Week in Review 1/14/10

So, somehow the week came and went and you haven't heard very much from me. You should know that I think about writing here all the time ... it's just hard to find the time to 'get her done' some days. Things here are busy as always, but things are getting done and there are new projects in motion which is always fun.We have #4 in an after-school art program for the next six weeks. He's chosen the drawing/painting class ... and #1 is a high school volunteer for the program helping in his classroom. Since they've never been in the same school together this is a treat for both of them. I attended my very first Geography Bee that #4 was a contestant in, very exciting. (I would have failed miserably) I've drilled over 100 night lights that need to be cut. We're still on track for eating healthy. (New recipes coming soon) My toes are painted and my leg is healing from a classic Lisa moment in the icy school parking lot ... and Izzy is cuter than ever!

Oh! And get this! We've received a formal invitation by mail to attend the Love You Dinner at hubby's parents' house in February. They are the sweetest people I know. What a great idea. I'll have to log that one in for future dinner dates with the kidlets after they move out. It was such a treat just to get the invitation in the mail and it almost made me cry when I read it. Pass this one on and host a Love You Dinner for your family members too. I'll try to be better about posting next week. I'm shifting jobs at JetBlue for a smidge and will train in the evenings all next week so my days will be free! Yay!

Starting Small

So far ... so good. Just reminding myself publicly that sometimes we need to find success in the little things because, over time, they'll add up. So today I accomplished the following:

Started/Finished 5 loads of laundry
Completed 1.5 hours of JetBlue training
Researched online Driver's Ed courses
Had a great lower body work out
Cooked a healthy dinner the whole family loved
Poop-scooped the back yard
Taught #5 the < and > signs for his math homework
Gave myself a pedicure and finally repainted my toenails

Not earth shattering, I know, but things I can remove from my to-do list. Now I just need to make a shopping list and hit the grocery store tonight. Fun. Tomorrow I'm hoping to clear out the 4 boxes of cans in the living room so I can cut a nice big batch Wednesday. It's been way too long since I've lit up my torch.

Week in Review 1/7/10

I'm doing my best to learn from all the creative people around me. Sometimes, it take a while for things to sink in. This is the first installment for a new project inspired by my gal pal Nikki at Whimsy Love. She is one crazy energetic craftster that I stay in touch with in the blogosphere. (She even has one of my cupcake night lights in her kitchen! I love this girl.) Anywho, we both started Project 365 last year and both quit at some point, but she revamped it into something that really worked for her, the Week in Review. She made a photo collage every week for the entire year. Genius. It was great to 'follow' her and be a part of all her crazy crafty adventures in 2009 and seeing the compilation of all of them finally made something click. I can do this.

Now, this was a pretty uneventful week, so the photos are less than stellar. The highlights included Izzy's first haircut, starting a new fitness program, cross-referencing recipes from several different schools of 'diet theories' to find what works for our family ... and prepping oodles of cans for cutting. It was a pretty messy week, but not exactly exciting. That's my life, welcome to it.

Blueberry Vanilla Oatmeal

Here's my new favorite breakfast for you to sample. It's quick to make and will keep you satisfied for hours.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup Bob'sw Red Mill Scottish Oatmeal
1 cup water
frozen blueberries
vanilla protein powder
cinnamon
skim milk

1 - Combine the oatmeal and water in a microwavable bowl. Cook on high for about 2-3 minutes. This will vary depending on your microwave. Watch it the first time to make sure it doesn't boil over.
(very messy)

2 - Remove bowl and stir thoroughly, breaking up the clumps on the bottom. Add a dash of cinnamon and 1/2 a scoop of the protein powder. Mix well and let sit for a couple minutes.

3 - Add a small handful of blueberries and stir. Microwave on high for one more minute.

4 - Remove. Stir. Add a dash of milk and enjoy a hearty/healthy bowl of yum.

If you want to really mix it up you can try it with chopped peaches or mangos... mmm.

Music Inspiration ... Matthew Perryman Jones

I'm loving this song right now. It's available on iTunes from his album Swallow the Sea.Watch and enjoy.