Menu Plan Monday…..

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 April 4th – 10th, 2011

4th (working Late) – Tater Tot Hot Dish

5th (working Late) – Chicken and Rice Casserole

6th – Santa Fee Soup/ Corn Chips/ Sliced Apples (Emeal-z.com 370)

7th (working late) – Chili & Cheese Spuds/ Steamed Fresh Broccoli  (Emeal-z.com 370)

Friday, 8th – Turkey Burgers/ Cucumbers n Dip/ Chips (Emeal-z.com 370)

9th – Mollasses Pork Tenderloin/Garlic mashed Potatoes/ Steamed Broccoli (Emeal-z – 369)

Sunday – 10th (Board Meeting after Church) – Florentine Chicken/ Steamed Carrrots/ Apple Pecan Salad  (Emeal-z.com 370)

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!!!

Sunday – 27th –  Beef Enchiladas – Spanish Rice

EASY BEEF ENCHILADAS (What’s For Dinner Site)

2 cups cooked, ground beef
2 10 oz cans Enchilada Sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (I use Kraft 2% milk cheddar)
1 12 ct. pkg. flour tortillas

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Heat chicken, 3/4 cup enchilada sauce, and 1 cup cheese in skillet until warmed through and cheese is melted.

2. Spoon enchilada filling onto tortillas; roll up and place seam-side down in lightly greased 13x9x2 baking dish.

3. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over top; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes.

28th (MPTP) – Club Salad and Crackers (E-mealz 369)

29th – Pasta Primavera / Green Beans / Hot English Muffins  –  (E-mealz.com 368)

30th – Apricot Chicken/Steamed Rice/ Hot Sweet Peas/ Dinner (Emeal-z.com 370)

31st (Packaging Party) –Italian Casserole / Garden Salad / Garlic Bread  –  (E-mealz.com 368)

Friday, April 1st – Ultimate Cheeseburger Pizza/ Green Salad  (Emeal-z.com 369)

2nd (Auction)  – not eating at home

3rd – Pan Seared Whitefish/Salad Greens/ Chicken Rice (Emeal-z.com 370)

4th (working Late) – Tater Tot Hot Dish

5th (working Late) – Chicken and Rice Casserole

6th – Santa Fee Soup/ Corn Chips/ Sliced Apples (Emeal-z.com 370)

7th (working late) – Chili & Cheese Spuds/ Steamed Fresh Broccoli  (Emeal-z.com 370)

Friday, 8th – Turkey Burgers/ Cucumbers n Dip/ Chips (Emeal-z.com 370)

9th – Mollasses Pork Tenderloin/Garlic mashed Potatoes/ Steamed Broccoli (Emeal-z – 369)

Sunday – 10th (Board Meeting after Church) – Florentine Chicken/ Steamed Carrrots/ Apple Pecan Salad  (Emeal-z.com 370)

Must Return to Blogging….A Christmas Blog???

  This evening I was remembering why I started blogging so many years ago. I seem to have lost sight of that.  I started this blog when I became pregnant with Tommy after years of infertility.  I wanted to record the milestones of my children and family.  (sometimes to my children’s horror)  I have gotten away from blogging as it is easier to just put a status on facebook.  By doing that I am losing what was so important to me about blogging.   I can’t seem to keep a diary or scrapbook, so this blog has always been my virtual scrapbook of sorts.  

The last time I blogged with a real update instead of a menu plan was way back in November.   Alot has happened since them!  I hope to at least have a monthly blog at the very least.  I don’t want to forget any of the wonderful moments with my children/family. 

November – for the first time in years we went home to South Dakota to spend Thanksgiving with my parents.  It was a very enjoyable visit.  I was also able to see one of my brothers (Dan) and his wife (Becky) as well as my niece and her family.  I love seeing my great nephews and am sad I am only see them about once a year.

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Tommy with my great nephews (Samuel and Gracen). 

 The little boys are at such a fun age!   Tommy and I hope to return to SD this summer to spend more time with my family.  My brother and I took everyone bowling and if I remember correctly I believe little Gracen won!!!

DECEMBER – Christmas……………………..

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Brothers watching a movie together.

We have continued to keep up our tradition of Family Movie night each Friday.  We are all looking forward when it is summer and we can begin movie night outside again!   But I am glad my boys will have these memories of watching movies together.  

Family Christmas with Paul’s family was at our house as it is each year.  Everyone what here to celebrate with us, including one new addition to the celebration, Liz, Joe’s girlfriend. 

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Joe and Liz

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Erik – age 18

Erik came over to join us in the the family Christmas celebration.  It was good to see him as he does not visit very often since moving to his mom’s house.  .

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            Hubby and his Mom

Grandma (Paul’s Mom) was able to leave the nursing home to celebrate the holidays with her family.  It was such a blessing to have her and my Father in Law together to celebrate the holidays with their family.

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My Father in Law and BIL, Dan. 

Christmas Program – Tommy was a King in the School Christmas Program with a small speaking role.  Tommy is in red.

 

More videos coming…………………………………………..

Our Christmas………..

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(the boys before heading to Christmas Eve service)

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The usual spread of appetizers on Christmas Eve!  YUMMY!!!

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I made Tommy a fleece blanket for Christmas which had the Vikings on one side and on the other, MN Twins.  His two favorite sports teams.  I was down to making this gift hours before Christmas break began for him.  I took time off over Christmas and enjoyed my time with Tommy.   It was a much needed break for me.

The holidays always remind me that the love of a family is life’s greatest blessing.   I do feel very blessed all year round.

Well that updates my faithful readers to January, 2011.  I hope to get caught up very soon!!  I have some exciting news to share in future updates.  How is that for a cliff hanger????

 Love,

mealplanmonday_v2

 March 13th – 20th, 2011

Sunday -13th – Family Omelet/Hot Cinnamon Rolls –  (E-mealz.com 368)

Monday -(working late) – Beef Enchiladas – Spanish Rice

EASY BEEF ENCHILADAS (What’s For Dinner Site)

2 cups cooked, ground beef
2 10 oz cans Enchilada Sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (I use Kraft 2% milk cheddar)
1 12 ct. pkg. flour tortillas

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Heat chicken, 3/4 cup enchilada sauce, and 1 cup cheese in skillet until warmed through and cheese is melted.

2. Spoon enchilada filling onto tortillas; roll up and place seam-side down in lightly greased 13x9x2 baking dish.

3. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over top; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes.

Tuesday – Seafood Alfredo / Veggie

Wednesday – (working late) Mom’s Mac and Cheese and Hotdogs

MOM’S MACARONI AND CHEESE

1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 ounces process American cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.  Place in a greased 1-1/2 qt. baking dish; set aside.  In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.  Stir in flour until smooth.  Gradually add milk; bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes; reduce heat.  Stir in cheese, salt and pepper until cheese is melted.  Pour over macaroni; mix well.  Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs.  Sprinkle over casserole.  bake uncovered, at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.  Yield: 6 servings.

Thursday – Corned Beef and Cabbage

Friday –  Honey Mustard Chicken Nuggets /Curley Fries/Cucumbers ‘n Ranch – (E-mealz.com 367)

Saturday – Tilapia/ Seasoned Rice/ Lemon Butter Broccoli

Sunday – Balsamic Chicken & Mushrooms/Steamed Rice/Italian Cut Green Beans – (E-mealz.com 367)

mealplanmonday_v2

March 21 – March 27th, 2011

Monday – Roast Beef w/ Vegetables / Texas Toast – (E-mealz.com 367)

Tuesday – Biscuit and Sausage Gravy (Double Recipe) – Scrambled Eggs

Wednesday – Black Bean & Smoked Sausage Soup /Creamy Tomato Slaw /Butter Crackers  (E-mealz.com 368)

Thursday – (Book group) –  Italian Casserole / Garden Salad / Garlic Bread  –  (E-mealz.com 368)

Friday – Crock Pot Sloppy Joes/ Chips / Celery Sticks w/ Ranch –  (E-mealz.com 368)

Saturday – Pasta Primavera / Green Beans / Hot English Muffins  –  (E-mealz.com 368)

Sunday – Easy Oven Poached Salmon/ Cousous / Green Beans

Ingredients:
4 Salmon Fillets
Parsley to taste
Pappy’s/Seasoning blend to taste
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
 
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place fillets in 9×13 baking dish. Pour Chicken Stock in dish around fish. Sprinkle both fish and stock evenly with both Parsley and Seasoning Blend. Cover with foil. Cook for 20 minutes.
Yes, that really is it. You can serve it over a simple cousous with some broccoli! It is good for you, cooks in 20 minutes and is really easy.
 

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: February 28th

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February 26th – March 6th, 2011

Saturday –  Old Coyan Buffet (Clean out the Fridge night)

Sunday – Biscuit and Sausage Gravy (Double Recipe) – Scrambled Eggs

Monday – MPTP – Easy Chicken Divan

3 cups cooked cubed chicken
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
1 Pkg (10 oz) Frozen Broccoli Florets, Thawed
2 cans cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/3 cup Mayo
1/4 Cup Milk
2 Cups (8 oz) shredded taco/Mexican or cheddar cheese, divided

In a greased shallow 2-1/2 qt. baking dish, combine chicken, salt and pepper.  Top with broccoli.  In a bowl, combine the soup, mayo, milk and 1-1/2 cup cheese; pour over broccoli.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese.  Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.   4-6 servings.

Tuesday – Dental Exams – Panera’s Cream Potato Soup with Crusty Bread

Wednesday – Baked Fish – Emeril’s Seasoned Rice  and Broccolli 

Thursday – Book Group – Book Group (my house) – Delite Pizza (Papa Murphys) –  Artichoke Dip/Chips, Veggies and Greek Yogurt Dip and Chocolate Zuchinni Cake

Friday – Hamburgers w Secret Sauce – Fries

Saturday – German Pancakes and Brats

Sunday – Panera Brocolli and Cheese Soup / Crossiants

 

 

mealplanmonday_v2

March 7th – March 13th, 2011

Monday – Book Group – Easy Chicken & Rice Casserole/ Vegetable

Chicken breasts
1 cup rice
1 can your choice cream of … soup
1 packet Italian seasoning mix
2 cups boiling water
Salt & pepper, or your favorite seasonings

Mix soup, rice and Italian Seasoning with 2 cups boiling water. 

Pour into a 9 x 13 baking pan, place Chicken on top and sprnkle with paprika. 

 

Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Put in oven at 350.

 

Tuesday – Working Late – PEPPY PIZZA PASTA
1 lb. hot Italian sausage
1 bag sauteed onion (from freezer)
12 oz. whole wheat rotini, cooked
3-1/2 oz. sliced pepperoni
28 oz. can spaghetti sauce
8 oz. can tomato sauce
4 oz. sliced mushrooms, drained
2 cups mozzarella cheese
9×9 foil pan
Brown sausage. Pour into a colander and drain. Rinse with very hot water to get the extra fat off. Drain well and pour back into a large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients except cheese and mix well. Spray foil pans with cooking spray. Evenly divide mixture between pans. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover one pan with heavy duty foil and freeze (mark with cooking instructions) and bake the other at 350° for 45 minutes. This dish can also be baked in the microwave if glass pans are used. – Menus4moms.com

Wednesday – Shortcut Chicken Cordon Blue

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken (from freezer)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
  • 4 cups cooked egg noodles

In a medium skillet over medium heat add soup, water, wine, cheese and ham. Heat to a boil, stirring often. Add cooked chicken to pan. Reduce heat to lo, cover and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Thursday – Board Meeting –  Mom’s Mac and Cheese and Hotdogs

MOM’S MACARONI AND CHEESE

1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 ounces process American cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.  Place in a greased 1-1/2 qt. baking dish; set aside.  In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.  Stir in flour until smooth.  Gradually add milk; bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes; reduce heat.  Stir in cheese, salt and pepper until cheese is melted.  Pour over macaroni; mix well.  Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs.  Sprinkle over casserole.  bake uncovered, at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.  Yield: 6 servings.

Taste of Home: April/May 1998

Friday – French Bread Pizza 

Saturday – Easy Oven Poached Salmon/ Cousous / Green Beans

Ingredients:
4 Salmon Fillets
Parsley to taste
Pappy’s/Seasoning blend to taste
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
 
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place fillets in 9×13 baking dish. Pour Chicken Stock in dish around fish. Sprinkle both fish and stock evenly with both Parsley and Seasoning Blend. Cover with foil. Cook for 20 minutes.
Yes, that really is it. You can serve it over a simple cousous with some broccoli! It is good for you, cooks in 20 minutes and is really easy.

Sunday – CHICKEN, HAM, and RICE CASSEROLE / Veggies

2 c. cooked brown rice
1 c. cubed ham, cooked (from freezer)
2 c. cubed chicken, cooked (from freezer)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese
1 c. buttered bread crumbs
Combine all ingredients except bread crumbs and cheese. Top with bread crumbs then cheese and bake at 350° for 30 min. – Menus4moms.com

mealplanmonday_v2

February 21st – 27th, 2011

Monday – Off Holiday – Homemade Panera Tomato Soup / Grilled Cheese /Cantaloupe

Tuesday – Stir Fry with Brown Rice

Wednesday – Late HV – Easy Chicken & Rice Casserole/ Vegetable

Chicken breasts
1 cup rice
1 can your choice cream of … soup
1 packet Italian seasoning mix
2 cups boiling water
Salt & pepper, or your favorite seasonings

Mix soup, rice and Italian Seasoning with 2 cups boiling water. 

Pour into a 9 x 13 baking pan, place Chicken on top and sprnkle with paprika. 

 

Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Put in oven at 350.

 

Thursday – Easy Taco Soup – Corn Bread

Friday – Movie NightSteak Cheese Sandwich – Steak Fries

Saturday – Biscuit and Sausage Gravy (Double Recipe) – Scrambled Eggs

Sunday – Magnuson SundayRoast Chicken – Wild Rice/ Corn

 

mealplanmonday_v2

February 28th – March 6th, 2011

Monday – MPTP – Easy Chicken Divan

3 cups cooked cubed chicken
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
1 Pkg (10 oz) Frozen Broccoli Florets, Thawed
2 cans cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/3 cup Mayo
1/4 Cup Milk
2 Cups (8 oz) shredded taco/Mexican or cheddar cheese, divided

In a greased shallow 2-1/2 qt. baking dish, combine chicken, salt and pepper.  Top with broccoli.  In a bowl, combine the soup, mayo, milk and 1-1/2 cup cheese; pour over broccoli.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese.  Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.   4-6 servings.

Tuesday – Dental Exams – Panera’s Cream Potato Soup with Crusty Bread

Wednesday – Baked Fish – Emeril’s Seasoned Rice  and Broccolli 

Thursday – Book Group – Book Group (my house) – Delite Pizza (Papa Murphys) –  Artichoke Dip/Chips, Veggies and Greek Yogurt Dip and Chocolate Zuchinni Cake

Friday – Hamburgers w Secret Sauce – Fries

Saturday – German Pancakes and Brats

Sunday – Panera Brocolli and Cheese Soup / Crossiants

 

To Try:  Pumpkin Cookies

 

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!!!

 

mealplanmonday_v2

 February 7 – February 13,  2011 

 

Monday –  Steak/ Baked Potato/ Green Beans (fresh)

Tuesday –

 

Country Ham and Cheese Macaroni Casserole

1 lb. smoked cooked ham, chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 lb. elbow macaroni (approximately 4 cups)
2 c. shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (80z)
1 c. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 c. margarine, melted
1 c dry, plain bread crumbs


Boil noodles according to package instructions along with diced onion, until noodles are done. Drain. Meanwhile, mix together rest of ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cooked noodles/onion and add to oven safe casserole dish (greased). Pour bread crumbs evenly over noodles and then pour melted butter over the crumbs.

Bake for 30-45 minutes at 375 degrees or until cheese is well melted.

Wednesday – Shortcut Chicken Cordon Blue

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken (from freezer)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
  • 4 cups cooked egg noodles

In a medium skillet over medium heat add soup, water, wine, cheese and ham. Heat to a boil, stirring often. Add cooked chicken to pan. Reduce heat to lo, cover and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Thursday – Spaghetti Pie/ Salad

Friday – Sloppy Joes/ Curly Fries

Saturday – BBQ Pork Chops /Mashed Potatoes/ Corn

Sunday –  Roast Sticky Chicken (Crockpot) /Wild Rice/ Corn

New Recipes to Try:

Nacho Bake

Steak Stir Fry

Tuna Salad (with apples)

Easy Taco Soup

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 February 7 – February 13,  2011 

 

Monday – Book Group (my house) – Delite Pizza (Papa Murphys) –  Pizza Dip and Chocolate Zuchinni Cake

Tuesday – 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.

Wednesday – Panera Brocolli Cheese Soup and Bread Sticks

Thursday – (Board meeting) –  – Easy Pot Roast

Friday – Meatball Subs/ chips

Saturday- Easy Oven Poached Salmon/ Cousous / Green Beans

Ingredients:
4 Salmon Fillets
Parsley to taste
Pappy’s/Seasoning blend to taste
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
 
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place fillets in 9×13 baking dish. Pour Chicken Stock in dish around fish. Sprinkle both fish and stock evenly with both Parsley and Seasoning Blend. Cover with foil. Cook for 20 minutes.
Yes, that really is it. You can serve it over a simple cousous with some broccoli! It is good for you, cooks in 20 minutes and is really easy.

Sunday –  Twice Baked Potato Casserole/ Baked ham/ Corn

Nana’s Nine Layer Dip

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Can 16 oz. refried beans
  • 1 Cup sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp. taco seaoning mix
  • 1 Cup guacamole
  • 1 Cup Monterey jack cheese
  • 1 Cup yellow sharp cheese
  • 1 Cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 Cup sweet onions
  • 1/4 Cup red & green peppers
  • *Black olives optional*

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Layer beans, layer sour cream mixed with taco seasoning, guacamole, & cheeses. Put in refrigerator.
  2. Mix tomatoes, chopped onion & peppers. Add a dash of olive oil, red wine vinegar & cilantro. Put in refrigerator.
  3. Just before serving put the tomato mixture on top.
  4. Serve with LOTS of Tortilla chips!

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!!!

 

 

Budget Update: Weekly Groceries

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Hubby and I went grocery shopping today after planning our menu.   We only used money we had on gift cards so that meant we stayed within budget.   YEAH!!  

Since hubby’s parents have moved to Stillwater we have been going to the Walmart Superstore after we are done at Aldi.  Aldi is still cheaper, but Walmart Superstore seems to be cheaper than Cub Foods.  

I spent the following to plan our menu for the next 8 days.  We feed between 5-6 people each night. We have a open door policy so we never know who will show up

Walmart 1/28 –   $11.12
Aldi – 1/30     –   $ 94.52
Walmart –           $ 42.61

Total –            $148.25 / 18.53 per day or 129.00 per week.  

I want to keep our household budget down to 125.00 a week, but have not been able to maintain that.   The price of food has increased and we continue to eat the same amount.   I still know I am doing better than I would if I didn’t plan a menu each week.   Hopefully next week will be better.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!