Small Successes - June 30

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.

1. Survived the 1st month of my husband on 2nd shift.  We do this every summer so we do not have to worry about childcare issues.  It normally stresses me out because of night-time activities of the kids but this summer we did not have night activities so it has been easier.
2. Cleaned out the pantry and freezer - only bought perishables at the grocery store the last two weeks in order to do this
3. Have kept the house straightened up since the birthday party on the 18th!  Kids have been helping out
4. Gone to the library with the kids 2x
5. Started to read Harry Potter Deathly Hallows to prep for the movie opening.  I normally read all the books from the beginning prior to movie or new book release.  This time figured I would just read 7!  I had to re-read because I can tell from previews there is stuff that is not in the book in the flick (and that bugs me to no end)

What are your successes... visit Chocolate for Your Brain to tell us yours!

Have a great Fourth of July!!!

Wordless Wednesday

opening presents.... the aftermath...

For my son....

Patrick - here are some photos of you since you have been missing for the blog.



He was not to happy with me for taking his picture but he is so handsome I could not resist. 

Happy Birthday D!

June 19 was Daniel's birthday!  He turned 9 years old.  Sometime I think he is much older than that and sometime much much younger! 

I love you Dan!!!!

Happy Birthday!

Small Successes - June 16

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.


Mine:   had my annual OB/GYN exam on Monday.  Everything is A-OK.  Now I have to schedule my mammogram (which I hate because I ALWAYS have to go back for a second or even third look).  Luckily it is not due until August.

My hubby:  taught our oldest how to use the Shark.  He has been getting his own drinks out of the fridge and seems to spill it every time. So now he can clean it up instead of my hubby. 

My daughter: had her dance recital on June 10. She was wonderful! Here is a preview from dress rehearsal...

The oldest boy: learned to shark! and is reading fiction!

The youngest boy (or middle son):  he has been going to bed at night without fuss - during the school year he would stay up until after 10 now with all the activity of summer vacation he is falling asleep by 9 (goes to bed at 8:30)!

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Chocolate for Your Brain

wordless wednesday

Dress Rehersal



all made up and ready to head to dress rehersal



The Deen Brother's Pink Lemonade Cake

The Deen Brother's Pink Lemonade Cake


Cake:
Butter for coating pan
1 box white cake mix (18.25-ounce)
3 tablespoons pink lemonade drink powder
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Frosting:
1 pound confectioners' (powder) sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
3 tablespoons frozen pink lemonade concentrate
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated

Cooking Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottom with parchment or waxed paper; set aside.

For the cake, in a large bowl, stir together the cake mix and lemonade powder. Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions, using the eggs and the oil. Stir the lemon zest into the batter. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the centers of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minuets. Carefully turn cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting, beat together the confectioners' sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in the remaining ingredients until combined.  (My add if the frosting is runny add a bit of confectioners' sugar to stiffen it up)

Transfer one cake to a cake stand or large platter. Using an offset spatula spread the top of the cake with a layer of frosting. Place the second cake on top of the first. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of both layers.  (My add - place cake in fridge before serving - it was much better cold)

Makes 10 - 12 servings.

Our Engagement Story

I have to agree with Hallie/Betty - you just know like"they way you know about a good melon".  I knew I wanted to marry my husband a few months into our relationship.  It took him a bit longer I think?!?

A little over a year into our relationship we were having dinner with my maid-of-honor and her hubby.  They were celebrating their 1st anniversary.  The entire night they kept 'harassing' us about when were we getting married. It was relentless.

Well on the way back to my parents house he proposed at a stop light.  He asked me to and I ignored him because I thought he was just goofing around.  It took nearly the entire ride (30 miles) for it to sink in that he proposed.  Once I believed him I said yes!

please read other engagment stories at Betty Beguiles

Small Successes - June 9

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.

When re-reading my successes over the last few weeks they all seem to be the same so hopefully I do not repeat myself too much.....

1. My husbands:  made me Pink Lemonade Cake for my birthday!  It was very good.
2. My kids:  with school being out and having them home all day long they are getting along great!  The boys made a big decision (with our help) to pass on playing baseball this summer.  The league is a city league and it is located in a not fabulous part of town and nearly all the people are covered in tattoo's and smoke.  The environment was not something any of us were comfortable with so as a family we decided to forgo ball and the boys were good with this - if they weren't we would have carried on.  Miss C has been going to dance recital practice (her recital is June 10).
3. Mine: switched my office work time to 7:30 AM to 1 PM and I have gotten to work everyday on-time.  I am so not a early morning person and I like to 'fart' around in the morning so this is big for me.

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Chocolate for Your Brain

This Week for Dinner

Found this website not sure how ... but I love it.  Each week you post your menu for the week and you can get ideas from others.

Thank you Jane....

This Week for Dinner

here is my menu for the week:

Sunday – steak, hash browns, salad
Monday – Chicken fingers & soup rice
Tuesday – Italian Sausage & pasta
Wednesday – Pizza
Thursday – breakfast (dance recital dress rehearsal)
Friday – Ordering in Italian – my daughters dance recital that night and family in from out of town
Saturday – ribs, corn on the cob, french fried sweet potatoes

Small Successes - June 2

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.

When re-reading my successes over the last few weeks they all seem to be the same so hopefully I do not repeat myself too much.....

1. This is my husbands success ... he mulched all the flower beds, removed all the day-lilies I do not like, plant our garden (herb & veggie), and planted hydrangea's for me.  he is AWESOME
2. This is my kids success ... finished up the school year with great grades.  We did have a hiccup a few weeks back but he rallied and got back to As!  The younger two did great also - our school does not give grades until 4th grade so we have a whole lot of checks!
3. My success this past week ... I sat out on the swing in the backyard (admiring my husbands work) and read two books over the Memorial Day Holiday.  I read James Patterson - 10th Anniversary and Elaine Viets - Pumped for Murder: A Dead-End Job Mystery.

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Chocolate for Your Brain

Welcome June

June is my birthday month.  On Friday the 3rd I will be turning 44 years old.  I remember not to long ago I thought 44 was really old - but you know what you are as old as you make yourself be.  You can be an old lady at 20 something or a young lady at the age of 50, 60 or even 70 ;) .  I definitely plan to be that young lady.

I have to admit that I love my birthday!  I love all birthday's and think that they are the most important day of the year for that person.  It is just YOUR day.  Yes you may share it with people you know and even those you don't but it is YOUR day.

My parent's are the ones that instilled this importance.  When it was your birthday - you were in charge -you choose the meal and what type of cake you wanted.  My grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins would come over after dinner and celebrate YOU.  

I am passing this on to my kids.  When it is their birthday - we wake up to a birthday song - presents are opened right away - they pick the meals and activities for the day (as long as school or sports aren't neglected).   Then we have a big party for the extended family.

Small Successes - May 26

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.

1. We have survived the 1st week of baseball, soccer, lacrosse, my working out at the gym, my teaching, and hubby's extra work hours.  Tonight we have to be in three places at one time - wish me luck!
2. Took the kids to the first Indians game of the year on Sunday (went to Mass in town and then headed North - that is a big success in and of itself when we travel).  My parents have season tickets and gave us their 3 seats for the game - we had to buy two extra. Tribe won!!! so that was added bonus.  It was hot though - nearly 90.
3. Did not kill my oldest son when he came home with a poor (that is saying it nicely) parent packet on Monday.  He decided that since his tests were open book he did not need to open the book before the test to study.  He did not even bring the books home.  So his grade on both tests reflected that.  I wanted to strangle him but stepped back and realized that this is a learning experience for him.  He realized that he MUST study for each and every test.  I just hope it did not ruin his chance for honor roll this quarter.

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Chocolate for Your Brain

Small Successes - May 19

 

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine..

1. Registered both boys for baseball this summer. We are trying a new city league since we did not play with the school this spring.
2. Drove to Cleveland in the pouring rain to celebrate my in-laws 45th wedding anniversary! It was just grown-ups for dinner. We went to Salmon-Dave’s in Rocky River. It was wonderful!
3. This one is for my hubby – he ordered 4 cubic yards of mulch to be delivered last Friday. On Friday and  Saturday he weeded and mulched the front beds, and he started to clean out the side of the house beds. Thank you honey!!!

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Chocolate for Your Brain