If I Try Really Hard

 I can still...

See these sitting in my mom's kitchen cupboard...

Remember all the hours I played with this amazing dollhouse...

Taste the gritty pieces of undissolved powder in this, no matter how much I stirred...

Feel the cool, fresh feel of my favorite set of sheets...

See my sister Margie wearing one of these around her neck...

Taste the distinct taste of these special treats my mom found for us every single year...

Hear this comforting voice at the end of every weekend...

Taste the sweet crunch of these that my mom would decorate our homemade birthday cakes with...

Know the cozy, safe feeling of this, right down to the blanket...

Remember the excitement of wearing a pair of these on the first day of eighth grade, even though it was 70 degrees outside...

And remember laughing with my family every Sunday night, watching...

and

Because I had the most wonderful childhood ever.

I hope you have happy memories too.

Billie Jo

Google for the memories.

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! Welcome to March, where the bright sunshine tempts us to get up off the couch and get outside, but the winter weather isn't ready to give in yet. So, even while the sun shines, the cold air reminds us that we can stay inside, cozy by the fire, for just a bit longer.

We can pretend, however, like I did with an iced coffee my son brought, who knows my Starbucks order even if I don't. For the record, it is a vanilla sweet cream cold brew, and it is delicious.

The weekend was fun and quiet. And fun. Friday, Kyrstin treated us to an underrated Lenten staple, in my opinion: McDonald's Fish Filet-O-Fish sandwich. I know it isn't healthy or packed with protein or whatever is popular this week, but it is good, and everything in moderation, right? Saturday, I did laundry, and then we went to mass. After mass, Steve, FLynn, and I went out for pizza and then to see this at the theatre...

This is who we went to see in concert last fall, and this movie was a behind-the-scenes look at this incredible band and their love of making music. I must say that I learned a very valuable lesson about judging and preconceived notions when Flynn started listening to Twenty One Pilots a few years ago. Suffice it to say that I won't be judging based on appearance any time soon. I absolutely love their music and its message, as well as the values of these two young men. And did I mention I love their music? 

I don't have any more photos from the weekend, but if I did, they would be absolutely fascinating: Me folding laundry and attempting to carry folded laundry to my room. Me refolding laundry after it falls on the floor, me enjoying actual phone calls with two special people, me playing Spades on my phone, me giving in and washing the Dutch Oven that sat in the sink overnight while Steve and I played mental Stratego, waiting to see who would cave and finally wash it. Me, taking a Sunday afternoon nap, which is indeed a form of self care. 

Today, Flynn and I will homeschool, and that is all that is on the schedule. Not sure about dinner yet. Steve is doing a lot of the cooking, and I am so thankful. Steve does not meal plan quite as religiously as I do, so I am learning to go with the flow, which is not a bad thing. And I greatly benefit from his newfound interest in cooking, so there's that. 

I will close by acknowledging the global developments that occurred over the past weekend. While I choose to remain silent here, please know my heart is heavy, and I join so many others in praying for the one thing I believe is necessary in our world today: peace. I pray for all our leaders and decision-makers, as well as for our active military and their families.

Have a lovely Monday, my friends. Allow yourself some grace. Do something for you today. Eat the cookie. Take the nap. Call that friend. Bake that cake. Take the walk. Treat yourself!

Billie Jo

The Last February Friday

Hello! And Happy Friday! If January seemed long, February made up for it, because I am struggling to believe it is March this weekend. I did, however, concede, as proven by this picture of Mocha snuggled in my Snoopy Shamrock blanket. 

 

March means Easter is not far behind, and I love a good, festive treat, so when I saw these at Walmart, I grabbed a couple and tucked them into my cabinet. They are Duncan Hines, my favorite brand, and they are so cute!

This week, we had fun playing a newly recognized game called "Where is Little Cosmo Right Now?" He never hides; rather, he just goes and sits somewhere waiting for someone to notice.

                                                                     

If you are looking for a delicious and easy meal for the weekend, I got you. I have made these before, and they are good! They are crockpot French Dip Sandwiches.

First, grab your crockpot and spray it with olive or avocado oil. Then add the meat.

Next, slice an onion or two and throw them in on top.

Throw in some minced garlic, 

Sprinkle in some onion soup mix, and pour beef broth over everything. Let it cook all day long.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Rhett suggested we put the Provolone cheese on the rolls, then toast them in the oven for a bit before taking them out and adding the meat and the shredded cheese. Good call! We had them with fries, sweet potato fries, and fresh pineapple. Delicious!

And what is a good dinner without dessert? Madison made and brought this delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie!

Amazing.

After dinner each night, we watch The Chosen. It is the first time for all of us, and we are loving it. 

And this week, we also began watching Survivor Season 50. 

I cannot suggest watching TV together as a family enough. Rather than scattering to places all over the house after dinner, why not gather and spend some time together? 

Well, I am off to pour another cup of hot coffee and watch the snow melt outside my window. This weekend, I am going to snuggle in and catch up on my blog readings. We also have mass, and then Steve, Flynn, and I are going to the movies! Sunday, I have nothing! This opens up a myriad of possibilities: reading, baking, tidying, napping, and possibly even taking a walk. We will see! 

Whatever your plans, my friends, enjoy. And I will see you back here on Monday!

Thanks for stopping in!

BillieJo

Here is the recipe for the sandwiches. It is not mine. I purchased it on a subscription from an Instagram account. I can't remember the name.

Things I No Longer Do

1. I no longer own more than three sets of sheets for our bed. Gone are the days of sheets for every holiday and season. I now have three sets of sheets, all white. I don't have the energy for a closet full of chaos anymore.

2. I no longer allow myself to feel any sort of way about the life I choose to live. I realize now that I can live my life the way I choose, and others are free to criticize me for that if they feel the need.

3. I no longer care if something is marked "Not Dishwasher Safe." I will take my chances.

4. I no longer vacuum because it is Friday. I like lists and make them, but I don't let them override my common sense. If the floor isn't dirty, it doesn't need to be cleaned. This realization is a perk of aging, and I am here for it.

5. I no longer watch the news daily. I do not need that kind of negativity in my life. News spreads quickly, and if something happens that I need to know, I can check in then. Or not.

6. I no longer worry about repairing relationships that drained the life right out of me. Trying to support, comfort, and be there for someone unable or unwilling to do the same for you is toxic, and it is really alright to admit that, wish them well, and move forward.

7. I no longer apologize or downplay my superpower. I own it.

8. I no longerhave to put the house to bed at night. I have a sweet teenage daughter who folds all the blankets, arranges the pillows, unplugs the lights, empties the dishwasher, and takes out the trash after I go to bed. And I am thankful.

9. I no longer deny that my hero, my inspiration, is no other than Mother Bear. She is everything I want to be. Well, except for the not being human part. 

Happy Wednesday!

Billie Jo