Weekly Ramble 6/22/24

Summer is officially here! Do you know how you’re going to spend it?

Cue the theme song from Phineas and Ferb. Bryan and the kids worked their way through all of those episodes back when the kids were little and we had cable. To this day I cannot think of summer vacation without thinking of that song.

Can I admit that I’m a wee bit sad that our days of “summer vacation” are almost past us? As I was writing about summer planning tips and how to create a summer schedule for kids earlier this week, I felt those pangs of nostalgia.

I don’t have a small army of little children to escort through the summer daze. Sigh…It did, indeed, go by quickly.

That said, I’m still about the Summer Bucket List and trying to be more intentional with our summer days. So far the main request from the girls has included we schedule our regular beach days. That will begin once they’re done with summer camp work in mid-July.

Other things going on my Summer Bucket List? Hmmm…. Does finally cleaning my closet since moving count?

It’s a bit hard to dream big when the family is so busy — and Bryan and I already made our big trip for the year. Add to that the fact that after three weeks of thinking it was getting better, my left ear made itself known — with a vengeance — last night. Ear pain and sore throat.

I’m hoping this means the ear is draining? But, it’s ironic that all was mostly “fine” until the day that my medical group got their act together. Remember I filed a grievance last month? Well, they had 30 days to rectify the situation. I got a call on Day 30.

On the one hand, I’m glad to see progress on my health issues. On the other hand, I kinda wanted them to get a spanking from the insurance company. They obeyed right in the final hour. My kids say I need to work on some of my toxic thinking… lol

But, on the bright side, I’ve got appointments for my ear, to talk to a specialist about perimenopause and possible HRT, and to visit my cardiologist who will probably yell at me and threaten statins.

Creating a summer bucket list (aka list of fun things to do) is a bit hard to come up with when all you can think of are work projects and medical visits.

So, let’s see where this thought experiment goes… what fun things would I like to include in my summer experience and that of my family?

Sabbath celebrating – We’ve been talking about creating a more festive vibe at home on Sundays, including guests and more fun stuff into our Sunday dinners with the kids (more below).

Vacation days – Bryan and I have got June, July, and August vacation days on the calendar. How can I make them more intentional and fun?

Beach days with the girls – Since they were pretty little, we’ve had the weekly ritual of going to the beach. They have so much fun. I’ve very glad I forced them into so many swim lessons back in the day.

An organized closet of clothes I love – Yes, it’s work, but it will also make me feel good. I just used up all my StitchFix gift certificate on five pieces that I really love. Time to get my clothes shipshape! (Get $25 credit when you use my referral link.)

Disneyland – I didn’t get to go to Disneyland with the littles for FishBoy20’s birthday because I was so sick. Remember how horrible that was? We are hoping to go in August when the crowd and the prices die down.

Sleep – That can go on a bucket list, right? Getting up at 5 has been rough, especially on the heels of a month of sickness. I’d like to cultivate my sleep habits a little more so that I don’t feel like going to bed at 7 pm, something I did a few times this past week.

I realize that this “bucket list” doesn’t appear too exciting. That’s okay. I feel like until we know we’re not moving in August (we are hoping that our Sept 1 lease will be renewed!), cleaning closets is a big enough dream.

Dang, I’m glad we went to Hawaii in April!

Five Favorite Things

Here are some things I enjoyed this week:

The Taste of Sabbath

Observing the Sabbath isn’t something that B and I grew up with. In fact, for years I worked 20/7 when the kids were little, and growing up in construction, he knew that some weekends might call for overtime.

After he got his college job, official weekend “work” disappeared, but we still did a lot on the weekends.

About 10 years ago during a summer reading of the OT, I was convicted not to do any blog work on Sundays. That was about as far as I got in implementing a Sabbath or “rest day”.

A few months/weeks (?) ago, however, Bryan suggested that we become more intentional in observing the Sabbath. We’ve been in research/talking mode about this since.

I just finished The Taste of Sabbath by Stuart Bryan and found it to be very informative as well as encouraging with solid principles for observing the Sabbath, not in a Little-House-on-the-Prairie-uptight way, but a feasting and celebrating kind of way.

The book is a wee bit heady — I had to reread a few sections a few times to get it — but overall, I feel like I have a good understanding of what this could look like for us and why.

Bonus: I really love how the author focuses on principles over applications.

I’ll share more as we figure out exactly what this looks like and how to make it sustainable.

Prison Plates

Okay, FishChick17 says we shouldn’t call them this. My brother works in a jail. He says it’s okay. You can call them “basic trays” like Target does, if you like.

I bought several of these a few years ago that we love for Pizza Night since we are a ranch-dipping family. I didn’t have enough for guests, though, and since they’re so cheap at Target, I splurged on a few more.

Just don’t trust their inventory. I drove a few extra miles to a different Target (I have 4 to choose from) so I could get this set of new colors, but they didn’t have any in stock, despite the fact the website’s saying there are still three left. I ended up with this set that is actually cheaper, so no harm/no foul.

They are perfect for date nights in the backyard as we tested it this week. The weather had cooled off and it was so much cheaper and tastier than going out.

I think these will be great for using in the backyard for Sunday lunch this summer, particularly when we invite families with kids over and/or have a variety of salads that we might not want to touch.

Speaking of which…

Salad Sundays

I introduced Salad Sundays last summer (pictured) when I was looking for an easy meal to serve on Sunday nights. Now that we’re trying to get more fruit and veg, my love for this meal plan theme is even more rock solid.

Salad Sundays are, for sure, going to be part of our Sabbath Celebrations since I can generally make everything in advance. We learned last year that buying salads from Trader Joe’s wasn’t going to cut it. Those pictured may look like what I would make, but my salad recipes are way better.

Just saying…

Throw in grilled sausages or chicken or pork tenderloin and that should make an easy meal to please the masses. (Hello, Rest Day!)

My Bedside Phone Charger

Bryan and I both love Apple devices. We don’t get the latest and greatest at the drop of a hat, but when we buy a device, we usually turn to Apple. Since he gave me an Apple Watch for the Trifecta, I’d found charging all the things at night to be a bit cumbersome.

I did a quick Amazon search and found this after market charging station that charges iphone, AirPods, and watch all at one time — without having to plug in all the things. It’s amazing and chargers everything very quickly.

We ended up ordering Bryan one the next day since they had coupons (like they do now). A very small price to pay for simplifying life a lot!

My Summer Meal Plan

It’s amazing how easy my life this week has been with a set meal plan on repeat!

Not only do I not have to think about what’s for dinner, but grocery shopping is super easy, and the meals I picked are super simple to prep.

Sunday – aka Family Dinner aka Salad Sundays – I make up a variety of salads (at least 3 different ones) with plenty of protein here and there. It’s easy and make-ahead and perfect for hot summer days.

Monday – Burger night – Bryan loves to grill so why not let him — all summer long! Burgers are easy, everyone loves them, and I can switch things up with different meat, buns, or sides in case we get bored.

Tuesday – We are diehard fans of Taco Tuesday. This is usually a Mexican food buffet that the fam can mix and match however they like.

Wednesday – Grilled chicken (he likes to grill, right?), potatoes, and salad. This week I loaded up on the good chicken Ralphs has on BOGO sale and made two bags of marinated chicken for the freezer since I hate prepping chicken to grill almost as much as Bryan likes to grill it. lol

Thursday – This is when we parents have a date night and the kids enjoy Breakfast for Dinner.

Friday – Without fail, we have grilled sourdough pizza every.single.week. Here’s how to grill it. Here’s how to make it sourdough. So good. We usually make enough to have leftovers on Saturday which makes Saturday lunch a very easy fend-for-yourself/don’t-mess-up-the-kitchen situation.

Saturday – Snacky Dinner – My new time budget has me doing meal prep on Saturdays, so snacky dinner is a very good fit.

Featured Resource

With summer in full swing, have you grabbed your copy of the Summer Self-Care Planner?

I know, the summer is busy still, but it inherently carries with it a little “sit in the hammock” kind of vibe, a vibe I want YOU to make the most of this year. Even with summer camps and vacations and all the other things that happen when you’re momming, you can still take a deep breath, and make the most of the seasons you’re in. Right?

Grab the planner here –> https://fishmama.com/product/summer-self-care-planner/

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If you got to the end, you are a champ and my BFF. I covet your prayers about my health. I really want to feel well and have energy again. Hoping that these three doctor appointments these next two weeks will help.