Family Get-Together

Cute Pictures:

Prince William & Princess Catherine

Elizabeth & I watched the Royal Wedding this morning. I love weddings and always get teary-eyed, especially at the vows.
I loved what the Honerable Richard said. Today is the Feast of St. Catherine of Ciena. Regarding weddings: Marriage is intended to be a way in which man and woman help each other to become what God wanted for one another. Beautiful.

A visit to see Grammy & Grandpa Ely :)

Trading a Bounce for a Smile

Hahaha, it's almost like she pauses for me to "take the picture". My smiley girl.

Happy 64th Birthday, Dad

"Someday you might know what I'm going through,
When a miracle smiles up at you.
I loved her first."
I think Dad & Elizabeth have already met in heaven. Happy birthday, Dad. We miss you.

Christ's Chore List

After doing some research, making an initial template, and trying it for a few months, I've finally temporarily finalized (yea, I said that) my weekly chore list. It's really helped me to not be overwhelmed on Saturdays and when I would try to do it all with the hopes of being able to relax and enjoy my family on the weekends.
I debated whether or not to blog this, but I looked at numerous other blogs, so I figure...why not post what worked for me? And actually, Elizabeth and I get most of our chores done in the morning before work so we can focus on dinner and walks w/ puppy after work.
Sunday:
Cut coupons
Make weekly menu
Empty compost buckets

Monday:
Shake out rugs
Mirrors & windows
Microwave
Groom Dog

Tuesday:
Garbages
Kitchen drain
Water Plants

Wednesday:
Dusting
Ironing

Thursday:
Stove top
Fridge – inside & outside

Friday:
Sweep & mop kitchen
Bathroom: sinks, toilets, floors
Water Plants

Saturday:
Laundry
Vacuum crevices of house
Scrub tubs & shower

Monthly:
Bathe dog
Wash dog's linens
Fridge drawers & door shelves

(I never dusted pictures before until I saw someone else post it. I then went to my pictures and saw what they were talking about -- ewww! Who knew picture frames needed to be dusted...I do, now.)

Honey, I think we need to add a little color to your wardrobe. :)

David was kind enough to add a tension rod in the mudroom so that I can hang clothes right out of the dryer and avoid wrinkles. But I noticed something 1/2 way through folding the white load. Hmmmm.

Little Bits Pics

Your Mama wore this same outfit, Little One!

My Unsupported Sitter:

Season's Last Shamrock Shake

And you wonder why spring is such a glorious season...it's the Shamrock Shakes! Why not post this in March? Because I got the last one last week -- First week of April. (Do you notice the small halo around the top?) And now they even put whipped cream and a cherry on top, BONUS! Mmmm, see you next year Shamrock Shake! Until we meet again!

Bireiki

I have such a hard time with Friday meals during Lent because I'm allergic to fish/seafood and I have a spouse who can't just eat a green salad with me for dinner. (I'm not blaming. I can understand that women can live off of rabbit food better then men.) So I'm always on the lookout for tasty vegetarian dishes. Last night was perogies & vegetable soup. I do try to have one meatless dinner a week year-round.

Here's a new dish I found in my Parenting magazine:
6 thinly sliced red potatoes (I left skin on)
6 sliced zucchini (I used 3 zucchini and 3 yellow squash - prettier coloring)
6 sliced Roma tomatoes
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
Mix: 6-8 pressed garlic cloves, the sliced whites of 3 scallions, & 1.5 T oregano or marjoram.
Brush a shallow baking dish w/ EVOO. Layer 1/2 potato, zucchini, & tomato slices, brush w/ EVOO. Sprinkle on 1/2 the scallion & garlic mixture. Repeat layer and bake for 45 min to 1 hr @ 350. The last 15 minutes - top w/ mozz cheese. This is a dish called Bireiki - a Greek lasagna. Yum! And it was something we both enjoyed.