Happy Monday dear Friends!
How's life looking in your neck of the woods? The northwoods have been rainy all day and even a bit of lightening and thunder thrown in. The temps have been a little cooler lately and it truly feels like a Fall preview going on.
We had an event-filled weekend around here! This past week we got in lots of extra Annie time. I made many of her favorite dishes and treats. We played lots of games. Did tons of visiting about her college year coming up... and I made out recipe cards she requested. We even picked out things for her new apartment. She will be on campus but in an apartment with 3 other roommates. She will have her own bedroom, though, and is thrilled about that! Friday night I made a lemon pasta, fresh green beans & garlic bread (more of her faves) for dinner. Then she, along with Matt & I played games she loves. And then Saturday morning we were up at 5 AM to see her off to head back to Florida. I held her and we cried again a little, but it was a little easier this time. I think because we've had a year of this under our belt already. And because I got so much wonderful quality time with her this summer. Plus, she'll be home for a visit later in the Fall.
I pray she has an amazing year and that those darn hurricanes STAY AWAY!
Then later on Saturday my sweet Aaron and Jill rolled into town and Matt & I made some of his favorites for dinner in honor of his birthday (which is actually today the 18th!). My Mom and step Dad came over and we all had dinner, cake & ice cream and gifts. We watched some of the preseason Green Bay Packers game we taped. And then we played a few different games and visited. Aaron and Jill stayed over here Saturday night. Then Sunday we all went out for brunch with my Dad and step Mom and then Aaron and Jill went to Jill's folks place for more party fun. Later they came back here for a bit before heading back to their apartment a few hours away. I can't believe I have a 25 year old!! I love that sweet dude and I pray he has an amazing year ahead.
I love my kiddos so much...but I don't know that I ever expected to LIKE them so much. Matt and I have the best time just hanging out with our kids and I think that is such an amazing blessing that makes my grateful heart so very full.
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:
ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE THIS MORNING:
iced protein coffee, some watermelon
ON MY TO DO LIST THIS WEEK:
hanging with my Mom, home projects, lunch or dinner with a girlfriend, errands, hospice work
THINKING ABOUT:
how fast this summer seemed to fly by....I always think of my daughter going back to school and Aaron's birthday as marking summer is wrapping up
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY:
This season of anticipating Autumn ahead...but still soaking up the last bits of summer. The garden is still growing, there will be more pontoon rides yet, golfing, enjoying deck life. But also seeing a few leaves change color, the geese flying over in formation, watching preseason football, and needing a sweatshirt more.
CURRENTLY READING
I've decided to finish all the Dream Harbor series before moving on to my other books
ON THE TV TODAY:
Americas Got Talent, The Office, Big Brother,The Last Kingdom, American Pickers
ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:
MONDAY - chickie chip on toast (My Gram's old recipe I love), cukes from the garden, melon
TUESDAY - eat up leftovers from the weekend or throw something on the grill?
WEDNESDAY - slow cooker honey lime salsa chicken tacos, green apples & caramel dip
THURSDAY - leftover honey lime chicken lettuce cups or nachos
FRIDAY - not sure?... out for dinner or clean out anything left in fridge
TO RELAX THIS WEEK I WILL:
hang out with my Mom & a girlfriend, tidy up some flower pots and beds, read, maybe a fire on the deck? :)
TIPS OR SOMETHING TO SHARE:
FROM THE CAMERA:
Some of Annie's faves I made before she left for college...zucchini bread, slow cooker veggie lasagna, and blueberry french toast bake:
Helped Annie load up her car to be ready to leave very early the next day. I think Ruby was wondering what was going on? And I think her and Bubba were both mopey and sad when she left. I feel ya my furry friends 😢
Annie's dad was helping her drive her car back to FL and they stopped in Orlando to do some theme park stuff together. This is a pic she sent me from their hotel with a view of the epic universe park:
I can't believe my oldest baby is 25! ::sigh::
His cake this year - brownie fudge cake with chocolate ganache and vanilla ice cream. 😋🎉
PRAYER LIST:
For an end to the conflicts all over the world and anyone living in war & fear. For peace and unity in this country, especially from hate and shootings or violence. For anyone sick, suffering, in pain, fear, loneliness etc ... that God bring them comfort and peace. For my Annie headed back to school - keep her safe and healthy (& free from hurricanes this year!). For my Aaron to have a blessed year ahead. For Matt's Dad's upcoming hip surgery.
For Christ's Light and Love to cast out the darkness everywhere and help the world find its way. 🙏🏻