Muffins and cupcakes... oh my!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I went to my SILs for a home party. It was for DEMARLE at home... which is a company that sells silicon bakeware made in France. I ordered a set and got everything last week. I have used the muffin pan 4x!!! It makes perfect muffins... brown and even on the outside, moist on the inside. They pop right out without any sticking. Plus it folds and bends for easy cleaning! To say I love this bakeware would not be stretching the truth... it is AWESOME!!

So for your viewing pleasure are 2 views of the items from the pan... a banana muffin on the left to show the even, brown outside. A strawberry cupcake (with buttercream frosting) to show the size and shape. Jackson says "they're bigger, they don't taste different just bigger." He likes that they don't crumble and each one is golden brown all over.




I am sure I will post more later... hoping to get some great halloween shots tonight to share. Happy Halloween everyone!

Update...

So this is the only shot you get today. I forgot my camera! I had it charged, packed and ready to go. Then we left and it stayed at home. I was bummed. The games in 7th grade are 4 7 minute periods. This games lasted 67 minutes with all the fouls, time outs and the 5 minute half-time. Steven played only a few minutes at the end and he looked good while he was in. The team won 52 to 43 (or something like that... They cleared the scoreboard immediately as the 8th grade game was scheduled for 5 and it was already 5:09 .. none of us could remember the final number exactly....oops). At the end of the 1st period we were down 16 points, but the boys got into a groove and started really playing in the 2nd and continued thru the game.

We then went to McDonalds afterwards for dinner and now we are back. Jackson has to leave in a couple minutes for karate -he is going to 2 classes tonight. Steven and I are planning a quiet evening at home while they are gone.. maybe we'll watch a show? I still feel icky and so I took cold medicine today.. which gave me more energy than I've had in the past week.. so now I am tired and ready to relax.

Basketball

Steven has always loved playing basketball. His first "learning" experience with it was in 1st grade during Tiger Scouts. They learned the rules and the basics. The balls looked so big in their hands then.......





Today Steven has his first Middle School Basketball game! I'll update after.. Go Bears!!!

Tuesday

So it is already Tuesday.. there are only 3 more days in October, 30 days til Thanksgiving, 58 til Christmas and 62 until 2009!! I can hardly believe how quickly this year has passed. We are getting ready for our schools book fair and then we have a 2 week break. We will be staying home this year as Steven still has basketball games during the break. It will be nice to just be at home.. no schedule, no rushing around.

Last night Jackson started working on the artwork (today's pictures) for our Christmas cards. I am really hoping to get them out before Christmas this year -unlike the Happy New Years cards we have been sending for the last few years... although I am a big believer in doing what you can, instead of what you think you should. Between his artwork and my photography/photoshop we are having a great time working on the card together... which is such a bonus to me.
Other than that things have been pretty quiet. I took Logan and Jackson to Trunk or Treat at church on Sunday.. which was not as exciting for them now that they are older....Logan stayed over Saturday and the boys had a goofy good time. Lots of hide & seek and club penguin... then they watched The Goonies and all enjoyed that. I was pleased as they watched it upstairs, so Jonathan and I could watch The Bank Job downstairs (R rated) and both lasted about the same amount of time. I really enjoyed that movie -amazed that it is based on real life.


I am feeling really tired lately. Ever since my sinus infection *which I took all the antibiotics for* I am just not back to normal *(for me anyway)* I am giving it another 2 days.. if I don't feel better and have more energy by Thursday -I am going back to the dr. for sure!

That's it for today.. I am looking forward to a peaceful, productive day.... we are having chicken -it's in the crockpot roasting as I type. So far I have done 2 loads of laundry, swept downstairs and made the dinner... plus working in Jackson's class. I hope to get a few more things done before I head to my mom's Silpada party later tonight.

Where does the time go?

I am not sure how it happened. I am not sure what went on. I woke up this morning, and all the babies were gone!
My boys are growing, faster than I like.. they are bigger and older and more mature every day. How can I make it
stop??? Just kidding, I know they have to grow up.. but where did the time go? Seems like yesterday they were babies
and now Steven is almost a teenager! He is 5.5 years from college!

I was looking at pictures and came upon this one from just about 4 years ago... the changes are astounding. But the similarities are
eerie too. They all still look the same, just more focused, more featured. They still have fun together...and we still occasionally get to see
them break out in grins and goof off like they used too -but not nearly enough.




In other exciting for me news --I am taking a Photoshop class! 2 of them actually starting Saturday. Jonathan gave me Photoshop last year for my birthday or Christmas (I don't remember which?) and I have puttered. He was generous in also giving me a how to use photoshop book -but I am not a good self teacher. I have made a few things, but know that the power of the program is just waiting for me to figure it out. So in February I got on the waiting list for these classes. There are 2 and each is 15 hours of class time. At the local college and weekend program the classed are like $160 each.. our adult school offers them for $40 each. So I got on the waiting list and they called today to say I could get in!!!!! I am super excited. I will go the next 2 Saturdays and then starting 11/5 I will go 7 Wednesdays in a row .. at the end I should be a pro (or so they say!).

I am excited for many reasons... picture editing, digital scrapbooking and just learning --I love to have something to focus on and learn.

I have to go now. I am meeting my family for lunch.

Finally Fall?

It is Wednesday, October 22nd! Almost the end of October I can hardly believe it! This is fall as we know it... the leaves are changing color and I got some great shots outside..love those colors.
I am thinking... about choices. I am going to a retreat tonight at church about making choices. The excitement of learning something new, something different from my own perspective, is in my head. I love to learn. I think this is why I miss being in school, studying something, anything. This feeling of excitement.
I am thankful for... my daddy! He is a wonderful man. Caring, empathetic (most of the time), no nonsense and straight laced. There is no doubt of his love for me or my family. It shines thru in his actions. I am thankful that I have him. I am thankful he is willing to be there for me on days like today. I had book fair shopping and a luncheon this morning, then off to get Steven some basketball shoes. Got home at about 2 and Steven needed to leave about 2:30 to go to Lincoln for a basketball jamboree (schedule says) Steven say it's a practice game. Jack doesn't get out of school til 2:35 and home about 2:50. Then tonight I have to leave shortly for the retreat at church -which is optional, but I sooooo want to do it. So my daddy came and got Steven, took him to the Jamboree and will bring him home. Thanks dad!! I could have made it work, but everyone would be running and stressed... instead, they have some time together. Priceless.
Today in the kitchen... Taco's.. we had the chicken last night in a quick meal change
I am reading... Just finished the last Twilight book. Now I am reading Confessions of a Confederate Farmgirl -a memoir for bookclub.
I am hoping... that this weather lasts forever! I love it!! It is in the 80s and breezy -perfect baseball and being outside weather.
I am hearing... the World Series just started!!! The Backstreet Men (as my dh refers to the Boys now) sang the anthem and Jackson said "that lasted like 5 minutes"
Going on around me... dinner, Jackson is reading, we are all watching a few minutes of the game
One of my favorite things... naps! I have not been feeling my best lately. I have struggled with sleeping and breathing at the same time. Today was crammed with activity and when Jon got home I had a minute to lay down and close my eyes. 50 minutes of heaven and now I feel excellent.

A picture thought I am sharing... how cute are they!!!

Menu Plan Monday

It's another Monday here. Steven was up and to practice at 5:45 a.m. and he looked a bit tired when he got home from school. But it is now 6 p.m. and we've had dinner, homework is done and he is settling down to watch football with his dad. Jackson and I are getting ready to head out to karate -he is doing 2 classes tonight and will get home at 7:45 p.m. or so, just in time to read and go to bed.

Here is our menu for the week...

Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce
Tuesday: Tacos, refried beans, corn
Wednesday: Homemade chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas
Thursday: Hot dogs with macaroni and cheese, green beans
Friday: Homemade pizza, green salad
Saturday: pork chops, rice, broccoli
Sunday: Roast beef, twice baked potatoes, glazed carrots

Happy Monday everyone!

Fully Stocked....

I made a quick (1 hour) run to Walgreens last night before their sale ended. I got all that is pictured... 6 Robitussin, 4 Zicam, 4 Nyquil and 4 Mucinex DM plus 200 coffee filters, 100 plastic spoons, 2 Oral B Toothbrushes and 3 cans Campbells Cream of Chicken. Total shelf price $136.48... I paid $4.46 in cash, $31 on a Walgreens gift card (from past rebates) and I have $37 in register rewards to spend in the next 2 weeks!! We won't need medicine for awhile.. we are fully stocked!

Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins.. yummy!

Alright, I said I wasn't going to be on the computer, but we had to share this. Jackson and I baked these muffins this morning and they are delicious!

Jackson said "they are delicious"
Steven said "really goooood"
I say "flavor packed morsels..super good"


If you want to give them a try...

Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ( I used 1/2 white and 1/2 wheat)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 (6 ounce) package butterscotch chips
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease mini-muffin pan with cooking spray.
Sift together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Whisk together the eggs, butter, and pumpkin in a separate bowl. Mix the flour mixture with the egg mixture. Stir in the butterscotch chips; pour into each cup of the muffin pan to about 3/4 full.
Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, 10 to 12 minutes.

Only thing I'll say is that I can't wait for my new muffin pan... huge muffins of this variety would rock! Mini muffins require too many in a serving... LOL.

Final Friday Update

Well this has been a blogtastic day! I can't believe how many updates I have posted. I will tell you -I don't plan to spend much time (if any) on the computer this weekend... so this will probably be it til Monday.

Steven made it thru basketball practice (2-4) and came home exhausted. He came out of the gym, glanced at the waiting cars and started to walk home. Jonathan was there in the Taurus, but he was looking for the van... I guess he figured if anyone was going to take pity and pick him up it would be me. So he got home and I got him a plate of chili dogs and tater tots.. it took him 35 minutes to eat it. He was moving so slowly, as he was tired. He said he was ready for a nap when he finished dinner, but just watched some tv with his dad and brother. Then he got ready for baseball...

He wavered some... he considered skipping practice, but decided to go ahead and go. I assured him I would stay and if at any point he just couldn't do it, we could come home. He made it thru the entire practice (5-645) and I kept hearing his name, but wasn't paying attention really. At the end they gave him the prize for being Hustler of the Day! He got a box of Dots.. and the knowledge that the coaches recognized his efforts.

We came home, he took a shower (not optional after 2 -2 hour practices) and then watched some tv. I was on the computer for a bit and heard them watch The Office and Saturday Night Live. Then they asked me to join them and we watched My Name is Earl and Everybody Hates Chris. Then they scattered... the boys upstairs to watch Phinneas and Ferb (not sure if I spelled that right) and Jonathan to play Warcraft. I stayed in my chair, reading Breaking Dawn (Twilight, book 4).

Steven is planning to sleep in. He asked if there was a time limit to how long he could sleep. I assured him there was not, and off to bed he went. Jackson got a new down comforter (yesterday) and said he plans to stay in bed all day with his new blanket. So it should be pretty peaceful around here, unless we get a visitor. And that would be great too!

Friday

Update: before and after...

It is Friday, 10/17/08
I am thinking... there are only 68 more days until Christmas Eve and my shopping isn't done yet! Last year I was done by October 15th, so this is worrisome for me. I like knowing I am done and just enjoying the season. The season that has already started in the retail stores... Halloween stuff has been pushed over and Christmas decorations, etc are out. Why? Why can't Halloween be over first? One holiday at a time? Not in retail. What about Thanksgiving.. skipped completely... and it is one of my favorite holidays.

I am thankful for... living in California where the temperatures are relatively stable. It has been in the high 70, low 80s ..which is perfect! I hear from my friends how it is 50 degrees during the day -I don't know how well I would cope with that. When we lived in Washington, all the rain made me sad and blue.. I like being a California girl! I know we pay for that in taxes and cost of living, but times like this I feel like it's a fair trade off.

Today in the kitchen... we are having chili-dogs. I made chili the other night and we had a ton leftover -so we are using it and saving the pork chops for next week. Yesterday (out of order on my menu) we had the sausage and rigatoni --it was delicious! Everyone liked it. I made it with balsamic vinagrette instead of the sundried tomato and basil dressing. It was quick (30 minutes) and tasty and I had most of the ingrediants on hand. You can link to it from my prior post if you want to give it a try. I like having the menu plan, but I also allow that sometimes it isn't going to work out quite the way I planned. Its a guideline, not written in stone.

I am going... to get my hair cut today! I may, may, post a picture later -we'll have to see how it goes!

I am reading... book 4 of Twilight.... still. I got it from Cyn on Tuesday and haven't had much time to read. The antibiotics I am taking make me groggy/tired and I can't concentrate on much.. I am feeling a lot better, so I look forward to reading it all weekend long, sitting under a blanket and reading.. sounds heavenly!


I am hoping... to get some cleaning and shopping done today. Depends on how much energy I have, these drugs really have done a number on my system. Only 3 more days of them, yippee!~

I am hearing... Silence. And. I. Like. It.

Going on around me... Nothing now. We woke up a bit late agan today. When I got up at 7:03 a.m., Steven and Jackson were both still asleep. Since Steven is usually up at 6, this put him behind in getting ready. Josh & Justin got here at 7:15, just as Steven got out of the shower. I gave Steven & Josh a ride to school, so they were on time, it was just a rush to get ready in that short time. Steven is like me, he moves quite slowly as he wakes up. I made his breakfast for him.. sausage muffins.. but since he usually makes it himself, I had to ask how long to cook the sausage, do you toast the muffins, etc. Jackson and Justin watched a show, had a breakfast and left on their bikes for school right on time.

One of my favorite things... I am feeling so happy lately. I think that getting back into scrapbooking and making pages has lifted my spirits. I have spent so much time feeling bad that I was behind, thinking I would never catch up, being overwhelmed, that I forgot how much I enjoyed it. I spent a few hours making digital books for the boys for 2005, 2006 and 2007 - so they are caught up since their regular scrapbooks end around 2004-2005. Its not the same, but it is enough. Steven said-- I just like it finished, not fancy. Which I appreciate, since the reason I scrapbook is to preserve the memories for them. They love that the photo books are like "real books." I like the space savings as they are much smaller than traditional scrapbooks. I used a special deal and got them for $8 each -total. That is how much I would spend to make 4-6 pages in a traditional scrapbook. So time, money and effort .. It all adds up to a great deal and everyone is happy.

Some plans for the rest of the week: Nothing.. we have a lazy weekend planned with no real plans. I think we are all looking forward to it.

A picture thought I am sharing...

Steven, looking TIRED.

Steven started basketball practice yesterday. From now until December 18th he has practice or a game every weekday. Days there is no school for teacher workday? Still has 6 am practice. Fall break? Still has practice and games. He is committed and excited. However, having not been too active (just playing travel ball since June -2-3 practices a week) after school, just playing, he is TIRED. 2 hours of running, running, runnning, every day (for the last 3) has made him TIRED. He is sleeping good, smelling sweaty and just exhausted. I know it is good for him... and he'll get used to it -but he just looks awful.

Today will be the worst of it.. he has school, then practice til 4, then baseball practice 5-7. So keep a happy thought for him that he makes it thru the day. I am fully expecting him to sleep until noon tomorrow, since Sunday morning he has practice at 9.

He made the Team!!!

Steven is super excited to say he made the middle school Basketball team!!!! We went to Baskin Robbins after school to celebrate with Grandma.

Guess who made the cut?

Steven is home from school with great news! He made the cut for the basketball team tryouts! So he has to go back tomorrow morning (6 a.m. again) for the last try-out. He said the list was about 20 and they will be selecting 12-15 for the roster. He should know if he makes the team afterschool tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for him. He really wants this!

This is him telling his Papa all about the tryouts...and that he made it thru the cut.

Bright and Early..

It is Tuesday, October 14th...

I am thinking... how weird it is to wake up in the morning and only see one kid. Steven had his 2nd basketball tryout today at 6 A.M.!! I think that is crazy... but he was not phased at all. However this morning I looked in the frig and he took his sandwich -but left the rest of his lunch! So no cheese stick, carrots or drink for him. The gatorade I put in there for him is now on the counter -but not with him at tryouts.

I am thankful for... Jonathan dropping Steven off to his try-out so I didn't have to get up. I am so not a morning person...

Today in the kitchen... Taco Tuesday!

I am going... to work in Jackson's class, then I'll be back

I am reading... nothing yet --although I just got an email that Ciera finished Twilight book4 -so I'll be reading that later today!

I am hoping... for a productive day. I have lot's I would like to get done around here.

I am hearing... Jack chattering to me.

Going on around me... just Jack getting ready for school stuff and dogs running around

One of my favorite things... cool, brisk mornings and a nice hot cup of constant comment tea!

Some plans for the rest of the week: Maybe another 6 a.m. tryout for Steven tomorrow -we have to see if he makes the next cut....bible study on Thursday and book club at the Cheesecake Factory tomorrow!

A picture thought I am sharing... I just took this picture of Jackson because he wanted one for his blog -but he claims I no longer take face pictures of him. Look how old he is getting, and that hair!

Menu Plan Monday

For several months now I have been participating in a online challenge, but have left it off the blog. Now I find I must share with all of you -in case someone else can benefit from this plan. It is called Menu Plan Monday... and organized by the http://orgjunkie.com/2008/10/menu-plan-monday-oct-13th.html. By using this plan we have many more dinners at home, together at the table. I like it so much better than take out or scrambling (which we did this week as I was still not feeling my best or planning ahead...)


Every week lots of women blog their menu's (some with links to recipes) on Monday. Organizing Junkie has a list of them on her blog and you can go to these other blogs and see their menu's and click on their recipes. I usually pick 5-7 to look at each week -just for ideas and because it is fun!


So here goes....

Monday: Crockpot Roast Beef with veggies and mashed potatoes with gravy
Tuesday: Taco night
Wednesday: homemade chili and cornbread (don't worry dad! I'll send some home with mom after book club:)
Thursday: pork chops, rice and tomatoes, glazed carrots and applesauce
Friday: http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/sausage-tomato-rigatoni-91758.aspx
Saturday: Bacon Cheeseburgers, green salad, home fries
Sunday: Meatball sandwiches, raw veggies with dip and chips

24 hours

Today I am feeling much better. Still coughing (I have a tickle in my throat that won't go away) but overall MUCH better. Antibiotics are amazing.. 24 hours and I am back to my normal me.

So last night I went to a home party my SIL had for DeMarte. This is bakeware/kitchen stuff made from silicone in France. The silicone is made from spun glass. But the muffin pan -it is bendable and soft, pliable like rubber. It is really non-stick and easy to clean!!! I am super excited and can't wait for it to get here in 2 weeks! We had meatloaf (made in the muffin pan), pumpkin cheesecake, roasted veggies (so easy, just on the pan --no oil or anything --10 minutes in the oven!) and there was also a jello mold. The products really are amazing -revolutionary. I have been a pampered chef junkie for over 10 years -my kitchen is full of gadgets and stoneware. I love using the baking stones, but I may decide I like these pans better! The storage would be easier, the clean up is certainly easier and wow -they were neat! I said I might have a party.. so we'll see what happens once I use the products a bit.

Today I slept in (Nyquil at 1 a.m. to stop my cough helped) until 9:30 and then left to go to lunch with my mom & the Red Hats. We went to the Tower Cafe in downtown Sacramento) and I must say the French Toast was out of this world! I would go back there for that again. Then we went to the new Caberet to see Forever Plaid. Full of music of the 50s and 60s it was a fun show. I enjoyed the afternoon.

Then I got home, expecting to smell my crockpot dinner... arghhhh. but I didn't plug the pot in!~ So we had KFC instead after a trip to the dog park. Now I am off to take a hot bath and watch the Starter Wife ... which premiered yesterday I think.... I enjoyed the mini-series last year, so I am hoping the series is just as good.

I finished the 3rd Twilight book last night.. still engrossed in the story. I found out there is going to be a movie and made tentative plans to see it with my niece and SIL --these type of movies are way more fun if you see them with someone else who loved the books/story. So I am just waiting for Ciera to finish book 4 and then I will be reading that one too.

My family stayed home last night and today.. relaxing and hanging out. I hear that the Nebraska game was good (although they lost in overtime) and hockey season has started as well. These are the days they like, no structure, no schedule, just playing and being.

Basketball

It is (Friday) October 10,2008

I am thinking... about making a cup of tea, sitting in my chair and reading some more of book 3 of Twilight...
I am thankful for... modern medicine. Yesterday I felt horrible... today, 24 hours after taking the first dose of antibiotics I feel way better!
Today in the kitchen... nothing happening, not even sure what we are having for dinner.
I am going... to a Demarle at Home Rendez-Vous party at Cynthia's.... kitchen and cooking items --looking forward to it. I need to replace my muffin pan as my Pampered Chef one broke... so it's good to see the options that are out there first.
I am reading... book 3 of Twilight... not actually sure what the name of it is?
I am hoping... that Steven's try outs go well for the school basketball team~
I am hearing... pitter patter of doggy feet and Jackson talking to the dogs
Going on around me... waiting for Steven to get home
One of my favorite things... molasses cookies are back! I got some yesterday and they are perfect with a cup of hot tea (which I am about to go make...)
Some plans for the rest of the weekend: going with my mom to see Forever Plaid downtown tomorrow, other than that --resting, cleaning and reading
A picture thought I am sharing.....

Steven hasn't played basketball since April. He made the All-Star team (pictured) after that season, but he has been concentrating on Baseball. Today he is at tryouts for the 7th grade team at school. I hope he makes it -he loves to play and we enjoy watching him. Most of all -I know HE wants to make it --so I hope that it works out for him.

I finally hit 40!!

Today is the day! No I am not 40 years old, not for a few years anyway.. but I have lost 40 pounds since December. I thought I would show some before & after pictures... come to find out there aren't many pictures of me at all.... So here are the ones I could find...

December 2007 -- after I saw this picture I realized I needed to make changes, soon!


April 2008 --- I had lost about 10 pounds by increasing my activity and watching portions. I signed up for the nutrition class at Kaiser 2 weeks after this picture was taken. My dr. said my bad cholesterol was good and healthy, but my good cholesterol was too low/bad. I started the class 3 weeks later.


August 2008 -- I was down a total of 25 pounds from December here.

Yesterday -Steven took this picture for me. Down 40 pounds so far...


I am still working on my weight and my health. Every day. I am trying to encourage healthier habits in myself and my family. It is a daily battle and some days are better than others. I have joined Weight Watchers now and find that the hour a week I spend there really motivates me to keep going. I am on my way to a healthier me ... and finally enjoying the journey.

It's funny... yesterday I had 7 people comment on how flattering my hair cut was or how much they liked my hair... I giggled knowing it wasn't my hair at all -but the missing 40 pounds!!

The Weekend...

Well I am happy to report that I am feeling somewhat better. At least with cold meds anyway. I still feel like I am drowning when I lay down, but the meds make it possible to sleep. I tried to get a prescription (as I know it is a sinus infection) but since my dr. retired, they won't prescribe anything without seeing me (reasonable) but the soonest they can see me is Thursday (not reasonable). So working on that....

Jack was home from school yesterday with the stomach flu that is going around, but seemed better today.

This weekend my dad came by with Logan Saturday afternoon to get Jackson for a sleepover. He played with the dogs while the kids goofed off and then off they went to Papa's house. We saw them again at Steven's 2nd game on Sunday. I hear they had Panda Express (which they love) and Papa had never been there before... nor will he go again he says....
A shot of the dogs with Jon & Me... I thought I would include it as I rarely put pictures of myself up... but it was part of the photo's I got them to take to document a week in our life.
And this one I just loved... of Steven and Sammy..


Steven's team played 2 scrimmage games on Sunday. It was well attended on Steven's behalf with us, my dad, Jon's mom and sister and nephew and Logan too. Logan and Jack spent most of their time with Iain in the playground or grass area... but the rest of us watched the games. Steven pitched the 1st inning and did a darn good job! No one scored on him. We won both games and it was a great confidence booster for the kids.

Dinner

I need to blog about the weekend.. but I am still fighting what I think is now a sinus infection (fever and all today). I will go to the dr. tomorrow. I did want to share these quick shots today as they are new. After Steven got home from school, he asked what was for dinner. I told him my thoughts were chicken strips with mac & cheese and a veggie. He asked if I wanted him to cook it since I wasn't feeling well (after determining I felt warm and "didn't look so good"). So .. he cooked dinner -his first time doing it on his own!!

Jackson helped stir the cheese into the macaroni (his favorite helper job in the kitchen) and Steven did the rest. I helped him with the timing of it .. but otherwise he did it on his own. It was tasty and good. So nice to have a full meal when you don't feel like cooking.

I am off to bed now, hopped up on Nyquil.. hoping for a full night of sleep. Tomorrow has to be better.... it has to, I have a lot of things to do....