• What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    We had a blast spending time with extended family last week.  Now we are looking forward to camping out with friends along with a number of fun activities going on this week! Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Japanese Beef & Rice, Easy Vegetable Bake
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Kids in the Kitchen – Ham Salad Sandwiches, Fresh Vegetables
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Blueberry Pancakes, Fresh Fruit
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree): Baked Ham, Steamed Vegetables
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    Last week my Mom, Grandma, several Aunts, and cousin flew in from Kansas to South Carolina for a visit.  My Mom stayed with us the entire time and Grandma came the last half of their time in South Carolina to stay with us.  So thankful to have some time to catch up, get some projects done around the house, and have fun.  The girls loved having Grandma and Great Grandma stay with us.  A lot of great memories!  Jake was traveling for work for part of the week so it was nice having family to spend some time with me while he was away.  Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!

    Last week’s goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Spend extra time with Grandma, Great Grandma, and extended family

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – only did three days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t count
    3. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – almost done
    4. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – reading through it

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – got a few extra projects done thanks to the help of my Mom and Grandma!
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts – had guests so took some time off last week
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on 5 blog items – took time off with my Mom and Grandma here last week

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
    4. Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure
    5. A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion – staying up to date

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van – working on it
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – moving forward

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Attend Parent / Teacher Meetings for the Girls

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
    4. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
    5. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
    6. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
    4. Community Group Camping Adventure

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

  • Recipe: Carmel Apple Dip

    P1190175c

     

    Are you looking for a simple and tasty apple appetizer?  All you have to do is wash the apples.  Core out the middle of one of the apples.  Put 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in the middle and swish it around making sure the entire inside of the apple has been coasted  with lemon juice (the lemon juice helps prevent the apple from browning).  Pour caramel dip in the center of the apple and serve with fresh apple slices.

    You can either buy the already made caramel dip or melt caramels according to the package directions.  Make sure the caramel is cool before pouring it into the apple “serving” bowl.  This recipe is simple, easy, and delicious.  A perfect Fall treat to share with family and friends!

  • Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals

    P1390533c

    School lunch is ready!

    Today the girls chalkboard note read “You’re the BEST!”  A lot of their lunches consist of leftovers from the evening meals together as our family.  They love it when they get a roast beef sandwich from the roast we had the night before or something similar.

    Lunch Box Meal:

    • Roast Beef & Mash Potato Sandwich
    • Fresh Grapes
    • Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
    • Cashews
    • Peach Yogurt
    • Chocolate & Vanilla Oreos
    • Teddy Grahams
    • Reduced Sugar Orange or Fruit Punch Juice

     

    P1390527c

    Fresh grapes, cherry tomatoes, roast beef sandwich and more!

    The girls really do eat most of the items in their lunch bags!  I have found that the food I pack them hold them longer than when they eat lunches at school.  Part of the reason may be because students that bring lunches get a few extra minutes to eat, plus they can eat any of the leftovers for a snack on the way to our after school activities.

    P1390525c

    Goodies are ready for the girls to packed up.

  • Guest “Welcome” Basket

    Welcome Basket

    Occasionally we have missionaries, family, or friends staying with us that have been or will be traveling.  When they stop by for a few days or weeks we try to make sure to have a “welcome” letter and basket full of goodies for them to use.  They can go through the basket and pick out any items that their family can use or take with them.  If there are some items that they won’t use they can give them away or leave them.

    One of the best parts about shopping the sales and using coupons is you have an opportunity to be a blessing to people that you meet.  I love being able to pack a basket full of products for our guests to pick out what they want or need.  It saves them a little cash plus they don’t need to make that extra trip to the store.

    Here are some of the items in the basket pictured above that was beside the guest bed for a family earlier this year:

    • Women’s Deodorant
    • Men’s Deodorant
    • Breathe Right Strips
    • Finger Nail Polish
    • Trident Gum
    • Adult Mouthwash
    • Kids Mouthwash
    • Floss – Adult & Kids
    • Sheets Energy Strips
    • Men’s Shaving Foam
    • Men’s Razors
    • Women’s Shaving Cream
    • Women’s Razors
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • New Toothbrushes (for adults & kids)
    • Antibacterial Bandaids
    • Eye Drops
    • Women’s Body Wash
    • Men’s Body Wash
    • Kids Kool Fever Busters
    • Chapstick
    • Lotion
    • Cologne
    • Perfume
    • Women’s Body Spray
    • Men’s Body Spray
    • Feminine Products
    • Adult Toothpaste
    • Kids Toothpaste
    • Contact Cleaning & Rinse Solution
    • Pens / Pencils
    • Paper
    • Kid’s Medicine
    • Adult Medicine
    • And More!!!!!

    Our family doesn’t have everything money can buy, but we have been richly blessed with many items so it is a real treat being able to share what we have with others.  If there is something specific I know a guest enjoys (food, products, or other items) I do my best to make sure it is available for them when they arrive.  I don’t always remember (or get it right) but I think it helps make your guests feel welcome when you have something to welcome them into your home.  If I don’t have a basket ready for them I try to put out a note or something little on the bed or in the guest bathroom for them.  How do you make your guests feel welcome when they come to stay in your home?

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of October 17 – 23, 2012

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.  It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals.  Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meat and Seafood

    Beef Stew Meat – $2.99 lb

    Boneless Beef Chuck Roast – $2.49 lb

    Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 lb

    Chicken Drums or Thighs – $0.99 lb

    Ground Beef – $1.99 lb

    Pork Sirloin Roast – $1.69 lb

    Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99

    *Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.

    Fridge and Freezer

    Banquet Frozen Dinners – $0.99

    Totino’s Party Pizza (9 – 10 oz) – $1.29

    Produce

    Celery – $0.59 each

    Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb

    Sweet Potatoes – $0.39 lb

    Apples, Assorted Varieties – $0.99 lb

    Russet Potatoes (8 pounds) – $2.29

    Carrots (1 pound) – $0.39

    Grocery

    Mantia’s Spaghetti Noodles (16 oz) – $0.88

    Mantia’s Pasta Sauce (24 oz) – $0.99

    Mantia’s Grated 100% Parmesan Cheese (8 oz) – $2.99

    Hargis House Sloppy Joes Sauce (14.5 oz) – $0.99

    So Cheesy Mac & Cheese (7.25 oz) – $0.39

    Wylwood Canned Vegetables, Corn or Green Beans – $0.59

    Diane’s Garden Sliced Tomatoes (14.5 oz) – $0.69

    Wylwood Red Kidney Beans (15 oz) – $0.79

    Marcum Chili Seasoning – $0.57

    J. Higgs Saltine Crackers (16 0z) – $0.99

    Kurtz Ketchup (32 oz) – $0.99

    Kaskey Onion Soup Mix (2 oz) – $0.89

    Save A Lot Soft Drinks (2 liters) – $0.69

    Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $0.99

    Save A Lot Today Toaster Pastries (11 oz) – $0.99

     Westcott Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.69

    J. Higgs Potato Chips (10 oz) – $1.49

    Ginger Evans Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99

    Cowboy Billy’s Baked Beans (16 oz) – $0.89

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.  For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.  Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.

  • Travel & Vacation: Beautiful Orange County Kabini, India

    Brilliant bright orange -red flowers found near our hut at the Orange County Kabini Resort

    Orange County Kabini captivated my attention with the all the beauty around us.  Even though there were a number of families staying on the resort it always seemed peaceful and relaxing.  Whether you were walking along the cobblestone paths lined with beautiful flowers, going for a swim, or mesmerized by the colorful sunsets there was plenty to see.

     

     At Kabini there was a kid pool and an adult pool!  The adult pool was right next to a huge tree and it looked out over the Kabini River.

    View from the other side of the pool. It was a peaceful place to swim.

    Funky tree stump by the Kabini River.

    Massive ant hill!  Now that is one you don’t want to step into, although it was fascinating to see!

    Want to relax in a hammock under a huge tree?  You can relax in the hammock as you watch the kids swimming in the pool.

    Pretty lavender colored flower at Kabini.  Not sure what it is called but it reminds me of a small thistle.

    Swimming in the pool and watching the boats cruise by on the Kabini River.

    Sunset at Kabini

    Calm, peaceful and beautiful sunset

    Enjoying the last few minutes of the sunset at Kabini

    Orange County Kabini was a beautiful place.  There were plenty of fun activities as well as ways to relax.  It was great having a chance to soak in all the amazing things at Kabini from a relaxing swim to a brilliant colored flower to an amazing sunset.  What a wonderful place to visit on our trip to India.

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!

  • Song: “None But Jesus” by Hillsong

    Life has a way of getting cluttered…….and many times with great activities.  How many times this week have I spent “in the quiet” and “in the stillness” with God?  He has given so much for me, how can I refuse to spend time with Him.  I never regret the times when I make the choice to spend time in His word and prayer. May He restore my heart and direct my path this week.

    In the quiet
    In the stillness
    I know that You are God
    In the secret of Your presence
    I know there I am restored
    When You call i won’t refuse
    Each new day again I’ll choose

    There is no one else for me
    None but Jesus
    Crucified to set me free
    Now I live to bring Him praise

    In the chaos in confusion
    I know You’re sovereign still
    In the moment of my weakness
    You give me grace to do Your will
    When You call I won’t delay
    This my song through all my days

    All my delight is in You Lord
    All of my hope
    All of my strength
    All my delight is in You Lord
    Forever more

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    My Mom, Grandma, and several Aunts are coming into town this week.  Looking forward to spending some extra time catching up with family.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Crockpot Roast, Vegetables
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Kids in the Kitchen – Hot Dogs, Steamed Vegetables
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree): Homemade Pepperoni Pizza, Fresh Veggies
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz