Weekly Menu 4-9 April

I can’t believe it’s April already. Where did March go? For someone who’s been dreading the last couple of weeks, they have really gone quickly. Maybe it’s a sign of my age!
I’m not quite back 100% but I’m working on it.  I did make a menu for this week and a grocery list. I had to send Nick to the commissary to pick up the stuff though. He’s doing an awesome job, but I must admit that I’m ready to be back in charge of the kitchen and meals. I think it’s a control issue. Maybe?
This week’s menu has a few old favorites but it’s still very easy. I’m not quite up to standing for a long time in the kitchen yet.
Sunday: Hoagie Bake (Alex LOVES this dish, he takes leftovers to school for lunch)
Monday: Slow Cooker San Francisco Pork Chops (these are in the crockpot now and it smells fabulous)
Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, fries and broccoli
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Thursday: Grandma’s Beef Casserole
Friday: leftovers or we go out (I’m ready for an evening out)
Saturday:  unsure..hopefully I’ll get it together before then!
The weather is nasty today. We awakened to an amazing sunrise. The colors were beautiful. I tried to capture it, but just couldn’t grab how beautiful is was.  Now it’s cloudy and yucky. We’re supposed to get rain/thunder storms this morning. I am thinking it’s a good day to be stuck at home.

I’m counting down to Wednesday now. I have an 8:30 doctor’s appointment that should result in the removal of my stitches. I know I won’t be ready to run any races, but I’m hoping I can start to really walk again without the boot!

Weekly Menu 20–26 February

Since my picky eater is gone for a week (it’s winter break here) I decided to make dishes that he probably wouldn’t care for, but that Nick and I would enjoy. I am especially looking forward to trying a few new things.

Tonight’s corned beef and cabbage was actually on last week’s menu, but because Alex was leaving Friday morning, I decided to leave it for this week. I knew he probably wouldn’t enjoy it.  I thought it would be fun to try some kind of Irish bread with my corned beef so I found a recipe from allrecipes. com. I can’t wait to try it!

Sunday: Corned Beef and Cabbage with Irish Soda Bread

Monday: Kittie Chicken, brown rice and roasted asparagus

Tuesday: Pioneer Woman’s Enchiladas

Wednesday: Jane Deere’s Pan Seared Shrimp and Four Cheese Ravioli with Vodka Cream Sauce

Thursday: Your Home Based Mom’s Lemon Chicken

Friday: Turkey and Black Bean Chili from Mr. Sunday’s Soups cookbook, with cornbread

Saturday:  I didn’t get this far. I figure after a week of new recipes I’ll be ready for take-out or pizza delivery.

What are you cooking this week? I’m finding that I need a little more inspiration lately. Every week as I’m making the menu I have several cookbooks out as well as my laptop as I’m digging for new recipes.

We had decent weather last week. I even had the windows open for about 30 minutes one day. Just enough to air the house a bit. Yesterday the temperatures started dropping and the wind started whipping. It’s VERY cold today once you factor the wind chill. We even have snow in the forecast tonight.  2-4 inches. Oh my! When will it end???

Weekly Menu

I can’t believe it’s Sunday night again. I started writing out a post for LAST week’s menu but never got it posted. That’s how far behind I am. I did finish a menu today for this week, made a grocery list and pulled coupons to go along with it. I’m feeling accomplished already and I haven’t even started the week yet.
This week’s menu is:
Sunday: Nick and I went out for an adult Valentine’s Dinner
Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and broccoli
Tuesday: Chicken parmesan with salad
Wednesday: Grandma’s Beef Casserole
Thursday: Corned beef and cabbage (something Nick’s been wanting but I haven’t been able to find at the store until today and I am NOT making my own corned beef)
Friday or Sat: Farmgirl’s Chicken and Dumplings
We take Alex to the airport early Friday morning to spend a week in Fargo with his mom. It’s his winter break. I’ve never heard of a school giving a Christmas break, winter break AND a spring break. It must be nice.
So, I don’t know if we’ll eat the chicken and dumplings on Friday or Saturday.
I realized last week that we are less than 6 months from another move and it’s time to start cleaning out the pantry again. Didn’t I just do this?  I’m really hoping this next duty station is for at least 3 years. If everything works as it should, we will be there at least 3 years, maybe even four. As a lot of us know, the Army doesn’t always work the way we think it should. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that this move is on the continent and not overseas. I may lose it if I have to do another overseas move again so soon.
Have a wonderful week everyone!

Weekly Menu

I can't believe today is the last day of January! Where has the month gone? Wasn't it just yesterday we were all blogging about taking Christmas decorations down and putting them away?  January has been a bit blue for me, but I'm determined to perk up for February. It's a short month and before you know it.. it will be March and I'll be headed to Texas then having my foot cut on.
Nick and I are still doing our "no white" diet. I'm hovering at the 5-6 pound loss, which is typical for me. I'm going to step it up this week by finally incorporating some exercise. (yuck) As soon as I finish typing this out, I'm headed across the street to our community center (yes it's that close) to get on the elliptical. I'm hoping the boo boo foot allows me to get at least 20 minutes in.
This week's menu
Sunday: Taco Soup
Monday: Artichoke chicken and broccoli (South Beach Diet Cookbook)
Tuesday: Beef with asparagus and mushrooms (another SBD recipe)
Wednesday: Chicken stir fry
Thursday: Slow Cooker San Francisco Pork Chops
Friday: Hamburgers, Sweet Potato fries
Saturday/Sunday Italian Hoagie Bake  (normally our cheat day, but I'm thinking of switching to Super Bowl Sunday!)
I have been buying about two rotisserie chickens per week to add to salads and just have a little easy protein handy. I'm trying to hang in there for one more week before I start adding a few whole grains back into my diet. Otherwise, I may lose it.
I'm hooking up with Michelle over at Married/Single Parent for a weekly menu hop. Join us if you make your own menu.

Not Feeling It/Weekly Menu

Wow, it's been a while since I posted. For some reason, I'm just not feeling it. It's not that I have nothing to say, I always have something to say, but I just can't make myself sit down and type it out. I'm really tired for some reason.. I wonder if it's winter?? 

I have a few photos to post of the last few days, but not sure I have one for every single day. I'm already falling behind on the Project 365!
We finally finished Alex's project and my dining room table is back to normal!

I'm so glad to have it behind us. It seems just as we finished one thing another comes up. Today he's working on regular Geometry homework and revisions on an English paper. For some reason, the dear boy is frustrated with me. I find myself in Drill Sergeant mode most of the time and frankly, I'm tired of my own voice and he is clearly, not listening. I've turned it all over to Nick and I'm taking a break. It's no wonder I'm tired.

These next few pictures I took two days in a row. These geese love the field just across from our house. I love watching them and taking photos. I think they are just beautiful on the snow and with the water in the background.

Nick and I are vowing to eat healthier for a bit. We both put on a few pounds over the holidays and neither one of us could really afford to do that. We have our son's wedding in June and I'd seriously like to look good in my mother of the groom dress. (not that I have one yet)

So, this week's menu is more carb light. I hate it.. but it's needed.

Monday: Pork Tenderloin, Green Beans and some kind of potato for Alex

Tuesday: Balsamic Glazed Salmon and sauteed spinach

Wednesday: Mexican Chicken Soup

Thursday: Flank steak fajitas

Friday: Turkey and white chili with corn muffins

That's as far as I've gotten so far. These meals aren't as easy as some of my slow cooker and GBP recipes, but I'll adjust. On the weekend we are allowing ourselves a little room to splurge but want to seriously eat better for a while. Wish me luck!

Weekly Menu/New Recipe/Gooseberry Patch cookbook winner!

Wow, that's a lot for one post! I have a lot to say today.
First, let me announce that I have been informed that I won another Gooseberry Patch Cookbook!  Jen over at Jen's Fun Little Things recently hosted a giveaway that someone else won, but never claimed. Sooo.. I was second place and I gratefully accept! She is sending me one of their new cookbooks, Homestyle in a Hurry.  If that title doesn't fit me, nothing does. I do love homestyle cooking but to make it in a hurry works even better! I'm so excited. I can't wait to receive this new book and get started on it.

Next, I want to share a recipe with you that I tried last week from my other Gooseberry Patch book, Slow Cookers, Casseroles and Skillets. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite go-to cookbooks.

The recipe is Grandma's Beef Caserole and was submitted by Eva Jo Hoyle of Mexico, MO

Ingredients

2 lbs stew beef, cubed

1/4 C all purpose flour

10 3/4 oz can cream of mushroom soup

1.35oz pkg onion soup mix

4 oz can whole mushrooms, drained

1/2 cup red wine or beef broth

12 oz pkg medium egg noodles, cooked

Directions

Put beef cubes in a plastic zipping bag. Add flour; seal bag and shake to coat well (I added some salt and pepper to my flour) Brown beef in a heavy skillet that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray; drain. In a slow cooker, combine beef with remaining ingredients except noodles. Cover and cook on low setting for 8-10 hours, or high setting for 5-6 hours. To serve, spoon over cooked noodles. Serves 6.

*I added a little more red wine later because it looked a little thick to me.

In spite of the mushrooms, (I used sliced mushrooms in a jar because that's what I had) Alex gave it a thumb's up. He just ate around them. Nick also gave this a thumb's up so I figure I have a family winner! I'm always excited to get their seal of approval after a new recipe. I'm definitely be adding this one to my favorites because it's so stinkin' easy. I made a loaf of bread (a recipe that I'll share later) with it and that too, was a huge hit.

I'm back on track with my weekly menu and it certainly makes life so much easier.

This week's menu follows.

Sunday:  The Pioneer Woman's Rib-eye steak with whiskey cream sauce, The Pioneer Woman's Crash Hot Potatoes, Pioneer Woman's Buttered Rosemary Rolls, and steamed broccoli. I had to add the broccoli since it's a PDub carb/carlorie fest!

Monday: Farmgirl Chicken and Dumplings from GBP Slow Cookers, Casseroles and Skillets

Tuesday: Spaghetti and salad (I have a meeting that night)

Wednesday: White wings with the trimmings  White wings are a Texas restaurant favorite that I've been trying to duplicate since leaving there over four years ago.

Thursday: Hoagie Bake from my GBP kitchen calendar.

Friday: I'm leaving this open because of the potential for leftovers.

Saturday: We have friends in town and we'll go out to eat.

I will share the new recipes as I try them out this week.

Have a happy Sunday!

Weekly Menu week of 13 Dec

I'm behind. Big surprise! I feel behind a lot lately.  I really struggled with a menu this week. I'm just tired of being in the kitchen. Don't get me wrong, normally I LOVE being in the kitchen, but this small house is challenging to do holiday baking and cooking.
I baked/made candy a LOT on Sunday. I still have more to do :::sigh:::  First, I have to figure out what to feed my family this week.
Yesterday Nick didn't work. What is up with that? He gets two weeks off at Christmas because he's a "student" already. I just don't get much done around the house when he's here. However, we did mail four out of 6 packages yesterday. He was a huge help hauling them to the post office.
I had nothing planned for dinner last night. The commissary here is closed on Monday so I couldn't do heavy shopping. I was going to run down to the closest store and grab something when Nick suggested Hamburger Helper. YUCK! I ate plenty of hamburger helper in my day and I never want to again.  He bought the lovely box the last time he accompanied me to the commissary. I wondered then why! He said, "Oh my kids love it"  Blech.
So, he is digging around the kitchen and says, "Hey, I'll make that Cheeseburger Mac"  I said ok then, I'll have left over potato soup. You and Alex can have the HH.
That's what happened. He cooked up the stuff, opened a can of beans and they had their manly dinner.
The rest of the week is almost as easy. I was going to make a meatloaf tonight, but Alex asked for spaghetti. Why not? It's easier anyway, at least the way I make it with a jar sauce!
Tuesday: Spaghetti, salad, and rolls
Wednesday: Chicken Tacos/Nachos
Thursday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus
Friday: Callie flies in! She doesn't arrive until around 7:30 PM  so we'll probably eat on the way home.
I'm so excited to see her. She's been stuck in a tiny dorm room for a whole semester without home cooking, without real TV (other than what she can find on her laptap) and without her momma. I think I'll spoil her. She also wants to wrap Christmas gifts. She feels left out of the festivities this year. I am saving them all for her :)
Saturday or Sunday we'll have the Italian Hoagies again. J.D. and his fiance, Meghan, arrive Sunday evening. I think a crockpot full of beefy goodness will be a nice welcome :)
I'm off to the commissary, well, after I shower, clean the kitchen, etc, so my family won't starve tonight or have to suffer through another boxed meal.

Weekend Update and Weekly Menu

I have been worthless this weekend. Seriously, worthless.
We went out Friday night with our friends/neighbors for drinks and a snack. I don't know if it was the two dirty martinis I let them talk me into (probably) or if I got a 24 hour bug, but by the time I got home Friday night, I was sick as a dog. Granted, I drank too much. I could feel it and I HATE that feeling!
Yesterday morning was bad. I won't go into detail, but just know that I was miserable. I didn't get out of bed all day. Not even to shower.
Today I'm a little better. I did get up this morning and take a shower and put on a clean set of pajamas. I'm so very weak so even that took it out of me.
I was able to eat something today without losing it completely. I'm sure I lost about 3 pounds yesterday.
So, I'm starting to feel human again.
Nick was sweet enough to run to the store and get enough for us to get by the next two days. I will hit the commissary on Tuesday since it's closed tomorrow. I have a feeling I have a lot to catch up on tomorrow here at home.
I just browned some ground beef and threw a can of manwhich in while cooking frozen tater tots in the oven. Don't judge me, it's the best I could do tonight! Not to mention this meal is always a hit with the boy.
The rest of the week's menu:
Monday: The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti and broccoli
Tuesday: Lasagna Soup from the Gooseberry Patch book
Wednesday: Corned Beef and Cabbage (Nick has been asking for this for weeks, don't ask me why)
Thursday: Jennifer's Slow Cooker San Francisco Pork Chops
Friday: Michelle's Loaded Baked Potato Soup (I've been wanting to try this forever)
Maybe it's the weather, or maybe it's the fact that I feel like dog poo, but I'm craving easy, slow cooker or one pot dishes. I need comfort food.
Here's what having a sick momma does to the house

This is only one shot and it was after I picked up Alex's shoes, the popcorn bowl they shared last night, and the stack of movies the boy wanted Dad to watch last night.  I didn't have the energy to go upstairs and take a photo of the overflowing laundry basket. I made sure Nick and Alex have something to wear tomorrow and I'm fine with that. Tomorrow is another day..right, Scarlett?

Weekend Update and Weekly Menu

I can't believe it's Sunday evening already. Even with the extra hour today, it feels like time is flying.
Friday night was a home varsity football game. Since Nick and I have joined up with the Athletic Booster Club, we've been spending home football games working in the concession stand. Nick on the grill and me wrapping burgers and dogs to sell. It was cold but we had a great time.
Saturday morning, the JV team played so we drove about 45 minutes to watch our boy play. I thought it was cold on Friday night, but Saturday took the cake. It was really chilly. The downside was that our boy didn't even play most of the game. That made it feel even colder!
Saturday evening we had a fund raiser for the booster club. One of the members opened up their home and hosted a cocktail party. These people know how to raise money. The beer and wine was all donated by local businesses, and the appetizers donated by a local restaurant. I'm continually amazed at the generosity of the people around here. Even for the football games all the burgers are donated by a pub nearby. They are not wimpy burgers, but 1/2 pound patties! They are delicious!!
Today was church, lunch at a yummy diner where I had the best clam chowder in this area, a trip to the commissary and home to clean up some chores.
I have ham and potato soup on the stove, it's dark outside already at 5:00 PM and I'm feeling like hibernating.
This week's menu:
Sunday: Paula Deen's Ham and Potato Soup
Monday: Jennifer's Low 'N Slow, Slow Cooker San Francisco Pork Chops
Tuesday: Michelle's Ravioli Lasagna
Wednesday: Taco Salad
Thursday: Pioneer Woman's Rib Eye Steak and Whiskey Cream Sauce
Friday: Mindee's Spaghetti and Meatballs (we have family driving in, perfect Friday night dinner for little girls)

I'm thinking since we have family here, at some point this weekend we will have fresh lobster. That seems to be a theme when people visit us. Today, at Home Depot, we picked up a turkey fryer. I am going to have that bad boy do double duty as a lobster pot. We can put several at a time in, and the clean up will be SO MUCH EASIER! I'm glad cousin Shawn will be here to help Nick stuff lobsters in boiling water. I'm not at my best when I'm shoving them in and they are trying to crawl out :::shudder::::::
Anyone see a common theme with this week's menu? I have taken almost all my meals from fellow bloggers. I do love my cooking blogging friends. Thanks ladies for sharing your culinary skills!
Have a happy Monday everyone!

Planning Out the Week

I sat down Saturday evening and decided to TRY to make a menu. Normally, I would have a menu and would be prepared for my week, but lately, I just haven't been feeling it. I get an idea of what I'm making for the week and shop accordingly, but haven't really put a lot of effort into it.
Alex was due in late last night so I didn't include him in dinner plans. We had a delicious smoked sausage and potato au gratin with this Ham and Potato Au Gratin recipe. When I make this again, I will include more onion and more salt and pepper. It was a little bland to me.
Alex's team is playing football later this afternoon, so I planned a crock pot meal that would be easy to throw on a plate after we got home.
HOWEVER, plans change. The kid got stuck in Nashville over night. The plane leaving San Antonio was delayed, which caused them to miss their flight in Nashville which also just happened to be the last flight out. Oy!
So, nothing is set in stone yet, but it looks like we pick him up late tonight. Do I plan a meal or just eat on the road? It's not that far to Providence, but what time will we go?
Here is this week's menu:
Monday: Chicken tacos/nachos (fast, easy and delicious for those times you just don't know what's going on)
Tuesday: Meatloaf, Roasted Asparagus and Sweet Potatoes (requested by my husband)
Wednesday: Baked fish, broccoli and couscous (also a request from the man)
Thursday: Spanish Rice Casserole and Sauteed' Spinach (his third request for the week)
Friday: Ham and Potato Soup. I can make this ahead of time and once again, not sure what will be going on.
If we don't have the soup on Friday, it will hold until the weekend.
Whew...no wonder I haven't been feeling it. This is hard! I know there are at least two meals here that Alex will snarl at. Too bad, it ain't Burger King and you don't always get it your way.
Off I go now to dig through his itinerary and see if they have re-booked his flight. Do airlines just not run on time anymore?

Lazy Weekend

I can't believe it's Sunday evening already. It's been a lazy weekend!
Nick had a "study day" on Friday so he didn't have to go in. However, he DID go in to do his studying. He's attending a school for senior service members and it typically goes from 8:30 AM to around noon. Except for Wednesday when he has his elective in the afternoon. Even then, he's finished by 4:00. He has a TON of reading to do with this school and several large papers to write. I've felt a little like a school widow because he goes upstairs to his study and reads for hours on most evenings. My friends who have husbands in this same school say their men stay there during the afternoon, do their reading and are free in the evenings to do other things. I'm not sure which is nicer. I guess it doesn't really matter. It's only for 10 months and we'll be finished. He'll add another master's degree to his resume and we'll go on to the next thing.
Anyway, I got off subject. Friday, Nick hit the library to do his thing so I ran a few errands. We had plans to go down the street to our neighbor's house for a potluck dinner. I needed a few things to help make my dish. I ended up making an appetizer (buffalo chicken dip) and "Your HomeBased Mom's" sour cream apple bars.  These apple bars were a HUGE hit. My buffalo chicken dip was a hit too, but people raved about the bars and I even had to leave some so they could have them with coffee in the morning.
We had a fabulous time with our friends. There were three families, all Army that are attending this Naval school, so we have a lot in common. We ate, sat around the fire pit outside (a common theme lately), made s'mores, drank wine and had great conversation . While we were there, we made plans for the next thing we want to do together. I think we're going to attend the first night game for Brown University this weekend when they play Harvard. This is a group of men who are die hard college football fans.
Saturday, we were truly relaxed. We stayed home, enjoyed our backyard and water view, watched college football and ordered hot wings delivery for dinner.
Today was the first time we have attended church here. We opted for the closest Catholic church. My husband is catholic. I am not. We compromise. Alex has not attended church EVER with his mother. I was shocked and disappointed that this 15 year old boy doesn't know Jesus or anything at all about the Bible. I aim to fix that.  We attended Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church. (seriously, go look at some of the pictures)This church is absolutely beautiful. It was established in 1828. The present site was dedicated in 1852. A little bit of trivia here for you. President John F. Kennedy married his bride in this church. I delighted in the beauty of this building. Such artistic works in there. Stained glass, inlaid wood, carvings etc. Even though I'm not a Catholic girl, I enjoyed visiting this church. We will continue to visit around until we find our fit.
Today, after church, we visited the Navy Exchange so Alex could purchase a birthday gift for his mother. Oh wait, we paid for that gift for his mother, he is just the one mailing it to her. I am doing that for him, not her. During the time he lived with his mother, my dear husband got not ONE single gift from those kids. Rarely a phone call on his birthday unless I had tipped them off that it was his birthday. Kids need to know these things and be taught that birthdays and other occasions are important. It's no wonder the kid is so self absorbed, his mother has taught him that. Another thing that I aim to fix!
I haven't had much luck in the menu making area this weekend. I'm struggling. I think with all the apple stuff last week, I'm just tired. I still have apples to put up so I'll work on that tomorrow. Someone throw me some easy ideas that my kid will eat. I think his pickiness is my most frustrating thing.
Have a great Monday everyone! I hope your weekend was as relaxing as mine!!

What's For Supper?

I'm starting out behind already on a weekly menu. I did make one and I shopped for the week, but it was later than usual thanks to the holiday weekend.
This week's menu is:
Monday: I thought we would be gone to a baseball game so I didn't plan anything. Ex-wife changed her plans and we were home after all. We had pizzas. Not homemade, but frozen pizza that I threw extra stuff on. Not quite the same.
Tuesday: Meatloaf, roasted sweet potato fries, and sauteed cabbage.
Wednesday: Chicken spaghetti with whole wheat spaghetti and steamed broccoli.
Thursday: white wings (my version of a Texas restaurant favorite. Read about it here)
Friday: varsity football night so I'm not cooking
Saturday:  I'm not sure I got that far!! I have stuff for fajitas so we could do that.

I have been buying lots of fruit since I've had an athlete in the house, hoping he was getting lots of good stuff with it. We've been going through bananas like there is no tomorrow. Suddenly, while he was gone for the weekend, I found myself with several of these:

What do you do when you have several of those?

Peel them:

                           

Smash them:

 

                             

Then make banana bread! I pulled out one of my favorite cookbooks by Paula Deen and made her recipe.

 It's very easy and I love it because you don't need a mixer.

Here's Paula's recipe:

Banana Bread from Paula Deen's "The Lady and Sons, Too!" cookbook

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

3 ripe bananas, mashed

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a mixing box, combine the butter and sugar; mix well. Add the salt, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and bananas, and mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean.

The hardest part of this recipe for me, is to make sure and remember to take the butter out to soften.

I didn't use a traditional loaf pan for my bread. I used this instead:

 I bought this several years ago when I was making little breads for Christmas gifts. Now I use it all the time. These little loaves are perfect for packing in lunches, for a snack and I freeze them individually so we can have them later.

My favorite way is this:

Or this:

With lots of butter!

I used that same pan tonight to make meatloaf. I read about making little baby meat loaves from my friend Patti who has a fabulous blog: Peppermint Ph.D.  Check out her version of baby meatloaves here:

I used another Paula Deen recipe for my meat loaf.
What are you cooking now that school is back in session? Anyone have any great ideas for comfy winter menus? I'm all ears! I haven't experienced winter in so long I forgot what it's like. I'm actually looking forward to it. Ask me how I feel about it in January!!

Routine and a Weekly Menu

There is nothing like chaos to make me crave routine. My life has been full of chaos for months now and I'm so ready for routine I can taste it.
This move has kicked my butt and I am still struggling to find a schedule and routine here.
Nick is in full swing of his school now, so that's step one in setting up the schedule. He's out the door by 7:30 and this is a very good thing. Alex's schedule is a little more crazy with two a day football practice every other day for a week, once a day the other days, and then last week having only afternoon practice. This week he's back to afternoon practice only and starts school on Thursday. FINALLY! I can't wait to have everyone out of my house by 8:00 and be able to get some things done.
Another step I take toward routine is to make a weekly menu. It makes grocery shopping easier and it frees up precious brain power daily. After last week's crazy week of moving Callie into her dorm and five days of fast food and junk food, I am craving a normal menu as well.
This week's menu:
Sunday- Taco Soup with Cornbread
Monday- Roast beef with potatoes, carrots and spinach
Tuesday-Roasted chicken breasts with Pomegranate and chipotle sauce (thank you tastefully simple), rice and roasted asparagus
Wedneday- Leftovers
Thursday- homemade pizzas
Friday morning Alex's mother flies in for the weekend. I have no idea where she's staying or what her plans are because she's chosen not to share them. She's flying into Boston and I don't know if she plans to stay up there, or is driving down here. Alex keeps saying "I think she's going to look for a place to stay here in the area"  I truly hope she has already booked a room because this is a huge tourist area and it is Labor Day weekend. Every hotel and Inn has been booked here all summer.
 I also hope she realizes the boy has school on Friday and won't be available until late afternoon. She hasn't bothered to inquire of his football schedule or if he needs to be anywhere over the weekend. I'm dreading this weekend because of her visit, but trying to remain positive because we will be kid free and it's our sixth anniversary.
So, in spite of my excitement of routine coming back, after writing this I realize that my routine really won't start until next week. Ex-wife coming to town = chaos to me. Prayers please that I keep it together.

New week, new menu

I haven't posted a weekly menu in a while. There just seemed to be other things to write about! I love having a plan at the beginning of the week. It helps me shop and keeps my days a little less stressful. Last week was so crazy we had to change our dinner plans a few times.
This week's menu:
Sunday: Burgers on the grill and Paula Deen's red potato salad.
Monday: A big garden salad with roasted chicken breast
Tuesday: Black-eyed peas, ham and cornbread
Wednesday: Grilled rib-eye for Nick, I'm going to be out
Thursday: Shepherd's pie and a green salad
Friday: Birthday dinner out for my husband!

My husband loves the potato salad we had last night. I like it because it's not terribly mayonnaise-y. The burgers were delicious. I do LOVE a burger made on the grill. We ate outside with rum, diet coke and our favorite Hawaiian music on my iPod speakers. It was so nice. I couldn't believe how long we sat and talked without the distraction of the TV.
Today, Callie and I cleaned out her closet. I thought my husband was a hoarder... he's NOTHING compared to this child. Every little thing she pulled out had a story. There was a lot of her bottom lip sticking out as she got rid of some of her high school momentos. I swear the kid had every purse she's owned the last four years, every wallet, and every dead cell phone. We took two HUGE garbage bags to the curb as well as a cardboard box, and one huge box is ready to go to the thrift store. I have a feeling that as I'm unpacking her stuff in RI, I'll be tossing a few more things.
My house is upside down right now and I think I'm just going to go with it. The movers will be here in three weeks and I can't see it getting straight before then.

Forty-something Blah!

I'm taking a break from blogging about my recent weekend on the Big Island because, honestly, I am just blah today and have been for a few days now.

I am suddenly aware that in a few months Callie will be leaving me to attend college in Texas. I knew she wouldn't be around forever, but she's the last of my three and I'm very sad. I have cried two mornings in a row thinking about it. Whoever designed a woman's life to have empty nest, menopause, and poor eyesight (not to mention the lack of metabolism and all that goes with that) all at the same time, was clearly not a mother or even a woman, for that matter.  In case you haven't been keeping up with my blog very long, I will update you on the empty nest. Alex (Nick's 15 yr old) is joining us this summer. I won't have an empty nest but I will still miss Callie. I have cried over all three leaving. I can't see that stopping with Alex either!

We arrived home on Sunday afternoon and I knew I had to get my act together and make a weekly menu and grocery list. This is something I've enjoyed doing and it's saved me money and time at the store and during the week. This week, I just couldn't get there. I struggled with the menu and list. I poured over cookbooks and my favorite web sites and found no inspiration. I'm trying to eat healthier so when I asked for help from the husband, I had to shoot down half his ideas. (an all beef menu for the week)
I finally got it together and made a menu. I hit the commissary after going to the gym. Let me just say that I'm STILL struggling to find my comfort zone. I hate working out and I suspect that I always will.

This Week's Menu:
Sunday: Chicken pasta alfredo (from a jar) and salad. This was because I had absolutely nothing else in the house.
Monday: Chicken pesto and roasted asparagus (southbeach diet recipe again and it was delish)
Tuesday: Stir fry beef with veggies (Nick makes this one, let's see if it's too spicey to eat again!)
Wednesday: Pork Tenderloin and broccoli
Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and cabbage
Friday: Homemade pizza

On a brighter note, yesterday, Callie and I finished up 3 scholarship applications and got them in the mail. Fingers crossed for some $$$ this year. She got 2000.00 last year from a spouse's club I belong to. All that volunteer work has paid off!

The week ahead...

This week's menu:
Sunday: Chicken Tacos/Nachos
Monday: Steak with horseradish cream, sauteed mushrooms and sweet potato fries (all from southbeach diet cookbook)
Tuesday: Turkey and white bean chili (also a southbeach diet recipe)
Wednesday: Spanish Rice casserole with a green salad
Thursday - Sunday: Nick and I will be on the Big Island of Hawaii!!

I've been a research geek the last few days looking for things to do on the Big Island. We want to see the active volcano of course. Since we only have a couple of days we'll probably hang around that area. We'll be staying at the Kilauea Military Camp. They have cottages there with fireplaces, kitchens and jacuzzi tubs! It's quite a bit cooler on the Big Island because of the altitude so I'm looking forward to wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and enjoying a small fire in our little cabin.

Tonight I made the Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos I had planned to make on Friday or Saturday. They are delicious and oh so easy! 

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos


Ingredients:

1 pkg chicken (frozen works best)
1 jar salsa
1/2 to 1 packet taco seasoning (if you don't have it, throw in some cumin, oregano, salt, etc)
a little bit of water (1/4 c. or so, I think)
Cook on low for ~6-8 hours.

After it's cooked, shred the chicken and mix it up with some of the remaining cooking liquid. Use it to make anything -- quesadillas, tacos, burritos, salad, etc

I made amazing nachos with them for Nick and I had a taco salad with them since I'm cutting back on the calories and carbs.

Weekly Menu 14 - 20 March

I have struggled greatly with this week's menu. Partly because my mind is hitting a wall with creative cooking ideas, and partly because I just don't want to. I have a bad case of "I don't want to" lately. My house is a wreck, the laundry is piling up, and everything is a chore. I'm a little ticked because Nick is working a second weekend in a row.  Nobody offers to give Soldiers a comp day when they work 16 days in a row, but I knew that going in and I should just get over it.  I thought of going shopping today and springing for a pedicure, but even that holds no shine for me right now. So....I'll finish this grocery list and get myself to the store. Oh wait, that will require cleaning out the refrigerator..which will lead to taking out the garbage and more chores. Blah..seriously, does any of it sound fun?

Menu:
Sunday: meatloaf,  mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus (we didn't have this last week because we absolutely needed to eat some leftovers)
Monday: BBQ pork chops, macaroni and cheese and green salad
Tuesday: Out to eat (It's my birthday! oh, could this be the reason for my funk?)
Wednesday: Chicken Cordon Bleu (stolen from Michelle), some kind of potato and fried okra
Thursday: Red beans and rice with smoked sausage and cornbread
Friday/Saturday Chicken Tacos (this may wait until next week, depends on what the weekend looks like, I seriously may go on strike)

No more procrastinating. I'm starting a load of laundry, cleaning up the breakfast dishes and hitting the shower. I WILL get this done. It will make me feel productive..right? I'll go with that.

Weekly Menu 7-12 March

I made the mistake of asking Nick what he'd like to have this week as I was making out my menu. He threw two curve balls at me, so I'm going to be challenged a little. I just hit the commissary and think I have all I need. The menu making has made commissary trips so much nicer and easier. I know exactly what I need and get out!

Sunday: Crockpot french dip sandwiches and waffle fries
Monday: Chicken Pot Pie (curve ball number one.. I've never made this)
Tuesday: Stir fry with veggies and rice (Nick is cooking this one!)
Wednesday: Corned beef and cabbage
Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus
Friday: He's promised to take me out
Saturday: Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches (the second curve ball)

Lucky for me, our daughter works at the snack bar at our bowling alley here on post. She makes cheesesteaks all the time. I'll solicit her help with this!

It's been a nasty weekend in more ways than one. Rainy, and Nick has had to work. Apparently there is an important training exercise going on that he must be involved in. It's part of being an Army wife, but it's one of the parts I hate. He also got word that he needs to be TDY (temporary duty for my non-military readers) for almost a month in April/May. Lovely. Didn't he JUST get back from deployment?  I shouldn't complain, it's not a war zone. I used to always say an occasional TDY is good for a marriage. Now I'm wishing for more time at home.

Weekly Menu 28 February - 5 March

I am really struggling to get out of my rut. I seem to make the same dishes over and over. I dig through cookbooks, scan blogs and google recipes. In spite of all that, I'm making some old favorites this week again!
Sunday: Potato and Ham Soup
Monday: Spanish Rice casserole with garlic cheese biscuits
Tuesday: Baked chicken, rice and green beans
Wednesday: Homemade pizzas with salad
Thursday: Crockpot French dip sandwiches, potatoes
Friday: (uncertain at this point if we'll be having friends over, this could be simply "cocktail night"
Actually, the potato and ham soup, as well as the crockpot French dip sandwiches are new favorites. I've only made each of those a couple of times.
The potato and ham soup is simmering on the stove now and it smells delicious. It's a fantastic dish for today because it's rainy and chilly...yes, even here in Hawaii we have soup nights!

Weekly Menu 21-26 Feb

Sunday: Taco soup with cornbread
Monday: Stuffed salmon, asparagus and rice
Tuesday: Roast beef, potatoes and carrots
Wednesday: leftovers (my bunco night)
Thursday: lemon, herb & pepper pork tenderloin, sweet potatoes & salad
Friday: BBQ pork sandwiches and oven fries

Since I've started making a menu before hitting the commissary, it's amazing how much my grocery bill has reduced. I cook a yummy meal almost every night and am still saving money. It also takes the stress off every day cooking. I post the menu on my kitchen bulletin board and check it every morning so I can defrost something or crank up the crock pot!