Feb. 22, 2010 - Menu Plan Monday 02/22
It’s time to grab the calendar, those grocery store sales flyers, and your coupons and start planning. Don’t forget to check out some other menu ideas at Organizing Junkie! Just click on the image above.
Menu Plan for Week of 2/22/10
Breakfast
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, Simple Granola, Banana Nut Granola, or Cold Cereal (Raisin Bran)
Lunch
Hubby takes a sandwich, potato chips, fruit, and a bottle of water to work with him for lunch. The rest of us either eat a sandwich and fruit or leftovers.
Sandwich of the week – Ham and Cheese
Fruit of the week – Apples
Dinner
Monday – Grilled chicken salad and Stuffed Foccacia
Tuesday – Chili and cornbread
Wednesday – Sausage Rolls, salad
Thursday – Chicken Scampi over rice, veggies
Friday – Breakfast casserole
Saturday – Cheeseburgers, French fries, salad
Sunday – Pot roast with roasted potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions
Feb. 19, 2010 - My Funny Valentine
Valentine’s Day is an awkward holiday around here. You see, Valentine’s Day is also my husband’s birthday. You can imagine how odd it feels to get a present from someone on their birthday. This year was quite interesting, and I have to share what my dear husband did for me on Valentine’s Day. He did absolutely nothing for me on Valentine’s Day. Nada. Zilch. Zippo. Nothing. And I was just fine with that. We actually had a wonderful weekend celebrating his birthday. We went to the Florida State Fair. We went shopping together, which is actually fun for us. We had a special dinner and birthday cake, of course. But we didn’t mention a whole lot about Valentine’s Day. I’m glad. I always felt he got cheated every year for his birthday.
By the way, those of you who think it’s absolutely horrible that my husband didn’t do anything special for me on Valentine’s Day, you need to stick around for the “rest of the story,” because my dear, creative husband rarely let’s a special occasion pass by without notice. Sometimes he just waits patiently for that perfect moment to present itself which happened on Wednesday.
Our daughter usually babysits for some friends every Wednesday evening. Our son hasn’t had a chance to play with their son in a while and asked if he could go, too. Within five minutes, parental permission was obtained, and my husband and I were suddenly without children for the evening. What to do? What to do? Dinner was already made so I wasn’t too keen on going out to dinner, and I’m not much for movie theaters. I love movies. I just don’t like the obnoxious price tag of a movie ticket and I definitely don’t like that the person in the projection booth has a real problem with pausing the movie so I can go to the rest room and not miss anything. Instead, we spent a wonderful evening at home watching DVDs, eating yummy beef stew, fresh bread, and apple crisp, and enjoying each others company. My hubby even volunteered to do the dishes. What a lovely evening! However, I did not know the best was yet to come.
I was relaxing with a book when the kids came bouncing into the house. Evidently, they were sent upstairs on a mission of distraction because they soon came bouncing into my room. The next thing I knew my husband was handing me a red balloon attached to a very long ribbon and a tack. I could see through the thin sides of the balloon that there were some candy hearts and a note inside the balloon. If you know anything about my family you know that surprises involving little notes can be very interesting. So, I popped the balloon. Candy hearts went flying everywhere, and a little love note fluttered to my lap. I was completely surprised, and I couldn’t stop smiling at my husband’s sweetness. But wait! There’s more! I had to follow the ribbon.
Attached to that very long ribbon were twelve balloons filled with candy hearts and love notes. Twelve times, my husband told me how much he loves me! I’m not one who appreciates a dozen roses, but a dozen love notes? Now, that’s a different story! I followed that ribbon through the house with everyone following me, and we all laughed when each loud pop of the balloon was echoed with the ping of candy hearts bouncing of walls, furniture, pictures, and windows. And at the very end of my Funny Valentine Love Trail was a brand new, much needed, camera. What an amazing, sweet surprise! I love my husband!
It took me a long time to appreciate that it really doesn’t matter what day these things happen on, just that they happen. I am truly blessed to be married to a wonderful, God-filled man. I pray the daughter receives that same blessing someday, and that my son becomes that same God-filled man someday.
Thank you for stopping by and listening to my story. I hope you had a lovely Valentine’s Day, but more importantly, I hope that even if your sweetheart didn’t or couldn’t do much for you on Valentine’s Day, that you remember all the wonderful things he does the rest of the year. And, if at the moment you don’t have a tangible sweetheart, that you remember that you always have a heavenly one.
Betty
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Feb. 15, 2010 - Menu Plan Monday 02/15
It’s that time again! Time to plan your menu. Grab the calendar, those grocery store sales flyers, and your coupons and start planning.
Menu Plan for Week of 02/15/2010
Breakfast
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, Simple Granola, Banana Nut Granola, or Cold Cereal (Rice Krispies)
Lunch
Hubby takes a sandwich, potato chips, fruit, and a bottle of water to work with him for lunch. The rest of us either eat a sandwich and fruit or leftovers.
Sandwich of the week – Turkey and Cheese
Fruit of the week – Apples and oranges
Dinner
Monday – Tacos, beans and rice
Tuesday – Spaghetti, salad
Wednesday – Vegetable beef soup
Thursday – General Tso’s chicken
Friday – Pizza
Saturday – Oven fried chicken
Sunday – Sandwiches
February 11, 2010 - What a great week
Lot's going on in our house. Lot's of family time together, keeping busy and having fun. My mom, sister and niece came out on Tuesday. We took a 1/2 day of school, and went out to lunch and shopping with the family. We had such a great time. My mom blessed me with some craft items, and DVD's, and she got the kids some books. We don't get to see them much during the winter months, so it's always a great time when we get together. I took some pics of us in the truck while we were out.
Then today was our homeschool groups Valentine's day ice skating party. It was such a great time. I haven't been on the ice in over 20 years, but it all came back to me. I almost fell a few times, but stayed on my feet. I didn't get any action shots of me on the ice, but I do have some of me on the ice to prove I was out there. 
It was the first time the kids had ever ice skated, they had a blast. We'll definitely be going again next year.
The other fun thing that happened today was we finally got the Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board. We are having a great time. It really is great to have. And I must say that my Wii fit age is 34. 
So I will leave this a short entry, with a picture slide show of the past few days. And now it's time for me to do some more balance exercises on the Wii Fit Plus.
Feb. 11, 2010 - What are we up to?
This UK household is a little crazy at the moment, and I'm afraid this is a flying visit!
We are in the middle of the adoption handover for Miss Giggles and Mr Wiggles! Their new parents are WONDERFUL and just perfect for them. We couldn't be happier.
But this is a time when two weeks of our lives are taken over with teaching them everything we can about these two kids and slowly transfering the parent role from us to them. This is a tricky process for all of us!
Things are going well and I would appreciate any prayers for our two families as we bring this all to a close on Monday morning! It will be a very emotional time for everyone - I can assure you!
Straight after they leave we have to get everything packed up because we are heading off on a a short break with our guys that same night to have some family time together.
And please believe me, it wasn't planned to be this close! There have been a myriad of calmities here that have caused it to all be happening on the same day!!!! That might give you a little glimpse into why I've been missing so much lately.
My family and 'extended' family have needed alot of me - and I only had so much to go around - so I'm afraid that blogging about life once again took back seat to actually living life! LOL! Imagine that!
Anyway, I'll be back around next weekend after we get back and might actually get a chance to blog about some of the things we have been up to lately. Hope your own little worlds are spinning smoothly on thier axis' and that you are enjoying every minute with your families.
I'm going to spend every spare minute the next few days with my 'extra' kids before they leave me for pastures new. See you all soon! - Deedee
Feb. 8, 2010 - Menu Plan Monday 02/08
Do you ever look at your menu and draw a blank? You look in the freezer, in cabinets, in the flyers and nothing inspires your menu. That happened to me recently. Okay, it happens to me all the time, but you don’t really need to know that. Honestly, though, aren’t there times when you just don’t know what to put on the menu? Every recipe feels like you’ve made it a million times and that your family must be ready to revolt if you make it ever again. Here are some things I do to break out of the rut:
- Look at your old menus. You might be surprised to find a few favorite recipes that you haven’t made in a while just waiting to make a come back. This is also a good reason to be writing your menus right on your calendar!
- Read other peoples menus. Check out Menu Plan Monday on Organizing Junkie and click on a few of the abundant participants. I’m always inspired by looking at what others are cooking.
- Check out a few good cookbooks form the library. I recently got hooked on Rachael Ray’s 30-minute meals and came away with some wonderful ideas.
- Ask your family. They might be in the mood for something you hadn’t thought of in a while.
Now, grab the calendar, those grocery store sales flyers, and your coupons and start planning.
Menu Plan for Week of 2/08/2010
Breakfast
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, Simple Granola, Banana Nut Granola, or Cold Cereal (Corn Flakes)
Lunch
Hubby takes a sandwich, potato chips, fruit, and a bottle of water to work with him for lunch. The rest of us either eat a sandwich and fruit or leftovers.
Sandwich of the week – Black Forest Ham and Cheese
Fruit of the week – Apples, pears, and oranges
Dinner
Monday – Tossed salads topped with turkey, Stuffed Foccacia
Tuesday – Cowboy Beef and Beans (We didn’t have this last week, so it’s moved to this week)
Wednesday – Breakfast for dinner
Thursday – Chicken Pot pie
Friday – Grilled chicken, creamy herbed rice, veggies
Saturday – Chicken salad sandwiches (We’re going to the fair!)
Sunday – Busch Gardens (It’s hubby’s birthday and we’re going to Busch Gardens. I promised him dinner at the Zambia Smokehouse!)
Thank you for stopping by! Check out some other menus at Organizing Junkie and be inspired! I always am!
Betty
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Feb. 8, 2010 - Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1 tsp butter
1 tsp cinnamon (or more if you like it)
½ tsp salt (add a pinch more if you use unsalted butter)
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoons real maple syrup (optional)
¼ cup dried apples, diced
1 ¼ cups rolled oats
Mix all ingredients together in a medium saucepan and set over medium heat. Heat until mixture just begins to bubble, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove pan from heat, and let stand covered for five minutes. Stir and enjoy! Makes 4 servings.
Tips: This recipe doubles very well and the leftovers can be reheated either in the oven or on the stove top. To get that yummy creamy consistency the second time around add milk while reheating.
Feb. 8, 2010 - Cowboy Beef and Beans Bake
Cowboy Beef and Bean Bake
10 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 ½ pounds ground beef, turkey, or chicken
½ cup diced onion
30-oz. chili beans, undrained
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup ketchup
¼ cup molasses
½ tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1 tablespoon dry mustard
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. Drain browned beef, and set aside. Sauté onions over medium-high heat until transparent.
In a large bowl, combine beef and onions with the rest of the ingredients. Stir gently until mixed completely.
Pour mixture into 13X9-inch baking dish. Cover and bake for 1 hour.
Note: This is such an easy recipe! Add a tossed salad and some cornbread or spoon bread and you have a yummy, filling meal.
Tip: This recipe uses chili beans and the ingredients for the sauce in baked beans. If you already have a favorite baked beans recipe, just add the cooked ground beef to that recipe! It’s a great way to turn a side dish into a main dish!
Feb. 7, 2010 - Why?
Why does my dishwashing detergent expire before my cans of crushed tomatoes? I kid you not. I was putting the groceries away the other day, and a date stamp on my dishwashing detergent caught my eye. Evidently, something in the detergent goes horribly wrong in nine months. Yet, today, when I was opening cans of crushed tomatoes to make spaghetti sauce, I noticed that the tomatoes were good until 2013. So, why is my detergent only good for nine months but my tomatoes for three years? And furthermore, why is there even a date on the detergent? What has been put in the bottle that would cause it to go bad at all, let alone in nine months? Inquiring minds want to know.
Thank you for stopping by! I just had to share my observations today, so I thank you for joining in my silliness. What odd things did you notice today?
Betty
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Feb. 5, 2010 - Sick Days
I called today a sick day. I came down with a cold a few days ago--started with a sore throat, and progressed to stuffy nose and cough. The past couple of days we struggled through some of our lessons. The first day of sore throat, my dear husband said I shouldn't read for fear of losing my voice. I didn't feel like doing it anyway. The next day, Belle had a sore throat. We spent the day watching Planet Earth videos. Today I've been blowing and coughing a lot.
Today I knew I needed to get some stuff done around the house--laundry, and menu-planning/pantry inventory etc. Then right after breakfast, and after Belle's halfway cold shower, we discovered we had no hot water. The hot water heater died--possibly even yesterday. Funny, but I've had a feeling for some time that it was on its last legs---sometimes we would seem to run out of hot water (which never happens), and sometimes it seemed to be hotter than usual. Many many thanks to certain people--we were able to get it replaced today! I am only one load behind on the dishwasher too, as I washed the lunch dishes by hand, with water boiled on the stove. The supper dishes are still on the counter, but I am feeling too much under the weather to venture into our colder kitchen to rotate the loads tonight. In fact, I have moved the lap top to my armchair in the living room to blog. Even my desk area feels cold tonight.
I had great plans to hit the books hard this week, not knowing when I might have to travel back down to the City. It hasn't happened. My plans to have Core 3 of our history curriculum finished by the end of January have gone by the wayside as well. I'm wondering if I should set a new goal to be done by the end of the year--but I fear that if I do, it won't happen either. Learning to hold my plans more loosely. The kids are still learning, even though it hasn't been at the pace I wanted to go. We do have only four weeks left in the core, so there is still hope.
Tomorrow I plan to muddle through the housecleaning. The childrens' bedrooms need a good cleaning. Mine does too, but if I can manage to get stuff off the floor and looking a bit tidier, I can cope. Then it is to work on our finances, lesson plans for the days we do school next week, and preparation for Sunday. At this point it doesn't look like I'll be able to make it to church. Right now I'm wondering whether I will have one or both kids home with me.
Belle has complained of her sore throat off an on, but doesn't seem to have any other symptoms yet. I am hoping Boo stays free of this one. Their Aunt and Uncle are planning to visit next week, and I would hate to share this with them.
Mom is still in the hospital. Tests show some improvement, for which we are very thankful. However, she is not yet at a stage where she can function well on her own. I am hoping they will send her to a rehab place before looking for placement in a nursing home. I do not have high hopes of her being able to return home to life with Dad. Unless she recovers completely, he will not be able to take care of her without a lot of help.
I'm hoping I don't sound discouraged. I really am not. God has met our needs in a wonderful way in the past month or so, and I know He will continue to do so.
