Poor Man's Steak-recipe

Remember my post about this little cookbook? Well, I did one of the recipes in it last week.  The one from my  late Grandma Riemenschneider.  This makes me chuckle because being an 'old farm wife moved to town' she rarely cooked anything for us kids homemade. Stove Top stuffing, angel food cake from a mix, shake & bake chicken, canned green beans. LOL I assume she cooked this way when we were around for a couple of reasons.  1. having 3 grandkids around does not leave a lot of time for made from scratch meals, as she was always very attentive, active & overall present when we were with them. I never had to 'go looking for her' as she was always with in close range. 2. coming from the farm, where they did everything from scratch due to necessity, having the box options was probably pretty appealing (which I have seen & heard from many in that generation) & I find it amusing that now, with all the box options, we are choosing to make time & take the effort to go back to making more homemade :)  Okay, all that said, lets get on with the goodies!

Poor Man's Steak

3# ground beef (I used 2)
1 c milk
1 c bread or cracker crumbs (I used bread)
1/4 c grated onion (optional) (I used 1tbs onion onion seasoning from Tastefully Simple)
1 can mushroom or celery soup (I used homemade cream soup mix + water)
1 can water

mix together meat, milk, crumbs &  onion. At this point I also added 2 tsp black pepper & 1 tbs garlic garlic (also from Tastefully Simple-using up what I have in the cupboards). Spread on cookie sheet or 9x13 (I used a 9x13 so I could reuse it later), cover & chill 3 hours to overnight.  (I ended up leaving it for 48 hours) When ready to cook, pull out & cut into squares, flour & brown in a skillet (I thought at the time that this was a huge waste of time but in the end it was TOTALLY worth it + I had to add oil to my skillet b/c my beef is pretty lean) before placing in the baking dish (this is where I reused my 9x13). Cover with soup & water, bake @ 350 for an hour.

This reminded me of my salisbury steak recipe with a longer process but ended up being totally worth it & will be repeated as it was even approved by Tim (the critic) :)  The leftovers were served to the kids & they LOVED it! Win-Win!

Spring, where are you?

I don't know about you but I am sick of winter. I try not to be a complainer but WOW this winter has been crazy cold & lots of snow too. We aren't used to having both in one year, in recent past years, we have a warm-ish (for winter in Iowa) winter with lots of snow, or frigid temps with very little snow. Well this year, we were 'blessed' with both. I am tired of being inside, tired of the snow, tired of the shoveling, tired of the mess in the entry way, tired of the sniffles we can't seem to get rid of entirely, tired of winter.  At least, Saturday was March 1, so it HAS to start to warm up, right? This week in an effort to 'call in spring' I started some cleaning & decluttering around the childcare. One thing I 'uncovered' was the box of warranties I had dug through to get the fridge worked on earlier this winter & then never got it returned upstairs. (this happens a lot around here)

Taking a little break from Pin it & Do it, in favor of going through some recipes I have on hand. The other day, I was sorting through our extended warranty box during a cleaning & decluttering spree & discovered a sweet little cookbook I received from one of my Grandmas for my wedding shower.  In it, are plastic pocket pages & each pocket has a handwritten *swoon* recipe from guests at my shower *double swoon* AND then not to leave a project unfinished (I totally do NOT get that from her!) she went about writing out enough recipes to fill all of the pockets! Gosh, I love her!  This was such a treasure to find this week as Grandma is struggling to recover from a stroke from October, so I got to see her 'old' handwriting over & over. Many of the recipes were labeled with names of other important ladies from my past;  2 of my great grandmas, a childhood Sunday school teacher, an aunt's prized cinnamon roll recipe, my

Grandma Riemenschneider-this one was unlabeled but I sent a pic of the 2 recipes I thought could be hers & an aunt confirmed which was her writing, along with others from further back in our family.  Finding this spurred up my love of individual handwriting.  Its rare for anyone to like their own, but knowing that others appreciate it should make us better about using it.  Oops, off topic.  Back to recipes.  When I am done recovering from my current cold, I plan to try the 'ice box roll' recipe that has been handed down from my great great grandma, the aunt's cinnamon roll recipe, & Grandma's 'poor man's steak'.

So, to not have you leave empty handed, we baked corn muffins AND pumpkin chocolate chip muffins to keep the oven on for added heat in the basement childcare, since its been so cold this week, Polar Vortex & all.. Whatever, Bring On Spring!

Just What the doctor ordered!

Yesterday, I Was having a grumpy morning, I felt like I Was grouching at Everyone for every little thing. :( Yuck! 

I Was so very thankful it Was Wednesday. Wednesday= park day! Whooooooo-Hooooooo!  2 hours of freedom for all of us. The extra space & Different environment Does amazing things for Our brains, hearts & souls.  Not to mention that the different environment is OUTSIDE! Then, When you throw in a friend who brings her kids within Our age range it makes everything better!  A collage from the few shots i took today.

To say I am Not ready for school to start, sending the bigs off every morning, being 'stuck' in the house all day, & back to a predictable routine, is pretty mild. But ask me again in a couple of weeks.. it usually turns around pretty quick.

 

Good for the Soul

This would qualify as an anti-procrastination project of the BEST kind!  when BEST=longest procrastinated :)   So when Philip (my brother) passed away December 2011, we received several stones in lieu of plants.  One, I gave Jeff (my other brother) as he didn't receive any.  It came w/an easel & I think it was this poem:

 

Then I received a sitting angel/cherub & another stone with the 'if tears could build a stairway to heaven' poem & angel on it.  I received them right around the time of the funeral & they were put on the bottom 2 steps right as you come in the front door to our house.  (We call them the UP steps b/c they lead up to the living room vs the DOWN steps that lead down to the childcare) ANNNNYYYYYYYYYWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY... there they sat, getting shifted to vacuum around, getting bumped into the wall & each other by children pushing their boundaries as well as dogs that came running down the stairs way too fast.  A FULL YEAR AND A HALF later... I finally start talking about moving them outside.  I had originally wanted to wait until we had one of the flower beds done that would give them some place to sit near the house & out of the direct weather... but that wasn't very high on our priority list so it hasn't gotten accomplished & they stayed inside.  Finally, one day on a whim while the kids were playing out front, since the back was still too muddy, I grabbed them & decided they were going outside. I was finally ready to release any emotion I had attached to them.. Yes, they were given to us in love but they were neither the people that gave them nor were they Philip, they were after all, just chunks of rock, nothing living, breathing or feeling.  I sat on the edge of the rock garden & cleared a spot in the river rock just big enough for the angel/cherub to sit first.  then I cleared a spot for the bigger one.  I stepped back & decided, they were good.  I was fine, no emotion, no second guessing so I walked away, feeling strong & proud for giving up the perfectionism of waiting on the 'perfect spot for them' & keeping them 'safe' (in the way) in the house. (in all honesty, it is nothing short of a miracle that neither of them is chipped, broken or otherwise missing an appendage since they in fact were quite in the way when they were inside.)

 here they are all nestled in.

here is the whole rock garden: the well pump - from the old house, an old milk can - a garage sale find, the 'Jackson' log - an anniversary gift, the fence - relocated when widening the driveway & rocks - collected over the years. 'Perfectly', full of bits & pieces from our lives, each with a story of its own.

this is the sitting angel/cherub

 

What have you done lately that was good for your soul?

Anything you've crossed off your procrastination list lately?

 

 

5 on Friday

the whirlwind weekend was followed by a like-minded week! whew this weekend looks to be more of the same. So today's 5 is going to be a Friday Phone Dump post full of gratefull-ness.



1. PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY: Last Friday was provider appreciation day & I have some of the best parents. Only one that knew it was that day. here's what she sent w/her little guy!! For future reference, its always the Friday before Mother's Day. Grateful for the people who think of the little things that mean so much!!

2.  ANNIVERSARY: With a photo shoot the next morning, I had a cousin do french tips on my nails. Love them!!  too bad I am so rough on my nails that they are already chipped & nasty looking!  Then I knew which shirt I was wearing as I had bought this purple & white one just for the occassion, next I had shoes & jewelry to decide on.  Here are the photos & questions I sent to my (much younger) fashionistas in a mini-panic Saturday morning:  a) with the belt or without? 

b)  short & chunky or long & sparkley? (necklaces)

Grateful for a wonderful husband of 15 years as well as enough means to have to decide on jewelry.

Flowers for our anniversary (5/3) -the reason for the photo shoot.  He really rocks the fresh flowers lately!!  these he took the time & energy to pick out blue & purple so they were our wedding colors *swoon*  Grateful for his thoughtfulness!

3. ENGAGEMENT: I already blogged a bit  about it on Monday when it was fresh in my heart, but to recap: I was blessed to do an engagement shoot on Saturday evening with friends that refreshed my love for the camera.  Grateful for great friends who did more for my heart than they realize.

 4.  TROPHIES: remember the hog hunt we went on back in February in Oklahoma? hmmmm maybe I haven't blogged it yet since I can't find a post... note to self: blog hog hunt. Anyyyyy wayyyyyy the trophies were done Wednesday so Tim buzzed up & picked them up from the taxidermist.  Pretty cool that we got 2 trophies (plus meat) from one kill.  The head went right on the wall by the antler rack & the skull (european mount) went on my display shelf at the top of the stairs, which in turn meant it was time to switch up the decor there!  I had threaded this empty frame w/twine one evening last week w/o a plan of where to use it.   When the skull went on the shelf I immediately clicked into knowing the photos needed to be displayed on the frame w/the skull! Grateful for the means to get to take trips & share in his love of a sport.

5. CHANGING SEASONS: the back yard is coming alive! I love watching theings change year to year & see what blooms & when  here is a pic of one of the yucca plants getting ready to bloom.

the warmer temps & more sunshine means we are spending more & more time out in the yard.  here is a super cute shot I caught on Wednesday.  Grateful that every day is different!

WHAT IS ON YOUR GRATEFUL LIST FOR THE WEEK??

I gave

On Friday April 6th (I believe) I did something I have been meaning to do for a long time.  I have occassionally seen the fliers or ad in the paper but the hours aren't usually something I can accomodate, or its too short notice, you know, lots of good reasons excuses.  Well, with the winter we had, losing Philip, seeing lots of community members lose loved ones and many thru trials & tribulations, I decided, no more excuses! I saw some one post on Facebook that she had just made her appointment & that she was going.  So I got the number from her & w/lots of encouragement from another girl, I made my first appointment.  I was so nervous! Would I chicken out, would I faint, woudl I have a bad reaction?

That's right, I finally went & dontated blood! I followed all of their advise, I ate well, focused on staying hydrated a couple of days before (especially after my little dydration issue in July), talked a little about it w/the bigs & I went.  I was thankful to be one of the last for the day, so I didn't feel rushed or didn't feel them rushing, it was really relaxed.  when it was my turn in the chair they discussed how tiny my veins were.  :( I started to get worried that I had gone to all of this grouble only to be sent away w/tiny veins.  But seeing my interst & concern, they nurses swapped out & an experienced one stepped up to 'try me'.  She found this one -the same one they had the IV in back in July & decided to try it, marked w/a sharpie & told me not to move.  She stuck me dead on the first poke! it flowed really fast the first little bit then when it was switched over to the big bag (they make sure you can fill a little one first), it stopped so some adjusting of the needle under the skin a couple of times & we were good to go!  I pumped that little metro bus for the duration of the bleeding to be sure it didn't stop again.  I was determined to donate enough to be used. 

Here is my arm the next day.  It never did bruise or be very sore.  3 days later I think I carried someting on that spot not thinking about it & made it a bit tender when I bent it, but nothing to make me regret it or to prevent my return trip!

A few days ago, I got my card from them w/my blood type, name & bday on it! So proud!! I have a littel scan card I can put on my keys as well as a nice heavy card to put in my purse.  Still pretty stoked about it all! 

If you are local & interested, visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org ! I am glad I did!

waiting

When things are messy, good always rises to the surface if you wait for it.-  Kelle Hampton

reading this back a couple of months, I see just how true it is. This is a recent lesson I have learned & am so thankful for the constant reminders. Many times things look dismal, aweful even but if we simply deal & accept the situation, it will right itself with little or no help from us. Knowing when to work harder or when to walk away & let it work itself out is a tough decision to make sometimes.  I have learned to not stress most things I can't control, will it rain on a camping weekend, will no one show up for freezer swap, will I have too many childcare kids to take the trip/do the activity/manage the chaos today, will I have enough childcare kids to pay for the helper I have contracted for summer, will the event I have planned work out for all involved, etc.   We've been taught that 'good things take hard work' & at the same time 'good things come to those who wait' .. how's that for conflicting information?  I have found its much easier on the nerves, heart & those around me :) if I don't stress much anymore.

I had this typed a year ago, but it just didn't seem to fit any time I thought about using it. This week, its perfect!  Losing my brother in December brought alot of this (learning to deal) back to the surface.  I was doing so good at not stressing things until there was a definate, outcome I could not control or even fathom learning to live with.  & learning to live with it I am, every.single.day.  Some are definately better than others.  Some are down right painful to get out of bed or fall asleep at night.  Learning every day, how to deal, is part of life.

(Philip & I. 6/2011 on a really good day)

I am still waiting for that good to rise to the surface.

Mulberry Syrup!!

I have to admit, I am pretty stoked about my homemade syrup!  Ilove it, the kids love it & a little goes a long way, now, to get Tim to try it & we'll be set. Special thanks to Julia for holding my hand via facebook while I inched thru the process.

here is my homemade 'berry bag'  :) it hung from a hair tie on the can opener over night & then I cooked all the juice w/sugar.

 I am so loving this time of my life where I have the internet connection to so many fun & helpful ladies to teach me how to be more self-sufficient!  later this week I will share my garden, along w/my list of what I have learned in the past year.

couch to 5k program

this program is AMAZING! *I* was not a runner. *I* hated cardio. *I* hated running & sweating & almost all things that made be breathe hard-get yer mind out the gutter, you know what I mean ;). but here I am to tell you that ANYONE can do this program!!! it is beyond words DO-ABLE!  highly recommending it to all my friends & even people who aren't ;) pretty much anyone who will listen is getting the spiel!! if YOU are even thinking about getting in shape, taking time for yourself, or wanting to learn how to run distance, THIS IS THE PROGRAM FOR YOU!!! 

I don't even remember why I started it, I just know I am on week 5 this week & LOOOOOOOOOOVING IT!!!  I am even planning to run 2 5ks this fall! ai yi yi! ME, the non runner, non cardio, lazy girl. I KNOW! how crazy is this crap?! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee I am giddy w/the knowledge & confidence that I CAN DO IT! :) *contented sigh*

Week 5?! what?! seriously!? I have run 3 days a week for 4 consecutive weeks? GET THE HECK OUT!!  i CANNOT BELIEVE IT! I am only gaining momentum as each week passes! definately loving THAT!

I am also learning how to eat to run.  For a former anorexic, learning how to eat is a daily lesson in life.  Funny how I can do great meals for the kids & others around me but feed myself crap & crumbs.  Learning how to feed the runner I have become is definately a lesson in loving myself, & yes, I am finally learning to love myself. I think learning to run was my first step.  It was a great one! so glad I tried it. I would never be here had it not been for the Sisterhood!!!

okie dokie.. now that this got way deeper than I had planned BUT good for the soul, I need to get on some breakfast for us all as we are headed to a park today for a morning full of play & a picnic lunch YAY!!!!!!!!  HAVE A FANTASTIC THURSDAY!

Happy Hump Day!

Happy being the key word today! Definitely a good for the soul post today! Yesterday was a doozie!! grump city here! ick. *I* didn't even want to be around me!! Thank goodness even tho I didn't sleep well today is a MUCH better day!!! I am already finishing 64oz of water & have been seriously conscious of the snacking my head wants to do but when I ask it if the stomach/body really needs it I am able to walk away! thinking before I eat "is this something that will do my body good or just taste good for a few minutes?" has helped tremendously!!!

The sun is OUT!!!1 glorious sunshine!!!!!! I have been waiting @ the door for the dog to be ready to come in as he's been making the trips short since its been so cold.. today I noticed the melting so I grabbed a shovel & started chiseling away @ the sidewalk packed w/snow. guess what I found?! CONCRETE!!! WHO KNEW?! :D so later when the kids were getting laid down for naps I took him back out-put him on his chain even- & finished cleaning off the sidewalk :) YAHOOOO lovely wonderful DRY! sidewalk. (today it really IS the simple things)

Laundry- not sure if I have bored you w/how much I love love love to do laundry but I do!! I think I figured out its allure to me is that there is a definite beginning -dirty- & a definite end-clean. whether we live out of baskets (& some weeks we do) or if it really makes it to the dresser or closet clean is finished. I find it utterly amusing that I love laundry b/c it was my most dreaded chore @ home growing up! ha. funny. Karma? I even hope to get an outdoor clothes line up this spring .. oh how I love line dried laundry. the sunshine I get to absorb @ regular intervals thru the day mmmmmmm the thoughtless chore of picking it up, hanging it up, watching it blow, taking it down & folding mmmmmm love it!

OKIE DOKIE on that note- I will sign off & wish you all a Happy Hump Day!!!

TGIF!!

I am so ready for the weekend!! Super ready for next weekend but this one is a good start! :) Tonight we are using one of our 'half off Friday' deals!! then going to my cousin's new house for PC party she booked from me. Tomorrow I am going w/some girlies to a crop ALL DAY!! WHOOO FREAKING HOOOOOOOO!!! READY FOR SOME COMMITMENT FREE TIME!!!
Sunday I only have a 1y/o's photos to snap in themorning & I plan on that being done in an hour! :) short attention span ya know. hoping for some fun shots & maybe a lil sunshine thrown in!!!

I am so excited to see the sun shining to day!!!!!!!!! I just keep looking out the window & breathing a deep breath of relaxation! SO GOOD FOR THE SOUL!!!

GOOD FOR THE SOUL WEEKEND!!

• Scrapping w/the girls
• Movie time w/Tim
• Focusing on a child's point of view (photos)
• SUNSHINE!!!!!
• Sleeping in
• Napping

ok off & running!! :)
Have a great weekend!!!

Happy Hump Day!

OH MY! we spent WAY TOO MUCH TIME @ the Eagle's last night!! We got home an hour later than usual. cutting into my crop-organization time. boo! We had a good time chatting w/friends & I got to share my knowledge on weight loss & energy boosting -now to re-impliment it in my own life as well! ;) they asked me to form a challenge program-ME? why? but I have been thinking about it all morning already! & @ 2am when the dog needed out. maybe a chart w/participants on the side, minutes, miles, activities, water intake, etc. across the top? but prizes? what for prizes - even adults need something to work for! suggestions?

TODAY is A laundry day! LOVE LAUNDRY DAY!! its a soothing task to me. something that is definatly a 'good for my soul', completable & visually completed task :) I am so productivity oriented lately.

I still haven't been on the treadmill! its been a week today. OUCH tonight will hurt. but I am doing it. even if its after supper-which is strictly against my own rules but I gotta get back on! no.more.excuses.damnit. just do it

Breakfast Time!
Have a Great Productive Day! :)

HAPPY HUMP DAY!!

VERY THANKFUL DAY!

• I just closed a $700 Pampered Chef party! that scores me some pretty neat stuff!
• I did a 14.5 minute mile on the tread last night! thankful for the health to be able to!
• its not the best but it gives me a starting point!
• I did .75 of a mile this morning! BEFORE WORK! GET. OUT. so unlike me! but I am feeling GREAT b/c of it!
• I was moving much slower today but atleast I know what I can do & the time I need to allow.
• Its going to be warm (50s) today & SUNSHINE!!!
• I get my h1n1 mist vac today.
• Already have pancake batter mixed up.
• on my 2nd cup o coffee :) ready to start the water
• Good for the Soul list :)

what a busy morning!

I am just now sitting down to get this typed up! its almost 9:30 already. I usually try to get it posted b4 or right after breakfast which is @7. this morning was not crazy or hectic at all I just stayed moving & didnt' fire up the ccomputer until after breakfast & then I have a routine to work thru b4 I post.. along w/keeping up w/diapers, bottles, kids, & parents. so its definately been done in spurts today!!

ACCOUNTABILITY: I got 64 oz of water, 3 servings of fr/veg, & 32 oz of hot tea in yday!! I had to put my belt on today :) I haven't needed it in WEEKS! yay!!!!! I picked up some 3lb weights last night to go w/my Shred DVD when it arrives this week. (sick of hearing about it yet?) I settled on & made a deal on a treadmill :) so excited!! we will get it Saturday & I will post pics of it as soon as its in!! I almsot think I'll show another loss @ tomorrow's WI! I have already had 2 servings of Fruit today. Last night was the 2nd night in a row to remember my vites! I used to be REALLY good about them but got off track for no good reason. I can feel the difference! I only take a multi, b6 & calcium but they definately make me feel better, less tired, & more ambitious. (less like I wanna curl up into a ball & sleep for days even tho I am pretty sure I could ;))

APPRECIATE: I appreciate that Tim is not trying to sabatoge this WL attempt. I hope he'll join me in the shred. I appreciate that I had so many people helping me find a treadmill that fit my criteria. I appreciate that I have a full house of kids playing nicely together :) I appreciate that the sun is shining today!! nice & bright & warm-even if the air temp isn't yet. sunshine is so good for my soul!!

tonight I am hoping to work in the 'weight room' to get it ready to move the ablounge out-its going to Mom's & the treadmill in. :D SOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!! tim is going to work on the car he'll have to start taking to work as their work truck fell apart again yday then he's going to work on the upstairs shower some. UGH that's such a bummer!! the shower is dripping into the basement. jsut the shower. running the tub is fine. so we will be putting atleast one hole in teh sheet rock & patching then putting a new CHEAP surround up to get us by for 6-12 months when we can remodel the whole bathroom. tub, tile, sink, fixtures, faucets, cabinet, mirror, door handles, you get the idea.

wow got it all typed in one sitting!! :) I am offffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

2 seconds.. wowzers..

PHOTOS OF KYLER WRESTLING

seriously hit the ground running today! quicker to do lists :)

• GUS SLEPT ALL NIGHT!!!!!! yay that means *I* slept all night ROCK ON!!
  
• had McD's for supper so I got a large iced coffe & saved most of it for today.. fully caffinated
  
• full house by 6AM-fed 12 breakfast!!!!!!
• TONIGHT IS YOGA!!!


• crazy week-some one w/a change in schedule EVERY STINKING DAY-the calendar is a mess :)
  
• sometimes crazy weeks are a nice break from the norm
  
• the sun is SHINING!!!


• I am delivering registration forms for SPRING FLING CROP tonight
  
• I have my weekly paperwork up to date TODAY


• I have my daily paperwork for today DONE
  
• I am down to needing 2 copies from an outside source+do & copy 3 things! then the QRS paperwork will be In The Mail. :))
  
• I came to a very eye opening realization thanks to facebook. wow.


• I SCRAPPED A PAGE LAST NIGHT!!!!!!!


• Tim is working today, tonight, tomorrow, tomorrow night, friday! w/naps in between YIKES!!!
  
• I read a newsletter of an AWESOME crop I wish I was going to -thinking I need to alter it for myself & my girls for SCRAP PINK!

good for the soul/APPRECIATE

• peanut m&m's mixed in a bowl w/reece's pieces of the same color scheme -peanutty goodness no matter what you get
• sunshine -no matter the temp outside
• completed paperwork! *sigh* (now on to the next packet)
• vet clinic pick up :) Gus went in for ultrasounding today on his abdomen & the office manager stopped to pick him up. how sweet!
• sitting back & watching the kids hit milestones-playing cooperatively, washing instead of rinsing their hands, putting their dishes in the d/w in a position to get clean, curling up under a blanket when they want to instead of fussing it out
• a clean house-even if it was a crisis clean b/c I forgot we had a visitor coming last night & had to sweep thru in an hour doing extra jobs-cleaning the litter box as the attic access is over it, vaccuming around the litter box, making the bed, putting clean laundry away, you know, the stuff that usually isn't done regularly LOL
• knowing that spring is only a month away!!!!
• Good Friends
• C.O.L.D. water to drink
• taxes filed (last mention lol)
• oatmeal for breakfast
• online friends!

ok.. so I didn't think I had anything to say today.. silly me. should have known better.

Good morning Monday!

a new week is in full swing :) I was actually pretty ready to welcome it for the first time in a while. yea I still hit snooze but once I was up I was good --better than recent mornings.

I blogged more this past weekend than normal! I also scrapped a ton this past weekend! YAY!! hoping to finish that DD project tonight--only 4 pages left!! finishing a project is another "good for the soul"! something I am not very good @! :( completing.. I get close & run out, run into an issue, LOOK like I am going over the 'deadline' & quit, get burnt out & quit... hoping that completion is a new habit! :)

Accountability Sunday report: wii fit for 30, 80oz water, worked for 4 straight hours @ mom's painting & unpacking her scrap room :) I am already on my first bottle of water for Monday! yay!!

Appreciate: I definately appreciate Tim today... yesterday morning he took the van to park on the side of the road while he hunted then came home early b/c he felt guilty leaving me home w/o wheels. awe!!! so while I was @ Mom's he worked & changed the water pump in his truck (that went out on Saturday) so he can hunt next weekend! not long ago he'd have waited until the last minute to fix it then end up not.

This week's plans:
we have to get the couch out(I wish it was still good enough to freecycle but its just too broken down inside) to the curb for the garbage pickup then repair & texture the crack, & paint the wall in prep for the new furniture next week. Oh & Yoga starts back up this Wednesday!! WHOHOOOOOO Super exciting!! its an hour so I will get an hour work out weekly :) the fit will drop to Thurs-Monday w/darts on Tuesday, Yoga on Wed. I HAVE A PLAN!!!!!!!! I am so excited! :)

We have some pretty serious weather headed our way today & into tonight. EEK. I would love to have a snow day OFF tomorrow BUT THAT's not likely... usually I am busier w/a snow day.. we will see! :)

off to find something to bake.. I think I'll head back to Shanen's blog & print that potato bread recipe!

Wow Sunday

its Beau-ti-ful outside. well looking out its beautiful :) I have only been so far as to open the front door @6:30 to let the dog out & back in but is gorgeous w/lots of sunshine now!!! does wonders for the soul!

accountability report:
yesterday-day1-I did 30 on the Fit & drank 60oz. close!!

appreciate(one little word):
I am making myself alot more aware of the things I need to NOT take for granted-Tim wanting to spend time together, my Mom wanting my help, my online friends talking (listening) to me ramble *muah*, & that is just the tip of the iceburg but enough for this week's report. :)

I am planning to finish my December book today!! I worked on it full steam ahead last night for several hours watched House Bunny, Get Smart & the latest NCIS & was able to complete the 25th THRU the 29th!! AND flipped thru & glammed some completed pages up & finished for the night @12:30 by making a list of the pages I have left & Matching them up w/topics I'd like included.. what a concept eh?? quite proud it took me this long to get w/it but atleast I know for next year ;) I was just trying to be such a perfectionist & Only scrap on those days what HAPPENED.. but there isn't somethign scrappable every day so I am pulling it together. photos will be shared upon completion! YAY!!

now I am off to find some shows online I missed this week to have some 'company' while I finish up the pages 2,4,5,8-10, 30-Jan.1....