Weekly Menu - Hello 2023

 Good-bye 2022; Hello 2023.  Nothing else needs to be said!  

Friday - Chicken Alfredo Fettuccini and Garlic Bread

Saturday - New Year's Eve!  I'm planning soup and French bread for a late lunch with my mom; we will also have some simple snacks like cheese and crackers, Spinach Dip, I'll add to those snacks throughout the evening with bacon roll-ups, crescent wrapped sausages, and shrimp cocktail.  

Sunday - New Year's Day!  We are heading to my mom's to celebrate today. 

Monday -  And now it is January 2nd and I'm already tired of cooking for the year HA! I'm going super simple tonight and making Slow Cooker Beef  Ragu over pasta with green beans and garlic bread

Tuesday - I think there will be ham left from Sunday (and I think my mom will send some home maybe!!) so I'm planning ham and scalloped potatoes along with a salad 

Wednesday - Using up some leftovers in the freezer I plan to make pulled pork quesadillas with chips and salsa 

Thursday - Joshua and Nate will be helping serve at the community dinner with their youth group so I'll have dinner there before it's over and I pick them up.  I'll leave soup for Darryl at home. 

The key this week is keeping it all simple and using up leftovers and items in the freezer.  I used to be lazier with leftovers but as groceries prices have risen I have worked much harder at using things up that we have on hand before I buy more and things get wasted.  

Weekly Menu - It's Christmas Time!

 And just like that it is Christmas time.  I try to slow down these few days surrounding the holiday and take it all in as once it is over we settle into the long months of winter.  

Here's the plan for the coming week:

Friday - Lasagna (homemade!), Salad and Garlic Bread

Saturday - It is Christmas Eve!  Our tradition now is to go to my mom's on Christmas Eve and she hosts us beautifully.  It is so peaceful and warm and Christmasy.  It is one of my favorite nights of the year. 

Sunday - Christmas Day!  Our tradition is that my mom comes to our house (it is sure nice to have her 10 minutes away) for Christmas Breakfast and Christmas Dinner.  Our breakfast is Ham and Cheese Quiche, Sausage Balls, Cinnamon Rolls, Fruit Salad, and Orange Julius.  Then for dinner the current plan is Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Sweet Potato Casserole, Ceasar Salad, Holiday Jell-O, and Roasted Green Beans. Plus some desserts of course! 

Monday - There "should" be leftovers for dinner tonight.  

Tuesday - Waffles and Sausage

Wednesday - Turkey Nachos and Salad

Thursday - Hamburger Stroganoff, Noodles, and green beans.  

Weekly Menu

 Can you believe that Christmas is just about a week away?  I'm not sure what it is this year but it just doesn't feel like it is that close!  

Here's are super simple plan for the next week

Friday - Homemade Pizza and Salad

Saturday - We are having a late lunch at my mom's before heading to a concert. 

Sunday - I have my choir concert and we are being treated to dinner today! 

Monday - Chicken Tacos 

Tuesday - Chick-Fil-Lay Nuggets and Fries

Wednesday - My guys have a youth group party (it was post poned from last week) so they will eat there. 

Thursday - Today is Nate's birthday so he gets to choose!!!  

Weekly Menu

 It's been a super busy week so I'm just getting to writing up (and posting) my plan for the ocming week. 

Here's the quick plan for the coming week.

Saturday - We are heading to my mom's for dinner. 

Sunday - Chili and Fritos

Monday - Meatball Soup and Salad.  We eat in shifts thanks to Tae Kwon Do, Choir and Darryl working extra right now. 

Tuesday - Tacos

Wednesday - Darryl will have leftovers, Joshua and Nate have a youth group Christmas party and I'll eat in between something/somewhere

Thursday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Crescents.  

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner! 

Weekly Menu

 Do you remember when I was really good at writing multiple times a week?  Yes, me too HA!  My blog writing is always reflective of when I have time to sit and think and when I don't.  The middle of the school year - well, I don't.  Or maybe I'm just done thinking for the day by the time I sit down for the evening.  Either way - I still have to plan a menu so I still do this weekly post.  

Friday - Chicken Pot Pie Crescent and whatever veggie I have in the freezer/cupboard. 

Saturday - Joshua and Nate will be gone at a birthday party.  As of right now I'm planning to have dinner out with Darryl but there is a chance he will have to go to his dad's this weekend.  If so - I might actually have an evening all to myself and that hasn't happened in like a year.  

Sunday - There's a potluck after church so that will be our main meal.

Monday - Philipino Adobo Chicken, Rice-a-Roni, and Peas and Carrots. 

Tuesday - Pulled Pork Korean BBQ Tacos, Chips and Salsa

Wednesday - Creamy Chicken and Gnocci with Salad and crescent rolls

Thursday - Pasta Carbonara and French Bread

Weekly Menu

 Welcome to the Holiday Season!  Thanksgiving always turns that corner into the "holidays" - or at least it does for me.  I love the lights . .. the music . . .the peacefulness that comes from the quiet evenings.  We are enjoying a nice Thanksgiving weekend with my mom and looking forward to settling in and accomplishing all we can in school over the next few weeks before we take a few weeks off for Christmas Break.  

Friday - We are heading to my mom's for a dinner of Thanksgiving Leftovers!  Don't ask me why but the leftovers sometimes taste even better then the actual dinner!

Saturday - Day three at my mom's :-)  She is treating us to pizza from a local pizza place. 

Sunday - Sloppy Joes and French Fries

Monday - Amish Chicken, buttered noodles and zucchini

Tuesday - Homemade pizza

Wednesday - It's youth group night so my guys eat at the church, Darryl will have something at home and I usually treat myself to a subway sandwich while I hang out in town waiting for youth group to be done. 

Thursday - Chicken Pot Pie Crescent and Salad

Weekly Menu

 You would think that, sense we are snowed in, I would be on top of my blog posts but I'm not.  Plus our plans were shifting almost by the hour Thursday and Friday so I wasn't even sure which way was up!  BUT now we have enjoyed a wonderfully snowed in Saturday and will be home again on Sunday. Everything either got cancelled this weekend or we choose to stay home due to the nasty roads.  This is the biggest, longest winter storm I've seen in years.  Sunday it is supposed to finally clear with a warm up coming this week which means it will all melt!  On top of that - it's Thanksgiving week in case you didn't know HA!

Since I'm just posting this I'll just start with Sunday

Sunday - Dr. Pepper Meatballs and Chili Cheese Dip

Monday - Amish Chicken and Noodles and zucchini

Tuesday - Shrimp and Grits and Salad

Wednesday - Chicken Pot Pie Braid and Salad

Thursday - Thanksgiving Dinner at my moms!  

Weekly Menu

 I showed Darryl the calendar the other day and said, "Look - one more week and then there is nothing" HA!  Really though, it is true.  This past week was a little more full but looking ahead into next week - there is next to nothing!  We've been enjoying a wonderful fall though - the weather has been near perfect so I'm not complaining about any of it!  As is typical for the mid-west - the weather will change soon and when it does, we will love to stay home and do school (ok, maybe the kids don't love doing school but it is "easier" to do school when it is cold and nasty out!)  We've also got to rein in the menu planning/eating out.  It's been a busy few weeks with lots of unexpected things so it has been hard to stick to the plan. 

Here's the plan for the coming week:

Friday - I have a Sunday School Party to go to so Darryl will pull together chicken nuggets and french fries for dinner :-)  

Saturday - I think we are getting back into a routine and will have dinner at my mom's.  This will be nice as I'm attending a Leadership Conference for Homeschool Leaders on Saturday during the day so not having to plan dinner is great! 

Sunday - Chili 5 Way.  I love that I can prep this on Saturday, toss everything in the crock on Sunday morning and eat dinner almost as soon as we walk in the door.  I'll have Spaghetti, Cheese, Sour Cream and maybe some onions for the "5th" way.  And maybe some Fritos because they go great with Chili. 

Monday - Shrimp and Grits and Caesar Salad.  I found another recipe in one of my Pioneer Woman Recipe Books I want to try.  It's been a while since we've had Shrimp and Grits too! 

Tuesday - Turkey and Bean Nachos - we just love this recipe and it is so quick and easy on a busy night of lessons

Wednesday - "Ladd's Favorite Pasta" - it is another recipe I've been wanting to try from a Pioneer Woman Cookbook.  I'll add a salad and garlic bread to round it all out. 

Thursday - Slow Cook Zuppa Tuscana Soup and French Bread

Weekly Menu

 Our week took a little turn this week as Darryl's dad ended up in the hospital on Monday with an unplanned surgery on Tuesday.  Darryl has spent every evening this week at the hospital and is now at his dads for a few days.  That just means I have some carry-over meals this week which makes planning easier!  

Friday - It's going to just be Joshua and I tonight as Nate has a birthday party.  I'm sure we will pick something up for dinner that is easy :-) 

Saturday - The plan is dinner at my moms unless I need to make a run to my Father-in-Laws on Saturday afternoon 

Sunday - Baked Tacos and Salad.  Something easy for after church but it's also super tasty!

Monday - Chicken Alfredo and Garlic Bread

Tuesday - Chicken and Dumplings 

Wednesday - Darryl and I will be eating at my mom's as she has her second surgery today. 

Thursday - Chicken Noodle Soup using the leftovers from Tuesday. 

Our Week in Photos

Here's a look back at our week: 

We started our week with Joshua's birthday on Saturday.  His choice for the day was to stay home and do nothing so that is exactly what we did.  He got to sleep in, play online with his friends, and we ordered Domino's Pizza for dinner.  It was exactly what he wanted and he really enjoyed his day. 

Then on Sunday we actually celebrated Josh with Sunday dinner, gifts and dessert! 

On Monday we started our day with haircuts.  We managed to squeeze in some school in the afternoon before Darryl, Joshua and Nate headed to a local high school to watch a friend march in a band exhibition.  

Tuesday was filled with some Community Service.  Nate was able to work with some friends putting together Homeless Kits for a local group. 

On Wednesday I went with my mom as she had eye surgery.  Joshua and Nate headed to a friends house so they could do all their things (piano, Youth Group and more!) . 

I was able to get a treat while my mom was in surgery and got Panara bread for breakfast.  It was amazingly good! 

I got to hang out at my mom's Wednesday and Thursday and train her in-home nurse, Molly LOL  :-)  Really, my mom did great and other then not really being able to drive until her next eye is done, she almost like new!  

Thursday night Joshua and Nate worked at the community dinner again.  

Finally, our Friday included our Co-Op which is the highlight of the week! 

There is a look back at our week! 

Weekly Menu

 And just like that we are sneaking into November.  We've had some beautiful weather - it's been a near perfect fall actually.  This next week is a little quieter, which is a good thing.  

Friday - We are doing simple dinner - BBQ that I just throw in the microwave along with Bob Evans Mac and Cheese and a Salad.  

Saturday - Dinner at my mom's.  Despite her recent eye surgery she is still hosting dinner ;-) 

Sunday- We are headed to a Family Reunion where dinner is provided. 

Monday - I'm taking Nate to a youth activity so Darryl and Joshua will get to have left over Chili.  

Tuesday - Baked Tacos and Salad

Wednesday - Chicken Alfredo, Salad, and Garlic Bread

Thursday - Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid and Salad.

Our Week in Photos

 We had a busy week but I don't have a lot of photos!  

On Saturday Darryl and I went to see his dad who had surgery a few days prior.  While we were gone, Nate spent the afternoon with a friend.  Once we got home, we all went to a cook out/bon fire at a friends house.  The food was amazing and it was nice seeing a few people we had not seen in quite a long time. 

Sunday we headed into Grand Rapids to a church where my brother and sister-in-law, Kel and Deb, were sharing a short update on their mission. 

Then on Sunday night Joshua and Nate worked with their youth group to built 50 bikes for a local charity. 

Monday was filled with a leadership meeting and then choir practice.  

On Tuesday we started out with school.  In the afternoon Nate's friend Monty came over.

On Tuesday eventing Joshua had Drum lessons followed by Nate's guitar lesson! 

Wednesday - we again started with school before heading to Piano Lessons.

At least my view is pretty while I sit in the car of an hour during lessons :-) 

Thursday I spent a lot of time trying to "fix things".  I had to run our car  to the shop and then ended up with a loaner to get home because it kept stalling in the lot!  That was followed by issues with Nate's school computer - so much so that they are sending us a new one.  

Finally - Friday! 

We had a great morning at Friday School.  This is my Joyful class - they are a lot of fun! 

Today is also the last day that this guy will be 13!  (He turns 14 on the 22nd) 

We ended our day at my moms.  First, my brother Kel and I went to get coffee together.  Then we enjoyed dinner at my mom's along with a game.  Then it was time to stay goodbye for another year.  I always hate saying Goodbye!  

Weekly Menu - Finishing up Joshua's birthday "week"

 I shared last week somethings Joshua had planned so this will be a little bit of a repeat. 

Friday - We are heading to my mom's to have dinner with my brother and sister-in-law.  It is "kinda" for Joshua's birthday but not really.  

Saturday - My guys were supposed to have a youth event all day but it got moved to next week.  Instead Joshua has asked to stay home all day and have homemade pizza for dinner. 

Sunday - This is the day we are actually celebrating Joshua - he wanted it all on Sunday the day "after" his birthday.  So it is Dr. Pepper Meatballs, Chili Cheese Dip and Fruit and Dip.   He wants a 3 berry crisp for his birthday dessert. 

Monday - I'm waiting on Joshua to tell me the last thing he wants for his Birthday Week (since we moved the Pizza to Sunday)

Tuesday - Turkey and Bean Nachos and Salad

Wednesday - Joshua and Nate will be at Youth Group.  My mom has eye surgery today so Darryl and I will eat dinner with her. 

Thursday - Joshua and Nate are working at a Community Dinner again so I will eat dinner there when I pick them up. 

Weekly Worship - Steven Curtis Chapman - Don't Lose Heart

Steven Curtis Chapman never disappoints! 

Our Week in Photos

 We had a super busy week!  Lots of fun things but a lot of non-stop days too.  

On Saturday, Darryl and I took for the day.  We love to head to the Lakeshore and then just drive and find fun things to see along the way.  Saturday did not disappoint! 

We started our day at our favorite place for brunch - Wolfgangs.  They serve such amazing food!  

We then proceeded to travel along the lake shore to a light house and then further north where we got to catch an amazing sunset before grabbing burgers for dinner. 

Monday and Tuesday were busy days with school and a mom's night out event with my homeschool Co-Op.  

Wednesday we started our day at a local charity called Manna's Market where we did community service.  Well, technically Nate has to get 12 hours of community service towards his black belt in TeaKwonDo so Josh and I went with him to help. 

After we were done we headed to McDonald's for lunch and to kill a little time before piano lessons.  My guys are a ton of fun and I'm so thankful for such great guys to hang out with! 

On Thursday we had a field trip with our Co-Op to a farm market.  Joshua decided to sit this one out (I get it, sometimes the teens start to out grow some of these activities).  We did have our friends with us though as they did not have school.  Nate loves people and loves doing all things that included people HA! 

Joshua enjoyed time at home doing his new favorite past time - knitting.  He's in his third semester of knitting at our co-op and he has found his groove!  It's so neat to see kids (teens) sitting around at our Friday School campus day knitting! 

Finally, we had our Co-Op on Friday and it was a great day! 

That's our week in a nutshell! 

Weekly Menu

 We are coming up on Joshua's birthday week so he picked out a week of his favorites.  

Friday - One of our favorites is the Crock Pot Fajitas.  I love them on busy days because the longer they cook they better they are so cooking them on a co-op day is perfect!  We will have a salad with it too along with chips and salsa

Saturday - Darryl and I are making a quick trip to see his dad as he is recovering from surgery so we will be gone part of the day.  Then for dinner tonight we, along with my mom, are heading to a friends house who is hosting their annual BBQ cook out.  

Sunday - We are headed to see my Brother and Sister-in-law share about their ministry at their sending church so my crock pot is getting good use this weekend!  I'm going to have Chili cooking for when we get home.  

Monday - This is where Joshua's week of meals begins!  He gave me what he wanted and I get to add the rest.  I'll put his request in bold.  Ham and Cheese Quiche, Ricotta Pancakes, and Overnight Coffee Cake

Tuesday - Amish Breakfast Casserole and  after school banana bread

Wednesday - Sausage Balls and Homemade Waffles

Thursday - Pork Chops and Cheesy Potatoes along with a salad

 . .. normally I end my menu here but I'm going to finish up Josh's Birthday week list

Friday - We are heading to my mom's to have a birthday dinner with my brother Kel and sister-in-law Deb for Joshua.  

Saturday - Our Youth group has an activity on the day of Joshua's birthday!  AND Joshua wants to participate!  So, Darryl and I actually get to have a date night.  

Sunday - Dr. Pepper Meatballs and Chili Cheese Dip

Monday - Homemade Pizza and Salad 

I think he did a pretty good job planning a week of meals! 

Weekly Worship - Jason Crabb - Good Morning Mercy (Official Lyric Video)

A few weeks back we heard this song on the way to our Co-Op.  I love up beat songs in the morning that get us moving! 

Our Week in Photos

 Our weeks are starting to slow down a little but we are still enjoying as much as we can! 

This past weekend I got to enjoy some fun.  First, my mom and I attending a ladies event at a local church.  The speaker was a great story teller and presented a great gospel message.  Then, that evening Darryl and I attended my choir banquet.  It was a great night with wonderful food, good company and a fun program.  No photos though :-)  

This week both Joshua and Nate had their "well child" visits. I schedule them on separate days so that I can spend a little one-on-one time with each of them. 

After Joshua's appointment he got to pick lunch.  He picked a frozen drink from Starbucks and B.C. Pizza and their buffet.  This is the best photo he would give me HA! 

After Nate's appointment he also got to pick lunch too and he picked McDonald's.  We enjoyed some good laughs and conversation :-) 

We also fit in as much school as we could this week before our wonderful day at our Co-Op on Friday. 

Finally we ended our Friday night with an unplanned trip to the movie theatre for pop corn!  We were watching a movie where the characters were, well, watching a movie and eating popcorn and I said, "Hey, I want popcorn!" HA!  Sometimes living in a small town with an old movie theatre has its benefits. 

It was really a great week.  :-)  

Weekly Menu

 Sorry for the lack of posts the past month or so.  We hit the ground running in September and I am just now "coming up for air" as things slow down and our schedule kind of locks into place.  Plus we are approaching "No November" (we did this last year) which means we/I start to say no to things!  We slow way down, stay home, and kind of snuggle in for the cooler weather and school days.  It also means more and more eating at home.  We had a few weeks in September that were so busy that we ate on the run many days instead of eating at home.  

Anyway, here is the plan for the coming week

Friday - I have some leftover Chili in the freezer from a few weeks ago that I'm going to use for dinner tonight (keeping it easy on a Friday).  I also have some cornbread to make so that all sounds yummy for what is suppose to be a super cool day! 

Saturday - Darryl and I can't get away like we did last year for a week but we can sneak off for the day :-)  Joshua and Nate will be enjoying some time with Nana.  (Thanks Nana!)

Sunday - I am shifting into using my crock pot on Sundays again as we like being able to eat when we get home from church.  This week is Sloppy Joes and Bob Evans Mac and Cheese.  

Monday - Using up some leftovers - Lasagna and Garlic Bread (by leftovers I mean I have a half a box of lasagna noodles, an almost full container of ricotta cheese that we only used a few spoonfuls out of to go with a soup last week, and half of a jar of pasta sauce that I can doctor up with some ground beef and tomato soup to create a pan of lasagna HA!)  This is creativity at it's best and, with the rising cost of groceries, it is important to use the things we have! 

Tuesday - I have a Mom's Night Out with our Co-Op so I'll be eating there.  There is leftover chicken w/salsa from last week that I froze so the guys could use it again this week for dinner.  

Wednesday - It's youth group night!  My guys eat at Youth Group; I grab something while waiting for them and Darryl's on his own! 

Thursday - Filipino Adobo Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole, and Yeast Rolls

Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave - "God Is In The Story" (Official Lyric V...

Our Week in Photos

 We did a lot this past week and I did not get photos of everything!! 

On Saturday I had a concert with the choir I participate in (this is my 10th year!).  It was a great night but I forgot to ask my photographer (Nate) to snap a few photos during the concert!!.  Then on Sunday we took Nate to my in-laws to stay for a few days and . .. again . . .I took no photos!  

Monday - my mom, Joshua, and I went back to where I grew up for a funeral.  We took time to stop at my dad's spot before heading to the church for the service.  It was a great service celebrating the amazing life of a long time friend.  I enjoyed seeing people I haven't see in a few years and catching up with friends. 

On Tuesday Joshua and I had a quiet day at home.  On Wednesday I took my mom into town for an eye appointment.  We laughed because the appointment lasted all of about 30 seconds (ok maybe a minute HA).  

On Thursday we had a field trip for Connections Academy.  It was the first in person field trip since Spring of 2020 so it was great to be together again. 

This is Nate's third grade teacher and she is one of his favorites. 

This is Nate's homeroom online teacher this year - Mrs. Jones - she is wonderful AND loves football! 

They dragged me through a corn maze (I detest corn mazes HA!) 

Our group photo - we are down in the left had bottom "corner" of the apple. 

Finally, Friday we had our second week of our Co-Op and it was great! 

Nate loves the songs!  He is so enthusiastic about just life.  If you look closely, Joshua is standing in the back with a few of the other teens who like to NOT be the center of attention!  

In my Joyful Teen class we did a photo scavenger hunt and there are just a few samples of the photos the boys took.  They had a blast and were super creative.  

All in all it was a great week.  

Weekly Menu

 And here it is October.  How did that happen?  I'm not really ready for the rush of holidays/birthdays truth be told.  I like to try and remember to breath, step back, and not over commit over the coming months.  I was just telling my guys how much I look forward to the cold days of winter where we get to snuggle in at home, do school, and just be together.  I love watching the snow fall outside and know that we get to hang out together.  I know, I'm crazy. HA!  

Here's the plan for this week

Friday -  Enchiladas and Salad

Saturday - I have a Choir Banquet that Darryl and I going to go to while my guys will eat at home.

Sunday - A potluck at church.  

Monday - Amish Baked Chicken, Amish Noodles, and Green Beans

Tuesday - Tacos - Tuesday nights are busy with lessons so I try to keep dinner simple and easy. 

Wednesday - Pork Chops, Cheesy Potatoes and Asparagus

Thursday - Beef, Tomato and Pasta soup along with French Bread

North Point Worship - "This Is My Song" (Radio Version) [Official Audio ...

Our Week in Photos

 What a busy week!  From a birthday party and a music competition to my brother being here and Friday School.  It was a great week!

On Friday of last week Nate headed to a friends house for a birthday campout.  This is a great group of friends that I'm glad he gets to hang out with sometimes. 

Saturday Joshua was a finalist in the Ionia Has Talent Competition.  We had to haul his drums downtown and set them up so he could play in front of quite the crowd!  I was so proud of him because he 1) decided to do this which was outside of his comfort zone and 2) He ended up coming in third!  

On Sunday Nate got baptized!  This is something he has talked about for quite awhile and it was finally time.  Darryl had the privilege to actually baptize him next to Pastor Steve. 

Monday was a day of meetings for our co-op as we prep for the start of the semester and then I had choir practice.  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we focused on school.  Dash loves school days when he can snuggle in with his people. 

Thursday night my mom and my oldest brother, Kel, came over for dinner!  We enjoyed great fellowship and even fit in a game!  

On Friday we started our day with our Co-op.  

We had a great first Joyful class with the teens!  So much fun! 

Joshua is taking a Dotz Art class that my mom is teaching. 

And Nate loves PE class :-) 

We ended the night at my mom's for an amazing dinner followed by a great game of Five Crowns.  

What a busy week!