I'm Back - and our Monday Menu

Good morning everyone!  I know that it has been a long time since you have heard from me and I really appreciate that you have stayed with me while my whole life has been turned upside down.

I'll give just a quick review of the last two months -

Lorelai - July 3, 2012

1.  Baby Lorelai was born on June 7th.  Due to some breathing issues she spent the first ten days of her life in the NICU at Florida Hospital in Orlando. Her parents and I spent those LONG ten days between the hospital and the Ronald McDonald house close to the hospital where we were fortunate enough to be provided a room (side note - IF you are looking for a worthy institution to donate time, money, or supplies - the Ronald McDonald House is FABULOUS! - but I'll talk more about that on a later post.)  She is doing so much better now and she is her Nana's "little monkey girl". You will see much more of her in future posts.

2.  After we got Lorelai back home and things somewhat settled, Mountain Man and I decided that we needed a much needed break and hooked up our camper for ten days in the mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina.  We had a wonderful restful time and it was a good thing we got plenty of rest - because the next thing that happened took A LOT of energy!

3.  In February, Mountain Man and I decided to put our house on the market (so much for it being my "forever" home).  Anyway, before we left for our little vacation absolutely NO interest had been shown in the house.  Since we had not had any activity we had decided to take it off the market once we got home from our vacation.  However, while on vacation, we got an offer on the house, low-ball, but an offer.  We turned it down and continued to enjoy our vacation.  Well, to make a long story somewhat short, after a couple of days the buyer came back with another offer - we countered - he countered - we accepted.  My issue was -  after the contingency on the contract (closing on the buyers house in Ohio) we had ten days to find a new place to live, pack the entire house, and move.  YIKES!!!!  Well, we did it - and we are now settled into our new "home".   It is a HUGE change for us as we are RENTING instead of buying.  I'll explain the reason for that later also - but it is certainly a different feeling.




So, as you can see, we have been a little busy for the last couple of months - but now that things are settling down I finally have time to devote to the blog again.  Once again, I appreciate all of your patience while we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off (believe me - there were days when you really WOULD NOT have wanted to be near me!). But, I'm back to "normal" - what ever that is - and I look forward to sharing our adventures with you.

So, now that all this has been settled lets get back with the program - 

MONDAY MENU PLAN.

I am making some changes with the menu - since there are more things happening during the week (since I'm keeping my little "monkey girl")  I am making some changes to the plan - I used to try and have Mexican on Tuesday, and Italian on Thursday and Grill on Saturday.  Well, I thought that I might need some extra time during the week so I am going to be utilizing my Crock Pot more.  In fact, at least for August/September, I have designated Sunday and Wednesday as Crock Pot days.  Why Sunday?  Well, that is a silly question - IT'S FOOTBALL SEASON!  Finally -  Yahoo!!!  Let's see how it goes.

Now, on to the weekly plan.

Monday, August 27 - Pork Chops and Rice, Carrots

Tuesday, August 28 - Beef Enchilada Casserole

Wednesday, August 29 - Bacon-Swiss Cheese BBQ Chicken, Tator Tots

Thursday, August 30 - Baked Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread

Friday, August 31 - MOVIE NIGHT, Homemade Pizza

Saturday, September 1 - Salsa Chicken, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans

Sunday, September 2 - Lorelai's Christening (dinner out) 

Well, that's it for today!

I hope you guys are, in fact, still there.  I know that I will have to work at getting some of my "followers" back, but I'm ready to put in the time.  Hope you'll spread the word with all your followers that I'm back!

I'll see you Wednesday with my last post of the "old" house - 

that Guest Bathroom.  Just in case you forgot what it looked like here is a reminder

Pretty bad huh?

Come on back Wednesday to see the transformation.

Until then!

Hugs

Carol

One of the MANY Reasons I haven't posted lately.

Yep - you read that right!

We have two weeks

to pack everything

and move!

YIKES!!!!

Think I'm going to be just a little preoccupied for a couple more weeks.

You'll have to come back to get all the gory details - 

See you in a couple of weeks!

Hugs -

Carol

Thanks for Giving Me Some Time

Hello all!

I just wanted to let you know that I am still here - and I will be getting back to posting.  It is just taking me some time to get things back together after the time spent in Orlando and now getting the baby settled in at home.  We have had several doctors appointments and we all know how difficult it is to get a new baby settled in for new parents, then throw in the scare of the NICU, and, well, it is just taking me longer than I thought.

Add this to the fact that, to be real honest, I just haven't been in the mood to post - all the stuff going through my head.   Then add trying to get the house back in order.  Mountain Man is a big help, but a housekeeper he is not (you know what I mean ladies?).  

I also haven't been real "creative" in the last couple of weeks - I just am not "feeling it" right now.  I guess you could say that I'm in a funk. I'm sure you all have been there - right?  I'm not alone in this, am I?  Come on guys, make me feel better -please?

I have posted lots of ideas from Pinterest and I really do want to get those "juices" flowing again - I'll get it together - 

"When?"

  

"Soon." 

 

"How soon?"

  "Soon!"

  (Who can name the movie those lines were in?)

Okay - 

enough complaining.  

I'm just asking that you hang in there with me - 

I'll be back 

sorry, another movie quote - 

(can anybody name that one?)  

With all new recipes, crafts, and DIY projects - there just might be a few ideas for a little one (and I know I still owe you pictures of the guest bathroom, I haven't forgotten!). 

Until then - 

let me leave you today with a picture of the reason I'm a little distracted.  

I think she is a beauty!

Hugs -

Nana (aka Carol)

P.S. - I'd love to hear from you guys - 

let me know that you are still there.

After all, it's nice to know that someone is out there.

Just a little, "I''m here" could help inspire.

Thanks!

We're Home!

Hello everyone!  Thank you for being patient with me while our precious new baby spent ten long days in the NICU  unit of the Orlando Children's Hospital. We so appreciate all the prayers that were extended for our Lorelai and those prayers have been answered!


Lorealai was released from the hospital late yesterday afternoon and has spent her first night at home!  Yeah!  I will be posting lots of pictures of our precious little one soon!


It will take us a couple of days to get her settled in to a new routine (both mom, dad, and Lorelai), but I should be back posting soon!




In the mean time - how about a picture of our precious little one in her car seat getting ready for the two hour drive home!  Isn't she the most beautiful little one EVER!!!!

Hugs -

Carol/Nana

Busy Time

Baby Lorelai made her appearance Thursday afternoon at 4:47.  She weighed in a 6 pounds 13 ounces and is 18 1/2 inches long.

She was having some breathing issues so was transferred via ambulance to Children's Hospital in Orlando to the NICU.

Melissa was released from the hospital less than 24 hours after having a C

-Section so she could be with the baby.  She is a real trooper and doing amazing!  

Justin (dad), Melissa and I are staying at the Ronald McDonald House next door to the hospital.

I hope that you all will forgive me if I don't post anything for a while - but Lorelai, Melissa, and Justin are my number one concern right now.

Prayers would be appreciated.

Hugs -

Carol/Nana

Guest Bathroom

These pictures are going to be quite shocking - not just because of the picture quality (please forgive, but remember, they are pictures of pictures) but because of the subject.

These are pictures of the guest bathroom when I first looked at the house.

I will admit that when I walked into this room the first time I said "OMG - what where these people thinking????"

Take a look

 I think you will say the same thing.

View when you first walk into the room - it is not a large bathroom - so it was difficult to get "good" pictures (with good being relative).  

Sink and toilet area.

Yes, the fixtures are gray (and not a pretty gray - a dirty, yucky, gray)!

What they call cultured marble.

(Sorry, but I don't see a whole lot of culture in these)

A couple of close up shots of the wall "treatment".

Oh, and make sure you get a good look at the light fixture!

There were two of them hanging from chains!

Yes, those are maps glued to the walls - we still are not sure what the blue was - but it had to be sanded off the walls!

I didn't get a photograph of the floor - you really should have seen it.  Especially by the toilet.

There were roots from the palm trees (remember all those palm trees in the front yard) growing out from the base of the toilet.

Really!

I'm not kidding!

Roots!!!

This bathroom made the master bath look like a spa.  I didn't get a picture of the shower, but it had "those" pink tiles on the walls, the floor, and all around the 'spa' tub.

I think that I will leave you with the before pictures - just let it soak it for a while.

I'll post the "after" pictures next week.

Have a great week everyone!

Hugs -

Carol

I'll be linking up to some of these great parties:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Meet Me Monday at You Are Talking Too Much

Your Cozy Home Party on Monday at Cozy Home Scenes

Motivated Monday at Be Colorful
Beautify It Monday at http://bringingbeauty.blogspot.com/
Show it Off Mondays at http://www.getouttamyheadplease.com/
Make it Great Monday at http://etcetorize.blogspot.com/
Just a Party with my Peeps on Monday at http://howtonestforless.com/
Monday Marketplace at http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/
What's in the Gunny Sack on Monday at http://www.thegunnysack.com/
Cowgirl Up on Monday at http://www.theivycottageblog.blogspot.com/

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Tip Me Tuesday at Tip Junkie

Tutorials and Tips Tuesday at Home Stories A to Z
Terrific Tuesday at http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/
Swing into Spring on Tuesday at http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/
Tuesday To Do at http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/
From Dream to Reality on Tuesday at http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/
Uncommonly Yours on Tuesday at http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

DIY by Design on Wednesday

Uncommonly Yours on Wednesday at Uncommon Designs

Show and Share on Wednesday at Southern Lovely
It's a Party on Wednesday at http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/
Hooking up with HoH on Wednesday at http://www.houseofhepworths.com/
Catch as Catch Can at http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/
Time for a Party on Wednesday at http://www.finecraftguild.com/
Open House Party on Thursday at http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
Thursdays Favorite Things Blog Hop at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Link It Up Thursday at http://kadie-sevenalive.blogspot.com/

Show Me Extroidinary on Thursday at The 36th Avenue

Grace at Home on Thursday at Imparting Grace

It's A Party on Thursday at A Creative Princess

Open House Party Thursday at No Minimalist Here

Share Your Creations on Thursday at Kristen's Creations
Grace at Home on Thursday at http://www.impartinggrace.com/
Transformation Thursday at http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/
Time Travel Thursdays at http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Super Sweet Thursdays at http://sofabulouslyflawed.blogspot.com/
Thursdays Favorite Things at http://katherinescorner.com/

Tickled Pink Fridays at 504 Main

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Feature Friday Free for All at Five Days...5 Ways

Addicts (not so) Anonymous on Friday at Addicted 2 Decorating

Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence
Feathered Nest Friday at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Friday's Unfolded at http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/
Friday's Features at http://www.redouxinteriors.com/
Freedom Friday Blog Hop at http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.com/

Weekly Top Shot on Saturday at The View From Right Here

Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
A Pinteresting Party on Saturday at http://herestohandyandy.blogspot.com/
Say G'Day on Saturday at http://www.natashainoz.com/

Overflowing with Creativity on Sunday at It's Overflowing

Sew Darn Crafty Sunday at Sew Many Ways

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming

Simply Klassic Sunday at A Simply Klassic Home
Sunday Round Up at http://www.arosiesweethome.com/
It's Party Time on Sunday at http://itssoverycheri.com/
Nifty Thrifty Sunday at http://www.niftythriftythings.com/

Monday Menu

Hello everyone!  I hope you had a fabulous weekend.  Mountain Man and I didn't do a whole lot this weekend.  Went to the grocery store on Sunday and bought our monthly supply of groceries - I didn't have to buy much meat.  After my inventory of the two freezers I realized that I had more than enough for us for the month.  I did need to buy some hamburgers (I buy the ones already patted out - okay, I admit it - I'm lazy) and I bought a pork roast and a whole chicken to cook in the crock pot.  I love to do this and then debone the chicken and freeze the cooked meat to use later.  The pork roast will make a GREAT batch of bar-b-que.  Other than the regular staples the trip was pretty uneventful.

Well, that isn't exactly true - we did buy some plastic dinnerware to put in the camper that Mountain Man has been wanting, and we bought a new float for the swimming pool.  Mine got a hole in the footrest, so they had them at Wal Mart for about twenty dollars less than I paid last year at Pinch A Penny.  Then Mountain Man needed a new bathing suit - does this ever happen to you?  You go into Wal Mart to buy groceries and end up with all this stuff that wasn't on the grocery list???  Unless I just put my foot down we always end up with stuff not on the list - but, I have to say, even buying the "extras"
we spend less at Wal Mart than at the "regular" grocery stores like Publix or Winn Dixie.  While I love Publix we don't do our "big" shopping there - I will go in during the month and pick up milk, OJ, bread, or eggs (okay, okay, maybe some doughnuts or Carmel nut rolls) but that's it - Honest Injun!

I'm way off topic today!  So, did you stay with your plan last week?  We did - until Thursday.  Wednesday night my laptop died - and that is my lifeline.  Yes, we have a PC but I can sit in "my" chair, watch TV, blog or check and read my 'bloggy' friends blogs with my laptop.  So, Thursday after work Mountain Man and I had to take my computer into Sebring to see if we could get it back working.  Turned out not to be a big deal - the power cord had burned up and the battery had not been charging when I had it plugged in.  Fifty dollars later we had a new power cord and my lap top is back in my lap.  But, now we were in Sebring and Mountain Man was hungry - so it was a stop at Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Que for dinner.  We pretty much stayed with the plan other than that.

So, what's on tape for this week?  So glad you asked!

Here we go -----

Monday, June 4 - Oven Baked Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes, Squash

Tuesday, June 5 - Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread (company coming)

Wednesday, June 6 - Chicken Burritos, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans

Thursday, June 7 - Spaghetti Bake, Salad, Garlic Bread (maybe)

Friday, June 8 - Pizza - Movie Night

Saturday, June 9 - Chicken and Yellow Rice w/ Green Peas

Sunday, June 10 - Grilled Hamburgers with all the trimmings, French Fries

We will have company in town this week - so all these plans are flexible.  I'll let you know how well we stick with the plan!

Have a great week and I'll "see" you Wednesday!

Hugs -

Carol