Yesterday was probably one of the best days of my life. We were on time to church! Then I exercised in the afternoon, scrapbooked with Jewel (a new thing we do together; which makes it easier to complete since she is not "needing me" during that time and she inherited her dad's eye for putting objects so they are pleasing to the eye), read some of the new book Frank bought me, did some light house cleaning and ate ice cream!!!! The book is #2 in the latest Beverly Lewis's line. The Englischer-spelled in Penn. Dutch I think.

I got 3 scrapbook pages completed and another started. Does this sound like much? No, but I'm to the point where I typically was only getting to scrap book about 2 times a year and then only getting 3 pages done and I scrapped about 4 months ago. Frank allowed Jewel and I to commandeer the kitchen table so we can leave most of our supplies out and we have been grouping pictures together in zip lock baggies with papers we think we might use with them. I intended to start this process a long time ago, but usually my supplies have to put crammed together in a Rubbermaid container so being allowed to leave them out even for 4 or so days has been FABULOUS! Jewel has such a natural eye.

My friend, Missy, and I watched the new Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly- I give it a 2 thumbs up. Not only is it brillantly filmed with good use of imagery, angles and lighting, but I really bought into the characters and I found none of the language to be offensive or any sexual offensive scenes. It did take me awhile to buy into the characters, but once I did I was hooked, even though I knew as Frank says, "The good guy wins".

Cannon has had 2 migraines since Friday where he even experienced stomach upset; so let's hope he is not on a new cycle with these; I'm hoping it's just the heat and humidity. I myself have had to take my inhalers on a regular basis. The only way I could breathe without struggling was by sitting up on the couch; it will end soon I know so not a big deal. Again, this gives me appreciation for people who struggle with their health on a regular basis.

The quote I will share with you all today is, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." Barbara Johnson.

Please share with me your list of favorite books!

Smiles,

Jennifer

Last night did not go as well as planned in regards to Jewel, but I can definitley see improvment today so that is promising. As I told Jeanette this morning, I feel like I have a newborn again-I'm awaken to sobs in the middle of the night and early in the morning-boy as soon as her meds wear off-Hello sista! the girl can wail. So at 1:30 A.M. I had to outstubborn her to take her meds. I did get some cleaning done last night -dishes, sweeping,bleached part of the bathroom, put some misc. items away, wrote thank you notes for Jewel, got some pictures sorted and duplicates sent in the mail, and some laundry. It seems I can only be away from her when she is feeling well. I am not getting as much accomplished as I'd hoped. At the recommendation of my friend, Missy, I purchased one of those shower scrubbers (we have really hard water) it has done a fab. job of removing build up in part of the shower, but can seem to reach other parts. Cannon has been SUPER helpful and well behaved-even cute at times so that is cool. I'd better go remind her to drink.
One fav. thing from the wedding I forgot to blog about was the Lutheran Bishop (did I get his title correct?). He managed to make Biblical points understood without being preachy or stuffy and he was FUNNY! Man, I'm Baptist, but I'd attend any church he was preaching at in a heart beat- I'd love to borrow him for a few of our services. Even though this may offend some of you I've attended various Lutheran church services over the years I've always agreed with everything being said so I wonder how strong the true differences between these two faiths really is. Anyhoo... labels labels.
Poor dear Frankie has been woken up far more often than I'd hoped.
I am so getting Brady Bunched out- we bought her Season 3 as her get well present, but we've watched it and watched it. I did use part of my g. certificate from Sara and B&K to purchase Bridezilla season 2 from Target (on sale 9.99 score!) I loved it. Completley wished Target had in stock season 1 still. I am completely enamored with Luna protein bars-also sold at Target.
Okay I should make myself get back to reality.
Smiles!
Jennifer

I know I've been very boring lately, but I love reading all of your genius comments.

Jewel is doing okay. The day after surgery is always the roughest the nurse warned us and she was correct (imagine that!). I kind of remember this from Cannon's spin with this, but not totally; tomorrow should be better. Overall she is drinking better than Cannon did. Frankie made naked nachos last night-with homemade guacamole!!! delicious!!!!!!!! So I'm home taking care of the girl, cleaning, reading and praying. Missy, Katie and Elizabeth came over today wo that was fun. I don't get to see Missy as much as I use to so it was really nice to get caught up. Cannon stayed home from day care today. My folks will take the kids next week so I can go back to work; if Jewel is doing as well as expected. Please continue to pray that as soon as God wills baby Alex can be here with us. I hope, hope, hope to get several scrapbook pages done next week.
Thank you everyone for your calls, visits, and e-mails regarding the girl. Oh and Praise God! Cannon has gained a few pounds.
Smiles,
Jennifer

Today I'm trying to get everything done that would typically be completed by me on Wed. Thurs and Frid, but I've gotten myself so worked up I have a headache and my heart is going fast- tee hee. I don't want my boss to feel like I left her hanging.
I haven't shared fav. quotes in awhile so I will today, but I think I've already shared this quote:

If you travel alone, you can probably go faster. But the journey will never be as rewarding and you probably won't be able to g o as far. John C. Maxwell.
More later if I settle down. tee hee.
Jennifer

My husband, the genius. Okay so Frank often tells the kids and I that he is a genius, but it is not often we agree with with him. This weekend, Frank moved a rotating fan on the floor next to the hallway. Why does this make him a genius? b/c we have lived in our m.home for 6.5 years and AlWAYS -even with A/C the back half of the house is freezing and the front half is warm and vica versa during the winter. My beloved figured out how to remedy this air flow problem with an inexpensive rotating fan. So maybe if he were a true genius he would have figured it out after say... 3 or so years, but hey! I didn't think of it at all so to me he is genius; we were even able to bump the A/C way up so not only are we more comfy, but we'll save $.
Jewel goes in a 6:15 A.M. tomorrow for her tonsil/adenoid thing. I'm glad she is going in so early, she is not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination, but this way she won't have to be awake for a long time w/o eating or drinking. The kids and I watched Super Nanny- it's quickly becoming one of Jewel's favs. So funny b/c Cannon will make comments, "I don't believe it" then I say ,"Cannon you've done stuff like that to me before". Cannon, "Oh yeah, sorry Mom It's been a long time since I acted like that". and it has been so maybe I should cut him a break. I often think we would all act differently if we were video recorded and then allowed to observe our behavior later on. I did get to go see The Devil wears Prada - very good; I really liked it. I also enjoyed Cold Stone Creamery for the first time- WONDERFUL!!! I then convinced Frank to go again later that week. I devoured most of the birthday cake remix, but had to give up the battle before the cone was empty. Hum.. okay so I quess I'm pretty boring.
Sara- GenCon is in Indiania this summer, not Chicago. Ya know the gamers love having you come along. Iffin ya wanna go check with Frank I know it's in August.
That's really all I know.

The kids and I made smoothies yesterday; they turned out pretty well. It is so HOT outside we may skip supper and just make smoothies again (we use 100% juice and low-fat yogurt to make them so they're not that bad for us). Jewel is anxious/excited about her tonsiladenoidectomy. Every day she inquires "How many days, did you buy me my push-pops yet?" I need to get back to work since I'll be gone 3 days this week I want to be ahead of schedule when I leave. I spent part of this morning training someone to replace me the end of this week. For the 5th time in 10 years I'm trying to grow my bangs out; just wait as soon as I finally (if I don't give in and cut them AGAIN) having bangs will come back in vogue. Going to try to do dishes and lift weights tonight. Tee hee, aren't I boring?
Jennifer

The is brutally honest so if ya don't want to be scared by my inner thougths quit reading now. I"m not writing a happy blog, but a honest blog. Thinking about... Today I'm thinking about quitting dieting and not mentally beating myself up every day I don't exercise. Today I' m thinking about what I would look like with red hair. Today I'm thinking about what I would look like if I grew my hair out. Today I'm remembering what it was like to sit and read a book for hours after I completed my chores. Today I'm wonderig if I'm having a mid-life crisis or if I'm just tired. Don't get me wrong I love going for walks. Somedays I enjoy lifting weights and often I enjoy a heart pumping can't quite catch my breath aerobic workout. But on the days I work, get the kids, run errands and do the dishes and it's 8:30 or 9:30 at night and there is still bed time routine to complete and I haven't exercised- I constantly worry I've failed and I'll get fat or get diabetes (it runs in my family). A woman in my family recently commented to me ,"Oh but you have a high metabolism". I responded honsetly, "No I really don't". To be honest this makes me mad and hurts my feelings. There are a lot of things I never allow myself to eat to try to keep my weight down. I exercise whenever I can. I eat a lot of beans and I eat Special K cereal 2 to 3 times a week instead of a "regular" supper-so give me a break I work hard to try to keep my weight down. During the time we were trying to get pregnant with Cannon (it was less than a year) I quit dieting ,but still do aerobics 2-3 times a week and went for pretty long walks on the othe days and I gained over 35 lbs-that is with still exercising and a few food restrictions still in place. I gain weight pretty quickly which is why I lift weights so much muscle burns more calories even at rest than fat. I ate regular Ranch dressing on my salad the other day (not reduced) and I poured the dressing on until the salad tasted good instead of lightly sprinking and then no more- it tasted GREAT!. I had a doughnut (regular fat) for the first time in over 8 years a few weeks ago; I enjoyed the taste so much I had to stop walking in the middle of a parking lot. Oh I'd forgotten how moist, but light and fluffy Dunkin' Donuts were. I try to never let myself eat an entire dessert- to show I still have power over it I can stop. So you still I struggle minute by minute with food so when someone assumes I have a high metabolism it chaps my hide. Now exercising is also a great tool in fighting depression- which is why I do exercise-somedays its the only thing that will life me. I pray as I walk. I don't envy rich people I envy skinny people, but I'm getting better I saw a super skinny lady last week and I actually could recognize she was thin enough to be unhealthy. Right now I'm either going to go on a huge diet and majorally exercise or I'm going to start eating what I want and not fighting gravity so muhc. I'm in my mid-30's and I've been dieting since I was 10 years old. There are times I think it encompasses too much of my mental energy when more of my focus should be on my relationships with God. I look in the mirror and still cry b/c I hate how I look. I feel guilty b/c I've already lightened my restrictions up a lot the last few years- Frank takes me out for cheesecake I eat things now I would never have eaten before. So I pig out now and again. I need to eat healthy so I can keep my energy up, but ya know....
Anyways... that's what I'm thinking about today.

Here is the infamous list published by the Register. I plan on visiting each of these places. Did I mention I love lists?







100 things to eat in Iowa before you die
by Erin Crawford DSM Register July 09 2006

We've given them to you in alphabetical order by location.So, what are you waiting for? Dig in.
___ 1. Taco Pizza, Happy Joe's, locations across Iowa___
2. Sweet corn, Sweet Corn Festival, Adel___
3. BBQ Ribs, Claxon's Smokehouse & Grill, Altoona___
4. Sauerkraut Salad, Colony Inn Restaurant, Amana___
5. Rhubarb wine, Ackerman Winery, Amana___
6. Schild Brau Amber, Millstream Brewery, Amana Colonies___
7. Sauerbraten (beef marinated in a sweet and sour sauce, made with spices and Amana wines) with potato dumplings, Ronneburg Restaurant, Amana___
8. Saucy Southerner Sandwich, Hickory Park, Ames___ 9.
Chicken Tequila Fettuccine (Chicken, onions, peppers and tequila-soy cream sauce on spinach fettuccine), Aunt Maude's, Ames___
10. Denver-Style Crust Pizza, The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Co., Ames___
11. Gyro, The Gyro Guy outdoor cart, Campustown, Ames___
12. Margarita, O'Malley & McGees, Ames___
13. Fresh Beer-Battered Onion Rings, The Redwood Steakhouse, Anita___
14. Angel Cream Coconut Cake, Peppercorn Pantry Tea Room, Aplington___
15. Nutty Bar, Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Arnolds Park___
16. Prime Rib, The Feedlot Steakhouse, Atlantic___
17. Homemade fudge, The Mean Street Grill, Atlantic___
18. Spaghetti Soup and Red Raspberry Pie, Breitbach's Country Dining, Balltown___
19. Sink Cookies, Granny Annie's Bakery & Cafe, Cedar Falls___
20. Raspberry Coffee Cake, Barn Happy, Cedar Falls___
21. Kolaches, Sykora Bakery, Cedar Rapids
___ 22. Cabbage Rolls (ground beef with rice wrapped in a cabbage leaf with a tangy tomato sauce) with potato or bread dumplings, Zindricks Czech Restaurant, Cedar Rapids
___ 23. Pork Ribs, Al & Irene's, Cedar Rapids___
24. Onion Rings, J Bruners steak restaurant, Clarinda___
25. Black Dirt Cake (cream-cheese frosting layered between ground Oreo cookies), That Place Restaurant, Conrad___
26. Garst Farm sides: Corn Casserole, Four-Way Bean Dish and Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage, Garst Farm Resorts, Coon Rapids___
27. Hot Fudge Sundae, served with a pitcher of fudge on the side, Lagomarcino's, Davenport___
28. Pond-Raised Catfish with Western Baked Potato, The Enchanted Inn, Davenport___
29. Regular (pepperoni and sausage) or Around-The-Garden Pizza, Mabe's Pizza & Restaurant, Decorah___ 30. Breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets, homemade waffles, biscuits and gravy, and pastries, Cronk's Restaurant & Lounge, Denison___
31. Burritos Jimador (cheese-sauce topped burritos stuffed with steak, cheese and lettuce), El Jimador, Denison___
32. Bone-in Delmonico, 801 Steak & Chop House, Des Moines___
33. Margherita or Sausage Pizza, Chuck's Italian-American Restaurant, Des Moines___
34. Peach Ice Cream, Bauder's, Des Moines___
35. Chicken Spiedini, Tursi's Latin King Restaurant, Des Moines___
36. Corn dog, Campbell's Concessions, Iowa State Fair, Des Moines___
37. Chocolate Bonbon, Chocolaterie Stam, Des Moines/Windsor Heights/West Des Moines___
38. Tom Ka Kai, Thai Flavors, Des Moines___
39. Steak taco, Tasty Tacos, Des Moines___
40. Hot Sausage Sandwich (made with Graziano's sausage), Norwood Inn, Des Moines___
41. Trappistine Creamy Caramels, Trappistine Nuns of Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey Monastery, Dubuque___
42. Bison Tenderloin, Pepper Sprout Midwest Cuisine, Dubuque___
43. Caramel Apple, Betty Jane Candies, Dubuque___
44. Gunderburger, The Irish Shanti, Elgin___
45. Stuffed Pork Loin, The Danish Inn, Elk Horn___
46. Crepes, La Petit Paris, Fairfield___
47. Vegetarian Salad Bar, Maharishi University of Management cafeteria, Fairfield___
48. Sunday Vegetarian Breakfast Buffet, Everybody's, Fairfield___
49. Wood-Fired Pizza, Revelations Cafe & Bookstore, Fairfield___
50. Semmel (a dense German roll, baked fresh daily), The Bistro at the Gortz Haus, Grimes___
51. Chicken Walnut Salad, served on Wednesdays at Kelcy's, Grinnell___
52. Cream-Filled Coney, (doughnut with cream filling, shaped like a hot dog), Danish Maid Bakery, Grinnell___
53. Homemade Triple Berry Pie, Picket Fence Café, Guttenberg___
54. Cherry Pie, Crouse Cafe, Indianola___
55. Spicy Yam Pate, Red Avocado, Iowa City___
56. Green Papaya Salad, Thai Spice Restaurant, Iowa City___
57. Brie Beast Sandwich (Niman Ranch roast beef, brie cheese, roasted sweet peppers, lettuce and tomato on farm bread), New Pioneer Co-Op, Iowa City and Coralville___ 58.
Tuscan Tomato Soup, Bread Garden Bakery & Cafe, Iowa City___ 59.
Vegetarian Falafel Sandwich, Oasis Falafel, Iowa City___
60. Smoke Trout Pate (served with stone-ground wheat crackers), Linn Street Cafe, Iowa City___
61. BBQ Chicken, Camp David, Iowa Falls___
62. Fried Chicken with homemade bread, mashed potatoes and gravy, The Red Barn Bistro, Keosauqua___ 63. Bob Dog (natural-casing wiener topped with loose meat), Bob's Drive-In, Le Mars___
64. Tenderloin Tips (cubes of tenderloin beef sauteed with mushroom, white wine and oregano in a white wine and garlic-butter sauce) Somebody's Grille & Bar, Manilla___
65. Tortellini Carbonara (tortellini with homemade Alfredo sauce, bacon and green onions), Phat Daddy's, Marengo___
66. Half-pound burger, Marquette Bar & Cafe, Marquette___
67. Maid-Rite, Taylor's Maid-Rite, Marshalltown___
68. Mile-High Lemon Meringue Pie, Stone's Restaurant, Marshalltown___
69. Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie, Twisted Chicken, McGregor___
70. 16-ounce Ribeye (heart-cut, bacon-wrapped), Rube's Steaks, Montour and Waukee___
71. Homegrown Muscatine Melons, late July until first frost, The Good Earth Restaurant, Muscatine___
72. Seven Seas Seafood Soup, Guadalajara, Muscatine___
73. Grilled Sirloin Meatloaf (Wood-fire grilled meatloaf served on Texas toast with BBQ sauce, topped with mashed potatoes and onion straws), The Button Factory Woodfire Grille, Muscatine___
74. Blue Cheese, Maytag Dairy Farm, Newton___
75. Bratwurst, Woudstra Meat Market, Orange City___
76. Loaded Hash Browns, Otho Pub, Otho___
77. Loose meat sandwich, Canteen Lunch in the Alley, Ottumwa___
78. Dutch letters, Jaarsma Bakery, Pella___
79. Cast-Iron Seared Filet with a Blue Cheese Crostini, Carmelized Mushrooms and a Maple-Bourbon Demi-glaze, David's Milwaukee Diner, Perry___
80. Fajitas, Sabor Latino, Postville___
81. Hamburger Buns, Postville Bakery, Postville___
82. Broasted Chicken, Red Rooster, Postville___
83. Pita and Falafel, Kosher Community Restaurant, Postville___
84. Country Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Creamed Vegetables, first Sunday of the month, Elks Club, Shenandoah___
85. Tuna Sushi, Fuji Bay Japanese Restaurant, Sioux City___
86. Onion Peels, Tastee In and Out, Sioux City___
87. Pork Tenderloin, St. Olaf Tavern, St. Olaf___
88. Fruit-of-the-Forest Pie (fruits in season), Susie's Kitchen, Stanton___
89. Swedish Meatball Soup, Boz Wellz Pub & Eaterie, Storm Lake___
90. Caramel Truffles, Kristi's Kandies & Heirlooms, Storm Lake___
91. New York Strip Steak, The Embers, Storm Lake___
92. Raspberry Pork Tenderloin (Grilled pork tenderloin with a raspberry sauce), The Cottage on Broad, Story City___
93. Dutch Salad, Coffee Cup Cafe, Sully___
94. Steak DeBurgo, Sam & Gabe's Italian Bistro, Urbandale___
95. Cinnamon Roll, Iowa Machine Shed, Urbandale___
96. Prime Rib Twister (Grilled prime rib with Cajun seasoning topped with grilled mushrooms, onions and grilled shrimp), AK Corral Steakhouse & Lounge, Ute___
97. Muskie Burger, Muskie Lounge, Ventura___
98. Black Forest Cake, Martin's Brandenburg, Waverly___
99. Chocolate malt, Wilton Candy Kitchen, Wilton___
100. Apple Dumpling, Iowa 80 truck stop, Walcott ___

I feel like I should narrate the wedding in short spurts. Today I will blog about the cake which was my fav. thing about the recepton although Jewel will argue it should be the chocolate fountain. My mother (who bakes A LOT and has herself,been paid to make cakes for weddings and parties) always told me the mark of a good baker is one who makes a white cake that is moist and has flavor; just about anyone can make a chocolate cake moist, but those that can bake a white cake thoroughly and keep it moist and flavorful knows what they are doing. I had a piece of cho. cake and a piece of white cake (but I had no meat and only thing from the cho. fountain). The cho. cake was super good esp. the frosting-good buttermilk texture and vanilla flavor without being overpowering. Now the true test-the white cake. it was DIVINE! It was moist, but light and the creamy texture of the frosting was perfect. I still couldn't eat all of it, but I tried.
My top two at the wedding were the flowers and the music. David sang a solo to Jeanette- very sincere and well done. I believe he wrote the song too. It was just very very good and I don't know how she did not cry listening to it. Matt, one of the groomsman sang, (I think it's titled, Our Father?)- oh my... I did my best not to cry-he did a superb!! job. Truly- the song was a perfect fit for his voice or maybe he's just that good. That boy can SANG (no I didn't mean to type sing- when its really good I say SANG). I got to carry white roses with some other flowers (sorry Mom I don't know what they were)-wonderfully fragrant and beautiful color and nicely arranged. My Mom commented on how nice and down to earthJeanette was and how friendly her sister Diane was. Well duh, would I be friends with meanies??? Tee hee. That was nice of my Mom and Dad to come help with the kids and get to meet everyone.

Okay. I'd intended to type out the DSM Reg. list of 100 things to eat in Iowa before you die list, but I gotta get back to work.

Smiles,
Jennifer

Happy Hooneymooing to Jeanette and David- the wedding was elegant (but not stuffy) and beautiful.

This will be a quick posting b/c I get to go out with Missy and Steven tonight to celebrate my and Steven's b-days. We are going to eat at Hickory Park, then for dessert (trumpet blast please) the newly openend Stone Cold Creamery, and then to the Devil Wears Prada.
I will blog about the wedding (which deserves details) hopefully tomorrow. It was utterly beautiful! the dresses, the flowers, the music, the people, etc. Jeanette (the bride) is always gorgeous, but her dress, tiara and veil accentuated her features and coloring- nicely done I say.
So... tune in tomorrow.

Smiles,
Jennifer

8 Below-a touching tale based on a true story (these are typically my favs-almost always if it's based on a true story I'll not only watch it, but love it and tell anyone who will listen about it-except creepy true stories). Cannon was a supportive soul and stayed up until midnight on Monday watching it with me. Now I want to know more about the dogs and the master.
Also watched the last episode of Pepper Dennis on WB b/c CW is not picking this show up which is stupid if you ask me and Jewel 'cuz we really liked the show. Even though Jewel and I had decided to boycott Rebecca Romani (however her name is spelled) because she divorced our beloved John Stamos (from Full House days), but after watching the show just once we were hooked-not only was the pilot episode good ,but it just kept getting better! There are too many stupid shows that CW picked up and then dropped Pepper. However, our beloved Reba will continue so I'm pleased. Did anyone hear news on what will occur with 7th Heaven-which characters will stay,etc.? John Stamos is slated to be on ER this fall-so I'll be tunning in for that.
Hum.. having stabbing pain in my back on and off today-I'm getting old I think. It hurts a lot when its there, but then it goes away quickly.
Watched the fireworks with Wilds-a lot of fun. Kids did sparklers and rolled down the hill. Miss safety me was on high alert all evening until I let my guard down and then Maddy fell, but I think she is okay.
On schedule for this evening-dishes, lots of them and I hope exercising.
Smiles,
Jennifer

Alrighty so I'm flipping mad today. There is still no news on when K&B can bring Alex home. Some Guatamelan gov'ment thing. All of the missionaries who serve in this area are overwhelmed by the children and families who need not only spiritual help, but have grave physical and material needs. Katie and Bill have saved up money, given a lot of time, energy, prayers and love for their son. He is their son BRING HIM HOME! So please pray cuz I'm getting mad. Okay.. I think I'm done venting for today, but I'm still simmering and my ulcer is starting up so I may vent more later so please bare with me.

I did not get a s'book page done. The kids and I cleaned and ran errands. We started a spot for all of the "wedding stuff" -make up, gift, card, accessories. etc. I'm going to try to gather all of the kid's stuff before I pack up the car on Thursday. Alright I made casserole and Jewel is trying to dish it up herself I'd better go help. Also, we still may do fireworks and S'Mores with Maddy and her family tonight, but we're all gettin a little worn out.

Smiles!!!!!! and PLEASE pray if God's will Alex can arrive soon and for patience and peace for esp. Katie and Bill and all of us.
Jennifer

The fam and I went to see Superman Returns yesterday. Jewel, Cannon and I LOVED it! while Frank (being the comic book purist he is ) liked all of it except on aspect which he insisted on focusing on :)-grumpy old man. However, after some reflection and IMing his buds he was in a stellar mood the remainder of the evening. Let me just say again; I LOVED Superman Returns. I was so pumped for X-3, but actually liked Superman more-then again as Frank always says, "The key to life is low expectations".
Bought some zucchini bread (for Jewel), pumpkin bread (for Cannon) and rhubarb bread (for Frank) at the farmer's market on Saturday. We've been going on Saturdays for a couple of weeks now and Cannon is addicted to the pumpkin bread; I'm so excited there is something half way good for him that he eats-I keep buying it. I hope to make banana bread this week; I have my Mom's good recipe and have managed to only mess it up once several times of making it.
Our plans for the 4th of July. Cleaning, exercising (me), i HOPE to complete or start a scrapbook page and maybe if the kids are shining examples of Puritan children we will go to the parade at 11ish and if they continue to be good- to Wild's that evening to watch fireworks and eat S'Mores.
Frank and I spoiled ourselves this weekend. We did carry out for a newer restaurant called Buckets (Italian and what not)-we loved and not very spendy at all. I didn't care for the bread though- it was called sweet cheese bread and too sweet for me(when I want sweet I do , but when I don't). Frank went out with his friends (looser he missed the sleepover fun). I loved the spaghetti (I know and its not even Barilla pasta) and the Caesar salad was DIVINE! The kids had Maddy for a sleepover Friday night-they seemed to have a lot of fun. We watched Dharma and Greg re-runs and ate popcorn with Parmeasan cheese. The kids love Madison and fight over "whose turn is it to play with her?". I also got a long walk in on Friday so that was terrific. I am amazed by lightening bugs and the corn field next to our house is a vacation home for these bugs I think because they congregate there. One night I even got the kids out of bed to come and look at the field. Mad, Cannon, Jewel and I watched them again on Friday night. A lady at work was telling a chilling tale of how she and her son fed lighting bugs to his tadpoles and frogs- I had to leave it grossed me out. Every creature should be vegetarian if you ask me-eating flesh YUCK!
So funny thing-on Sunday (me A.M., Jewel mid-afternoon and Frank late a'noon) we all had headaches except Cannon which is a blessing but also a little ironic! I think mine was sinuses with the change in weather and Jewel's was mild dehydration and lack of sleep from too much partying with G'ma Kris. (thank you Kris by the way. It's always Frank that wants date night, but Saturday I asked him if we could go out 'cuz I needed it so last minute Kris took the kids and Frank and I went to Outback Steakhouse- very good blooming onion and salad-they serve this tangy tomato dressing that is to die for (thanks Sara-she told me about the dressing). I read a fluff Christian romance novel (thanks for telling me about these Katie) we came home and relaxed. I planned on some down alone time Sunday A.M., but then ended up with the headache-oh that's what I get for skipping church, hug? Another lady and I are switching turns and the month of July is hers. In 2 weeks we plan on going to Adventurland for our family vacation (tickets courtesy of Barilla-thank you)! I only get excited about A'denturland every other year, but that's okay 'cuz we only get tickets every other year. The kids are JAZZED about A'land so hopefully it will go well.
Frank suckered me into watching Battlestar Gallatica the miniseries- I only watched about 40 min. before falling asleep, but I was getting hooked that's for sure. I didn't like it as much as Firefly. Do you all see what's happening to me? Frank is slowly turning me into a sci-fi geek. He will never VENTURE and watch genre that I watch, but I will some of his shows/movies and then I get hooked.
I decided i like my job today-one of my friends- Shirley Girl or "high society" as I call her (its a country club story) brought a mini S'Mores maker and made S'Mores at lunch time. I love my job. I'm completely gonzo for S'Mores.
I did drop material off to the new Sun.School teacher yesterday and picked up a bullentin while there. I've decided our new pastor really knows what he's doing- lots of good ideas in the bullentin. So far, I'm very impressed with he and his wife.
Okay, its a really slow day here at work , but I do have things I could do. I'm also hoping to go see Devil Wears Prada -highly recom. by my sis-in-law.
Why have none of you answered the food question of what foods do you eat to bring you comfort? What foods do you crave when your mood is down or you are sick?
Smiles,
Jennifer