Life

This has been a great week at school and at home. I am feeling truly happy and encouraged by all the good little things that are happening around me.

My boys are staying healthy and eating like crazy. (I don't think I'm going to be able to "plan" YOYO nights anymore, there simply have not been any leftovers!) I think they're eating extra as the temperatures around here are dipping (only some days, it's California weather, hehe). We have their parent conferences in about a week, so I am looking forward to hearing about their progress!

K has been busy around the house. We can walk around in the garage much easier now! It is amazing what a little organizing can do. I like having K home, so it will be hard when he goes back to work.

My students are doing an amazing job! I taught a lesson about adding -er and -est to words and one of my little boys found an example in his library book. I asked him the base word and he was correct. He tells me, "Wow, I really am getting smart!" I think those are words any teacher is happy to hear. Also, a piece of equipment that had broken 3 weeks ago was returned yesterday. I was doing the happy dance when the computer tech walked in!!! I am trying my best to stay focused on my kids and not get caught up in the politics around me. So far the more I keep my focus the happier I am to be doing what I do!

Doing all things in my life with intention has improved my attitude and I am thankful for that! So today on this Finer Things Friday I am celebrating all the little things that are making my life so rich these days!

Head on over to Amy's to see what happening on this happy Friday!

Until next time,

So Cool!

I got to do the coolest thing ever last night...I walked out into my garden with a bowl and a knife and I cut our very own homegrown broccoli for our dinner! Okay, well maybe it's not the coolest thing ever, but it sure is AWESOME!

I really thought my broccoli was never going to produce, but I decided to leave it alone and see what happened. You know what happened?!? It grew! Who knew?!? I am so stoked to be able to serve something so fresh and so full of flavor to my family! My kids and hubby gobbled it up! We will be having broccoli often as my plants continue to grow. I just hope the weather keep cooperating!

I always have broccoli on our Thanksgiving menu, but it will be even better this year coming from our own labors! Maybe we'll even feel like the pilgrims celebrating the harvest! Well, that may be a stretch, but we will enjoy the broccoli of our labor. Hehehe!

Having a garden in my back yard totally works for me!

Until next time,

House to Home

Wow! It's Tuesday already?!? The days are flying by around here, but that is okay because it means we're getting closer to Thanksgiving! I am so excited this year because we are having a lot of friends and family coming to our house to stay with us! I LOVE cooking for Thanksgiving, so when a relative asked if she could bring her family to our house this year it took me about 1/2 a second to say YES! Then I got the wild idea to invite another friend and her family to come stay with us too! She talked to her main man and he was super excited about the idea and that's from someone who doesn't like to go visit people. I did remember to ask K if he was okay with all the guests and he said it sounds like fun. Did I mention I love that man!

So today on this Gratituesday I am very grateful for a house that is turning into a home with friends and family welcome any time! I am also grateful that we have rekindled family relationships and never let friendships die off no matter how many miles are between us. Life is so good and I am trying my best to remember to enjoy every moment!

Head on over to Laura's at Heavenly Homemakers for a month of Gratitude!

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week

Halloween went great for the monkeys, but I am in Thanksgiving mode now. Lots of planning to do since we will have a house full this year. I can't wait!

Here's what we have planned for our meals this week.

Breakfasts- oatmeal, cereal, pancakes (freezer stash), and Banana Nut Muffins (freezer stash), Strawberry Bread (freezer stash).

Lunches- ham sandwiches, PB & J sandwiches, apples, carrots with ranch, leftovers

Dinners-

Sunday-Frittata

Monday- Poor Man's Meal
(Check out Miss Clara if you haven't heard of her before, my boys LOVE her)

Tuesday- Tri tip, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli (from our garden!)

Wednesday- Fried Shrimp, Steamed Rice, Green Beans

Thursday- Pork Chops, Steamed Red Potatoes, Asparagus

Friday- Homemade Pizza Night

Saturday- Sloppy Joes, Corn on the Cob

Well that's it, I'm looking forward to some of our family favorites this week! If you need more inspiration head on over to Organizing Junkie for more menu ideas.

Until next time,