Relaxation

We are back from a quick jaunt up to Phoenix to really enjoy "Spring Break". While at home Mike was still busy with school stuff and we both were working on home projects so there was not too much relaxing or renewing going on. We went up to Phoenix yesterday and spent some time at Ikea. K had a blast in the supervised Kids' Area while Mike and I got some things to help with organization in the house. (I LOVE that store!!!) We then headed over to a huge park to eat some lunch and hike. Well, that was the plan anyway... It was warm and we ate late and I had not had much to drink all morning so I think that all contributed to me all-of-a-sudden feel horrible and just wanting to lie down on the ground. I drank some water and rested in the car a bit and started to feel better, but Mike didn't think we should try hiking when I had just felt like collapsing. So, we headed to the motel early and got checked in. I got a great deal on a suite in Scottsdale that had a full kitchen and allowed dogs! We were even right by the pool and it included a breakfast the next morning. (We are going to stay there again when we head up to Phoenix in May to spend time with relatives that are coming in from out east.) Mike and K went swimming and I relaxed in the room. The rest of the day was just spent chilling out and enjoying time together.

Today we had breakfast, another swim and then headed back to the park to attempt hiking again. The weather was perfect and we spent about 2 hours hiking, playing and doing a couple of geocaches. We then went to The Container Store and had lunch at Chik-fil-A...YUM!!! Then back to Tucson we went.

I am now enjoying my last moments of "vacation" since tomorrow I must tackle the messy house and hopefully get things back to order in the guest room. Mike did an awesome job putting in a new floor and now just needs to get the baseboards in! Hopefully tomorrow!! I'm so thankful for this past week of a break from the normal routine! :)

Weekly Menu--March 14

I'm slowly getting things organized this week. Tonight I am having a Ziploc House Party! Zipoc sent me a gigantic box of products to share with friends. Unfortunately, not a whole lot of my friends can come since it's spring break, but those that can make it will be getting Ziploc containers, Ziploc memo pads & sharpies, coupons and organizational ideas. I also found lots of great ideas for using Ziploc containers and bags so we'll be talking about those as well. It should be lots of fun!

So, here's what I'm going to attempt for meals this week...

Sunday: ordered pizza
Monday: South of the Border Wraps (Quick Cooking 1999) and brown rice
Tuesday: Potato Pancakes and Mediterranean Zucchini
Wednesday: Turkey Chili
Thursday: out
Friday: Portobello Mushroom burgers & roasted potatoes
Saturday: Minestrone Soup with Pasta, Beans and Vegetables

Since it's spring break we'll see if all these meals actually happen or not! ;)

Spring Break!

Aaahh...a whole week to relax and accomplish things...will it happen? I really hope so! I want us to have fun and spend time as a family this next week, but I'd also love to get some things done around the house.

*Taxes!
*Get the garage back to normal after the water heater fiasco
*Get the extra room/guest room organized and livable after the water heater fiasco
*Organize all my new recipes
*Make all the spice blends and from-scratch sauces I want to try
*Find a new satellite/cable provider and save some money
*Get caught up on TV shows that I haven't watched for weeks

So far the fun things we have planned...
*Book Festival at U of A
*Spring Training game?
*Overnight trip to Phoenix with a visit to Ikea, hiking at Papago Park and fun at Schnepfs Farm

Today Mike is working at school to get lots done so he can be at home most of the break. I actually have off of work during break as well so it's going to feel weird to not be typing every afternoon/evening.

I'll let you know what actually gets accomplished--I really hope it's a lot! We'd love the guest room to be completed for my MIL's visit next month and my parents' visit after that.

Weekly Menu--March 7

I am finally back! My father-in-law went home to be with Jesus on Valentine's Day so we headed up to MN for a bit. When we got home we found our water heater had been leaking for who knows how long and there was a mess to take care. (And still isn't completely taken care of yet.) Then my sister came for a visit. It has been crazy around here and I'm praying things are settling down for a little while now. :) One week until spring break!!!

Here's what I'm planning for this week...

Sunday: Sloppy joes and eggplant

Monday: Dinner at a friend's house!

Tuesday: Leftover homemade pizza (from the freezer) and broccoli with cheese sauce

Wednesday: Oven Fried Chimichangas and brown rice

Thursday: Crockpot Lasagna and homemade rolls

Friday: Eegees (local sub shop we have a coupon for)

Saturday: Homemade pancakes with syrup and home style potatoes