This weekend has been a bit of roller coaster emotionally.  We have had some high highs and very low lows.  But that’s kind of how life goes, right? 

We’ll start with the good things.  On Saturday, Adam and I headed out to the suburbs to take family pictures with my folks.  We had gotten professional pictures as an anniversary present for my parents back in July and finally got everyone together to get them done.

We also happened to pick the COLDEST day to take OUTDOOR pictures.  We were at Cuba Marsh in Deer Park and the scenery was gorgeous.  Fall leaves, open marshes, tall pine tree forests… Just magical.  But I’m pretty sure my feet were blocks of ice after like 30 minutes.  Oh well, I love that we were able to get together and take pictures and I’m sure you won’t be able to see the frozen toes on our faces.

We’re cute… and also huddling together for warmth!

After the pictures, my family took me out to brunch to celebrate my birthday.  I had no clue we were doing that but it was greatly appreciated.  Mostly because I knew there would be hot coffee 🙂  We went to Southern Belle in Barrington and it was delicious!  My mom got their pumpkin pancakes and they were definitely larger than her head.  The boys helped her finish some of those.

They also brought presents which is always fun!  I got a wonderful pumpkin mug and handmade soap from my sister and Andy.  My mom and dad got me an assortment of things but my favorite had to be the shirt that said: “Reading is my Superpower.”  Definitely true. 

Unfortunately, the weekend wasn’t all (cold) sunshine and rainbows.  Adam’s Grandma Dawson had a heart attack on Friday and Sunday morning she passed away.  It was all very unexpected and the shock is just starting to wear off and grief set in.  It’s never easy to lose a grandparent, especially when you aren’t expecting it.  We will be headed downstate later in the week to see family and celebrate her life. 

In more Grandma news, this past week my Grandma was put into hospice care.  She has been in the hospital since July now with numerous health issues and complications.  Things are not progressing well and at 84, she doesn’t have the strength to fight everything off.  We went to visit her on Saturday and she slept the entire time.  I had just seen her a week before and this time she looked so old.  I know this has been extremely tough on my Mom because who wants to make these difficult decisions about their own parents?

So we’ve had both happy and sad extremes in the Dawson household this weekend.  But even during the tough times, it’s comforting to have the support and love of our family around us.

I did get a little meal prep done yesterday and I know that will help us through this wonky week.  Quick meals are the name of the game this week and I plan on doing a lot of sheet pan meals where I can throw everything on one tray, put it in the oven, and call it a day.  Here is what I got ready: 

• Cauliflower, parsnips, red cabbage, and bell peppers got cut for quick side dishes.  I also have cucumbers, zucchini, and leafy greens ready to go for salads.
• Egg wraps for breakfasts and hard boiled eggs for lunches.
• Sweet Potato Toast for breakfasts and snacks.
• Baked sweet potatoes and broccoli hash filling for stuffed sweet potatoes.
• Tomato sauce for shakshuka (one of my favorite quick meals).
• Spaghetti squash for sides along with delicata, honeynut, and golden nugget.  Can you tell I like squash?