I watched and waited....not wanting to overreact, but also a flash of concern comes over me to see how bad it is. Wait for it....then hear it comes, heavy tears streaming down her face, holding her head and she cannot get up off the court. Her coach helps her walk off and her team cheers for her. All I can think of is concussion. The team carried on as she and I sat on the sidelines and they brought sweet victory in the end. Of course the rest of the night and during our 8 hour drive home, I kept waking her up to make sure she was okay (she wasn't really happy with me about interrupting her naps).
When we returned home, my other sick daughter was making a full recovery, which was a blessed sight to see. Then the real fun started.....
Tuesday: Took our dog Angus in for a tooth removal, which turned into 4 teeth and an eye skin tag removal $urgery. He came home barely able to walk from being heavily sedated. Too many puppy martinis it looked like.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Kitchen torn up for plumbing repairs and then drywall and paint patching. I tried to pay off the contractor an extra $100 to keep my kitchen torn apart for the week so I wouldn't have to cook or do dishes...he didn't take the bait though, bummer.
Wednesday was my birthday. Everyone asks me what I want for my birthday. Every year I want a Personal Assistant just to be able to get through weeks like this. I didn't get one, maybe next year. I did however get showered with beautiful flowers, cards and well wishes from family and friends...can't ask for anything more than that.
Friday worked the last high school basketball game concession stand duties with both my girls. I have never hustled so much popcorn, nachos and soft pretzels in my life (even more than working the state fair in my youth). People do amaze me though and I just have to vent about this. Some other mothers that were gracious to show up and volunteer too (one in a fur vest and the other in a designer leather jacket, really???) Do they not understand that nacho cheese sauce is flying around this place and every batch of popcorn made, you end up with a canola oil facial!!! They looked beautiful when they showed up for duties, I only hope their clothes didn't get ruined.
As we are preparing for Uncle Rick's (my husband's brother) arrival this week, Saturday and Sunday were equally schedule packed: pest control service, carpets got professional shampoo cleaning, dusting, scrubbing, planning weekly dinner menu and shopping, car wash, laundry, paint touch up and the list goes on and on. I know I am not the only household that does extensive house cleaning and "honey-do-list" when company comes. It's amazing how much things get accomplished for house guests.
By Sunday night, I was beyond exhausted and needed an easy dinner....this one is awesome and doesn't get much easier. A one pot wonder that also makes great lunch leftovers.
Lasagna Soup
Courtesy of Cuisine at Home Magazine
Courtesy of Cuisine at Home Magazine
| BROWN: | |
|---|---|
| 1 | lb. bulk Italian sausage1 lb. |
| 2 | cups chopped onion2 cups |
| 1 | cup diced carrot1 cup |
| 2 | cups sliced button mushrooms2 cups |
| 2 | Tbsp. minced garlic2 Tbsp. |
| ADD: | |
| 4 | cups low-sodium chicken broth4 cups |
| 1 | can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, chopped (14.5 oz.)1 can |
| 1 | can tomato sauce1 can |
| 1 | cup dry mafalda pasta1 cup |
| 2 | cups chopped fresh spinach2 cups |
| PLACE: | |
| 1 | cup diced provolone or fresh mozzarella1 cup |
| 1⁄4 | cup shredded Parmesan1⁄4 cup |
| 4 | tsp. thinly sliced fresh basil |
Brown sausage in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot; sauté 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and garlic, and sauté 3 minutes more.
Add broth, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce, and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and cook according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
Place ¼ cup diced cheese in each of four serving bowls; ladle soup on top. Garnish each serving with Parmesan and basil.
Add broth, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce, and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and cook according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
Place ¼ cup diced cheese in each of four serving bowls; ladle soup on top. Garnish each serving with Parmesan and basil.
