When life happens

If we’re on social media we always see pictures of everybody else’s lives. Many times the pictures look so perfect and pretty but in reality they’re not.

For instance, at Thanksgiving, I took some pictures of some beautiful pies but to start with these pies were anything but beautiful.

pie-crust

Then we have kids. We always see pictures of all fun crafts that we make. Rarely do we see when crafting goes wrong.

I had read somewhere that it was important to keep art supplies out to inspire children. I had also seen research about how important it was to allow them freedom of creativity.

After reading several post and researching ideas on Pinterest I had set up my own art center. Our school scissors were quickly locked back up after my one daughter was ‘inspired’ to give herself a haircut.

hair cut.jpg

Many times we see pictures of the beautifully organized playroom and school rooms. All the toys neatly organized in little cubbies. Activity tables sitting out for the kids to work on. But this is the reality of having all of those wonderful things when you find a snake in the house.

snake-6

Just remember that each of us must do what works for our family. Have fun with whatever it is that you’re doing. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else. And remember that life happens and that’s OK. We live and we learn that’s why it’s all about.

So just keep on making memories and enjoy your family. One day you’ll look back on these not so perfect moments and be able to laugh at them I promise.

December 18 – 24, 2016 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.

Sunday

Breakfast:

Eggs (made your favorite way), grits (we love bacon grits), toast

Lunch:

PB & J w/fruit

Dinner:

Goulash, cheddar muffins

Snacks:

Muffins


Monday

Breakfast:

Cereal/Oatmeal

Lunch:

Leftovers

Dinner:

Skillet Chicken, Baked Eggplant, salad

Snacks:

Sopapillas


Tuesday

Breakfast:

French Toast

Lunch:

tuna salad sandwiches, fresh veggies

Dinner:

Crockpot Tortellini Soup, buttered bread

Snacks:

Peanut butter crackers


Wednesday

Breakfast:

Muffins

Lunch:

egg salad sandwiches, veggies

Dinner:

Root Beer Slow Cooker Pork, French Fries, slaw

Snacks:

Pizzelles


Thursday

Breakfast:

Pancakes

Lunch:

Leftovers

Dinner:

Red & White Pasta, Salad, Cheesy Garlic Pull-apart Bread

Snacks:

Popcorn


Friday

Breakfast:

Cereal/Oatmeal

Lunch:

Scrambled Egg Sandwiches

Dinner:

Fish w/Honey Mustard Sauce, baked sweet potato, salad

Snacks:

Homemade Cookies


Saturday

Breakfast:

Strawberry Strudels, yogurt

Lunch:

Pepperoni pockets, salad

Dinner:

Breakfast for Dinner (make your favorite breakfast meal and change things up a bit)

Snacks:

Birthday Cake for Jesus (this is a new tradition here at our house)

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

This is a recipe that I have had forever. It is simple and quick to make. It can be made on the stove or in the crockpot too. My kids love this and we usually eat it with Mac-N-Cheese and a veggie on the side. They are always a big hit when served as an appetizer at get-togethers as well. Continue reading “Sweet and Sour Meatballs”

Pepperoni pockets

This is our version of a hot pocket. These are fun and easy to make. The kids will gobble them up really quickly too. They can be made as a snack or pair with a salad to make a meal out of them. Continue reading “Pepperoni pockets”

Strawberry Strudels

Strawberry Strudels

(original recipe link)

Strawberry Strudels

Ingredients:

•1 package (17.3 oz; 2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed (I had enough filling to do 2 packages of puff pastry.)
•3/4 c. strawberry preserves
•1/2 c. cream cheese, room temperature
•1 egg, separated
•4 T. powdered sugar
•1 T. water
•2-3 t. sugar
•1/4 t. vanilla extract
•1 pinch salt

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 400º F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl or mixer, beat cream cheese with vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, egg yolk, and salt. Beat until smooth.
3.Dust remaining powdered sugar over the work surface and unfold puff pastry sheets.
4. Cut pastry along the creased lines and then evenly cut pastry strips into small squares or rectangles. (Note: I cut each sheet into 12 squares.)
5. Place strawberry preserves in a small glass or bowl and whisk until relaxed and loosened.
6. Take 1-2 teaspoons cream cheese filling and place it in the middle of the pastry square. Top cream cheese with 1 teaspoon strawberry preserves.
7. Take another piece of puff pastry and place it on top of filled puff pastry. Seal the edges and use a small knife to cut 2 small vents into the top of strudel to allow steam to escape.
8. Beat egg yolk and water in a small bowl and brush it over mini strudels. Sprinkle sugar over strudels, transfer to baking sheet and place in oven.
9.Bake for 17-19 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe adapted from All Food Recipes

Here is a video that shows how to assemble these.