Praise the Lord we are all moved into our new house. I will post the story soon because I want to remember exactly how God provided for us in every step of the way.
We now live about 20 minutes from David's work, so he isn't able to come home for lunch anymore. That means I have the thrilling responsibility of packing lunches.
After the first week, I decided I needed to be more proactive in planning my lunches because it's much harder to pack a filling lunch when there is nothing prepared. I am also trying to look at this as an opportunity to bless my husband with something he will enjoy in the middle of his day.
Since my kids are starting to wake up earlier and hungrier, I decided to start planning breakfasts too. I really don't want to be in the habit of eating poptarts everyday.
So here is my first attempt at Triple Meal Planning.
Saturday B- Pancakes, Bacon and Eggs
L- PB and J
D- Chicken Casserole, Green Beans, Corn, Bread
Sunday B- Cinnamon Buns, Bacon and Eggs
L-Leftover Chicken Casserole, Green Beans, Corn
D- Pigs in a Blanket, Fruit Salad
Monday- B- Toast, Bacon and Eggs
L-Alfredo, Corn on the Cob
D- Spaghetti, Salad
Tuesday B-Breakfast Casserole
L - Sandwiches for grownups; turkey, crackers, cucumbers and grapes for kids
D- Taco Tuesday
Wednesday B-French Toast
L-Fish Sticks and Broccoli
D- Cowboy Beans and Baked Potatoes
Thursday B-Strawberry Muffins
L- Leftovers for Adults; Finger Foods for Kids
D- Honey Chicken with Stuffing and Green Beans
Friday B- Poptarts and Cereal
L-PB& J
D- Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Meal Plan for July
Wow! It has been a long time since I updated my blog. In March, we found out we were expecting baby #3! Very early in the pregnancy I started to have some problems and I was diagnosed with an SCH which is common but scary none the less. Praise the Lord that He has healed me and at 21 weeks my morning sickness is long gone and I'm feeling pretty good. I am quite a bit more tired. I typically lay down with the boys everyday and carrying the laundry up and down the stairs leaves me out of breath, but otherwise I am very thankful for a healthy pregnancy.
It is about time to get back on track with my meal plan. We have a very busy month ahead so I planned every meal to save me time and frustration.
Here it is!
Week 1
July 1- Homemade Hamburger Helper
July 2- Taco Tuesday
July 3- Leftovers
July 4- Hot dogs with fixins for lunch and birthday party for dinner
July 5- Chicken Quesadillas
July 6- Veggie Beef Casserole and Potatoes
July 7- Leftovers
Week 2
July 8- Barbecue Chicken, Broccoli, Rice
July 9- Taco Tuesday
July 10- Ham and Cheese Stromboli and Salad
July 11- Fish Sticks, Mac and cheese, Green Beans
July 12 - Out for birthday party!
July 13- Pizza Casserole and Salad
July 14- Leftovers
Week 3
July 15- Chicken Burritos, Rice, Corn
July 16- Taco Tuesday
July 17-Spaghetti and Salad
July 18- Barbecue Sandwiches, Potatoes
July 19-Chicken Tenders, Green Beans, Mac and Cheese
July 20- Divine Divan, Corn, Apples
July 21- Family Meal at Lake
Week 4
July 22- Meatloaf, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes
July 23- Birthday Party
July 24 -Italian Chicken, Rice, Squash
July 25 - Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli
July 26 Pizza
July 27 Chicken Casserole, Broccoli, Corn
July 28 Leftovers
Week 5
July 29-Pot Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Green beans
July 30- Taco Tuesday
July 31- Cheeseburgers on the grill
It is about time to get back on track with my meal plan. We have a very busy month ahead so I planned every meal to save me time and frustration.
Here it is!
Week 1
July 1- Homemade Hamburger Helper
July 2- Taco Tuesday
July 3- Leftovers
July 4- Hot dogs with fixins for lunch and birthday party for dinner
July 5- Chicken Quesadillas
July 6- Veggie Beef Casserole and Potatoes
July 7- Leftovers
Week 2
July 8- Barbecue Chicken, Broccoli, Rice
July 9- Taco Tuesday
July 10- Ham and Cheese Stromboli and Salad
July 11- Fish Sticks, Mac and cheese, Green Beans
July 12 - Out for birthday party!
July 13- Pizza Casserole and Salad
July 14- Leftovers
Week 3
July 15- Chicken Burritos, Rice, Corn
July 16- Taco Tuesday
July 17-Spaghetti and Salad
July 18- Barbecue Sandwiches, Potatoes
July 19-Chicken Tenders, Green Beans, Mac and Cheese
July 20- Divine Divan, Corn, Apples
July 21- Family Meal at Lake
Week 4
July 22- Meatloaf, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes
July 23- Birthday Party
July 24 -Italian Chicken, Rice, Squash
July 25 - Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli
July 26 Pizza
July 27 Chicken Casserole, Broccoli, Corn
July 28 Leftovers
Week 5
July 29-Pot Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Green beans
July 30- Taco Tuesday
July 31- Cheeseburgers on the grill
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Jeremiah: 10 months
Jeremiah is 10 months old!
It is so hard to believe that his birthday is coming so soon. We have already begun to plan his first birthday celebration.
This month Jeremiah finally started eating cheerios on his own. We have not tried any other finger foods yet. Granny Franny bought us a Baby Bullet and we have been eating so much more table food. Last week he enjoyed chili beans with us. This week we made a roasted chicken for Sunday dinner and he enjoyed that as well. He wants to eat whatever we are having and many times will reach for the food on Benjamin's tray.
We have upgraded to regular oatmeal with applesauce.
He has four teeth. Two on the bottom and two on the top.
He now drinks from a cup at lunch and dinner and has a bottle with breakfast and before bedtime.
Jeremiah is crawling at record speeds. He does not like to play on his own so you will either find him playing with his brother and crawling under Mama's feet. He crawls on his elbows and pushes off his feet. We call it the Commando crawl. He is not pulling himself up yet. He can sit on his bottom and will catch himself before he falls.
He maneuvers his way around the house well. Big brother likes to work puzzles. Jeremiah likes to eat puzzles. Benjamin will hide his puzzle pieces so Jeremiah can't find them to chew them up. Jeremiah loves this hide and seek game. The best hiding place so far has been under Daddy's feet while he is sitting at the table.
Jeremiah's sleep habits have not changed.
He takes a short nap in the morning. He takes a nap with brother in the afternoon and he sleeps 11-12 hours at night. Jeremiah goes to bed with a blanket and a teddy bear. Big brother makes sure that we do not forget. If we do, he gets out of bed and gives Jeremiah the bear and blanket. Jeremiah also has an Elmo pillow pet that sits outside his crib. Since Big brother sleeps with his Cookie Monster pillow, Elmo has also started appearing in the crib with Jeremiah in the morning.
This child LOVES his Mama. If I leave his sight. it breaks his heart. He does well with others when I leave him, but he gets sooo excited to see me when I come back. His favorite place to be is in my arms snuggling on the couch. I am so thankful for this sweet boy who calls me Mamamamama.
It is so hard to believe that his birthday is coming so soon. We have already begun to plan his first birthday celebration.
This month Jeremiah finally started eating cheerios on his own. We have not tried any other finger foods yet. Granny Franny bought us a Baby Bullet and we have been eating so much more table food. Last week he enjoyed chili beans with us. This week we made a roasted chicken for Sunday dinner and he enjoyed that as well. He wants to eat whatever we are having and many times will reach for the food on Benjamin's tray.
We have upgraded to regular oatmeal with applesauce.
He has four teeth. Two on the bottom and two on the top.
He now drinks from a cup at lunch and dinner and has a bottle with breakfast and before bedtime.
Jeremiah is crawling at record speeds. He does not like to play on his own so you will either find him playing with his brother and crawling under Mama's feet. He crawls on his elbows and pushes off his feet. We call it the Commando crawl. He is not pulling himself up yet. He can sit on his bottom and will catch himself before he falls.
He maneuvers his way around the house well. Big brother likes to work puzzles. Jeremiah likes to eat puzzles. Benjamin will hide his puzzle pieces so Jeremiah can't find them to chew them up. Jeremiah loves this hide and seek game. The best hiding place so far has been under Daddy's feet while he is sitting at the table.
Jeremiah's sleep habits have not changed.
He takes a short nap in the morning. He takes a nap with brother in the afternoon and he sleeps 11-12 hours at night. Jeremiah goes to bed with a blanket and a teddy bear. Big brother makes sure that we do not forget. If we do, he gets out of bed and gives Jeremiah the bear and blanket. Jeremiah also has an Elmo pillow pet that sits outside his crib. Since Big brother sleeps with his Cookie Monster pillow, Elmo has also started appearing in the crib with Jeremiah in the morning.
This child LOVES his Mama. If I leave his sight. it breaks his heart. He does well with others when I leave him, but he gets sooo excited to see me when I come back. His favorite place to be is in my arms snuggling on the couch. I am so thankful for this sweet boy who calls me Mamamamama.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Jeremiah : 9 Months
Jeremiah is crawling!!!!!!
He crawled first while Mama was away on a shopping trip. He does the full body crawl and only crawls a short distance if he can"t reach something. He only did it a few times a day.
Then, we went to stay with some friends while our heatpump got replaced, and they had hardwood floors. Jeremiah discovered his newly found freedom in crawling.
He learned to follow mama everywhere. He is under my feet when I cook, when I clean and if I DARE to sit down, I better be holding him.
At 9 months, Jeremiah is drinking from a sippy cup!
He takes his water/juice in a sippy cup every night for dinner.
He takes his water/juice in a sippy cup every night for dinner.
He hasn't completely mastered holding it by himself.
His schedule is pretty easy
8:00 - Wakeup time
8:30 Breakfast- 6 oz bottle with oatmeal and applesauce
10:00 nap for about an hour sometimes longer
12:00 6 oz bottle with vegetables and rice
2:00 nap for 2 hours
5:00 Vegetables, meat and grain with fruit with sippy cup
8:30 -8 oz bottle
Bedtime
Jeremiah is either VERY happy or VERY not happy.
He has learned to clap and claps at everything. He laughs with his whole body.
His whole face lights up when he grins. Everybody loves to be around him.
He is learning new syllables.
He can say dada, mama, blah blah, and hey! among other nonintelligible grunts.
He likes to grunt while he eats in between bites. Silly baby.
He has no fear. He would crawl right off the couch if we let him. He has pulled the lamp down on top of himself a few times. This adorable daredevil is keeping us on our toes.
We love you Jeremiah!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Jeremiah: 8 months
My babies are growing so fast! I am working on Jeremiah's baby book and I am reminded of how quickly he changes and how I can't even remember those first few months.
I am hoping I can remember his milestones for this month, but I do try to write them on the calender.
At 8 months, Jeremiah is wearing 12 month clothes. He is such a long baby!
I am hoping I can remember his milestones for this month, but I do try to write them on the calender.
At 8 months, Jeremiah is wearing 12 month clothes. He is such a long baby!
He suffered from his first ear infection the last week of December. The poor baby was up all night Christmas Eve, and it was not in anticipation of Santa. He felt bad all day on Christmas and we took him to the Doctor the next day and he was diagnosed with a double ear infection.
He did NOT like the pink stuff. Benjamin begged for it and Jeremiah cried. These children are totally different!
We switched his formula this month and Jeremiah decided he was not going to drink bottles anymore. After several days of worry and frustration, we finally changed up his meal plan.
Jeremiah has a 6-oz bottle for breakfast with cereal and applesauce.
Jeremiah has a 6-oz bottle for lunch with vegetables and rice.
Jeremiah has a vegetables, meat, rice, and fruit for dinner with water or juice in a sippy cup.
Jeremiah loves and anticipates his bedtime bottle of 6 ounces.
Jeremiah also cut his first tooth for Christmas. He still does not eat finger foods.
Jeremiah is very playful. He loves to smile and laugh at everybody. He rolls all over the floor and reaches for the toys he wants to play with.
He still takes 2 naps a day and sleeps 10-11 hours at night.
Jeremiah is such a happy baby and we are so thankful for him.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Jeremiah: 7 months old
Guess who turned 7 months old...18 days ago ?
Jeremiah is past the half-way point of his first year!
This sweet boy has gained the affectionate nickname of "Thumper."
He thumps. He rolls. He scoots. He rocks. He does the worm.
Crawling is in his near future, I am sure.
At 7 months,
Jeremiah can say mama, dada and blah blah.
I think he said dada first, but mama came very soon after.
Jeremiah has three meals a day which consist of a variety of pureed fruits, veggies, meats and grains.
He still drinks 4 bottles a day.
We have introduced the sippy cup with water and juice and he was not impressed.
He still has no teeth yet.
We have not tried finger foods because of the lack of teeth.
He takes 2 naps a day and sleeps 10 hours at night.
He has outgrown the baby tub and has been upgraded to the big tub.
He LOVES to splash. After bath time, we are all soaking wet and he is normally out of breath.
He loves to watch big brother.
He loves to squeal and laugh.
He loves to suck his thumb. He really likes to hold something in his hand near his face.
He plays hard and then he crashes.
I love this baby stage. He shows excitement with his whole body. His smile melts my heart.
I am enjoying all the cuddles I can with this one, because soon and very soon he will be crawling away from me!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Tis the Season
Christmas time is here, bringing hope and cheer...
and shopping, baking, giving, reading, wrapping, watching, traveling, stressing...and maybe guilt.
I was talking to a friend last night and shared that even though it is only the first few days of December, I feel like I am already behind on Christmas. My shopping is nearly done. My house is already decorated. Still, the month of December is filled with opportunity to make everyday a special tribute to the season. I LOVE tradition and all things seasonal. If there was a 25 Days of Christmas Meal Plan, I would probably do it. There is something about the Advent structure that draws me in. Although I would love to do all the Christmas things that start with "25 days" or "12 days," I do not want to drive my husband crazy or deny my children the joy of keeping it simple. Therefore, this is my plan for our family for Christmas.
David and I have a desire to have a large family. If the Lord leads us to adopt or participate in Foster Care, we will be excited to do that, however that doesn't change our desire to have a large family if the Lord so blesses us. With that in mind, we decided that we didn't want to start giving our kids "big" Christmas in regards to gifts if we don't plan to continue that as the Lord grows our family. We plan to give our children three gifts each symbolic of the three gifts mentioned in the Bible for Baby Jesus. I plan to use the idea that I heard from a friend. One gift will be a toy, another gift educational and the third clothes. Our kids receive gifts from grandparents, aunts and uncles and other family members, so they will still have lots of things at Christmas. I have to admit that I have struggled with guilt over this issue. I had wonderful Christmas mornings as a child and David also had "big" Christmas mornings at his house. I want to give my kids things I know they will enjoy. However, I also want them to know the importance of good stewardship and put the focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
We also plan to give the boys a fourth gift. This gift will be very special. It may be something that they share. This gift will be from Santa. I know, I know Santa Claus takes away from the real meaning of Christmas. I don't think it has to. I didn't believe in Santa as a child. I was too smart for that :)
David believed in Santa. He REALLY believed in Santa. He SAW Santa. When we got married, we had this discussion and it is very important to him that our kids believe in Santa. I agreed that this would be something fun for our kids. However, I struggled with guilt over this issue. Should I lie to my kids? How can they believe in Santa and give due respect to Baby Jesus? Then, the Lord used Veggie Tales to give me some peace about this issue. I will teach my kids the true history of Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was raised by two devout Christian parents who were very wealthy. They died when Nicholas was young, but their generosity impacted his life. He followed in their footsteps and gave to the less fortunate in secret. The story is told how he threw money in window and it landed in a stocking. There are many stories told of how Saint Nicholas helped others and children would leave snacks for him and carrots for his horse. Saint Nick's Day is actually early in the month of December so that families could remember him by giving gifts and then focus on the birth of Christ and Christmas day. Santa Claus was a Christian, people. Even if you can change his name to spell something evil. I did my research on this issue. I didn't take Bob and Larry's word on this. I don't feel guilty about this anymore. Benjamin believes that trains can talk, vegetables sing and dance and his teddy bear is his best friend. Imagination is part of childhood and I don't think he will be scarred when he learns that we played along with him even though we knew the truth.
I do plan to be intentional about teaching my kids the true meaning, of Christmas. This year I will do things that are appropriate for Benjamin. What about little brother?
Jeremiah's thoughts on Christmas are "Ooh, Bright lights to stare at." and "I could do some major teething on that nativity set. Give me those angel wings."
Benjamin loves to sing. I am trying to teach him Away in a Manger and Silent Night. He hasn't caught on yet, but he will sing Noel and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. We have a Charlie Brown Christmas book with buttons to push. He pushes the button to hear the children sing at the end over and over and over ... I plan to do 12-days of Christmas coloring pages that teach about the Nativity Scene. He has a nativity set that he plays with at Christmas time. We will make a birthday cake for Jesus to eat on Christmas day.
We are also doing 24 Christmas books. I wrapped all of my Christmas books in one type of wrapping paper and wrapped the library books in another so I could tell the difference. He is allowed to open one book each night before bed. This is our favorite thing to do. He tries to open one every morning but I make him wait until bedtime so we have something to anticipate. We are also doing elf on the shelf. David really enjoys putting out the elf and helping Benjamin to find it.
Personally, I am doing a special 25 days of Christmas Bible reading plan. There are many different things to do to prepare your heart for Christmas, but I will have to spread them out over the years. In this season of my life, I don't have time to read several devotionals a day. I am hoping to be faithful to one.
I plan to do a little holiday baking. I will make peanut butter fudge for David, and some Christmas cookies for Benjamin. If I get ambitious I may try reindeer-shaped treats.
We are still praying about our giving this year. It is only the 3rd of December and so far we have been asked to give to 5 really worthy causes. I really struggle with guilt over this issue. We save a little bit of money to give at Christmas but I feel guilty because we aren't able to give to all. Sometimes I feel like we are alone in this. Maybe everyone else gets an extra check the first of December, but we missed out. In fact, we are able to give more after Christmas than before. Anyway, God is working on my heart on this issue. I hope to give through Samaritan's purse because my heart is drawn to those who are fighting hunger and disease. We also plan to give to a needy family through our Lifegroup. As we are blessed, we will give where God leads.
So this is my plan for Christmas. Looking forward to a great Christmas season with many special memories.
and shopping, baking, giving, reading, wrapping, watching, traveling, stressing...and maybe guilt.
I was talking to a friend last night and shared that even though it is only the first few days of December, I feel like I am already behind on Christmas. My shopping is nearly done. My house is already decorated. Still, the month of December is filled with opportunity to make everyday a special tribute to the season. I LOVE tradition and all things seasonal. If there was a 25 Days of Christmas Meal Plan, I would probably do it. There is something about the Advent structure that draws me in. Although I would love to do all the Christmas things that start with "25 days" or "12 days," I do not want to drive my husband crazy or deny my children the joy of keeping it simple. Therefore, this is my plan for our family for Christmas.
David and I have a desire to have a large family. If the Lord leads us to adopt or participate in Foster Care, we will be excited to do that, however that doesn't change our desire to have a large family if the Lord so blesses us. With that in mind, we decided that we didn't want to start giving our kids "big" Christmas in regards to gifts if we don't plan to continue that as the Lord grows our family. We plan to give our children three gifts each symbolic of the three gifts mentioned in the Bible for Baby Jesus. I plan to use the idea that I heard from a friend. One gift will be a toy, another gift educational and the third clothes. Our kids receive gifts from grandparents, aunts and uncles and other family members, so they will still have lots of things at Christmas. I have to admit that I have struggled with guilt over this issue. I had wonderful Christmas mornings as a child and David also had "big" Christmas mornings at his house. I want to give my kids things I know they will enjoy. However, I also want them to know the importance of good stewardship and put the focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
We also plan to give the boys a fourth gift. This gift will be very special. It may be something that they share. This gift will be from Santa. I know, I know Santa Claus takes away from the real meaning of Christmas. I don't think it has to. I didn't believe in Santa as a child. I was too smart for that :)
David believed in Santa. He REALLY believed in Santa. He SAW Santa. When we got married, we had this discussion and it is very important to him that our kids believe in Santa. I agreed that this would be something fun for our kids. However, I struggled with guilt over this issue. Should I lie to my kids? How can they believe in Santa and give due respect to Baby Jesus? Then, the Lord used Veggie Tales to give me some peace about this issue. I will teach my kids the true history of Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was raised by two devout Christian parents who were very wealthy. They died when Nicholas was young, but their generosity impacted his life. He followed in their footsteps and gave to the less fortunate in secret. The story is told how he threw money in window and it landed in a stocking. There are many stories told of how Saint Nicholas helped others and children would leave snacks for him and carrots for his horse. Saint Nick's Day is actually early in the month of December so that families could remember him by giving gifts and then focus on the birth of Christ and Christmas day. Santa Claus was a Christian, people. Even if you can change his name to spell something evil. I did my research on this issue. I didn't take Bob and Larry's word on this. I don't feel guilty about this anymore. Benjamin believes that trains can talk, vegetables sing and dance and his teddy bear is his best friend. Imagination is part of childhood and I don't think he will be scarred when he learns that we played along with him even though we knew the truth.
I do plan to be intentional about teaching my kids the true meaning, of Christmas. This year I will do things that are appropriate for Benjamin. What about little brother?
Jeremiah's thoughts on Christmas are "Ooh, Bright lights to stare at." and "I could do some major teething on that nativity set. Give me those angel wings."
Benjamin loves to sing. I am trying to teach him Away in a Manger and Silent Night. He hasn't caught on yet, but he will sing Noel and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. We have a Charlie Brown Christmas book with buttons to push. He pushes the button to hear the children sing at the end over and over and over ... I plan to do 12-days of Christmas coloring pages that teach about the Nativity Scene. He has a nativity set that he plays with at Christmas time. We will make a birthday cake for Jesus to eat on Christmas day.
We are also doing 24 Christmas books. I wrapped all of my Christmas books in one type of wrapping paper and wrapped the library books in another so I could tell the difference. He is allowed to open one book each night before bed. This is our favorite thing to do. He tries to open one every morning but I make him wait until bedtime so we have something to anticipate. We are also doing elf on the shelf. David really enjoys putting out the elf and helping Benjamin to find it.
Personally, I am doing a special 25 days of Christmas Bible reading plan. There are many different things to do to prepare your heart for Christmas, but I will have to spread them out over the years. In this season of my life, I don't have time to read several devotionals a day. I am hoping to be faithful to one.
I plan to do a little holiday baking. I will make peanut butter fudge for David, and some Christmas cookies for Benjamin. If I get ambitious I may try reindeer-shaped treats.
We are still praying about our giving this year. It is only the 3rd of December and so far we have been asked to give to 5 really worthy causes. I really struggle with guilt over this issue. We save a little bit of money to give at Christmas but I feel guilty because we aren't able to give to all. Sometimes I feel like we are alone in this. Maybe everyone else gets an extra check the first of December, but we missed out. In fact, we are able to give more after Christmas than before. Anyway, God is working on my heart on this issue. I hope to give through Samaritan's purse because my heart is drawn to those who are fighting hunger and disease. We also plan to give to a needy family through our Lifegroup. As we are blessed, we will give where God leads.
So this is my plan for Christmas. Looking forward to a great Christmas season with many special memories.
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