Meals

For some reason, I thought that Thanksgiving would feed us for the whole week, so I neglected planning meals last week.  Well, Thanksgiving wasn't until Thursdsay, so we were a little under-prepared for the beggining of the week.  I'm doing better this week :) 

Monday - Apple Cider Pork Roast...just took a bite of this and it's DELICIOUS and Calvin is gobbling it down!!!  With roasted potatoes and green beans
Tuesday - Taco Casserole...I'm going to try and wing it with crushed tortilla chips and a meat/bean concoction. 
Wednesday - Leftovers or salads
Thursday - French Toast...I read a suggestion of having breakfast for dinner once a week as it can tend to be pretty inexpensive. 
Friday - Roast Chicken with caesar salad
Saturday - I think we'll be over at someone's house??
Sunday - Homemade Pizza...but don't let me fool you, I buy my crust at Trader Joe's.  You can't beat $1.29 and no hassle. 

I feel like I'm struggling a little bit sticking to our budget for the entire month and still having hearty, yummy meals.  We're usually scraping the cupboards to figure out meals for the last few days of the month.  And we are total meat eaters, but I am trying to plan a meal or two each week that is vegetarian, yet still hearty.  So, I would love any and all ideas for budget friendly but delicious, family favorite meals!! 

So Very Blessed

I was struck today with an abundance of gratitude to the Lord for how richly He has blessed me.  Of course, it is the week of Thanksgiving, I've read a number of "I'm Thankful for..." blogs and statuses.  But what really made me realize how truly blessed I am?  Today, I was out running errands and I noticed a long line down the sidewalk.  I'm in that part of town pretty frequently and I'd never seen that many people before.  I peeked down the street and realized it was a line for the Food Bank.  I didn't even know that's where the food bank was.  And it struck me...I have no doubts that I will be eating a delicious Thanksgiving meal surrounded by people I love, and who love me back.  We will be warm and cozy, stuffed to the brim, and totally happy.  It will be a day free of stress (for me at least, since I'm not doing much cooking) and full of joy.  And I know that isn't true for everyone. 

Honestly, I've been spending a lot more time lately being stressed out about what we don't have, or the fact that we need to "save up" to buy a new dust buster after ours broke.  I've been overlooking the fact that God has blessed us ABUNDANTLY...well beyond what we need, and even beyond what we ask for. 

So I am going to try a little harder, not just this week, but every week, to focus on the things I am grateful for, and thank God for them. 

Two of my favorite blessings : ) 

Two weeks of Meals!!

So I failed at meal planning last week, and I'm trying to make it up by planning two weeks worth of meals.  I'm also hoping this will mean I can just do one large shopping trip and then just run out for fresh produce as needed.  I don't know Jake's schedule for next week, so there will probably be some shuffling around, but here's the plan:

11/7-11/12

Monday - Pulled pork sandwiches...our FAVORITE!!  And pretty much the all time easiest meal :) 
Tuesday - Tacos...which means i need to make homemade tortillas and refried beans first!
Wednesday - Hoppin' John Stoup (from a Rachel Ray cook book...basically a sausage and veggie stew)
Thursday - Chicken Divan with rice
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Tuna Casserole
Sunday - Seahawks game...so probably pizza??


11/13-11/19

Monday - Chicken and veggie stir fry with rice
Tuesday - Pork chops (cooked somehow...I don't know yet)
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Chicken Curry
Friday - Double date night!!
Saturday - Spaghetti
Sunday - Pumpkin Soup