Good late February Monday morning! How’s it going? How is life? February has absolutely flown by around here, despite being out of my element (AKA out of my kitchen).

Temperature have been mild, mid-50’s, so we’ve spent a lot of time outside on walk, playing kube, and grilling. I was talking to David the other day about the mild winter and he said “well, that under water volcano supposedly created a temporary rise in global temperatures I believe.” I stared at him like what? Then went to google and found out he was spot on- the 2022 Tonga eruption. I swear David always knows random tidbits to add to conversations and it’s one of my favorite things about him.

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Anyway, let’s catch up real quick! David and I had to scoot out of town for a meeting on Friday, so my mom came to watch the kids. Though at these ages, it’s more like hang out with the kids. They got their nails done and shopped at Hobby Lobby and the girls thought it was just the greatest day.

Saturday was a full one! We kicked off the end of season basketball tournament at 9:00 with a tough loss for Kaitlyn’s team. They actually didn’t win a single game all season, but she truly didn’t seem to mind and had a great time regardless. Hailey’s team won their two games and advanced to the championship to be played on Sunday.

That night Kaitlyn had a special awards banquet for TaeKwonDo and had a specific request for how I do her hair to go with the dress she picked out. This girl LOVES to get dolled up and from the moment she put her dress on, she was beaming. David took her out to a really fancy spot beforehand for a daddy daughter date. I waited up for them to get home at 9:00 and she floated in, told me all about the award and the dancing, and sighed, saying it was one of the best nights of her life. Talk about a flash of what her dating years might look like.

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While they were all fancy, Nana, Hailey, and I went in search of a delicious dinner ourselves. We tried a new to us Mexican spot the nail technician had told my mom about- local friends, it’s called Del Sur. I almost hate to let the secret out because it’s definitely the best Mexican in the area! And that’s not just the margarita talking. Friendly, fast, delicious, and with hearty portions. We had a great time!

By Sunday I had a semi-functional kitchen and was over the moon about it! The countertop people need to come correct the cut by the stove, but other than that our team effort had me back on my meal planning feet. Mom wiped out cabinets, David hooked back up our RO system (AHEALTHYSLICE for $150 off), and I made a breakfast casserole and started filling the cabinets.

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We paused late morning to head to Hailey’s championship game which was such a nailbiter! It was within 1 point almost the entire game and they ended up winning by 1! Their team has really bonded over the season and improved so much because of it. I teared up myself watching them all overcome with excitement. I’m so proud of them and so happy for Hailey, who was their lead scorer of the season. (No shame in that humble mom brag)

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Kaitlyn was coughing (barking like a seal?) on Sunday and requested “broth,” which is homemade chicken noodle soup. I use this recipe but with a few changes like using bone broth, ,no noodles, extra lemon and dill. It hit the spot and gosh it feels good to mostly be back in the kitchen! Here’s what is on my menu for the no-stove week:

• Steak (I might try to sous vide it; I’ll share on IG), roasted sweet potatoes, chopped kale salad
• Crispy chicken thighs, salad, possibly rolls?
• Roasted whole chicken with potatoes, carrots, and onion
• Meatloaf, black eyed peas, rice
• Homemade pizza

This week looks full of our usual activities but also will have a normal rhythm to it, which I am looking forward to. It’s amazing how much having a meal plan and access to the kitchen anchors me. I’m starting this weekend feeling really grateful, excited about life, and motivated to check some of these things off my to do list. Sending you some “go get ’em girl” energy and sunshine. Thanks so much for stopping by!