Friday Photos??

Do you ever get ready to write a post and check your camera roll for pictures, only to find you have hardly any? That is me today, my friends. That may be a good thing because it means I am living without needing to document everything. Either that, or I really didn't do much that prompted documentation! I do have one, and it makes me so happy.

We love spending time with Peyton and Chris while we are here! Last night, we went to Habichi in town. It was delicious and so much fun.

Other things happening around here are sorting mail, homeschooling on the couch, and watching movies. We decided to watch all the Mission Impossible movies in preparation for the final one coming out next month. I somehow managed to miss all the years of this movie franchise, and when Flynn suggested we watch them, I couldn't believe the first one was in 1996! I have only seen the most recent one, and am very excited to see this unfold. 

Well, I am off. Have a wonderful weekend! Chilly and rainy here!

Billie Jo

April Snow Showers??

Hello, my friends, on this chilly April Wednesday morning! We arrived Monday evening and were greeted by this pretty lake view as we got near our house. Yes, it was snowing. But who cares, right? April snow doesn't last. And you know me. Snowy and cold = cozy!

Cozy it was. Steve and Flynn unloaded the van, while I unloaded the dogs. We turned on the heat, ordered a pizza, and settled in for the night. Yesterday was our first appointment...

The dentist! All went well, and I am happy to report that our "Four Kids-No Cavities" streak continues! I really think it is genetics, but I also credit the fact that our kids never ate much candy. We like our chocolate, but not the typical, hard, sugary candy or sugary soda. So there's that! 

Peyton and Christopher came for dinner last night, and we were so happy to see them! I had put an easy go-to recipe in the crockpot earlier in the day, and it was delicious. It's just chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, with some cubes of butter put in the crockpot. Then, you combine equal parts cream of chicken soup and chicken broth and pour over the chicken. I cooked it on low for about seven hours, shredded it, and then added some cooked egg noodles. I had some frozen rolls in the freezer and added some fresh green beans with avocado oil and garlic salt. It was a good, comfy meal for a cold night. After we visited by the fire, we enjoyed Peytons fantastic dessert!

That was our first day back. Thank you all for the words of support and prayers. This blogging world is a wonderful place where one can find beautiful friends from all over who understand things like anxiety over a doctor's appointment and don't judge! Have a wonderful Wednesday, my friends! 

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! I hope your weekend was just what you wanted it to be. We had a lovely, cozy weekend at the condo. Steve, Flynn, and I had a fun Friday night with takeout and TV. We went to mass on Saturday, and Madison and Nicolas joined us for dinner. After dinner, we finished the new season of one of our favorite shows, Love on the Spectrum. Yesterday, Rhett and  Kyrstin came for lunch, and we played Trivial Pursuit. After that, we tidied the condo and drove across the bridge back home. We hadn't planned anything for dinner, so I whipped up one of our favorite go-to meals, grilled cheese and tomato soup. It was the perfect end to a cozy weekend. 

One night last week, we had a nice family dinner, and Rhett offered to bring dessert. And bring dessert he did! He arrived with creme brulee cheesecake bars! They were delicious! He even broiled the sugar on top in the oven. He got the recipe from this amazing cookbook! And yes, while I watched him serve them, I couldn't help but think back to what seems like yesterday when he and Peyton helped me stir a big bowl of brownie batter, and then sat on their yellow Little Tikes chairs to watch them bake in the oven. 

Today, we are heading back to Pennsylvania for a couple of weeks. We look forward to spending time with Peyton and Chris and checking some of those pesky appointments off our lists. You know how I feel about doctor appointments. Although I have come a very long way with my Health Anxiety, I certainly do not look forward to these appointments. I do, however, realize their importance. And so I will say some prayers and get them over with! 

Have a lovely Monday, my friends. Thank you for visiting. Have a cozy, spring day! 

Billie Jo

The Week That Was

 

Spring weather!

Jeep selfies!

Cozy evenings.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!

Billie Jo

Would You Believe...

I am much more bothered by skunks than snakes?

I have had the same Subway/Jersey Mike's Order for thirty-five years?

( Ham and cheese on white with lettuce, tomato, salt, and pepper. )

I choose cottage cheese over French fries every time?

One of my very favorite scents is vinegar?

I absolutely hate being in the sun. I hate being hot. I hate being sweaty. 

I only write with one type of pen?

( Sakura Pigma Micron, size 05 )

I have an illogical fear of bleach and never have it in my house?

And I think Jiffy Raspberry Muffins are delicious?

It's all true. 

I swear!

Have a good day, my friends.

Thanks for stopping by!

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

 

Good Monday morning! The sun is shining here, but we may see some strong thunderstorms later this afternoon. Today is quiet and ordinary, with homeschooling, light housework, and dinner. Sometimes I think back to when I had four children at home, and the blissful chaos that filled our days. I miss that time in my life, but I am thankful that I appreciate and enjoy the slower season I live in now. 

Over the weekend, I rearranged a few things in the kitchen. Here is what I ended up with, and it will stay for a while. We'll see!

Have a happy Monday, my friends!

Billie Jo

What I Am...

 Seeing

Eating

Wearing

Smelling

Loving

Missing

Thinking

Remembering

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!

See you Monday!

Billie Jo

(Google for the images.)

This Or That: Spring Edition!

 It's spring! 

What kind of spring day is your favorite?

A bright, sunny day... 

Or a rainy, cozy one?

Are you going to sit on the porch and read a good book...

Or take a long walk after dinner?

Are you so ready for spring days filled with flowers and sun...

Or are you already looking forward to some dark, cozy ones?

Are you dreaming of hamburgers on the grill...

Or delicious pasta with spring vegetables?

And one more for fun...

Are you a fan of Bewitched...

Or I Dream of Jeannie?

Happy Wednesday, my friends!

Billie Jo

P.S.

1. I will always choose a rainy, cozy day. 

2. A good book on the porch wins every single time.

3. I am already thinking of fall, sorry!

4. All the pasta, please!

5. Love I Dream of Jeannie. My sister had the bottle with the doll inside!

(Google and Pinterest for the fun.)