Ian's Birthday and the Fourth

My man turned 30 last week.  If possible it didn't hit me that I'm 30 until he hit the millstone with me, now I officially feel old. ;o).  We had a great time celebrating our guy.

This past weekend I was in a FUNK.  Capital F if you know what I mean.  I hate to admit it almost, a holiday weekend to boot.  I made it through Ian's birthday and then just crashed.

I was much sadder than I thought I'd be, missing out on this holiday up north.  I think I told every person with ears about it last week.  Oh we're not usually in town for the fourth, we're up north, at a cabin. It's lovely.  Who cares right?  I guess some whiny childhood tendencies are hard to shake.

Despite my grump we had a great holiday.  Ian took the girls to the town parade as Felix was still sleeping when it was time to head out. They had a blast.  Waving flags and shoving candy in their mouths all the way home.
We had friends over for a backyard bbq in the evening which was so nice.  It's great to have friends that you don't have to fuss over.  We all just ate and drank and talked and contemplated buying one of these together while kids played. Then Ian took the girls to the fireworks that night.  They all came home BEAMING.  I so wish I could have seen their first experience with fireworks.  Next year right?!

Then Saturday we needed some family fun.  As fun as the fourth was it felt a bit separate and segmented thanks to a sleeping little guy who couldn't partake in most of the festivities.  Ian found a flea market in a nearby town so we drove an hour and arrived a bit (coughTWOHOURScough) early.  Rather serendipitously there was a Costco right next to the lot so we visited for bathroom breaks and ended up buying a globe amongst other things (why not right?).  The Flea Market was awesome.  There were two stands I loved in particular with tons of solid vintage handled baskets and pyrex dish ware.  I REALLY REALLY wanted a new butter dish and basket but restrained myself.  Now I kind of wished I hadn't.  Still it was fun.  We all crashed that afternoon, it was a big morning!

Sunday we just kind of coasted through.  Played some, worked some.
I woke up this morning ready to make the week great.

I've been struggling with meal planning lately.  I've been doing really well with using up everything in the pantry and freezer, so now we're down to the bare bones and it was time to spruce things up.  I cook best when I'm excited about food and I was excited this week, big time.

I found a new food blog I'm loving.  Mels Kitchen Cafe.  This week I'm making her Greek Chicken Pita Pockets (in the crock pot for tonight!), Sweet Balsamic Glazed Porkloin, and Tuna and White Bean Salad (made with Ainsley this morning, had it in lettuce leaves for lunch, delicious).  I also revisited Moosewood for some snack and lunch inspiration.  I made her Lentil Bulgur Salad this morning and her walnut feta dip for snack.  That dip may sound weird but it's AMAZING!  I made it once when we were newly married for friends coming over and I don't know why I ever stopped.  Just walnuts and parsley ground fine in the food processor, add seasonings, milk and feta cheese and blend away.  Louise and I already gobbled lots up while we were making it.  I'm also making a gazpacho from The Naptime Chef.  I know Ian and I will love it, but I'm interested to see how the kids like it!  They're usually pretty open minded with food, but I got a basil tomato flatbread just in case.

Ah, to have four dishes already made for the week and ready to go sure helps with my mindset.

I did lose my cool with all of the kids at one point already this morning though.  I really need to reinstate that whole stop and count to 5 thing when I'm fuming and frustrated.  I don't know how people have more than 3 kids.  It's simply outrageous around here as it is.

So after good naps for all (even me! in the tub!) I'm feeling a bit refreshed.  It's HOT out today so we may stay in for these early afternoon hours and get some things done.  We have SO many summer birthdays in our family I really need to stay on top of it or I'm afraid I'll forget someone!  Then perhaps an early afternoon bike ride is in order, or at least a run through the sprinkler.  Even in my tiny funk with summer I can't be mad at the sprinkler.

I hope you all are having a great re-entry after the fourth and had a fun weekend celebrating wherever you happened to be.