This Week's Meal Plan

Oops! Where did Monday go? Sorry....Monday was..well...a Monday. I either ate something that made me breakout like a teenager or the new soap I started using on my face a couple of days ago did it. Whatever it was it is not good at all. It started on Sunday. I woke up and my face was fine and by 11 my face was covered in a breakout that has not gone away. I think today it is a little better. Fingers crossed!

As if I needed any other issues I pulled a muscle in my calf during my morning workout yesterday morning. It did not feel good at all. I was frustrated because I do not want any setbacks.  I iced it a couple of times, took ibuprofen, and stretched it as much as I could.  It feels much better today!  In a few more days I am sure it will be healed. Probaby have to modify workout for a few more day though.

Here is what we have been eating and plan to eat the rest of the week!

Saturday:
Casey's Pizza (Matt won a free one in a drawing and we got a second on special for $10! Woot woot!)

Sunday:
Guacamole Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Source: twopeasandtheirpod.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Pickles

Monday:
Grilled Pork Loin Chops
Roasted Red Potatoes

Source: browneyedbaker.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Broccoli

Tuesday:
Salmon Patties

Source: foodnetwork.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Collard Greens
Corn

Wednesday:
Chicken Philly Sandwiches

Source: food.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Homemade Oven Fries

Thursday:
Taco Salads (Taco meat, lettuce,black beans, avacado, tomatos, and cheese)

Friday:
Eat Out/Grocery Night

Planning on posting some pics from Jadon's fun b-day weekend tomorrow!  Have a great day!

Meal Plan Monday

Two doses of antibiotic and steroid down and I am feeling SO much better! Woohoo! My nephew came to play today. They were my only ones since today was President's Day and several of my families had the day off. It was a nice relaxing day. Tried to get Jake to play around with the camera and capture some pics of the boys but he must have not really been into it because none of them turned out really well. Here is J-Man though. Happy as a clam to have his cousin and buddy, Owen, here.

 Now on this weeks meal plan:

Saturday:
Egg Rolls-We used some smoked pork we had frozen in these this time.  They were good.  Not flavors you would expect from an egg roll though.

Sunday:
Whole Chicken cooked on the grill (My husband's job)
Onion Soup Crock Pot Potatoes-basically just 6 potatoes diced up, shake up in a bag with some olive oil and a packet of dry onion soup mix and cook on low for 5 hours or until soft.

Monday:
Seven Layer Tostadas-these were Yummo!!!!!  These may have been on an earlier menu and we ended up making something else.  We do that around here sometimes.....

Source: kalynskitchen.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Tuesday:
Aunt Brenda's Spicy Potato Soup-will post recipe soon! 

Wednesday:
PW's Mac N Cheese

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Thursday:

Crockpot Italian Turkey Meatballs

Source: skinnytaste.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Friday:
Night Out-Mom's night off

Happy Valentine's Day and This Weeks Meal Plan

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Sorry I am late posting my meal plan!  Yesterday was pretty crazy!  Got up early (4:30) and went to my first workout at a local fitness and karate place.  The workouts are three times a week and start bright and early at 5:00 am!  It was a hard workout for me because I am so out of shape.  It felt good to get it done though.  Unfortunately I did not eat nearly enough before the workout (I only had a banana) and ended up feeling pretty sick by the time I got back home.  Lesson learned.  Need to load up on something with more bulk before I go workout.  Going to try some almonds and an apple tomorrow.  See if that is enough.  Talked to my sister and she said it might take some trial and error to finally find something that will get me through.  I have a hard time eating a lot that early in the morning.  Not an early morning eater.  Going to have to learn to like it though.

Saturday-Leftovers since the boys were gone at a Scout outing.

Sunday-Veggie Stir Fry

Monday-Cabbage Soup ( I was going to share the recipe but it ended up not being very impressive so I changed my mind.

Tuesday- Grandma Max's Spaghetti and Meatballs

Wednesday-Seven Layer Tostadas

Source: kalynskitchen.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Thursday-Pizza Night

Friday-Eat Out

Today we did some fingerpainting.  We had not done that in awhile.  Jadon had not cared for it in the past.  Did not care for getting his hands dirty.  Today he got into it however.  I was happy to see that.  We finger painted with red and white paint.  Then we sprinkled some pretty silver glitter over the paint while it was wet.

Meal Plan Monday

Hi All!! Happy Monday! Here is our plan for this week!

Saturday:  
Pizza Night-This weeks one pizza had turkey and sausage on it.  The other had leftover grilled chicken, red onion, and green pepper on it.

Sunday:  
15 Bean Enchiladas

Source: 5dollardinners.com via Kiana on Pinteres

t

Mexican Rice

Monday:  
Chicken Noodle Soup

Source: browneyedbaker.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Tuesday:  
Skinny Sloppy Joes

Source: skinnytaste.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Brussel Sprouts


Wednesday:  
Crockpot Lasagna





Thursday:
Honey Sesame Chicken

Source: sixsistersstuff.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Friday:Leftover or Taco Night (just us girls and Jadon. Matt and Jake will be camping all weekend with the Boy Scouts)

I love this taco seasoning!!  I have been using this for months and everyone likes it!

Source: smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com via Kiana on Pinterest

So now that you know what's for dinner I wanted to share some pictures from yesterday.  We had an amazing weather day yesterday.  It was sunny and upper 40's.  It felt like spring.  The bigs boys decided to get out of potty training central and have some fun.  They went to our neighbors field to shoot some clay pigeons.  This was Jake's first time.  Sounds like they had a lot of fun.  Wish I could have joined them.  Always wanted to try it out but I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities when I am not in the middle of potty training.  My husband tooks some pictures for me.

Happy Monday!! 

Meal Plan Monday

This is my second meal plan for this week. I created one meal plan last week and then my husband said "I think I will smoke something this weekend". Hmmm...okay. Not gonna tell him no. Yum! We found pork butt (shoulder) on sale for $1.50 /lb and grabbed two of them. He figured if he is gonna take the time to do one might as well do two and freeze some. Sounds good to me.

So here is our revised meal plan for this week.

Saturday: 
Pizza Night-Used the dough from my new favorite book "Artisan Bread In Five Minutes A Day".  So easy!  I will never buy a pizza again.  Easy and quick enough to make daycare lunch even!!  They actually have a book just for pizza's and flatbreads now.  Definitely on my wish list!  Of course used my Mock Papa John's Pizza Sauce recipe you can find HERE.

One pizza was turkey sausage and green olives.  The second pizza was a Jalepeno Burn I found here.  I thought it was yummy!

Sunday:
Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Corn
Baked Potatoes

Monday: 
Pulled Pork Quesadillas (leftover shredded pork, diced onion, diced green pepper, and shredded cheese)

Mexican Rice (recipe from Mixes Ebook Vol. 1 from Savingdinner.com)
Mix ingredients:
In an airtight container, combine the following ingredients-
1 tbsp. dried onion flakes
1 cup uncooked rice
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp. chicken bouillion granules (my husband suggested that next time we just use our homemade chicken broth in place of the water and chicken bouillion to cut down on sodium.  We are going to do that next time)

Store in a cool,dry, place for up to 3 months.

To prepare:
Mexican Rice Mix
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 cups of water

Instructions:  Heat oil in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid; add Mexican Rice Mix; cook, stirring constantly, until puffed and golden.  Stir in tomato sauce and water; bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20-25 mintues.

Makes 4 servings.



Tuesday: 
Matt's Smoked Pork and Black Bean Soup.   I will be back with a recipe of sorts once I make it.  My husband made it once and it was yummy.  He has told me what he has suggested I put in it.  Once I make it I will post it.

Wednesday:
Skinny Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Source: skinnytaste.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Thursday:
Grilled Chicken Breast (marinated in Italian Dressing)
Broccoli
Salad


Friday: 

Grocery Night-Mommy's night off

 Kiana

Meal Plan Monday

Here is this weeks meal plan!

Saturday:
Baked Potato Soup

Source: plannerperfectmeals.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Homemade Gondola Sandwiches

Sunday:
Dinner with parents.  Bring bread.

Monday:
Pasta Asparagus (see recipe below)
Garlic Bread

Tuesday:
Venison Stew


Wednesday:
Honey BBQ Meatloaf

Source: howtonestforless.com via Kiana on Pinterest

Baked Potatoes

Thursday:
Tater Tot Casserole (Jadon's favorite)

Friday:
Grocery Night (Eat out)

Tonight was Pasta Asparagus night.  One of my families favorites!  Everyone I have made it for requests the recipe.  Most of them now have it in their monthly rotations.  It is a quick, simple, and meatless meal.  Perfect for what we call "Meatless Monday" at our house.  My aunt gave me the recipe several years ago.  Not sure where she got it from but I thought I would share it with you.

Pasta Asparagus

Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 TBSP. margarine
1 Tsp. red pepper flakes
5 cloves garlic or 4 1/2 tsp. minced garlic from a jar.
2 boxes of green giant asparagus or two bunches of fresh cut into bit size pieces
1 box of penne pasta
1 1/2 cups of shredded parmesan

Directions:
Fill a pot with water and bring to boil for pasta.  Once the water is boiling add the pasta.  Heat oil and margarine in a pan.  Add pepper flakes and garlic.  Saute for 1-2 minutes.  Add in asparagus and cook for 7-9 minutes or til pasta is done.  Drain pasta and return to pot.  Add in the asparagus mixture and stir.  Add in the parmesan cheese and stir til combined.  Enjoy!

Meal Plan Monday

Hi Everyone!  Can't believe it is Monday again already!  Here are the meals we have planned (some we have already had) for this week:

Saturday:
Chili-I just kinda through things together but we did find a chili seasoning mix recipe we really like! 
Chili Seasoning Mix

Sunday:
Egg Rolls (homemade)
Fried Rice-I don't know where I got this recipe but we really like it. 

 

Fried Rice

2 cups enriched white rice
4 cups water
⅔ cup chopped baby carrots
½ cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 eggs
soy sauce to taste
sesame oil, to taste

1. In a saucepan, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

2. In a small saucepan, boil carrots in water about 3 to 5 minutes. Drop peas into boiling water, and drain.

3. Heat large frying pan over high heat. Pour in oil, then stir in carrots and peas; cook about 30 seconds. Crack in eggs, stirring quickly to scramble eggs with vegetables. Stir in cooked rice. Shake in soy sauce, and toss rice to coat. Drizzle with sesame oil, and toss again.

Monday:
Homemade Pizza's-
Papa John's copy cat recipe which was available from a website for free but apparently you have to pay now.  Glad I saved it!


Papa John’s Pizza Sauce
Use this on your next homemade pizza or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread.
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can of tomato puree
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon basil
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Makes 1 cup.

Made the pizza dough using a recipe in Artisan Bread In Five Minutes a day)

Tuesday:
Hamburgers
Diced Potatoes seasoned and coated with olive oil.  I bake in the oven til crispy.  I just use whatever seasoning I am in the mood for. 

Wednesday:
Veggie Stir Fry

Thursday:
Shredded Chicken Fajitas

Friday: Grocery Night/Family Night Out

Today we got some things checked off of our to do list that had been on it for awhile.  We got the oil changed in our truck and the boys got their wild and crazy heads of hair cut.   Jadon was so good the lady at Great Clips told him she would cut his hair anytime. 

Here are two happy boys with fresh hair cuts!

Meal Plan Monday

You are going to see a few repeats on this weeks meal plan. I apologize. I did end up making my son's favorite meal, Shepherd's Pie (our version), the last night of their Christmas vacation since I already had all the ingredients. Then my mother-in-law offered to make chicken pot pie and bring it to our house one night. I never turn down an offer to not have to cook! I should also say that my family ended up staying home Friday night and using the leftover French Dip Roast (I used venison) to make a dinner. My husband used the juices to make an awesome gravy. He is a master gravy maker. Then he plated up bread with the shredded french dip and gravy over the top. I was going out to eat with some girlfriends but I almost just ate at home after taste testing it! That is why you are going to see a few repeats!

 Meal Plan Week of 1/7-1/13

Saturday-Campbell's Chicken and Rice (I replaced the chicken with venison chops)

Sunday-Matt cooked because I was sick.  He does not use a recipe when he cooks.

Monday-Bacon and Tomato Pasta

Tuesday-Turkey Pot Pie (Pioneer Woman)

Wednesday-Beans and Cornbread (Pioneer Woman)

Thursday-Taco's and Salad

Friday-Family Night Out!

I thought I would share with you our version of Shepherd's Pie that is my son, Jake's favorite!

Aunt Brenda's Shepherds Pie

Ingredients-
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup onion
1 egg beaten
1/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
2 cups mashed potatoes
1/4 cup mild shredded cheese

Brown ground beef and onion. Drain.  Mix beef with 1/2 of soup, egg, oatmeal, salt, and pepper.  Press into a 9" pie plate.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Frost with potatoes.  Top with remainder of soup and cheese.  Bake for 10 minutes.

Jadon and Jake both go nuts for this!  Enjoy!

Meal Plan and More

It is a very cold and blustery day in our neck of the woods! A good day to stay indoors, clean up the blog, and update pictures! Going to try so very hard to post daily this year. My reward to myself will be one of those Blog2Print books I have always wanted but never gotten.

I was supposed to start back to work today after having last week off to spend time with my family. Turns out my vacation got extended by one day! Yay me!! It is also Matt's last day of vacation. Back to reality tomorrow for sure! Matt ended up having to take Shelby to Promptcare. She has had a cold and horrible cough for over a week now. I decided that it was time to get it checked out much to my husband's dismay. Good thing I had him take her. They returned home with a diagnosis of Bronchitis and a Zpack in hand. Hopefully that should kick this cough to the curb!

While they were doing that I took some time to get some Tot School stuff for this week printed out along with daily report sheets for the two little ones I watch. Jadon took some time to play with quite possible his favorite Christmas present....his Playdoh Ice Cream Shop that little Ms. Ella (little girl I watch) got him.

He has played with it for HOURS since he got it!

Look how happy he is!

Thought I would share our meal plan for this week. Of course I am already thinking of changing it a little. Forgot that I told my oldest son last week that I would make him his favorite meal, Shepherd's Pie, for dinner one of these nights. I have all the ingredients so I might just switch out one of these meals for that. Here is the game plan for now:

Monday:
Grandma's Spaghetti and Meatballs

Tuesday:
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches-I will most likely be using a venison roast
Brussel Sprouts (my favorite)

Wednesday:
Bacon and Tomato Pasta

Thursday:
Turkey Pot Pie (using frozen turkey leftover from Christmas)

Friday:
Eat out and grocery night

Happy Monday!

Food-a-licious Friday

We are not back from Jadon's week of therapy yet (see Jadon's Journey) but I am already planning next weeks meal plan.  I will not have very much time between getting home and needing to run to the grocery store so I thought I had better get it done now!  So here I sit at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House planning what I will make when I get home next week!  I have missed cooking!  This menu does not include the weekend because we don't return home until late Saturday night and Sunday night we are taking our birthday boy (Jake) out for his birthday dinner!

Monday:
Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Knoll's Taco Rice

Tuesday:
Corn Chower with Chilies (Tasty Kitchen)
Homemade Bread

Wednesday:
Bull's Eye Burgers (were on the last meal plan but did not get to make them)
Onion Soup Potatoes

Thursday:
Hearty Chicken and Noodle Casserole  (Sisterstuff.blogspot.com)

Friday:
Mom's Night Off/Grocery Night

Food-a-licious Friday

Just thought it would be fun to share my meal plan for the next week with you.  I subscribe to a few blogs that do this and I always enjoy seeing what others are having for dinner.  Sometimes they share links to recipes I have never tried before.  I love a new recipe!  I am not scared to try something new.  If it fails, it fails.  If it ends up being fabulous then I have a new recipe to add into the rotation!  Woohoo!  There is nothing I hate more than eating the same thing every week.  Blah!

We go grocery shopping on Friday nights (exciting huh?) so I work on my meal plan during the day on Fridays.  Here is what is on deck for the next week!

Saturday (Parents Night Out this week):
Walmart Take and Bake Pizza's (delicious-my kids love them!)

Sunday:
Spicy Potato Soup and Gondola Sandwiches

Spicy Potato Soup Recipe (From Aunt Brenda but I believe originally from Taste of Home magazine)
1 lb of ground beef
4 cups of cubed potato
1 sm. onion
24 oz. tomato sauce
4 cups water
2 tsp. salt ( I leave this out)
1 1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp. of hot pepper

Brown ground beef and onion.  Drain.  Combine all ingredients and cook until potatoes tender. 

Monday:
Crockpot Santa Fe Chicken (Gina's Skinny Recipes)

Tuesday:
Grandma's Famous Spaghetti and Meatballs
Garlic Breadsticks (Our Best Bites)

Wednesday:
Chicken Pot Pie-The Pioneer Woman Cooks Cookbook

Thursday:
Bull's Eye Burgers (Rachael Ray)
Fries

Friday-Eat Out (Grocery Night)

Well, that is the plan for the next week.  I would like to plan for two weeks but I just have not worked up to that yet.  Enjoy!