We had a very nice day yesterday. I went thru some cookbooks found recipes to try, won an apron off of Ebay , did normal house chores, and went to Trader Joe’s. Monique had to go to the library after school (she is working there) but once Brian got home the festivities began.   On went the Irish music and then later a movie  based in Ireland while I got the irish soda bread ready.  ( I never did make the brownies for dessert , I just ran out of steam-happens more often with the allergies, so we just had ice cream-which no one complained about )

Everyone really enjoyed the dinner.

Here’s what we had:

And here we are just being us:

(Brian said my lime green sweat shirt didn’t count as green. )

Looks like we have a “Manly Hanley” nite planned (March 28th).  That’s a nite when a few guy freinds of Brian’s get together at my house for dinner and a movie.  Us ladies (me and the girls)  have a movie nite of our own upstairs in my room where we also have a picnic on the floor so not to disturb the men.  It’s a good thing.

I’m not sure what’s on my agenda for the day, except for the regular stuff and a trip to the grocery store. I’m gonna go dress shopping later in the week but I might go to Wal-mart today to get the stuff I need to start my seeds indoors.

Oh and the doctor called last nite and said that Megan had strep throat!  I was really surprised because she seemed so well!  So after picking up Monique and the library I picked up her medicine. 

Hope you all have a blessed day in Him!

Jenn

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!    

I’ve got my corned beef and cabbage cooking in the crock pot  ! 

  I’ve got carrots and potatoes in the there  too.  I will also be making my mother-in-law’s irish soda bread and we’ll have ice cream sandwiches made with brownies and chocolate chip mint ice cream for dessert.  Are you having anything special in honor of the day?

Except for my allergies (which aren’t too bad today yet)  the weekend was pretty good. I managed to get a fair amount of stuff done despite myself.  

I have many things I would like to get done this week but haven’t quite figured out when I’m going to get it all done.  I want to start some seeds in doors.  I’m thinking some herbs and some morning glories.  One year I planted some morning glories in front of my house and they climbed up a lamp post and just looked beautiful there. I’d like to see if I could get that done again.   I also need to go dress shopping for my brother’s wedding (which is in May, which is in Jamaica.) Plus all the other normal running around and weekly chores. 

Well, better go figure out my day.    Hope you have a great one.  

   Jenn   

Good Morning!

Megan doesn’t have the chicken pox.  She has some virus.  So we are just treating her with some antibacterial ointment.   She was allowed to go to school today.

The day has already been busy.  Monique needed to be at school at 6:45 this morning.  She is going to another school for a fine arts competition.  She is reciting Psalm 139.

So I got up at 4:45 am (the time I always get up) made coffee (for hubby), emptied the dishwasher, made his lunch, and then sat down with him for a few minutes before he is off to work.  After he left I took my shower, (Monique was already up at this point and getting ready for school) then made Megan’s lunch (Monique made her’s the nite before)  and got the other two girls up.  Then they got dressed and we were off the school to drop off Monique. 

We got home, I made breakfast for the other girl’s while they made their beds.  The girls ate, we had family worship and then finished getting ready (I made my bed).  Then off to school again and now I’m home , had breakfast and am finishing a cup of tea as a type. 

My allergies are really bothering me.  My headaches, and throat is sore and I’m going to have to be really pushing myself to get things done today.  Maybe one of those work a little, rest a little days.

It’s gonna be nice here most of the day, high of 54°.

Hope you all have a blessed one.

Jenn

 Good Morning!

Hope everyone is well this morning.  We are doing pretty well except for allergies and Megan has some weird dots on her face.  I’m hoping it’s not the chicken pox (especially since she had the vaccine.)  She has a couple on one of her hands too. But they are not bothering her. So I kept her home from school and we’ll have to make a trip to the doctors.

It’s a bit overcast this morning with the sun trying to come out.  According to the weather report the sun will win     and our high should be around 46°

The cookbook I’m reading (see above) is really interesting.   I love reading cookbooks, especially ones that include stories and histories with the recipes.  There are quite a few I want to try.  I’ll share if any come out really well.

I’m not sure what will be on my agenda today, beside my daily chores and laundry.  I planned on finishing up the grocery shopping (I’m going to 4 stores to get the specials this week to stick to my budget, I’ve already been to 2) and a few other errands  but I won’t be going anywhere but the doctor’s, if Megan is contagious.  So I’ll just have to wait and see. 

Well, gonna go see if the doctor is in.  She may not be in until 10:00. 

Have a great day!

Jenn

EDIT:  The doctor’s not in until 11:00! 

Good Morning! 

Here is the tag from Amy:

Instructions for the game:

1) Link to the person that tagged you:  Wild4surfing (Amy)

2) Post the rules on your blog. (check!)

3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.  (see below).

4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.

5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

1) When I’m not watching my carbs  there is nothing better then peanut butter on a toasted onion bagel!

2)  Seeing a red cardinal on a dull grey day never fails to bring a smile to my face (Think of that movie called “Pleasantville”)

3) I have no idea    what day I became a Christian.

4) Even though I don’t write as much as I would like , a totally blank notebook is sooo exciting to me.  (oh, the possibilities)

5)  When I was in college I loved a VW bug that was always in the parking lot.  It was fuchsia with leopard seat covers.  (I know, cheesy!   But really cool!  }

6) I absolutely hate making phone calls (except to my family)

Well, I did alot of running around yesterday and between that and headaches I didn’t get much done.  But, right now I’m feeling pretty good so I better get hopping.

I’m not tagging anyone.  Whoever wants to do it, go for it!  

Have a blessed day in Him!

Jenn

It was a lovely weekend.  Saturday, I did manage to get the house in fairly good order before we left for the day (and nite  )   I always  appreciated it so much when I can come home to a clean house!    So where did we go?

We went to my brother-in-law and sister in law’s (daniellehanley)  beautiful rental home down on Long Beach Island.   The hospitality they showed us was impeccable!   I was truly blessed by staying there!   The food was excellent ( Danielle even took into consideration the diet  I’m on!)  but  more importantly the fellowship was wonderful.   Here is a picture of me and Danielle (with my new niece, Deidre) chatting over a cup of tea.

Here is a picture of me showing off my new niece:

Isn’t she adorable!

We originally planned to just come for part of the day, dinner and then go home. Well, the wind that evening was really gusty.  (I forget how many mph)  And it was rainy so we decided it wouldn’t be safe to drive home.  So we slept there.  Danielle’ kids were so kind about giving up rooms and beds to accommodate us. 

In the morning my nephew Conall made French Toast for breakfast!   The kids all enjoyed it. My niece Fiona, made a couple of fried eggs for me since French Toast wasn’t on my diet. I can’t thank Kevin and Danielle and their children for showing such generous hospitality.

We didn’t get to church in the morning.  Between the over 2 hour drive home and losing an hour (time change) it just would have been too difficult.  We were disappointed about this and the fact that we missed eating over at the pastors house for lunch.  But we did rest and spend time in God’s word the rest of the day.  We also managed a family walk.

This week seems kinda busy,  My oldest daughter, Monique has alot going on and we are totally out of alot of things so I need to get to the store.  Still trying to figure out my limited grocery budget.

There is so much more I could write but I need to go take a reality check and see where and how I need to spend my time this week so I don’t feel totally overwhelmed.

Have a great day.

Jenn

PS.  Amy I didn’t forget your tag.  I have my list already just gotta find the time to post it. 

A touch of Spring!

Today the highs might hit the upper 50°s and sunny!   Woo-Hoo!   Then it’s suppose to go back to cold and rainy but at least today should be nice.  A day to open the windows.

I made my menu for the week on Saturday and grocery list.  Here’s the menu:

Monday:     Meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes and peas (I make extra for Sheperd’s pie

                   later in the week)

Tuesday:     Chicken parm.  (I already breaded and baked the chicken.) with spaghetti

                    and a veggie

Wednesday: Beef and sausage stew (crockpot)

Thursday:     BBQ Chicken pizza (I’m using cornbread as a ”crust”.)   and a salad or

                     veggie

Friday:          Sheperd’s pie

Saturday:      Homemade pizza

Sunday:         Ravioli. garlic bread and salad

Everyone brings their lunches with them (Except Elizabeth who still has 1/2 days at school so she makes for herself)  which I make.

One morning we’ll have pancakes for breakfast and another  oatmeal (crockpot) ,  eggs one morning and the others it’s cold cereal or a bagel.

Today the room I focus on cleaning is the living room. 

Monique  has volleyball practice and games this week plus she starts her job at the library (6 hours a week and every other Saturday.)

Elizabeth’s therapy is being cut by my insurance.   She is only getting physical therapy once a week.  Her occupational is over.   She has made amazing improvement I just hate to see it get cut short.  We do have exercises that she needs to do everyday at home for both  PT and OT.

Megan has to memorize Psalm 23 for school and almost has it down pat! 

Well , I better get moving!  Have a great day!

Jenn