Hiatus but Im back

 Its been so long since I have posted much about anything let alone about organization. I was putting my efforts into cleaning and cooking and taking care of my family. I am so excited to start my journey again with blogging and to touch bases with so many people in this great world we live in. I personally wouldnt know what to do without reading some of my favorite blogs. Today is a milestone and a new chapter in my life and I am thrilled to share it.

                                             Have a joyful day 
                                    Amy                                  

Thanksgiving Organized!!

1st Week of November:

Issue Invites: If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to make those phone calls. People feel more welcomed and comfortable if plans are made ahead. No one wants to feel like a last minute guest.

Make your menu: Pull out your cookbooks and recipe files. Create your menu. If you are having guests bring a dish, you might want to do this before you call them. That way, when they ask what to bring, you will be prepared.

Think ahead: Note on your menu which dishes can be prepared ahead and frozen. These often include casseroles, the stuffing, and cakes without the frosting or other desserts. Pull out your calendar and divide those make-ahead dishes up among the next three weeks.

Go Gobble: If you traditionally call ahead to order a turkey, pie or other food item, pick up the phone and do it now.

2nd Week of November:

Count heads and seats: You should now have a head count. Figure out where everyone will sit. Decide if you need to arrange to borrow or rent chairs or tables.

Check Linens: Do you need to wash or press tablecloths or napkins? Once pressed, fold the table cloth horizontally to fit on a hanger and store it hanging until you set the table.

Shine Silver: You might not have had out that silver all summer. Check now to see what items need polishing. If you have dishes stored away, like that turkey platter, take the time to get them out now and make sure they are clean.

Plan the Centerpiece: Decide now what you will put on the middle of the table(s). If you intend to order from a florist, do so. If you plan to pick up flowers, fruit, pumpkins or gourds and make your own, choose your containers. Add a note to your menu so that you will remember to shop for those items.

3rd Week of November:

Grocery List: Take your menu and create a grocery list. Don’t forget to add beverages to your list. If you are having company at your house for the holiday, take time to make a menu for those other meals and add those items to the list.

Cooking List: Take your menu and create a food-time cooking list. On your paper, list each dish, the temperature it needs to bake, and the length of time it needs to cook. Decide what time you want to serve dinner. Based on that, you can now list on the paper what time of day each dish should go into the oven or on to the stove.

Thanksgiving Week:

Saturday through Monday:

Grocery Shop

Pick up turkey or ordered items that are ready.

Pick up tables and chairs

Clean house

If the turkey is frozen, look at the weight and label instructions so that you can note when it needs to begin to thaw.

Tuesday:

Set tables, if possible. If not gather together everything you do need.

Get out food serving or buffet dishes. Use a sticky-note to label each dish. This will make it easier to get the food out and to make sure you have everything you need.

Do any food preparation that can be done ahead, such as chopping celery or onions.

Wednesday:

Work on dishes or prep work that you can do ahead.

Pick up last minute food items, such as that ordered pie.

This is a great day for dinner to be a big pot of soup in the Crock-Pot!

Finish setting tables for tomorrow. Add centerpieces.

Tidy up and do last minute chores.

Review your food-time list for tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Day

Give Thanks.

My Mommy!!

Well I'm off to finish up all the cleaning and take a shower I'm so tired tonight....its back to work tomorrow. There was a huge article about two patrons at the Hammond Marina yesterday who committed suicide and drove into Lake Michigan I'm sure Ill hear all about it tomorrow once I get there I just am so relieved that I wasn't there when it happened not that it makes it any easier its so sad when someone thinks that's the only way out....its not. I know from experience that prayer helps out alot with all your problems from day to day. I honestly think that if not for the belief in prayer and trusting that God only gives me what I can handle I don't know what I would do. So now that I'm done with my preaching for the day Good night all.

Ok so im gonna update but really havent wanted to muuch lately I guess its cause I have been so busy getting ready for the boys bday party outside and i said outside cause they are predicting RAIN!!!!! oh yeah so i will have to cancel if it does cause there is no way in hell that i will cram 40 adults and kids in a 2 car garage i think u would have to get me sooooo drunk first and that wouldnt even work for me anyway!! So we will see and if it doesnt rain than ill have tons and tons of pics to post but my damn computer is running so slow and i dont know what to do but to reboot it and i dont wanna lose everything so ill have to do some research UGH!!!! anyway i have alot of cleaning today and than a picnic in the park for my boys so ill also post some pics of that well Im off to go bust ass!!!

Went to see the Sesame street play program, it was nice for the kids!

(before)
Zack and Cole got a haircut on Sunday




(after)

(after)

Katie MACK

This is Katie she really wanted to take pics with her dolls she is so funny she set up all the dolls and pretended to have her own photo studio.....maybe Ill get her, her own camera!

Lake Michigan & Chicago

See Venessa I was sitting on top of the ninth floor of the casino and behind the crain (u have to look closely) is Chicagos landscape I LOVE IT!!

Good morning today is Friday YEAH!!!! Yesterday was crazy I felt like I was in a dream and couldnt escape ill update later I gotta get my room clean before trouble makers wake up! Oh and Venessa I got pics of Elmo! LOL!!