Vegetable Casserole

Sometimes it is hard to get kids to eat their veggies and we have to resort to all kinds of tricks to sneak the veggies in however this is a tried and true way to get them to eat veggies and like eating them. My sister had mentioned that she had made this also and that my nephews liked it which was amazing.

The amounts may not be exact as this is one of those recipes where I just kind of dump everything in together. You may want to tweak them to your liking but I hope you enjoy it. You could probably also top this with French’s Onions instead of the cracker crumbs. Continue reading “Vegetable Casserole”

Thank you!

I just received my ‘100 followers’ notifications and shortly after it went to 101! I am so excited that so many people have followed my blog in the short time I’ve had it up.

I pray that I can continue to help encourage others in their day to day life. Each and every one of you have encouraged me to continue on with this blog even when sometimes I’ve wondered if it even makes a difference to anyone. Continue reading “Thank you!”

April 22, 2017

Yesterday was just one of those blah days. I was in a blue kinda mood and just didn’t seem to be able to shake it. There was not any one particular reason for the way I felt but there were a few different circumstances that did contribute to it. I was just sad.

Sometimes that is ok. We all feel different emotions at different times and it is important to acknowledge our feelings and allow ourselves to experience them. We just need to remember not to dwell on whatever the problem is and not to get stuck in those depressed states.

Yes, sometimes that is easier said than done. I did my best to keep with my normal schedule and routine as I worked through some of the things I was dealing with. It is also nice to have a couple of close friends to confide in and talk to.  They help me a lot even when they don’t think they have done anything special. Just having a listening ear is sometimes all someone needs to lift their spirits.

Of course, my kids always help to lift my spirits with their craziness through the day. They don’t let me sit for long which is a good thing when I feel down. Getting up and about helps to shake the blues off really quickly too. It is really hard not to laugh at some of the silly faces they make. Laughter really is good for the soul.

When the kids went down for naps I did spend a little quiet time in my closet. I went over some verses I had copied down in my journal and just listened to some relaxing music for a bit. That was very soothing and by the time the kids were up from their naps I felt much better.

Yesterday evening was square dancing and I went like I normally do. I’ve been working quite a bit to advertise our club and events. It was so encouraging when we had several members from another club show up to dance with us. Just being around so many people who were having such a great time really made my heart happy. It’s hard to be sad when you see so many smiling faces and hear all the laughter that went along with the fellowship we enjoyed.

There are things we can do to help ourselves like surrounding ourselves with happy people. We can get out, even if it is just to walk around the outside of the house and back, the fresh air and activity can do wonders. We can find hobbies that require us to interact with others. Also, for me, making my relationship with God a top priority really helps. He can give us the answers that no one else can.

I know there have been a lot of celebrities coming forward to talk about mental illness and depression. I know that it is normal to feel depressed from time to time. I hope everyone else knows this too. However, if the feelings of depression don’t go away then you should ask for help. Remember there is no shame in asking for help.

Chicken Gravy

This is always requested when I make baked chicken as I usually make some mashed potatoes  or Super Yummy Caulitaters as a side dish. Everyone knows that gravy over mashed potatoes is so yummy! Continue reading “Chicken Gravy”

April 23-29, 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

Breakfast:

Waffles,  Fruit

Lunch:

PB & J Sandwiches, Fruit

Dinner:

Chicken Cordon Bleu CasseroleMashed Potatoes, veggies

Snacks/Desserts:

cupcakes


Monday

Breakfast:

Cereal/Oatmeal

Lunch:

Hot dogs, Veggies

Dinner:

Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas, Rice, Beans

Snacks/Desserts:

Boiled Eggs


Tuesday

Breakfast:

French Toast

Lunch:

Soup, grilled cheese

Dinner:

Slow Cooker Baby Back RibsGrandma’s Mac N Cheese,  Cole Slaw

**(Crockpot Meal as Momma has a class in the evening)

Snacks/Desserts:

No Bake Cookies (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments later.)


Wednesday

Breakfast:

Basic Muffins

Lunch:

Tuna Salad Sandwiches, veggies

Dinner:

Breaded Pork Chops, Steamed Broccoli, Baked Sweet Potatoes

Snacks/Desserts:

Muffins


Thursday

Breakfast:

Pancakes

Lunch:

leftovers

Dinner:

Chicken and Dumplings

Snacks/Desserts:

Fruit


Friday

Breakfast:

Cereal/Oatmeal

Lunch:

Hot Dogs, veggies

Dinner:

Salisbury Steak w/GravyMashed Potatoes, veggies

** (I will put the patties and gravy into the crockpot after cooking as I have a dance this night.)

Snacks/Desserts:

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


Saturday

Breakfast:

PB Toast & Bananas

Lunch:

Ham and cheese sandwiches, veggies

Dinner:

Daddy Can’t Wait CasseroleMashed Potatoes, Corn Muffins

Snacks/Desserts:

PB Crackers