Monday, August 27, 2012

Menu Monday

*Make sure you check the girls pages out for updates on Butterbeans new vocabulary and funny conversations with Ladybug.

This is a short work week thanks to the Labor Day Holiday, that also means it will be very busy!  Last week we did pretty well sticking to the menu, although I traded the Salmon for Chicken Pot Pie since Ladybug was headed out of town with her grandparents.  I still haven't been able to make the Steak Fingers - maybe once Chris gets back from the bear hunt.

Here's the plan for the week, this is very subject to change as the girls may be going to Nana's tonight and we may be going to Maamaa and Poppi's on Wednesday!

Monday - Stew and sandwich
Tuesday - Pasta Pesto with Italian Sausage
Wednesday - Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - ? Maybe Chinese or tater tot casserole
Saturday - We will see what looks good at the farmer's market
Sunday - Grill out - London Broil?

And since it's a holiday on Monday - Hot dogs for the girls!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Recipe Friday - Taco Casserole

This is one of those recipes that doesn't make sense but then ends up being wonderful.  It would freeze well also making it great to double and pull out for those busy nights.

Taco Casserole

Macaroni and Cheese (recipe coming soon), prepared
1 cup salsa
1 cup sour cream
1/2 pound ground beef
Taco Seasoning (recipe coming soon)
1 cup crushed tortilla chips or taco shells (use the crumbs in the bottom of the chip bag)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese


Preheat oven to 350, grease 8x8 baking dish.  Brown beef and add seasoning, set aside.  Layer in pan: macaroni and cheese, salsa, sour cream, taco meat, cheese.  Bake for 20 minutes, cover with crushed tortilla chips and bake for another 5-10 minutes until chips are golden.

Serve with salad.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Four Year Photo Shoot

We had an impromptu photo shoot Saturday afternoon before nap.  I think we have a future star on our hands! These are unedited, so ignore some of the background and the butterbean being cut off.






Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Party Time

Ladybug turned 4!  We had an ice cream party for her birthday that night but first we had a Mommy-Daughter day!

After dropping her sister off at the sitters we went to visit Maamaa and Poppi (and had breakfast).  Then we were off to Carytown to get tap shoes and leotards for the new dance year, I don't think I have ever seen anyone as excited about tap shoes; she wanted to show everyone who walked in the door.
We headed home for lunch and an early nap since we had reservations for tea at Feathernesters.  I think this is going to be a annual tradition, she was such a joy to sit and talk to while having tea from real china cups and personal tea pots (with strawberry lemonade for her). 

It was back home and time to set up for the party.  She was such a big help getting everything together and wanted to do everything Mommy was doing.  I like to try and get pictures of everything set up before people arrive so we can remember what we had.  Well she went to find the extra camera and was right there with me!
 This is her personal cake.

 Her helping document the cake.

 The cupcakes instead of a cake this year.
The ice cream and cake table.

Ladybug blew the candle out as soon as it was set in front of her so we had to relight it as we sang to her!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Menu Monday

Football is in full swing and it's starting to feel like Fall weather (which is really unusual for August).  There isn't anything planned for the week so we will probably just go for walks in the evenings while dinner is in the oven.

Monday - Taco Casserole
Tuesday - Salmon, Rice, roasted Veggies
Wednesday - Sloppy Joes, tater tots, green beans
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - At the football field, so sandwiches when we get  home
Saturday - Still trying to make those steak fingers!
Sunday - Beer can Chicken

What's your week look like?

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Cooking Day

Since our evenings are going to be filled from now until November, I decided to try my hand a freezer cooking.  I didn't get everything finished that I wanted but did manage to put 32 dinners in the freezer that can be ready in about 30 minutes.  I will share recipes over the next few weeks as we put them on the meal plan.  Here's what we have now:
  • Lasagna - 2
  • Meatloaf - 2
  • Chicken Enchiladas - 1
  • Baked Spaghetti - 2
  • Tater Tot Casserole - 2
  • Hawaiian Pork - 1
  • Tai Pork - 1
  • Stroganoff Meatballs - 2
  • Taco Soup - 4
  • Italian Soup - 3
  • Sloppy Joes - 3
  • Shepherds Pie - 2
  • Brunswick Stew - 4 
  • Chicken Soup/Chicken and Dumplings - 3
I also have plain meatballs, salmon, pizza, chicken stock, shredded chicken, and hot dogs ready to go.  Now we just have to hope the power doesn't go out!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Menu Monday

It's officially football season in our house so that means practice Monday through Friday 6-8pm.  I'll tell you tomorrow how I prepared for the craziness.  It's also Ladybug's birthday this week.  That means lots to do and little sleep for Momma.

Monday - Birthday dinner for Uncle Michael
Tuesday - Chicken Burritos
Wednesday - Dinner at Maamaa and Poppi's (and try to bake Ladybug's cake and cupcakes)
Thursday - Leftovers (and decorating cake and cupcakes)
Friday - Birthday party - Ice cream, cake, and pizza
Saturday - Steak Fingers
Sunday - Beer Can Chicken

What's your plan for the week?