Run Play List

In my dreams, I run.  

Effortlessly.

In reality, I struggle.

I'm determined to improve.

Music makes it better.

Here's what I'm listening to now.  I'd love some suggestions.

Windfall  Son Volt
Why I Am Dave Matthews Band
Pedestal Fergie
I'm The Man Who Loves You Wilco
So What P!nk
Poker Face Lady GaGa
All Your Reasons Matchbox Twenty
#40 Dave Matthews Band
Sunday Morning Maroon 5
Paparazzi Lady GaGa
Drown Son Volt
Long Time Gone Dixie Chicks
You & Me Dave Matthews Band
Boom Boom Pow Black Eyed Peas
Gold Digger (Glee Cast Version)
Hey, Soul Sister Train
Whatever Godsmack
My Life Would Suck Without You  Kelly Clarkson
I Run for Life Melissa Etheridge
Rockstar Nickelback
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) The Proclaimers

Menu Plan Monday - Week 2

My first week of menu planning was wonderful!  I got all my shopping done on Monday at Trader Joe's.  I had a few hits and one miss with Monday night's pasta dish.  It really does make a difference to be organized and no exactly what we're having for dinner.  

Looking forward to this week.  Hopefully we can get out from underneath all this snow so I can get to the grocery store!

Week Of: 2/1 – 2/7

Monday Meatless Monday Spinach-Black Bean Lasagna

Tuesday Onion, Ham, and Cheese Frittata Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Wednesday  LEFTOVERS

Thursday  Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Friday PW Chicken Parmigiana Salad Bread

Saturday Pepper-Crusted Flank Steak Baked Macaroni and Cheese Green Beans

Sunday Pizza

SNOW:: I got a new lens for Christmas

Getting Our House In Order: Menu Planning

It's time to give this notion of "planning" meals a try.  Flying by the seat of my pants while trying to keep my sanity aren't working anymore.  I know it's a simple concept, but I've gotten real good at pretending it's okay to decide what to have for dinner at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.  


Who knows . . . I might be clipping coupons and looking at sales sections soon!

Monday

Meatless Monday: 
Vegetable Ribbon Pasta


Tuesday
Meatloaf Muffins
Mashed potatoes
Field Peas

Wednesday
Pan-Fried Pork with Blueberries
Cornbread Stuffing (Trader Joes)
Green beans 


Thursday
Breakfast: eggs, Morningstar sausage links (veggie), toast and fruit


Friday
Clean Out Fridge Night


Saturday
Homemade pizza - Trader Joe's fresh dough w/herbs
Veggies w/ dressing


Sunday
Baked Penne with Ham and Broccoli


Our Breakfasts:  yogurt  and granola, oatmeal, waffles, green smoothies, fruit
Our Lunches:  cheese and crackers, pb and js, fruit

A Colorful Valentine: Crayon Hearts

I came across these directions for making cute crayon hearts.  I had everything it called for, so I gave it a shot.  I decided to use red, purple, pink and white crayons to make it a little bit festive.  


I used Word to create the heart border around the white card stock card.   So cute!  

Planning Is In Her DNA

Meg has her 4th birthday coming up . . . in March.  She's been planning this party since she blew out the candles on her 3rd birthday cake!

We've decided on an "arts and crafts" theme party at home.  The teacher in me is very excited about all the wonderful supplies.


The ideas are starting . . . more to come!

My Heart's Mind

When tragedy occurs I go through the same process.

I choose to ignore it.  If I don't acknowledge it, it doesn't exist.  If it doesn't exist, I don't have to compare it to my own tragedy and loss.  I don't have to spend hours reliving the day we lost our girls.

I try to control it.  I convince myself if I could just get on a plane and hold those orphaned children it will all be okay.  If I'm in the midst of it and I can decide who gets the supplies they need it will be okay.

I obsess over it.  It gets into my head.  I have a hard time appreciating the joy that's right in front of me because of all the devastation.

I give.  Everything counts and technology makes it so easy to give in any way you can.

I pray.  I pray for those who have lost loved ones.  I pray for those left to put it all back together.  I pray for the people who have so easily given of their time to help.  I pray the next time a tragedy happens, I'll start praying and I'll remember how powerful God's grace can be.

From Goodwill to Pottery Barn

A few months back I picked up this beauty at Goodwill.  I was drawn to the little rope detail of the frame.  It was only $5 and in great shape.  I definitely hid it from the kids though - have you ever seen a scarier clown?

I'd forgotten I'd ordered these from Pottery Barn awhile ago.  I can't remember what my original plan was for them.  I thought about the Goodwill frame and decided there was probably a good way to put the two together.

I covered a self-adhesive foam board in linen.  Popped out the clown paining and used a staple gun to attach the board.  Then I simply hung the keys from some finish nails pushed right into the foam board.  The project cost around $25 and makes a nice addition to our living room.


Check out Kimba's site for more DIY projects.  

The Way I Roll

I usually don't make resolutions, but I did have a realization recently.  I've missed blogging.  I'm going to give it another go and start by sharing a most wonderful trip we just made.


For Christmas, Bob surprised me with a trip to LA for the National Championship Game.  He booked the flights, hotel and rental car.  He was not willing to spend $1000 per ticket so we took a chance and waited until we got into town to buy tickets.  

Thankfully my dear friend Jenny was able to broker us tickets for face value.  We had them in our hands and made our way to the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off.  I was a nervous wreck just before and pretty much right through the game.  


We sat in the Tide Pride section so we were surrounded by Alabama fans, with the exception of the two young Texas fans who sat right beside me.  Kenny Stabler "The Snake" and his family sat in the row behind us.  There were former coaches and players all around - the energy was great!

This was my first trip to California, and hopefully not the last.  The weather was unbelievable!  I usually don't enjoy flying, but we had a direct flight which made it more bearable! 

It was one of the most fun trips I've ever taken (and not just because my team won).  I got to spend time with a couple of old friends and meet some great new ones.  We also went to a party at a real Beverly Hills mansion - believe me - it was like country come to town! 


Thank you honey.  I loved spending time with you.  I think you're definitely an Alabama football fan now!  Roll Tide!