::faithful

Praying for

• The Rotramel Family – Jen found her miracle in heaven Saturday.  Please pray for her family, for her husband Logan Ronhovde.  They are torn with grief today.

• a tuition exemption for Cherry Ames for her nursing school years, a surprise blessing resulting from my military service.
• the opportunity to teach at the college level
• flu shots

::healthy

I’m on hiatus this week, regrouping and making a plan to move forward and lose these last seven pounds that have been lingering on my frame for a year now.  Yes, exercise will be done, and calories will be accounted for.

::creative

Mom’s Pretty Knitted Thing is coming along, more than half way finished.

The only other creative thing that happened this past week was clearing out the craft cabinet, sorting, purging, and smiling at the re-found treasures in there.

::delicious

• Steak, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Spinach Salad
• Cilantro Chicken Wonton Soup
• Pizza, Tossed Salad
• Roasted Tilapia, Tomatoes and Cauliflower
• Garlic Lime Chicken, Mixed Veggies, Spinach Salad
• Two More Meals are up to the Guys, as I’ll be away on a business trip…that means they’ll be hitting up Jimmy John’s Subs and Kincaid’s Burgers!

::fun

Wrapping up research with DirtBike for History Fair project, helping The Architect build the trebuchet!

Last weekly ride with the Mayor for the season.  The Architect thinks he’ll be able to handle at least half at a slower pace.  We just can’t miss this one, as it involves dressing like a Zombie and riding with headlights.

::looking ahead

A trip to Austin for the Texas Society of Professional Engineers board meeting, followed by a quick dash over to Aggieland to see Princess Pea!!  I haven’t hugged her since August!  Pre-Construction meeting with the contractor for a street and waterline rehab, and health insurance renewal time.

Linking up at Suscipio – come join us!

::faithful

Praying for

• Mom Pea, as we make decisions regarding her living arrangements.
• my students, that they all find a last reserve of brain power to finish their last semesters of college, and that they find work as graduation approaches.
• a friend and her husband, as they battle the cancer dragon.
• for Jen, for recovery from this round of chemo and for relief from the pain from the surgery to drain fluids from her heart and lungs.  She’s fighting a tremendous battle, breath by breath.
• for Judy Darling – Please pray for Judy to bolster her courage as she marches forward into chemo.

• drop cloths and blue tape
• cooler mornings
• Princess Grace
• GORGEOUS days perfect for biking!

::healthy

Sleep will continue to be a priority this week, this time for Mr. Pea.  He needs some rest! Last week ended up CRAZY with meetings, school things and work, and menu plans went out the window in favor of soup and sandwiches.  This week I’m committed to relaxed family dinner time, a time to reconnect, laugh and plan together.

::creative

The Great Paint Toss was a SUCCESS!!  I was so skeptical, but willing to give Dirtbike leeway.  His older siblings all got to design their own ‘teen’ rooms, so I couldn’t deny him, other than to draw the line at painting the room black.

Before, with the Army themed walls. Then two hours of taping drop clothes in place and sealing off everything that wasn’t supposed to get splattered.

During.  DirtBike and the Bestie threw the paint.

None was spilt, and only a few drops got on the ceiling.

After.  I like it.

::delicious

• Beef and Bean Chili
• Ravioli with Roasted Butternut Squash (for real this week!)
• Chicken Curry
• Grilled Chicken, Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
• Hamburgers
• Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Grits and Spinach

::fun

DirtBike’s Birthday!  Paint Throwing! – See Above.  He’s happy and it looks super cool. I’m hoping it will inspire him to keep his room tidy.  Huh.  A Mom can dream, right?

The Architect’s stitches come out this week – yeah!  We’ll have a small bike ride with him, just to feel it out.  He’s already griping because I’ve told him he’ll have to take the clips off and put regular pedals on until he’s completely healed.  Can’t take a chance of more damage.

It’s Homecoming Week, which means major Mum Making time.  When the girls were home, we hosted a mum-making party every year, and I’d cover the pool table with the hard top and set up shop.  Always fun.  The Architect doesn’t have a date this year – he didn’t know if he’d be able to walk/dance by Homecoming.  There are still a few days left, so I’m geared up and ready to make a mum if necessary.  Fun!

Other fun – I’m starting on *shhhhh* Christmas!  Yup.  Extra freezer meals stashed, cookie dough mixed up and frozen and making lists and filling the calendar.

::looking ahead

Stitch removal for The Architect, volunteering at the concession stand with DirtBike for the volleyball tournament, a slower week!

Linking up at Suscipio – come join us!

::faithful

Praying for

• a friend who found out last week that her husband has cancer.  Praying for strength for them, for knowledge and understanding from their doctors, and for healing and recovery.
• a friend who is putting down the cigarettes. Forever amen!
• a daughter who is homesick.  Praying for some peace this week, for smiles and a few easier days in her classes.
• for Jen, as this round of the leukemia battle with a trial drug is exceptionally difficult.
• for Judy Darling – Please pray for Judy to continue to regain her strength and then some as she prepares to start chemo if a few weeks.

• healing for The Architect!
• a visit with my parents!
• veggie lasagna!
• banana bread!

::healthy

Sleep will continue to be a priority this week. We’re heading in to the busy time of year, and I need all the extra energy I can muster!

::creative

Painting on DirtBike’s room begins this week.  We’ll start prepping and taping tonight.  He’s inviting friends over on Saturday for the official paint flinging.  Promises to be fun!

The Architect is using his down time to upgrade his bike.  New frame, new parts.  I suggested a Batman chain guard, just in case he decides to fall on the bike again in the future.  He just rolled his eyes…

The Great Knitting Project is halfway finished.  It’s been enjoyable to hold and work on  these past few chilly days.

::delicious

• Vegetable Lasagna
• White Chicken Chili, Cornbread
• Ravioli with Roasted Butternut Squash (didn’t happen last week)
• Chicken Curry
• Hoagies
• Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes,
• Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Grits and Spinach

::fun

DirtBike’s Birthday!  Paint Throwing!

::looking ahead

Wrapping up some projects this week at work, starting new ones.  A hair cut – the first in many months.  Sad, I know, but every time I had one scheduled, something more important came up and I needed to cancel.

Linking up at Suscipio – come join us!