To start the week strong, I decided to spend New Year's Eve drinking wine and planning our menu for the first two weeks of the new year.
Sunday, January 3 - Dirty Risotto
The kids LOVED this!
Monday, January 4 - Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
This was delicous and so easy! I substituted yogart for the sour cream and it was just as tasty! Even better, I divided it into two baking dishes and stashed one in the freezer for a rainy or a least a busy day.
Tuesday, January 5 - Shrimp Pad Thai
I LOVED this. It was super easy, too.
Wednesday, January 6 - Leftovers
I had planned on making the Baked Ziti but we has so much food we did leftovers instead.
Thursday, January 7 - Crock Pot Roast
I paired this with macoroni noodles and green beans. It was very salty, just like I like it!
Since I had the ground beef thawed and the onions chopped, I made the Baked Ziti tonight. I divided it up into two containers to put in the freezer. We will have this on a busy night when I don't have time to cook.
Friday, January 8 - Homemade Pizza
I plan to cook the rest of the bacon and use up the mushrooms left over from the dirty risotto.
Saturday, January 9 -Leftovers
Sunday, January 10 - Swedish Meatballs
Monday, January 11 - Taco Bell Quesadillas, Mexican Rice
Tuesday, January 12 - Pizza Casserole
Wednesday, January 13 - Coconut Curried Chicken
Thursday, January 14 - Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Friday, January 15 - Homemade Pizza
Saturday, January 16 - Leftovers
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Meet Pete!
Santa surprised us this year with a new puppy! Pete is a 12 week old golden retriever.
We are still adjusting to having a dog and a new baby (the dog) in the house but are doing well. Pete lives in the basement in his crate. He loves the snow and jumping on the kids. Kiddo 2 loves having someone to boss around.
So far Pete can sit, lie down, sit down while he waits to come inside and stay for 5 seconds. Now if we could only get the potty training down.
We still miss Frank. We didn't realize how lucky we were to get a dog that was already so well trained and behaved. He was such a sweetie.
Pete has helped our hearts heal.
We are still adjusting to having a dog and a new baby (the dog) in the house but are doing well. Pete lives in the basement in his crate. He loves the snow and jumping on the kids. Kiddo 2 loves having someone to boss around.
So far Pete can sit, lie down, sit down while he waits to come inside and stay for 5 seconds. Now if we could only get the potty training down.
We still miss Frank. We didn't realize how lucky we were to get a dog that was already so well trained and behaved. He was such a sweetie.
Pete has helped our hearts heal.
A Fresh Start
It's New Year's Eve, another jammy day and I'm feeling a bit reflective.
2009 was a busy year. We did basketball, an indoor waterpark, Mexico, another indoor waterpark, spring soccer, late planting, little league, Vacation Bible School, a garage sale, Indiana shopping, northern Michigan camping, 4-H fair, the Ericson Extravaganza Wiffle Ball Tournament, four wheeling in Bushnell, fall soccer, tackle football, a murder mystery party, Thanksgiving at our house, a late and long harvest, Illinois Farm Bureau Conference and Discussion Meet, a weekend in Chicago, wrapping up my old job, Christmas, new puppy, a new job and two weeks off.
With all that was going on, I was in survival mode much of the time. I didn't realize how much I was in survival mode until this week. I guess clarity comes with two weeks of jammy days.
Being so busy, many important areas of my life were neglected. In the new year I want to do a better job:
1. Meal planning: I hope this will lead to healthier eating, more deliberate grocery shopping, a lower grocery bill, less weekday stress and more family meals. I plan to use some of simplemom's resources to help.
2. Character development in my kids: Too often I just do 'it' so I don't have to fight with anyone, it gets done when I want it done and it's done my way. I need to stop this and set some expectations about the responsibilities associated with being a member of our family, i.e. helping out around the house. This is even more crucial now that Santa brought a new puppy. More on him in another post. Simplemom is going to help here, too.
3. Asking for help: Because my husband is extremely busy in the fall and spring, I get used to being the one who takes care of everything with the kids and house. I need to stop this, ask for help and deal with the grouchiness that comes with asking. I can not do it all while staying sane and gracious.
4. Exercise: I used to run. I used to teach aerobics. I used to be extremely disciplined. Once we moved and I had my second child five years ago, it's been hit or miss. Now, 12 pounds later, I am struggling. This year I plan on enrolling in an exercise program at work. Since I will be starting a new job with a new office location, I'm hoping that starting this new habit will be easier. Also, since I need to take care of the puppy early in the morning, I am hoping that I will take time to exercise after taking him out.
There are a few other areas I would like to work on: my spirituality, not signing my kids up for every activity they want to participate in, cleaning my house, reading for pleasure - but these will have to wait. I need to focus.
2009 was a busy year. We did basketball, an indoor waterpark, Mexico, another indoor waterpark, spring soccer, late planting, little league, Vacation Bible School, a garage sale, Indiana shopping, northern Michigan camping, 4-H fair, the Ericson Extravaganza Wiffle Ball Tournament, four wheeling in Bushnell, fall soccer, tackle football, a murder mystery party, Thanksgiving at our house, a late and long harvest, Illinois Farm Bureau Conference and Discussion Meet, a weekend in Chicago, wrapping up my old job, Christmas, new puppy, a new job and two weeks off.
With all that was going on, I was in survival mode much of the time. I didn't realize how much I was in survival mode until this week. I guess clarity comes with two weeks of jammy days.
Being so busy, many important areas of my life were neglected. In the new year I want to do a better job:
1. Meal planning: I hope this will lead to healthier eating, more deliberate grocery shopping, a lower grocery bill, less weekday stress and more family meals. I plan to use some of simplemom's resources to help.
2. Character development in my kids: Too often I just do 'it' so I don't have to fight with anyone, it gets done when I want it done and it's done my way. I need to stop this and set some expectations about the responsibilities associated with being a member of our family, i.e. helping out around the house. This is even more crucial now that Santa brought a new puppy. More on him in another post. Simplemom is going to help here, too.
3. Asking for help: Because my husband is extremely busy in the fall and spring, I get used to being the one who takes care of everything with the kids and house. I need to stop this, ask for help and deal with the grouchiness that comes with asking. I can not do it all while staying sane and gracious.
4. Exercise: I used to run. I used to teach aerobics. I used to be extremely disciplined. Once we moved and I had my second child five years ago, it's been hit or miss. Now, 12 pounds later, I am struggling. This year I plan on enrolling in an exercise program at work. Since I will be starting a new job with a new office location, I'm hoping that starting this new habit will be easier. Also, since I need to take care of the puppy early in the morning, I am hoping that I will take time to exercise after taking him out.
There are a few other areas I would like to work on: my spirituality, not signing my kids up for every activity they want to participate in, cleaning my house, reading for pleasure - but these will have to wait. I need to focus.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Love at First Site
I fell in love with Frank the first time I saw him. I went to the shelter hoping to find a Border Collie. The dog that had been advertised was gone but there was this beautiful dog standing with his paws up on the pen. He looked so happy and so soft.
When I asked about him the shelter staff said Body had just been brought in by the children of his elderly owner. His owner had been walking Body and had a heart attack. He had not been cleared for adoption but would probably be available the next day. He was a one year old pure bred golder retriever.
The next morning I drug my husband, three year old and infant back to the shelter,and Body, or Frank as we renamed him, came home with us and became part of our family.
Since he was still a puppy, Frank was very rambunctious. He got into everything, stole whatever he could and fell in love with the farm cats. It was amazing to see how rough and how gentle he was with the cats. One minute he would be carrying the cats around by the head and the next licking and cleaning them as if they were his puppies. It always warmed my heart to walk into the garage and see him cuddling with one or more cats.
Goldens are known for their gentle nature with kids and Frank certainly carried this trait. We were his people as much as he was our dog. My daughter grew up tackling, hugging and trying to ride him. He was my son's escort to the road every morning to wait for the bus.
About eight months after Frank came to live with us he got sick. We went to a few different vets and not one could tell us what was wrong. Overnight, his joints quit working and he could hardly move. After multiple vet visits and many prescriptions, we put him on a high dose of prednisone. It seemed to work and he got about 50% of his spunk back.
Over the past three years he has had short relapses lasting a couple days but nothing serious. In fact, the last year he has been in such great spirits and very active. He and his cat, Steve seemed to be getting along great and he even was stealing anything and everything left around.
Until the last couple weeks. Steve ran away and Frank started going down hill. He relapsed this week and within days his systems started to shut down.
Frank died this morning and I am so sad. He was such a good dog and we were so lucky and so blessed that he was part of our family.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wasn't it just Halloween?
Is it really the middle of November? It feels like Halloween was just last weekend. I am so not ready to embrace the fact that Christmas is only SIX WEEKS AWAY.
Maybe its because we are no where close to being done with harvest. We're usually just about done picking corn and well into tillage. Most years I have my husband back by now. Or, he's at least home before 2 a.m. with a more positive outlook on life.
Maybe its because the weather FINALLY straightened out and we've had some really nice fall days. The past week has felt like Indian Summer. Later today I get to clean flower beds at my GMIL's house. I am actually looking forward to being outside.
Maybe its because I have no idea what we are doing for Thanksgiving. I'm in a bit of denial about how close we are to this holiday. I'm not worried about Thanksgiving day. That day will work itself out. I'm worried about the day after. We usually get our Christmas tree that Friday. Its a tradition I want my kids to grow up with, remember and one day cherish. This year we will most likely not be able to do this because my husband will be in the field and it has been a heavy weight on my heart. I need to remember that it is not about the DATE, its about the experience of the DAY: going as a family, picking the perfect (or not so perfect tree), bringing it home, decorating it and watching Christmas movies together that night. Easier said then done.
Maybe its time for a new tradition to take my mind off of it. When dad's still on the field on that Friday, maybe we can have a cookie bake fest with grandmas and aunts to kick off the Christmas season. Or, maybe we can make homemade ornaments. Or, maybe we can just have a jammie day, watch Christmas movies all day and eat popcorn.
What do you do to create holiday memories with your family?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Random Thoughts
This entire week I feel as though I've just been spinning my wheels. I have started a few big projects at work. I've even made pretty significant progress on them but there is so much left to do. I am so overwhelmed.
Football has been over for two weeks and I've gained ten hours each week at home. It's been nice not having to rush around but there is so much to do around here, too.
The next three days are packed full of fun, yet busy things. Tomorrow I have my last advisory board meeting for my old job. I need to organize the lunch before hand, get all the printed materials and the room ready, attend, present, get a networking reception ready for our students after the meeting, and clean up. Then, I volunteered to help set up for my son's school's vendor fair. Then, I need to come home and pack for a night away. Saturday I am going to help set up for our college's annual gala. Saturday night I get to attend the gala and dance. Then Sunday morning I will get to briefly sleep in before driving an hour home to return my son's football pads and attend his end of the season football party. Whew! I like being busy but this weekend is a bit too busy.
I have a very smart mouse living in my house. We have about 12 traps set.
Just writing this has decreased my stress. Now, off to get something accomplished...
Football has been over for two weeks and I've gained ten hours each week at home. It's been nice not having to rush around but there is so much to do around here, too.
The next three days are packed full of fun, yet busy things. Tomorrow I have my last advisory board meeting for my old job. I need to organize the lunch before hand, get all the printed materials and the room ready, attend, present, get a networking reception ready for our students after the meeting, and clean up. Then, I volunteered to help set up for my son's school's vendor fair. Then, I need to come home and pack for a night away. Saturday I am going to help set up for our college's annual gala. Saturday night I get to attend the gala and dance. Then Sunday morning I will get to briefly sleep in before driving an hour home to return my son's football pads and attend his end of the season football party. Whew! I like being busy but this weekend is a bit too busy.
I have a very smart mouse living in my house. We have about 12 traps set.
Just writing this has decreased my stress. Now, off to get something accomplished...
Monday, October 19, 2009
What I Learned This Week: Fresh Pumpkin Pie is the Best
What I Learned This Week
I planted sugar pumpkins for the first time this season. I was a bit skeptical in July as the vines overtook the section of my garden devoted towards viney crops. They quickly drown out my watermelon, muskmelon, and honeydew. Now I am glad they did!
Here's a sample of the 25 pumpkins coming from three vines.
I wasn't sure if I was going to do anything with my pumpkins until I saw an article about a pumpkin puree shortage. Knowing that others may not have canned pumpkin to make yummy muffins or pie, I figured I should use mine up! So, I made pumpkin pie from a recipe I found on Allrecipes.com, Pumpkin Butter from Smitten Kitchen and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.
It was so much easier than I would have ever thought!
Step 1: Wash the pumpkin, split it in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh. Put all the guts in your compost pile rather than the trash can.
Step 2: Lightly oil a baking sheet, place the pumpkin open side down, cover with aluminum foil and roast at 325 degrees until tender.
Step 3: Let cool until it is warm, but not quite room temperature. Scoop out the flesh and press it through a sieve.
Step 4: Substitute the fresh puree in recipes calling for canned pumpkin. One 15 ounce can equals 1.75 cups fresh puree.
Step 5: Store fresh pumpkin in a sealed container for one week or in the freezer for three months.
The pumpkin butter is divine. I can't wait to make a spiced pumpkin pecan milkshake or spoon it over cheesecake.
The muffins were also good. I took those to my daughter's preschool bake sale.
But the pie. OMG! It was super sweet and by far the best pumpkin pie I have EVER had.
And, as if a higher power knew I was planning this post, my son came home with more pumpkin facts today. Did you know Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state? Or that you can use pumpkin puree to thicken chili, spaghetti sauce, soups and stews? Or add it to oatmeal? I think I may be trying that last one in the morning!
*Facts courtesy of University of Illinois Ideas for Eating Better for Less, October 2008 edition.
I planted sugar pumpkins for the first time this season. I was a bit skeptical in July as the vines overtook the section of my garden devoted towards viney crops. They quickly drown out my watermelon, muskmelon, and honeydew. Now I am glad they did!
Here's a sample of the 25 pumpkins coming from three vines.
I wasn't sure if I was going to do anything with my pumpkins until I saw an article about a pumpkin puree shortage. Knowing that others may not have canned pumpkin to make yummy muffins or pie, I figured I should use mine up! So, I made pumpkin pie from a recipe I found on Allrecipes.com, Pumpkin Butter from Smitten Kitchen and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.It was so much easier than I would have ever thought!
Step 1: Wash the pumpkin, split it in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh. Put all the guts in your compost pile rather than the trash can.
Step 2: Lightly oil a baking sheet, place the pumpkin open side down, cover with aluminum foil and roast at 325 degrees until tender.Step 3: Let cool until it is warm, but not quite room temperature. Scoop out the flesh and press it through a sieve.
Step 4: Substitute the fresh puree in recipes calling for canned pumpkin. One 15 ounce can equals 1.75 cups fresh puree.
Step 5: Store fresh pumpkin in a sealed container for one week or in the freezer for three months.
The pumpkin butter is divine. I can't wait to make a spiced pumpkin pecan milkshake or spoon it over cheesecake.
The muffins were also good. I took those to my daughter's preschool bake sale.But the pie. OMG! It was super sweet and by far the best pumpkin pie I have EVER had.
And, as if a higher power knew I was planning this post, my son came home with more pumpkin facts today. Did you know Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state? Or that you can use pumpkin puree to thicken chili, spaghetti sauce, soups and stews? Or add it to oatmeal? I think I may be trying that last one in the morning!*Facts courtesy of University of Illinois Ideas for Eating Better for Less, October 2008 edition.
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