What's Up Wednesday for August 2020

Since it's the last Wednesday of the month it's time for what's Up Wednesday where I join up with Sheaffer and Shay to answer a few questions.  I just can not believe that it's already the end of August and that school will be starting next week!
What We're Eating This Week: 

Monday-- Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread sticks


Tuesday-- Chicken, broccoli, & rice casserole (we only eat this once a month but it seems like my boys always request this at the end of the month so sorry if you see this linked up month after month).



Wednesday-- Chicken, spinach,  & cheese quesadillas with tortilla chips and salsa


Thursday-- Steak hopefully with potatoes and vegetables from our Misfits Market box.

Friday-- Parmesan crusted fish with rice pilaf and salad (plain baked chicken tenderloins for the younger boys)

Saturday-- I want to try this chicken, zucchini, & tomato casserole which I'll serve with potatoes or pasta so the boys have something to eat with the chicken. 

Sunday-- Grilled pork tenderloins with more of our misfit vegetables and salad. 
What I'm Reminiscing About: With the approach of September I am thinking a lot about all our family vacations we've taken in the fall.  For the past 8 years we've been homeschooling we found that fall was the perfect time to take our vacations.  The weather was still beautiful and most people were firmly back at work with their kids in school so places were practically empty! It makes me so sad that we won't be going anywhere this fall... but with Alec going to a real actual school we'll have to start vacationing with everyone else! 

Sept 2012-- Sea World & Legoland




Sept 2013-- Disney World





Sept. 2014-- Universal Studios, Legoland, Clearwater Aquarium



Sept. 2015-- We planned a mini trip to Great Wolf Lodge


Sept. 2016-- Myrtle Beach




Oct 2017-- Busch Gardens, Lowery Park Zoo, Tampa bay area



Sept. 2018-- Niagara falls



Fall 2019-- South Dakota trip



What I'm Loving: All the extra time I've been able to read this month! 






What We've Been Up To: We had a busy month celebrating all sorts of birthdays-- my mother in law, my son, my niece, my nephew...  we went on a few hikes, spent lots of time baking and swimming and playing with friends.  We had one ER visit and a half-week without power after a tropical storm blew threw.  It's been an eventful month. 












What I'm Dreading: The time it will take for us to find and stick to a new schooling routine.  I just have no idea how this school year is going to go... especially now that my surgery has been scheduled for next month too.  I am both so excited it's scheduled and dreading it so so much...   

What I'm Working On: A few blog post ideas as well as toying with the idea of remodeling a room or two in the house... which won't happen until winter at least as I was told to plan on being down for anywhere between 4 & 8 weeks depending on how the surgery goes.

What I'm Excited About: This guy got his permit and starts driver's ed next month!  It makes me both excited and anxious at the same time.



What I'm Watching/Reading:

Watching: My husband and I started watching Psych. I've also re-watched some old favorite movies when we were without power like Notting Hill & Fool's Gold. We watched the World's Toughest Race in one weekend and I ended up watching most of the Teenage Bounty Hunters as a preview for Ian.  One day I settled down to watch The One and Only Ivan after reading the book.  I also got Same Time Next Year from our library after seeing this movie referenced so many times this summer in various books. 









Reading: I read SO many great books this month; in fact I read more books this month than I have any other month this year.


What I'm Listening to: All 4 guys are in different rooms of the house watching TV or playing video games and I keep hearing each one laugh at different times.  It's pretty funny to just sit here and listen. 

What I'm Wearing: We've had almost an entire month of heat waves with temps in the 90's and humidity that has been through the roof.  I'm wearing all kinds of short shorts, skirts, and bathing suits. Just this past week we've finally had cooler weather that has a bit of a hint of fall in it..




I just love the lace back of this shirt!




What I'm Doing This Weekend: I don't think we have anything planned.  

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month: My youngest will officially turn 13 and then I have all teenagers! How did that happen so fast?  We're planning on a party with his grandparents to celebrate and I'm hoping Evan and I can get out of the house for our annual birthday shopping trip and lunch date.

What Else is New: In case you missed it the two other times I mentioned it in this post-- my surgery has FINALLY been scheduled for next moth.  Just hoping and praying we all stay healthy and I can actually make it to the surgery and through the surgery and that recover won't be super awful... can you tell it also ticked up all my anxiety?!?!  

Linking Up With: Mid-week link up, Loving Life Thursday, 








Comments

  1. NatashaAugust 26, 2020 at 6:28 AM

    Thinking of you as you anticipate your surgery along with the other changes September is bringing for you. You can do it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. HollyAugust 26, 2020 at 6:49 AM

    Sending you positive vibes for a successful surgery! I LOVED Same Time Next Year- such an amazing love story- you read some great books too- will definitely check some of these out and you are looking awesome in your outfits!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 26, 2020 at 7:48 AM

      Thanks!! Positive vibes are always appreciated.

      Delete
  3. Memphis BridgesAugust 26, 2020 at 7:16 AM

    Thanks for these recipes! Praying for peace for you as anticipate your surgery next month.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 26, 2020 at 7:47 AM

      You're welcome! Enjoy. And thank you for your prayers.

      Delete
  4. Andrea NineAugust 26, 2020 at 7:43 AM

    I’m so happy your boy got his permit! Your food looks delicious and you look absolutely gorgeous in blues and greens! I especially love the baby blue on you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kari August 26, 2020 at 8:05 AM

    I am so glad you finally got your surgery scheduled. Onward! I will be sending positive vibes your way in September.
    I am excited to hear how the driving went and how public school goes, so many firsts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 26, 2020 at 10:38 AM

      It is amazing how many firsts we've got going on.. I'm still not sure how I'll be in all the places I need to be but we'll get there!

      Delete
  6. Dara @ Not In JerseyAugust 26, 2020 at 10:57 AM

    I hope the surgery goes well! Good luck with school as well.

    ReplyDelete
  7. EllibelleAugust 26, 2020 at 11:51 AM

    Great pictures! The food looks delicious and such fun vacation photos!
    And loving the white shorts on you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 26, 2020 at 4:32 PM

      Aw, thanks! I am loving my white shorts. I'm even thinking I need some white jeans for fall.

      Delete
  8. TorontoSAMAugust 26, 2020 at 11:55 AM

    We also like travelling in the fall. We had thought about a European trip for this year but it was not to be. Maybe next year!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kate at Green FashionistaAugust 26, 2020 at 12:17 PM

    I remember how excited I was when I got my driving permit (also was in Connecticut!). And all these food pics are making me hungry <3

    Green Fashionista

    ReplyDelete
  10. AniAugust 26, 2020 at 12:29 PM

    I love your wardrobe! Eric and Jack are getting hit hard with the fact that Summer is almost over. They both feel like we didn't do anything, even though we were in the pool almost every day and we had a ton of ice cream lol. They didn't get their big Summer travel event, and it's been hard. It's a hard time, but we have to make the most of it. You certainly are riding the bright side, I absolutely love your view.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 26, 2020 at 4:34 PM

      Thank you! I am trying to stay positive as I know my boys take their cues from me.

      Delete
  11. Sarita @ it's my girls' worldAugust 26, 2020 at 2:07 PM

    Really hope your surgery goes well, love! And yay for TONS of reading time and three teens in the house!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nancy 's Fashion StyleAugust 26, 2020 at 2:16 PM

    Sending you lots of strength for the surgery!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Joanne August 26, 2020 at 4:34 PM

    It was such a relief to finally have a date-- now here's hoping I get to keep it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Danielle @ A Sprinkle of JoyAugust 26, 2020 at 8:04 PM

    Praying that the surgery goes as planned. Also, your outfits are all so fun!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Meditations in MotionAugust 27, 2020 at 11:21 AM

    I think a lot of us are reminiscing about past vacations since we are not going anywhere this year. You have lots of good memories! Hoping the surgery goes well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne August 27, 2020 at 3:40 PM

      Thank you; I'm really hoping it goes well too but trying to plan for all contingencies.

      Delete

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