Oink, Oink

Yes, that's right. We have the swine flu at our house. How did we get it this late in the season, you ask? Beats the snot out of me. (Ha! A joke!) The doctor also seemed perplexed. I'd blame it on the public schools, but J-Man doesn't have it. At least, he doesn't act sick. But then, he didn't act sick two weeks ago when he had a raging strep infection. Either way, he got on the bus this morning.

In the meantime, since I don't have it either, I've been able to catch up on some housework. I'm starting to feel less like I live in a sty. (Look at that...another joke! My brain must be firing this morning!)

Birthday Tribute

Our sweet Little K had a birthday a couple of days ago. In honor of the event, I dug out this series of photos from 2006-7. In every picture except the last one, the head of the bed is to the left. In all of them she is sound asleep, which defies logic. But then, so does she.

Tuesdays

One of the reasons I've been so quiet lately is that I've been really, really busy. One of the busy things has been a short term project cooking dinners on Tuesdays (and one Saturday luncheon) for a class at our church. Between 20 and 25 people attended every week. Yesterday was the last one. It was a fun challenge, but it will be good to have a break, too. I had a budget of $100 per meal, for a total of $1,100. I think I came in at around $950. Here's how the menu played out. Everything was homemade unless otherwise noted.

Week 1
Lasagna, Tossed Salad, Bread (purchased), Lemon Bars

Week 2
Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles, Vegetable Tray, Fruit Tray, Brownies

Week 3
Honey Mustard Chicken, Green Beans with Mushrooms and Almonds, Rice Pilaf (from a mix), Fruit Tray, Mocha Pudding Cups

Week 4
Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, Potato Chips, Watermelon Wedges, Rice Krispie Treats

Week 5
Black Bean Soup, Corn Bread, Tossed Salad, Fruit Tray, Assorted Cookies & Pastries (from Panera)

Week 6
Build your own Baked Potato Bar, Tossed Salad, Melon Salad, Chocolate Ice Cream in Baked Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Cups

Week 7
Spaghetti and Meatballs, Garlic Bread (frozen), Tossed Salad, Fruit Tray, Cookies (from Panera)

Week 8
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup; Bread (from Panera); Mixed Lettuce Salad with Cranberries, Almonds, Gorgonzola and Raspberry Vinaigrette; Fruit Tray; Strawberry Trifle

Week 9
Ham, Cranberry Relish, Macaroni and Cheese, Spinach Salad, Fruit Tray, Assorted Cheesecake (from Trader Joe)

Week 10
Build your own Taco Bar, Corn/Tomato/Avocado/Black Bean Salad, Spanish Rice (from a mix), Fruit Tray, Devil Dogs

Saturday Luncheon
Turkey Wraps, Pasta Salad, Assorted Chips, Pickle/Olive Tray, Fruit Tray, Chocolate Chip Cookies