The What's For Dinner Thread - May '09(recipe index in OP)

[bigmerle1966]

Hit reply before I finished. Dinner last night was chicken with artichokes and mushrooms in a lemony sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, rolls, baked Ziti and cookies for dessert.

Dinner tonight will be a tortilla casserole, going to Costco to get a rotisserie chicken to make it with.

[FormrCastMbr]

I wanted to post this...I received it as an email yesterday and I loved it.
***************

Recently I overheard a Father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure..

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'

They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied.. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'.

'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone..' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting..
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good- bye.

He then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

* Only if you wish send this to the people you will never forget and remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you. If you don't send it to anyone it may mean that you are in such a hurry that you have forgotten your friends.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE....

To all my friends and loved ones, I WISH YOU ENOUGH.

[Rogue26]

Thanks for the lemon chicken recipe, it sounds like something I would love.

EJ- have fun picking him up, do you have a long drive?

Maria- I'm glad they didn't do any invasive testing yet, it seems like other things could be done first. At least you can blame your eating on stress, I just figure if I've all ready eaten something not so great for me, why stop there. I just love food.

Laura- We just had macaroni and cheese last night, and I really try to limit how often I make it, but if I'm feeling brave I might try the velveeta. It's the same recipe my gram and mom make so I've never had it any other way.

Nancy- That casserole looks really good, if I don't use the word bulgar I bet the other two would eat it.

So am I the only northerner lucky enough to have termites swarm?

[Disney Ron]

Originally Posted by Nancyg56

Good Morning!

Lauren, I agree with you...Glynis= Wonder Woman in my book! I just decided..................Bulgar casserole! I love it....Buddy hates it but he will survive and it is wicked good for him. He told Donny he is on a diet and did not even know it....just forced to eat "cardboard"

I totally agree with you about Glynis...I think she has that Linda Carter costume under her everyday clothes!!!

If I served Ron bulgar casserole, I think he would just sit at the table waiting for the "real food" to come out! At least your guy will eat theat stuff.

Originally Posted by Nancyg56

Take advantage of your day off and take care of you. The laundry is not going anywhere....just look in my house....I moved it into Marisa's old room. So much for an empty room

That was quick moving into Marisa's old room...my DM is still asking me to take the rest of my stuff with me.

Originally Posted by KadysMom

She is going to keep calling you until you put pineapple and raisins in your gravy

Nanatization at it's best!!!

Originally Posted by Zandy595

Today is DH's and my 14th anniversary. Can't believe we made it this long without him taking a trip to the freezer.

Happy Anniversary!! May your DH survive another freezerless year.

Originally Posted by liamandcaili

I definitely understand. Having a newborn is wonderful, but I don't know how I survived.

Laura, you are the other Wonder Mom on this thread. It amazes me how much you have your kids involved in and what a good job you do while Greg is away. I think your childrens age can be hard than a newborn...you make me exhausted!

Originally Posted by NEVERENOUGHWDW

:Greg is having a tough time in Boston & waiting for news. When I spoke to him at dinner time he said he was grabbing a bite at a local pub we used to frequent & head back to the hotel to do homework & then at 8 he called & said he was going to see the new Hugh Jackman movie so he's just not settled at all.
I on the other hand ate everything that wasn't nailed down. When I went on the scale this morning I couldn't believe the numbersso much stress eating.
Not to sound like a Hallmark card or freak anyone out but I'm sitting here thinking what did I do before I found you ladies? Your a blessing in my life, during good times & bad & I thank you.

Sorry, your DH is having a hard time in Boston. I am sure he wishes he was with you while he is waiting on news regarding his DM. My prayers are still coming for health to you all. Please do not stress about your weight right now. I am a stress eater too and you have had more than your share of stress. Worry about that after everyone is well. We are all here to support you during your stress. I would tell you my weight if it made you feel better, and it is not even baby weight. I am going to focus after Emma is born to lose a little.

Originally Posted by EJ4Disney

Wow, I need to start getting in here earlier. I had 2 pages to catch up on.

Oh ladies I am so excited - today is the day!! We go and pick Matthew up from college.

Hug Matthew tight...I am so happy you are going to have your boy back home. Continued prayers for Jay.
-----

Ok, where did my post disappear to from this morning...how does that happen!!

DS & I are feeling much better and are well rested today. My poor DH is the one suffering now with a sinus cold. He is working both jobs today but is leaving his night job early to try to get some needed rest.

Today, I am heading to Target for a new iron, ours broke yesterday. I don't believe in ironing personally but my DH irons daily. Then we are going to my parents for dinner.

Please keep my DM in all your prayers. They found a lump on her thyroid and she is waiting for the Dr. to call and schedule a biopsy. I will keep you all posted as I hear.

[Disney Ron]

Originally Posted by bigmerle1966

Hit reply before I finished. Dinner last night was chicken with artichokes and mushrooms in a lemony sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, rolls, baked Ziti and cookies for dessert.

Dinner tonight will be a tortilla casserole, going to Costco to get a rotisserie chicken to make it with.

Oh I love anything with articokes!!!!! Sounds delicious, recipe please!

Originally Posted by Rogue26

So am I the only northerner lucky enough to have termites swarm?

Yes, and lets keep it that way... ...we have some ants right now and that is driving me crazy enough.

Lauren , thanks for taking the time to post that!

[bigmerle1966]

Originally Posted by Disney Ron

Oh I love anything with articokes!!!!! Sounds delicious, recipe please!

It was a catered dinner but I have been thinking about trying to remake it. I'll let you know if it works out.

[OKWMom]

Originally Posted by Nancyg56

I am having cell phone problems....I cannot learn how to use the darn thing so Gretchen.....I really am not stalking you.....I just cannot figure out the contact thing

No worries Nancy. I am technologically challenged myself. When I get a new phone I usually ask one of the therapists to help me set it up and teach me how to use it.

But thank you for the mental image of Buddy's ring tone and him darting around trying to find it.

Originally Posted by KadysMom

SURE!! You are stalking her and you know it! Gretchen, be afraid of Nan. She is going to keep calling you until you put pineapple and raisins in your gravy

Originally Posted by Zandy595

WFD? I'm grilling ribeye steaks with my signature rub, baked potatoes and broccoli. Not sure about dessert yet. Today is DH's and my 14th anniversary. Can't believe we made it this long without him taking a trip to the freezer.

Happy Anniversary!

Originally Posted by Rogue26

Nancy- My husband is always taking my phone and doing something to it, currently when I open it the screen says "you stink." I can't figure out how to get that off. Is your bulgar casserole recipe posted somewhere, I know you've made it a few times so it must be tasty.

Ok, now that just cracked me up!

Originally Posted by liamsaunt

Happy Anniversary!

Here are pictures from last night. Since John nixed the margaritas, I made sangria. It was very fruity and light, and we have lots left for the rest of the week too!

That looks wonderful! It's been so hot here I'd love to have a glass right now.

Originally Posted by NEVERENOUGHWDW

Leona had her PET scan yesterday, we haven't heard anything yet. They decided nothing invasive is going to be done until the doctors look at the PET scan so we are just waiting.

I on the other hand ate everything that wasn't nailed down. When I went on the scale this morning I couldn't believe the numbersso much stress eating.

You are all in my prayers Maria. And I'm with you on the stress eating. I've gone through quite a few bags of potato chips since Dad's diagnosis. All of which have gone right to my hips.

Originally Posted by EJ4Disney

Oh ladies I am so excited - today is the day!! We go and pick Matthew up from college. I am so darn excited I couldn't sleep last night. We have really missed him. There is a picnic at 5, then an awards ceremony at 6:30. He texted me last night and said as SOON as it is over he wanted to leave. He is all packed except for his refrigerator, microwave and printer that we will take in the pickup.


Thanks for the well wishes for Jay. I really appreciate them. If you would please keep my little family in your thoughts, that would be great. This is his 2nd tour to Iraq - he is to be gone maybe 18 months.

Enjoy your baby coming home! And I will remember your family in my prayers as well.

Originally Posted by bigmerle1966

I just put Panko bread crumbs on boneless chicken breast, browned it in olive oil and a little veggie oil (to keep the OO from burning) poured bottled lemon juice all over it, about a cup, turned down the heat and simmered with the lid on, turning occasionally for about ten minutes.

That sounds delicious and I would make that tonight but no one in my house likes lemon but me.

Originally Posted by Disney Ron

Today, I am heading to Target for a new iron, ours broke yesterday. I don't believe in ironing personally but my DH irons daily. Then we are going to my parents for dinner.

Please keep my DM in all your prayers. They found a lump on her thyroid and she is waiting for the Dr. to call and schedule a biopsy. I will keep you all posted as I hear.

Ann, that ironing this is so me. I don't touch ours and I'm not sure where Kenny keeps it.

I will add your family to my prayers as well.

Lauren - Enjoy your day. That sounds fabulous! And you certainly deserve it.

Sheryl - Enjoy your afternoon off. I know you love your little princess, but it must be nice to have a quiet afternoon every once in a while.

Tonight's dinner is one I haven't made in a while - Lauren's basalmic chicken (a/k/a Tom's home chicken). And it provided an added bonus. When I ran into the store for the basalmic this morning the clerk didn't look at the label, just the bottle and then asked me for my ID! Funny how the older I get the happier that makes me.

[Nancyg56]

Maria- the only thing wrong with my phone is the user.....I am totally inept!

Ellen- I did not see that Jay was in Iraq. It is so hard on those left behind, I don't know how spouses and parents do it. Your family will be there for meals, and all of you will feel better.
I am so excited for you! Enjoy your mini family reunion and homecoming! As for the bulgar wheat, Buddy does not know what it is or that it is in the casserole. I just put it out, he makes a face, grabs the ketchup and Worcestershire and drowns it. His Mom never made casseroles or stews so he thinks they are not real food. Along with Mexican and Chinese. And anything else that is not meat and potatoes.

Lauren- I love that email!

Ann- it sounds as though you and DS are on the mend...now just to get your DH better

Your Mom is in my prayers.

[EJ4Disney]

Lauren, thanks so much for ruining my makeup. The tears are just running down my checks. Only kidding about my makeup - that was beautiful. And a gentle reminder we all need once in awhile.

Nancy, your Buddy just makes me laugh. I love your stories. Life at your house must never be boring. Jay hasn't left yet, but will on Tuesday. He will leave for Fort Stewart in Ga and will deploy for Iraq from there. The longer he is stateside the better. Thanks for your prayers.

Ann, Prayers for your Mom. Please let us know how things are.

Glynis I have to agree with everyone else. I loved staying home with my kids. Something I still miss to this day.

I don't remember who asked but Matthew's college is just an hour away so we should be there in time for dinner. I know that isn't very far away, and we were able to see him weekly, but there is just something that makes me sleep better knowing we are all under one roof.

[TigerKat]

Originally Posted by NEVERENOUGHWDW

Not to sound like a Hallmark card or freak anyone out but I'm sitting here thinking what did I do before I found you ladies? Your a blessing in my life, during good times & bad & I thank you.

I feel the very same way.

Originally Posted by EJ4Disney

Oh ladies I am so excited - today is the day!! We go and pick Matthew up from college. I am so darn excited I couldn't sleep last night. We have really missed him. There is a picnic at 5, then an awards ceremony at 6:30. He texted me last night and said as SOON as it is over he wanted to leave. He is all packed except for his refrigerator, microwave and printer that we will take in the pickup.

How awesome! It sounds like a wonderful reunion.

Originally Posted by Disney Ron

Please keep my DM in all your prayers. They found a lump on her thyroid and she is waiting for the Dr. to call and schedule a biopsy. I will keep you all posted as I hear.

Will do.

Originally Posted by EJ4Disney

Lauren, thanks so much for ruining my makeup.

You're not the only one it got to.

[Aimeedyan]

Originally Posted by HERSEY

Aimee Do you still have that one rescue or did you find him a forever home?

I do! He is doing well but we really need to get him to a forever home. I am posting a note on FB today about him and probably sending out some emails, too, and making a page on Dogster. I hope we get some bites.

Here is the boy now:

Originally Posted by shovan

Morning Y'all,

My morning started off with a stupid argument with Bob. Not a great way to start the day. Both of us mad about paying people uh relatives to do stuff around the house that we can't, but having to hold thier hands for the simplest of tasks! He didn't hear me tell him where the landscape lights were & that just set us both off fussing about it.

I hate starting a day like that.

Originally Posted by Zandy595

Today is DH's and my 14th anniversary. Can't believe we made it this long without him taking a trip to the freezer.

Happy Anniversary!!

Originally Posted by NEVERENOUGHWDW

Greg is having a tough time in Boston & waiting for news. When I spoke to him at dinner time he said he was grabbing a bite at a local pub we used to frequent & head back to the hotel to do homework & then at 8 he called & said he was going to see the new Hugh Jackman movie so he's just not settled at all.

Originally Posted by EJ4Disney

Oh ladies I am so excited - today is the day!! We go and pick Matthew up from college.

Originally Posted by bigmerle1966

I just put Panko bread crumbs on boneless chicken breast, browned it in olive oil and a little veggie oil (to keep the OO from burning) poured bottled lemon juice all over it, about a cup, turned down the heat and simmered with the lid on, turning occasionally for about ten minutes.

Ooooh, that sounds good!

Originally Posted by Disney Ron

Please keep my DM in all your prayers. They found a lump on her thyroid and she is waiting for the Dr. to call and schedule a biopsy. I will keep you all posted as I hear.

Will do!


I am working late so dinner will be whatever I find. I'm feeling a little better but just completely dragging. There is a lot of "activity" here at work right now and I think my mind is just processing things. Tomorrow is my iron infusion so I should feel better in a week or two. I hope!

[FormrCastMbr]

I wanted to catch up but you know who just started fussing...

Well, my hairdresser was not there...maybe I had the wrong date but the whole place was closed!

Sandy,

Happy Anniversary!!!

BBL...I hope!

Hope everyone is having a good day...

[shovan]

Originally Posted by Nancyg56

Sheryl- you did a much better recap than I could have....I just skipped it because I was too confused.

I get you with the morning squabbles! I hate that and that is when they all seem to occur. I am sleepy and Buddy is wanting to talk. He gets up at 3:30 so he is wide awake, I cannot even think so sometimes it gets

Take advantage of your day off and take care of you. The laundry is not going anywhere....just look in my house....I moved it into Marisa's old room. So much for an empty room

I am having cell phone problems....I cannot learn how to use the darn thing so Gretchen.....I really am not stalking you.....I just cannot figure out the contact thing

Poor Bob it's usually the other way around, I'm more of a night person, so while he's trying to fall asleep, I feel the need to have these "discussions". I guess it was time for him to turn the tables on me & get me before my coffee! I had a rough time sleeping & was already somewhat awake, I won't do that again, normally I just don't speak in the morning!

Nan, Alexis took over Angelina's room, so no storage spot there! The other bedroom is As you can see I haven't left the house! Had to supervise the landscaping help. I'm going get my pedi as soon as I finish here.

What kind of phone did you get? I'm still not great at using my IPhone. The aide Dawn just got one & she was asking what new things I learned on it. Well I was trying to redial to vote over & over for Chris on AI last night & SHE ended up having to help me! It's so sad!

Originally Posted by KadysMom

SURE!! You are stalking her and you know it! Gretchen, be afraid of Nan. She is going to keep calling you until you put pineapple and raisins in your gravy

Marisa you are too funny!

Originally Posted by Zandy595

Good morning

WFD? I'm grilling ribeye steaks with my signature rub, baked potatoes and broccoli. Not sure about dessert yet. Today is DH's and my 14th anniversary.

HAPPY 14TH ANNIVERSARY!!! It's good to have you back here!

Originally Posted by Rogue26

Sheryl- We very rarely argue, and I can honestly stay it's always been about something stupid. We just go off grumbling in seperate directions until someone caves. I wonder what we'll do if we ever have something real to argue about.

I can say it's not often around here, but I couldn't use the word rarely!

Originally Posted by Zandy595

Thanks!


2 Tbsp. Kosher Sea Salt
1 Tbsp. Course Ground Black Pepper
1 Tbsp. Onion Powder
1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp. Paprika
1 Tbsp. Celery Seeds
1 Tbsp. Sugar
1 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg (freshly grated, not powdered)

Nutmeg on steaks, that's a new one, I'll have to try that! Thanks!

[QUOTE=liamsaunt;31691770Sheryl, my grocery store actually sells the seaweed salad already prepared. It's with the sushi.

Not sure WFD yet. I have a dentist appointment this afternoon and might go to the fish store after.
Have a good day everyone![/QUOTE]

Hope that's an easy dentist visit! I'll have to look in the sushi dept at WF's they might have it, but I can tell you none of our other grocery store will carry it. You've made me jealous of your markets again.

Your dinner looks delicious as always! Did you make the pastry dough for the empanadas or used a store product? Pie dough, pizza dough??? Becky You never fail to continually impress with your dinners! John was right to nix the margaritas last night, luckily I only made us each one, cus they were strong & we sipped for 2 hours.

Originally Posted by Nancyg56

In our home it is Buddy who has the phone issues that he cannot control. Marisa put Supercalifragilistic for his ring tone. Imagine my big, burly "manly" man in an office filled with truck drivers trying to find his phone and shut if off all the while acting like Mary Poppins was normal for any guy to have as a ring tone Another time Donny put a tone that screamed "RING. RING. RING RING.....RING! RING! RING! RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Until he answered it. He never could shut the alarm off that Kim set to go off every day at 11 AM.

OMG! The poor poor man! Supercalifragilistic!!! :laughing Gosh I just can't stop laughing!

Originally Posted by liamandcaili

Sheryl -- Not a good way to start the day. When Greg is home, I tell him not to bother me too much until after my cup of tea. Until then, I am usually a grouch.

I keep having to remind myself what day it is today...this has been a crazy week. Caili has skating this afternoon, but I do have time to cook something quick when we get home. I'm making pizza.

Yeah usually I'm not even awake enough to respond. It was a strange morning. You seem to be hanging in there very well for your crazy time of year! Don't work too hard!

Originally Posted by NEVERENOUGHWDW

:Sheryl, I hope the injection helps next week...thinking & praying for you always.

Leona had her PET scan yesterday, we haven't heard anything yet. They decided nothing invasive is going to be done until the doctors look at the PET scan so we are just waiting.

Greg is having a tough time in Boston & waiting for news. When I spoke to him at dinner time he said he was grabbing a bite at a local pub we used to frequent & head back to the hotel to do homework & then at 8 he called & said he was going to see the new Hugh Jackman movie so he's just not settled at all.
I on the other hand ate everything that wasn't nailed down. When I went on the scale this morning I couldn't believe the numbersso much stress eating.
Not to sound like a Hallmark card or freak anyone out but I'm sitting here thinking what did I do before I found you ladies? Your a blessing in my life, during good times & bad & I thank you.

Thanks, just need to get through to July.

I'm sorry that they are still waiting on news. Continuing prayers for all of you!

You don't sound like a Hallmark card at all! We get it!

Originally Posted by EJ4Disney

Wow, I need to start getting in here earlier. I had 2 pages to catch up on.

Oh ladies I am so excited - today is the day!! We go and pick Matthew up from college. I am so darn excited I couldn't sleep last night. We have really missed him. There is a picnic at 5, then an awards ceremony at 6:30. He texted me last night and said as SOON as it is over he wanted to leave. He is all packed except for his refrigerator, microwave and printer that we will take in the pickup.

So as far as dinner tonight, it will be picnic fare at the College. Yipee I don't have to cook tonight.

Thanks for the well wishes for Jay. I really appreciate them. If you would please keep my little family in your thoughts, that would be great. This is his 2nd tour to Iraq - he is to be gone maybe 18 months.

Sheryl ~ Termites OMG I have never ever heard of these. We spray for them in our homes if needed but we NEVER see them. I can't imagine seeing them swarm. I hope your and Bob's day gets better. Doug and I rarely speak for the first hour we are up. I guess after 31 years of marriage we have learned a few things. :lmao

That is a happy day! I was thrilled to have Angelina back home for a few months before she went off & got married! Even with the wedding planning it was our bests times together! She was only 1 1/2 away too, but at first it killed me...

You know we haven't always had termites swarming. I think it's the Formosan termite that invaded here years back.

Originally Posted by Rogue26

So am I the only northerner lucky enough to have termites swarm?

Maybe it's those darn Natl. Parks!

Originally Posted by Disney Ron

I totally agree with you about Glynis...I think she has that Linda Carter costume under her everyday clothes!!!

Nanatization at it's best!!! Laura, you are the other Wonder Mom on this thread. It amazes me how much you have your kids involved in and what a good job you do while Greg is away. I think your childrens age can be hard than a newborn...you make me exhausted!
Ok, where did my post disappear to from this morning...how does that happen!!

DS & I are feeling much better and are well rested today. My poor DH is the one suffering now with a sinus cold. He is working both jobs today but is leaving his night job early to try to get some needed rest.


Please keep my DM in all your prayers. They found a lump on her thyroid and she is waiting for the Dr. to call and schedule a biopsy. I will keep you all posted as I hear.

I'm glad you two are feeling better. Sorry your DH is down, hope he gets some rest! Prayers for your Mom that it wont' be anything!

Gosh so many of our WFD girls are having a rough time of it!

Glynis in a Wonder Woman Costume!

I agree Laura is another Wonder Woman! Amazing how she keeps it all together.
But you know what, we have quite a few Wonder Moms & Wonder Women in our fine group here! We all have our trials, tribulations and still manage to get through, Thankfully because we have each other!!! Oh now I'm all teary!


Aimee, He looks so good! Someone is sure to want him.

Lauren, So sorry about your hairstylist !

Oh I came back to say WFD! DH came home for lunch ( help with supervising the help! ) but he brought home a little tiny bowl of she-crab soup from a friend. It's only one serving but it's loaded with crab, so I'm going to cook some halibut & top it with the soup. Avocado, tomato, vidalia onion salad on the side. and wine we will have good wine tonight!

[FormrCastMbr]

typing w ba by

i agree laura is another wonderwoman!

ann, prayers for mom...is it a lump or nodule? i have the nodules that are considered goiters. i hope she is ok...those biopsies are not fun - make sure she asks for something prior if she is skiddish about pain.

[Glynis]

Originally Posted by FormrCastMbr

Good morning...I am all off today. woke up an hour late, A took a 2 minute shower and then off to the bus. i am now giving T a bottle.

dinner is on the run tonight. a and i are getting haircuts...i am getting highlights and pedicure too. then we have batting cage practice.

Sheryl, you guys are just as important as family...you guys are like my therapy. all of us here on the wfd have been through so much together. i really appreciate everyone understanding how busy i am now.

Glynis...how the heck do you do it? i cant get done around here!

Ann, hope your little one had a peaceful night and you all got some sleep.

hopa everyone is good today...I wish you all enough!

I must really have you all fooled! There are days when nothing gets done. It does help that Katie is old enough to help out around the house, and that the other kids can do their own homework and jobs. Seriously, though, it's tough! We had to cut down on extracurricular activities in order to make it work. Strangely, we don't miss any of those activities, and get to spend more time together as a family!