Switching Gears

Labor day weekend I ran the 5k below.
Between my hubby and I one of us has participated in this race almost every year since 2005.

It was at this race in 2005 my son Jack became fast friends with his buddy Daniel.

They both had a love for trucks!

Here they are this past Monday.

It was a beautiful day to be on the lake.

My boys looooove tubing.

Good friend's are priceless!

Who knew that one race could bring two families together.

Bonus, our friend's just closed on their summer cottage so we will be able to see them more often.

After our fun filled weekend it was time to go back to school.

I needed to switch gears and get serious about meal planning. 

 We have football practice 3 nights a week so sometimes short cuts are in order. I will definitely be making these two dinner's this week.

Chicken Pesto

1. Boil pasta according to package directions and drain

2. While pasta is cooking take chicken meat off of the bone and chop into pieces

3. Add pesto and chicken to pasta in saucepan and heat.

4. I always add more parmigiano-reggiano cheese, garlic powder and a little salt.

Mom's Homemade Chili

2 pounds of  ground beef

1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)

1-1 1/2 green peppers finely chopped

1-2 onions finely chopped

4 garlic cloves (pressed or chopped)

2-28oz. cans tomato sauce

28oz. crushed tomato

3 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder (to your liking)

1/2 tsp. cumin

1 1/2 tsp. sugar

Brown ground beef in a large stockpot. Then add all ingredients except the 2 cans of beans and cook until green peppers are soft (approx 1-1 1/2 hrs.) Add beans when there is only around 30min. of cooking time left so beans do not get soggy. Grate cheddar cheese on top and enjoy. 

Cheddar Corn Muffins

Make corn muffin mix from a box and add shredded cheddar cheese or jalapeno cheese for the adults!
Jen

Linking to: Tasty Tuesday

Pin It

Lake Houses!

As you drive around the lake you don't often see the true beauty of the houses because resident's invest the most on the lake view and not the road view. Today I thought I would show you some houses I have always admired from the water.

This is my favorite house on the lake.

 It reminds me of my time on Cape Cod. I love the combination of gray/blue shingles and stone.

It recently changed hands without even going on the market. That happens more often than people realize here on the lake.

The current owner's of this home have done a great job restoring it. It has original bamboo flooring throughout the house. I love how the stairs divide and go right and left.

 Many of the houses are very close together here on the lake. I always admire any house that has a large yard with it. There is also a tiny church on the property that lake goers attend on Sundays.

My husband and I used to kayak past this property when there was nothing built on it. It has always been my husbands favorite piece of property on the lake.

I have always loved this one! Especially the porch off the master bedroom on the left.

I run by this house often and never get tired of seeing it.

The two rooms on the left on all three floors have been recently been added to this home. Being a teacher I have always liked it because it reminds me of a school house. 

This property has always looked happy and lived in to me. I especially like seeing the badminton net in the yard, the playset and of course the trampoline. As a former gymnast I have a soft spot for trampolines.

This road view of this house is very beautiful. It has burgundy shutters that match the stone work.

 Last year while attending a party at this home the boys discovered the owner's had a movie theatre. For the boys last movie night before summer we watched Despicable me there. This family is so kind.

I hope you have enjoyed my house tour on the lake!

Jen

Pin It

Snapshots on the Lake!

These pictures are from last week before the sun rose one morning. I think both kids were home sick so I  was able to get some good shots.

There was a beautiful fog/mist hovering just above the water.

I love the reflection of the trees from the point on the water.

Yes, as you may have noticed, docks have started to go in.

Have a nice weekend!

Jen

Pin It

Snapshots on the Lake!

Last Friday as I pulled into our drive it started hailing and then raining. Once we were in the house a patch of sun started to peak out. I know sooner said "this looks like good rainbow weather" and what did we see?

A beautiful and bright rainbow!

I couldn't quite get it all in the picture.

Do you see the end just behind that tree?

I looked for the pot of gold, but darn it, the leprechaun must have beat me to it!

Not only one rainbow but a double!!

After a great week substitute teaching, I am hoping to read a bit this weekend and spend some time with the kiddos.

Jen

Pin It

Snapshots on the Lake!

What a difference a week makes! Every year we look forward to the lake freezing so we can skate, play hockey, x-country ski and go for long walks. Until this week it hasn't happened due to the unusually warm winter we are having. This is what it looked like this morning.....

The kids and my hubby got busy throwing rocks onto the ice.

The boys love how they slide.

Yep....that's open water in the middle.

There will be no ice hikes this year!

I love seeing the reminder that my kids have played here.

It really brings a smile to my face!

Have a great weekend!

Jen

Pin It

Snapshots on the Lake!

I wanted to share a snapshot that I took on a day when there wasn't so much as a ripple or a wave in the water. Whenever I see this it just brings me a sense of peace and makes me feel calm. With our busy schedule these days I treasure such moments.

I looked out and just found this breathtaking.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Jen

Pin It

Snow Day!

This winter season has been extremely warm and mild which is not typical for New York weather. It was the first Christmas since I can remember that there was no snow. Until yesterday.....we had our first Snow Day of the school year!!! Here is a glimpse into what our day looked like.

Gunther enjoying the snow as much as the kids.

There was at least 6 inches at noon and we continued to get snow throughout the day.

Luke making snow angels!!

King Frog!

Can you see the beginnings of ice behind the frog? Soooo exciting!

Our Buddha.

More ice!!!

Every year we look forward to the lake freezing so we can play on it. Here's hoping it will be frozen soon.

Enjoy your day!

Jen

Pin It

What I Love Today!

It is a chilly 40 degree day here in New York. I have been a little under the weather this week, however, we are enjoying a relaxing morning as the boys have the day off from school. Here is what I love about today......

The pop of color our Christmas Cactus brings to our home.

The joy this little guy brings to us everyday.

Even if he isn't really "helping" with the laundry.

Luke looking for fossils on our beach.

and finding them.....

The pictures my children draw.

This towel my mom made me last year.

She is such a talented quilter!

The photo I took of the moon 2 nights ago.

To all the veteran's out there, including my dad, thank you for serving our country!!!

Happy Veteran's Day!

Jen

Pin It