A Catch Up – Update: March and April

Posted on June 28, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

Yes, I am posting out of order. Sorry! I didn’t want to forget the highlights from March and April, but I felt the need to blog in the present as well. I needed to live in the present and appreciate our current blessings.

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS:

Hubby and I had started trying to go on a date once a month. Josh and Amy have been great about watching Tommy so we can occassionally go out. We have not gone out each month, but we continue to work towards that goal.

In the 2011-2012 season at Lakeshores Players, we were able to see 3 plays.

The Nerd was great fun to go to as my friend’s son was performing in The Nerd. It was the debut of Micah Cortes and we were there for it! He is such a talented young boy.

In June we went to Redwing for the evening…for out date night and even stayed overnight.

March the weather was very nice and we went on an outing to the Chutes and Ladders park, now called Hyland Park Area in Bloomington. The expansion opened on June 8th so I would like to return and check it out. I need to make a point of planning more outings before the summer is gone!

Tommy and Amy

While at the park we discovered they had Geocaching in the park. We checked out a GPS and went hunting for loot while exploring this new park. A favorite family activity for sure!

010

Tommy was happy to find thea cache…and the one by the pine trees wouldn’t allow itself to be found, which sure bothered Josh.

Other highlights from March:

Pampered Chef Party – Josh and Amy had a pampered chef party at their house. They had a good turn out and were able to get alot of fun things for their kitchen. I of course found more things to buy…I love pampered chef as does my hubby.
Financial Peace – guest hosting – we continue to be involved in the Finanial Peace program at our church. We hosted the class while the leader was out of town. It was alot of fun and it always gets us excited again and making progress. While our progress has slowed a bit with summer childcare and the wedding expenses, but we are very determined.
Dr. – released me after a post surgery exam – lifting restrictions were removed. Life is back to normal – sort of.
Girls Day Out – Shopping and Supper at Jake’s Grill – went shopping with the girls in our family and they helped me to find my dress for the wedding. Though I am second guessing my choice right now. I will probably do a bit of altering to the dress and hope to find a wrap or something.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

Geocaching with the boys: We had such fun geocaching that we decided to take the neighborhood boys geocaching around White Bear Lake. It was fun once they figured it all out.

Tommy, Andrew, John and Danny

They found it!

School Spirit Days:

Look like your hero day……it wasn’t hard for Tommy to look like his hero, Dad It still makes me laugh just looking at them!

Magnuson Christian School Auction – we once again were involved with the auction set up and computers. It was a busy time, but we enjoy assisting with this wonderful cause as a family. Josh and Amy are wonderful to help and attend the auction with us. Since it is a semi dressy sort of event, I thought it would be a good time to get my hair styled. Sort of a test before the wedding. I received alot of compliments so I think I will have my hair styled at Sun Bear Spa the morning of the wedding.
MACMH – Paul Conference – I went to the annual Children’s Mental Health Conference in Duluth for work. I volunteered at the conference and spent my free time listening to audio books and cross stitching in my room. It was good to just have some time alone. For the first time ever, my hubby’s conference was at the same time! ARGH…so Amy stayed at the house with Tommy and Grandpa. She is such a life saver and a wonderful additon to our family!
Sleep Apnea – hubby finally decided to see a Dr about his sleep apnea. Seems his roommate at the conferenced mentioned he stopped breathing about 40 times each night.
Soccer Starts – Tommy is playing soccer again this season with The White Bear Lake Soccer Association. He has had a good season and is playing defense again, but has started being the goalie as well. He is a good athlete and it is so fun to watch him play.

Tommy – Our Soccer Player!

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Be Blessed,

Jen C

Finding Blessings in Cheerios and Shin Guards??

Posted on June 26, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

I smile as I pick up the shin guards and soccer uniform in the middle of the living room. My little man sprawled out on the couch watching some cheesy Disney movie. I can’t help but smile to myself as I pick up his things and think to myself……someday, I will miss doing this so much. I hope today you take the time to see the blessing in the little things in your life. I remember when my oldest was little and I would feel frustrated with the never ending job of picking up things he left strewn around the house. Now, I fondly smile as once in a while he stops by our house and blesses us with his “Josh droppings”. Just today he stopped by after work to drop off some lawn chairs he borrowed. Where do you think he left the chairs???? On the couch in the living room, of course! I pick them up with a smile and take them to the garage….always my same Josh! Man, I love that boy.

So today I remind myself as I put away my youngest things, clothes and make his bed to do so with joy in my heart. Someday my children will be doing these same things for their children, hopefully with the same joy in their hearts.

It is an amazing gift from God to be entrusted with these small souls that soon grow from babies to young men. I am reminded of the shortness of our time with our little ones as my oldest’s wedding approaches and my friends are experiencing their children graduating and leaving for college. It is all so bittersweet and amazing in a new way.

Baby to Young Boy

Baby Tommy

To young boy, Tommy the amazing soccer player and kind soul.

Young Boy to Man

Baby Tommy with big brother, Josh – so loving and caring.

To Man……soon to be husband Amazing man of God and loving son.

My heart overflows with love and gratitude for the blessings in my life. My advice to my friends with little ones….smile as you dig the cheerios out of your van seat and find crayons that made it though the dryer. These are the days you too will be nostalgic for before you know it.

Be Blessed,
Jen C

“Motherhood is a privilege, and our children our crowning glory.” 1 Timothy 2:15

Menu Plan Monday: June 25th

Posted on June 24, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

June 25th – June 30th, 2012

Monday, 25th – Meatloaf / Mashed Potatoes/ Corn

Tuesday, 26th – (Game) Crab Salad on Lettuce

Wed, 27th – Creamy Chicken Breasts, Rice and Spinach Salad

6 4 ounce chicken breasts boned and skinned
1 can cream of chicken soup
3 slices Sargento 2% Milk Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese
1/4 c bread crumbs
1/4 c white wine

Place breasts in a greased baking dish and cover each with a half slice of Swiss cheese. Mix white wine and chicken soup and pour over the chicken and cheese. Cover with seasoned bread crumbs. Spritz with olive oil. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes.

6 servings

Thurs 28th (Book Group) Baked Ravioili

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 (28 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce, any flavor
24 pieces frozen Four Cheese Ravioli
1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan* cheese
2 cups meatballs, chopped (from freezer)
5 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
sautéed peppers and onions, thawed (from freezer or see notes above.)

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread olive oil in an 8″x10″ baking pan and spread about 5 oz. of the spaghetti sauce around. Layer with 1/2 of the ravioli, 1/2 of the Romano or Parmesan Cheese, 1/2 of the meatballs and peppers and onions, and 2 oz. of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, saving 1 oz. of mozzarella cheese for the top. Tent the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes

Friday 29th – Meatball Subs – (365 Easy Meals Oct. 12 – pg 300)

Sat 30th – Panko Chicken, Herbed Rice and Broccolli

PANKO CHICKEN

1-2 cups Japanese breadcrumbs (if you can’t find them, use regular breadcrumbs)

1 cup mayonnaise

1 lb. chicken tenders (uncooked, frozen or thawed)

Put mayonnaise and breadcrumbs in separate bowls. Dip chicken tenders into mayonnaise, then breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet (stoneware works best) and bake at 350° until brown and cooked throughout.

HERBED RICE
3 T. olive oil
1 medium onion chopped (from freezer)
1 clove garlic minced
1 green pepper chopped, seeded
1 c. long grain rice (or brown rice* for healthier version)
2 c. chicken broth (if you are using brown rice add extra water)
herbs of your choice (basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, etc.)
Thaw onion. Saute garlic and green pepper in oil until transparent. Add rice and onion and brown until lightly browned. Mix the rest of the ingredients and add to pan. Cover and cook 20-25 minutes (longer, closer to 45 minutes, for brown rice).

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and particpate in Menu Plan Monday.

What is on your Menu this week? Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Weekend Get Away ….June 22nd, 2012

Posted on June 24, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

Hubby (AKA cute boy) and I went away for the evening to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary. I know it is a month late, but late is better than never! He had won the getaway at the live auction/fundraiser for Tommy’s school, Magnuson Christian School.

We both took Friday off from work. We stayed around until Tommy was done with Vacation Bible School then we handed Tommy off with Amy/Josh and off we went. A young couple on an adventure. It always seems to take alot of planning for us to be away. We have to make sure Tommy, Grandpa and rest of those living with us are all situated in our absense. But we sure savor our moments away. It is always very relaxing!

We started out heading towards, Hastings, MN. I wanted to stop at Schaar’s Bluff in Dakota County. I have been there before for work meetings but never had time to explore. The view of the river was spectacular. I had the bright idea to do a little geo caching while we were there. Bearing in mind that we are on a bluff 150 feet above the Mississippi river, the first thing that should have made me think twice was that the cache was named “Leap of Faith”. Yikes!! Hubby and I got within 23 feet of the cache before simultaneously deciding that no cache was worth getting that close to the sheer cliff drop-off to the Mississippi River. We will leave that one for someone else!

The view from Schaar’s Bluff – at Spring Lake Park Reserve

My favorite flowers – Daisies!

More Wild Flowers (and one very uncooperative Monarch butterfly) at Schaar’s Bluff – Hastings MN

On to Red Wing, Mn. We made it there just in time to check in at the Candleligh t Inn in Red Wing MN. The Inn is located near downtown so we were able to park the van for the evening and enjoy strolling around the neighborhood and to the historic St James Hotel for dinner.

The Heritage Room – Candlelight Inn, Red Wing

Jen finding time to relax and read a bit.

Supper: The Port – St James Hotel

Remind me to read the details of the menu a bit closer. I wish we would have taken pictures of my food, but it didn’t seem appropriate.

The Port Caesar – was interesting…Baby Red and Green Romaine Lettuce, Roasted Garlic Caesar Dressing, Crispy Braised Pork Belly, Soft Poached Egg, Parmesan Reggiano. The poached egg was a bit of asurprise to me. Hubby decided not to share my salad for some reason.

Jen’s Meal – Seared Sea Scallops – White Beans, Ham Hock, Pea Puree, Pea Tendrils

Paul’s Meal – Grilled Dry Aged Kansas City Strip Steak – Rösti Potato, Sherry-Dressed Sunflower Sprouts, Roasted Wild Mushrooms,Caramelized Shallot-Cabernet Reduction.

I wish I could say we were more impressed with our dinner than we were, but perhaps our uneducated palettes failed us. The waitress asked if we’d like some coffee when we first sat down, but we both responded that we really didn’t like coffee and water would be just fine for the both of us for now. The scallops seemed to have crunchy bits (aka, sand ) in them and the steak was not exactly prepared to hubby’s liking, (as he’d simply ordered it “medium” but instead got a steak ranging from well-done on one edge all the way to practically rare at the other edge.) For dessert, we wanted to share my absolute favorite, Creme Brulee! When she brought it, (see initial coffee response above), we found that the entire brulee had been covered with a generous 2-inch thick dollop of some sort of whipped coffee. (Scrape, scrape, scrape…then eat) But at least we had our $80-dollar gift certificate to assist with the cost of the meal, so we were only out an additional $25 for the most expensive dinner we ever bought but didn’t exactly love!

We spent the rest of the evening wandering around historic Red Wing taking in the charm and architecture of the area. Of course I took pictures….

The front of the Red Wing YMCA established in 1808.

I think this picture will need to find it’s way to my Reading In WBL blog.

Charming Details around downtown Red Wing.

Near Levee Park….

We didn’t go see the largest boot in the world, but this shoe planter was cute. Red Wing is the home of Red Wing shoes.

Walking Tour – there are 3 walking tours of Red Wing to learn about the different architecture. On the historical residential home tour, I fell in love the TB Sheldon House, constructed in 1875. It just happened to be for sale as well! WOW! I don’t think hubby wanted to buy it for me. But it did have 4 apartments in it in addition to the owner’s living quarters. Steve and Grandpa could have their own places!

T. B. Sheldon House -so grand…

Love the details – French Second Empire Style

While walking around we played, guess how much this one costs for all the houses for sale. This lovely historic home, with a total of 5,881 square feet was for sale for $600,000. We were surprised as we’d guessed higher for the cost.

In addition to old houses, I love old churches with ornate details. Here are some of my favorites from Red Wing.

The stone work on this church was loevly.

I forgot to get a better picture of this one. The wooden door on this church was great!

By far my favorite church in Red Wing was First Lutheran. The steeple is breathe taking.

This picture does not do this window justice, the stained glass and other details are beautiful.

My favorite detail of First Lutheran Church?? The blue door – the color ties in the stained glass above the door brillantly.

Cute Boy I found down by the river……..I wonder what he is thinking about.

Breakfast: Early on Saturday morning we heard a music box playing in the hallway outside our room. This was the signal that fresh muffins and coffee were delivered outside the guest’s room. The muffins were fresht out of the oven and delivered in a little basket. (nice touch, though we may have made a comment about the music box being creepy )

Breakfast was served at 9:00 around a lovely set table in the dining room.

All 5 couples staying at the inn shared a 3 course gourmet breakfast around the table. And of course my hubby, found out one of the guests was a professor at Century College where my hubby works. It is funny how that works…can’t take the man anywhere without someone knowing him After the initial introductions of the guests, the conversation flowed nicely. It was a very enjoyable breakfast.

Three courses of breakfast:

1. Cold Sherbet Fruit Soup

2. Ham and French Toast

3. Dessert – Pots de Creme au Chocolat – served in the cutest pots de creme cups with handles and covers. My favorite!! I could get used to dessert at breakfast

Pots de creme Dessert Cups with mini spoons….very cool!

After checking out we headed to Memorial Park to enjoy the view before heading home to WBL!

View from Memorial Park

View of Barn Bluff – I whimped out and didn’t want to climb to Barn Bluff.

View from Memorial Park of the town of Red Wing.

Tommy had a great time staying with Josh and Amy while we were gone for the evening. It was hard to get him to come home!

Video games and ice cream!! No wonder Tommy didn’t want to come home.

My Silly Boys….they make me laugh and are such a joy to me.

I know I had said I won’t blog out of order, but I wanted to post about this weekend while it was still fresh in our minds. I will go back and post highlights of the past few months as well. It felt so good to blog about our time away and happy feelings. Through everything we continue to feel very blessed – life is good!

Blessings to you!

Jen C

Update: A return to blogging….

Posted on June 19, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

Hello – remember me??? I used to be that lady who blogged about her life almost daily. Last night I was looking at old blog posts about my little guy as a baby . He was looking at the posts with me and really was having fun hearing about his time as a baby. I loved reading old posts about his baby years. That is what this blog is to my family, a virtual scrapbook of the ups and downs of our lives. I have come to terms with the notion that I will never be a scrap booker. Therefore, I blog and the thoughts and memories of my years raising our children will never be lost and I can revisit them whenever I want.

As you may have notice, besides posting my menu every two weeks, I have not been blogging regularly. Why you ask?? Life just got too difficult – too much going on in our lives. I am starting to feel like I am finally starting to get a handle on things.

The holiday season was very difficult for my family and filled with loss. My Father in Law(FIL) came to live with us in September, which has been very good. I just adore him.

My mother in Law (MIL) was residing in memory care. We were last able to bring her home for Thanksgiving. Christmas was bittersweet to say the least. We were unable to bring her home due to some skin break down that made it painful for her to be in her wheelchair. This was very hard on everyone. We all went to the memory care unit and celebrated Christmas with her the best we could. It was still difficult for my MIL.

Shortly after the New Year we started hospice services and my MIL passed away on January 10^th. The staff notified us when she started to deteriorate and we all rushed to spend the last hours with her. I arrived first and sat with her, stroking her hair and chatting to her. The chaplain and I were with her when she passed away. I am glad I was able to be with her, but am always wondering if I could have done more. It was a difficult time for our family and we are all starting to adjust to the new normal.

My Father in Law is doing well, but I worried about him alot through this all. But in some ways he held it together the best due to his amazing faith. He is a remarkable man.

In Loving Memory of Jane Coyan :

Jane – 40th Wedding Anniversary

Dick and Jane – 50th Wedding Anniversary

Dick, Jane and their children – 52nd Anniversary

Our Family – January 14th, 2012

The Coyan kids and their Dad!

Other Happenings:

Our oldest son, Josh bought a townhome and moved out of our home on Christmas Day. It made for a weird Christmas. I did much better emotionally with his moving out this time, but I still miss him very much.

On December 29, I was seen by the Urologist due to some bladder issues I was having. He scheduled a bladder surgery for February 15^th. The recovery was more difficult than I anticipated. I took 8 days off of work, but did work some from home. I really wasn’t able to do much else. I should havetaken more time off following surgery, but took time off following my MIL’s passing and didn’t have enough time on the books. So between the passing of my dear mother in law, Jane, Josh moving out and my surgery – life has felt a bit overwhelming. But luckily, we have a wonderfully supportive and loving family and together we make it!

Pictures from November 2011 – February 2012:

Tommy’s Angel Costume for School Christmas Program

Christmas – 2011

Josh, Amy and Tommy the first time stepping into their new house.

The Happy New Homeowners!

Happy New Year – Welcome in 2012 with family.

I hope to blog more in the very near future about what our family has been up to so far this year. This post was a bit of a blogging block for me as it made me so sad to write, but yet I didn’t want to skip over this time in our lives either. It was a real time of loss and I can really feel as I write this blog. But, life is good and we are so blessed by our wonderful family. The ups and downs are both parts of this wonderful life and worth documention! I am sure Tommy will remember his Grandma, her kindness, her love of M&Ms and her willingness to share with him. Tommy was amazing with his Grandma right to the very last moments of her life. That is what I will never forget, the patience and love of my son, Thomas George for his grandma.

I hope to get some more posts up summarizing the past few months…..I am back and I am a blogger again! Wonder if I have any readers left!

Blessings to you,

Jen C

Menu Plan Monday: June 18th, 2012

Posted on June 17, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

June 17th – June 30th, 2012

Sunday – 17th – Mexican Chicken And Rice – Good, Make Again.

Monday – 18th (3:45 appt) – Chef Salad

Tues, 19th – (Game) – Hot Honey Mustard Subs/ Chips and Dip/Celery with Peanut Butter

1 lb thinly sliced deli ham
8 oz sliced cheddar cheese
6 ct pkg bakery buns or large rolls
(Honey mustard)
1 pkg chips, any
Celery sticks
(Peanut butter)

Layer inside of buns w/ honey mustard, ham,
then cheese. Wrap each in foil. Bake @ 350°,
15 min.
Serve w/ chips & celery sticks / peanut butter.

Wed, 20th – Sausage Rice Casserole , Vegetable

Thurs, 21st (Game) – Chilli (Crockpot)

Makes 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours

1 lb. ground beef or turkey
2 – 15-oz. cans tomato sauce
2 – 15-oz. cans kidney bens or black beans, drained
1 envelope dry chili seasoning
15-oz can of water, or more or less

Brown ground beef or turkey in a non-stick skillet. Drain

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours.

** Fix-It and Forget-It – 5 Ingredient Favorites

Fri, 22nd -(Red Wing) – Out Of Town – Leftovers for Steve/Grandpa

Sat , 23rd (Red Wing) Bacon Tomato Grilled Cheese/ Noodle Soup

BACON -TOMATO GRILLED CHEESE

8 slices sourdough bread
4 slices mozzarella cheese
2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
8 bacon strips, cooked
4 tablespoons sour cream
4 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
4 slices cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter, softened

For each sandwich, top one slice of bread with one slice of mozzarella cheese, a fourth of the tomato slices, two bacon strips, 1 tablespoon sour cream, 1 tablespoon onion, a pinch of oregano, one slice of cheddar cheese and another slice of bread. Spread outside of sandwiches with butter. On a hot griddle over medium heat, grill sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side or until lightly toasted. Yield: 4 servings

QUICK COOKING May/June 2004

Sunday, 24th – Mac and Cheese/ BBQ Grilled Chicken

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and particpate in Menu Plan Monday.

What is on your Menu this week? Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Menu Plan Monday

Posted on March 24, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

March 24 – April 8th

Favorites from last week include:

Chicken Asparagus Bundles ( Points 421) and Poppy Seed Slaw (Simple and Del – Aug/Sept 2011-pg 37)

Sat – 24 – Bacon, Sunny Side Up Eggs, Toast

Sun -25 – Grocery Shopping – Honey-Dijon Salmon with Broccoli/Asparagus

Mon -26 – (7:00 meet KN) – Beef Enchiladas, Spanish Rice and Corn

Tues – 27 – (MPTP) – Make Ahead Unstuffed Shells – Salad

Wed – 28 – Parmesan Tilapia, Buttered Noodles (Simple and Del -Dec 2011/Jan 2012-pg 31), Vegetable

Thurs – 29 – Papa John’s Pizza School Fundraiser

Fri – 30 – Rho Retirement Party – Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Saturday – 31 – Shopping with the Girls – Roasted Sticky Chicken – Boxed Mac and Cheese – Veggie

April – 1 (Work at Church) – Shake and Bake Pork Chops, Oven Potato Wedges, Vegetable

Monday 2 (working late) –

Baked Spaghetti

1 pound ground beef
1 26-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
1 pound angel hair pasta
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 350 F. In large skillet, cook ground beef until brown; drain. Mix spaghetti sauce into skillet. Reduce heat and simmer. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Mix in pasta and cook until al dente, about 4 or 5 minutes for angel hair. Drain. Mix together spaghetti and meat mixture. Stir in 1 cup cheese. Pour into 9 x 13-inch pan. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly. Serves: 6 to 8.

Tues – 3 – Easy French Dip Sandwiches and Chips

Wed -4 – Bruschette Chicken Bake and Salad

Thurs – 5 (Working Late) – Sunny Side Eggs, Sausage and Toast

Fri – 6 – OFF NO School – Mac and Cheese, Garlic Bread and Salad

Sat – 7 – Chicken Dumpling Casserole and Veggie

Sun – 8 – EASTER – Spiral Ham, Easy Skillet Green Beans (Emealz Easter Menu), Honey Glazed Carrots, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cheesy Muffins, Cherry Almond Crisp and Lemon Cake.

Recipes to try:

Taco Soup

Quick Blender Light Rolls

Smashed Italian Potatoes

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and particpate in Menu Plan Monday.

What is on your Menu this week? Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Menu Plan Monday: February 27th, 2012

Posted on February 24, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

2/24/12 – 3/11/12

Save yourself from the 5:00 chaos of “what is for dinner?” by meal planning. Most people say to me, I could never do that! I suggest you give meal planning a try for one week and see if you don’t have a better week. Now, don’t plan difficult meals, simply find quick meals and purchase the items for those meals. Trust me, you won’t know how you ever managed before. McDonald’s will still be in busy if you aren’t driving through weekly due to no idea what to make for supper. Your family will thank you! So set aside one hour to make your weekly menu and shopping list!

New Favorites from Last Week include the following:

Baked Shrimp Scampi / – made this for Valentine’s Day and it was a BIG HIT!

Slow Cooker Fajitas (8-9 hours)

Bruschette Chicken Bake

I did something a little different this week and I need your opinion about how well this works. It seems to work fine on my side of the screen, but I want to know what your experience is, so please comment! Instead of linking to each recipe, I put most of my recipes into my google calendar. I have started using my google calendar for menu planning. It is great!!

What I do is put my menu plan and recipes in Google Calendar, if my family likes a meal, I simple edit that entry and have that event repeat every 10 weeks. So we will eat a favorite meal approximately 5 times a year. I have been doing this for a few weeks and it makes meal planning even quicker, since my future menu plan is building itself.

If we don’t feel like eating what comes up or I want to try a new recipe, I simple delete that incident of the recipe and add my new recipe. The old recipe will show up again in 10 weeks. It is a fast way to make sure family favorites are made again. My family’s frequent complaint is that once I make a meal and they love it….I never make it again. Now they know I won’t lose the recipe and they will get to enjoy that meal again in 10 weeks.

Here is where I need you help!! Please take a look at the embedded Google calendar at the bottom of this post and let me know if it works for you. You can use the arrows to switch days/ weeks and click on the event (meal) to see the recipe. I really value your input as I don’t what to change how I post recipes if it won’t work for my readers! Thanks a million for your help! Now, onto our menu plan……

Our Menu for the Next Two Weeks: 2/24/12 – 3/11/12

24th – Crustless Quiche/Cantaloupe/Biscuits

25th – White Castle Sliders and Fries

26th – Cheddar Ham Soup – Simple Delicious page 124

27th – Unstuffed Cabbage

28th – Baked Cheese Ravioli – Salad

29th – Chicken Broccoli and Rice – Salad

1st – Monte Crisco Sandwich, Apples and Chips (Emealz 405)

2nd – Meatless French Bread Pizza

3rd – Country Style BBQ Ribs/ Roasted Red Potatoes/ Hot Cinnamon Apples

4th – Rotisserie Chicken, Rice and Corn

5th – Pizza Sandwiches/ Carrots & Celery with Dip

6th – Mom Works Late – Crockpot Beef Vegetable Soup – Fit it and Forget It page 133

7th – Mom works Late – Stir Fry

8th – Beefaroni – Veggie – Salad

9th – Tilapia Almandine/ Veggies/ Baked Potato

10th – MCS Gala – Tex/Mex Casserole/Corn Bread

11th – Buy Groceries – Meatloaf/Mashed Potatoes/Corn

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and participate in Menu Plan Monday.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

P.S. Please make sure you comment to let me know how the embedded google Calendar is working for you. Thanks Million!

If you are unable to access longer recipes try going to my Menu Planning Calendar directly.

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=cc7g3k4mq73k1ruqq6r7tamhkk%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Chicago

Recipes for next time:

Chicken wih Mushroom Artichoke Sautee

Peppermint Patty Cupcakes

Baked Potato Soup

Hot Fudge Cake

Easy Irish Soda Bread

Baked Ziti Casserole

Menu Plan Monday: Feb 13th Edition

Posted on February 11, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

February 12th – February 26, 2012

12th – Smothered Hamburger Steak/ Mashed Potatoes/ Veggie

13th – working late – Easy Chicken and Rice

14th – Baked Shrimp Scampi / Baked Potato / Veggie

15th – (Wed – Surgery) Crab Salad Croissants – Simple Delicious Cookbook pg 62

16th – Spaghetti

17th – (Friday Movie Night) Tacos for a Crowd

18th – Chilli (crockpot)

19th – Pecan Crusted Salmon – Creamy Italian Noodles – Green Beans

20th – (Monday) Slow Cooker Fajitas (8-9 hours)

21st – (Tuesday) – Sausage Gravy and Biscuits , Scrambled Eggs, Bacon

22nd – Chicken Broccoli and Rice (quick meal) – Salad

Ingredients:
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups water
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cups Broccoli (I use frozen, straight out of the freezer)
2 cups Instant Rice

Process:
In a large skillet, make sure that you chicken is warm and put aside in a bowl. Then mix water and soup together and bring to a boil (now is when you add any seasonings). Turn down and mix in all ingredients remaining. Cover and cook on medium/low for 5 minutes. If you are using frozen broccoli it will take up to another 5 minutes.

23rd – Bruschette Chicken Bake /Salad/ Veggie

24th – (Friday Movie Night) White Castle Sliders and Fries

25th – Crustless Quiche, Sausage, Cantloupe and Biscuits

26th – Quick Baked Cod/ Rice / Carrots

Recipes to Try:

Oven Baked Fries
In and Out Burgers
Movie Night Ideas

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and particpate in Menu Plan Monday.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Menu Plan Monday: 1/30/12

Posted on January 29, 2012 by jmcoyan@gmail.com

Menu – 1/29 – 2/12/12

Sunday – 1/29 – Corn Chowder/ Biscuits- Taste of Home COokbook – page 65

Monday – 1/30 – Creamy Chicken Breasts, Rice, Carrots, Salad (cooks @ 350 for 45-50 mins)

Tuesday – 1/31 – (4:30 HV) – Meatloaf /Potatoes/Green Beans

Wednesday – 2/1 – Bacon and Tomato Grilled Cheese – Noodle Soup (box)

Thursday – 2/2 – Beef Macaroni Casserole/ Green Beans/ Garlic Toast (Aldi 413)

Friday – 2/3 (Read Athon @ 6:30) – Sub Sandwiches/Chips & Dip

Saturday – 2/4 – Italian Country Style Pork Ribs/ Steak Fries/ Corn (Fix and Forget it 5 ingredients – pg 140)

Sunday – 2/5 – Pecan Crusted Salmon – Rice A Roni – Green Beans

Monday – 2/6 – (Working late) – Slow Cooker Fajitas (8-9 hours)

Tuesday – 2/7 – (Working Late) – Bake Boxed Lasagna

Wednesday -2/8 – Sausage Potato Soup/ Bread

Thursday – 2/9 (sort scrips) – Baked Pork Chops and Rice / Corn

Friday – 2/10 – Meatball Subs (365 Easy Meals Oct. 12 – pg 300)

Saturday- 2/11 – Panko Chicken – Herbed Rice – Broccoli

Sunday – 2/12 (work info desk) – Smothered Hamburger Steak/ Mashed Potatoes/ Veggie

For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and participate in Menu Plan Monday.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

Happy Cooking!!

Living in White Bear Lake

Recipes, Frugal Living, Family Fun and So Much More!

Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Catch Up – Update: March and April

Finding Blessings in Cheerios and Shin Guards??

Menu Plan Monday: June 25th

Weekend Get Away ….June 22nd, 2012

Update: A return to blogging….

Menu Plan Monday: June 18th, 2012

Menu Plan Monday

Menu Plan Monday: February 27th, 2012

Menu Plan Monday: Feb 13th Edition

Menu Plan Monday: 1/30/12