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Menu Plan - Week of January 24 (2 weeks)

I have been back at work full time for 4 months now and our diet has suffered greatly! I have been very convicted that I MUST take control back in the kitchen - for the sake of our hearts, waists, and budget. Thankfully, our 2 local grocers had great sales the past 2 weeks on meat, frozen veggies, and pantry staples. I love it when the Lord does that - convict me of something and then put opportunities in front of me to change my behavior. Thank you Lord!!

Here is 2 weeks worth of dinner menus. DH and I take lunch to work at least 4 days a week. We include leftovers mainly. I will sometimes make a big batch of pasta salad and we'll grill some chicken breasts to put over top. But, with it being a balmy 30 degrees here most of the week, grilling can wait.

• Oven Roasted Chicken with * Macaroni and Cheese and Caramelized Roasted Carrots
• Chicken burritos on corn tortillas with salsa verde, avocado, and shredded lettuce; refried beans (use leftover chicken from Sunday)
  
• Meatloaf Cups with * Potatoes AuGratin and Broccoli (put the meat mixture together the night before so when I get home, I just portion and cook)
  
• * Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole with corn
• Homemade pizza and green salad
  
• * Ratatouille over Polenta
• * Pasta Fagioli soup with Italian Cheese Bread
  
• Beer Cheese Soup with Sausage, fresh baked bread
• Cashew Chicken with white rice and steamed broccoli

* denotes a slow cooker recipe

I hope you all find some inspiration to make tasty recipes in your homes. Enjoy!!

Setting Goals, not Resolutions

I have a long standing disdain for New Years resolutions. I believe strongly in the power of setting stretch goals and doing your all to achieve them with the caveat that you are seeking the LORD'S will in all you do. He certainly challenges us to be better each day, to deny ourselves each day, to live for Him each day. That's my plan for 2011 - live more for God than I did in 2010. More tomorrow than I did today, more for my family than for me, more for His kingdom than for my ego and glory.

I'll share some specific things I have felt conviction about over the next few days. What is the Lord laying on your heart as we approach another year? Are you more willing now than last December to submit and be used by Him, for Him?

Menu Plan - Week of January 2, 2011!

Wow!! It's amazing to me that another year is upon us. I am not a huge fan of New Years Eve celebrations. Perhaps as I've gotten older and now have a young child at home, I just have lost the thrill for staying up until midnight and over indulging. So, here I sit ... with 2 snoring children snug in their beds, watching the Chick fil A bowl with DH and planning, organizing, and feeling invigorated to take the reins back on our life after the Christmas season. Does everyone go through this - please assure me it's not just me?? Christmas is amazing, wonderful, and definitely one of my favorite times of year ... but, the unusual schedule, over indulgent once-a-year food, trying to squeeze in one more fun activity, and general over stimulation leave me craving a simple and quiet start to the new year. That starts with a menu plan, of course!!

Dinners:

• Sunday: Slow Cooker Lasagna with green salad and cheesy garlic bread
• Meatballs with Peppers and Pineapple, white rice (I will use some frozen meatballs we already have)
• Sour Cream Salsa Chicken*, Spanish Rice, corn
• Chicken tacos with leftover Sour Cream Chicken - lettuce, tomatoes, homemade guacamole, cheese, refried black beans
• Pizza with green salad

I want to wish you all a New year full of blessings and leave you with a wonderful quote from Martin Luther:
"Glory to God in highest heaven, who unto man His Son hath given; while angels sing with tender mirth, a glad new year to all the earth."

Kid Friendly Weekend Ahead

Our 9 year old niece is coming to stay with us this weekend. Our 5 year old son is over-the-moon! He is just about to bust with excitement. He is counting not just the days, but the hours, until her arrival. I want to make this weekend really special for her as it will be her first time away from home. We plan to visit the children's museum, go ice skating, and eat all sorts of yummy food.

On the menu:

• Cream Cheese & Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls
• Breakfast Puffs with Chocolate & Vanilla Drizzle
  
• Make Your Own Pizzas with pepperoni, veggies, and oodles of cheese
• Mini Lasagnas - I plan to use my favorite recipe and bake it in ramekins rather than a large dish
• We'll eat lunch out both days she is here

Wishing you all a blessed New Year's weekend!!

Winter Wonderland

Menu Plan - Christmas Week, 2010

Sometimes I wish we were a family that had an elaborate Christmas menu, but sadly we don't. Although, our boring menu is steeped in tradition. Christmas day we will head to my parent's home and thoroughly enjoy a standing rib roast, baked potatoes, and salad. Same menu for about 7 years now. I told my sweet daddy I thought changing it might be a divorcable offense!

I will still make dinner for 4 nights this week.

Weeknight Dinners:

• Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, green salad
• Ham with Pineapple Dijon Sauce, corn, and homemade mac & cheese
• Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole (add leftover ham) and green salad
• Beef, barley, and veggie soup using leftover prime rib bones - sheer decadence!!

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas week full of the Savior's presence, comfort, and love!!!