Excursion

Last night was soooo much fun that I thought I would blog about it this morning, while enjoying my raspberry-chocolate friendship coffee : )
We did something we don't usually do very often . . . went out as a family and had dinner!  All six of us, plus B's friend and Z's girl friend = zoo!  We picked Z up from work and let him drive (always fun) into the 'boro.  Just want to say right here, praise the Lord for our Durango and it's 8 seat belts : )   Our first stop was Animal City (guess which one of us wanted to go there . . . ).  Love that place, they always have fun and exotic animals as well as the mundane, at good prices.  They are not a chain, but good christian family owned business that puts the welfare of the animals first.  Believe me, take a look and you will notice that not one animal looks like it has missed a meal in quite a while - LOL  Yesterday they had a pen of 'Beannies' or what we call 'Deagles', a Beagle/dachshund mix, puppies.  They were a brown dapple, and sooooooooooooo cute!  I am such a sucker for a doxin, sigh.
Next stop was dinner at Ci-Ci's pizza.  It is a buffet place w/video games.  In other words, a kids haven and total chaos reigns.  Yes, the kids loved it, especially the twins.  The last time we were there the twins were two.  With the Christmas carols playing on the radio and all the decorations lite up in town, and all the kids chattering away; it was such a festive atmosphere, sigh- happiness. After dinner we strolled down to the Goodwill which was in the same mall and poked around.  Clark, I mean, Z (we call him Clark, for Clark Griswold in the Christmas vacation movie) scored several boxes of un-opened Christmas lights.  He was litterly floating in estcasy on the way home.  We let him drive back home and after we dropped off his girlfriend, well it was 10:30 before we got the twins in bed.  Z decided he had to put all the lights up last night, so there he was at 11 p.m. and some how he coerced his sister into helping him!  We went to bed!
Now it is the next day and the twins still got up early : (  They have been battling colds for a week and now they are weepy.  It is also raining outside and I find myself wondering if I should take them to the Christmas Parade at noon or not . . .    Anyway, it's worth it.  Last night was soooo wonderful.  As the children get older it seems to get more complicated time wise and money wise too, to travel as a family and do things outside our home.  I feel last night was a special gift from God.

For the past couple days I was in a funk, thinking and praying on some farm land, still : (  We have been praying on this for about 3 years now.  The answer is always, not now.  Sometimes I just get sooooo impatient.  Especially when we are having issues with the managiery we already have.  I know we need more room and I don't ever want to be a problem to our neighbors.  So I spent two days on the computer looking at property everywhere from Maine to Montana.  Yesterday I was so frustrated that I layed down and did some heavy duty praying.  I told God I would go anywhere He wanted me to, just let me know what His will was.  Nothing.  When I hear from God it is usually pretty quick.  I think I haven't been still or quiet enough lately.  After a while, when I was very quiet and still, I got it.  The answer was that I could go anywhere I wanted, as long as I stayed in Cannon Co.   LOL  I always knew God had a sense of humor.  But I was also reminded of all that He moved to get us here.  We were not headed here when we started out.  The answer floored me and gave me reason to sit and think and remember some more.  I went upstairs feeling sad and sorry for myself.  I came down feeling restored and remembered by my father, savior and God!  I am sooo grateful that He is never to busy to let me know that He knows my wants, but  not to always give it to me if it's not whats best.  Just like any good father would!  Amen.  I hope this makes sense.  I have had to stop typing several times, as I have to keep putting out fires with weepy children and answering questions for a husband who apparently knows where nothing is in this house we have lived in for almost ten years now - LOL  Man I love this house, this family, life and God!  AMEN

Blessings, Beth Ann

Yesterday . . .

Yesterday was such a pretty day here in middle TN. Low to mid 90's.  Also it seemed like I got caught up since our last trip.  I took some time to snap a few pic's as well and would like to share them with you.

Here the twins are having a picnic in the shade of our cherry tree.  It was so cute watching Foo pack banana's and water, dishes and a blanket.  She went and found her brother and they counted butterflies in our garden while they snacked.

Last night oldest dd sent this pic of the grandson's (isn't modern technology great).  Jack will be 4 in Jan. and Hunter is 3 months.  Man time flies!

I processed the last of the ripe tomatoes from our garden and froze them for latter use.  We still have some green ones and I will make a green tomato pie or something with them.  I think our finale total is about 60 lbs. of 'maters this year.  Not to shabby : )

I also grilled a big batch of chix breast for use through out the week.  Man I love my Hamilton Beach!

 Here is a random cat pic to confuse you.  This is a decapitated photo of the new rescue kitten, Nala, sunning herself on the back of the sofa.

I made home made garlic bread sticks to go with our chowder at dinner last night.  There never seems to be enough of these : )

I used some of that grilled chicken in my Mexican corn chowder.

Here is the finale results, the twins plates ready for dinner.

That was pretty much my day in a nutshell yesterday.  I also enjoyed some quality time with the kids and had a movie night after hubby came home from work.  It's the simple things.

Blessings, Beth Ann

In the kitchen

A rainy, stormy Saturday here in middle TN. I am not thinking I will get to all the plans I had today, especially the out door lunch at the Feed Store : ) But in case I make it to the Home School movie preview this evening, I need something for kids to eat while I'm gone. So that means getting to all the cooking I put off while it was sunny : )

A friend blessed me with two whole chickens a few weeks back, when oldest son had a relapse. She didn't have time to make chicken soup, so she just brought the chickens! LOL It's the thought right? : ) Anyway, as she likes to say; I'm more creative in the kitchen then her. So I cleaned them this morning and plopped them in my crock pot. By wadding up foil and putting them under the birds, it steams the meat and gives them a 'rotisserie type flavor. I spritz the chicken with my cool new olive oil sprayer and sprinkle liberly with Kroger's version of Mrs. Dash - zesty, for flavor and browning.

We can either carve the birds for dinner or pull the meat off the bones to eat shredded. Either way, I will keep the carcases and make broth in my crock pot tomorrow : )

A different friend gifted me with a half case of limes. I am truly blessed down here! So after getting the chix's going, I decided to get my juicer going and make some lemon/lime aide for the kids to drink while I'm gone.

Aren't they a thing of beauty? LOL Twin dd even helped me ream them. That is after she finished pretending to change the oil in my Durango! She is truly a daddy's girl. She helped DH yesterday fix the hot water tank in the RV, so we will be ready to camp next week. She loves helping, kitchen or garage : )

So . . . still not sure what my plans are, but I'm ready!

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Here we are, the first full week of a new year. The best day to implement our new budget, our new eating habits, our healthier choices and to dredge up our old hate of the dreaded scale! With that said, here is what we are eating at our house this week ~

Monday: Crock Pot Turkey drumsticks in a homemade enchilada sauce w/mashed potatoes and green beans.

Tuesday: Black beans and pork over rice w/ mixed vegetables

Wednesday: Church bible study/dinner resumes

Thursday: Scalloped Parmesan potatoes with turkey sausage bake w/corn

Friday: Crock pot cchicken noodle soup w/ home made bread

Saturday: Home made pizza w/salad

Sunday: Garbanzo and pepper curry on rice

That is a quick look at what we are doing for dinner this week. It will be hectic with many activities starting up again after the holidays. Thank goodness for my crock pots! For more menu plan Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

What is for dinner at your house?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Home made Enchilada Sauce

3Tbs. oil

2Tbs. cornstarch

1/8 cup chili powder

2C chicken broth

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp.oregano

2 tsp. sugar

cayenne, to taste if you want more spice

Heat oil with cornstarch in saucepan over medium heat. Cook 1 minute. Add chili powder and cook for another minute. Gradually stir in broth, mixing well with a whisk to make sure you get out the lumps. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Simmer on low until thickened.

Menu Plan Monday

Nobody panic! There are still 3 days until Christmas! LOL I was doing fine myself until yesterday. DH doesn't get paid until Christmas Eve, so guess what we are doing? Actually he can pick up his check at 6 a.m. so that isn't as bad . . . right? Plan is to pick it up, get last minute items and he wants to take me to breakfast at Shonneys - it's a southern thing :)

So I guess we all know that meals will be crazy this week, leading up to the big event on Thursday. This Christmas will be bitter sweet for us. It will be the first Christmas in a couple years that Grandma S and Grandpa D will be home and with us. Usually they spend the holiday in Vegas with their son. So that is the good news. The bad news is that they put their house on the market last Friday and are moving to Vegas after the first of the year. Bummer. So it will make our Christmas meal a little more sad, but I want to enjoy every last minute of it! We are hoping that when we go out west in Aug. we can stop for a couple days to visit them. Lets keep our fingers crossed, and lets take a peek at what our menu this week looks like . . .

Monday - Crock pot steak fajitas w/tossed salad

Tuesday - White chicken chili w/ cornbread and veggie sticks

Wednesday - Communion at church then home for finger foods, Reuben fondue, buffalo mozzarella cheese sticks, cocktail rye bread and crock pot apple crisp

Thursday - Honey glazed spiral ham/deep fried turkey, green bean almondien, mashed potatoes & gravy, cranberries, veggie/pickle/olive tray and pies - glorious grandma pies! LOL (who will make these next year?) sigh

Friday - Leftovers!!!

Saturday - Homemade pizza w/salad

Sunday - French onion crock pot soup w/ Bahamian crab & bacon rice

For more menu plan Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

Whats for dinner at your house this week?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

This is a sad, sad day in my kitchen . Over the week-end my twins broke the lid to my large oval crock-pot. . . I KNOW! Since they are only 4 I can't beat them and since they already live here I can't make them indentured servants. Sigh, one more thing to try and replace/take care of. I use that crock pot at least 2 - 3 times a week, so need a speedy solution to this dilemma. For this week at least, I am going to try and use foil to cover it while it cooks.

Had a resurgence of the "crud" over the week-end as well. Feel like I will never get it completely out of my chest. But did managed to get the kids to the Christmas Parade. I wanted to curl up in bed, but was out voted. So I did the next best thing and took them over to my friends house, she lives right on main street. So her dd and my kids stood at the curb while I stayed inside with friend and watched parade through picture window with big cup of coffee - grin. The next day I staggered over to Grandma S and Grandpa D house, solo (yeah) for a reunion party of radio employees. Their house was so warm, quiet and cozy I almost passed out on there sofa after being plied with great food and alot of warm cranberry punch. So glad they are home for Christmas this year and not going off to Vegas. One year they took my older kids with them, kind of lonley here without them. Anyway, will seem more Christmasy with the grand - p's here.

So today I am trying once again to reclaim my homestead and my health and get back in the swing of things, starting with cooking. Here is a look at what we are having for dinner this week:

Monday: Mongolian beef on rice (didn't get to it last week)

Tuesday: Broccoli, Potato and cheese soup w/ cornbread

Wednesday: Church/ mom's night off

Thursday: Crock pot Pork chops w/curry stuffing and salad

Friday: Hamburgers w/ homemade fries and veggie sticks

Saturday: Homemade pizza w/ tossed salad

Sunday: 15 bean soup w/ garlic bread (didn't get to last week)

For more Menu plan Monday ideas visit www.orgjunkie.com

Whats for dinner at your home this week?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Chilly greetings from middle TN. ! There is a rumor of those rare, elusive white flaky things going around the area here - LOL

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! We ended up freezing our leftover turkey, as the day after we were gifted with two large whole chickens that needed to be cooked ASAP. What a wonderful gift! I decided to roast one for dinner that night with all the trimmings, and do a "rotisserie" style one in the crock pot. Then I skinned it, easy peasy while still warm, and made chicken salad. I use to do that all the time when I worked in a deli, for ten years! It was soooo yummy for lunch yesterday after church.


Here is the chicken after I skinned it. For crock pot rotisserie simply spray pot with pan spray, put 5 or 6 aluminum foil balls in bottom of pot and cook on low for 6 hours. Don't forget to clean chicken, and season as you wish. I used lemon pepper.

Here is a shot of our roast chicken with all the trimmings, I seasoned with Italian Herb seasoning that I found in a neat new grinder!

This week our menu is much more pedestrian. For more Menu Plan Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

Monday: Tuna Fettuccine w/ spice oat muffins

Tuesday: Crock pot meat loaf w/potatoes and broccoli

Wednesday: Church/Mom's night off

Thursday: Chicken a-la-king in a crock pot on biscuits

Friday: 15 bean and ham soup w/ garlic bread sticks

Saturday: Crock pot Parmesan chicken w/Hawaiian carrots and corn pudding

Sunday: Mongolian beef on rice w/ salad

Whats for dinner at your house?
Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Greetings all from a very wet middle TN. Well got some interesting news over the week-end. Looks like DH family is having a reunion next Aug. I think it is like the first one ever. Glad to get plenty of notice on this as it is being held in WA state, Puget Sound to be exact. LONG trip for us. We figure five days each way in our RV and at least $1000 in gas for both ways. So need to do much praying on this. We were planning a trip out west in about two years for DS graduation, but maybe we can some now and just do Alaska in two years. Much to think about. Unfortunately I am also thinking that gives me about 272 days to try to get a bit healthier and drop a few pounds. Defiantly need prayers in this area. I am thinking of calling it my "reunion renovation project". LOL Will keep you all posted on some of the food changes I make and new recipes I make. Speaking of new recipes, we had the crock pot chicken taco's last night for dinner - delish! So easy to make to:

1 1/2 lbs. boneless-skinless chicken breast, 1 taco seasoning pk., 14oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes.
place chicken in bottom of crock pot, mix seasoning and tomatoes together and pour over chicken. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Shredded chicken and serve in soft tortillas with all the taco trimmings!

Here is what is for dinner at our house this week:

Monday: Pasta Parmesan (Held over from last week where it was call on sickness and moved to this week) with Cesar Salad

Tuesday: Tamale Pie with veggie sticks and home made dip

Wednesday: Crock pot sauerkraut and kielbasa w/creamed onions and spice oat muffins

Thursday: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Deep fried turkey, , home made cranberries, crock pot green bean casserole, crock pot cranapple cider and onion blossoms for appetizers since we are already frying the turkey. Grandma S and Grandpa D are bringing oyster stuffing, mashed potatoes and gray, and the pies! YUMMY!

Friday: White turkey chili (made with leftovers) w/cornbread and salad

Saturday: Crock pot ham 'n cheese soup w/carrot sticks and garlic bread sticks

Sunday: Country corn blakeyed pea casserole (leftovers from week before) w/ smoked sausage and biscuits.

For more menu plan Monday fun visit www.orgjunkie.com

Whats for dinner at your house this week?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

"Baby it's cold outside . . . " I do believe that winter weather has arrived in middle TN. And with it's arrival a more in depth look at soups and crock pots - LOL

Here is a look at our menu this week:

Monday: Chicken Pot Pie w/ crock pot baked potatoes and steamed broccoli

Tuesday: Pasta Parmesan w/ garlic bread and veggie sticks

Wednesday: Church/Mom's night off

Thursday: Country Creole Beans and rice w/ cornbread

Friday: Salisbury Patty w/mashed potatoes and mixed veggies

Saturday: Crock pot chicken soft taco's w/ chips and salsa

Sunday: Crock pot 15 bean soup with home made bread

For more of menu plan Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

Whats for dinner at your house this week?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Hi y'all, hope everyone is staying warm. The mornings are crisp here, the days remind me of spring in MI, short weather - LOL

Well I shared my exciting finds of new recipe/food sites yesterday, so all that's left is to share this weeks menu plan. After reading the $5 dinner blog I took a closer look at my meals, and I need to do better. I know there are more people in my house, but I don't have more money. I thought by having some meatless meals I would save money - no. Dairy prices are thought the roof! Since I am shopping this week for the next two weeks, I am going to spend the next couple days prepping by calculating meal cost and seeing if I can do better. Although I maintain that food is not my biggest expense, it is all the paper/toiletries ect. Even items like new socks and underwear seem to come from my grocery budget. So, will see if I can cut anymore corners (already cut like 5, how many more are there?).

Here is our dinner menu for this week -

Monday: Beef Stroganoff on noodles w/ broccoli

Tuesday: Sesame chicken wings w/ cabbage wedges and corn bread

Wednesday: Church/mom's night off

Thursday: Sloppy Joe w/baked fries and coleslaw

Friday: Ham and Potato casserole w/green beans and spicy oat muffins

Saturday: Home made pizza w/ tossed salad

Sunday: Italian pinto beans w/garlic bread and mixed veggies

For more menu plan Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

Whats for dinner at your home this week?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Greetings all, another beautiful day in middle TN. Temps to reach around 75 again! Love, love, love this place.

Looking at my monthly planner and it seems this month is full of appointments and obligations too. Every month seems to be. When will things slow down? Last week was crazy and hard to follow at dinner time as well. Between DH and DS work and other activities . . . Ah well, every day is a new chance to spend time in the kitchen with my family and make good food to eat. Easy to become overwhelmed, just take a deep breath and remember God is with you and will take care of you. Just remember what is important . . . family.

For more Menu Planning Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

This is what is for dinner at our house this week:

Monday: Beef Chop Suey over brown rice w/ pineapple wedges and salad

Tuesday: Italian pinto Bean stew w/ garlic bread sticks

Wednesday: Church/Mom's night off

Thursday: Chicken Tetrazzini w/salad and corn bread

Friday: Zucchini corn casserole w/spiced oat muffins

Saturday: Home made pizza w/ veggie sticks and dip

Sunday: Ham and potato casserole w/ green beans and home made bread

Whats for dinner at your house this week?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Greetings all. Hope you are all enjoying a wonder fall season. The weather has been fabulous here in middle TN. and only the past couple of days have cooled off. Being from northern MI however I don't mind this a bit. Where I come from (up by the bridge) this still considered short weather - LOL The winters are soooo long and sooooo cold that in the spring as soon as temps in the 40's or 50's roll around, the shorts come out! Ah, good times, good times. LOL

Many fall type activities this week, so a hit and miss menu. For more Menu Plan Monday please visit www.orgjunkie.com

Here is what we are having for dinner this week:

Monday: Eggs and toast (Big kids on Hay ride and DH at work, just me and twins)

Tuesday: Orange Chicken w/rice and mixed veggies

Wednesday: Harvest Party at Church!

Thursday: Mexican zucchini casserole w. quinoa and pineapple slices

Friday: HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Bat wings(spicy), bug salad (raisins), goblin eggs (deviled w/food coloring) and jack o' lantern cheese ball!

Saturday: Home made pizza w/tossed salad

Sunday: Beef Chop Suey w/cashew rice and pineapples & salad

Whats for dinner at your house?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday ~ two-fer

Greetings all. Second week of October already!!! My goodness, I can hardly believe it. I can remember everything I said and did on St. Patrick's day, like it was yesterday. Am I the only one who thinks time goes by more quickly the older you get? On the other hand, with the arrival of fall comes more bearable temperatures outside and a break on our cooling bill - hallelujah! It also brings our annual fall trip to S.C and the Atlantic Ocean. We are leaving this Friday for almost two weeks. So I will be posting both weeks of menus. I will be computer free and loving it! When we camp, we camp. No satellites, no mega monster motor homes, no expensive equipment, just the six of us and our two dogs crammed into our pre-loved class c. Basically we park, make camp and only go inside to sleep. We do most our cooking outside and even sit in the rain (which led us to get those nifty plastic runners for the RV from Wal-mart - LOL). When we walk past those 45 ft. MH with the large HDTV outside and their propane fires and ginormous fans, we look at each other and shake our heads. Why are they even camping? I know a lady that thought she was so cool, they bought a 45ft. 5th wheel w/2 baths! Now she doesn't fit into most State Parks. I think she regrets that a bit. On the other hand I know plenty of people who would rather only be at RV parks, big difference than a State Park. There is truly something out there for everyone. Some even view their trailers as status symbols. Us, we view it as a blessing and a great way to travel and have adventures as a family.

Menu's for Oct. 6th - 12th.

Monday: Chicken and wild rice pilaf casserole w/ steamed broccoli and fresh home made bread

Tuesday: Home made portabella egg rolls w/ tossed salad

Wednesday: Church (but eating at home) Grilled chicken breast w/crock pot baked potato and green beans

Thursday: Beef Kabobs w/ rice and salad

Friday: On the road/ Smoked ham with veggie sticks

Saturday: Home made RV pizza w/ chips

Sunday: Crock pot meat loaf w/ potatoes and veggies

Camping menu for Oct. 13th - 20th.

Monday: Chicken Enchiladas w salad and cheese rice

Tuesday: Awesome crab soup w/garlic bread and veggie sticks

Wednesday: Mystery? My birthday (big one) and DH said he would take care of it!

Thursday: Camping chili w/ corn bread and tossed salad

Friday: Hamburgers w/ tater tots and veggies

Saturday: Home made RV pizza w/ chips and salsa

Sunday: Spaghetti w/ garlic bread and salad

Monday: On the road/ Deli fried chicken w/ potato wedges and veggie sticks

I know there are a couple of unusual meals for camping listed. All I can say is that I am trying to cook some of my families favorites and I am using way more pre-pared food than usual. I make almost everything form scratch at home, but I am on vacation too! The difference sure showed up in our grocery bill too! However we don't eat out at restaurants when we camp, so it works out in the was as they say. Like I have mentioned in other posts, we litterly eat while driving down the road! LOL

For more Menu Plan Monday please visit www.orgjunkie.com

See you in two weeks. Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Greetings all, hope everyone is enjoying fall so far. Still real warm here in middle TN, but the humidity is down. We will be closing up our pool this week, even though we haven't used it since Labor Day. Just one more thing to do before heading on our annual vacation to South Carolina. We go to this little State Park on the Atlantic Ocean, and the kids talk about it all year long. You have to make your reservations by the first of February or you won't get in that year at all. We make sure to pay for the trip out of our tax returns every year in advance, other wise we would never have the money to go. This year we are still worried about gas. Heard just this morning that Atlanta is still out and it's not looking good anytime soon. Here we are squeaking by, but some stations are still running out or only having reg. We have to drive right through Atlanta in less than two weeks now, and are worried about the availability of being able to fill our RV up. We are praying so hard. This trip is sooo important to the kids and to us as a family. But we are still planning to go full speed ahead (good idea since already paid for huh?)! Stay tuned for some great on the road menus, which will be posted ahead since I will be away from the computer for about two weeks.

Menus this week at our house include:

Monday: Beef n' Celery stir fry w/brown rice and honey glazed carrots & pineapple corn muffins

Tuesday: Parmesan Chicken w/ whole wheat buttered noodles and steamed mix veggies

Wednesday: Church/Mom's night off

Thursday: Happy b-day B! Crock Pot nachos w/all the trimmings

Friday: Beef Stroganoff over whole wheat eggnoodles w/ pea's and carrots

Saturday: B's b-day party at pumpkin patch and dinner at local Mexican place, then home for cake and Oreo ice cream!

Sunday: Home made pizza w/ tossed salad

You can find more of menu planning Monday at www.orgjunkie.com

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Greetings all. Still fighting the good fight here against gas ~ prices and lack of it. Now they are saying things should be back to normal by the end of the week. Guess that means long lines and $4.50 a gallon. LOL I did finely see some national coverage last night and today, mostly on how Atlanta is in the same boat as us.

I just made up what I hope is my last batch of humming bird food for the year. I really don't like to encourage them to stay past the first of October. I make my own nectar and it works great. Since most feeders are red anyway, no need to add artificial coloring to it. The recipe is simple ~ 1/4 cup sugar to 1 cup water. Just heat it until the sugar dissolves. I have a couple feeders and attract enough hummers that there is always a territory fight over it! So I assume it's good stuff ~ LOL

Today is the first day of Autumn (you can call it fall if you please, but I say I like Autumn!) at exactly 11:15 a.m. today! Yea! My most favorite time of year! My birthday and half my families are in that month, maybe all that cake is a factor? On the bright side, 3 more weeks to our annual trip to S.C. Three more weeks to we are frolicking in the ocean, big sigh. On the down side, only 5 more pay days here until Christmas!!!!! YIKES!!!!! Scary when you only get paid twice a month and think in those terms! Anyway, with fall in the air, here is this weeks menus at our homestead:

Monday: Bean stew w/ veggie sticks and dip w/ garlic bread sticks

Tuesday: Baked lemon fish w/brown rice pilaf and broccoli

Wednesday: Church/ moms night off

Thursday: Cheesy asparagus casserole w/ tossed salad and biscuits

Friday: Bean burritos w/ coleslaw and Pumpkin muffins

Saturday: Home made pizza w/ veggie tray and dip

Sunday: Turkey sausage scalloped potato casserole w/peas and carrots and home made bread

Visit more of menu planning Monday at www.orgjunkie.com

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Greetings from a freshly rain cleaned TN, thanks to IKE. We definitely needed the rain, but feel bad for the folks in TX. The rain seems to have broken the humidity spell here and more typical fall like weather should start moving in soon.

Yesterday my friend brought me over a "previously loved" refrigerator. Ours hasn't been working right for almost a year. It rains inside. We emptied everything out and defrosted it, and DH looked it up and down but still couldn't find anything wrong with it. It actually got worse after we cleaned/defrosted it! Anyway, while DH was busy trying to fix it, I was busy checking out our local Craigslist and classifieds. We had good luck replacing our TV with one we found on Craigslist, but this time no. The prices were as high as a bottom of the line new one! That is my big pet peeve about sites like EBay and Craigslist, the prices most of the time are no cheaper, even on used. Anyway, sent out an S.O.S. to my friend and asked her to help me network. With in an hour someone from her church had one for us, praise the Lord! And it was free! God is so good! So today we are working on cleaning it up and should get the new one in place tomorrow. What will I do with all the free time I have since I won't be moping up the rain forest three times a day now? Cook! LOL

Here is the picture I promised of the pizza's I made in my RV when we were on the road to MI. One on left just came out of oven, one on right is getting ready to go in. Yes, had to cook them one at a time, it is an RV oven - LOL Still, some RV oven won't even hold a standard 9x13 pan, so we feel blessed. And it is so cool to be able to cook while driving!

Menus this past week-end got a little wonky with the fridge and taking the kids to the drive -in. Our town is real small, be we have a drive in movie theater. It is a real blessing since the prices are much cheaper than a regular theater, and we don't have to spend the gas to drive 30 miles into the city. This past week-end they ran a special, $10 a car load! How awesome is that? They ran 4 big summer blockbusters, which we had missed. So we loaded up everyone and went to see Kung Fu Panda (at Lysa TerKeurst recommendation) and stay to watch Indian Jones and the Crystal Skull. It was so much fun, although my but did go a little nume about an hour into the second movie. We even one a door prize during intermission. Was nervous staying that long with the twins, but we made them a little bed in the back of the durango after the Panda movie (4 year olds can only party so long) and they settled down. Such fun.

Here's a look at our menus this week:

Monday: Home made pizza w/salad (from last Sat.)

Tuesday: Chili Mac. w/carrot sticks and home made corn bread

Wednesday: Dinner at Church/Mom's night off

Thursday: Red beans & sausage soup w/ garlic bread sticks

Friday: Oven roasted chicken salad w/ coleslaw

Saturday: Hawaiian Pizza w/ fruit salad

Sunday: Salisbury patties w/ mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli


For more of menu planning Monday visit http://www.orgjunkie.com/

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Hey, ya'll ~ LOL Love living in the south! Another great day here. Start of a new week, which means new meals, menus and fitting it all in around our busy day. I keep thinking that with the kids getting older that they will be a little more independent with their school work, no. So that is why I basically have to count on easy-peasy lunch meals. I don't mind putting aside about an hour for dinner prep around five in the afternoon, but just don't have one extra minute at noon. So we rely on P.B. & J or cheese queso's for lunch, along with a few other easy faves. Toss in some carrot stixs and an apple, good to go as they say on the Taco Bell commercials. Dinner is more complex as I make everything from scratch. For example: last night we had sweet n' sour meatballs and I made the sauce from scratch. In general it's the prep (cutting, washing,chopping) that is the most time consuming. The actual putting it together and cooking rolls along fairly easy. This time issue use to zap me of my will to cook meals and make me want to beg for take out. After all, after chasing 4 kids, teaching same kids, laundry, cooking breakfast and lunch, not o mention Dr. appts. . . . . You get the idea. Who wants to spend an hour in the kitchen? I read a book called Hallelujah acres where it talked about this same situation. The author said she was able to get past this by realizing that God had blessed her hands to help her take good care of her family. I found this interesting and true. Still didn't motivate me. Two years later, I have read many more books in this same venue and about 3 months ago one finely got to me, motivated me - where it counts - the pocket book. I talk about Sue Gregg alot on here lately, but it's worth reiterating. I believe her books are full of good information with realistic expectations and ways to implement them. You don't need a $300 juicer or a $600 dehydrator, although those items are still beneficial if you have them. I checked out her book, "15 minute meals" at the library thinking I was getting a book with quick recipes in them - wrong - sort of. Point being, didn't even cost me a dime to read it! She is all about good nutritious food for the least amount of money. So yes, you will be eating more rice and lentils (won't kill you and is still very cheap) and just a small amount of meat to stretch it . I borrowed her book Main Dinner Meals from a friend, so still thrifty here, and is full of wonderful recipes and 5 different menu charts for everything for holidays to vegans. I really recommend her books or at least check out her site at www.suegregg.com

Here is a look at our menu this week:

Monday: Mexicali Burgers w/broccoli salad

Tuesday: Sausage and chicken gumbo (use up garden okra) w/tossed salad and french bread

Wednesday: Church/Mom's night off

Thursday: Chicken and fruit salad mold w/asparagus and wild rice pilaf

Friday: Crock Pot Lasagna w/salad and bread sticks

Saturday: Home made pizza w/fruit salad

Sunday: Salmon Quiche w/tomato cucumber salad (use up garden tomatoes)

To see more Menu plan Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday ~ Labor Day edition

Greetings all, from some very tired campers! We made it home yesterday afternoon, but still seem a little shell shocked over our whirlwind trip to my dd wedding. I didn't sleep four of the five days we were gone, so I was especially glad to see my bed last night. I usually don't have trouble sleeping in my RV bed, after all it's my sheets, comforter, pillows; ect. The issue was that at my dd house, where we parked and plugged in, wasn't level. So my sinuses kept rushing up to my head. Also, DH snored like a chainsaw trying to cut through a rusty metal pipe! He was sooo tired from all that driving. Anyway, otherwise the trip was uneventful, AMEN! My dd looked like a fairy princess in her gown and my middle dd looked too grown up in her brides maid dress! The weather was perfect for the ceremony and our trip, such a nice break from the south and the humidity (which was waiting for us by the time we reached Central KY). Took lots of pictures, but don't have them ready and organized yet. I even took a picture of how good the pizza turned out that I made and cooked in our RV as we drove through southern Ohio! LOL

Well we had to much sodium and nitrates in MI as we indulged in a few Kogel brand delicacies. Not to mention the dark chocolate covered espresso beans I treated myself to at the local Chocolate Haus in our town ~ super YUMMY! Today is a new day, a new week and a new month. Time to get back on the whole food band wagon. It took me two days to flush all the salt out of my system and I want to stay clean (smile). Here is our menu for this week:

Monday: Seasoned ground turkey & peppers over brown rice w/tossed salad and corn bread

Tuesday: Chili Con Carne on leftover cornbread w/ veggie sticks and home made ranch dressing

Wednesday: Church/Mom's night off

Thursday: Tuna noodle casserole w/ salad

Friday: Chicken taco's w/ guacamole salad

Saturday: Home made pizza w/ tossed salad

Sunday: Sweet n' sour meatballs over brown rice w/ carrot salad

Other cooking at my house this week includes but is not limited to, home made granola and home made graham crackers; seeing as how my dd took what I had with me to give my grandson. If he likes grandmas crackers, then I don't mind one bit! LOL To see more Menu Plan Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com Whats for dinner at your house this week?

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday - Hits the road!

Hey all! This is it, the big week, my dd is getting married. So we are taking a road trip, which means menus will be crazy and out of sync (and not the boys band or are they men now?) . Crazy is good, sometimes. Nuts is more like it here. I have had a stress headache since last Friday. It has been around so long, that we named it - stress buster (not to be confused with ghost busters). I am sure all the stress will disappear once we pull out on to the road, cross your fingers. We cleaned the RV last week. DH backed out of it's little hidey hole and now we are loading it. Both DH and DS are working tomorrow, as soon as they get out at 5 we are hitting the road. Good thing I learned long ago how to cook while barreling down the expressway, a la the movie "the long, long trailer"; with Lucy and Desi. Also lucky DS works at the animal clinic, so he can take the dogs to work with him and also the guinea pig. We are very blessed in so many ways, and they all lend to us even being able to come on this trip! Can't wait to share it all with you!

Here is our on the road schedule:

Monday: Salisbury patties (made w/ground turkey) w/mashed potatoes and green beans

Tuesday: Leaving for MI - Deli fried chicken (bought last nights mark down) w/home made guacamole and tortilla chips (fixed in RV)

Wednesday: Arriving in MI, depends on time - Turkey burgers w/Tatar tots and carrot sticks (fixed in RV)

Thursday: Rehearsal Dinner for wedding , dd tells me it's at local restaurant (Thanks Nana & Papa)

Friday: WEDDING DAY! Reception to follow.

Saturday: Back on the road and home, verrrrrrrrrry late! Home made pizza w/veggie sticks (fixed in RV)

Sunday: All the diet Vernor's, pickled bologna and hunter sausage we can eat; that we bought in northern Mi, since they don't sell it here in middle TN. (has to be the hunter sausage from Hop's N' Schnapps west ) LOL

When it comes to cooking in the RV, we are really lucky with our oven. Not all RV ovens are created equal. Many newer models have small ovens, because only two old people go RVing? We have a '98 Winnebago class C on a Ford Chaise. DH made sure we got a vehicle that he could fix, not a ginormous diesel pusher. Anyway, I can fit a 9 x 13 pan in my oven! So I will make two 9 x 13 pizza's while we are going down the road.

Whats for dinner at your house this week? For more menu plan Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Plan Monday

Greetings all, from middle TN. Looks like the hot humid weather has broken at last, and fall is in the air! Fall is my most favorite time of year! I don't sweat, I don't freeze and who can not smile when surrounded by all those beautiful fall leaves and grinning jack o-lanterns?

With fall a bevy of activities start to pick up pace. Our public school system started here last week. Remember the good ol'e days when school started after Labor Day? LOL Now everyone knows my age! Well since we home school we have the luxury of keeping our own schedule, as long as we follow state law - X amount of hours a day in X amount of days. Those X's can be when ever we want though! I know things are tough all over and no different here. We were a little worried this year as we didn't have enough funds for all our curriculum. Having a college prep high schooler adds a bit to the bill. Anyway, we were fortunate enough to be given a gift from our friends church. I mentioned these wonderful people in my Goodwill post last month. All I can say is, God is good and His timing is perfect!

With school starting and extracurricular activities in full swing, I can only stress how important menu planning is! I would come unglued if I lost my "little black book" for my kitchen. I even take it camping with me. I am never without it. If I run out of something, I can immediately add it to my shopping list. If I see a great deal, I can check my book to see if I actually need that item. It's not such a great deal if you don't actually need it. So I hope this menu plan helps and for more menu planning Monday visit www.orgjunkie.com

Here's my menu for this week 8/11 - 8/17

Monday: Crock Pot French Dip Sandwich w/Au Jue Sauce and tossed salad

Tuesday: Sesame Buffalo wings w/ stir-fry beans

Wednesday: Church dinner resumes! Mom's night off !

Thursday: Chicken enchiladas w/ veggie stixs and dip

Friday: Cauliflower and sausage casserole w/ smoky cheese sauce and Italian olive salad

Saturday: Home made pizza w/salad

Sunday: Chile's Povo Con Arroz (chili peppers and ground turkey over rice) w/ corn bread

Other cooking this week includes banana bread - alot of it! LOL We were gifted with a whole case of bananas, and the fruit flies that came with them. So we shucked them and most are in the freezer now, waiting to become smoothies or be incorporated into other bake goods.

Whats for dinner at your house?

Blessings, Beth Ann