Monthly planning

Ok, so I admit it, I'm a list-maker and planner. I make lists for everything (groceries, packing, work items, chore lists, etc) and I also plan my menus a month at a time. I've learned as our family gets busier that we need calendars to help us plan. I have 2 calendars I post on my refrigerator. 1 is our activity calendar that is color-coded based on which family member is involved and the other is our monthly menu. Without these 2 calendars every month, my house would be even crazier than what it already is. So, to go along with my previous post about freezer cooking, here's what we are having for dinner this month (or at least this is the plan):
1-3 (we were in Oklahoma)
4 spaghetti
5 Aloha chicken and rice
6 Pizza
7 Went to the State Fair
8 Chicken turnovers (buffalo style and regular)

9 Verde roast, rice and tortillas
10 Grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, grilled zucchini
11 Leftovers
12 More leftovers
13 Hamburger casserole
14 Esfrirras
15 Egg sandwiches

16 Sweet & tangy pork, noodles
17 Cashew chicken and rice
18 Hawaiian sandwich bake (recipe from my sister)
19 Leftovers
20 Beef and noodles (freezer cooking with Karri)
21 Soft tacos
22 Pizza on the grill

23 Tex mex chicken and beans, rice (crockpot recipe)
24 Lasagne (freezer cooking with Karri)
25 Grilled turkey burgers
26 Honey baked chicken and rice
27 Leftovers
28 Meatloaf and roasted potatoes (freezer cooking with karri)
29 French dip subs

30 Chicken enchiladas (freezer cooking)
31 Spaghetti

What's on your menu for this month? Do you like to plan as much as I do?

What's for dinner?

Over the past year I have really gotten into doing my menus 1 month at a time. This helps me plan out my grocery lists as well as helping me keep things organized since we have so many activities going on. I've also been able to make multiples of meals and freeze them for later use. While in Oklahoma this past week visiting my family, my sister (Melanie) told me and my sister-in-law (Karri) that she and a couple of her friends do freezer meal swaps. In other words, they each make multiples of 1 dish then exchange them so that they each have 1 of each others dishes. So, if Mel makes 5 of one type of dish, she comes home with 5 different dishes to put in her freezer. Karri decided that she and I needed to do this, so we each made our list of what we want the other one to make and are doing our exchange this weekend.
I'm making: white chicken chili, stroganoff and chicken enchiladas.
Karri is making: lasagna, meatloaf and beef and noodles.
I'm excited to see how this works and if successful, we'll do this every month.
If you have any good recipe ideas, feel free to post them here.

I'm BAAACK!

Ok, so I know several of you think I might have fallen off the face of the earth (except for those who keep up with me on facebook). While I have been around, it's been a very crazy several months. From kids activities (i.e. soccer, track, etc) to work activities and the every day challenges of life. Here are some pictures of what we've been up to. I promise to try and update a little more frequently.

The places I've been

Per my previous post, there are several places I would still like to visit. Previously on that list was Las Vegas. However, Brad and I were able to take a trip there in March. All I can say is WOW! Talk about craziness. Vegas is a really cool place to see (once), but after 2 days, I wasn't sure I could handle the ding-ding-dinging in my ears from the slot machines one more day. I did get to see some really cool places and we attended 1 show while we were there. I was glad I went but really have no desire to ever go back.







For spring break, we went another place I'd never been....Galveston Island, Texas. What a beautiful place right on the beach. I loved being near the ocean again as it's been way too long since I've been at the beach or seen the ocean. My kids had a great time experiencing swimming in the ocean. Glad we went and had a wonderfully, relaxing time. Hope to find a place just as nice and relaxing next year.

Where have I been?

So I just realized that it's been almost a month since I've posted something on my blog. WOW, time flies. I must confess, it has been a crazy few weeks and it doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon.

My parents were here during Christmas and we had a great time with them. They got to meet Karri's 2 kids, Macy and Dawson, who will soon become their 2 new grandchildren on Feb 6. It was so nice to be together as a family over Christmas (even though my sister and her family couldn't be there).

Since Christmas, it has been a crazy time with kids' activities. Maryna is on the school basketball team, plays indoor soccer, has soccer training and is also part of the ODP (Olympic Development Program) for soccer. Garrett is also playing indoor soccer and has soccer training. Our weekly calendar is so busy that I have to color-code our activities. It's so fun, though, to watch them.

The rest of the time has been spent either working or helping Karri and Ben with wedding plans. I can't believe it's less than 3 weeks till the big day. Plans are coming along and we are so excited about the wedding and having several family members in from all over the U.S.

Well, better get back to work.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

What an exciting time of year. Not only do we have the normal hustle of the holidays, but some additional excitement has been added into the mix. First, my sister and brother-in-law are in the process of adopting 3 children from Africa. While the process is not going as quickly as they hoped, we are praying that the adoption is successful.

Second, my brother is engaged! He is set to marry Karri Morgan on February 6, 2010 here in Indianapolis. We are so excited for them and not only will I be getting another sister but an additional niece and nephew - Macy and Dawson. It has been so much fun working with them on their wedding plans. I cannot believe it is less than 2 months until the big day. It is going to be so much fun.

For my immediate family, it is a busy time. Maryna made the school basketball team so she has practice every day after school. She is still having indoor soccer training once a week and has ODP (Olympic Development Program) training for soccer once a month. She has also been playing on an indoor soccer team so her weeks and weekends are CRAZY busy. Garrett is also doing indoor training and an indoor soccer league. I feel like a taxi driver most of the time. Garrett's new adventure is that he has decided to run the half marathon with me this year in May. He used some of his birthday money to buy some good running shoes and we have been going on short runs every week. Brad is busier than he has been in a long time. I think he is really excited to see his business continue to grow. This is the first time in a LONG time that I've heard him say he is excited for the holidays because he doesn't have the stress of previous years.

We plan to have my family over on Christmas Day. Mom and Dad are scheduled to arrive at my house on Christmas Day and Ben and Karri and the kids will come over that evening for a big dinner. Christmas Eve will be spend with Brad's family for our traditional Christmas Eve service at church and then presents afterward. I can't believe it's only 2 weeks until Christmas. I am looking forward to a great time.

Merry Christmas to all!

Thansgiving - Day 3

So, I've missed a few days of posting, but am back. My verse for today has more to do with what I'm thankful for and not necessarily Thanksgiving itself.

Verse:
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov. 22:6

What I am thankful for:
Parents. My parents have been a great example of how to live a life that is pleasing to God. They have been an example of following the Lord's leading even in times where it seems difficult. Because of their example, all 3 of their children are living Christian lives and raising Christian families.

In-laws. I could not have asked for better in-laws. They too are very Godly people. They are great examples for my children and demonstrate a true love for all. My husband is the man he is today because of the great example set by his parents.

I only hope that I get older and my children have children, they will look at Brad and me as examples.

Thanksgiving - Day 2

Thanksgiving verse:
I Thess. 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

What I am thankful for:
So as I was thinking this morning about my Thanksgiving post, I couldn't help but think about my grandparents. My life has been blessed by Godly grandparents and each is special in their own way.

Grandma Dawson: An amazing woman. Our family has joked that even if Grandma lost half her brain she would still be more brilliant than any of us. I hope that I have inherited even a quarter of her brain. She is also a pillar of STRENGTH. As I hear stories about what Grandma has accomplished throughout her life and all she has survived, I am amazed with her strength. She is a loving, strong, beautiful, caring woman who loves God and her family in a manner that amazes most everyone.

Grandpa Dawson: As I think back on my Grandpa Dawson, the first word that comes to my mind is CARING. This was a very loving man. Not only did he love his family, but the love he showed for my Grandma was amazing. It was the little things he did (like not letting her run the vacuum cleaner)to show his love that spoke more than words. Tears are brought to my eyes as I remember him. He was strength for my Grandma when she needed it most. He was a hero to his grandchildren, a father to his children and step-children and an example of a Godly man to all.

Grandma Fisher: A very loving woman. Everything my grandmother ever did was out of love. The more time I spent with her (especially in my adult years), the more I respected her. As a child she was strict in her actions, but those actions always were followed with love. She wanted all of her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren to do one thing - LOVE the Lord. My graduation gift from her was a new Bible and I still use it to this day. Inside the front cover her verse to me was II Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needn't not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." She studied her Bible every day and drew closer to God and hoped that her family would do the same. When she passed, the greatest gift I received was her Bible.

Grandpa Fisher: Grandpa Fisher reminds me of a large teddy bear. While large in stature, he was a softy inside :) I only wish that my children would have been able to meet him and experience the TENDERNESS he displayed. A man of God, he preached most of his life and desired all to come to know the Lord. My father is a replica in my mind of my grandfather. Loving men of God who demonstrated the love and tenderness I only imaging Jesus Christ demonstrated while on this earth.

All of my grandparents were/are Godly individuals. For those who have already gone to heaven and for the one who has not, I know that each one will hear the same thing when they stand in front of the Lord: WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.

For this I am thankful.

Thanksgiving - Day 1

As I've mentioned previously, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. You might be surprised that Christmas isn't my favorite holiday, but what I love about Thanksgiving is that you get to enjoy all the family/friend get-togethers, the food, the football and good movies without the stress of buying presents. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but there is just something more special to me about Thanksgiving.

This year, I am so thankful for many things. Through the next 2 weeks, I will post some of my favorite Bible verses about giving thanks and Thanksgiving and also about things I am thankful for.

Bible verse:
Psalm 107:1
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV)

What I am thankful for:
My family. I have an amazing husband and 2 great kids. I am so blessed by what they bring to my life. I have enjoyed watching our family transform over the years as Brad and I grow in our marriage and watch our kids grow.

What are you thankful for today?

Misc summer pictures

Here are several pictures from our summer adventures. We had a great time with family and friends.

Karri, striking a pose prior to going and and watching fireworks on the 4th of July

Everyone has hamburger and fries on the 4th, but for dessert?

Brad playing in a 6v6 soccer tournament.
Fun with the Fisher family at mom and dad's house in Oklahoma.
The cousins!
Celebrating Dad's 60th birthday.
The kids at the Indiana State Fair in August.

Summer continues

The schedule around our house doesn't seem to be slowing down at all. Almost every weekend we are running from one place to another. I'm looking forward to a Saturday where we have nothing on the calendar. As that doesn't seem to be a possibility any time soon, maybe I'll look at scheduling a free Saturday sometime in 2010. Until that time comes, we continue to enjoy our time together with family and friends. Below are some pictures of the craziness and fun so far.

We are looking forward to seeing my family in July at my mom and dad's house. It will be fun to relax and spend some time just hanging out and catching up. I'm sure we'll also find some fun pictures to take and post :)

Summer and soccer

We are 3 weeks into summer break and our schedule has yet to slow down. Maryna just finished soccer last weekend as she guest played with another team in a tournament. Her team finished second in the tournament and Maryna scored 4 goals in 3 games (high scorer). For the finals, the girls all sprayed their hair to match their uniforms.

Maryna's regular team finished strong on their season and won their division....this same team finished 5th in their division last season. What a great improvement from the team and great coaching from Brad.

Garrett still continues to do summer pick up games with his team (for practice/fun). He will probably play in a couple of 3v3 tournaments this summer. Both kids have tryouts for next year on the 27th and 28th of this month.

We have had a busy summer so far and it doesn't look like it is going to slow down any time soon. We have already had 4 graduation open houses that we've attended along with all the soccer stuff finishing up. This weekend is Garrett's team party, my birthday and father's day along with some adult soccer activities. Next weekend is soccer tryouts and then VBS begins on the 29th. The following weekend is the 4th of July and then we leave for Oklahoma on the 9th. We arrive back in town on the 13th and then Brad plays in a tournament on the 18th and 19th. Wwe leave for Chicago on the 25th as Brad's cousin is getting married. The following weekend is August 1st and pre-school activities begin along with the soccer season.

As you can see, summer vacation really isn't a vacation but we enjoy all of our activities together. We are excited to spend time with family in Oklahoma in July.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer!

Weekly happenings

So the past week has been CRAZY!!! Both Maryna and Garrett had soccer games last Tuesday (of course in 2 completely different locations). Wednesday, Maryna was supposed to have her school track meet but it was rained out. That evening, we had our AWANA awards night at church. Both kids did extremely well, but Maryna had to use the front pew to hold all of her awards :) Thursday was Maryna's large track meet (between the intermediate schools). She competed in the 100 m, the 4x100 m relay and the high jump. Her relay team placed 2nd, she took 2nd in the 100 m and still not sure about the high jump (although she did not have her best night at this event). It was a fun evening and the weather was perfect.

Friday, I took off work to get stuff done around the house, go grocery shopping, prepare for the half marathon and prepare for mom to arrive. Mom flew in really late Friday night (thanks to Ben for picking her up). Saturday morning was my race. I was very concerned about the weather as they had predicted severe thunderstorms that morning, but we didn't get any rain (couple of drops at the finish line). The weather was great (albeit a little humid) and I was so glad to complete it. Several have asked how the race went. I wanted to finish under 2:15 and finished at 2:11. I was happy with that time considering I was fighting leg cramps in my right calf starting at mile 6 and this course is EXTREMELY hilly. I know that if I didn't have those issues, I could have knocked at least 5 minutes off of my time.

Maryna's game Saturday evening was cancelled as fields were under water. Sunday, we went to church and then both kids had soccer games (1:00 and 3:00) and then Brad and I played an outdoor soccer game at 6:00.

I was glad my mom got to see the kids play while she was here. She flew out Monday morning (thanks again to Ben for taking her). As you can see, we had a very busy but very enjoyable time. Garrett has his school track meet tonight so we are excited to see how he does. The weather is perfect.

Easter and Spring Break 2009

Last week my kids were on spring break. I decided to take the entire week off and spend time with them (or at least be at home so they can play with their friends). We had a fun and relaxing week. Monday and Tuesday we were in Cincinnati at the Great Wolf Lodge. Of course, i forgot my camera so if you want to see what's a Great Wolf check out their website http://www.greatwolf.com/. We had a really good time.

Wednesday consisted of cleaning out closets (not fun, but necessary) and then the kids spent most of the rest of the day enjoying the beautiful weather outside.

Thursday the kids once again spent most of their time outside. I tried to accomplish one larger task per day, so on Thursday I cleaned out my fridge and freezer - once again, not fun but necessary.

Friday was a gloomy day. I went to the grocery store in the morning and then the kids and I dyed Easter eggs when I got home. That afternoon, Maryna and I went clothes shopping while Garrett spent the afternoon with his dad.

Saturday, another beautiful day, consisted of cleaning the house, making cinnamon rolls for Easter Sunday breakfast at church, Easter program rehearsal at church and then to the movies with Uncle Ben in the evening. Fun, but busy.

Sunday, Easter Sunday. Need I say more? It was a great day. Went to church and then spent time with Brad's family. Kids had a scavenger hunt that resulted in $10 each and 8 boxes each of different snacks (goldfish, Teddy Grahams, etc).

After we got home, Brad and the kids played outside while I went for a 7 mile run. I had been nervous all week about this run as it's the longest distance I've had to do so far. When I finished, I was pleasantly surprised not only at my time (65.58) but how relaxed I felt. Yes, I was tired but not exhausted. Gives me a little hope for the race which is in 5 weeks (YIKES!!!)

So, as you can see, we had a great week. I loved relaxing, working on NO schedule and just spending time with the family. Now that we are back to reality, the relaxation is out the door (6 kids soccer games in 4 days). Oh well, I truely enjoy every minute.

Start your engines!

Every year our AWANA group at church does a pine derby race. My kids (yes, all three...Maryna, Garrett and BRAD) all look forward to this event. The first couple of years Garrett was under the impression that if he chose a real car that was fast (i.e. Corvette, Lamborguini, etc) as his car design, that meant the pine derby car would be fast :) It was really cute!

They have since learned that it is about design and the cool tricks that dad can do to the car. For the past several years, the kids have been very competitive. Last year, Garrett really wanted to win so Brad spent a little extra time on his car. And yes, he won!


This year Brad decided he was going to spend equal time on the cars and if they won, that's great. He wasn't going to focus on one car over the other though. So, how do you think it turned out?

Here are the kids getting ready for their first race (against each other)





Maryna carefully placing her car in just the right spot (hers is the orange car and Garrett's is the silver metallic car).
Cars are set, now let's get them racing.
And who do you think won?

Maryna took first place and Garrett took second by 0.002 seconds difference. The top 2 in each class then raced for the grand championship. Here is the winner!

She was so happy to win, but more excited that she barely beat Garrett :) It was alot of fun and the kids had a great time.

March Madness

So the title actually means several things in my family. First and foremost it is basketball playoff time. Woo hoo!! It is my second favorite sports time of the year (only to college football bowls) and I'm so excited to get the games started. I watched Purdue win the Big 10 championship Sunday afternoon and then watched the selection show right after. It was great to see some teams really excited to be in the tournament. And then there was Memphis. Ok, I know they are upset to not get the #1 seed, however, show some class. When Memphis was announced as a #2 seed, their players barely clapped. How pathetic! The best thing they could have done was show some excitement and then go out onto the court and PROVE you should have been #1. Well, as soon as the selection show was over, I was online completing my brackets. I've done 2 cause there were several matchups I couldn't decide who I thought would win. Also, I like picking the upset every once in awhile. So, bring on the basketball! I will, of course, be rooting for my Sooners, but would like to see Purdue and Butler do well.

The second stage of my March madness is work. Yesterday, we had a large ceremony at one of our hospitals (did I mention that this is my large project for the next couple of years and anything and everything to do with this expansion is mine - when it comes to marketing) that is going through a $130 million expansion. So, I spent all day yesterday setting up, coordinating, tearing down, etc for this event. We had a great turnout and were covered on all the major network news shows last night. Here's a photo from the event.

Madness part 3 is our personal schedule. From soccer to school to church...it's BUSY. I had to create a family calendar for March through July and color code each event based on who it pertained to. It is CRAZY. We have something every day/night this month except for Fridays. I'm going to do my best to keep those free. So, in the midst of my madness, I'm trying to find ways to relax - mainly running, working out and reading good books. There has got to be some sanity in my madness :)

Internet wonders

I am amazed at the convenience of the internet and still wonder how we used to get things done without it. I was talking with a friend the other day about how our kids have it so much easier when it comes to doing reports for school. We used to go to the library, look through all the refernce books, hopefully find one or two that are useful, check them out, take them home and search through them to simply find the place of birth of a famous person. Now, want to know place of birth, date of birth, etc....simply type it into your search engine and wham...50 matches pop up. Makes life so much easier.

Another aspect of the internet I've come to love is blogging. Many of my family members and friends maintain their own blogs. After reading theirs and seeing how much fun they have, I decided this past year to start mine. Now, I must admit mine seems very boring compared to others but I think it's such a great way to keep in touch (especially with family all over the U.S.) without having to send emails and then getting yelled at for not copying a certain family member on the communication. If you want to know about us, it's now up to you to keep up. I love it.

Facebook is my new favorite. Not only do I keep in touch with family and local friends and co-workers, but I've been able to reconnect with friends from high school (in Brazil). It has been so much fun seeing the changes in people's lives over the past 16 years. People have gotten married, had kids, moved all over the world...and still we can keep in touch by the click of a button. Very different from when I lived in Brazil. The fastest mode of communication was the telephone (with calls costing about $1-2 per minute). If you were long winded, you had to mail a letter...do you remember the last time you sat down and WROTE a letter (not typed one)? I'm not sure I'd know how :) Actually, I know how, it would just take forever.

With all these technological advances, I must note that noone has an exuse now to not keep in touch. So, keep in touch :)

Um....it's just stuff

Happy Presidents Day! To me, doesn't really mean much...I mean, I still have to work, no presents are given or received, no special holiday meals...etc. So really, today is just Monday. However, if you still are in school or work for the government or work at a bank, it's a holiday. For those lucky folks, happy holiday.

This past week has been somewhat eventful. Maryna passed a milestone on Thursday. She suffered her first sprained ankle (don't you remember your first....it seemed aweful) and has been on crutches (yes, it's her first pair of crutches). She has been hobling around all weekend and we've been icing and wrapping faithfully. Yesterday for the first time the ankle looked relatively normal so we've been encouraging her to start putting weight on it and getting some movement. Since this is the first sprain, she's very hesitant to want to do much with it. For those who have experienced it...you know what I'm talking about.

Brad left Thursday afternoon (did I mention Maryna's incident happened Thursday afternoon...of course) for a youth ski retreat for our church. No, he doesn't qualify as a youth (well, not based on his birthday) so he was one of the leaders. Seemed to have a good time and got back home late Friday night.

Garrett had a pretty calm week...no major catastrophies, injuries, issues, etc. He spent as much time as possible outside playing with friends. He was happy just to be living life.

Since Saturday was Valentine's Day, I made a nice, but simple dinner. The best part was the dessert and since I was making it, I of course chose my favorite...brownie fudge sundaes. I mean, really, is there anything better than a warm brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and smothered in warm hot fudge? It truely is the best comfort food. That was the highlight of my day.

Switching gears....I made a new kind of chili on Thursday (since Brad was gone, I can make chili...he doesn't eat chili or any kind of soup). It was awesome. Here's the recipe for those that would like to try. It's great on a cold evening.

Mexican Chili
Brown 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) and drain
Add 1 package taco seasoning and stir.
Add:
1 can corn, undrained
1 can Rotel, undrained
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can kidney beans, undrained

Bring to a boil and then add 1 lb Velveeta (diced into cubes). Heat and stir until cheese is melted.

This was awesome and even better the 2nd day (which is typical of chili).

Hope everyone has a great week.

Happy Birthday Ben!

So yesterday my baby brother turned 28! I can't believe it. I feel so old. Anyways, as is tradition in my family, the birthday boy or girl gets to choose what they want for birthday dinner. Ben decided he wanted beef and noodles and then hot fudge cake for dessert. His final meal consisted of homemade beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, rolls, broccoli, applesauce and then hot fudge cake with ice cream for dessert. I must say, it was quite good and perfect for a cold evening.

Just wanted to say how thankful I am for my brother and what a great friend he has been.
Ben, we love you and happy birthday!

Family pictures

We had pictures taken this Christmas with Brad's sister and her family and then again with my family. Here are some of the pics.