June was an absolute doozy and about 34,893,027 days long. Not a lot of interesting cooking happened but just about everything else under the sun happened. The girls weekend away was amazing and we have had fun with some family visiting. Later in the month Dottie was sprayed by a skunk, and I was in an accident, then I needed a new car at the same time that Mr J’s needed work. There were so many end of school events, we hosted 2 parties, I operate on a fiscal year ending on June 30, and it just all felt nutty.

Thankfully Mr. J’s birthday was uninterrupted and we had a burger with a Japanese Twist

I also whipped up Chicken Cordon Bleu as a burrito.

In July there’s potential for so much I didn’t get to in June. I anticipate an app, a cocktail, a side that deserves a refresh, and maybe more. I was mostly surviving, not thriving, so it was what it was.

The Big Kid: He is ready for summer but unsure if the intro to middle school camp will feel like school or camp. He had a great end of the year with so many celebrations. Foodwise, he has handled braces & palate expander well and is a good sport that parade candy is often not what we can have. It was so fun to see him enjoy ribs on Father’s Day after begrudgingly trying them.

The Littler Kid: She is so sad to be done with 2nd grade. She has been more into PB&J lately and taught herself how to use chopsticks and likes to use them whenever possible.

Goals for the year:
Year of new footwear – I got cute basket-y flats that are kind of between flats and sandals.
Side dish emphasis  – ehh, not really
Soups & salad – repeats, but not new ones
More drinks – again, not really
What I’m reading – I read Everyone in this Room Will Someday be Dead and it was ok, but had such potential to be amazing. Meant to Be Mine was a cute palate cleanser after a few very therapy-heavy books. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone was ok, but I didn’t love it.

May brings spring in full force. From lacrosse games to the dance recital to reunion weekend at work, and so much questionable weather.

I made some White Wine & Lemoncello Spritzers for a springy drink.

This Sesame Cucumber Salad went viral for a reason. It is quick and flavorful and became the perfect side to some Trader Joe’s Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Chicken, bacon & ranch pull-aparts became dinner but would be fun apps too.

June will bring a much anticipated girls trip and a flurry of work before the fiscal year ends. I have some birthday burger ideas ruminating and a old favorite that deserves a refresh.

The Big Kid: He’s so happy to be outside so much. He is not so happy to have MCAS but survived. Lacrosse is in full swing with just a few more in early June. We switched electrolyte drinks and seem to have found some flavors in Liquid IV he likes.

The Littler Kid: She had lots of parties this month and the dance recital! She did great and was such a trooper to wait an incredibly long time at the dress rehearsal. Her fav take-out is Dave’s Hot Chicken (with no spice, not hot).

Goals for the year:
Year of new footwear – Gah, I missed it…again.
Side dish emphasis  – the sesame cucumber salad was such a fun side!
Soups & salad – we had a sub-salad for a side
More drinks – a white wine spritzer felt springy
What I’m reading – I LOVED Little One, and Next Year in Havana was one I listened to and it was such a joy. I breezed through Favorite Daughter which had just enough train-wreck to keep moving. Lastly, I read Cue the Sun! The Invention of Reality TV which was way too long and detailed but I enjoyed some of it.

April really feels like the start of spring…even if the weather doesn’t as much. With vacation, spring sports, and our sights on the end of the school year and I’m looking at the final stretch of work’s fiscal year.

This month I made Ham & Cheese Crescents brushed with a honey mustard butter that were so so easy

I loved this very veggie Edamame Salad that stays great in the fridge for days.

These breakfast tacos with maple mustard sauce have great crunch with soft scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, and some fresh crunch toppings.

Again with the breakfast, I made Almond and Lemon Waffles

May will be spring, amplified. We have lacrosse games, dance recital, a work weekend, and more outside time. The pup is settling in and we love her so much – the kids are obsessed. I have ideas for an appetizer and maybe a re-do.

The Big Kid: He is loving defense in lacrosse. He is up and outside throwing against the rebounder first thing. To nobody’s surprise, he over-did it on breakfast and is onto a new ones. He has some new fav yogurts – orange creamsicle & lemon burst. He is still Jersey Mike’s biggest fan, and is into restauran-ramen, and off the top ramen.

The Littler Kid: She is crafting all the time. There is a mouse house in the works, lots of tiny notebooks, and more clay. We loved seeing her making plans with more friends. Field hockey clinics are wrapping up and the dance recital is just ahead. She decided PB&J is back into the options.

Goals for the year:
Year of new footwear – I’m behind here, but have some ideas in mind.
Side dish emphasis  – nothing super exciting, but spring means more raw/cool/salads
Soups & salad – the Edamame salad
More drinks – a white wine spritzer felt springy
What I’m reading – I loved Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, and Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor was so interesting and unique. Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino was unhinged in the way only a thriller can be.

December is a flurry – and a delicious one, but so full. From holiday meals, to cookie swaps, to cooking for PTO breakfast, to the hustle of the season – it was joyful and tasty.

I made these Jingle Jangle Cookies for a cookie swap and I loved them! They are packed full of everything with sweet and salty.

I’m on a soup kick and went vegetarian with Gnocchi & Mushroom Soup using creamed spinach as a speedy way to add flavor.

These Maple Bacon Waffles are fun and handy to pull from the freezer.

The Big Kid: He is having a great time with hockey. Christmas cookie season is a fun one for him.

The Littler Kid: She has done better eating enough despite this being an exciting time.

Goals for the year:
Year of new footwear – I’m switching to socks & shoes. December is socks!
Side dish emphasis  – tomato/cucumber/feta/garbanzo salad
Soups & salad – Gnocchi & Mushroom soup was a veggie packed
More drinks – spiked hot chocolate was a nice way to end the night.
What I’m reading – the end of the year is approaching and I’m at 46 books

November is always packed with work and we had a few dog visitors. There were some highs – we had a fun trip downtown on a day off and also some stressful and worrisome moments too.

I made this restaurant recreation for a very Autumn Chicken Salad with flavors of apples, honey mustard, sharp cheddar, and arugula.

Tortellini & Sausage soup was a great way to welcome winter with big flavors and a little spice.

My blog’s 15th blogaversary came up as a time for reflection and a look forward.

The Big Kid: He absolutely loved the golden retriever visiting. He convinced us he had to try the never-ending pasta bowl at Olive Garden and he was into it! We enjoy seeing him meet up with the boys in the neighborhood to ride bikes until it is too dark. He’s still into ramen.

The Littler Kid: She started back to ballet and tap and has been enjoying it. Her Christmas list is lengthy and detailed. Her lunch of choice has been a tuna sandwich…on repeat.

Goals for the year: 
Year of new pizzas – we had a white one with honey garlic sauce, cheese, potato slices
Side dish emphasis  – I was on mashed potato duty for Thanksgiving!
Soups & salad – Yes! The tortellini & spicy sausage one was great
More drinks – not yet
What I’m reading – the end of the year is approaching and I’m at 46 books