How I do CVS

Today was another use and abuse day at CVS. If you haven't discovered the deals at CVS yet, you really should check it out. Today I spent $20.69 and got all of the things in the picuture.... which includes, by the way, a Large pack of diapers and a 12 pack of diet coke, 3 bags of Easter candy for baskets, Pantene shampoo, conditioner and hairspray (which was free), a pack of gum (free also) and deodorant (which I actually made money on). Total costs amount $47.61 and my cost $20.69. Use your coupons and extra bucks folks! They're just giving stuff away.

Green Day

Well, Yesterday was St. Patty's Day, so we spent it in green. We had green foods all day.. green eggs, green milk and shamrock toast with green sprinkles for breakfast. For dinner, we had broccoli of course, and ranch chicken with rice and parsley for some green. The best green for the day was definitely the green smoothie we had for dessert. See the recipe below and note what makes it green! I believe that his exact words were, " Mom! that smoothie was GOOOD!" who knew!

Shamrock Shake/Shrek ShakeIngredients: (wash hands first!)
*handful of ice cubes
*handful or two of fresh spinach (don’t see why you couldn’t use frozen, but fresh sure is pretty)*handful of frozen peach slices or other yellow or green frozen fruit
*1-2 frozen bananas
*1-2 cups of pineapple juice
*1 apple, cubed (golden delicious is great, or granny smith)

Directions:Throw all ingredients in a blender and blend. Enjoy.


I have to say.. I tried it and couldn't taste the spinach at all. I loved it. It tasted like a peach smoothie to me. We didn't add apples because we didn't have any, and we had apple juice, so we did that instead. Next year, I think I may try this:

Green Spaghetti
This is a great idea!
lb. spaghetti, cooked,
drained10 oz. frozen spinach, chopped
1/2 C. chicken broth
1/2 C. Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 C. milk4 Tbs. butter (optional)
Prepare spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat spinach in microwave until hot. Heat broth over low heat. Place spinach and it’s liquid into blender. Add warmed broth and liquefy. Stir cheese and milk into spinach mixture. When spaghetti is done, drain and place in large bowl. Toss with butter, then spinach mixture.

On the Mend

We've been sick this week here at the Macdonald house, but are on the mend now. Thank You to our good, good God that can provide that healing touch. Isn't the weather in Texas just insane. On Tuesday it was 84 degrees and we were outside playing and strolling in the wagon-- despite stomach bugs....then on Wednesday digging in rubbermaid tubs for winter clothes that we had packed away because all of a sudden it was 39 degrees and raining. It's been cold and raining for 3 days now. YUcK! However...

Spring Break is Upon us! Thanks goodness, because I think we all need a good break from everyday schedules. This week we have lots of doctor appts. for Josie, and lots of relaxing and laundry planned. Jack has promised that he is going to force us to squeeze in fun somewhere in the middle of those plans too! I hope you all have great plans of fun and sun planned this week! Happy Spring Break! Ps. .. I can't figure out how to get Lucy to turn around.. Just tilt your head!

Unravelling

Oh.. say it isn't so.... for those of you that know us at all, you know what this scrap is from without a second glance. Yes, it's true... it's "baby". Try not to cry. There is a time and a season for everything. "Baby" is unravelling. I guess we really shouldn't have expected too much from that poor ragged 'ol pillow case that I got before Scott and I got married. It lasted 7 years on our bed and endured night after night of snoozing heads. Then to get shoved into a linen closet only to be replaced by those stinkin' king size pillowcases. Then to see the light of day again when that crazy little girl came along. It's been dragged around all over the house, the yard, the trampoline, to school and back countless days. Heck, that "baby" has seen just about every place we've ever been to visit and probably many that we haven't. It's been through every illness, tonsils out, tubes in, stomach viruses, colds, and all those good days too. It's been rescued from Linus' mouth, rescued from Walmart once when we left it at the Neighborhood Market on the soup aisle, rescued from the cracks of the couch, and the car... Poor "baby" It's day is near... I think I'll save this tiny scrap for Josie when she get's older. She may need it to get through other tough times and good times too..

Just a Saturday

hey guys... I'm trying during my precious hour while Lucy naps to catch up on the blog. Today is a great day... sunny, about 85 degress outside....and on a side note: i hear from my parents in Hawaii (their yearly trip) that the weather here is better than in Hawaii right now! wow... that's something. This morning we had a ton of things on the agenda: 1. the first TNT soccer game of the season at 8 sharp this morning! 2. District races for the Pinewood Derby at 9:30 right after the game. Then a birthday party at 2:00. It's just one of those busy, busy days that I'm thankful for ..usually after it's over. Today Lucy tried rice cereal. She wasn't impressed. She will be... it'll take a few tries and then I fully expect she will be like a tiny baby bird.. not able to get enough.

Chicago

Our trip to Chicago was quick but great. I know we were only there for 3 days, but in 3 short days we managed to squeeze in:

• surprise birthday party for Sandi -Happy Birthday Grandma!
• a trip to Portillos for beef sandwiches- yum




• a visit to Soldier Field - Go Bears!
• a visit to Wrigley Field- Go Cubs!

A Day at Navy Pier

A trip on the Ferris Wheel (where we discovered that Josie and Scott are terrified of heights...at the top!)

• Chicago Dogs!
• a long drive through The City of Broad Shoulders



• experiencing the ~~Windy City~~


• icy Lake Michigan





• DEEP DISH PIZZA! at Lou Malnati's featured on Food Network
  
• snow!!



• a visit with Aunt Nan
• meeting all of the Macdonalds!
• a trip to all of Scott's childhood homes and neighborhoods
• a trip down memory lane --visiting Grandma and Grandpa's childhood homes and schools and neighborhoods

• Lego-land -whew!





• Josie's first airplane ride
• Lucy's first airplane ride
• O'Hare Security !

We had such a great stay in a faboulous hotel. Thank You Grandma and Grandpa for a much needed vacation. A trip that Jack will never forget for sure.... and for Jen's first "Macdonald vacation" and first trip to Chicago. Now I can say.. "I've been there!" for once.