106 Days Of Summer Vacation
There were good days, and some not so good. Some days were filled with tantrums, tears, and boredom. Some days flew by, and others were met with constant challenges. No matter what the day was, I was there for every single one of them.
This Summer the kids seemed to have grown faster than ever. They all grew taller, and they also gained great maturity.
They had a lot of plans. Some were grand, others were small. We only went on one road trip out of town. For a while I felt guilty that we didn’t do enough, but by mid-July I embraced the art of staying home.
We visited the pool, parks, and walking tracks. We took Dad lunch at work, saw friends, and we even took care of foster kittens. We also talked a lot… The kids seemed to have a million questions this Summer. They had several worries, and some complaints. After all of those talks, and even gripe sessions, the kids know that I am always there for them.
This Summer I seemed to live in the kitchen. There was endless cooking, cleaning, baking, and grocery shopping to be done. And there was a lot of laundry, but that doesn’t happen in the kitchen. I think that I only got caught with all of it maybe twice.
When I was feeling bummed out about the piles of laundry to fold, and dishes waiting for me, I would take a big breath, and just a minute to think. Our kids had exactly what they needed, they had clean laundry, and home-cooked meals from scratch. Dylan would often give me a giant hug after a favorite lunch or dinner, and he would always say “thanks mom”.
August seemed to go by quickly, We worked on getting our school route mapped out, and supplies purchased. We visited the Dentist, and picked up a few new clothes too.
On the last day of Summer the kids and I went out for lunch, and we enjoyed a very lazy afternoon. I made sure to take a moment with each of my kiddos, I gave them each a big hug, and let them know just how proud of them that I am.
They are all growing up so quickly, but I love the amazing people that they are becoming.
Throughout the Summer, with all of the good, the bad, the tears, smiles, and many slammed doors. The endless snacks, and relentless chants of “I’m bored”, real hugs, and happy moments, I am grateful that I didn’t miss a moment of it.
Sunday Stills
Saturday Morning Earthquake
I was up early this morning, but I wasn’t quite out of bed. I was playing on my phone, when the bed started shaking.
At first I didn’t think it was an earthquake, then I looked over at our houseplant and it was swaying. The house continued to shake for quite a bit. Luckily, the kids slept right through it.
We went outside to check for damage. Everything was fine, but Miss Mia-pup was spazzing out, and Lula was hiding on the porch.
The kids finally got up and going. We went over a few earthquake safety tips just in case there are aftershocks.
It has been a strange Saturday.
Monthly Menu: September
I haven’t posted one of these in quite awhile. When the kids were home for Summer, I planned a few meals, but mostly I just used what I had on hand. We also seemed to live at the grocery store, the kids were snacking or eating a meal about every two hours. Everybody grew so much this Summer, and the dishes never ended.
With the kids back in school, I figure it is time to get back to meal planning, trying my best to stay on budget, and get better organized. I’m also sticking with being a vegetarian. I make regular omnivore-friendly meals for the family, but I eat vegan or vegetarian. Which also means more dishes to wash.
Here’s what I’ve got planned for dinner for my family in September.
- 9/1/2016: Chicken & Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
- 9/2/2016: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
- 9/3/2016: Pancakes, Bacon, and Breakfast Potatoes
- 9/4/2016: Panko Chicken Tenders, Spaghetti, and Homemade Bread
- 9/5/2016: Burgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Chips, Dip, and Pasta Salad
- 9/6/2016: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
- 9/7/2016: Chili, Veggie Chili, and Cornbead
- 9/8/2016: Beef Soft Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
- 9/9/2016: Panko Chicken Sandwiches and Tater Tots
- 9/10/2016: Take-out!!!
- 9/11/2016: Pot Roast with Potatoes, and Homemade Bread
- 9/12/2016: Chicken Chow Mien, Veggie Sushi, and Rice
- 9/13/2016: Chicken Soft Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
- 9/14/2016: Chicken Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
- 9/15/2016: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
- 9/16/2016: Panko Chicken Tenders and Fries
- 9/17/2016: Cinnamon Rolls, Bacon, Toast, and Breakfast Potatoes
- 9/18/2016: Chicken Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
- 9/19/2016: Salmon Cakes, Salad, and Homemade Bread
- 9/20/2016: Pulled Pork Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
- 9/21/2016: BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Chips, and Pasta Salad
- 9/22/2016: Chili, Veggie Chili, and Cornbread
- 9/23/2016: Panko Chicken Sandwiches and Tater Tots
- 9/24/2016: Pancakes, Bacon, and Breakfast Potatoes
- 9/25/2016: Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, and Dinner Rolls
- 9/26/2016: Beef Rice-a-Roni, Hominy, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
- 9/27/2016: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
- 9/28/2016: Turkey Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
- 9/29/2016: Beef Soft Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
- 9/30/2016: Panko Chicken Tenders and Fries
I am trying to get my grocery budget back on track. I’m also baking breads, and making whatever I can from scratch. We’ll see how the school-year goes.