Monday Morning Coffee

 

Good Monday morning! I hope you had a lovely weekend! Our weekend was nice here, and yep. You guessed it. Cold! We bundled up and headed to Mass, but we returned home right after to warm up! I don't like the cold, but I try to remind myself that soon enough, I will be complaining that it is too hot. So, there's that. 

Here is the photo of the beautiful view we have as we ride into town for Mass. I love it every single time.

In other news, we had the most delicious spread of food last night! Steve picked up some pizza; Rhett got some delicious, fresh, soft tacos from his favorite place and made Oreo Balls. Kyrstin made everyone's favorite Buffalo Chicken dip. Madison and Nico brought an amazingly good pan of homemade macaroni and cheese, and I added a fresh salad. Apparently, there was a big football game on, so we had that on too. LOL Congratulations to the Seahawks fans! And to the Patriots fans, as a Steelers fan, I feel your pain. 

Madison made cake! Pumpkin with cream cheese icing!

And it is delicious!

Before the food and fun, I checked off the items on my Sunday list in my planner. I recently started doing this because I realized I was doing random things on Saturday and then doing more things on Sunday. I felt as if I was never fully done or ready for the week, and I also felt I was missing the point of having a day to simply be and rest. I made a list of things I did or wanted to do to feel ready for a brand-new week. 

I know I have this list to work on Sunday, so Saturday is free for rest, relaxation, and Mass. I don't put pressure on myself to complete everything, and if it doesn't get done, I move it to Monday. But so far, so good! I asked Chat for some images of how I spent my day yesterday. 

And there you have it. Straight from an unknown artificial intelligence source that I truly will never understand. Nor do I want to. Because as much as I like to play around on it, Chat totally creeps me out. And it concerns me how it will be used by some in the future. 

Now I am off to pour one more cup of coffee, wait for Steve to wake up, and get started on my day. Flynn and I have school today, and thanks to last night, we have leftovers for dinner. I have laundry to do as well, and I am sure we will watch the Olympics tonight. I hope you have a cozy February day, my friends. Thank you for visiting!

Billie Jo

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