Good Morning...we are all a little slow moving around here this morning.  A busy weekend will do that to you I guess.

YESTERDAY

We were pretty busy yesterday, even though it was suppose to be our relaxing day!   We were up and went to church.   Erik did his first sermon note for Confirmation and turned it in.  It was hard for him and he needed a lot of assistance, but we got it done!   Then we ran to Target since the cats were out of food.  

Home again to change out of church clothes and head to the Rally Day Picnic.    As I as sitting church I was thinking about something BrayNTay had been struggling with.  Taking her young children out to eat.   I think she and her hubby decided to not go for a while since they felt they were disturbing others.   I thought about that in church as I had to hush my nearly 4 year old many times over.   We have always taken the stance that we will take our youngest one where ever we go.   He has been in church service all summer.   I feel that if he isn't exposed to the expectation of needing to behave and be quiet how will he ever learn.  He actually does pretty good now.   I do bring along a notebook for him to write or something.  I do that same thing when we go to a restaurant.  We all write with him until the food comes.   Do we get stares at times since our children aren't angels in restaurants and church.  Yep.....but when my children were baptized, I promised to bring them to worship.   And I do.........If he is very disturbing I will leave the sanctuary and sit in the commons if need be, but I am always going to have him in church or Sunday school.  You can't expect a child to learn to behave in an environment he isn't exposed to regularly.  So next time you are in a restaurant and you see a loud child.......just smile and say,   "What an adorable child you have!!!"

After Rally Day, Tommy and I took a nap and hubby got busy with Erik doing his homework.  That was at about 2:30 or so and Erik was still doing homework at 9:30 in the evening.   I was so proud of him though.  He did all that work with a positive attitude and didn't cry or complain.    It was a huge project!!!   It is worth 100 points and we got it done.  He also had homework in three other classes, but forgot to bring one assignment home, which was due on Monday.   So he will have to bring it home tonight and do it for partial credit. 

I got up and read my Making It Home magazine for a bit.   I loved the few articles I have read so far!    Cat has the Grand Plan in there and I want to do that!  I started with my front porch a bit on Sunday.   I washed the windows outside and inside, swept down cobwebs and swept the porch.   Inside in the entryway, Josh and I took down all the panels of the chandelier and washed them.   Hubby got all the cobwebs in the corners.   I will work on the entryway some more tomorrow.  

I did a few loads of laundry.  Hubby cut up 5 pounds of carrots for carrots sticks.   I cooked 4 pounds of hamburger for future meals.   That was pretty much our evening!  Then bath for Tommy and off to bed!   

Tommy had a very hard time getting to sleep, so I ended up turning the light back on and read.  I did get to the first 100 pages of my book group book done this weekend.  I am starting to enjoy the book, so I will finish it!

TODAY

I am working until about 5:30 and then I am going to church to do a practice run for our next cooking session.  We are doing breakfast foods for back to school!  

TOMORROW

I am taking the day off since my SIL isn't having daycare.   I will take and pick up Tommy from preschool.   I will pick up my niece from school at 3:30 as well.  I will wash the walls in the entry way and wipe down the pictures and floor.   It will be nice to be home!  I might work from home a bit, but I don't have to since I took the day entirely off. 

SUPPER

Ravioli and breadsticks

GRATITUDE

A great family weekend!   Doing activities together and everyone helping around the house!

GOOD MORNING......

YESTERDAY

I paid the bills in the morning and updated our budget.   Then we went to the the library and asian market.    My neighbor came over and we made 240 egg rolls.  I froze the remaining mixture and will make some more later.  I have never frozen the stuff before so I hope it works.   I was exhausted after all the rolling and frying.   We had one little accident, hubby accidently hit a fryer and it slipped off the counter and spilled hot oil everywhere.  Good thing no one was standing there.  I jumped out the back door and avoided getting my bare feet burned.  

After filling our tummies with Egg Rolls, I went outside to play volleyball with the kids.   That was fun, hubby came out to play too!    I finally got Tommy in the house at nearly 8:00 and he bathed and we went to bed.   He fell right to sleep so I was able to turn the light back on and read for a while!   I hope to get the 1st 100 pages of my book done with weekend.   I have to have it done for book group on the 29th.  

My neighbor helped me to pick out some paint colors for my living room.   I am back to a  maroon accent wall, but have changed which wall now.   I have to look for different rugs though.   I am so particular!

TODAY

Today will be busy.   We will go to church and than return for the Rally Day picnic.   After the picnic we will have to focus on Erik's homework.  He has alot to do this weekend.   

I received my "Making it Home" magazine yesterday and I hope to sit outside and read it today!   I am very excited to read it!   Way to go MrsCatherine!   I hope to really take it easy today after making all those eggrolls yesterday.  

I traded some egg rolls with neighbors.   Maury came over with tomatoes from his garden and I gave him a few egg rolls for his supper.  

TOMORROW

Back to work!!  I think next week will be more back to our usual routine!   I have to check in with my asthma Dr on Monday.  Tuesday I am home with Tommy since Daycare is closed.   I also have to pick up my neice after school.   Wednesday our classes at church will be starting.  We will have supper at church on Wednesday and then go to our classes.  

SUPPER:  Unsure.......

GRATITUDE:   My little baby, who says 100 times a day, "Momma I love you very very very very very much!"

JENNY’S FAMOUS* EGG ROLLS

 Ingredients: (all available at Festival on Cty. Rd. E and Century)

1- package (40 count) “Spring Home” TYJ Spring Roll Pastries
1- 10.5 oz. Package “Lunkow Vermicelli” Bean Thread Noodles
3-3½ lbs.  Ground Pork
6 Large carrots, shredded
3 bunches green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or mashed
4 Tablespoon. Sugar
2 Tablespoon. Salt
1 Tablespoon. Black Pepper
2 teaspoon MSG (optional)
1 Tablespoon. Asian Tapioca Starch
5 Tablespoon water 

Step 1:  Mix Tapioca Starch with water in microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute to thicken. Remove, stir, and set aside to cool.  (Don’t do this too much beforehand, but early enough to allow a few minutes to cool so you can work with it with your bare hands.)

Step 2:  Place noodles in a large, heat resistant bowl and cover with boiling water.  Allow noodles to soak in water for 4 minutes, then drain water.  Cut up noodles in same bowl with kitchen scissors.  Using hands, break up pork into bowl and mix thoroughly with noodles.  Add and thoroughly mix: carrots, onions, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper.  Also add optional MSG, shredded cabbage and fungus mushrooms.

 Step 3:  Roll mix into spring roll firmly, eliminating as many air pockets as possible.  Apply a coat of starch paste to the inner side of the final inch or two of roll to seal and hold roll closed.  Deep fry in enough corn oil so that roll floats while cooking, at 450 degrees, for approximately 8 minutes, turning once at approximately 4 minutes.

 Step 4:  Remove, lightly grasping with tongs at one end to allow excess oil to drain back into pan.  Place on a cooling rack over a raised-edged cooking sheet to continue draining.  Once cooled enough to handle stack rolls “teepee” style, to get rid of as much oil as possible. 

                         Makes approx. 32, 1½ x 5” rolls.

 Oh, and don’t forget to nab a bottle of Sweet and Sour sauce from Rainbow Foods (They have the good kind!)  It’s good with them!

GOOD MORNING - Happy WEEKEND!!!  YEAH!!

LAST NIGHT

I got off work early and went to get groceries at Aldi and Rainbow.  I came home and the car pool girls were still here, so they helped carry in groceries with Josh and I.  Erik was doing his chores when I got home, cleaning the bathrooms.   Josh had already done his chores, mopping floors.   So it was nice to see them doing their things without being told.   I gave out allowances and they were off to the mall together.  Josh put in some applications for different jobs.  Old Navy has hired so many kids that they don't get very many hours..   

Supper was pretty good.   After supper Josh and Erik helped me pick up for 15 minutes and then they left to be with friends.   I did the dishes and hubby was outside doing sidewalk chalk with Tommy.   My SIL Julie came over to visit for a bit while I did the dishes.  Around 8:00 we headed over to the neighbors to hang out for a while at the bonfire.   That was fun!   

Erik had three kids sleep over last night.   I let them run around until I was going to bed and then they had to come in the house.   I got home around 11:00 and they came in and I ended up letting Josh order them Pizza.   Josh had one friend hanging out as well.   It was a full house.  I am very very happy to say, they were all very very good.   Erik stayed calm and they didn't keep us up all night!!  They never even woke us up once!

At the bonfire we decided we should make egg rolls today!  So my neighbors are coming over to my house to make egg rolls this afernoon.   YUMMY!!  We are planning on making around 300 or so. 

TODAY

Hubby and I are up but all the kids are asleep still!   I have no idea what time Josh, Erik and the kids went to bed.   OOPsss.....heard hubby talking to Tommy he must have woke up.  

Today we are going to the library and then to the asian grocery store to get things to make egg rolls!   The neighbors are coming over at 1:00 to help roll them!    That is the extend of my day besides doing some laundry I suppose!    I also need to pay bills and look at our weekly budget.

Tonight Erik will have to get busy on his homework as he has alot. 

SUNDAY

Rally Day Picnic!!  We will be at church for Rally day!  That is always fun, hanging out with friends, etc.    The kids love the dunk tank, snow cones and other games. 

SUPPER:  Chinese Chicken with Cashews and Egg Rolls!

GRATITUDE:  So many good friends!!!  What a Blessing!

Hello - here is a quick update, this is a unusually busy week for us! 

YESTERDAY

Work went fine yesterday.  I raced off to my Chiropractor appointment and home to get ready to drop off  Erik with Tommy at Auntie Bonnie's.   When I got home all three kids: Josh, Amy and Erik were at the kitchen table doing their homework.  Amy was trying to help Erik with his math, but was having a hard time of it.  We then went to Erik's Open house.   That is always a very helpful time.  We heard about assignments in each class, daily expectations and can ask questions.   So we met with everyone of Erik's teachers.  Hubby had already been to the school earlier with Erik to pick up forgotten homework.  ARGH...looks like that might be a daily occurrence for hubby.  

We didn't get home from open house until about 9:30 so it was time to quickly get everyone ready for bed!   Tommy had a hard time falling asleep.  I was out before he was!  

Oh yeah, Erik has a secret admirer at school.  She left him a picture and gift.  Hmmm.....

TODAY

Today so far I have gotten the kids to school and Tommy to daycare.  I then had a Drs appointment.  After my appointment I stopped at Cub Foods to pick up a couple of sale items.  Then I headed to work.   I got to work early so I stopped over to Walmart to pick up a few snacks to have at work and a couple of needed household items. 

I am going to work until about 4:00 and then I will head to the bank to get some cash and go get groceries at Aldi and Rainbow on the way home.   After Supper we are invited over to our neighbors for a bonfire.   So that will pretty much be our evening.  

THIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY- Bonfire at neighbors.

SATURDAY - Library and errands if we have any.

SUNDAY - Church - Rally Day Picnic At Church

SUPPER TONIGHT - Tex/Mex Pasta Skillet/Salad/Biscuits

GRATITUDE - I am so grateful for the weekend.....I can't wait to sleep in tomorrow a bit!!!!!!  And hopefully take a nap each day of the weekend....what bliss!

CURRUENTLY READING/LISTENING TO:

Leap Of Faith - Queen Noor
East of Eden - John Steinbeck

Good Morning....as the week goes on I certainly feel less rested in the morning. 

YESTERDAY

Erik's IEP meeting went fine.  I really am taking a wait and see approach.   We really want to see what Erik can do with our help of course.  He will probably be changing classes  to ones with Para support in them.  He was upset about that.   But hopefully he will adjust fine.  I just wish the school would have put him in the right classes to begin with.  That would have elminated alot of problems. 

Then we raced home, picked up Tommy and made supper.  We had to be at the church by 6:15.   Erik is excited about confirmation and we got him all registered.  Classes start next week.  Hubby and I will be signing up for a adult bible study, but haven't decided which one yet.  Erik signed up to help watch younger children at Parents Night Out as his service project.  He is good with kids, but it will be an adjustment that he needs to be in charge of children.  He so wants to be babysitting Tommy, but that is hard to do when we aren't even ready to leave him home alone.  He does help out when we are home as well.  He really loves his little brother. 

Once we got home, Erik went out to play, but had to come in and wash dishes.  Wednesdays are his night.  Josh and Amy did their homework right after school and then had to be at church to help with orientation at 8:00 for the grade they help teach.   Hubby and Erik had a long discussion about school and hubby's expectations.  I helped Erik orgainize his papers and his Language Arts Binder.   He was assigned his first two larger assignments.   We will start working on those probably tonight or tomorrow.

Tommy and I got to bed later than usual since I was up helping Erik. 

TODAY

This morning I was able to get a few things done before taking Tommy to preschool.  I got the crockpot ready with makings for homemade spaghetti sauce.  I left a note for Josh to start the crockpot on high after school.   I switch laundry around, cleaned out the fridge and washed dishes.   The boys will do their chores tonight and hopefully be done with them by the time I get home from work. 

Tommy is at preschool and was not as clingy as last time, but did cry and hang onto me a bit.   I was able to get him to play a bit.  I stayed for about 1/2 hour and then I was able to sneak out.  He noticed I was gone and I heard him cry "I want my Mommy".  The teacher had him on her lap and he seemed to settle down ok.  I stayed out in the hall to listen and make sure he was ok before I left for work. 

Not too much going on at work today.  I have to go to a training this afternoon. 

This evening I have a chiropractor appointment and then it is a quick supper and off to Erik's Open House at the Middle School. 

TOMORROW

FRIDAY!!!  YEAH!!  We were invited to a neighbors house for a bonfire, but other than that we don't have to go anywhere!!  YEAH!!  The pace of our life this week is a bit too much.  I have been trying very hard to keep my committments outside of the home to a minimum.    I was approached to teach Sunday school and I declined.  I didn't sign up to help with confirmation either.  I will only be doing one thing this year extra, which will be volunteering to help plan the Senior Party.   I will volunteer at Josh's school this year and then do some for Erik next year.  I am still on my committee at church and have my book group.   That is enough.  I need to be home to take care of my family.  Not to mention I do have a fulltime job as well too!  So my lesson learned this year.......It is ok to say no!

SUPPER :   Spaghetti and Garlic Toast

GRATITUDE:  Grateful I am able to take my baby to preschool every morning. 

Morning Friends........

YESTERDAY -

School for Tommy was not very good.   He was scared by all the new kids.  There wasn't one child from his class last year.  He clung to me that I couldn't even get him to stand on the floor.  He cried "I want my mommy", "I'm scared" so I stayed in the classroom with him for an hour.   He than got interested in a toy and began playing with a friend, so I slipped out.  Hubby said he was fine when he came to pick him up.  I hope it goes better on Thursday.   That boy is so attached to me and I am not sure what to do with it.  I want him to be over the seaparation anxiety by time for kindergarten.  He is left at daycare and does fine now.....he just wants his Mommy.  

I got to all my errands yesterday.  I stopped at the bank and bought Erik's mouth wash for him.   I went to meet a new client but they weren't home, forgot I was coming.  ARGH.   So I worked on some paperwork at the office until around 7:00.

Then I came home and was so happy to see 7 boys playing in our front yard with Erik.  It is nice to see him playing with friends again and having fun!  Then I straightened out Erik's Planner with him.  He had started writing on the wrong days, etc.  We also talked to him about how he wants things to go at school.  We are having his IEP today and I wanted his input about if he wants to be pulled out or how he wants assistance.   I hope we can find a way to respect his wishes.   But I told him I can't say for sure but will try. 

Since I had gotten home late, than it was time to go to bed with Tommy.   He told me all about school and his new friend.  I hope Thursday goes well!  Josh was at work and came home after I was already in bed. 

I forgot to mention someone stole our White Bear out of our front yard.  Bummer.  We have had it there for 8 years almost with no one touching it.  YOu might ask, why a white bear??  Well I live in White Bear Lake...so everyone has a white bear.   

TODAY

I have an early meeting at work, than I am getting off early to go to Erik's IEP meeting at school.   Then make the world's fastesst supper and go to confirmation orientation at church at 6:15.   Whew!  It is a busy week for us.  The entire month of September is crazy.  There will be only one week where I can actually get in 40 hours a week at work, unless I give in and work from home some on the weekends, which I hate to do as that is family time!

TOMORROW

Let's see what is on our agenda for tomorrow......

Tommy to preschool in the morning.  Then I will go to work until about 5:00.  Once home I go to the Chiropractor and then to Erik's Open House at School. 

SUPPER - Hmmm...going to have to be something quick...looks like a hamburger helper night!

GRATITUDE - Diet Mt Dew.....a little caffiene keeps me going.  Couldn't live without it unfortunately!

TOMMY'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

A little post to make me feel old.......this is my niece and her new baby and your older son, Mason. 

My Niece Missy, with her sons, Baby Nicholas and Mason.

My newest Great Nephew, Nicholas.

Good Morning....

YESTERDAY/LAST NIGHT

My SIL came over and Kristen and Tommy played for a while.  I did get the dining room table cleaned off, but now it is full of clean clothes again.  I got a few loads of laundry done last night.   I didn't get to the baking though.    I visited with SIL, did laundry, did dishes and marinated some steaks for supper tonight.  I won't be home so hubby will be cooking.  

Tommy and I headed to bed around 9:30, a bit later than usual, but I had to wash up the dishes before I could go to bed.

MrsCatherine wrote a nice post yesterday about adding little touches to our outside/entrance.   It inspired me to sweep off our porch and clean up a bit.   I also bought a new welcome mat when we were at home depot.   I hope it is inviting.   It is sort of boring. 

TODAY

I woke up feeling pretty rested this morning!   I was pretty productive already this morning.   So far this morning I have done the following:

• Showered and dressed for work


• Re booted the dryer since the sheets were not dry


• Baked Banana breakfast bars (recipe below)


• Got Erik, Tommy and Josh up and moving


• Wiped down both bathrooms and cleaned mirrors

Today is Tommy's frist day of Preschool so I will be going into work later.  I have to drop him off at 9:00 and than my hubby will pick him up on his lunch and take him to daycare.  It is nice to go in later twice a week since I can get some things around the house done in the morning hopefully.  I don't always wake this rested.  

I need to get ot the bank and stop and buy Erik some more flouride rinse for his teeth. 

At work today I am going out to visit a new client so I have to get to the office and review their file.  I will work a little later tonight to make up for going in late.  

A GLANCE AT JEN'S BUSY WEEK

TUESDAY

• Tom Preschool


• Erik - Ortho Appointment

WEDNESDAY

• Erik's IEP Meeting


• Confirmation Orientation

THURSDAY

• Tom Preschool


• Chiropractor Appoint


• Erik's Open House


• Chore Night

FRIDAY

• Get Groceries after work

SATURDAY

No Plans

SUNDAY

• Rally Day At Church

---

SUPPER - Marinated Steak and Vegetable

GRATITUDE - I am grateful I awoke so rested today!  A good nights sleep makes all the difference.  Tommy didn't come to our bed until 4:30 am. 

RECIPE OF THE DAY

Banana-Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
From Alexandra

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup soft butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 medium)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups raw, quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup (total) chopped nuts, raisins, & dates
(optional)

Preheat oven to 425F. Grease and flour 13x9 inch
baking pan. Sift together: flour, salt, soda, and
spices, set aside. In large bowl, beat until light and
fluffy: butter, sugar, egg. Add bananas and vanilla
beat until smooth. Gradually stir in flour mixture and
oats until well combined. (If it seems to be getting a
little thick, slowly add about 1/4 cup non-fat milk as
needed.) Stir in nuts etc. Bake until golden (about 25
minutes)