While doing my daily blog reading, I came across this quote from The Margins:
“The bread which you do not use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in the wardrobe is the garment of the one who is naked; the shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the money you keep locked away is the money of the poor; the acts of charity you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit.”
St. Basil the Great, from “The Call to Justice” by Dorothy Harris
A great challenge for us to act, don't you think?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
What's in a name?
Last night as we were going to bed, Danny Jr. brought up an interesting subject. All his life (almost 5 years) his nickname has been "Da." It's one of those things that we don't have an explanation for, we just call him Da.
As we were laying in bed, he said, "Mom, I just don't know why everyone has to call me 'Da.' That is not my name, my name is Danny, and I would prefer it if everyone called me Danny." I assured him that I would spread the word and we would honor his wishes and call him Danny from now on.
This morning, we were all hanging out and I told Dad about Danny's wishes, and how cute he was as he explained that he didn't like his nickname anymore. As we were having a little laugh about it, Danny looked at me and said, "I love you, Mom......or should I say.....Melanie?"
: )
As we were laying in bed, he said, "Mom, I just don't know why everyone has to call me 'Da.' That is not my name, my name is Danny, and I would prefer it if everyone called me Danny." I assured him that I would spread the word and we would honor his wishes and call him Danny from now on.
This morning, we were all hanging out and I told Dad about Danny's wishes, and how cute he was as he explained that he didn't like his nickname anymore. As we were having a little laugh about it, Danny looked at me and said, "I love you, Mom......or should I say.....Melanie?"
: )
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
I have so much to be thankful for...my heart swells with gratitude for the precious gift of family and friends. I am thankful for the love that surrounds us.
Hope your day is wonderful, stress free, and filled to the brim with love and peace.
Love to you!
I have so much to be thankful for...my heart swells with gratitude for the precious gift of family and friends. I am thankful for the love that surrounds us.
Hope your day is wonderful, stress free, and filled to the brim with love and peace.
Love to you!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Meal Plan Monday
Here is the plan for the week. This will be a bit of a crazy week, so it will be a loose plan, and we'll see where it takes us!
Monday - cereal
Sloppy Jalopies
Tuesday - poached eggs and toast
White beans, ham, and rice - crock pot
Wednesday - chocolate pumpkin muffins
Sausage and CSA veggies, to be determined that morning
Thursday - yogurt breakfast
We're having Thanksgiving here, so turkey and all the fixins
Friday, Saturday - I'm gonna go out on a limb here and not plan anything but leftovers!
Have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving, Everyone! LOVE to you!!!!!!
Monday - cereal
Sloppy Jalopies
Tuesday - poached eggs and toast
White beans, ham, and rice - crock pot
Wednesday - chocolate pumpkin muffins
Sausage and CSA veggies, to be determined that morning
Thursday - yogurt breakfast
We're having Thanksgiving here, so turkey and all the fixins
Friday, Saturday - I'm gonna go out on a limb here and not plan anything but leftovers!
Have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving, Everyone! LOVE to you!!!!!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Great Times
We had such a lovely weekend. Despite the fact that I had been fighting a yucky chest cold (I think it's finally gone!!!!) we managed to have some great family times. Dad took Sophia and Danny Jr fishing Saturday morning. Little Guy caught and released one small fish, but they had a fun time doing it! Meanwhile, Olivia and I went to the craft shop so I could teach a knitting class. Olivia had a creative explosion as she was able to use any scraps she could find. She is such an imaginative kid (um, young lady).
After we came back to town, we took the kids to a Chinese buffet. Since Danny Jr scored a goal at his last soccer game and chose the restaurant for the reward we promised, we have been meaning to go. The food was delicious. We had lots of crab legs and Danny got to have his favorite...sushi!!! This was his first plate. He got seconds after this.
Sunday we went to church in the morning. It was a great, inspirational service and a wonderful way to kick off a day filled with family and fun.
After we came back to town, we took the kids to a Chinese buffet. Since Danny Jr scored a goal at his last soccer game and chose the restaurant for the reward we promised, we have been meaning to go. The food was delicious. We had lots of crab legs and Danny got to have his favorite...sushi!!! This was his first plate. He got seconds after this.
Sunday we went to church in the morning. It was a great, inspirational service and a wonderful way to kick off a day filled with family and fun. We went to visit with Grandpa for lunch and relaxation, stopped by Stuff-Mart for a laundry hamper (Dad's way of trying to encourage Mom to stay on top of the laundry) and then home. We started tidying up but the weather was perfect so we decided to go outside. Dad fired up his favorite outdoor pastime - the cast iron wood stove. He turns into a chef when that thing gets hot! He roasted some tomatoes and peppers - bell peppers and jalapenos (and they were the hottest we ever tasted!).
Olivia is showing somy chef-y potential. She makes a mean burger! I don't know what her trick is, but it has to do with minced shallots, crumbs, and seasoning. Her burgers come out so tasty! Here they are making patties. The grill had a mesquite log in it for flavor.
Even Ellie and Sarah were hungry. The chickens could smell the food and were hanging around. We had to chase them off.
Little Danny couldn't stand by and not make some "crabby patties!" He joined the fun too.
We used fresh Kaiser rolls which were chewy on the outside and soft on the inside. I think we'll never use another kind of bread. I topped my burger with roasted red pepper, roasted tomatoes and jalapenos, avocado, and meunster cheese. It was decadent! Danny Jr ate two burgers!
Does life get any better than this?
Olivia is showing somy chef-y potential. She makes a mean burger! I don't know what her trick is, but it has to do with minced shallots, crumbs, and seasoning. Her burgers come out so tasty! Here they are making patties. The grill had a mesquite log in it for flavor.
Even Ellie and Sarah were hungry. The chickens could smell the food and were hanging around. We had to chase them off.
Little Danny couldn't stand by and not make some "crabby patties!" He joined the fun too.
We used fresh Kaiser rolls which were chewy on the outside and soft on the inside. I think we'll never use another kind of bread. I topped my burger with roasted red pepper, roasted tomatoes and jalapenos, avocado, and meunster cheese. It was decadent! Danny Jr ate two burgers!The sun went down as we ate, so we came in to tidy up and the girls and I started a knitting club.
Does life get any better than this?
My heart swells, it runs over with love for this beautiful family. How blessed we are!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Great blog with a great giveaway!
I found a great blog this morning...just in time for a giveaway! Simple Mom is giving away reusable bags! Giveaway ends tonight, Nov 22nd, at midnight.
Go to http://simplemom.net/reusable-bags-an-easy-colorful-and-free-way-to-go-green/#comment-14137
While you're there, check out the rest of her blog - great reading! Have a super weekend!
Go to http://simplemom.net/reusable-bags-an-easy-colorful-and-free-way-to-go-green/#comment-14137
While you're there, check out the rest of her blog - great reading! Have a super weekend!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Funny Stuff
OK, so, bearing in mind that I took the handmade pledge, doing the advent conspiracy thing, pursuing new and improved ways to be frugal, and so on, I came across this wacky website called Perpetual Kid that has the coolest and wackiest gifts. This is great for that big overgrown kid that you just can't seem to find the right gift for. I love the humor in most of the products in there. I got a good laugh just perusing the site. Enjoy!
Pumpkin, pumpkin, everywhere
Today is a chilly day for South Texas standards. It's mid afternoon and only 55*, not expecting it to get highter than that. There is a brisk wind which is keeping the sun from warming us up too much.
I have been fighting a chest cold since the weekend, so I have been staying in as much as possible, besides the errands and appointments that I couldn't avoid. That's OK, though, because I love the excuse to just stay home.
Earlier this week, I sent a request on Freecycle for a pumpkin. I got many responses and went with two folks that happen to be my friends. I picked the pumpkins up yesterday and I took care of them today. I cut them up and roasted them in my oven at 325* for 2 hours. I had to do this in two batches. Once the second batch came out, I got a cookie sheet sprayed with non stick spray, and spread the seeds on it. They were still a little moist, so I let them roast without oil or seasoning for the first 10 minutes. I pulled them out, sprayed with the cooking spray and sprinkled lightly with powdered Ranch mix. Ten more minutes, another little spray and another light sprinkle, then 5 more minutes. They came out all nice and GBD (golden, brown, delicious) and the Ranch was a nice tasty treat. Meanwhile, when the pumpkin was cool enough to handle, I scooped it off the skin and put it into freezer bags. I got 8, two pound bags of pumpkin (which I will share with you if you are local). There was some left over so I looked up a recipe for Mexican Pumpkin Candy and used the rest for that. This won't really be ready for a few days, but I can hardly wait! It will be a tasty addition to our Thanksgiving table (along with pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin muffins....nah just kidding!).
This morning, while all the pumpkin was roasting, there was enough time to knit a mini Christmas stocking in some cool rockin' colors for some cool rockin' friends. I am gonna try to whip another one out before the day is up.
I started making soap and I am totally in love with that - been looking up more recipes that the one I got started with - I love that recipe, but I am looking for a little variety. I am trying to find a way to do this without going farther than the grocery store. : )
I am off to take care of this kitchen which looks like I have been using it all day. : P
I have been fighting a chest cold since the weekend, so I have been staying in as much as possible, besides the errands and appointments that I couldn't avoid. That's OK, though, because I love the excuse to just stay home.
Earlier this week, I sent a request on Freecycle for a pumpkin. I got many responses and went with two folks that happen to be my friends. I picked the pumpkins up yesterday and I took care of them today. I cut them up and roasted them in my oven at 325* for 2 hours. I had to do this in two batches. Once the second batch came out, I got a cookie sheet sprayed with non stick spray, and spread the seeds on it. They were still a little moist, so I let them roast without oil or seasoning for the first 10 minutes. I pulled them out, sprayed with the cooking spray and sprinkled lightly with powdered Ranch mix. Ten more minutes, another little spray and another light sprinkle, then 5 more minutes. They came out all nice and GBD (golden, brown, delicious) and the Ranch was a nice tasty treat. Meanwhile, when the pumpkin was cool enough to handle, I scooped it off the skin and put it into freezer bags. I got 8, two pound bags of pumpkin (which I will share with you if you are local). There was some left over so I looked up a recipe for Mexican Pumpkin Candy and used the rest for that. This won't really be ready for a few days, but I can hardly wait! It will be a tasty addition to our Thanksgiving table (along with pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin muffins....nah just kidding!).
This morning, while all the pumpkin was roasting, there was enough time to knit a mini Christmas stocking in some cool rockin' colors for some cool rockin' friends. I am gonna try to whip another one out before the day is up.
I started making soap and I am totally in love with that - been looking up more recipes that the one I got started with - I love that recipe, but I am looking for a little variety. I am trying to find a way to do this without going farther than the grocery store. : )
I am off to take care of this kitchen which looks like I have been using it all day. : P
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday meal plan
Here's the plan for the week:
***Stuffed Roasted Bell Peppers
10 medium bell peppers - I get these from my farmer friend, all colors
1 # ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
2 t minced garlic
3/4 c white rice, uncooked
1-2 tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 c water
1 can tomato sauce
shredded cheddar cheese, about 4 oz.
Creole seasoning
Preheat over to 400*
Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. When cooked through, drain, return to pan and add rice and chopped tomatoes and water. sprinkle some Creole seasoning in - start with a bit you can add more later. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, roast your bell peppers over an open flame till charred. I usually run two burners and roast 2 at a time. If you have an electric stove, broil till charred, turn over and char the other side. As the peppers are done, put them in a covered bowl to sweat. Once finished roasting all peppers, carefully scrape the charred skin off with the side of a knife. Cut around the stem and remove the seeds.
By this time, your meat/rice should be finished. Leave lid on until you are finished with the peppers. In the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish, add about 3/4 c tomato sauce. make sure it covers the bottom of the dish. I sprinkled a bit of the Creole seasoning on the sauce. Stuff each pepper with the meat and rice mixture and place in the dish. Once finished, top with shredded cheddar. Don't use too much, just a bit. Drizzle more tomato sauce over the whole thing and another sprinkle of the Creole (I like it hot - this is to taste - you can use whatever seasoning you like).
Bake in the oven till heated through and cheese is melted.
Sunday - Stuffed roasted bell peppers ***
Monday - oatmeal
Shepherd's Pie (growing up my family called it Chinese Pie - don't ask me why)
Tuesday - French Toast
Chicken and dumplings
Wednesday - poached eggs and toast
Spaghetti
Thursday - Chocolate pumpkin muffins
Roast Beef, carrots and potatoes
Friday - oatmeal
Toasted sandwiches
***Stuffed Roasted Bell Peppers
10 medium bell peppers - I get these from my farmer friend, all colors
1 # ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
2 t minced garlic
3/4 c white rice, uncooked
1-2 tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 c water
1 can tomato sauce
shredded cheddar cheese, about 4 oz.
Creole seasoning
Preheat over to 400*
Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. When cooked through, drain, return to pan and add rice and chopped tomatoes and water. sprinkle some Creole seasoning in - start with a bit you can add more later. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, roast your bell peppers over an open flame till charred. I usually run two burners and roast 2 at a time. If you have an electric stove, broil till charred, turn over and char the other side. As the peppers are done, put them in a covered bowl to sweat. Once finished roasting all peppers, carefully scrape the charred skin off with the side of a knife. Cut around the stem and remove the seeds.
By this time, your meat/rice should be finished. Leave lid on until you are finished with the peppers. In the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish, add about 3/4 c tomato sauce. make sure it covers the bottom of the dish. I sprinkled a bit of the Creole seasoning on the sauce. Stuff each pepper with the meat and rice mixture and place in the dish. Once finished, top with shredded cheddar. Don't use too much, just a bit. Drizzle more tomato sauce over the whole thing and another sprinkle of the Creole (I like it hot - this is to taste - you can use whatever seasoning you like).
Bake in the oven till heated through and cheese is melted.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
TWLOHA
Today is National To Write Love on Her Arms day!Check it out...and if you are on Facebook, stop by and visit the TWLOHA group page.
LOVE TO YOU
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I am taking the challenge...will you?
See http://crunchydomesticgoddess.com/2008/11/11/the-no-plastic-holiday-challenge/ for more info, or if you would like to join in on the plastic free holiday challenge.
Menu plan
It seems like my menu plan is happening later and later! I promise to do better next week. : )
Monday - yogurt breakfast*
Spaghetti
Tuesday - PB & J sandwiches
meat and beans
Wednesday - smoothies
TBA - mom will be out and Dad is cooking : )
Thursday - yogurt breakfast
chicken salad sandwiches
Friday - smoothies
white beans and rice with ham
*Yogurt breakfast:
3/4 c plain home made yogurt
1/4 c. raw oatmeal or packet oatmeal mix (home made)
2 T raisins
2 T almonds
1 T brown sugar if using plain oats - none if using the mix
I got this from Misty's blog....Tuesday fun!
What I've doneBold the things you’ve done and will admit to:
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band - junior high band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (lake)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (I am reteaching myself Spanish, does this count?)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (actually learned to be content with or without it)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (a lake beach)
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (I am actually just a few chapters short - and working towards the goal every day!)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
What I've doneBold the things you’ve done and will admit to:
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band - junior high band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (lake)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (I am reteaching myself Spanish, does this count?)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (actually learned to be content with or without it)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (a lake beach)
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (I am actually just a few chapters short - and working towards the goal every day!)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
Thursday, November 6, 2008
I got some good advice today.
I was at the grocery store this morning, getting a few items. It was pretty early, the store was quiet, and I didn't pay too much attention to my cart. I turned my back on the cart to get a bag of potatoes. As I turned around, one of the produce workers approached me and said, "Ma'am, I would like to ask a favor of you. You see, it's that time of the year, and you turned your back on your purse like you don't even want it! Someone could have walked off with it in the time it took you to get your potatoes.: He proceeded to show me a neat little trick (I usually get things after everyone else, so if you already do this, bear with me, I am happy to have learned this.) - He took the baby seat belt and looped it twice through my purse handles and buckled it. This would prevent someone from picking up the purse and walking off. How about that!?!?!?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Hand Made Happenings
Saturday night was a peaceful, easy evening at home and I canned about 4# of jalapenos - I got 7 pints out of them. They are so hot and way better than store bought! They even have carrots and onions. YUM.
Monday I made Pan De Muerto (see previous post for recipe link). Here it is after first rise and shaping. It rose for about 50 minutes before I baked it.
Here is the bread after baking. I slathered it with orange glaze then topped with powdered sugar.
Spooky! Sophia says we found a skull in our cake.
I thought I'd try to knit a mitt. Here's my first ever knit mitt. : )The mitt is knit with Red Heart self-striping Sock yarn.
Advent Conspiracy
Last year, a friend pointed me to Advent Conspiracy. I am not sure if I was ready to read it then because I glanced at it, unaffected. This year, another friend pointed me towards it, and I really took the time to read it, followed the links and suggestions, and now I find myself deeply affected.
I know my challenge will be introducing it to the family. It will be difficult to stand firm and tall amongst our extended family while many of them are not interested in the true reason we celebrate Christmas.
Another challenge will be for my own self, to not get caught up in all the craziness, consumerism, stress, expectaions, and more, that are associated with the season.
If you are interested in this, please leave a comment here - let's keep each other accountable! Let's make a promise to each other to be encouraging and uplifting. Let's give each other ideas on handmade gifts, whether it's a link we have found on the net or our own ideas. This won't be easy for a newbie, but together we can do it. To start, there are a lot of great suggestions at Rethinking Christmas.
Let's do this!!!!!
I know my challenge will be introducing it to the family. It will be difficult to stand firm and tall amongst our extended family while many of them are not interested in the true reason we celebrate Christmas.
Another challenge will be for my own self, to not get caught up in all the craziness, consumerism, stress, expectaions, and more, that are associated with the season.
If you are interested in this, please leave a comment here - let's keep each other accountable! Let's make a promise to each other to be encouraging and uplifting. Let's give each other ideas on handmade gifts, whether it's a link we have found on the net or our own ideas. This won't be easy for a newbie, but together we can do it. To start, there are a lot of great suggestions at Rethinking Christmas.
Let's do this!!!!!
Pictures....later today
I know I promised some pictures yesterday, but I need DH's computer to get them uploaded - my usb cord is broken. I never told him I needed the computer, so it stayed at his office. It will come home today and I'll get that done.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Monday Menu Plan
Hi! Sorry I have gotten this post in so late today - I had to take Olivia to the Dr this morning for a viral throat thing. DH went to the Dr this afternoon, too, for the same thing, only he has had it for two weeks and it turned into an infection. After we got home, we made Pan De Muerto from this awesome recipe. For the first time I ever made it, it came out great! I will show some pictures once DH comes home with his computer, the only place I can upload my photos.
I am trying to skip a significant trip to the grocery store this week. We are stocked up with enough meat to feed us for the week, and I am going to use what pantry/freezer food I have here. I did run in today, however, to get loratadine for Olivia and chicken noodle soup ingredients. Other than that, we are set.
Here's this week's menu:
My Chicken Noodle Soup recipe:
1 onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, sliced
3 large carrots, sliced
32 oz chicken stock or broth
48 oz water
1 large chicken breast, sliced, browned, then cut into 1/2 inch cubes (or whatever you like!)
1/2 bag whole wheat egg noodles
1 t thyme
1/2 t savory
2 t minced garlic
a good handful of minced parsley, about 1/2 to 3/4ths cup
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder
2 T vegetable oil
In a pot, heat vegetable oil. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium for a few minutes. Add broth and water, thyme, garlic,and savory, cover and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Meanwhile, brown the chicken breast (season with salt and pepper and garlic powder). When it is browned, remove from heat and cut into small pieces. Check the carrots - if they are tender, add the noodles and chicken and simmer till noodles are cooked, about 7 minutes. Add parsley and cook a couple more minutes. Check your seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
'
Serve with buttered saltines. YUM.
I am trying to skip a significant trip to the grocery store this week. We are stocked up with enough meat to feed us for the week, and I am going to use what pantry/freezer food I have here. I did run in today, however, to get loratadine for Olivia and chicken noodle soup ingredients. Other than that, we are set.
Here's this week's menu:
Sunday - pasta with leftover sauce from Friday
Monday - poached eggs and buttered toast
Chicken noodle soup with saltines
Tuesday - smoothies
Roast backstrap with potatoes and carrots - crock pot
Wednesday - yogurt with raw oatmeal, raisins, and almonds
Chicken tacos
Thursday - smoothies
Sophia's last soccer game and out to eat with the team
Friday - hot oatmeal or cereal
Dry garlic spare ribs, brown rice and veggies
(MOM if you are reading this it is my LAST packet of Dry Garlic rib mix!!! Hint Hint!!)
My Chicken Noodle Soup recipe:
1 onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, sliced
3 large carrots, sliced
32 oz chicken stock or broth
48 oz water
1 large chicken breast, sliced, browned, then cut into 1/2 inch cubes (or whatever you like!)
1/2 bag whole wheat egg noodles
1 t thyme
1/2 t savory
2 t minced garlic
a good handful of minced parsley, about 1/2 to 3/4ths cup
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder
2 T vegetable oil
In a pot, heat vegetable oil. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium for a few minutes. Add broth and water, thyme, garlic,and savory, cover and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Meanwhile, brown the chicken breast (season with salt and pepper and garlic powder). When it is browned, remove from heat and cut into small pieces. Check the carrots - if they are tender, add the noodles and chicken and simmer till noodles are cooked, about 7 minutes. Add parsley and cook a couple more minutes. Check your seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
'
Serve with buttered saltines. YUM.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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