleeping in during the summer (even until 7:00!) was such a luxury. I always give myself grace for the first few weeks of school, but hope to get back to my early morning workouts next week. It’s always difficult getting out of bed, but always worth it to have the workout over for the day by 7:00 AM.
6. WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
Learning my students’ names! We’ve been in school for two full weeks. I always tell my students to give me until Labor Day to learn all of their names. I think I’m to the point where I know the names…as long as they stay in their seats in alphabetical order 🙂 My memory for 150 names isn’t what it used to be.
7. WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
I’m sooooo excited to cheer on Hayden and Hadley when they run for their school’s cross country team. Cross country (and track) has been a HUGE part of Trav’s family for most of their lives. Trav was (still is) a runner; all Hayden and Hadley’s older cousins started running when they were in the third grade and some continued on through high school, college, and even at the professional level. XC is such a great mix of being both an individual and a team sport. Travis worked with one of the teachers at the kids’ school to create the first ever XC team. The number of kids who signed up was completely overwhelming. Travis was hoping for twenty runners and at last count, they had over NINETY third, fourth, and fifth graders sign up. I hope Hayden and Hadley always remember what their dad has done for them, and I can’t wait to see what they (all three!) accomplish. #CoachWhitehasawhistle #powerplay
Ready for the first practice
8. WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:
I’m in the back to school reading slump, so I just finished reading The Art of Racing in the Rain this past weekend. I started reading it right before heading back to school, and took the time to finish it Saturday morning. I really enjoyed it. Of course, anything with a dog as the main character, will most likely be a fave of mine to read. Now, I’d like to find the time to go see the movie. I hope to get back to my normal reading routine soon…but first I need to get back to staying up past 9:00 #backtoschoolteacherlife
9. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
I started listening to podcasts about a year and a half ago, and I usually only listen to them when I work out. The first podcast I ever listened to was Finding Richard Simmons. Yes, you read that correctly. 😂 I loved it. Anyway, now some of my faves are Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist, Distracted & Aggressive, and Living and Dying in LA. I hope to get back in my podcast routine when I get back to my morning workouts next week.
10. WHAT I’M WEARING:
This peplum high low sleeveless top from Amazon on repeat. I also have the short sleeve version in light blue and light pink. I heart shopping on Amazon. All of these tops are easy to dress up or down which I love.
I’ve been subscribing to Stitch Fix for about three years. I receive an order once every three months, and usually end up keeping a couple of pieces. I love the fact that I receive items that I probably wouldn’t have necessarily chosen for myself , like this floral top, but end up loving. This top is perfect for school or church or anywhere in between.
It’s sooo awkward taking photos of myself. Is it weird that I’m always headless?
Also, I’m back wearing pants that button . Because school. And I’m professional like that 😂 Since summer clothes mostly include swimwear and athletic wear, it’s always an adjustment to wear real pants and shoes that aren’t flip flops!
11. WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
Well, it’s football time in the bluuuuegrasssss…which means tailgating most weekends. The first game of the season is this Saturday. While I don’t necessarily bleed blue and always keep an eye on my (MU) Tigers, the city of Lexington comes alive when the CATS take to the turf for the first game of the season.
This pic is from the 2018 football season. Fun fact: their Uncle Chet took the pic of the wildcat for the backdrop!
12. WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
All things pumpkin. I love decorating our front porch for the fall.
This is what’s happening in our part of the world. Once we get into a groove after starting back to school, this is my favorite time of the year. Routines, cool(ish) air temperatures headed our way soon, fall sports, apple cider, and cozy sweaters! The best time of the year is right around the corner.
Confession 1: I haven’t used my Instant Pot all summer. I’m trying to get back in the cooking swing of things and a find that a meal that includes pasta usually provides us with two dinners. I made this last Wednesday evening knowing our Thursday evening would be crazy, and it was a hit.
Confession 2: I do like the Instant Pot although it took some time for us to become friends. I received one for Christmas last year and when I’m in the normal swing of things, I’d say I use it once a week. Once I got over the fact that it isn’t really “instant,” I decided I do find it useful enough to incorporate into my meal planning. Once everything is in the pot, I do like that I have that time free to pack lunches, get a quick workout in, or my favorite past time: taking a quick power nap.
All of my IP recipes come from Pinterest, but I hadn’t tried this one yet.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow or sweet onion, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (16 oz) box medium pasta shells, uncooked
1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
3 cups water
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks and softened
Ingredients: (minus tomato paste which I forgot to buy🤦🏼♀️), but it all tasted just fine.Time for my nap 🙂 Dinner is served! (Real talk: Wednesday night was so busy, we all ate when we could. I ate this by myself on the couch while watching Real Housewives of OC!)
When I get two nights out a meal, I usually make a vegetable one night (my kids love fresh green beans–I blanch them, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, and they eat their weight in them) and then a bagged salad another night. I try to keep it simple.
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