Menu Monday

After a long busy weekend. I feel like doing this....

Monday's are only 2nd to Fridays.

Monday the kids head back to school, husband back to work and me back on schedule.

I don't know about you but Monday's are recovery of my house and my mind! It's always a nice peaceful start of the week.

Let's talk about food. Here's what's for dinner at my casa.

Monday

Mexican Lasagna click here for my recipe

Tuesday

Crockpot Ravioli (super easy)! Take a bag of frozen rav and a can of your favorite spaghetti sauce. Toss in the crockpot frozen and cook on low for 3 hours. Top with some mozz cheese for a few and ready! This is one of our activities night. We get home around 7pm from basketball practice. Dinners ready right when we get home.

Wednesday

Frozen Pizza night. I do a lot of driving Wednesday night, my husband helps out and makes pizza. We get frozen cheese pizza and add our own toppings. I get home and pizza's ready! I didn't mention we can't order pizza we're too far out in the country. BUMMER!

Thursday

Make your own Sandwiches and pasta salad

Friday

Burger Friday, I shared my recipe yesterday. Yum!

Menu Monday

Can you believe how grocery and eating out prices are going up?

A couple weeks ago we visited Chili's and all menu prices up.

To counteract this we do most meals at home... we also live 20 minutes away from the nearest restaurant.

Monday: Crock Pot Brisket - easy and better than most BBQ joints

Pick up a center cut brisket trimmed

1 jar of Claudes brisket marinade

Cook it for about 5 hours

Take out once cooked put in fridge for an hour

Cut and put in oven for about 30 minutes (This makes it that dry BBQ)

Enjoy! Costs about $13 compared to take out BBQ at $35

Tuesday: Leftover BBQ

Wednesday: Frozen Pizza

Thursday: Freezer Purge

Friday: Grill Burgers at the Barn

Menu Monday

I forgot what a schedule was like...

We're back on Menu Monday.

Country living doesn't mean no evening activities it just means we drive futher to get there. However I LOVE the drive. It's beautiful driving in rural areas with no traffic. We see many sunsets and beautiful bluff views.

Ok on to food:

Monday: Grilled Burritos (yeah a night at home!)

Tuesday: Frozen Pizza (baseball practice)

Wednesday: Crock Pot Brisket, come and go (youth group)

Thursday: Leftover BBQ (Dance and baseball practice)

Friday: Burgers at home with a movie night... relax from the busy week

Gotta share some decorating and I need ideas. This is our casual dining off the kitchen. I'm looking for fabric for a valance.

I'm stuck on what to do on the back wall. I don't like the mirror it doesn't seem to go there. I'm looking for a country idea. Any ideas?

This is our oldest daughter who seems to be missing from blog posts. I'm so proud of her. She's adjusted great from the move. She's got a great group of new friends. This past weekend she went to homecoming, the dance and also had a slumber party with new friends. She's a busy girl.

Menu Monday

Another busy week and many mouths to feed!

We've been eating out so much at least 4 times a week. So ready for a light schedule and home cooked meals. I've got a couple weeks until that happens. In the meantime I'll enjoy that our kids are active and enjoy your activities.

Monday: Make Your Own Sandwich (Baseball Tournament)

Tuesday: BBQ Brisket (Bought the seasoning)

Wednesday: Make Your Own Pizza for our Princess! (Madeline's 4th Birthday)

Thursday: Another busy night, leftover BBQ

Friday: Another busy evening.... eating out.

Saturday: Grill Burgers and relax outside

Sunday Family Night: Mexican Lasagna (Love this stuff, it's been a long time since I've made it)

Menu Monday

Here is Caroline ready to eat in her high chair. This girl has a big appetite!
As the end of the school year comes to a close our schedule gets really busy. Lots of parties, recitals, games, and cookouts. We have a lot of fun getting ready for the summer. One of my favorite things about the summer is grilling outside. Nothing like the smell of the grill.

Monday: Grilled Chicken Fajitas


Tuesday: Make Your Own Sandwiches (Baseball and Dance Night, very very busy)


Wednesday: Wine Wednesday for Mom and Dad, Baked Ziti for Dinner
( I make dinner ahead and put in oven while we have our quiet time)


Thursday: Leftover Ziti and Salad


Friday: Boys out to Texas Rangers Game, Girls out to eat after Kate's choir performance


Saturday: Dinner at friends party


Sunday: Dance recital's for both girls all day long, hopefully we can fit some food in.


I've NEVER made BBQ brisket without a kit. Can someone share their recipe? Do you use crock pot, smoker or oven? I know, I'm from Texas this is embarrassing to ask.

Menu Monday

It's that time again..... food time!

Since having Caroline (#4) I've had a very hard time getting the extra pounds off. Really I've put on some extra one's on top. I can't get to the gym consistently because with 4 kids someone is always sick. If they aren't sick as soon as we go to the gym we're out another week. So I've got a plan. The weather is great I'm taking the girls out in the jogging stroller and I'm doing workout videos. (Not P90X too extreme for me). I'll try to hit the gym at least 2 days a week.

I'm also trying to cut out about 200 calories out of my day.... little chocolate snacks. Yes, I have a stash and it makes things worse.

Enough already here's our menu:

Monday: Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad with fresh salsa from the farmers market

Tuesday: Make your own grilled sandwich and a side of fruit

Wednesday: Baked Ziti with Lean meat and salad (Making a double batch to take to a friend who has a new baby)

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Good Friday Grilled Fish

Saturday: Grill steaks and chicken outside

Sunday: EASTER!!! Not sure what we're having. I'm thinking of making a smaller version of Thanksgiving or Christmas. After all this is the day Christ has risen. A day of celebration. What do you eat on Easter?

If we sell our house we're hoping to have an annual Easter egg hunt with friends and family out on the land. As of right now we've only had 3 shows and no offers. It's been over a month. It's in God's hands.

Menu Monday

Can you believe there is only 7 weeks left of school? Where did the time go?? My kids are starting a Disney World countdown. Even though we are moving we decided to keep the Disney trip.

Let's talk food....

Monday: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Tuesday: Make Your Own Sandwich or Hot Dog(Busy night with b-ball practice and dance)

Wednesday: Santa Fe Casserole from Philadelphia Cooking Creme Sample (let you know about this one)

Thursday: Freezer Raid, Chili from my frozen stash. Gotta get rid of the winter foods.

Friday: Lenten Fish Fry

Saturday: Out to eat, late baseball game

Sunday: Family Night Dinner, Chicken Parmigiana and spaghetti

Menu Monday

Before we talk food we gotta talk sale:

Hobby Lobby has there knobs and pulls 50% off this week! They don't put them on sale very often so this is the week to get them.


Monday: Chicken Quesadilla's

Tuesday: Sandwiches (Busy, busy... baseball and dance night). We usually have grilled cheese or grilled panni' type sandwiches.

Wednesday:Hearty Mac and Cheese. I make a family size kraft mac and cheese like the box says, add 1 can of stewed tomato's (I blend it in the blender first). Then I add a pound of ground beef. Season with some garlic salt and it's done. This isn't one of my favorites because I'm not big on ground beef (except of course for burgers) but the kids love it.

Thursday: Grilled Chicken Sandwiches and Fruit

Friday: Make Your Own Pizza

Saturday: Mexican Lasagna. Now this is one of my all time favorite recipes. I came up with it by experimenting. I see it now in magazines and Kraft foods so some other ladies must of messed around with it too.... or someone got the idea from me :)

Sunday: Out to eat for our family night. We will be in my hometown celebrating a great milestone for a women who really changed my life. One women I can truly call my mentor. Angie has been the executive director for the local Crisis Pregnancy Center for 20 years. Now shes accepted a position as the director of a new maternity home and adoption center. Some people really inspire you in life and I'm honored to know this godly women.

One more thing.... I will post tomorrow the answers for Name That Baby.

Menu Monday

This week we are trying to eat a little healthier. With the cold weather I fall into comfort foods really fast. Um not to mention the bowl of queso I ate yesterday....

Monday: Grilled Sandwiches and Fruit

Tuesday: Baseball Kick-off out to eat. I'm getting the salad bar.

Wednesday: Homemade Chili with 98% lean ground beef (It's going to snow here again)

Thursday: 10 year anniversary out to eat. I'll splurge a bit on the meal. After all you only celebrate 10 years once.

Friday: Grilled Chicken Salad

Saturday: Leftover Chili

Sunday: Grilled Burgers and Baked Sweet Potato Fries.

This next weekend I'm going to buy a big package of chicken breast and I'm going to have my husband grill a whole batch to pull out during the week for meals.

This crazy TX weather. We get snow on Wednesday and a warm up to 60 degrees on Sunday.

Menu Monday + Lego

The best toy for boys... LEGO's!!

My son loves them. The best part he will play for hours at a time.... quietly! He got interrested in them at age 4 1/2. He is 7 now.

This is his newest lego creation, a Shark.I had to post a photo to show off, I'm a proud mamma!

Plus I think posts without photos are boring.

Now on to food:

Another week goes by. I have all intentions of uploading photos of my recent home projects but I don't get around. I'll blame it on the baby! I just want to spend my free time snuggling because I know they grow up too fast.

Monday: Nachos with Homemade Salsa

Tuesday: Sandwich Day and Sweet Potato Fries . This is our baseball practice and early dance night. We eat sandwiches at our own time.

Wednesday: Leftover Taco Soup from my freezer stash

Thursday: Spaghetti and Meatballs (I've had this on my menu for a few weeks but we don't get around to them) This is my go to meal. I always have stuff on hand to make.

Friday: Frozen Pizza Buffet. We also didn't get to this last week. I made an executive decision that Chick-Fil- A was on the menu. I'm in love with the Spicy Chicken Wrap.

Saturday: Burger Grills Out. I'm hoping it will be warm I'm craving some good homemade burgers. If all else fails, George Foreman Grill here we come!

Sunday: Super Bowl Sunday! It's local here in our area so we are staying away from Arlington at all costs!!! App's and calorie buster meals!

Menu Monday & Homemade Crouton

A good friend of mine owns a bread company.

Let me tell you.... they make some fabulous bread!

We were over for a playdate and what does she pull out and make with leftover bread from the bakery? Homemade croutons.

We all ate them up for a yummy snack.

Let me share how easy they are to make:

1. Take some bread and slice into squares
2. Toss with EVOO and sprinkle with garlic salt and mix
3. Bake for 15ish minutes at 375They are heavenly, easy and cheap!
   Now on to dinner time, we have a mexican food theme. I didn't really plan it this way these things just sounded good.

Monday: Frozen Stouffers Cheese and Bean Enchiladas with side salad and homemade croutons.

Tuesday: Grilled Sandwiches with a side of leftover Taco Soup

Wednesday: Spaghetti and Meatballs with a side salad

Thursday: Clean out the freezer and fridge meals... who knows?

Friday: Pizza Buffet. I discovered California Pizza Kitchen pizza's at the grocery store... yum! I get a veggie, supreme, and speciality and we have our own buffet. The pizza's run about $5 each but for $15 it's still cheaper than hitting the real deal.

Saturday: Taco Night

Sunday: Kung Pao Chicken with Veggies. I use the wanchi ferry meal kit and add in a package of mixed veggies.

Menu Monday

I enjoy looking back at photos of past projects. This morning I stumbled across this photo.

Have you ever changed something then you want to kick yourself and undo the change? Well I painted this in the playroom before it was Madeline's room. I got frustrated and painted over it! What was I thinking?

At least I can enjoy the photo right?

On to food....

Monday: The BEST crock pot Chicken Tortilla Soup EVER! I LOVE this stuff!!

Tuesday: Leftover soup (if we have leftovers) with grilled cheese sandwiches. If no leftovers then we have grilled panini's with turkey and provolone cheese.

Wednesday: Mini Meatloaf with a side of Sweet Potato Fries

Thursday: Leftovers and Salad

Friday: Make Your Own Pizza

Menu Monday

We had a great weekend jammed packed full of activities. I don't know about you but I look forward to Mondays. During the weekend the schedule is out the door. Mondays bring me peace and a quiet home while the big kids are at school.

Monday: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Tuesday: Grilled Burritos... I love, love love these! It's been way too long. Remember we just get big ole tortillas and fill with rice, black beans, meat, cheese. Then we throw them on the George Foreman grill. Top with salsa and sour cream.

Wednesday: Make Your Own Pizza

Thursday: Out for a work dinner. Yeah, for dinner with no little one's!

Friday: I have no idea... I think we're going to purge the freezer for some old meals.

What is your favorite homemade meal?

My favorite homemade meal is Enchiladas.

Menu Monday, Twins

Here's Madeline at 2 months old Now Here's Caroline at 2 months old

The only difference is Madeline's cheeks were a bit chubbier. I think Caroline will catch up since we've gotten her eating situation under control.

Although I dropped off the P90X program we are still eating healthy. My husband is a trooper he is still going strong on week 9. He's lost a ton of weight. I go back to the gym in 2 weeks! We have to wait until Caroline is 12 weeks old to attend.

Let's talk food.

Monday: Homemade Burgers. I mix in a packet of lipton onion soup with with the 96% lean ground beef. Side of sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Chicken and Rice. Packet of cooked chicken tenders shredded add in 2 cups of cooked rice, 1/4 stick of butter, 1 can cream of chicken and 1/2 can of chicken broth. Mix together and cover with foil and bake. This is a family favorite.

Wednesday: Leftover Chicken and Rice or Sandwiches.

Thursday: Spaghetti with Meatballs. It's been a long time since we had this favorite. I use whole grain pasta to make it a bit healthier. This time I bought store meatballs. I wanted an easy prep.

Friday: Make Your Own Pizza.

Menu Monday

I had all intentions of posting Caroline's room last week but got sidetracked. That's an easy task for me. Hopefully I will do that this week.

P90X update: Husband has lost 20 pounds! I've lost 0 now. Went for my 6 week postpartum and went up. Dr. says it's because I'm not sleeping and stressed. That combo = weight gain. I will continue to do the workout but I'm not going to stress about missing a day.

Monday: Mini Meatloaf (Thanks Christi T.), Sweet Potato Fries
1 1/2 pound of ground turkey, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup of Italian bread crumbs, 1/3 cup parm cheese, 1 bottle of BBQ Sauce (1/2 for topping)

Mix all and grease muffin pan bake 375 for 30 minutes and top with remaining BBQ.

Tuesday: Make Your Own Deli Sandwich

Wednesday: Grilled Chicken Tostato's

Thursday: Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken over Rice

Friday: Make Your Own Flatbread Pizza

My new thought... life is too short to not enjoy your meal. We're eating our regular favorites but we're reducing the fat.

I think I'd rather have some extra weight on my hips than be skinny and hungry!

Menu Monday and Weight Loss

After months of bedrest and meal help from wonderful friends. We are completely back to my own cooking. The only difference is the new and improved healthy menu. I've cut out high fructose corn syrup, trans fats and most processed foods. Let me share this weeks menu.


Monday: Sandwiches Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins, Deli Turkey, Deli American Cheese (it tastes so much better from the deli than the little packages... no preservatives a plus), lettuce, tomato's, sliced avocado's and a dash of Italian dressing. You can put this on the george foreman grill for pannini style. A side of chips, we love Kettle brand or baked Cheetos.


Tuesday: Crock Pot Garlic Chicken with a side of mixed veggies (Green Giant Steamed Veggies)


Wednesday: Baked Tostatos with Grilled Chicken. I spray corn tortillas with cooking spray and cook on 400 for 5ish minutes until golden brown. I top with fat free refried beans, black beans, leftover chicken, lettuce and 2% shredded cheese. A little salsa to top it off.


Thursday: Soup Night. We each have our favorite canned soup. This is the only heavy processed meal we have. Still it's better than our old frozen pizza night. I love spaghetti O's!


Friday: Make Your Own Pizza. We use Flax-Seed Flat Bread and top with tomato sauce, 2% cheese and veggies. The kids still get peperoni's. With a side of salad.


Weight Loss Journey


I've got to tell you about our weight loss workout plan. P90X! I was up late with the baby and got sucked into an infomercial. They got me motivated. I even woke up Josh. We ordered it and all the expensive accessories. We put our gym memberships on hold.


In 3 weeks my husband has lost 13 pounds and gone down 2 holes in his belt loop. I've gotten back into my old jeans and clothes. I've lost 5 pounds and several inches around my waist. We've got 9 more weeks of the program. I can put on my old jeans they are tight and I have just a bit of a muffin top.


I'll show the before and after at the end of the program when I'm swimsuit ready.


I won't lie it's a pain to do. It takes almost 1 1/2 hours a day. We get up early and do it while the kids are sleeping. I also added a couple run days into the workout. I run 2 miles 2 times a week. I used to run a lot. It's a great stress reliever.

I'm crazy a newborn, P90X, no sleep and 4 kids!

Has anyone out their in blog land done P90X?

Menu Monday and Little Miss

We celebrated our Little Miss turning 3 this weekend. Really what happened to this little baby? She's a big girl now! Same little sweet face but with a ton of hair.

(I borrowed Ashlee's great photo, thank you!!)

This is our last week of school! Lots of school activities but luckily we get a break from late dance evenings. Yeah for Mommy!



Monday: Quesdilla's with Leftover Chicken and Taco Meat



Tuesday: Meat Ravioli (for the boys) and Cheese Ravioli (for the girls) and Salad

I use the frozen kind with Prego Three Cheese Spaghetti Sauce



Wednesday: Frozen Pizza and Salad

Red Barron Cheese with our own Peperoni's on top



Thursday: Orange Chicken and Veggies



Friday: Fire up the grill for K-bobs and out of school celebration!



Summertime at our house means lots of grilled meals.

Menu Monday

Monday: Soups and Grilled Cheese

Tuesday: Little Miss' Birthday! She's picked the menu... chicken nuggets, mac & cheese and french fries. Sounds like a perfect little girls meal!

Wednesday: Grilled Quesadilla's

Thursday: Frozen Pizza

Friday: Grill outside chicken and steaks


I am looking for a great pasta salad recipe. Anyone want to share one?

Menu Monday

Can you believe the school year is almost over? This year has flown by!

Monday: Dance and Baseball night meals on the go. Usually sandwiches or hot dogs.

Tuesday: Frozen Pizza Night

Wednesday: Spaghetti and Meatballs with a side of cheese sticks dipped in Ragu Pizza Quick (I'm craving these)

Thursday: Grilled Pannini's and Pasta Salad

Friday: Busy Night, 2 events for 2 kids. Most likely we will be eating Wendy's or Whataburger.

I plan to post some photos this week of some home projects I've been working on.

Big Girl Bed and Menu Monday

The big girl twin bed has arrived! The first night we had no falls. Last night poor girl slipped out of bed 2 times. Thinking the silk sheets are to blame.

Yesterday I painted her chandelier mural. She picked the color.... surprise pink! I've got a ton more to do. This is the only part of the room put together. I think I am going to hang a rod and drapes around the bed. What do you think? If so what color? This was her nursery in her old room. Loved it!

This is the mess left behind. I primed the flowers and was able to touch up the paint with the old yellow color. It's the junk room until her new room is finished. Soon it will be baby's room.

Speaking of baby... this morning is our big 22 week sonogram! As of right now we aren't going to find out.

On to some food:

Monday: Quesadilla's with leftover fajita fixins from Sunday dinner.

Tuesday: Frozen Pizza Night

Wednesday: Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday: Freezer Purge Buffet

Friday: Grill Burgers