Menu Plan Monday--March 30, 2009

Quickly approaching April means that in 2 short weeks I will have a 5 year old!!!
And a 2 year old!!!
I am so not ready for my oldest to be 5. It just seems too big.

He eats like crazy, though, so the menu plan is serious business. This week:

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Crockpot Greek Chicken, green beans (I alter recipe slightly)
Tuesday: Fruited Quinoa, yogurt, fresh fruit on side
Wednesday: Soup & Sandwiches
Thursday: Maple Glazed Pork, rice and veggies
Friday: Oatmeal Pancakes, fruit

Check out I'm an Organizing Junkie, headquarters for MPM.

Thanks for stopping by! What will you be eating this week?

Confessions

Why is it we love the dirt on other people?
Does it make us feel more normal?

Just wondering...

So I have a confession to make.
Remember not too long ago I made a post stating that I had made lifetime with Weight Watchers? (Lifetime means you've reached & maintained your goal weight for a minimum of 6 weeks)

Yeah, well, here is the confession: I have not been to WW in a long time, and sadly, I am far from my goal weight. Not nearly as far as when I initially joined after Brennan was born, but far enough.

I should have joined in on Amy's Biggest Loser contest. I just wasn't ready. I am a huge emotional eater and I've been doing so much of that. Between Pat being in grad school, moving, needing a new roof, and now some flooring issues, food has been a very present best friend.

Is food a problem? No, so long as it's the right food.

I've chosen all the wrong foods. In excess.
And I know better.

Today was a new day, though, and back to Weight Watchers I went.
It's amazing how motivating those meetings are! I need them. If I ever let myself not go again (at least twice a month), come over and bonk me on the head. I am so much better off treating my body well!

While I'm not courageous enough to share a picture of my right now, I will share a picture of me from when I made lifetime:It's my motivation, you are a witness, and I ask you to hold me accountable.

I am on my way to my goal weight.
Again.

The number of times doesn't matter so much, as long as I get there.
Let's do it!

Flashback Friday

I heard this song the other day, and immediately I thought of my oldest sister, Carolyn.
I remember this song came out shortly after Aidan was born. We headed down south for his first Thanksgiving, and my sister loved this song. (and Tim McGraw, her eye candy;)

It saddens me some, as my sister and I are estranged. It's been this way for several years now, but I still love her, and there are plenty of moments when I miss her.

It makes me laugh looking back.

She was the first person I saw Dirty Dancing with. My mom let me spend the night at her apartment, and we watched it, eating popcorn & junk food, being girls and having fun. I felt so cool, watching this big kid movie with my oldest sister. (if my dad knew, he would have been ticked. Part of the fun, I suppose!)

I also remember, being very young, when she took me to see Honey, I Shrunk the Kids in the movie theater.

Memories...good and bad. I wish there were more good memories.

We are at a standstill, though. It does not help that distance spaces us even more.

If we did as Tim McGraw sings in the song, if we lived like we were dying, I'd like to believe that I would get in contact with Carolyn. I'd like to think our differences could be put aside, and we could get to know each others' kids, maybe even enjoy some girl time.

Maybe one day.
At least I hope.

That's Me Thursday~Which Shoe Are YOU?

Ah, so many shoes, so little time!

This is the hardest for me to choose.
Weather-wise, I'd probably pick the purple boots. Rain, windy, wintery feeling. :(

I'm lovin' those red high heels, though. In my mind I'll pretend I have a nice hot date, going to The Chop House for dinner and drinks. Ohh yeah....
Reality Check.
What am I really this week? The yellow converse. I've been casual and not very productive. (blame the rain!) Thicker socks and athletic shoes.
Me.Which one are you this week?

Join in the fun! Link up at The Classy Closet and share away. ;)

Wordless Wednesday: This Time Last Year

Menu Plan Monday--March 23, 2009

Monday: Slow Baked Breaded Pork, green beans and rice or potatoes
Tuesday: Stove Top Easy Chicken Bake, fruit on side
Wednesday: Hamburger Cabbage Casserole, fruit
Thursday: Seared Chicken Breast w/ Pan Gravy
Friday: Parish Fish Fry! No cooking! :)

Go here for Menu Plan Monday Headquarters.

Freebie Love & UBP!

How do they go together?!

I've been searching the Ultimate Blog Party & coming across some pretty incredible people. I love how honest some are in their blogs. Amazing! To be that honest, I imagine, would be quite freeing. I try, but usually hold back to a degree.

Of course as the party has gone on, I've come across some great giveaways, Twitter updates, etc.

Wanna know what I've gained? (humor me)

Thanks to BabyCheapskate I printed off coupons for a free wooden Thomas train. That's right, folks...completely free. I went into Toys R Us expecting there to be a catch, but there wasn't. We walked out with an $18 Lights & Sounds Percy completely free! Woo-hoo!
Feeling a little guilty...dh had also printed a coupon to redeem. So the boys got Peter Sam, too.

Another freebie:
A while back Thrifty & Chic Mom posted about a coupon for a free Suave product. Lucky me, it came in the mail this past week. $3 value. Score! So far my freebies have totaled almost $40.

I've also gained a coupon for a free box of the new Clorox wipes in the Decor Canisters. :) Yes! I love Clorox wipes and will put that to good use.

This was more of a giveaway, but free to me, so I'm including it. I won a contest on Momma in Flip Flops 2 , winning the Action Superhero Trading Cards! Aidan doesn't know it yet, but when he sees them he will be so excited. You put the child's own picture with the superhero body. What kid wouldn't love that?! (He already thinks he's the real Batman)

I've already added some great new blogs and Twitter followings from the Ultimate Blog Party over at 5 Minutes for Mom, and I've barely visited yet! You should check it out. So much fun, and hey, you could even win a prize or some freebies!

Ultimate Blog Party 2009!!!

Woo-hoo! Who doesn't love a party?

Welcome to The Bird's Nest. :)
I'm Sharon & I started this blog in 2005. It quickly became an outlet for me, and I've come to value & treasure the friends I've made through blogging.

A little about me....
I love chocolate. And avocados, but usually not together.
I consider my formula for success to be a combination of Weight Watchers, Motivated Moms, Power Walking, and blogging.

I have been married to my college sweetheart for almost 6 years. We have 2 little boys, often referred to as toe-heads.My oldest will be 5 next month, and he starts kindergarten in the fall. Ah!!!! It took me 15 minutes just to leave the parking lot his 1st day of preschool!

My other son will be 2 next month. He is feisty and moves non-stop. He's not much of "baby" any more, and I'm getting some mild baby fever.

3 kids is not the definition of a large family for me. I am the youngest of 8, and yes, we all have the same mom & dad. My parents are going on 50 years of marriage. I think that's amazing.

I have my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, having taught 1st grade for 2 years before my oldest was born. I've stayed home with him since, working part-time jobs here or there.
I think my boys do a pretty successful job of driving me crazy, but I love them and they are my world!

I also love to travel, dancing, going to the movies, and gosh...this feels like some online dating profile. Ha!
My favorite countries (that I've actually been to) are Ireland and Prague. I want to go back some day. I'd also love to travel to New Zealand And Greenland.

Corny jokes are a favorite, I love the DVR (CSI: NY!), menu planning, and I dream of being organized. And a consistent size 6. I dream of sleep, too.

I hope you surf around and find some posts worth your visit! Thanks for stopping by. :)
I look forward to meeting more fellow bloggers. Leave me a comment and I'll be sure to visit you, too!
Follow me on Twitter

Oops! I forgot to add in my top 3 prize choices, if I won something.
I'd love:
Target gift card
Core Fitness DVD
Paperlicious gift certificate
How about you?

Happy Spring!!

Spring has finally arrived, (at least officially), and we're kicking it off with a high of....(drum roll).
43!!!!
Woo-hoo!!!

I so wish we had a spring-like day today. We did the other day, and it was gorgeous and felt great.
I take comfort in knowing more is around the corner.

I can't wait to see tulips and daffodils blooming.
I already hear the birds chirping, although I'm sure in bird-talk they're cursing this weather.

Spring is a good time for us.
Lower heating bills.
More daylight.
My boys' birthdays!!!!!! (less than a month now!)
The end of Sunday School!
Easter!

It's not my favorite season, but the runner up. Good riddance, winter!!
Welcome Spring!!

That's Me Thursday~Which One are You?

2nd week running for this meme at The Classy Closet, and I'm having fun with it.I'm certainly not the tan one. Ha!
Blonde? Yeah, but it's not all me for this week.

Who am I??
This week it's a toss up between the Grumpy One and one who gets-things done (which I didn't see one for, so I'm adding:).

I don't want to be grumpy, but things made me grumpy this week. Bugs inside my inside-nasty ones, too-millipedes, spiders, ants. YUCK.
The dumpster was finally removed from 0ur driveway, but they did a sloppy job and left crap in the driveway, including old nails. Thanks to them. I certainly don't have a metal detector to clean up to ensure my sons' safety. GRRRR!!

Trying on clothes made me grumpy. Weight gain? Grumpy. Non-sleeping children? You guessed it...grumpy!

I do have a lot to be grateful for this week, but from the above list, I'm The Grumpy One.

Which one are you?

Pray for this little boy!

And especially his family.

Missing Toddler Found Dead
Wright said William was not autistic, as previously reported. He said he was a “sweet little 2½-year old child.” He said that William had some "sensory issues" that may have kept him from responding when searchers called out his name.

This story is just breaking my heart. I was on the phone w/ my mother and she mentioned the news to me. Having lived there for 11 years, I was curious and tuned in to the story.
We came home to the message from my mom telling us he was found dead. :(

So incredibly sad, and so incredibly hard for this family. Pray for them!

May God hold him extra tight and bring peace to this family.

Wordless Wednesday: Man-to-Man Time

Building shelves with his Daddy

Thinking Green on St. Patty's Day

I just had a blast talking with Chicks Who Chat.
The topic: going green.

Originally published in 2007, I'm sharing this again because it really offers ways of cutting back & going green:
1. We only have one car. (cheaper insurance, repairs, gas-HUGE savings!) It's not nearly as inconvenient as people assume. I know. We've been using only one car for about 2 years now.
2. Breastfeeding. (Not for all moms, I know.) I've exclusively nursed my almost 7 month old, and that alone has saved us over $2,000 in formula/feeding costs.
3. Frugal shopping! I'm a bargain hunter. We find great deals for the boys at Once Upon a Child. We actually bought both of their winter coats there-totaling $16! And Brennan's is Columbia brand!
4. When we have the heat on, it's set low. Usually around 63.
5. Along with #4: we layer up! Slippers on the feet. Sweatshirt over the shirt.
6. If we're not in a room, that room is dark. No lights on unless we're in there. (unless I'm home alone)
7. Buy generics. Even with clipping coupons, usually the store/generic brand is still cheaper than national brand with coupon.
8. Take advantage of library used book sales! Great for your own collection, and gifts, too. Our library lets you buy a bag & stuff it. We've bought nearly 20 books before for a few bucks.
9. Menu planning. Plan meals out in advance, stick to the list. No eating out last minute because you already know what to prepare for dinner.
10. Going off #9: incorporate meatless meals. Plenty healthy options, using vegetarian meals, beans, etc. Good for the waist, good for the budget. Win-win.
11. We don't use sandwich bags on a regular basis. For a sandwich on-the-go, we bought one sandwich-sized container (similar to these) at Ikea for 99 cents. We've used it many times, for far less than the cost of Ziplocs.
12. Date nights are at home. Though this one isn't 100% by choice, it does save $ and we've found many enjoyable dates at home. :)
13. Invest in a Health Savings Account. This depends on your employer, but if it's an option, look into it! We saved some nice chunks of (pre-taxed) change with our HSA.

*Bonus* This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning Dave Ramsey. Dave's the man. He knows his [financial] stuff. We're trying to follow his suggestions, with "gazelle intensity". We're learning to cut costs even more thanks to Dave Ramsey. (Check out the Baby Steps here)
-------------Published November 2007----------------


We never set out to figure out how we could "go green". In truth, we were trying to be more resourceful and frugal. Isn't it great how they seem to go hand-in-hand? :)

Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

In This Irish Home
May these walls be filled with laughter,
may it reach from floor to rafter.
May the roof keep out the rain,
may sunshine warm each windowpane.
And may the door be open wide to let the Good Lord's love inside.

This was my best St. Patrick's Day post.
I'm remembering today that Ireland is much more than just drinking and the Americanized way of celebrating (getting drunk).

The Irish culture is so much fun. I absolutely love it. A welcoming nature, fantastic music, atmosphere-to-crave....
I love the landscape and nature of Ireland, too. Dingle was my favorite place when I traveled there.
Irish dancing? Also love it. If you have never seen Michael Flatley live, you're missing out.

Today we're wearing green, eating corned beef & cabbage for dinner, maybe some Irish Soda Bread, and Aidan searched for hidden chocolate gold coins this morning. Irish music is playing. Guinness and Harp await in the fridge. St. Patrick's Day is a great day of culture.

What are you doing for this Irish day? (start with signing here to make St. Patrick's Day a legal holiday;)

Menu Plan Monday--March 16, 2009

It's unbelievable that March is nearly halfway over already! Before I know it, I'll have a 5 year old & 2 year old. Time sure flies in parenthood!

I'm looking forward to our menu this week. There are some new recipes, along with a family favorite. Yum! :)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Crockpot Ranch Potatoes & Chicken, green beans
Tuesday: Corned Beef & Cabbage! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Wednesday: Banana Oat Flapjacks, fruit & yogurt
Thursday: Meatloaf Muffins, potatoes, veggies
Friday: White Bean Enchiladas (posted before, but never actually tried. Looks delicious!)

I'm an Organizing Junkie is the host of MPM (w/ guest host Erin this week). Head on over for hundreds of menu plans.

Look What He Did to My Baby!

Before:


After:

Yes, Brennan is still cute.
But let me tell you, having not discussed getting this cut for him, I was a bit shocked when they walked in the door. Brennan has had 4 other hair cuts. Not one of them was a buzz cut. Not one of them.

I cried.
Yup. Sure did.
My baby and his beautiful hair? Gone! And his hair isn't as grown in as Aidan's, so when the light hits it just right, he looks like he has a shaved head.

I only like that on grown men.

Still cute, yadda yadda yadda.
The thing is, he and Aidan have different-shaped faces. Aidan & Brennan do better with different hair styles.
Plus, they look alike, but Brennan looked like Brennan before. Now he looks like Aidan.
Not that Aidan isn't handsome-he sure is. But I want each kid to remain their own.

They're cute, both of them, and hair grows back, I know.
I just couldn't seize on an opportunity to tattle on my husband.

Saturday Chuckle

As I procrastinate & avoid my grocery shopping, I was on Twitter and someone posted a link to this site.

Crack me up!!!

These 2 in particular I enjoyed:










Ah, a good laugh on a Saturday morning.

I guess now I should force myself to do the grocery shopping. Maybe after one more CSY: NY episode.
Enjoy your weekend!

That's Me Thursday~Which One are You?

I saw this on Ellen's blog, and I already follow The Classy Closet on Twitter.
Why not try it?

I had a hard time choosing from the list.
It came down to 2 that I feel are accurate for this week so far. Taking 1st place would be:

The long-distance friend

The other I was thinking of would be The Sarcastic One.

But alas, long-distance friend takes it for this week. That's me.
One of my best friends lives in Milwaukee, which is about 7-8 hours from me. We spent quite a bit of time on the phone this week. My other long-distance business includes my sister, as well as my sister-in-law and brother.
We did experiment with i-chat the other day. Mostly Pat was on, but I did get to see my cutie niece, as well as her lil baby rump. ;)

Long-distance wins.
Sarcastic takes a close second.
I'm curious to see the choices next Thursday.

Which one are you (from above choices)?

Before & After: Almost a Room Makeover

Near makeover in our living room. :)
I didn't think if doing a "before" shot until it was too late, so this shows most of how it did look.
We had been using that small tv stand since about 2005, having bought it at a yard sale for $10.
We are both so glad to throw it to the curb and finally have an actual entertainment center.

forget the boys and notice the tv and pathetic tv stand

another view of the tv stand and filing cabinet

Voila!

We got a great deal on this over the weekend at an outlet store.
Grant it, it's not 100% actual wood, but we're just fine with that. Take a stab at the cost...middle piece, and each bookcase adjacent to the center piece.

I plan to buy a few more of those fabric cubes (which fit nicely), and probably one will be designated for each family member.

I am stinking excited. Now that it's all together, the room looks so much nicer.
I feel less ghetto and more settled.

Now if I just threw out the nasty couch....
Soon. Or at least sooner than later.

I have to say, I am impressed with my husband, too. Putting these things together would drive me insane (I've tried). He did the bookshelves, entertainment center, and computer desk all in the last 3 days. I am grateful!

Alright, I am off to do some laundry and watch some tv.

Thinking It~Tuesday

Plans for today?

I'm planning on sorting through my Cooking Light magazines and de-cluttering the microwave cart. DREADED. I can do it, right?

I am trying to organize as much as I can. I love the feeling of having it conquered, but am not good at deciding the place for everything.
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Dinner will be spaghetti because Aidan talked me into it. I'm hoping if the weather is nice enough, Pat would cook it so I can go for a power walk. It's long overdue.
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American Idol top 13 tonight!! I am looking forward to it. So eager to see Scott McIntyre. That man is amazing.
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Do you have a favorite Saint? Who?
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Alright, I am off to sort and declutter. I plan to be in my pajamas until around 11:00. But productively so. That counts, right?

Etsy, I Heart You

Do you have a favorite Etsy shop?

Oh my goodness, Etsy is a place where I can easily blow some time.
The other night I was browsing for a new handbag on my friend's site, and then I wandered to the jewelery (after being impressed with the earrings I won).

I now have a new favorite to add to my Etsy list: 215 Design.
Very reasonably priced, I couldn't ignore the urge to purchase this little thing:
I placed my order Friday night, and it arrived today. Today! Impressive.
Speedy shipping, and it is just as nice in person, if not cuter and nicer.
I am hooked. There are so many necklaces I want from this place....

I still need a picture to show the earrings I won from jaC Jewelry, though a picture won't do it justice. They are very nice. I am waiting for the right outfit to wear them again. ;)

If I could have it all, I'd go ahead and order this handbag from Mary Alison Hangbags:

Etsy is receiving a bit of time lately. I'm having fun.

Do you have a favorite Etsy shop? If so, which one?

Menu Plan Monday--March 9, 2009

Monday: Broccoli-Cheese Soup (thanks to my sister-in-law for the recipe)
Tuesday: Spaghetti! (Aidan's request)
Wednesday: Taco Bake (thanks to blogger Cynthia to for this one)
Thursday: Parmesan Chicken, green beans, potatoes
Friday: Vegetarian Lasagna with side salad (so delicious!)

I'm late in posting but there is our menu for the week. I'm happy because this week it's spring break, so my husband has no class this week! It will be nice to have him home for dinner each night.

Org Junkie is the home of Menu Plan Monday.

Give Me Your Honest Opinion

On this bag (for a spring bag):

Yay or nay?

We Still Miss You

Some people scrapbook.
Some people journal.

I blog.

My posts are often more for me than any reader.
Today's post is just that.

It is not for attention, nor is it for sympathy.

I find it to be a part of healing, remembering, believing...
These things are important to me (and many times, it's easier to just forget).

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of losing our second baby, Dorothy Grace.
I miscarried her at 16 weeks, with no pregnancy complications to warn us, and they told us it was Trisomy 18.

Ironically it was the only pregnancy we were actively "trying" for.
And yes, at times I am still confused by God. At times I am still angry.
Many times I am still hurt.

Today I am remembering. She would have been 3 in August.

I imagine her with light blond hair, just like Aidan & Brennan.
I imagine her being very stubborn and sassy, but yet getting her way quite a bit.
I imagine her starting preschool at the same school where Aidan will go to kindergarten.
I imagine taking her out for girls' days, shopping, buying pink things, and maybe down the road getting pedicures.
I imagine our family with her right here.

I feel it.
And it hurts.


We miss you, little Dottie.
You are forever in our hearts.

Ain't That the Truth

(pertaining to my child's lack of eating what is served for meals lately)

Thursday 13: 13 Things I've Learned Since Becoming a Homeowner

(thanks to Sandra for the image)

1. There are many roofing companies....many, many, many.
2. CertainTeed shingles have more than a few lawsuits against them. It was enough to make us turn down the 2 companies using their shingles.
3. Wood-like laminate flooring? Get the floating.
4. People will assume an awful lot based on where you live alone.
5. Ants in my house make me insane.
6. Orkin may be my new best friend (I'll let you know after tomorrow)
7. A shed can be a blessing in disguise (esp when you only have a 1-car garage, and have no basement)
8. Back to roofing: you may be told the Ventsure roll ridge is fine, but it's really meant for homes w/ cathedral ceilings. Flatter roofs could actually be more damaged with that type of ventilation.
9. Parque flooring is not pret-tay. (aiming for a word rhyme there)
10. You need a rake even in the winter.
11. Never assume the previous owners did anything positive for the house.
12. Warranties are best if transferable, especially if you want to re-sell within 5-10 years.
13. Lastly, I thought I missed renting (minor inconveniences in someone else's hands), but never again. Our former landlord is trying to scam us unjustly, and for that I am happy to finally be a homeowner. I say what, where, and what color, thank you very much.

Happy Thursday Thirteen! It's been a long time since I did this meme, but it's always fun.
There is more Thursday Thirteen here.

It's Official!

Aidan is registered for kindergarten!!

Ack!!

Ask me how in the world he is already old enough to go to kindergarten, and I have no idea.

Blink.
He was born.

Blink.
Now he's going to school full time.

Yikesapee.

He's registered at our parish school (as of an hour ago), and we are very pleased with the idea of sending him there. My little boy will be wearing his uniform and looking so handsome. :)
We also registered him at our local public school, but that's just a back-up plan.

I have a huge sense of relief.
There are some really crappy things going on right now in our corner of the world, but this is exciting. This is good news.

I love my little man. He is growing up so fast!

Menu Plan Monday--March 2, 2009

Monday: Crockpot Cheese & Corn Chowder w/ bread rolls (I use reg cheddar cheese)
Tuesday: Sticky Teriyaki Chicken, rice, broccoli
Wednesday: Pork & Potato Skillet (never got to last week)
Thursday: Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini (also never got to last week)
Friday: Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Life just got in the way last week, so we have 2 carry over meals.
I am so excited it is March! We have some family birthdays, some friends b-days, we're getting a new roof!!! And my oldest is officially registered for kindergarten. How did that happen so fast?!

Have a great week & thanks for stopping by! Thanks for Laura for hosting MPM.

MARCH!

It's finally here!
The long awaited month in which SPRING finally arrives!
The lucky month of St. Patrick's Day!

And yet there is still evidence of snow on the ground. Grrr.....

March isn't my favorite month, but I do like it. March is already super busy for us.
I'm actually looking forward to it.

Assuming you care (yeah right), I'm sharing: (starting w/ today)
-Mass, Parish school Open House, Michigan to meet new nephew and go to IKEA
-Aidan's 1st eye-doctor appointment
-Aidan's field trip to the planetarium (daddy is going since it's at his university;)
-DWTS premiers! Yes, it's exciting for me
-Benefit dinner for a guy we went to college with; he is battling cancer
-St. Patrick's Day! Recall coming over on the boat from the Dingle Peninsula...
-Parish school's school play-I plan to take Aidan (Beauty & the Beast)
-Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast
-Parish Fish Fry
-Oldest brother's birthday, resulting in "getting old" jokes
-Hopefully slam down on our nasty mean previous landlord. He's trying to scam us out of a lot of money, unjustly, rudely, and I seriously almost hate the man.

But hey! Today should be nice. :)
Mass, Open House, (where we can enter a raffle to win free tuition~cross your fingers for us!).
Then we're hitting the road to MI to meet Luciano! I heard he has a head full of dark Italian hair. Can't wait to hold him.

Ikea is our next destination. We're looking at some shelving among other things. We haven't been there in over a year. Kinda excited. Are you an IKEA fan?

Spring only officially starts this month. Usually up here we don't experience spring until later, but I am hopeful to have some spring this month. Sure would be nice!

Will it be a busy month for you?
Are you registering your kids for school for next year? Planting flowers? Anything?