Monday Meal Plan

 

You know that moment when you look into the freezer and realize maybe it's time to use some of what's in there? Yeah, that's what this week is looking like. Plus, we have some carryovers from last week. We're going to be out of town for a few days for spring break, and you know how I love love love to leave a cleaned out fridge.

Meal Plan: March 17-22

Kids' Breakfast

Monday: eggs & toast, strawberries and blueberries

Tuesday: waffles, peanut butter, apple slices

Wednesday: blueberry muffin, yogurt, banana

Thursday: granola bar, strawberries

Friday: waffles, Nutella, banana




Kids' Packed Lunch

Monday: leftover crockpot Philly hoagie, pretzels, yogurt, muffin

Tuesday: ham & cheese wrap, carrots, strawberries and blueberries

Wednesday: cream cheese and jelly sandwich, goldfish, red pepper slices, strawberries, cookie

Thursday: quesadilla, celery and peanut butter, chips and salsa, yogurt

Friday: leftover BBQ pork sandwich, apple slices, cheese stick, muffin




My Lunch

Monday: ham & pesto "faux" grilled cheese, steamed carrots

Tuesday: veggie wrap, steamed asparagus

Wednesday: salad with leftover pork

Thursday: taco salad

Friday: veggie wrap




Dinner

Monday: jalapeño popper chicken, steamed asparagus, salad, rolls

Tuesday: pork roast, mashed potatoes, steamed corn, salad, rolls

Wednesday: taco salad

Thursday: BBQ pork sandwiches, cheesy potato chips, steamed asparagus, celery & peanut butter

Friday: pizza

 

Five Friday Faves :)

 

 

I've taken some time- maybe too much? But I woke up this morning with a new resolve and eager to get into spring!

I'm excited to reflect on this weeks favorites with you!

1. Favorite Workout

Today! And before you ask, it was not my only workout. . .

3.14 miles for pi day :) can't be any more fun than that, right? It was a hard run. Wind+BOB=brutal. For real.

But look at this sweet face swinging after our run:

Oh, and have I mentioned she's nosy?

 

2. Favorite Article

I read this article on Finding Joy. I just need it this week. Read it. Maybe you do too.

 

3. Favorite Picture




Yeah, just hanging out eating blueberries in the middle of the kitchen floor. Love her.

 

4. Favorite Meal

I should have taken a picture. But imagine if you can: frozen waffle, scoop of plain Chobani, sliced apples, sprinkled cinnamon. Yum!

 

5. Favorite Moment

Lately, we have been trying to be diligent about having a family bible study 1-2 nights a week. Nothing makes me prouder than hearing those sweet voices recite 1 Peter 3:8. But beyond that, Noah's apology now includes, I wasn't loving as brothers. I love his tender heart.

Oh and that moment that taxes are done? Yeah love that moment too! Haha!!

 

Meal Plan Monday is back!

Over this ugly deep freeze, somehow (hello cookies and coffee!) I gained back about 7 pounds- but it's been a great winter :) This week however, I have my resolve back- the warmer temps make me smile just thinking about it, and I'm ignoring the snow we're supposed to get Wednesday after 70 tomorrow. I'll believe it when I see it. But I see lots of running and playing outside in my future this week :)

I'm sure you have probably noticed (or don't care!) that we've been having a bunch of waffles lately. Costco has a ginormous box of waffles for $6.99, the kids and I may be in love! I pop one in the toaster too it with a little peanut butter and load up sliced bananas, strawberries and blueberries. Perfect!

Oh and then there is the box if 15 cartons of Chobani for 8.99 this week. For real. I guess I know what I'm eating a lot of this week! It's ok because I love it, and so do the kids. I should be able to score another box before the sale is over.

Meal Plan: March 10-16

Kids' Breakfast
Monday: granola bar and apple
Tuesday: pancakes, strawberries, blueberries
Wednesday: blueberry muffins, banana
Thursday: waffles with peanut butter and banana
Friday: eggs & toast


Kids' Packed Lunch
Monday: Nutella sandwich, banana, pretzels, fruit snack, yogurt
Tuesday: ham and cream cheese roll up, gold fish, cheese stick, apple, cookie
Wednesday: peanut butter and apple quesadilla, carrots and ranch, yogurt, cookie
Thursday: cream cheese and jelly english muffin, cheez-it's, raspberries, yogurt
Friday: leftover crockpot chicken Philly hoagy, pretzels, strawberries, cookie

My Lunch
Monday: salad with chopped ham, salsa, avocado
Tuesday: salad with salmon, avocado, ranch dressing, 1/2 baked sweet potato
Wednesday: leftover taco salad with black beans, avocado, salsa
Thursday: leftover chicken philly hoagy, small salad
Friday: leftover chicken fried rice

Weekend Breakfast
Saturday: French toast with bananas, strawberries and blueberries
Sunday: blueberry muffins


Weekend Lunch
Saturday: leftover pizza
Sunday: Cajun dirty rice, salad

Dinner
Monday: pesto salmon baked sweet potatoes, salad
Tuesday: taco salad
Wednesday: crockpot chicken Philly hoagies, corn, salad
Thursday: chicken fried rice
Friday: homemade pizza
Saturday: jalapeño popper chicken, steamed asparagus, salad
Sunday: skyline baked potatoes


 

Meal planning

 

I'm in a cooking rut. There. I said it out loud.

I'm stuck between I'm ready for winter to be over and winter is not over. At all.

It makes me not want to plan. And so, at 5pm, you can find me standing at the fridge, gazing in, hoping something will jump out at me. And fast!

Because nothing is jumping out, I've been flying by the seat of my pants (well, skirt) and my family is severely underwhelmed.

And now, I have a 10 pound bag of chicken from Costco that is taking up all visual space in my freezer, and it seems I always need what is behind it. I should really do something about that. I'm thinking, big bag goes in the basement freezer, then I'll keep a smaller bag with this weeks chicken plans upstairs?

Since yesterday and today are now over, I'll start with Wednesday.

Meal Plan: March 4-9

Kids' Breakfast

Wednesday: waffles, peanut butter, banana

Thursday: granola bar, yogurt, blackberries

Friday: eggs, toast




Kids' Packed Lunch

Wednesday: peanut butter, jelly & banana roll up, pretzels, cheese stick, yogurt

Thursday: cream cheese, ham & spinach roll up, goldfish, mixed berry smoothie

Friday: leftover tacos, chips, salsa, strawberries, yogurt

 

Mom Lunch

Wednesday: salad with leftover chicken

Thursday: taco nachos with leftover taco meat

Friday: leftover shrimp Fra Diavlo




Weekend Breakfast

Saturday: pancakes, banana

Sunday: blueberry muffins




Weekend Lunch

Saturday: baby shower

Sunday: baked chicken parm, salad, steamed asparagus, rolls

 

Dinner

Wednesday: tacos

Thursday: shrimp Fra Diavlo, salad, rolls

Friday: homemade pizza

Saturday: chicken fried rice

Sunday: leftovers

 

Meal Plan Monday

 

I hope you all had a great President's Day (and so sorry if you had to work!). We had a fun trip to Costco, came home with Costco pizza for lunch ($4.95 with coupon, score!), and free (another coupon!) rotisserie chicken for dinner.

But we started the day with these:

<French toast with bananas and blackberries topped with maple syrup>

*****

For my lunches this week, I plan to stick to a salad with chicken or whatever protein we have leftover from dinner and a smoothie. So I'm leaving the my lunch category off the schedule this week.

I'm also going to be experimenting a little with smoothies, especially with the kids, so I won't be linking any recipes for now. I'll try to remember to tell you what was a hit and what failed next Monday (if not before!)

*****

Now,

Meal Plan: Week of February 17-23

Kids' Breakfast

Tuesday: pancakes with peanut butter and banana

Wednesday: granola bar, apple, smoothie

Thursday: French toast, smoothie

Friday: pumpkin pie oatmeal with granola

 

Kids' Packed Lunch

Tuesday: leftovers, orange, yogurt

Wednesday: peanut butter and banana quesadilla, cheese stick, yogurt

Thursday: ham and cream cheese roll up, cheese stick, carrots, apple

Friday: leftover spaghetti, red pepper sticks, apple sauce




Weekend Breakfast

Saturday: waffles, eggs, strawberries and bananas

Sunday: cinnamon rolls




Weekend Lunch

Saturday: sandwiches or salads

Sunday: Salmon, garlic cheesy biscuits, brown rice, salad




Dinner

Monday: rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, garlic cheesy biscuits

Tuesday: leftovers, celery with peanut butter

Wednesday: honey garlic pork chops, leftover mashed potatoes, peas

Thursday: spaghetti, salad, homemade garlic bread

Friday: Skyline

Saturday: date night <3

Sunday: enchiladas, chipotle "copy cat" rice

*****

What's on your schedule this week?

 

Meal Plan Monday: February 10-16

 

Last week was a busy week, to say the least. We had some unexpected things turn up that messed with my original meal plan- so I have some menu items carried over from last week.

This week, with parent teacher conferences and no games on Friday, we have a few open evenings to actually sit down together! Unless something changes :)

I'm also including Friday's meals in our weekend meals since it's a day off school for the kiddies.

Week of: February 10-16

Kids' Breakfast

Monday: blueberry muffin, banana, yogurt

Tuesday: pancakes

Wednesday: egg bagel

Thursday: granola bar, apple

 

Kids' Packed Lunch

Monday: ham and cheese bagel, celery & peanut butter, banana chips, yogurt, fruit snacks

Tuesday: leftover pizza, carrots and hummus, blackberries, cookie

Wednesday: Skyline 3 way, salad, York mint

Thursday: cream cheese and jelly bagel, cheddar bunnies, carrots and hummus, orange

 

My Lunch

Monday: Deyo's Italian Bistro

Tuesday: leftover pizza, yogurt, salad

Wednesday: baked potato, salad

Thursday: quinoa salad with beans, corn and tomato

 

Weekend Breakfast

Friday: waffles, banana

Saturday: omelette, apple and peanut butter

Sunday: pancakes

 

Weekend Lunch

Friday: grilled cheese with tomato soup

Saturday: sandwiches (in the car, in between games)

Sunday: lunch with family

 

Dinner

Monday: pizza

Tuesday: Skyline baked potatoes

Wednesday: enchiladas, quinoa salad with beans, corn and tomatoes

Thursday: spicy honey chicken, corn, cheesy potato chips

Friday: shrimp pasta with lemon, spinach and tomatoes, salad, rolls

Saturday: spinach and ricotta stuffed chicken, salad, leftover rolls

Sunday: leftovers

*****

I feel like I'm in a rut, what's on your menu for the week?

 

Friday Favorites: week 6

 

I've been feeling pretty blah about the week. The weather has gotten the best of me, I've been slacking on my workouts, and it's just been a crazy busy week in general. I really needed this post this week :)

1. Favorite Workout

I have to say Monday's 9 miles. Even though I dodged snow and ice for a lot of the way, it was a good strong run. I'm very happy with it! And I am looking forward to my 10 mile run on Monday.

2. Favorite Article

Did you see the article about the Pittsburgh Steeler who just completed his first marathon? Since retiring in 2011, Alan Faneca dropped over 100 pounds and ran his first marathon and under 4 hours! Such a neat story! Plus, it's about a Steeler, which we know is always a plus at our house :)

 

3. Favorite Picture

A neat little heart in my fantastical hubby made latte.

 

4. Favorite Meal

A cookie counts right? I think every night this week we ate quick on the run, poor Chad probably ate more fast food than anyone should. Hopefully we can get back on our schedule next week. Or at least eat dinner all together as a family.

5. Favorite Moment

That moment when I called Chad defeated. The last straw was the crock pot wasn't cooking the chicken. And without taking even taking a breath, he said, "I'll pick up Chipotle, don't worry honey". Despite everything, I smiled. Love that man <3

 

Friday Favorites: week 5

 

I'm late on this weeks Friday Favorites. Sorry! I've just now (ok, maybe an hour ago...) sat down for the first time since about yesterday at noon. I'll give you my excuses later :)

1. Favorite Workout

Thursday night, after I got Noah and Lydia in bed and Chad and Madison were still at her practice, I dialed up my friend YouTube. I found a great full body workout by Be Mom Strong.

Check it out:

 

2. Favorite Article

I read a great little blog post written by Kristen over at When At Home by called Let Your Husband Love You. It's easy to forget how hard it is for our husbands to leave every morning for work, knowing we're home with the babies. It's easy to think of work being a treat because they aren't dealing with the day to day crazy. You know, a baby that won't nap, the dirty toilets, the homework, the arguing kids, dinner prep with a still whiny baby... But I think any husband would agree, they'd much rather be home with you and the littles than heading off to work all day and often times bring more work home. While I know not all husbands have to work Saturday's, mine does. And I know, it breaks his heart leaving for work knowing we are heading to one or more basketball games. Thank your husband today.

 

3. Favorite Picture

I took this Thursday night at Noah's practice. Lydia helping Madison with her homework :)

 

4. Favorite Meal

Tuesday night, I fixed chicken philly subs and cheesy potato chips. We used day old Jimmy Johns subs. Not only was it so yummy, but the kids gobbled it up and asked for it in their lunch on Wednesday. Mom win of the week.

 

5. Favorite Moment

Thursday, at 2 days shy of 17 months old, Lydia poo-pooed on the pot! Clearly, we have a long way (and probably a long, long, long way with her stubborn hiney!) to go, but that first time is memorable, right?!

 

Post Workout Smoothie

I have put together the most delicious post workout smoothie. I could drink it all day long. And I'm going to share it with you.

This:

 

Turns into this:

 

The recipe:

 

You can sub any frozen berries for the blueberries. I tried it with mixed berries tonight and it was so yummy!

You could cut your banana in half if you prefer, or if you have a toddler that loves bananas. I liked it with the whole banana better, sweeter and creamier than just half.

You could use a frozen banana and skip the ice cubes.

I used a carton Chobani Plain Greek yogurt. I know different brands have different flavors. I just prefer Chobani. You could also use a flavored yogurt to make it even sweeter. The pomegranate juice can give it a tart flavor if your berries aren't sweet enough. I would stick to a berry flavored or honey flavored yogurt if you're going that route. I haven't tried it with anything except plain at this point so I can't comment any further :)

Even this sweet girl liked it:

 

*****

Now, what makes it perfect for after a workout?

The Greek yogurt and banana will help to quickly replenish your energy. Your pomegranate juice, berries and spinach will help with muscle soreness, and help speed up recovery.

*****

What's your favorite post workout snack?

 

 

Polar Vortex? Just plain cold!

A busy day at home with the kiddos.

Snow day #6 here. Thankfully, Ohio came up with (and our district adopted) a plan to give us a few extra snow days without adding days to the end of the school year. Enter Blizzard Bags.

Busy working on their Blizzard Bags in their pjs:

 

 

Miss Lydia had to be in on what the big kids were doing:

 

So much so that we had a no nap day. Maybe she'll sleep tonight? Probably not.

*****

Funny story about the laundry today:

I was putting in the 2nd load of the day, I had a shirt and skirt of Lydia's on the dryer (pretreated with Dawn after an incident with a green marker). I started the water and tossed those 2 in, ran upstairs for the rest but completely forgot what I was doing. As in, I didn't remember what I was doing until I heard the dryer go off and went in to switch and noticed I forgot to put the lid down on the washer AND then I still didn't remember until I went to switch them to the dryer and whoops! There were only 2 pieces of clothing still in the washer. Oh, there's more- I switched them to the dryer and apparently forgot to turn it on. I may be losing it.

*****

Dinner:

Chicken philly sub and cheesy potato chips. The bun? Oh, just yesterday's bun from Jimmy John's. 50 cents. So yummy. It really made the sub. Go. Buy one or two tomorrow.

*****

Chad told Lydia to come say night night to Noah. She cracked up laughing and crawled into his bed. Cuties.

 

*****

The temperatures today were not as cold as it was a few weeks ago, but still so bitter cold. This has not been good for the running. . . I know I sound like a broken record. I keep thinking that at any point this winter will somehow turn into last winter. Remember? 30s and 40s all winter long? Yes please.

I am excited for Friday though, the forecast says 37! A run with the BOB is looking good :) Hopefully, the bike trail is thawed out by then, I'd really like 5 flat miles.

Oh, and I'm really hoping that next winter is less brutal since I'll be finishing up marathon training in December and January. I'm still in denial I'm even saying that out loud.

*****

Are you looking forward to warmer days ahead, whenever they get here?




 

Meal Plan Monday- clean out the freezer and pantry edition

 

As I usually try to do the last week of the month, this weeks menu is full of meat from the freezer (that I got on managers special) and pantry as much as possible.

I am also going to spare you the redundancy of listing leftovers for all of my lunches, cause that's what it's going to be!

I've also switched up the color that represent a link. Hopefully, where there is a link, you now see a burgandy color instead of a slightly lighter grey. Today, these links represent recipes.

 

Week of January 27-February 2

Kids' Breakfast

Monday: blueberry muffins

Tuesday: apple and peanut butter quesadilla

Wednesday: oatmeal

Thursday: cereal

Friday: pancakes with peanut butter and banana




Kids' Packed Lunch

Monday: chicken taco, strawberries, yogurt

Tuesday: grilled cheese and tomato soup, cheese stick, broccoli, fig newton

Wednesday: quesadilla, corn, apple slices, yogurt

Thursday: ham, cream cheese, spinach pinwheel, carrots, strawberries, fruit snack

Friday: leftover mac & cheese, apple with peanut butter and granola, fig newtons




Weekend Breakfast

Saturday: banana and granola bar, yogurt with granola

Sunday: pancakes




Weekend Lunch

Saturday: leftovers

Sunday: salmon, roasted red potatoes, steamed carrots, cheesy garlic biscuits




Dinner

Monday: pork chops, leftover carrots and potatoes, leftover rolls, salad

Tuesday: leftover chicken philly subs on day-old Jimmy Johns bread, baked fries

Wednesday: veggie filled minestrone soup, homemade Italian bread (from the freezer)

Thursday: homemade sloppy joes on homemade wheat buns, mac & cheese

Friday: a quick sandwich before a full night of back to back basketball games

Saturday: homemade pizza

Sunday: chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice

 

Meal Plan Monday (on Wednesday??!)

 

So sorry that my meal plan post is a few days late. We enjoyed an extended weekend at the beach- more about that and running on the beach later :)

 

Meal Plan: Week of January 22-26

Kids' Breakfast

Wednesday: cereal

Thursday: blueberry muffins

Friday: bagel with cream cheese and jelly

 

Kids' Packed Lunch

Wednesday: peanut butter and honey bagel, cheese stick, goldfish, orange, cookie

Thursday: leftover spaghetti and garlic bread, broccoli

Friday: ham and cheese roll up on crackers, strawberries, cottage cheese, cookie

 

My Lunch

Wednesday: guac and tortilla chips, yogurt, banana

Thursday: salad, cottage cheese, strawberries

Friday: leftover taco chili

 

Weekend Breakfast

Saturday: pancakes with peanut butter and banana

Sunday: cinnamon rolls

 

Weekend Lunch

Saturday: leftover chicken philly sub

Sunday: tacos

 

Dinner

Wednesday: spaghetti and garlic bread (using this Italian bread), steamed broccoli

Thursday: crockpot chicken chili

Friday: crockpot chicken philly subs on homemade Italian hoagy, baked potato

Saturday: salmon, brown sugar steamed carrots, salad, garlic biscuits

Sunday: roast in the crockpot with red potatoes, onions and carrots, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls

*****

Are you trying out any new recipes this week?

Rolls or biscuits, which of you prefer?

Friday Favorites: week 3

 

It's been a seemingly busy week, yet when I look back I can't think of what we actually did. I do know there was a lot of coffee consumed.

1. Favorite Workout

I have to say it was my first training run for my next half marathon. 10k in 59:10. I originally planned 6, but decided to go the extra .2 to see if I could run it in under an hour. I've been chasing a sub-60 10k since my first 10k back in August, and check it- I ran it in a training run like it was no big thang.

2. Favorite Article

Why Runner's Need to Strength Train. I think the items listed are things we all know, but need to be reminded of from time to time.

3. Favorite Picture

I'm digging the closet this week. It makes me happy every time!

4. Favorite Meal

Wednesday night's dinner. I threw together "healthy" grilled cheese (no butter, olive oil spray in the skillet). I loaded mine up- avocado mashed up and slathered on like mayo, a slice of turkey, red pepper, spinach, and bacon. Does "healthy" go entirely out the window at them mention if bacon? It was so yummy!

5. Favorite Moment

Thursday morning. Waking up to the realization that I'm going to beach tomorrow helped me get through yesterday and today with smiles :)

Now I get all that last minute stuff ready so we can get out the door on time! And keep the kiddos quiet so Chad can get some sleep.

*****

What are your 5 favorites for the week?

 

Meal Plan Monday

It's a short week for us since we are heading down to Myrtle Beach for the weekend, so I have left Saturday and Sunday off of the schedule.

I had to make a menu change for lunch today since I didn't actually have chicken for chicken francese, so we had pork chops with herb dijon sauce, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and garlic cheesey biscuits. Yum-o!

 

Week of January 13-19

Kids' Breakfast

Monday: blueberry muffins, banana

Tuesday: apple pie oatmeal

Wednesday: eggs & toast, orange

Thursday: granola bar, banana

Friday: pancakes with peanut butter and bananas




Kids' Packed Lunch

Monday: turkey and spinach wrap, cottage cheese and apples, popcorn, yogurt

Tuesday: peanut butter and honey bagel, apple, red pepper sticks and ranch, blueberry muffin

Wednesday: quesadillas, tortilla chips, salsa, carrots, cookie

Thursday: cream cheese and jelly bagel, apple and peanut butter, snap peas and ranch, yogurt

Friday: ham and cream cheese roll up, red pepper sticks and ranch, orange




My Lunch

Monday: leftover pork chop, biscuit, salad, apple and peanut butter, yogurt and granola

Tuesday: salad with turkey, bacon, and avocado, leftover asparagus, orange

Wednesday: taco salad, cottage cheese, apple, and granola

Thursday: turkey, bacon and avocado wrap, yogurt, orange

Friday: salad with salmon, orange




Dinner

Monday: herb-butter penne with salmon, garlic cheesy biscuits, asparagus

Tuesday: cowboy quesadillas, salad

Wednesday: ham, pesto, mozzarella grilled cheese and pasta salad

Thursday: crockpot pork chops, steamed carrots, rolls

Friday: homemade pizza

*****

What are you eating this week?

 

Five Friday Faves: week 2

 

1. Favorite Workout

The mamas over at Be Mom Strong have outdone themselves again. This workout is 22 minutes of pure hurt. For real. They call it a 4x4 workout: 4 circuits with 4 exercises repeated. Chad actually said, "that was really intense!" After the workout, I did my 70 squats, 50 crunches and 60 second plank, my legs were pretty much jelly. I don't regret it one bit!

I was looking through their YouTube channel for a workout, and just arbitrarily picked this one. And then, they posted about it this morning? Say what?! Great minds think alike :)

Check it out:

 

2. Favorite article

This week, I have been doing a little blog research on how to do things better around here. Ironically, a post came through the BlogHer network called Blogger Beware: You CAN Get Sued For Using Photos You Don't Own On Your Blog. The author goes through her personal experience with using a photographers photo in a post. Her experience was very eye opening for me, a blogger who is just starting out. She also lists free open source resources to use. Thank you!

3. Favorite picture

4. Favorite meal

I have to say, it felt good to cook again. The menu this week was full of yumminess. But my simple Apple Pie Oatmeal breakfast from Tuesday was the best this week.

 

5. Favorite moment

While we certainly missed Madison while she was gone on Tuesday afternoon, I did enjoy the quiet time with Noah (and Lydia) making cinnamon rolls. He's getting more and more interested in helping out when I cook (especially when it comes to controlling the mixer). I need to swallow the "I know it's just going to make a big mess" lump more often and just let him. He was proud :)

*****

Tell me your favorites for this week!

 

The time has come, our fun is over...

Another "cold day" off school here.

Apple pie oatmeal:

 

Coloring a drawing of ourselves:

 

Hanging out with the dog:

 

Madison went to have sewing fun with friends, so Noah and I kicked it in to high gear and made some cinnamon rolls:

 

And Lydia tasted and devoured her first lollipop:

*****

After we got the kids in bed, Chad had some work to do, so I did some yoga and Day 3 of my SCPC (squats, crunches, plank challenge). I'm soooooo glad tomorrow is a built in rest day! Plus, I'll have the opportunity to move my challenge reps to the mornings instead of at night.

And then coffee and a cinnamon roll (or 2...). The cinnamon roll is a problem.

*****

Cinnamon roll(s) + mama not running as much = a much needed gym membership so I can get back to running 5+ days a week (without cold and wind!)

Tomorrow, I'm going to take on that challenge. Starting with a new place in town that's opens in February. It's going to be a center for women only with free day care- which would be my preference- but as always, money is a factor, their sales office is open tomorrow and they are supposed to be offering a pre-opening special, but we'll see how special it is! The fall back plan would be a new place a little further away, no day care, but it's super duper cheap. I'm kind of hoping the first place pulls through, but glad I have a back up plan.

*****

Extended winter break has come to an end and all alarms must be set for zero dark:30. Or 7:00, whichever comes last.


*****

How was your Tuesday?

Have your kids gone back to school?

 

Meal Plan Monday!

I would like to welcome you to the newest feature here on the blog. Meal Plan Monday.


Are you excited? I am!


As I resolved for the new year, 2014 is the year of wholesome homecooked meals for my family.

Each Monday, I will post what is on my menu for the week and any applicable recipe links.

 

Week of January 6-12

Kids' Breakfast

Monday: pancakes with peanut butter and bananas

Tuesday: morning glory muffins, orange

Wednesday: blueberry muffins, banana

Thursday: granola bar, banana

Friday: oatmeal

Saturday: eggs, toast, orange

Sunday: blueberry pancakes

 

Kids' Packed Lunch

Monday: pizzadilla, cottage cheese, orange, yogurt

Tuesday: peanut butter and honey bagel, banana, red pepper sticks and ranch

Wednesday: ham, spinach, cream cheese roll up, broccoli, yogurt, apple

Thursday: taco salad, orange, yogurt

Friday: ham and cheese sandwich, red pepper sticks, cottage cheese, apple

 

My Lunch

Monday: salad with shrimp, apple with peanut butter, snap peas, cottage cheese with pomegranate arils

Tuesday: leftover chicken, salad, yogurt, orange, cheese stick

Wednesday: turkey, avocado, bacon, red pepper wrap, orange, yogurt with pomegranate arils and granola

Thursday: taco salad, cottage cheese with apple and granola

Friday: salad with turkey, avocado red pepper, banana with peanut butter, yogurt with granola

 

Weekend Lunch

Saturday: homemade chicken nuggets, broccoli, cheese stick

Sunday: chicken frances (with chicken broth instead of wine), linguini, salad, rolls (these or these)

 

Dinner

Monday: cheesy jalapeño popper baked stuffed chicken, rolls (these or these), corn

Tuesday: chicken tortilla soup (from the freezer)

Wednesday: tacos

Thursday: pineapple shrimp fried rice

Friday: homemade pizza

Saturday: leftovers or ham, mozzarella, and pesto grilled cheese

Sunday: birthday party

 

Deja vu, is it Thursday?

As embarrassed as I am to say I spent another day in my pjs, I loved it all the same. Miss Lydia is sick just a cold but it seems to be getting worse. Hopefully it won't turn into anything. That sweet girl has gotten the hang of the wait-until-mom-gets-a-tissue-and-don't-wipe-my-nose-with-my-sleeve thing. The kids and I spent the morning cuddled up on the couch watching "Game Plan" on Disney. And after lunch moved to YouTube and Rainbow Loom videos, but we learned how to make a fish tail bracelet. Not a bad way to spend the last days of winter break.

 

I did redeem myself slightly and go for a run this afternoon before the "white death" tomorrow. How redeeming is changing from pjs to running clothes, really? Three slow miles. I came back with the resolve to find a gym so I can run more than 0 times per week. I do have a half marathon to train for after all. 104 days to go.

After dinner and bathing and tucking in the kids, I did some yoga, squats and crunches.

And now, coffee and a cookie. Hubby is good to me.

 

Five Friday Faves: week 1

 

New for 2014!

In a effort to reflect on the positives of my week, each Friday, I will bring you 5 favorite things of the week in the following categories:

1. Favorite workout either I did or saw and can't wait to try out

2. Favorite article

3. Favorite picture

4. Favorite meal

5. Favorite moment

*****

Week 1

1. Favorite workout

This week, I saw a stability ball ab workout over at Be Mom Strong. I couldn't wait to out my new stability ball too good use! Tried it. Loved it.

Check it out:

2. Favorite article

I loved reading all my favorite bloggers recaps of 2013. But my favorite article was peaceful parenting: What Should a 4 Year Old Know. It's an older article (2011), but I ran across it for the first time this week. I was reminded of what's important in my parenting journey. Make sure you hop on over and read it.

 

3. Favorite picture

An oldie, but a goodie. I found this picture of Chad and me while browsing around old pictures looking for something for my new blog header. This was taken in Chicago when he took me for our 5th anniversary. Love him.

 

4. Favorite meal

It's true what they say: it always tastes better when someone else cooks it.

Tuesday, my mom treated us to a mall food court lunch- my pick: Chipotle. And then Wednesday was the leftovers. Yum!




5. Favorite moment


Easy. All my kids curled up with their daddy for bedtime stories before bed.

*****

What are your favorites for the week?










photo credit: f∞lish kamina via photopin cc

 

 

A lazy Thursday

We woke up this morning to snow, snow, snow. Maybe I'll snap a pic tomorrow to share. Poor Chad got up and shoveled the driveway and drove to work, only to meet cancelled appointments.

I forgot to mention I went for a run on New Years Day. A 3 mile run to start off the year, and my first run in my Brooks PureCadence 2s (love them, by the way). I've been limping around today like I've never run before in my life. Clearly 9 days of no running or exercising was not a great plan. And I don't think you can count puking 50 million times as exercise. I guess I've got to get with it. Half Marathon training starts in a week.

The kids and I are savoring the last few days of winter break, and spent today cuddled up in our pjs, watching movies and playing games, and maybe (okay, yes definitely) a nap.

Miss Lydia is under the weather, her poor little nose just keeps running. But that doesn't keep her from being her nosy self. Or maybe she's just helping me get organized? Before you ask, yes, I was right there, making sure she didn't drink anything lethal.

 

I did fix a pretty yummy dinner- chicken topped with spinach sautéed in olive oil and garlic, mozzarella cheese, and Roma tomatoes, rolls, and green beans. Yes, Chad ate a few green beans. And no, he didnt puke. Can't forget the last minute snickerdoodles. Super yummy with my coffee tonight. I really got to get better at this picture taking thing...

You gotta check out this chicken though, my sweet new knife sliced those babies straight down the middle like it was butta.

 

And because this just warms my heart :)