Thursday Tattler

Today started out with full of energy and I'm very optimistic about the upcoming week. Breanna will be home Sunday and Kevin is getting her computer all ready for her to become more knowledgeable. We are going to start to give her some daily computer time so that she is more comfortable with maneuvering and allow her to use the Disney website, since it is one of her favorite stations on TV.

Kevin is home and we are doing some planning. I'm amazed at how well we communicate. No matter what I throw his way he is always supportive. I have been really working on budgets and calendars this week. Bills are being paid on time and today one got paid early (this was a task we were concerned about since I quit my job). We never really worry because we know God always has is in his care and always comes through for us. Of course we are human and I'm OCD so a little planning never hurts, I think God wants it that way. We have decided to to a little tweaking and make the current computers in the house work for us. We have a ridiculous amount of computers...seriously. We have a family desk top that is older than dirt and with a $50 upgrade it should last us a couple more years. Kevin, Cameron and I all have laptops (mine being the oldest) and Breanna has a desk top that was refurbed. So we figured by spending just $50 that we can make them all stay in commission for a couple more years. Our goal is to buy a new all-in-one top of the line in 2013 for the family and then reaccess from there. So one big decision made.

For those who don't know my car has been on blocks now for...well I can't remember how long, I'd say a month. Finally the parts are supposed to be here today, coming UPS. Local shops didn't sell them and Kevin had to get them online. We are just on the other side of the green so to speak. Hopefully next weekend Kevin won't have to work and will be able to dedicate those days to repairing it. He's a bit stressed because this a new fix for him and from what he tells me if it doesn't line up right the engine won't crank...and that would be bad. He'd have to start over. But hey I have all the patience and faith in him. I told him don't rush, I don't need it, I've managed this long and well take your time and do it at a pace you are comfortable with so that you don't get frustrated. He is the best husband and father and I would never put too much on him on purpose.

I'm really excited about the upcoming changes at our house. Our storm door shattered a little while back and well we really didn't see the rush (wish we had), with all the rain this year and living on a hill (downhill) water leaked into our entry and well the floor is weakened. So we are going to fix that area and pull up the living room carpet and put matching kitchen flooring down since it is adjoining. We have the carpet to put in both the kids rooms. So the plan is to redecorate the living room. I've got browns and neutrals in mind. I'm just not sure really. I want to get two tall bookcases to match our TV stand and for both sides, possibly with some doors for hidden storage. We are going to really minimize our furniture, hoping to keep a more spacious look. I love my new wooden blinds so I don't really want a window treatment. I guess we shall see as the weeks go by.

I want to buy a new fridge and stove after the first of the year. I really been thinking about all the new fridges on the market and I think I want a double wide side by side top and freezer on the bottom. I guess we shall see if we win the lottery first and how much of a dent Christmas ends up being. Of course I've already made my shopping list and am slowly working on it. I have the kids birthdays in October so that will be on the top of the money spending list.

With all the August calendar planning complete (menu, activities, Dr. Appts., Bre's visitation, Bre's school schedule, Cameron's Homeschooling, work, etc.) I'm feeling very confident that this month will go smooth. I got Cameron into his old Psychologist for his therapy, doesn't start until September. I was so glad he could take us. It has been 2 years since we had him in regular therapy and I really didn't want him to have to get comfortable with someone new. Plus he is awesome. Nationally know and has wrote several books and workbooks for self-help. He is a Godly man and we always question that when we start treatment with anyone new.

So that's all the tattling I'm doing today. I'm sure there is more to tell but well I just may want to save some for later. I just have one last comment to add. Make time everyday to enjoy your family and never let a moment pass without telling them you love them.

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Well we know the story of my crock pot fajitas...this is actually how it turned out.

So I took my crock pot fajitas and put in a glass dish and then mixed up a new cornbread recipe I had found (I'm not sharing because I don't care for it). I decided to dollop the cornbread on the top and then baked at 450 for 20 minutes. I actually soaked up all the extra juice and is pretty tasty. Served with just a bit of sour cream. I definitely will do this again if I have leftover fajitas.

Wednesday Whining.....

Okay so last night I had the bright idea to make my famous (to my family) fajitas in the crock pot. I was concerned at the amount of liquid it might create and so this is what I came up with.

http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/crock-pot-chicken-fajitas/

The only thing I don't do is use chicken broth usually but thought it might need it (maybe I shouldn't have).

Anyway true to my thinking...too much liquid. I also think the veggie are too done for me (for fajitas). So I tasted it and had forgotten that the crock pot holds flavor in and it is very spicy...very tasty also. Not a complete mess. I decided this won't go to waste, so I'm going to stir up some cornbread and make a casserole. I also think it would make a good soup by adding more chicken broth and either cream cheese or sour cream. So tonight will be a trial and I'll have to post what happens and let you know if we have all survived.

Cameron starts homeschooling Monday. So today we went over his schedule and I had him write his first day of lessons in his agenda. I'm not sure that letting him pick his agenda was the best, I had my doubts that is was a good one but thinking about letting him have control of things that might not matter much I let him make the final decision. The problem is he writes too BIG. I think that probably is just a personal preference...I know some people that write so small that you can't read it. Oh well, so not much space to write and no lines (that's another issue in itself, lol).

So I'm whining on a Wednesday...I still have the rest of the week to overcome and well really all this isn't so bad.

One last note without all the details...don't make excuses to your ex about why you can't pick up your daughter (2 different excuses in a matter of hours, neither of which are legit) for visitation and then post on facebook what you have been doing and it contradicts your story. You just told on yourself..of course we knew you were lying because it is typical.

Yellow Squash Bread

I found the recipe online a while back and couldn't wait to try it. I will put it on here just like I found it but I ended up turning the heat up to 400 and baking it 1 hour and 45 minutes. I'm not sure why I had to do this. My oven is very accurate. It caused it to be burn on the edges and the bottom, top was fine since I put foil over it when I turned the heat up. I think next time I'll make muffins and hopefully it will turn out better. The taste of the bread was awesome. I definitely will make it again, especially with all the squash growing in the garden this year.

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups unpeeled squash, shredded (it took about 3)
1 cup chopped nuts (I left these out since the kids don't care for them)

Beat sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla in mixing bowl until fluffy. Mix flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Add to egg mixture and stir until well blended.

Stir in squash and nuts. Turn into greased and floured (I just used non-stick spray, worked great) 9 x 15 x 3 loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until done (yeah). Wrap with foil when cool.

Red Beans and Rice with Cajun Sausage

Only 440 calories per serving. Click on my livestrong.com link for the recipe. This was an awesome throw together hit with the family. Enjoy.

http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/red-beans-rice-w-cajun-sausage/

Just a random Sunday...

I'm just sitting here relaxing and thinking about what a great weekend we had. Kevin has been off since Friday (very unusual) and we have packed as much fun and family time as we could. It started with errands and then a quick cleaning of the house on Friday. We threw together a small cookout with some friends of ours from Alabama. Nothing like a little steak, Cajun sausage on the grill. I parboiled some potatoes and then put them in aluminum foil packet with butter and seasonings (whatever you like, its different every time I make them but always good) then they went on the grill with foil wrapped corn on the cob that had butter and salt and pepper. Picked up some pita bread and brushed with olive oil to warm and put grill marks on. Made a white sangria for the adults and a mixed berry juicer for the kids. We all just sat around the pool with some good conversation and much needed relaxation. Of course we had to make s'mores with these huge campfire marshmallow my mother found for the kids (bigger than my fist), always the yummy finish to a summer meal. Kids showered and went to bed while the adults got to relax in the pool (something that never happens in this place). Was a late night for the 8 o'clock bed timer, but loads of fun...we plan to do it very soon and make it a bigger crowd.

Early rising Saturday we headed out for some shopping and then lunch with the folks. Everyone was wiped out from the heat so we came home and napped. A little TV and video games and a quick dip in the pool then it was time to head to our favorite babysitters Sweet 16 Birthday. We had a great time seeing old friends that are really just extended family. I love the way you can just see someone every six months and it is as though you have talked everyday. We came home and the kids swam awhile and then Bre' and I headed to bed while the boys stayed up playing video games.

Today has been great. After everything got rolling (the laundry) the kids cleaned their rooms and they have been swimming and slip n sliding all day. I think we will have a breakfast dinner tonight (a favorite). It seems like a biscuit and gravy, egg and bacon kind of night. yummy!

All in all it has been an awesome weekend with my family. I'm am so blessed. Sad that Monday will see Kevin back to work and Bre' leaving that evening for 7 days, but I know that more weekends are to come...

Time to budget...

Okay just some free advice. I hear people talk about needing to be on a budget and always saying they don't know where their money went. Well I've come across yet another FREE site that can make this easy for you. Mint.com will help you set a budget and track your money as well as set goals. It can be used for many other things but in its simplest for form it can be use by everyone easily. Check it out and give it a try, I hope it is really helpful and if so pass it on.

click this link: https://www.mint.com/