As summer is slowly coming to an end, we take a deep breath for what is about to come. As the leaves start to change, so will most of our lives. Kids go back to school, after-school activities like football and dance are back, and then the holidays quickly approach after that.

You all know how much I love and adore fall. It’s been my favorite since I can remember. I always hate to have my kids leave and go back to school, but I look forward to some kind of schedule to our lives again.

As the summer turns into fall, dance will start. Homework will be in full swing. Kidz Club will be back weekly. My youngest will start a brand-new school, and my oldest will have his last year in middle school. It doesn’t seem possible. Time is a thief. Weeknights around here can be pretty chaotic, but I make sure we sit down to a meal most weeknights.
I look forward to the end of the day when we can all be together and talk about our day.

On Wednesday nights, my kids go to youth group and Kidz Club. It’s the one night we all aren’t together. But the rest of the week, I make sure we all spend time together around the table. Wednesday gives me a chance to get dinner with my girlfriends and spend time with them, and my husband enjoys the same. We all do our own thing and catch up with people we don’t get to see as often. Some Wednesdays, Chris and I will even grab dinner together or get takeout and binge-watch our favorite show. It just depends on our schedules and what’s planned.

In the winter, we love to do game nights. T-R-O-U-B-L-E is our favorite. When it’s dark and cold, we love busting out our family favorite game next to the cozy fireplace and see who can win three in a row after dinner. These are the things I miss in the summer. It always seems that in the summer, we are just GO, GO, GO days, nights, and weekends.

In the next few weeks, I will give you very simple recipes with few ingredients to prepare you for the next few months. I think it is so important to sit down as a family and eat dinner together. Ask your kids about their school days. Ask your spouse or partner about their day. Just sit down for good food and conversation. Like I said, time is a thief. We need to make the most out of each day. I know days get busy, and it’s hard to cook a meal or a special dessert for a game night, but cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Everything does NOT need to be from scratch. It’s about who you are with, and as long as it tastes good, that’s all that matters!

So, grab your favorite board game, get your family, and make a pan of these. They will think you went all out.
Sheet Pizza Cookie
Ingredients:
• 2 Pillsbury Ready to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• 1 can of Pillsbury Funfetti Icing
Directions:

I used a small cookie sheet and laid all 24 cookies out on the sheet. I pressed down firmly until they were all touching together. I left no holes while making a large square.

Baked for 20-25 minutes. I like my cookies a little undercooked so they are nice and soft.

Let cool, then top with icing and sprinkles.

I made these for the river a few times and they were GONE!

Everyone raved over them. It was so delicious and easy. Enjoy!