A Celebration and a Week of Dark Circles

Today I am so thankful for weekends.  I am hopeful the dark circles and bags under my eyes will disappear after resting and relaxing.  This week has been unbelievable with four late nights, a birthday party and an all out effort to stay well.  Several meetings topics: economic development, strategic planning and funding for public education- woohoo, my idea of a good time! Ha!  Just as bad the flu is hitting our small town hard and heavy.  My neighbor's three children all have the flu and many others are experiencing the same illness.  With a week like we just experienced it was soooooooooo important we stay well.  I cranked out the orange juice, refilled all the hand sanitizers and enforced bedtime as soon as we arrived home each night.  I have one more big event this coming week and then I can relax.  A four day weekend is approaching, but not fast enough.


Just because we thought we didn't have enough to do, we threw a birthday party into the mix on Saturday.  My favorite boy turns eleven in just a few weeks and we decided to celebrate early so we can participate in other events in the coming weeks.  On Saturday, friends and family joined us for what we hoped would be a game of backyard football for some great boys.  It rained all week and into the night Friday night, but the sun emerged on Saturday just in time for a messy and fun game of football.  At my son's request the menu consisted of ice cream cake, queso and pigs n a blanket- little boys are easy to please.  Thanks Mama Henley for reminding me my house didn't have to look perfect.  After the boys tracked in grass, straw and mud from the backyard, I'm glad I didn't over do it.


The work week was hectic as hubby and I endured endless meetings.  Both of us as well as our co-workers experienced our fair share of stress this week.  I was looking forward to the weekend for the rest.  After the party my hubby and son decided to go to a basketball game and I offered to have dinner ready for our family and some friends after the big game.  Dining at a local restuarant late at night a couple of times helped me realize I am much more hospitable than night time waitstaff.  Many dread cooking especially after a rough week, but I find it so relaxing to work in my kitchen.  Our friends also work with us and needed, as well as deserved a comforting homecooked meal.  My prescription:  Garden Salad, cooked apples with cranberries, green beans and Savory Chicken Casserole

Savory Chicken Casserole- My husband's assistant brought this casserole to our family after my daughter was born.  My children love it.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast cooked (I seasoned and baked with some dry basil)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoning Stuffing Mix
2 cups chicken broth
1 ream crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 stick melted butter