Daddy-less Week

Today was a good Day #1 with Paul gone. Although I hate that I just came back from a mini-vacation just to see Paul go on his mini-work-vacation, I felt like I was back in my own element again today.

This morning, the kids and I went on a (probably) 2 mile long walk. The weather was great and it was nice not to have to plan an activity, but to just escape the house and walk! Towards the end, the kids were VERY tired, but it made for a peaceful transition into lunch and then naps. I probably didn't thank the kids enough for their obedience today, tomorrow I hope I can improve.

It was also nice to wake the kids up from nap, make dinner and plan my evening around whatever we wanted to do. Without the stress of work, or trying to "fit it all in" because mom works tomorrow night instead, I could relax. I think this week is going to be a deal breaker on whether I continue my job or not; I can work when the kids go to school, I like being able to enjoy our time together, as hectic and sometimes stressful as that may be.

I digress. As soon as we got back from the walk, I put Kennady in big girl underwear, figuring that since I will be single parenting them this week, I can put an extra effort into potty training this little Princess. I'm happy to report that while the gym daycare did NOT help me stay on top of her potty schedule, she, otherwise, was accident free! I PRAY that the desire to "go potty" will arise this week and manifest into a diaper-free Fritz household. Pray with me, it has been a long journey for her and for us ... I could care less anymore about the cost, I just want her to LIKE and WANT to go potty, I know she can do it, I just want HER to WANT to do it.

Oh the joy that accomplishment will bring!

While tonight will be lonely for Mommy, without Daddy, all in all, we did well today as the Fritz's minus "the biggest Fritz." Never do I want to get used to him being gone (deployments, TDY's or mini-work-vacations), but I am confident that we can survive and not go nuts while he is.

P.S. Meal planning week #2 was a fail, and #3 is showing itself one as well. Life just can't be normal for 2 seconds can it? Intentions are good and I hope to get back at it, and blog about it, soon!

Updates and Valentine's Day

I'm super happy to report that the 2 weeks worth of meal planning was a complete success! I shopped for 12 days worth, and left 2 days for leftover eating and outings ... it worked out perfectly! Even with all of my doubt that I would be able to stick to my plan, I did it, we did NOT eat out ONCE during that period; saving almost all of our allocated "restaurant funds" for another time or a nice date, just Paul and I. I think this is going to have to be a regular thing in this household :) Possibly more on this another time, I've even thought about blogging about some of the new recipes I try, who knows ... we all know I'm not great at this! Anywho!

Also, I know it's a little late, but I thought I should post about our fun Valentine's Day! We had a blast making heart-shaped necklaces for Paul, heart-shaped tortilla chips, and heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch! Here are some pictures -


And just because every year I like to take a picture for Valentine's Day, here's this years -

A New Fad

Today I went grocery shopping with a list complete with 2 weeks worth of meals! First time ever folks ... but it is SO comforting to know that for TWO WHOLE WEEKS we don't have to come the grocery store for anything besides maybe milk and diapers!

I had been just buying random things when at the store, for meals that I never had any plans of making, always forgetting something! I was at the store THREE times last week ... NOT fun! So I'm trying this whole menu planning thing ... this is my little template (I'm so proud!) -

Hopefully this will ease what I like to call the Fritz Family Rush Hour - the hour the family is all together on the nights I work, which usually includes me running around trying to get dinner on the table, the kids to pick up and a second for me to update Paul on the day and any rules I've set for the kids, along with any chores I'd like him to help me out with ... whew!

My hope is that I can have most the meals already made or frozen so that at dinner time, before I leave, it's already made, in the process of being made and Paul will know exactly what he needs to do.

Then at the end of the week, just make up next weeks menu along with any groceries I might need and take that to the store, get what I need and restart ... seems pretty simple to me now! Haha wish I got this concept awhile ago. But we'll see how it goes, with me it's future isn't guaranteed, but at least I'm trying :)

Here are some of the things I plan to make and put on the menu (and maybe I'll post about em and the process, if you're lucky!) -

Chicken pizza
M.I.L. meatballs and green beans
Sloppy joes, baked beans and tater "tops"
Chicken broccoli bake
Tacos
Chicken meatballs, noodles and peas
My "special" burgers and fries
Chicken casserole
Chicken croissants and green beans
Chipotle pork chops, corn and mashed potatoes
Breadcrusted ravioli and garlic toast
Spaghetti and meatballs

You see most meals include a chicken base - Paul once asked me if I could make something other than chicken so I had to REALLY get creative! haha I can't help it, I like chicken!!!

Keep an eye out, perhaps if I have public pressure, I'll actually keep up with this ... wish me luck!

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Here's what we've been doing in our fun time -


Notice the "K" - that's Kenna ... SHE GOT A STRIKE!!! Go her!
(We went bowling with the kids' twin friends ... they had a blast!)