Weekly Menu

After I posted last weeks menu, I totally changed it ;-)  I decided to use up some meat we had in the freezer this week instead of buying more so that changed some of this weeks recipes.  I'm also working on creating more of a monthly menu.  Let me explain.  I've gone through my recipe binder (which is HUGE quite honestly) and weeded out some recipes that I haven't made in at least a year.  I then went through and pulled our top 15 favorite recipes and those have gotten plugged into an every month rotation.  That leaves 15-16 days a month for other recipes, new recipes, and eating out.  This will make planning so much easier.  It will also make shopping easier because I can stock up on the things for those 15 favorites whenever I see them on sale and only have to shop for the odd things instead.  I would also like to end up with 12 months of menus that I can then reuse next year.  I know there will be new recipes I try that we won't like so there will always be room to move things around :-)

My basic plan is this:  Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays will be Family Favorites (those top 15).  Mondays and Wednesdays will be for other recipes we like but we don't need every month.  Friday and Saturdays are for new recipes or eating out depending on what we are doing on the weekend.  Since we eat our big mean normally on Sunday afternoons, Sunday evenings will be "fun".  I would like to rotate some of our favorite appetizer recipes two Sunday nights and then the other 2-3 will be pizza (sometimes homemade sometimes out) or some other treat.

With that said this is the plan for next week:
Monday -Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Baked Brown Rice, Roasted Green Beans with mushrooms, Balsamic and Parmesan 7-Up Biscuits

Tuesday - The Best Chili, French Bread.  I'm going to a ladies meeting for church tonight and am going to make Chicken Salad Roll-ups.  I haven't made these in a long time so I hope they are as good as I remember!


Wednesday - Chicken Pot Pie,

Thursday - Ham and Cheese Quiche, hashbrowns, Easy Banana Bread

Friday -Spaghetti (I will be scrapbooking all day so I'm leaving something easy for my husband to feed the kids and they all love Spaghetti)

Saturday -Apple Stuffed Pork Chops with Herb Gravy (a new recipe), Bacon Cheese Potatoes, and Sauteed Cabbage with bacon.

Sunday - Lunch will be Tortellini Soup (this is one that can be put together the night before and then cook while we are at church) with homemade Garlic Bread.  I'm going to do some fun snacks for dinner - Sausage Ball Puffs (These are great because you can mix a bunch up, freeze them and just make what you want), Holiday Bacon Appetizers (again, a make ahead recipe), A sandwich like appetizer that I have no idea the name of HA!

The extra things this week are:
*Wild Plum Chicken Salad - several years ago when my husband and I were in Gatlinburg, TN on vacation, we ate at the Wild Plum Tea Room and I fell in love with it.  I've wanted to make this recipe for a long time :-)   This is what I plan to eat for lunch a few days this week.
*A banana, strawberry, banana, granola roll-up for breakfast - something new to try that is easy but I think will be filling.
*Pumpkin Pie Granola (Figured I might as well make my own!) 
*Pumpkin Seed Snack Mix
*Fresh Apple Cake
*Peanut Butter Cookies

Food Friday - Caramel Apple Crisp for Two and Show Us Your Life

I haven't linked up with Kellys Korner for her Show Us Your Life series in quite awhile for two reasons.  One, it didn't apply to me and two, I would forget even when it was a topic that applied to me!  Well, the next several months are all topics that I want to participate in :-)  This weeks topic is Tailgate Recipes.  I have several recipes posted on my blog that are great for tailgate parties.  Here are links to a few of my favorites:
Bacon Crescent Rolls AND Warm Bacon Dip
Donut Muffins AND Little Fruit Pizzas 
Baked Teriyaki Chicken (Use Wings!)  
Beef Drip Sandwiches 
Chili 


This weeks recipe of choice is a great dessert to serve when you are watching football at home.  The recipe is just perfect for two or you could always double (or triple) it and serve it to friends. 

Caramel Apple Crisp for Two
adapted from Hils Blog

I made this for dessert just a week ago and have been craving it ever since.  I love that it is a serving size and the ice cream topping adds the perfect sweetener and flavor to the apples.  We ended up dumping them out of the ramekins to eat them only because they were too hot to hold on to but if we had been patient and let them cool more, they would be great served right out of that dish.

Caramel Apple Crisp for Two

Ingredients:

2 medium apples, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoon butter
4 tablespoons quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 to 2 heaping tablespoons Mrs. Richardson's Butterscotch Caramel Topping
Cream or Ice Cream (optional)


Directions:

Place apple slices in two small, greased ramekins.  Spoon Butterscotch Caramel topping over the apples.  In a bowl, combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add oats and cinnamon.  Sprinkle over apple slices and caramel.

Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until tender. Serve with cream or ice cream if desired

The Boys Room

This was the final room in the big room switch in the house and I'm so glad it is finally done!!!  We moved the boys into what has been our room since we bought the house 10 years ago.  It is the biggest bedroom so it fits two boys perfectly.

First, a little look at what it used to look like.  Once again, my husband started moving things before I had a chance to get photos!

Now for the finished room!

 The view from the door of the bedroom. We painted it a great blue color that is in both of the boys bedding.  The curtains were actually panels my mom had and wasn't using.  Eventually I might shorten them but for now, I'm leaving them as they are until I decide.

 The view from the closet side of the room.

 The obvious door wall.  Yes, there is a TV in this room. The TV has always been in our bedroom but, since we only have a family room (not a living room or a great room or any other room) we decided that putting the TV in their room for now is the best option.  This way, if we have people over, the kids can always watch cartoons or DVD's in the boys room while the adults have conversation in the family room.  This is also nice for Football Sundays when we watch football all afternoon.  As the boys get older, we'll decide if this is the best place for the TV!  Also, the orange Hooded Towels are made by a good friend of mine - they are fantastic and the boys love them!

 The view from the beds.  The boys love to "cook" and love to "build" so this is their favorite thing in the room right now.  Notice the mirror hanging in the closet (it is round) - the boys LOVE to look at themselves in the mirror so this was a perfect addition to their room.

 The Closet!  Their names above the closet are something that we picked up a few years ago at a Craft Fair.  Everything in the closet is theirs except for the shoes in the top section of the closet.  I haven't found a good storage option in our room yet so for now, our seldom worn shoes are staying in their room.

 Now for a little more detail on the art work.  I picked up the vinyl from Simply Said Designs and am in love with it.  It went up so easy (even on paneling!) and just adds so much to the room.  I already have my next purchases picked out :-)  The Display boards are from Creative Memories (they don't carry this style anymore but they have other styles to choose from!).  I actually got one board as a shower gift for Josh and bought one for Nate.  I used to print individual photos and would attach those to the board but just this month I put together 12x12 pages prints using Storybook Creator  from Creative Memories and ordered the prints from Scrapping Simply.  I plan to make one each month and then I can put them in the scrapbook. 

 This idea originated from Pinterest.  I created this, again, in Creative Memories Storybook Creator and ordered the print from Scrapping Simply.  (A shout out to Scrapping Simply - holy cow they did a lot of work to get the print size I wanted!!)  I quietly went into the boys room one night and took photos of them sleeping - isn't that just too cute!

 The train with Josh's name was a gift from Papa and Nana.  The art piece is my own creation!!!  I took a frame that I already had and spray painted it green, first, then lightly sprayed it with dark brown to give it some depth.  Then, I covered the glass with burlap, added a dark blue ribbon and hot glued three matchbox cars onto the ribbon.  The total cost of that project was about $4.00.  Amazing.  And yes, we hung it high enough that no one can pull the cars off HA!

 I did the same thing with this piece as with the sleeping artwork.  This time I had taken photos of Nate's hand and Josh's feet and used them to create this photo.  I pray that my boys can live that verse - Micah 6:8.

 I followed the same procedure for Nate's artwork.  His name also came from Papa and Nana.

 Nate's bed is brand new.  He moved from his crib when he moved into this room.  He actually has the same headboard has Josh but with just a bedframe since his bed sits over the heat vent.  (Good thing he is my cold kid!).  His bedding came from Bed, Bath and Beyond and, it was marked 50% off when we went to get it (I was THRILLED!!)  The quilts on the end of his bed were made by Nana :-)  He has a new lamp too - I love the green touch next to the blue wall.

 Josh's bed!  He actually got his bed last year.  His bedding is from Target as is his lamp.  Yes, the quilts on the foot of the bed are made by Nana.  I need to point out that the flooring is brand new.  My husband and dad put that in and we love it.  Normally I might not put a hard floor in a bedroom but with little boys who love cars and trains and things that move, this floor is perfect.  Their car mats sit on the floor and give them a great place to play.

One last item - their new nightlight!  I made this as well.  It's just a Krafty Block filled with blue and white gemstones.  Prior to finishing up this room, the boys slept with their lamps on.  They really struggled to sleep with all of that light going on.  So, between this night light and another "cool to touch" plug in light by Josh's bed, we have conquered the "sleeping with the light on" time (hopefully).  They sleep better, and sleep later which is great for everyone!

Their bedroom is 99% done.  What's missing?  Just the floor strips between the new floor and the carpet we left in the closet (The closet organizer sits on top of it and we didn't want to have to take that out) and in the door way.  We have a bunch of that to put down throughout the house so we going to do it all at once.  The only other item on the wish list is a new light fixture but it is really a "wish" not something needed.  Oh, and some vinyl for the walls - Planes and trains for Josh's side and Dinosaurs for Nate's.

Building Habits for Life

Time to update on those areas I'm trying to change.  Change is hard, in case you were wondering :-) 

If you recall, the last time I shared this Concept, I had completed the Habits I wanted to start in both the Kitchen and the Master Bedroom.  I was working on the Dining Room and Drinking Water/Snacks. 

Dining Room - Completed

I've worked the last several weeks on keep the dining room picked up, clutter free, and the table cleaned, covered with a table cloth.  Amazingly, I discovered that I have six tableclothes so I had plenty to keep a clean clothe on the table every day.  It looks so much nicer to have that tablecloth on the table and it helps keep things from landing on the table - I don't like to have it messy :-)  

Drinking More Water/Late Night Snacking - In Process still

I was reminded of one simple truth as I worked through the last two weeks.  I. don't. like. water.  I did purposefully drink more - often just grabbing an 8 oz glass and guzzling it down just to drink water.  Instead I found that I drank a lot of Crystal Light and Spite Zero and that made me happy :-)  I still drank too much Pepsi so I am continuing to work on changing that habit.  Late night snacking.  Geesh.  I need will power HA!  So, I will continue to work on breaking that late night snacking habit! 

Bathroom - New Habit

No, not going to the bathroom HA!  Part of my morning routine is to do something called a Swish and Swipe which is basically - wiping down the counter and mirror  and then doing a quick "swish" in the toilet to keep it clean.  I've gotten lazy and need to do this routine again.  Then, I need to work on wiping down the shower daily and just keep stuff picked up (towels hung up, things off the floor ect)  I just picked up a skinny laundry basket that fits into a corner perfectly so no more clothes on the floor WHOO WHOO!! Also, my cat is getting older so we have moved the cat litter upstairs into the bathroom to help her out . . this is working great but I need to get a covered box and continue to work on keeping that area cleaned up daily :-)  

Breakfast - New Habit

Even though I am still working on water/snacks, I am going to keep pushing forward with some eating habits.  Breakfast is not my finest moment.  There are two sides to this coin - 1) I love breakfast food and wish I had a chef who could make me healthy, good breakfasts every single day.  I would be in heaven.  2)I don't have a chef and I am not a morning person . .therefore I need super easy things to eat that will keep me full!!  So, I need to set up a rotation of 4-5 things that are easy to eat but still healthy.  Things like Cream of Wheat, Bagels, Eggs and Toast etc.  I'm working on getting up earlier in order to have time to eat some breakfast before the boys get up.  My boys love pop tarts and that is all they want . .. unless they see me eating and then they eat my food :-/ 

Lets see how the next two weeks go!

Too Cute Not to Toot!!

I love posting "building" projects even though I seldom build :-)  I do love these floating shelves from Desert Domicile and her tutorial is very easy to follow.  I have several places I could see these going :-)

Capturing Joy shares a really cute Halloween idea - I love ideas that incorporate photos. 

This year, I have some wonderful mums on my porch with a fantastic chair thanks to my parents :-)  I love this idea to add to it next year from Two Twenty One.

Yes, I started out this year trying to make a wreath for each month/holiday/season depending on what was going on.  I crashed and burned in March and never got back on the bandwagon!  I love this simple wreath idea from Turtles and Tails.

If  you have followed this blog at all you know I've talked about quiet books before and how I wanted to make them for my boys but have yet to do so.  This idea from Jessie's Girl is great - she uses paper and her cricut instead of felt.

Lots of fun stuff this week :-)  What are YOU making?

The Vacation . . Well The STAYcation! (AKA Homeschool Happenings Week 6

We interrupt our regularly scheduled Homeschool posts for a trip to Papa and Nana's and a "Stay"cation for mom and dad! 

This past week we were on vacation.  Well, we PLANNED to be on vacation but, life happened.  I would say that sometime back in June, we picked this past week for a small vacation and started planning.  This was a getaway week for just my husband and I - the kids were heading to the grandparents.  We didn't go away for our anniversary this year, like we normally do, since we had picked this past week to go on vacation.  I think I planned 5 different trips .. . Cleavland, Toledo, Chicago, The UP of Michigan, A driving tour around the Lakeshore . .. so we have LOTS of trips to take in the future.  HA!

We realized about 4 weeks ago that we couldn't go away so I then planned a two night trip to Muskegon and finally gave in to the thought that we really can't go away.  Don't feel bad - it is just the reality of being responsible :-)  We both looked at things we needed to get done around the house and couldn't justify putting money towards a trip when we really need to put that money towards other things.

Our staycation has still been enjoyable.

Monday - My husband actually is still working a few days this week so he was working.  The boys and I went to the grocery store (which they LOVE!!!) and then, I had so planned to take them to the park but it was cold and windy (the boys even said "BRRRRR, Mom" when we left the store so we just played at home.

Tuesday - The boys and I packed up the truck and headed to Papa and Nana's.  I enjoyed a great visit with my parents before leaving the boys with them and meeting two friends from High School for lunch.  We had a fabulous visit and then I headed home.

Wednesday -Today I truly enjoyed being home alone.  It was quiet.  I went and got my hair cut, treated myself to lunch, and then came home and did nothing for a bit before cleaning the living room :-)

Thursday - More of the same - I enjoyed the quiet of the house and also cleaning.  I cleaned the rest of the house and worked on toy organization!!  (I know - aren't you thrilled!).  Today is also the last day of work for my husband so we got to stay up late and watch football tonight - a rare thing since he normally has to get up at 3:00 in the morning!!  We grilled burgers and I made an awesome dessert - Caramal Apple Crisp YUM!.

Friday - This is where our REAL Staycation begins since Darryl now has the next three days off.  Originally I was going to go scrapbooking today but it got cancelled which actually worked out better.  We worked at home today - cleaning up the yard, working on the finishing touches in the boys room, and cleaning the truck.

Saturday - THIS is our day.  We knew we wanted to take one day and actually go away for the day. 

 We headed downtown Grand Rapids and had lunch at Peppino's.  It is somewhere we've been wanting to eat.  The food as ok - not great but not terrible either :-)

 Then, we walked downtown and viewed lots of Art.  Right now there is something called Art Prize downtown - there are hundreds of pieces of art on display.  We really just looked at things outside - and enjoyed the beautiful weather :-)

 Once we finished our 2+ mile walk (for real!)  we went to dinner at Red Lobster, ran a few errands (I got my "Target" fix) and stopped at Starbucks. (The Salted Caramel Mocha is to die for!!!)

It was really a fun day. :-)

October Goals

 

Holy Smokes!  It's October!!!  Whoa.  Where did January-September go?  Ok, wait, June, July and most of August crawled by due to the heat melting the hands on the clock but shoot, where did September go?? 

Lets recap September: 
1. The big room switch - Guess what? It is DONE!!  I've already posted about the classroom and the master.  The post about the boys room will be coming out next week!!

2. House Projects - My goal was to mark 4 things off the list - well, we finished the master and the boys room so that marked off more than 4 items :-)

3. Scrapbooking - I have not updated my project list or done anything else except get all photos ordered through August.

4. Homeschool - we did ok in September.  I'm still working on a perfect system but we are slowly getting there.

5. Potty Training - uugg.  that's all

6. Celebrations - I've written in the things we want to do as a family and am working on making sure I/we get to the parents a little more.  I was just there last Tuesday and had a great visit.

7. Landscaping - I took photos of the outside :-)

Moving on to October

1. Celebrations - this has moved to the top because we are coming into some busy months for birthdays and Christmas.  So, this month I will focus on making sure that Josh's birthday is great, make plans for Christmas, and make plans for Nate's birthday.  I also need to get our outfits picked out for our Christmas card photo/Christmas outfits.  Of course, there is also Halloween :-)

2.  Potty Training - Here we go again - we will survive this and we will succeed!

3. Homeschool - The goal this month is to get into a routine with Homeschool and accomplish our goals each week.

4. House Projects - the goal is to accomplish 2 items on the list this month.

5. Scrapbooking - Again this month I want to update my list, work up a budget plan to get pages printed and the goal is to get all of May and June scrapbooked this month.

6.  Landscaping - This is research month.  Research various plants and flowers and trying to narrow down what I'd like to plant.

I will be honest, I've kind of lost my focus on my "Celebrate" goal this year.  I am thinking of a new theme word next year and what I would like to accomplish.  I feel like I've kind of floundered this year and didn't really plan well.  Oh well - we all have an "off" year :-)


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