Our “LAST” Family Weekend

Since the three of us siblings are getting older, all-together family time is getting harder to accomplish. We each have our own lives and keep busy with various activities. For the last couple of years now, Mom is sure each vacation will be the last family vacation we will all be together for. The last family dinner before everyone travels back to work and school. The last time…

Ashley (my younger sister) now lives in California and is attending grad school.  It’s weird to now only see her a couple times a year when we used to have to share a bedroom years ago.  Since this was her first year, she was able to come home for the entire summer.  This will be the last time she can do this because she will have clients and other activities during the summer for the rest of her years there.  So we made the most of our last family vacation at the cabin this summer!  I’ve lost track, but I believe this is our third last family vacation.

Before Dad had to leave on business we had our last family dinner together (for a couple of months).  Ashley leaves tomorrow, so we had one last weekend which we filled with dinner and games on Saturday night at Mom’s house.  We had pork roast and played Mad Gab.Nicdew guessingMe and NicoleAsh getting Mom to guessAshley

Then, one last LAST dinner and games on Sunday night at our house.  We ate hot dogs and played Win, Loose, or Draw Jr.  Both nights were filled with much laughter, teasing each other about everything, and of course lots of junk food.Me drawingAndrew drawingNicole drawing

We can always find a good reason for Mom-cooked meals and fun hang out time, but our friends are starting to make fun of how many times we do things for the LAST time!

My Work Office

Just thought I would share… here is what my “office” looks like.  I don’t have any closed doorway so it isn’t really an office, more of a reception area.  People like to call it the fish bowl because it’s right in the middle of the office where I can watch everything that is going on, and they can see me too.  My official title is Office Manager (aka: everything no one else wants to do).

My office

My desk isn’t always this clean, but it was slow towards the end of the day today… hence the time to take pictures.  Notice how I brought both a sweater and a heavier jacket to work today.  The factory employees make fun of me for dressing that way when the feels like temperature is 104° outside.  They’re out there sweating and I’m bundled up. However, I’m lucky if the office temperature reaches the mid-seventies, which is too cold when I’m just sitting here!Office window

My desk has been rearranged to several layouts since I’ve been working here.  Even though I’m kinda in the corner, I think this one is the best option.  I like that I can be lazy and roll my chair over to the copy machine. It gives me the most free desk space, and… I can see out the window!  I can peek right over the top of my monitor to see the outside world.  I like to see when visitors pull up and know that the sun is still shining. The back part of my desk has to stay this organized! I can always tell when other people have been using my stuff. I just can’t help my OCD, it’s genetic.

My desk

What about you? What does your office/work space look like? Share a link to your space!

Favorite, Homemade Mac ‘n Cheese

This is probably the BEST comfort food there is. I don’t think there is ever a night where I couldn’t eat homemade mac ‘n cheese. This is a family recipe that gets changed just a little by each person who makes it. It’s not the taste you would normally expect with mac ‘n cheese. Jesse didn’t like it the first time he had it, but now its one of his favorites too. And to make it even better, the cost of the total recipe about $3!

Mix:

  • 8oz of elbow macaroni (cooked)
  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 1 can of milk (refill soup can)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • pepper to taste

Stir everything together and bake at 350 for 30 minutes, stir half way through.  Yummy!!

Mac 'n cheese