First Day of School

So, Troy left half-dressed for school. I am told he ended up dressed before they got to school. Sigh.

Sweet Melynda is brilliant! I just got off the phone with her counselor and she has been promoted to Honors English and Algebra I!!! So, we knew she was smart but now others do, too!!!

"Call Me Sky"

I'd like to introduce to my nearly 10 year old daughter, Sky "insert last name here."

Summer is over for me. Sky went to 4th grade this morning, will ride the bus home to mother's and her time of living with us is over til next year. Sure, we'll see her one night a week and every weekend but man alive, it won't be the same without her here everyday! :(
Here she is this morning, backpack on and ready for school:

She has decided to go by her middle name "from now on" and would appreciate us all calling her Sky. So, there you have it. This is actually the name her Daddy gave her so I think he's liking the bond that they have through this process. In fact, many of Roy's family have always called her Sky so it won't be hard for them! When we went to meet the teacher yesterday, she informed her mother that she was going to go by Sky and told her teacher as well. I marked all her supplies this way and joked with her that I hoped she knew her new initials now!!

Sky's at a crossroad as well as the older kids...she really wanted to live with us and her mother said no and we aren't willing to sacrifice the relationship we have right now so that's where it for now. I know in time, Sky will end up living with us and we feel time is on our side.

So, tomorrow is back to school for Troy, Reggie & Melynda. I'm sure I'll have a post on them, too, as this big house that has been so busy this summer is 4 people less and it will just be the little boys and me.

Cookbooks

Why do I love cookbooks? They are SO expensive and honestly, I may never use a recipe out of them but I can't resist!!! Don't get me wrong, I do use them and I think I've used each of them at least once.... I have this thing about recipes - they are meant to be altered or are suggestions. I have found out the hard way that some things, like cakes, are meant to be followed, exactly.

Back to cookbooks, I LOVE them! I have some recent favorites:




Spin on Salads doesn't only have salad recipes but dressings, too! And lots of tips on making salads hearty enough for a meal; which I'll about with temps in the high 90's and 100's!!! Even the kids will go for a great salad when it's hot.

With tips on how to make salad last longer in the fridge to making your vinaigrettes work, I love this one!

Main Dishes is another new fave. With recipes ready in 30 minutes or less, potluck options and special occasions, what's not to like? Add in options for meatless meals or easy double recipes it works for me! I love that it reminds me to cook ahead for recipes which helps me with my weekly menu planning and anytime I can "cook once and eat twice" is a hit in my book! I also love neat names like "Farmstand Frittata." Frittata sounds so with it when I tell the kids what we're having for supper. Ha! Unfortunatley, this cookbook is being discontinued and is only available this month (August). I'm sure there will be something neat to come next but I'm so glad I got this one while I could! If you want it, let me know and I'll try and "hook you up!"

I have other books I turn to for inspiration but since the move I have not unpacked the two boxes of cookbooks I love and so it's been my Pampered Chef cookbooks and the internet; which I love. Mostly, I love taking several recipes and then making my own creation. It's the only creative outlet I have, now that I think of it! Interesting discovery I just made.

Well, I best get cookin'! I have a Home Interior party tomorrow and a house blessing on Sunday so I have some neat little desserts to make!