Made it Monday

Still adjusting to the new life we have with me working. As for the job, I LOVE it so far. I am really excited to get into the nitty gritty of actual work now that I have that usual first week stuff done and over with.

Because last week was crazy with the usual school and gymnastics stuff we definitely went easy on dinners. One we had was made with the new Kraft Fresh Takes. We did pork chops with the Cheddar Jack and Bacon Fresh Take. It was so yummy. I forgot to take a picture of the dinner, but I do have a picture of the Fresh Take so you will know what to look for. I'm pretty sure there is a coupon on the Kraft website for them as well. It was something quick and easy to do and everyone loved them.

Something great about these also is that on the inside they have the directions for the typical chicken, pork chop, fish ideas, but also for ideas for twice baked potatoes and meatballs among other things. They are in the dairy area with the shredded cheese. I got ours at Wal-Mart for around $2.00 and 1 package did 5 good size pork chops. I believe there are 6 different "flavors" to choose from, including a more Italian and more Mexican aimed flavors.

If you try one let me know what you think.

I was not paid by Kraft for this post. All opinions are my own.

Me in A-Z

A. Age: 35
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore that you hate: Sweeping and moping floors. I really have no idea why I hate that chore!
D. Dogs: None. I miss our puppies we had.
E. Essential start to your day: Brushing my teeth!
F. Favorite color: Pink
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 5’1" on a good day
I. Instruments you play: None. I love music and took piano lessons when I was younger, but couldn't play a thing now.
J. Job title: Mom, Walking School Bus Liaison, Pink Owl owner, Admin Asst 
K. Kids: 2 and an angel. Dart, 10 Audrey 6 going on 16 and Dakota our sweet angel!
L. Live: Columbia Missouri MIZZOU!
M. Mother’s name: Gail
N. Nicknames: Mom, Meggy, Maynard, MegBabe
O. Overnight hospital stays: broken arm in 3rd grade(required 2 separate stays), and having babies.
P. Pet peeves: Close minded people, bad drivers
Q. Quote from a movie: Spoken by Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail, one of my favorite movies EVER! "Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life - well, valuable, but small - and sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don't really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So good night, dear void"
R. Right or left handed: Right handed.
S. Siblings: 2 sisters and 1 brother
U. Underwear: Yes.
V. Vegetable you hate: Only really strange things and beets.
W. What makes you run late: Kids not moving in the morning.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Dental, 2 broken arms
Y. Yummy food that you make: Lots!
Z. Zoo animal: Monkeys, Penguins and Tigers. Audrey loves monkeys, Dart loves Penguins and I love the Tigers.

12 on 12 April

Top Row:Started following Betty White on Twitter(LOVE her!), catching up on Body of Proof episodes on Hulu, my report from blood work done for my new job, HAPPY mail from Stacy Julian(my prize I won on her blog).
Middle Row:Banners ready to go in the mail, taking the comforter and mattress cover to be washed, a trip to the bank, Walking School Bus in the morning.
Bottom Row:Price of gas, temperature, book I'm currently reading, to do list. The pictures on this row I've decided to do every month on the 12th. I didn't do them all in Jan or Feb I don't think, but I think now is as good a time as any. Excited to see them at the end of the year.
 

Tuesday Tops

This week is all about things I've read on the web recently(last month or so) that I've bookmarked to go back and read again!

For all my mom readers, this article is a great reminder that we are all trying our best.

15 Things You Should Give Up to Be Happy. Easier said than done on most of them, but a great place to start.

From "The Clear-Minded Creative" Spring-Clean Your Routine.

Getting + Staying in the Creative Flow. I have gone back and read this one several times already!

Working Through Creative Fear by Ali Edwards. Many of the creative articles I read are because of her.

From the Tiny Twig blog, "100 Golden No's".

Any great articles you've read recently I should know about?

Made it Monday

Haven't planned the menu for this week yet, but wanted to share this with you.

YUM!!! Easiest way to describe this dinner. I've had this pinned for a while and decided to add it to the menu this last week. It will go into the rotation. Super easy and SUPER Yummy! Found it on this blog.

Mexican Dorito Casserole
Serves 4-6

2 c. shredded cooked chicken
1 c. shredded cheese (or more if you are a cheese hound)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (canned tomatoes with jalepenos-mild)
1/2 packet taco seasoning (or more- to taste)
Bag of doritos

1. Pre-heat oven to 350-f degrees.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except doritos.

3. In a greased 2 qt baking dish, put a layer of crushed doritos (about 2 cups), then a layer of the chicken mixture. Repeat once more, ending with a layer of chicken mixture. Top with more shredded cheese, cover, and bake for 30-35 minutes, till bubbling hot.

Missing Him

26 years ago today my Dad passed away. I was only 9 at the time, but I still remember the day like it was yesterday.

One of my favorite pictures from my childhood. This was taken at the Grand Canyon at "my tree". Not sure how this became my tree, but every time we went we had to take a picture at this tree. Last time I was at the Grand Canyon was when we scattered my grandma's(my dad's mom) ashes.

Hope everyone has a blessed Sunday and give your loved ones an extra hug today!

Tuesday Tops

A friend posted this article on Facebook sometime last week and WOW!!! I think we all deal with some if not all of these at some time.

Last week there were 2 issues on the ballot for Columbia schools. One being a bond issue and the other a tax levy. Both passed!!! I am so happy they both passed.

I start my new job on Monday the 16th. I will still be doing all my Pink Owl stuff, but this opportunity was perfect.  I will be an administrative assistant in the Endocrinology Department at University Hospital. I'm excited, the hours are perfect and it's going to be a great thing!

Yesterday I got an email from THE STACY JULIAN informing me I won a giveaway on her blog! I'm so excited. I get a scanning package from ScanCafe.  I'm really excited. First I never win anything!! Second I have lots of pictures that are from my dad's childhood that I would love to be preserved better.

Speaking of pictures there is a great new(at least to me) site called 1000memories. You can upload pictures and then add other people so they can help you figure out the story behind the picture.