Things I Like And Things I Don't

I Like

• Dipping McDonald's fries in Chick-fil-A sauce

• Freshly sharpened pencils on my desk

• Raspberries and blackberries in the fridge 

• Setting up a new month in my planner

• Looking up people from old game shows to see how their lives turned out

• Watching old game shows like Card Sharks and Match Game 76

• A big bowl of white rice with butter, salt, and pepper

• Waking up every day knowing I will soon have hot coffee with vanilla creamer

• Showering and putting on fresh pajamas after swimming

• Snoopy ambience videos on YouTube

But, I Don't Like

• Mint mixed with any other flavor

• Piles of unsorted dirty laundry 

• Walking, driving, or being outside for any length of time, January through March

• Drinking warm tap water that has been sitting in a glass for too long

• The person who decided crop tops are the one thing every woman wants to wear

• Washing my hair after I go to the salon because it won't ever look this good again

• Trends that everyone jumps on just because they are the "In" thing, ex Protein

• The dreaded "drop-in" because I need time to prepare for socializing 

How about you, my friends?

Happy Wednesday!

Billie Jo

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

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

Just Sayin'

Happy Wednesday!

BillieJo

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning! I hope that if Winter Storm Fern paid you a visit this weekend, you are safe and sound, cozy and warm. We were initially forecast to receive an excessive amount of snow here, so when I awoke yesterday around 6:30, I got up, made my coffee, and settled in, anxious to watch the snow fall as soon as the light of day appeared. I am certainly glad I did. This is what I saw. After a few more flakes and a small amount of ice, everything turned to rain. While I was disappointed, I also acknowledge that we were spared the shoveling, plowing, and power outages that so many are dealing with. If that is you, I hope you are back to normal as soon as possible.

Aside from the mass on Saturday night, we canceled all our plans. This translates to a weekend of games played together. Did you know that you can play Boggle and Pictionary with your family on Netflix? You just connect and use your phone. It is so fun! There was also reading (me), watching football (others), and napping (also me). I also finally hung the family pictures that have been in a big plastic tote since we moved in last August! I don't have a kitchen wall for them, but this one near the steps works well for everyone who came before us. These are my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Steve's parents are there also. I love having these people right near me as I go about my day.

I often share our dinners here, but did you know, we also eat lunch?? I have this thing that I become fixated on a particular meal and eat it every day for as long as I can. This is the current selection.

Another thing I share here is the beautiful sunrises. Did you know we also have sunsets???

Well, that is all for this morning. I am going to pour another cup of coffee and sit by the fire for a few minutes, just like my parents used to do. Just themselves, the quiet, and some hot coffee by a fire. Social media, cell phones, streaming services, and polarizing news media were not yet available to intrude on the cozy little life they had created. Imagine that. 

Have a cozy Monday, my friends. Stay warm!

BillieJo

Wrapping Up A January Week

January is growing on me. As a teenager sitting in Physics class, I remember thinking how long January felt. After the excitement of the holidays, January felt endless, boring, and cold. Older and wiser now, I still think January feels like a long month. Now, however, I totally embrace it. After the excitement of the holidays, January feels comforting, unrushed, and yes, still cold. Now, though, cold weather means cozy and calm. It means evenings spent inside, with warm throws, books, and movies, and home-cooked meals. I miss my morning walks and swimming outside, of course. There will be time for that soon enough. Now I live in what is, not wanting what will be.

This was indeed a January week. Deceptively sunny, yet the air was cold! I stayed home for the most part, venturing out Tuesday morning for a haircut and color. And some Dunkin coffee, of course. Shorter, because, why not?

This pretty much sums up my week.

Mocha has recovered beautifully from her teeth removal surgery. She is back to normal, and I am relieved. Oddly enough, fewer teeth have not impacted the decibel of her bark. 

Favorite meals this week included a new recipe and an old favorite.

This is a new chicken recipe, and we loved it. It's delicious and so easy. The marinade is only fresh garlic, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. For the link, click HERE.

Flynn requested lasagna, not just any lasagna, though. Grandma Flo's lasagna. Steve's mum made this, and I know I have shared it before, but I'll share it again in case you missed it. 

Grandma Flo's Lasagna

Ingredients:

1. One pound of ground beef
2. One onion, chopped
3. Salt and Pepper
4. One large jar of your favorite Pasta Sauce 
5. One box of lasagna noodles
6. One package of WHITE American Cheese slices
7. Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef with salt, pepper, and onion.
2. Drain all fat.
3. Add pasta sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain.
5. Spray the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish.
6. Cover the bottom with a thin layer of meat sauce.
7. Layer noodles and cheese slices, followed by meat sauce.
8. Cut each cheese slice into 3 strips and put one on each piece of noodle.
9. Layer until the pan is full.
10. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.
11. Bake according to directions on the lasagna noodle box.
12. Enjoy!

I hope you have a lovely weekend, my friends. If you are in the path of the winter storm, stay safe and warm! Here, we have forecasts for tons of snow, a dusting of snow, some ice, dangerous amounts of ice, rain, sleet, you name it! It is what it is, right? We are prepared either way. Thanks for reading, and see you back here Monday!

And in case you need a smile, here is a picture that I did not draw of a little mouse drinking tea.

Happy Weekend!

Billie Jo