Menu Plan for the Week 10-31-10

We have had a busy and fun couple of days getting ready for Halloween! There is always a lot of work to do, but seeing the finished costumes is totally worth it!

We are up for a regular week, so things should calm down around here. I enjoyed my extra time off last week, now I think I am ready to jump back in to school mode. I was able to spend time with my family and get some extra things accomplished, so it was time well spent!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Hamburgers, French Fries, and too much CANDY

Monday- Fajitas, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice

Tuesday- Fettuccine Alfredo, Broccoli, Buttered Bread

Wednesday- Kielbasa Sausage, Ranch Potatoes, Salad

Thursday- Tri Tip, Rice Pilaf, French Cut Green Beans, Salad

Friday- Pizza, Salad

Saturday-Potato Soup, Rolls, Salad


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Happy Halloween!

Our Lego Lava Rock Monster and Star Wars Galactic Marine
I love the power of cardboard, duck tape, fabric, and spray paint!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween!

Menu Plan for the Week 10-24-10

Sorry for the late post. My internet connection was goofy this morning, but K got it fixed for me while I was at school.

We have been enjoying the cooler weather, so I am hoping it sticks around. We had another good weekend and got a good report on my grandmother from my sister. She is doing well and pretty happy now that my sister got the computer moved into her bedroom so she can play her games! I am glad she is doing better and hoping it stays that way for a long time!!

I am doing better too. I decided to take a couple of personal days from school at the end of the week. With all the craziness in teacher's lives these days I think more teachers should take a day or two for themselves. I know we all need to regroup sometimes and just step back and breathe. My sub will be great and my students will survive without me. I am really looking forward to being able to be with K and the boys!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- YOYO (you're on your own)

Monday- Beef Tri Tip, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli, Asparagus, Salad

Tuesday- Nacho Night (AKA~Dad cooks and L's night for the happy dance at dinner)

Wednesday- Beef Stew, Buttered Bread, Salad

Thursday- Burritos, Quesedillas, Salad

Friday- Pizza, Salad

Saturday-Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Tired

I am tired today. We have had a crazy week or so around here. First, we had great news that our mortgage would be modified after we were told it would not be modified. That was a huge blessing and we are so thankful.

Then, we had to go to a hearing to determine if K was suppose to have been getting unemployment all this time or not. No matter how it turns out we feel vindicated because the woman that caused K to lose his job was made out to look like an idiot by the judge. I know it's silly, but she caused us a lot of trouble. Seeing her squirm was pretty nice. We don't know what will happen, but we feel good about being able to finally speak our peace.

I was told last week that one of my most challenging students might be moved into a special smaller class to better meet his needs. He is a handful, but I know it's just because he was so far behind and frustrated. He had come a long way, but I just could not devote enough time to him. Well, Monday afternoon his mom agreed to let him move into the other class. It will be better for both of us.

I was pretty happy to have my stress load lowered, but then I got a phone call. My grandma is not doing well. We thought we were going to lose her in January, but she hung in there. Now we don't know what is wrong. She has been sick for a long time, so she may just be tired and ready to go be with my grandpa. We all knew it was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Today I am just worn out. I am ready for a break. I am ready for this emotional roller coaster to come to a stop for a while. Today I am focusing on today and trying my best to not worry about tomorrow until tomorrow. A verse came up on my perpetual calendar that fits so well. It always amazes me when the timing for something is just right.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
~Matthew 6:34

Until next time,

Homemade Chinese Dinner

My family loves Chinese food, but I hate forking out $50 to eat out so I had to come up with a way to get our fix without breaking the bank. I googled Mongolian Beef and found a recipe to give me a launching point. I also use a friend's recipe idea to make our own version of lemon chicken. I am still trying to figure out how to make orange chicken, so if you know a sauce recipe let me know!

Here's how I make the Mongolian Beef:

1 1/2 -3 lbs cube steak cut into strips (depending on how many almost teenage boys you are feeding)
oil or lard
cornstarch
1/2 yellow onion sliced
1 TBS chopped fresh Garlic
1 TBS chopped fresh Ginger
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth (you could just use water)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 bunch green onions sliced

First I cut the cube steak with my kitchen shears. If I use a knife it just is a pain because the meat has been tenderized so much. I then coat the meat with the cornstarch and set aside.

Next I get the sauce going. Saute the ginger and garlic in a sauce pan for a minute or so with light oil, but do not let them scorch. Add the soy sauce, broth, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Set the sauce aside.

Brown the meat and onions in a fry pan. Cook until the meat thoroughly. Add the sauce and simmer for a few more minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly with the cornstarch from the meat. Garnish with the green onions. Ask your family to keep their fingers out of the pan until the rest of the meal is finished cooking.

Now for the Lemon Chicken:

1-2 lbs cubed chicken breast
2-3 eggs beaten
3-4 cups flour
garlic powder
seasoned salt
pepper
oil or lard

1 jar lemon curd
2 TBS honey
1/4 cup vegetable broth


In a ziploc bag add the flour, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper (add the spice amounts to your personal taste). In a bowl combine the chicken cubes and eggs until the chicken is completely coated. Add a few pieces of chicken at a time to the flour bag. Shake vigorously to coat the chicken. Add chicken to a fry pan and brown on all sides. Remove from the pan into a towel lined bowl. Repeat until all of your chicken is cooked.

While the chicken is frying you can work on the sauce. Add lemon curd, honey, and broth to a sauce pan. Heat until thoroughly mixed, but do not boil. You can leave the sauce to add to each dish or you can add the sauce to your bowl of chicken and mix is all at once.

Make up some steamed rice and a bit of broccoli and you have Chinese food at home! Enjoy!

Until next time,


This post is linked to Tasty Tuesday over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Menu Plan for the Week 10-17-10

We had a great weekend just being a family. I drug all the boys with me to farmer's market on Saturday. K was my bag handler. It was so nice to have an extra set of hands to carry our goodies. Then we went to one of the thrift stores in search of some Halloween costume accessories. It was fun to be together and giggle in the car.

K and I spent Sunday getting some things done around the house. We are trying to be better about getting the boys to help us rather than just doing it ourselves. We figure we're not helping them if we don't teach them to do routine cleaning and house maintenance chores. We don't want them to ever leave, but we know they will and they must be ready to take care of their own homes.

We should have a quiet week around here, so I am hoping to get some more sewing done and finally get things listed in my Etsy shop. The holidays are just around the corner, so I better get on it!

Our homemade Chinese food was a hit again. I took pictures as I prepped and cooked, so be on the lookout for a post on that soon!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Zuppa Tuscana, Gnocchi Soup, Garlic Focaccia Bread (it was so yummy!)

Monday- Hot Dogs, Creamy Mac-n-Cheese (so good with our whole raw milk!), Salad

Tuesday- Leftovers

Wednesday- Spaghetti, Italian Sausage, Buttered Bread, Salad

Thursday- Pork Country Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, Salad

Friday- Pizza, Salad

Saturday-Tacquitos, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Shower Schedule

I don't know about your house, but with three boys in my house who's turn it is to take a shower was becoming an ISSUE!

I was tired of hearing:

"I took my shower first last night..."

"No, I did!"

"It's your turn!"

I am happy to report that for the last month and a half I have not. heard. those. words. YAY! I finally printed off a free calendar from the internet and sat down with Z, L, and N's favorite color markers. I went day by day and made a scheduled rotation for taking their showers. It was the best investment for my 10 minutes that I have made in a long time.

I truly believe kids need routines and boundries, so they get both with the "Shower Schedule". It is fair and just and all is right in their world. I love it!!

It works very well for me!

Join everyone at We Are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday!

Until next time,

Holding Hands

Last Friday night I took the little boys to their school for their annual fundraiser. We walked over to the school because I knew traffic would be a mess. On our way there a very cool thing happened, L and N wanted to hold my hand! Now for a 9 year old and an 8 year old to want to hold my hand made my heart melt!!

I was in love with my babies all over again! We sat down and had our dessert treat. L rubbed his head against mine and even snuck in a kiss or two. N was right there with him. I never would have thought they would be so lovey in front of all the other kids. It was just awesome.

I hope they will always want to give me a hug or hold my hand! I am so grateful to be raising boys that have such big hearts!

Until next time,

This post is linked to Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers.

Menu Plan for the Week 10-10-10

This weekend went by way too fast. L woke up yesterday and said, "It's Sunday already?!?" I know exactly how he feels! This year feels like it is rushing to a close.

We are on to a quiet week with few commitments. Just the way all of us like it!

I hope all of you have a calm week too!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Tacos, Refried Beans, Salad

Monday- Deli Sandwiches, Chips, Salad

Tuesday- Fettuccine Alfredo, Broccoli, Buttered Bread

Wednesday- Kielbasa Sausage, Ranch Potatoes, Salad

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- Pizza, Salad

Saturday-Mongolian Beef, Lemon Chicken, Steamed Rice, Broccoli~ AKA Homemade Chinese


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Surprise Mr. Mom

I came home yesterday to the whir of the vacuum cleaner, beautiful shiny floors, and a hubby that had made himself a to do list! I was one happy girl! It's always a little hard when school starts back up to get to everything I want to do each day or each week. K stepped up and has taken on some tasks that have been needing to get done. That my friends is a finer thing indeed!

I always think of Mr. Mom when K and the boys are in their cleaning modes! Join everyone over at Amy's Finer Things for Finer Things Friday.

Until next time,

House Wife

Someone told me yesterday I would make a great house wife. She said since I love to cook and bake and sew it and be a mama it would be natural for me. It was such a compliment to me!

We are working now to get to the point where I can stay home and care for my family and my home. I cannot wait to just have them to focus on everyday! Working hard now so I can be home full time for my family later works for me! Join everyone over at We are THAT Family for more WFMW.

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week 10-3-10

Wow! I cannot believe it is October already! We had a busy weekend. I had my hair appointment, which is really my time to be able to visit with my friend without interruption and to just be me for a couple of hours. After I got home we headed out to a birthday party for a little diva girl. The boys had a ton of fun in the bounce house. At one point I thought L was hurting someone in the bounce house, but it turned out to be diva's daddy that he was climbing all over. It was a good time for everyone!

I have been getting great apples at the farmer's market, so I decided this weekend I would get extra and can them into apple pie filling. I used Laura's tutorial over at Heavenly Homemakers and it turned out great! I think I need to hit up my apple man for more next weekend because Z learned how to make apple cobbler. It was dreamy! At a dollar a pound I think we can make room for more apples in our life!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Spinach and Mozzarella Ravioli, Italian Sausage, Garlic Bread, Salad

Monday- Deli Sandwiches, Chips, Salad

Tuesday- Beef Fajitas, Refried Beans

Wednesday- Pulled Pork, Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Rolls

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- Pizza, Salad

Saturday-Tri Tip, Rice Pilaf, Asparagus


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Busy

That one word describes my life since school started. I am up too early to most people and I run all day until I get the dinner dishes in the dishwasher. It's good though, because I like to be productive.

My school year has been a challenge so far. I have about 10 kids that are not strong readers yet, so I have a lot of work ahead of me to get them to where they need to be for 3rd grade. I am seeing progress in their academics, but behavior is a whole other issue. Why is it that so many parents do not teach their children about respect? These kids that flooded our school this year have little to no respect for adults, each other, or property. It is so sad and frustrating all at the same time. Sometimes I wonder what is going to happen to these kids when they grow up.

I am trying to stay focused on what I need to do to get these kids ready for the next grade, but seriously sometimes I just want to scream. I wish the politicians would get their noses out of the classroom and just let us teach. We have to give over thirty language arts tests to these kids and these are not little tests. We are talking 30 to 60 questions for each test. It's not fun to try to get little people to focus long enough to perform well on a test. I am not the teacher I want to be anymore. I hate all this testing and I don't feel like I am really teaching these kids what they need to know for life.

Sometimes I wonder why in the world I chose teaching. I love seeing the kids get excited, but I almost feel like we have to be sneaky to be able to do activities with our classes. I want to be the teacher that opens doors for these kids, but feel so bound be requirements that we don't have time to do all the memorable lessons. I am struggling to find a balance with what is expected of me and what I know is best for the kids. It is a fine line in education these days.

Until next time,