May 18, 2017

Hey everyone! It’s been a little bit since I’ve checked in. Life has been crazier and busier than usual and I’m loving everyday!

The kids are growing like weeds right before my eyes. I try to make sure to take a few moments to savor these moments as I know they will be grown up before I know it. Everything is not always great as we have the expected, and unexpected, challenges that go along with kids, large families, special needs kids, and introducing them to new people. We handle each challenge with as much patience and optimism as we can. (Note that I am saying ‘we’ as I have met someone very special. He has been an answer to so many of my prayers and I thank God for bringing him into our lives. God not only answered my prayers but exceeded my expectations in so many ways.)

We are still homeschooling and have 14 days? of school work left to finish out this year. That too has had a few challenges especially with one of my girls. Again we work through the problem and try to find the best possible solution for everyone. Parenting is not easy and you must stay on your toes at all times. The solution for today’s challenge may not be the solution for tomorrow’s challenge and it may not be the solution for the other children so you have to stay open minded and be creative. It really does help to have someone else that I can go to for ideas on occasion.

Monday was my youngest child’s 4th birthday! Where has time gone? He requested a Stegosaurus Pull-Apart-Cake and was so excited when Momma was able to throw one together. We sang to him and had cupcakes for our afternoon snack as Momma had a dance that evening. Yesterday I was able to take him out for his birthday meal. (This is a tradition we started a year or two ago and the kids all look forward to it.) He wanted a cheeseburger, chicken nuggets, french fries, ice cream, and a soda pop! We went to Dairy Queen and got most of his request. He was such a happy camper. He ate half of everything, except the ice cream which he finished, and brought the rest home so he could share.

After eating we went to Walmart so I could grab a few groceries and he was able to pick out a toy and a balloon. He had been so sleepy while we were eating that I was afraid he might not make it through his dinner. He did fall asleep on the way back home though. As soon as we got home he was awake and ready to show off his new treasures. Life is good and I hope this is something that he will remember in the days to come.

Then we have square dancing. I’m not sure if I told you all this before or not but I have been made the Publicity Chairman for the Silver Fox Squares! I am also the caller’s assistant at the Clay Allemanders club.  We have new classes starting up in another location too and upcoming dances and such to plan and organize.

We’ve had so many fun and exciting adventures and so many more to come. I better go for now as I’ve just put the kids down for naps and I have few chores to finish up before getting ready for the Luau tonight….

I pray everyone has a blessed week!

 

Stegosaurus Pull Apart Cake

This is the cake my 4-year-old chose for his birthday this year.

Continue reading “Stegosaurus Pull Apart Cake”

Chicken Pot Pie

This can also be a good way to use up leftover chicken or turkey and/or veggies that you have in the fridge. Continue reading “Chicken Pot Pie”

Easy Chili Mac N Cheese

This recipe is so easy and I like to make it when I’ve made a huge batch of macaroni and cheese the day before so I can use up all the leftovers. Continue reading “Easy Chili Mac N Cheese”

May 14 – May 20, 2017 Meal Plan

This is our basic meal plan for the week. Sometimes we will switch the days around if I forgot to set something out or put something in the crock pot. Please feel free to use this or change it around to suit your family’s needs.

I have started trying to do easier meals on days that I have square dancing obligations. This helps me to be able to put a nice meal on the table without feeling guilty about having some much needed ‘Mommy Time’. Some of these meals may also help with those that have busy or irregular schedules due to work or extracurricular activities.

I do have ‘Snacks/Desserts’ listed as well. I always try to keep a bowl of fresh fruit out on the counter or table for the kids to snack on. Sometimes I will make a special snack or treat for us to enjoy.

Sunday (Mother’s Day)

Breakfast:

Blueberry Oatmeal Bread, scrambled eggs

Lunch:

hot dogs, mac n cheese, veggies

Dinner:

Spicy Chicken and BowtiesSalad, buttered bread

Snacks/Desserts:

boiled eggs/ Strawberry Cream Cake


Monday

Breakfast:

Cereal/Oatmeal

Lunch:

soup, grilled cheese

Dinner:

Popover PizzaSalad **fairly easy meal to put together as we will have a squared dance this night.

Snacks/Desserts:

Cinnamon Toast/Easy Banana Pudding


Tuesday

Breakfast:

French Toast

Lunch:

tuna salad sandwiches, veggies

Dinner:

Boston Baked BeansGrandma’s Mac N CheeseCole Slaw

**(This is a fairly easy crockpot meal. The mac n cheese and slaw can be made a little in advance before I go to the dance in the evening.)

Snacks/Desserts:

Cupcakes (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments later.)


Wednesday

Breakfast:

Basic Muffins

Lunch:

Hot dogs, veggies

Dinner:

Easy Chili Mac N Cheese**, Salad, 30 minute Rolls ** new recipe

Snacks/Desserts:

Muffins


Thursday

Breakfast:

Pancakes

Lunch:

PB & J sandwiches, fruit

Dinner:

Chicken Pot Pie**, Mashed Potatoes ** new recipe

Snacks/Desserts:

Fruit


Friday

Breakfast:

Cereal/Oatmeal

Lunch:

leftovers

Dinner:

Free Day

**(It will be a fairly quick meal to put together as Momma has a class/dance in the evening)

Snacks/Desserts:

Cookies (again I will try to make a few extra to take along for class.)


Saturday

Breakfast:

Dutch Puff, Fruit

Lunch:

PB & J Sandwiches, Fruit

Dinner:

Easy Bean TostadasSpanish RiceSalad

Snacks/Desserts:

PB Crackers