Friday Things #386
1. Hello, Joseph is apparently now 20 years old all of a sudden. He has also outgrown ALL of his fall/winter clothes from last year with the exception of about three shirts; I better get shopping before the weather cools off!
2. I saw a picture from the first day of preschool last year and can’t believe how much Dominic’s face has changed! He looks so much older! And he totally wow’ed the doctor at his eye checkup this week by reading the letters instead of the pictures 💙
3. Up until now, Isabelle has gotten a ride in the stroller during our daily walks, but this week she started asking to walk on her own. It’s a much slower-paced walk, but she loves it so much, and it’s so awesome to see the wonder she finds in the simplest things 💖
4. We will be doing online school for at least the first quarter of the year; anyone else?!
5. One of the best things to come of this pandemic summer? I think I’ve gotten more sunshine and fresh air than any other summer in years!
6. If you’re looking for a refreshing no-bake dessert, give this no-bake mint chocolate chip pie a try!
7. What are some of your go-to items from Costco? A friend and I text each other new favorite finds and we’ve each found new favorites this way – what are some of your favorite buys?
8. I’ve mentioned it before, but Graeters is my all-time very favorite ice cream; a few weeks ago I ordered a 6-pack of pints and some ice cream cookie sandwiches. Their black raspberry chocolate chip and salted caramel chocolate chip are to do for!
9. What are you currently watching? We’ve been doing a string of crime documentaries; haven’t found a new series to binge yet.
10. TGIF! Duke says hello!
My new Costco favourite is Heavenly Hunks…so good! Â I also regularly buy their coffee. Â I have Acorn and have enjoyed the series mentioned here by someone else. Â Your kids are as always gorgeous and growing up so fast.
I just started watching Cobra Kae! It will bring back some great 80s feels. Also The Last Kingdom, Derry Girls, Turn, The Americans are a few that I have found entertaining.
My new Costco fav is the Aussie bites. Such a yummy afternoon snack, and my toddler loves them too.Â
Hello!
Love your Friday newsletter, and wondering if you know if there is a way to make the chocolate chip mint pie gluten free? I have a friend I’d like to make it for, but she can’t have any gluten.
Thanks,
Mary
Your kids are darling! Joseph looks so big, like he’s a football player!
Hi Mary! You can purchase gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. Walmart sells 2 kinds – their own Great Value brand and another brand named Glutino. I’ve heard the Great Value brand tastes better…very close to a regular Oreo.
I have also made a chocolate cookie crust using the Gluten-Free Chocolate Wafer Cookies recipe by Gluten Free on a Shoestring (https://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/thin-crispy-chocolate-wafer-cookies/). You need to add some sugar to the cookies crumbles if you go that route of course, but the taste is just excellent. Good luck!
I CANT get over the size of Joseph !!!
what a handsome childÂ
It goes so quickly !!!
Enjoy every second !!!Â
I can’t believe how Joseph has grown. Your kids are all do so good. I think that is good parenting. I have been watching OWN Murder Mystery’s. Very interesting. I read a lot. The ice cream you mentioned sounds really good, but I don’t think we get it in California.
Always like you blogs. Take care and be safe.
 Watch Outlander on Netflix, Starz or get it on DVD from the library.  There are five seasons and it is the best show I have ever watched.Â
We subscribed to the acorn tv app.Â
Line of duty
Blood
Hidden
Keeping faithÂ
We’ve been watching ‘Queen of the South’..i too need some more shows to get into.
I’m catching up on movies I missed – my nephew gave me a list of “must see” movies that he could not believe I hadn’t seen yet – lol.
I can’t believe how big Joseph has gotten – he looks so mature, that’s great on Dominic’s vision exam. Isabelle is getting to be a big girl too – they have all grown so much over this summer.
Black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream sounds divine!
Looking good Duke!
Tell us what movies (or a few) that are must sees. I so enjoy watching a good movie. Can’t wait to see a few if you’re up to telling us😊
I so enjoy watching your children grow. Joseph must look like is dad. (and he does look almost 2o, doesm’t he)…I see you in the other two. Their all adorable children. Love that pic of Duke! I need to make that no bake (who wants to turn on the oven in this heat) mint chocolate pie real soon!
I go to Graeter’s for their baked goods: tea rings, double better coffee cake, cheese pocket, and their sour cream dunkers.
Hi Michelle ! I can’t believe how fast Joseph Dominic & Isabelle are growing & looking so mature !!! I saw you go up the street this morning & took notice of Isabelle walking !!!!!! I love Joseph’s haircut ! He looks like a little man ! Costco’s has so many good things ! We love the spinach salad & I always get the rotisserie chicken! I love all their baked goods ! Who do you order the ice cream you like ! Can you send me the info so I can try it ?!!!! Love ice cream !!!Â
I have nothing exciting to report from Costco – except that they now have Peet’s Nespresso pods!  Trader Joe’s is another story. Just tried their sliced cinnamon croissant bread…yum!
We’ve ordered pints of Graeters 3 times this summer lol.
I did a double take at Joseph. Wow he sure grew.
Costco has so many go to items, I just rarely hit a dud there. Pre packed salads, most of my dairy items, pesto, rotisserie chicken…so many things. And amazing holiday offers: wrapping paper, gifts, such a happy place to go…and so helpful.
I’m still learning about Netflix and other streaming services. So many things offered I hope I can cut the too expensive cable soon. Right now I’m thankful to get to watch movies for free, it has really helped these last few months.
Sweet picture of little Isabelle with her hand on doggie’s head. So so sweet. A new generation of ones that are kind to animals….so love that. Handsome Duke of course as always. So sweet to sit and let you take his pic😊
Good morning Michelle! Can’t believe how quick the kids are growing, thanks for sharing them with us. What we are binging is not to be shared with the kids though. It is “Hanna” on Amazon Prime Video.. Lots of violence, but also friendships, adventure, a little sci-fi – it is good!
Every year at Christmas time they carry bourbon laced maple syrup. I stock up for the year!  It’s a nice gift too.Â
Ohhh. Hello Duke!!!  (My favourite breed in dogs.  Looks just like my old golden when he wanted something he would give you that look and your heart  would melt and you would give in).Â
The kids are sure growing and fast so enjoy this time.
Wise to keep them. home from school and do home schooling . Â Much safer
Have you watched The Last Kingdom and Outlander on Netflix? Both are excellent! Outlander is also on Starz.
Michelle,Â
Comments from an avid fan ….  love all aspects of your website from updates on your children, sharing family memories, and the recommendations you suggest we check out. My husband loves the Morning Summit cereal you recently mentioned.  Last year you vacationed on neighboring Oak Island. We have retired  in the area.  If you are nearby again, let me know and I can drop off a meal to you to thank you for your research and hard work that you  share with us. Our roots are central PA so we have more than cooking in common.  Â
Sincerely,Â
KathyÂ
Love Costco! My go to items are ribs (silver skin is already removed), Kodiak pancake mix, Kirkland organic peanut butter, Kirkland Mastercarve ham, batteries (store brand), mousse filled cake for birthdays (when I am too busy to bake one) , Kirkland protein bars and I never leave without a rotisserie chicken! I also love their clothes and household items (bath towels, pillows, dish towels,….). I hate clothes shopping, but so easy browse up and down the aisles!
Have you tried watching the tv series Shetland, Vera, Bancroft. Have just watched a BBC series called A Suitable Boy. If you can get it it’s worth a watch x
My grandson is doing online also at Woodland Hills. I just finished binge watching the Last Kingdom and Netflix and it was very good. Â
Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream for the WIN!
We just started Ted Lasso on Apple…total feel good funny series
Can’t believe how big the kids are!Â
we are loving watching a place to call home on acorn tv. We got acorn to finish last season of line of duty which we loved too!Â
God bless you all.
A Place called Home is one if the best shows EVER !!
Totally agree with you! A Place to Call Home is excellent!
Is love for you to do monthly finds and favorites from costoc , aldi, trader Joe’s maybe. Or an ongoing updated list. Hope virtual learning goes well. We started last week and have been happy so far.
Would also love the monthly finds! Â Also miss your monthly favorites that you used to do at the beginning of each month!