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January 9, 2014

Weekend Plans

This weekend is going to be a redo of last weekend. We did not get to my dad's last Friday due to the frigid temperatures, as well as a little lady who had the sniffles. We didn't have homemade spaghetti either, as Madison had Confirmation class on Sunday evening and some friends in and out all weekend. So, we rescheduled and are going to try again! Friday we are going to visit my Dad, who has been doing so much better thanks to some wonderful doctors and recent medication changes. My mother has been staying with my sister there, and has been able to visit him everyday. I am so happy for the time they are spending together. : )

Saturday is free and I am planning on doing a whole lot of nothing. That and some small organization projects that I always feel like doing at the start of a new year. Saturday we have Mass at 5:00, followed by a promised trip to the Chinese restaurant. Then its home to jammies, the couch, movies, and tea. Just try and keep up with the excitement that is my life. ; )

Sunday I am indeed putting on a big pot of sauce, mixing up some meatballs, and watching football with my little family. We are having our friend Father Jim over for dinner...that I promised him way back in August...so Peyton will be making dessert. Any thoughts on apple vs. cherry pie?

So that is our weekend. I hope yours is warmer!!!, and cozy, and yummy, whatever your plans may be. Thanks for visiting!

Still posting Christmas vacation pics...this one is from baking day! : )

A quick phone picture from a Christmas week dinner where a certain little lady helped me with dessert...

and then snuggled with her Daddy.

Our Happy New Year party table all set...

and our yummy spread too! We had lemon and Italian shrimp, meat, cheese, and crackers. and hot crab dip with toasted bread. : )

My Madison had fun with favorite friends who were home for not-long-enough...My niece and Madison's sweet friend Carly was home from college, and Madison's best friend since preschool Jeffrey was home from the big city! I loved having all these young people gathered in our home!

Last weekend, my die hard 49ers fan was happy with the results of the football game...

while others could have cared less. : )

Happy January Weekend, friends!

January 8, 2014

Our Favorite Fudge

I know...with the holidays just behind us, the last thing you probably want is another recipe for something sweet. I have to share this, though...it is just that good. And easy. And good. : ) And I've been known to pick out and use my leftover red Hershey kisses and make it again for Valentine's Day. ; ) I believe I found this in a magazine years ago...Enjoy!

Our Favorite Fudge

Ingredients:

One 12 oz. bag semisweet chocolate chips
One 12 oz. bag milk chocolate chips
One 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
Two tablespoons milk
Two teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Over low heat melt semisweet chocolate chips with 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk, one tablespoon milk, and one teaspoon vanilla.
Spread into foil lined 9 inch square pan.
Over low heat melt milk chocolate chips with remainder of sweetened condensed milk, one tablespoon milk, and one teaspoon vanilla.
Pour and spread over fudge in pan.
Refrigerate until firm, then cut into squares after peeling from foil.

January 6, 2014

Keepin' It Real...Around The House

It occurred to me a few days ago, as I glanced up at the light fixture in our upstairs hallway, that perhaps I could keep it real here with a few pictures of my not-so-perfect home. I admit, I am a bit OCD about keeping our home neat and clean and organized. That is just how my mind works and it is just how I function best. No excuses. That being said, I must admit, my house is not always perfectly clean. Or organized. I mean, six people and a dog live here and as I have aged, I have been blessed with becoming much more relaxed. And here is the proof... I'm just keeping it real here, my friends...be warned!

The one that started it all...I glanced up and saw the numerous cobwebs adorning the light fixture and a burnt out bulb as well. And guess what? It still looks exactly like this. ; )

This is a peek inside Peyton's room. Madison sleeps here as well...and guess which bed she sleeps in? This picture illustrates two things actually...the polar opposites that are my girls, and the fact that I actually leave unmade beds in my home. Sometimes.

Laundry room. On a good day.

This poor little old corner always seems to miss the Swiffer parties.

And our family room on any given night. This one actually makes me happy. I dread the day when toys no longer cover my carpet, and all the blankets remain perfectly folded.

So there you have it...a peek inside my home...

Thanks for sticking it out!

January 4, 2014

Notes From The Schoolroom...December 2013

December in the schoolroom came and went quickly, as December tends to do. : ) We had a productive month, with holiday food and fun sprinkled throughout.

Madison is still enjoying Consumer Math and is learning about checking accounts and statements. I am an ace at that math skill. I actually love to do my checkbook statement every month. Its the little things, folks. : )

Peyton is working on poetry in Language Arts and is doing quite well. She really enjoys History and is learning about early America.

Rhett is actually working on beginning Geometry concepts in his Math course as well. It is actually not that bad, because Peyton is able to lend a hand. He is also enjoying Spanish more that I thought he would. He is really quite good at it!

My little Flynn was excited to learn her very last Letter Friend. We completed letter recognition, and now will work on sounds and formation. She also enjoyed working on some fun Christmas Crafts.

Things I'm loving...