Friday and Brrrrr!

Good Friday morning! This is where I am as I type this today. I miss the Christmas tree, but am enjoying this cozy little spot by the fire. Clearly, I am not in the picture, and this would be because the world is a pretty scary place, and I don't need to add to that! It is far too early for me to look anything less than scary!

This week went quickly, I think. It was sunny, but deceptively quite cold. Sitting inside by the window, I thought about going for a walk. Upon walking outside, however, I quickly reevaluated that decision. But warmer days are coming. And the mornings are light now. It won't be long before my daily walks are a thing again. After this weekend, of course. Yikes!

This week's meals were amazing and delicious! And...not made by me. Steve made some delicious Chicken Parmesan Meatballs from a recipe Peyton sent him. They were so good! We paired them with angel hair pasta and a salad. 

Kyrstin made dinner one night, and it was so good. I was actually very tired that day, and had not even started anything when I came out of my room to find she was making one of our family favorites for those nights when you don't want to cook... Chicken tenders, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Spirals, peas, and applesauce. I always have those on hand so you can whip up a comfort meal quickly. I appreciated that meal so much that I didn't even wait to take a picture.

Last night we had another delicious meal at Madison's. She made a Bolognese pasta with a salad and fresh bread. It was so good. She had us over for Draper's birthday. Their little pup is six! And he is the sweetest dog. He was so happy that all his friends could come to the party.

Well. I have to get going. There is enough in the pot for one more cup of coffee. After that, there will be no stopping me today. Well, maybe this afternoon after school. I may be stopped then. Before I go, though, I must share a few photos from right outside the glass doors from the very first picture I posted today. Steve took this yesterday, as we were just sitting here visiting. I think you will like this, Ginny!

And lastly, no matter how cold, or tired, or anxious I am some mornings, I cannot help but be reassured and calmed by this right outside my window.

I like to think of it as a beautiful painting by the strokes of God's brush, reminding us that He is so much bigger than anything here. And to just slow down and appreciate the day.

Have a cozy weekend, my friends. Stay warm. Stay cozy. Enjoy the Super Bowl, the Olympics, or that old movie you've watched so many times but are watching again. Take a nap. Bake some cookies. Call a friend. Just...Do You!

Billie Jo

What's Coming Up?

Now that the pesky groundhog is out of the way, it is time to look ahead to the special days coming up in February. When my kids were little, and my husband was working long hours, we celebrated everything and anything during the long winter months. It wasn't elaborate, maybe cupcakes and festive paper plates, or special necklaces for Mardi Gras, which we still use, by the way, or coloring pages and a special dinner. We had fun. So much fun. In fact, we may even pull out those special Mardi Gras necklaces and eat King Cake together in a few weeks. Stay tuned! Now, mark your calendars, my friends. Here are some days you may want to remember!

Anything you are looking forward to? Have a cozy Wednesday, my friends!

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday Morning! How was your weekend? Was it as cold as it was here? Because it was cold. Not a I-need-a-heavy-coat cold. This is an it-hurts-to-breathe cold. Good thing I am an inside gal! 

Friday was my mom's birthday, her second one in Heaven. Madison wanted to celebrate her, and I was so thankful. I made one of my mom's best recipes. It is her Macaroni and Cheese, and it is delicious! We had it many Fridays growing up, especially during Lent. I know I have shared it before, but I will add it here, in case you want to try it.

Mom's Macaroni and Cheese

    Ingredients:     

 2 cups uncooked macaroni

 1 can of cheddar cheese soup

 1 8oz. can of tomato sauce

 1/4 cup butter

 1/4 cup milk

 Shredded cheddar cheese 

Directions: 

Cook macaroni according to directions. Drain. Meanwhile, stir soup, sauce, butter, and milk together over low heat. Add drained macaroni and stir well. Pour into a casserole dish sprayed with nonstick spray, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes covered. Add cheddar cheese and bake 15 more minutes, uncovered. * I do double this and bake it in a 13x9 dish.

My mom loved Boston Cream Pie, so Madison made this one from scratch. It was as delicious as it looked. I know my mom was happy. We ventured out for Mass on Saturday, and then I promptly washed my face and put on my cozy clothes the minute we returned. I took this as we crossed the bridge into town. I never tire of this view.

Yesterday, I crossed some things off the To-Do list in my planner. I changed our bedsheets, did numerous loads of laundry, vacuumed, made a meal plan, and got some groceries. Delivered, but still, I ordered them and put them away, so that's a win, right? I always feel good having a plan for dinner and a stocked fridge to start the week. I also spent some cozy time on the couch with my book and some coffee, because that is what cold winter weekends are for. I always have at least one little shadow with me, and this time it was Cosmo, who was named after Cosmo Kramer, by the way. It's the hair that fits him.

 

Well, time to get moving. Today is homeschooling, and I have a few things to do before we get started. I hope you have a wonderful Monday and stay warm and cozy! 

Billie Jo

The Final Friday Of January

And may I just say, this has felt like a very long month! Why does Christmas feel like forever ago??? Maybe because it has been cold. Like very cold. Good thing I like being inside and reading inside, and drinking coffee inside and not being outside. Because that is what I have been doing. Add in some homeschool, some laundry, and some cooking, and that was my week. Oh! I did venture out for Mocha's follow-up appointment. She was all cleared and has no restrictions. She was happy.

What exactly did I cook this week? First up, we had a family favorite that we simply call Chicken Bowls. I just put some chicken breast in the crockpot and pour a cup of salsa over it. It cooks 7 or 8 hours on low, and then I shred it. We add rice, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and Greek yogurt. 

I also made another family favorite this week: tuna and noodles. I know this is a controversial meal, and some people don't care for it, but believe me, my kids absolutely love it! I have shared the recipe before, but if you missed it, here it is again.

Tuna and Noodles

Ingredients

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups milk
• ⅓ stick of butter (about 2½ tablespoons)
• 1 can (7 oz) tuna, drained
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 3 slices of cheese (e.g., American or cheddar)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

• Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• In the same pot, combine the milk and butter over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts.
• Add the drained tuna and cream of mushroom soup to the pot, stirring to combine.
• Mix in the cooked noodles, then add the cheese slices, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese melts, and everything is well combined.
• Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Garnish with parsley before serving.

And then, because Valentine's Day is coming up, we had a little pre-Valentine's Day dinner. Tyson makes these cute and delicious heart-shaped chicken nuggets. I made macaroni and cheese and a tossed salad. This is the most delicious macaroni and cheese recipe ever! Click right HERE.

And because it was National Chocolate Cake Day, Flynn made a delicious chocolate cake. 

And Peyton sent us a picture of her chocolate cake, too! 

Well, we are supposed to have some more very cold weather and possibly some snow this weekend. If you need me, you know where to find me! 

Happy Weekend, my friends! And Happy February!

Billie Jo