I can’t believe summer is here. Our kids got off school last week, and we headed straight to North Carolina for vacation. Our life has been just so constant, and with Ty’s girlfriend losing her daddy, we were tempted not to go. But after talking about it, we knew how important it was to go and get away. We needed it. We aren’t completely in at our river lot yet, and there are things at the house that need to get done, but not seeing our out-of-state besties didn’t seem like an option. We only go once a year, and you know how it is when you push something off. It won’t happen.
The mornings in New Bern were beautiful. We would wake up and spend the mornings out on their screened-in back porch sipping coffee/hot tea. The pool water rippled as the breeze blew. It was a perfect morning. Hot, but no humidity with a breeze. Upper lip sweat was tamed, baby! Summer felt official.
Their pool is seriously the most beautiful pool I have ever been in. It has three levels, including a sunbathing pad with tanning chairs. Katie and I spent so much time floating, talking, and enjoying the first days of summer together. It was such a relaxing vacation together as two families.
As we traveled home, I was so excited for our summer to begin at home — my work schedule changes in the summer so that I can spend more time with my kids. I have always been a stay-at-home momma. When our kids started to go to school, I worked more out of our home, but I have such flexible jobs that the summers work out perfectly for spending time with them.
Last year, I felt like I worked so much because I had finished school the year prior and had lots of new clients a year in. So, I was working one day at home coaching clients, one day at my part-time job at a local fueling company, and another day at my other part-time gig. My kids were like, “Mom, why are you working so much? We always have to go here or there because you are working, and we just want to be home with you.” Ughh — that killed me! So, this year, I am working from home on Mondays, then just working ten-hour days on Tuesdays. This will give me four days at home a week with my kids. On Mondays, I will be on my computer for most of the day writing and coaching, but I’ll be there. We typically spend weekends at the river, so that Monday will make the perfect relaxation day for them.
I am looking forward to waking up and just having breakfast with them. Sunday breakfast is our thing as a family. We love making a big breakfast after church or up at the river on our Blackstone. During the week, it’s typically something quick like cereal and toast, toaster strudels, eggs, or frozen waffles. We love the turkey bacon from Aldi. It’s by the brand Never Any.
Don’t ever get the Oscar Myers kind. Oh, my goodness. No wonder so many people say to me that they don’t like turkey bacon. Never Any brand is our favorite, and when cooked correctly, it’s amazing! High protein and low calorie. My son Tyler prefers momma’s turkey bacon over regular bacon, and bacon is one of his favorite meats. It’s like $3.50 a pack or something like that, and when Ty found out one day when we went into Aldi just for bacon over Easter break, he said, “Mom, when I move out on my own someday, I am just going to come by ten packs at a time.” He has a serious passion for their turkey bacon.
On summer mornings or when they are off for holiday breaks, I love going out in our kitchen and cooking bacon and eggs and making toast or pancakes for them. Tyler is typically still sleeping, so I’ll make everything and then take it to him in his room later on. I don’t ever see him wake up faster. I do make turkey bacon every now and then on school mornings, but it’s so darn early that half of the time, they aren’t hungry! Who wants a large breakfast at 6:30 a.m.?
I do love making breakfast meal prep for weekdays, though, and often making ahead morning oats, breakfast sandwiches, or egg muffins. Chris especially loves my egg muffins, and they are so easy for us to grab in the mornings. I start his coffee pot and throw two or three egg muffins in the microwave, and he is good to go. Now, you can use whatever sausage you like, but I typically use turkey sausage. You honestly could use any kind of protein like ham or bacon, or you could even just put in veggies or cheese. You make them how you want them. The whole point is how darn simple they are. I will make these through the summer while still enjoying waking up and cooking things fresh.
I love summer mornings. I love how bright it is. I love how the birds sing a different tune on warm summer mornings. I love the simplicity of summer mornings. I love cooking special breakfasts, but most of all, I love having my kids home with me in the summer. It always goes so fast, but we can’t wait to make some memories this summer. River mornings. At home mornings. Turkey bacon mornings. Vacation mornings. I love them all.
Happy Summer, everyone!
Easy Egg Bites
(Makes 12 Egg Bites)
Ingredients:
• 10 eggs
• 1/2 cup egg whites
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup COOKED sausage (or other protein)
• 3/4 cup extra sharp cheese (I use Cabot)
• Few dashes of salt & pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 and grease your muffin tin really well.
Crack eggs into a large bowl. (I use one with a spout for easier pouring like a large measuring or mixer bowl), then add egg whites and milk. Mix really well. Then add in meat, cheese, and seasoning.
Pour the egg mixture equally into each greased muffin cup. (About ⅔ to ¾ full)
Bake at 350 for about 17-20 minutes. Check the center with a knife around the 17 minute mark – if the middle is cooked, they are done. If not, continue to cook for another few minutes. The egg bites will puff up when cooking but slightly deflate after you take them out of the oven.
Wait a few minutes till they are cool enough to handle, then take them out with a fork or knife.
Enjoy the same day, or as breakfast prep for mornings.
