Monday, December 31, 2018

2019 Word of the Year

Several years ago I read a post on a blog about choosing a word for the year.  I loved the concept and have picked one each year since even if I didn't always share them on my blog for various reasons.  Over the last couple of months I've spent some time thinking about what I would like next year to look like; where I would like to be at the end of the year.  Being that I'm a goal setter, this is a great way to help me focus on specific areas in order to accomplish, well, things.  I find that without goals or a plan I don't accomplish nearly as much!

I actually have two words to focus on for 2019.  The first is a word I've chosen for the past several years because I feel it is that important for me and my life.  That word is :

One of my mantras in my life now is to "not let anyone steal my joy".  It's really easy to allow people and/or circumstances to steal joy but if the initial focus in the mind is to not let that happen, it is harder for that to happen.  Notice I said harder?  Yes, it does still happen but I find if I look for the positive in all things, I am happier.  If I am happier, so is my family.  Last year I started to ask my little family each night at dinner to tell me one good or positive thing from their day.  Do you know what?  That was hard for everyone.  It was easier for my kids and my husband to tell the bad things; the things that went wrong or that they didn't like.  Especially at the beginning of this project.  The more I asked though, the more they were able to say something good - even as small as "I slept in" or "Mom got my cereal".  I also worked with them at finding the good even in difficult situations.  If they had things to, well, complain about, I would listen to their struggle but then ask them if there was anything positive about the situation?  Do you now what?  That's hard.  It's hard for adults and harder for kids but I would help them find something (even if it was "I don't have to see that person for a whole week!" HA!)  It always amazing to me at how much other people try to zap someone's happiness.  Sometimes I don't think it is intentional but sometimes it is and that's sad.  So yes ----
------- not just today, but every single day even when it is hard.

I wanted to add to this though.  To challenge myself to focus on something else too.  So, I picked
Where am I going with this, you wonder?  Allow me to tell you.  I want to add strength in all areas of my life. By the end of 2019 I would like to be stronger in my health, my home, our finances, with my children and my husband.  I'd like to be "stronger" in my goals by accomplishing some key things and to be stronger at completing some projects.  I think by focusing on being stronger gives it a more positive spin  - it make an end product more exciting because basically to gain strength means that you can handle more tomorrow than you  can today because you built on where you are today.  Like running - you don't start by running 10 miles, you have to work up to that point by laying out a plan, practicing, and working hard.  I feel like my unintentional word in 2018 was "flounder" - I feel like I floundered in a lot of areas; I just "got by" instead of really working to accomplish things.  I got lost in my head; in circumstances; in the ugliness that is life sometimes. 

What about you?  Do you have a word that you want to focus on this coming year? 

Friday, December 28, 2018

And Just like that it's 2019 (And a Weekly Menu)

It's time to wrap up the year!  Crazyness!

Friday - Spaghetti and Garlic bread - a super easy meal!

Saturday - We have our last family Christmas with Darryl's family today so we will be eating there.

Sunday - Beef Tips and Noodles - a great crockpot meal!

Monday - It's New Years Eve!  In the past we've had a couple different soups but I decided to change things up.  I'm leaning towards a simple stromboli/pizza for a "dinner".  Then we will have some snacks.  My mom is bringing a cheeseball and crackers, spinach dip and shrimp.  I haven't decided what I'm going to add to the table yet.  I was thinking of maybe some apples and dip or veggies and dip and just some regular cheese and crackers for all of the boys in the house.  Trying to keep it simple but enjoyable :-)

Tuesday - New Years Day!  I enjoy having a simple but nice "brunch" mid-morning.  Then I think a pork loin in the crock pot sounds good (and is easy!).  Along side we will have broccoli and rice casserole.

Wednesday - Leftovers :-)

Thursday  - BBQ Cups, Mac and Cheese, and Potato Salad.  Simple but good!


Monday, December 24, 2018

Friday, December 21, 2018

Weekly Menu - a birthday and Christmas

In this weekly menu we celebrate Nate's birthday AND Christmas!  It's a busy but fun week.  I'm trying to keep the days not impacted by those events super simple!

Friday - Spaghetti and Garlic Bread

Saturday - it's Nate's birthday!  It's request for dinner is Pizza Hut :-)

Sunday - My mom is coming for Christmas!  We are going to celebrate Nate's birthday with her and my guess is we will end up at McDonald's or we will have Mac and Cheese at home - his choice!

Monday - It's Christmas Eve.  We enjoy snacks.  I have a few planned. We will enjoy our snacks around dinner time before heading to the Christmas Eve Service at church.  They also have some snacks after the service too.

Tuesday - It's Christmas!  I'm cooking a great ham dinner :-)

Wednesday - Leftovers :-)  I think there should be plenty to eat.

Thursday - Ham and scalloped potatoes and green beans

Super yummy all week long!

Friday, December 14, 2018

Weekly Menu

It's almost Christmas which means it's almost the end of the year.  I'm not quite sure where 2018 went but it is about gone!  We've been pinching pennies and eating at home almost all of the time.  I guess having one vehicle helps too - I can't go anywhere during the day HA!  That's ok, this time of year there are better things to spend money on than eating fast food so we are doing fine! 

Here's the plan for the coming week.

Friday - Beef with mushrooms and snap peas and Fried Rice, and crescent rolls

Saturday - Stuffed Cabbage in the crock pot (I'm not sure why I only make this on St. Patrick's Day - I really love this recipe!), crash potatoes, and biscuits

Sunday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, and corn.

Monday - Mac and Cheese and Corn Dogs

Tuesday - Ham and Cheese Quiche, Roasted Zucchini, and Cinnamon Rolls

Wednesday - Tacos

Thursday - I'm not sure.  I ran out of ideas HA!  Maybe leftovers or maybe I'll have made another run to the store and pick something else! 


Friday, December 7, 2018

Weekly Menu

We've been eating a lot of chicken :-)  That big family pack was on sale last week - it's amazing how far that big pack of chicken can stretch HA!  Actually, we had some great meals including Sweet and Sour Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Parmesan, and Roasted Chicken and potatoes.  With that said, I'm ready for some beef :-)  For Real.

Here's the plan for the coming week:

Friday - Spaghetti with meat sauce and Garlic Bread

Saturday - Cheesy Enchilada Casserole, Rice and Beans and Salad

Sunday - Pork in the crock pot, Applesauce, Mashed Potatoes and Mac and Cheese

Monday - The plan is to go and see Santa tonight!  So, dinner will be quick and easy - Pulled Pork BBQ and Roasted Potatoes

Tuesday - Tacos!!

Wednesday - Pizza and Mac and Cheese

Thursday - Meatball Pizza Bake, Chips, and salad