Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Tonight's dinner

was supposed to be eat at church night, but Jacob is home with a stomach virus.

So, tonight is Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad. I think I may even have some frozen meatballs I made before Christmas in the freezer:)

I Keep Spaghetti sauce in freezer for emergency dinners, potlucks, company or sick/new baby meals to take. We eat salad everynight for dinner and Garlic Bread can be made early in the day (homemade bread) or with whatever bread you have on hand, if it's truly a no-notice type of thing:)

Here are the recipes:

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Main Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion -- finely chopped
5 cloves garlic -- pressed
1 cup celery -- finely chopped
1 cup carrots -- finely chopped
1 cup zucchini -- finely chopped
1 green pepper -- finely chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary -- chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon savory
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon salt and pepper
2 bay leaves
3 cans mushroom pieces -- undrained
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
2 boxes favorite noodles -- prepared as directed

Brown ground beef with onion, garlic, celery, carrots, zucchini and green pepper. Drain. Add to large pot.

Add spices, tomatoes, sauce, paste and noodles to ground beef mixture. Bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer on low for hours. Stir occasionally.

Discard bay leaves.

Garlic Bread

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 loaf fresh baked bread -- cut into 1" slices
1 stick butter
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic -- pressed
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon savory
1 teaspoon marjoram

Preheat oven to 350°.

Put butter, garlic and spices in large microwaveable mug. Heat for one minute until melted. Stir.

Brush on all sides of bread slices.

Toast in oven.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day....

What are your plans tonight?

We are having steak and grilled shrimp, baked potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, baked potatoes, salad, Valentine cookies and mini cupcakes.

Caity, Jacob & Brea got to go to the circus as their V Day gift, so they won't get a gift tonight. I did buy them all a small sugar-free heart of candy:)

Rory didn't get to go to the circus (figured she was too young to enjoy it...and keep up with), so she's getting her little candy box and a my little pony in a little heart shaped case.

It feels so good to give them things that won't add clutter to the house (circus tickets). I told dh other than bdays & Christmas, this may become the norm. There are all kinds of things we can "do" and make memories, rather than bring more toys into the house. I have a few ideas off the top of my head: zoo season passes (Easter), movie tickets, chuck e cheese, the fair, etc.

Also the kids are wanting bday parties at places like chuck e cheese, the skating rink, bowling alley, build-a-bear, etc now, so we are thinking of just putting some money in their savings accounts, buying them one small gift and letting the party be the rest of their gift. We'll see how it works out.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

My Review of Scenario™ 420 Bath Mat

Originally submitted at BrylaneHome

Designed to mix or match with our bath towels. 17''x24''. Available in 12 solids or 4 stripes.


Scenario™ 420 Bath Mat (Stripe-Atlantic)

By cats from NC on 2/13/2008

 

3out of 5

Pros: Easy to Wash, Attractive Design

Cons: Too Small, NO gripper on the bottom, Slips Around

Best Uses: Decoration

Describe Yourself: Practical, Bargain Hunter, Stylish

My problem with this, is my own fault. I didn't pay attention to the dimensions when ordering. If I had, I'd never ordered it. It's basically only big enough for your feet...doesn't provide good floor coverage.

The other problem I have is that their is no gripper on the bottom. It is basically just for decoration. It's like a large hand towel.

(legalese)

My Review of Scenario™ 420 Bath Mat

Originally submitted at BrylaneHome

Designed to mix or match with our bath towels. 17''x24''. Available in 12 solids or 4 stripes.


Scenario Bath Mat Nautical Blue (Solid)

By cats from NC on 2/13/2008

 

3out of 5

Pros: Easy to Wash, Attractive Design

Cons: Too Small, NO grip on the bottom, Slips Around

Best Uses: Decoration

Describe Yourself: Practical, Bargain Hunter, Stylish

My problem with this, is my own fault. I didn't pay attention to the dimensions when ordering. If I had, I'd never ordered it. It's basically only big enough for your feet...doesn't provide good floor coverage.

The other problem I have is that their is no gripper on the bottom. It is basically just for decoration. It's like a large hand towel.

(legalese)

My Review


2-Pc. Zippered Storage for Tree & Wreath

By cats from NC on 2/13/2008

 

3out of 5

Pros: Large Size

Cons: Not Very Sturdy, Not waterweatherproof

Best Uses: Christmas tree storage, Wreath storage

It's a great size.

I have a tree that comes apart in 3 sections, so I could actually use a smaller bag, but it would fit bigger trees.

My complaints are that it's not very sturdy, would tear easily and it's not water or weather proof.

I would recommend this to those who have attic or closet storage. Not necessarily for those who have basement (floods) or outside (shed, etc) storage.

(legalese)

Weekly Menu, Grocery List & Recipes

I had issued a really hard, detailed decluttering challenge to a friend of mine, for her kitchen. She was wanting to start cooking at home instead of eating out all the time.

So, as a reward to her for completing the challenge, I came up with this week's menu, grocery list & recipes for her. I thought it would be easier since she's a working mom, to do it for a week, rather than a month. I will also be posting other weeks for her later:)

Just wanted to post it here, too, in case it might help someone else out.

Now since this is for a working woman, I thought it'd be easier to do simple sides and breads. You can do something more detailed for them if you like (just remember to take the items off the grocery list).

March—Week 1 (Saturday 3/1/08-Friday 3/7/08)

Menu:
1. Saturday:
Crockpot Chicken Tortillas
Spanish Rice
Refried Beans
2. Sunday:
Easiest Swiss Steak
Vegetable
Salad
Canned Biscuits

3. Monday:
Easy Barbeque Chicken
Baked Potatoes
Vegetable
Salad
Frozen Rolls
4. Tuesday:
Newlywed Beef & Noodles
Vegetable
Salad
Canned Biscuits

5. Wednesday:
Mushroom Pork Chops
Rice
Vegetable
Salad
Frozen Rolls
6. Thursday:
Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing
Vegetable
Salad
Canned Biscuits

7. Friday:
Farmhouse Pot Roast
Salad
Frozen Rolls



Grocery List (shop after work Friday 2/29/08)

Produce:
o Salad mix
o 1 medium onion
o 8 large red potatoes
o ½ lb. baby carrots
o 3 stalks celery
o 5 lb. Yukon gold potatoes

Frozen:
o 1-2 bags frozen Pillsbury rolls

Bread:
o 1 dozen corn tortillas

Condiments:
o 1 bottle barbecue sauce
o Salad dressings (your choice)
o Croutons (optional)

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pastas:
o 2 cans cream of chicken soup (or mushroom)
o 2 cans stewed tomatoes
o ½ cup green chile salsa
o Black olives
o 4 beef bouillon cubes
o 3 cans beef broth
o 8 oz. egg noodles
o 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
o 1 can chicken broth
o 1 large can cream of mushroom soup (26 oz.)
o 1 can mushroom pieces
o 1 can beef broth
o Refried beans
o 5 cans of different vegetables (whatever your family will eat)
o Box or small bag rice

Boxes/Mixes/Packets:
o 1 box stuffing
o Spanish rice packet


Baking/Spices:
o ¾ cup evaporated milk
o 2 Tablespoons quick cooking tapioca (or this may be on the cereal aisle)

Dairy:
o 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
o 3 cans biscuits

Meat:
o 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
o 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
o 1 package chicken (whatever pieces you want)
o 6 pieces round steak
o 1 lb. stew meat
o 3-5 lb. roast
o 5 pork chops

1. Saturday:
Crockpot Chicken Tortillas
Spanish Rice
Refried Beans

Crockpot Chicken Tortillas

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded into bite-size pieces
1 can cream of chicken soup (or mushroom)
½ cup green chile salsa
2 Tablespoons quick cooking tapioca
1 medium onion -- chopped
1 ½ cups Monterey jack cheese -- shredded
1 dozen corn tortillas
black olives

Mix chicken with soup, chile salsa and tapioca. Line bottom of crockpot with 3 corn tortillas, torn into bite size pieces.

Add 1/3 of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the onion and 1/3 of the grated cheese. Repeat layers of tortillas topped with chicken mixture, onions and cheese. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

Garnish with sliced black olives.

Spanish Rice
Make according to the directions on the packet.

Refried Beans
Heat on the stovetop on medium until heated through. Stir occasionally.

********After dinner, wash the crockpot and prepare it for tomorrow. Let sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is pop the crock in and turn it on. Thaw Monday’s meat in the refrigerator, if frozen.

2. Sunday:
Easiest Swiss Steak
Vegetable
Salad
Canned Biscuits

Easiest Swiss Steak

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 pieces round steak
2 cans stewed tomatoes
6 yukon gold potatoes, washed

Cut up round steak into pieces about the size of a deck of cards and place in the crockpot. Then add a couple of cans of stewed tomatoes. Add the potatoes. Put on the lid, set on high and let it cook all day. The round steak is very tender and practically falls apart on your fork.

Canned Vegetable
Heat on medium until heated through. Stir occasionally.

Salad
Serve with croutons and salad dressing (and any other toppings you’d like).

Canned Biscuits
Prepare according to package directions.

********After dinner, wash the crockpot and prepare it for tomorrow. Let sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is pop the crock in and turn it on. Thaw Tuesday’s meat in the refrigerator, if frozen.


3. Monday:
Easy Barbeque Chicken
Baked Potatoes
Vegetable
Salad
Frozen Rolls

Easy Barbeque Chicken

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 package chicken -- whatever pieces you have on hand
1 bottle barbecue sauce -- or more if needed

Put chicken pieces from the freezer into the crockpot and pour some bottled BBQ Sauce on each piece and cook for about 7 hours.

Baked Potatoes
Wash thoroughly, pierce with a fork several times. Heat in microwave for 8-15 minutes. Check for doneness every 5 minutes.

Canned Vegetable
Heat on medium until heated through. Stir occasionally.

Salad
Serve with croutons and salad dressing (and any other toppings you’d like).

Frozen Rolls
Prepare according to package directions.

********After dinner, wash the crockpot and prepare it for tomorrow. Let sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is pop the crock in and turn it on. Thaw Wednesday’s meat in the refrigerator, if frozen.




4. Tuesday:
Newlywed Beef & Noodles
Vegetable
Salad
Canned Biscuits

Newlywed Beef & Noodles

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 4
Categories : Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound stew meat -- browned and drained
3 cans beef broth
4 beef bouillon cubes
8 ounces egg noodles

Add beef, broth and 3 broth cans of water to a crockpot; stir in bouillon cubes.

Heat on low to medium setting 4-6 hour; add noodles.

Heat on low until noodles are done.

Canned Vegetable
Heat on medium until heated through. Stir occasionally.

Salad
Serve with croutons and salad dressing (and any other toppings you’d like).

Canned Biscuits
Prepare according to package directions.

********After dinner, wash the crockpot and prepare it for tomorrow. Let sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is pop the crock in and turn it on. Thaw Thursday’s meat in the refrigerator, if frozen.








5. Wednesday:
Mushroom Pork Chops
Rice
Vegetable
Salad
Frozen Rolls

Mushroom Pork Chops
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 5
Categories : Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
5 pork chops -- butterflied

Dump everything in the crockpot, mix it together, and cook it on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours.

Rice
Prepare according to package directions.

Canned Vegetable
Heat on medium until heated through. Stir occasionally.

Salad
Serve with croutons and salad dressing (and any other toppings you’d like).

Frozen Rolls
Prepare according to package directions.

********After dinner, wash the crockpot and prepare it for tomorrow. Let sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is pop the crock in and turn it on. Thaw Friday’s meat in the refrigerator, if frozen.



6. Thursday:
Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing
Vegetable
Salad
Canned Biscuits

Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 box stuffing
1 can chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup evaporated milk

Place all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 8-9 hours.

Canned Vegetable
Heat on medium until heated through. Stir occasionally.

Salad
Serve with croutons and salad dressing (and any other toppings you’d like).

Canned Biscuits
Prepare according to package directions.

********After dinner, wash the crockpot and prepare it for tomorrow. Let sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is pop the crock in and turn it on.


7. Friday:
Farmhouse Pot Roast
Salad
Frozen Rolls

Farmhouse Pot Roast

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 10
Categories : Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
5 pounds roast, trimmed
8 large red potatoes -- cut into chunks
1/2 pound baby carrots
3 stalks celery -- chopped
1 can mushroom pieces
26 ounces cream of mushroom soup
14 1/2 ounces beef broth
2 cups water

Put roast in bottom of 5-6 quart crockpot. Top with potatoes, carrots, celery and mushrooms.

Pour in soup, broth and water.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beef is done and falling apart.

NOTES : Can substitute 3 beef bouillon cubes and 2 cups of water for the beef broth.

Salad
Serve with croutons and salad dressing (and any other toppings you’d like).

Frozen Rolls
Prepare according to package directions.

********After work, shop for next week’s groceries.

********After dinner, wash the crockpot and prepare it for tomorrow. Let sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is pop the crock in and turn it on.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

kids' chores

As you may or may not know, I've had a hard time with getting my kids to do any chores, or even keep their rooms clean...I've tried allowances, chore charts, taking things away, grounding them, time out, fussing at them, chuck e cheese, taking their toys, etc, etc, etc...all to no avail. I have found out that my kids are "instant gratification" kids. If they have to wait for it & can't see something concrete right now, they don't care. Ex. don't tell them next month they'll go to the zoo, or this weekend, you miss your turn to stay at grammy's...that's in the future and doesn't effect the here & now.

Well, I was cleaning out my tupperware shelf and found 4 mason quart jars....so you know, me the re-purposer, the wheels got to moving...

I've started giving each child a quarter in the morning if their room is clean before we leave for school. If they do extra jobs, other than keep their rooms clean, they may get a little bonus...but no promises. So, if I ask you to help me put away laundry, you might earn an extra quarter, or even a nickel, then again you might not...you just have to wait and see. That's been getting things done without whining, nagging, crying or stress.

And, they have learned once they get 4-quarters, they can trade it in for a dollar bill. They’ll be really excited when they learn five dollar bills can trade for a five dollar bill, etc.

I have the jars right on the top of the buffet, where they can see them, and I labeled them, so they can't cheat and switch the jars around, lol...not sure they're old enough to try that yet or not.

There are a few stipulations....
1. you CAN lose money for not doing something you've been asked
2. you WILL lose money for hitting your sibling or being disrespectful
3. you can NOT spend your money until the jar is full:)
4. Daddy is NOT allowed to borrow...lol:)

So far they love seeing their money add up and do NOT like losing any (Jacob hit Caity this morning and had to pay her a nickel).

They've all earned over a dollar so far, so they all got to trade in this morning, and now they all have a dollar bill in the jar, plus whatever change they've earned.

I've not heard one complaint about doing a chore or keeping their rooms clean since I started this. Now they are volunteering, lol.

Homemade Microwave Popcorn

Rhonda from CNB shows us how to microwave popcorn, the healthier and cheapier way than just buying it prepackaged for you....here is a link to her blogpost: Christmas Notebook

Next time I'm at the grocery store, I'm gonna buy some plain ole popcorn and paper bags:)

Sunday, February 10, 2008

April OAMC

will be coming within the next week or so. Have already posted February & March's recipes, grocery lists and menu plans:)

March OAMC Grocery List

Friday, March 28—Day 1 Shopping List:
Creamy Italian Chicken
(3 meals-Sun 3/30, Sat 4/12 & Fri 4/25)
Crockpot Lasagna
(3 meals-Mon 3/31, Sun 4/13 & Sat 4/26)
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
(3 meals-Tues 4/1/08, Mon 4/14 & Sun 4/27)

Produce:
2 green peppers
1 onion
2 tablespoons garlic

Condiments:
3 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix

Cans/Jars/Pasta/Soup:
3 cans cream of mushroom soup (supposed to be chicken)
12 ounces mushroom stems and pieces
8 lasagna noodles
168 ounces spaghetti sauce
4 ounces sliced mushrooms

Baking/Spices:
3 tsp. Italian seasoning

Dairy:
24 ounces cream cheese
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Meat:
30 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 pounds ground meat




Wednesday, April 2—Day 2 Shopping List:
Crockpot Roast with Mushroom Soup
(3 meals-Thurs 4/3, Tues 4/15 & Mon 4/28)
Golden Mushroom Chicken Thighs
(3 meals-Fri 4/4, Thurs 4/17 & Tues 4/29)
Mushroom Pork Chops
(3 meals-Sat 4/5, Fri 4/18 & Thurs 5/1)

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pastas:
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
3 cans golden mushroom soup
3 large can cream of mushroom soup
1 bag wide egg noodles

Baking/Spices:
Extra virgin olive oil

Meat:
9 pounds chuck roast, well marbled
30 boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
18 pork chops

Friday, April 4—Day 3 Shopping List:
Roasted Rosemary Beef
(3 meals-Sun 4/6, Sat 4/19 & Fri 5/2)
No-Brainer Chicken
(3 meals-Mon 4/7, Sun 4/20 & Sun 5/4)
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff 2
(3 meals-Tues 4/8, Mon 4/21 & Mon 5/5)

Produce:
Mushrooms

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pasta:
3 envelopes beefy onion soup mix
3 cans cream of celery soup
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 bag egg noodles

Juices:
Lemon juice

Baking/Spices:
9 cubes beef bouillon
1½ teaspoons garlic powder

Dairy:
1½ cups sour cream
butter

Meat:
12 pounds roast
9 pounds whole chicken
3 pounds sirloin steak

Herb Garden:
1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary
Fresh herbs


Friday, April 4—Day 3 Shopping List:
Roast Apple Chicken
(3 meals-Thurs 4/10, Tues 4/22 & Tues 5/6)
Crockpot Meatloaf
(3 meals-Fri 4/11, Thurs 4/24 & Thurs 5/8)
Crockpot Lasagna
(Sun 4/13)
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
(Mon 4/14)
Crockpot Roast with Mushroom Soup
(Tues 4/15)

Produce:
2 onions
2 green peppers
2 Tablespoons garlic

Condiments:
Ketchup
9 Tablespoons beef/steak seasoning -- ex. LaGrille Steak Spice or Victorian
Epicure's Beef & Steak Seasoning

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pastas:
9 Tablespoons onion soup mix
8 lasagna noodles
4 ounces sliced mushrooms
1 bag wide egg noodles

Dairy:
6 eggs
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Meat:
3 whole chickens
6 pounds ground beef






Friday, April 11 Day 4—Shopping List:
Roasted Rosemary Beef
(Sat 4/19)
No-Brainer Chicken
(Sun 4/20)
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff 2
(Mon 4/21)
Roast Apple Chicken
(Tues 4/22)

Produce:
1 onion

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pastas:
1 bag egg noodles

Herb Garden:
1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary
Fresh herbs

Friday, April 18 Day 5—Shopping List:
Crockpot Lasagna
(Sat 4/26)
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
(Sun 4/27)
Crockpot Roast with Mushroom Soup
(Mon 4/28)
Roasted Rosemary Beef
(Fri 5/2)

Produce:
2 green peppers
1 onion
2 Tablespoons garlic

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pastas:
4 ounces sliced mushrooms
8 lasagna noodles
1 bag wide egg noodles

Dairy:
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Herb Garden:
1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary




Friday, April 25, Day 6—Shopping List:
No-Brainer Chicken
(Sun 5/4)
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff 2
(Mon 5/5)
Roast Apple Chicken
(Tues 5/6)

Produce:
1 onion

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pastas:
1 bag egg noodles

Herb Garden:
Fresh herbs

Girls' Bedrooms...

Ok, let me give you a little background on this topic...

My girls' (all 3 of them) all share a bedroom. Each day I deep clean their room, usually it takes 1-3 hours, depending on how industrious (ie messy) they were the day before. In the morning, after I drop my older 3 kids (Caity, Jacob & Brea) at school, I clean the room. When they get home, they destroy it again.

I got really tired of spending so much time in there each day. I have things to do in the other rooms too, so I really don't have up to 3 hours to devote in one room each day.

Now, keep in mind, they are able to pick up after themselves AND they know where everything goes. If my 2yo, Rory, can pick up after herself, the older 2 girls can, too.

Rory is actually my biggest helper, if she sees someone cleaning, she is right there to help.

And, I have tried everything I know to help Caity and Brea clean up, organize, declutter and to motivate them, without just doing it myself. That is teaching them nothing. They need to learn responsibility and also how to take care of and have respect for their things, or how will they ever keep house when they get older? I've tried chore cards (letting them pick or draw), reward charts, assigning chores and having races to get them done, etc, etc...you name it, if I've heard of it, I've tried it:)

Anyways, this week, I told them, I will nicely ask them 3 times, and even offer to help them. If they won't clean their rooms, then the next day instead of me putting everything back where it belongs, I will bag it up in trash bags. They absolutely did not care...so after 3 times, I would just go lay a few black trash bags on the shelf for the next day. They saw me do this, and still did not make a move to clean.

So, the first day, I think I gathered 3 bags full...of everything that was in the floor. Clothes, shoes, books, papers, toys, etc. If it was on the floor, I gathered it...didn't even take time to sort it.

They were livid when they came home, but once again destroyed. After several days of this they were down to almost nothing as far as toys (they still had their toy that they slept with, it's always on their bed). Well, here's an update from an email I sent my friend a couple of days ago...


Girls Bedroom: ...was nothing really to do other than make the beds, sweep/mop....they don't have much to make a mess with. I'd boxed up the collectibles from their shelves, and Caity put everything back (I was tired of them playing with their porcelain items and getting them broke, but she seemed to really take care putting everything back, so I'll leave them for now).

I also am gonna give them back 1 thing each of their choice today, I think they've earned it. Their attitudes are changing (for now) and they've been helping out more. This weekend will be all about earning some of their stuff back. There are plenty of things they can do.

Also, since they've been grounded (no tv/dvds), and had lost their toys, they've been spending more time reading/writing/drawing. And, I don't really think they've missed the actual toys, just the idea of them. They don't really play with most of it, just strow it all out, and then don't want to put it back. So, we are gonna limit what they can earn back, and keep the rest put up. When they tire of what they have, we can rotate them. But, we will also be making some serious decisions about getting rid of things. They don't need so much that it overwhelms them to have to put it all away.



So, we have been doing more fun things together, since I am not constantly spending most of my time in their room. Today, we will be going to the circus. I am much more calm and they are not so stressed and overwhelmed about having to clean their room....I know if I am overwhelmed to walk in there and having to clean it all up, they must be too.

I will update you to let you know how this goes

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

March's Grocery Lists

will be posted as soon as I get them compiled...After that look for April's OAMC (give me a few days...grin).

March Menu Plan

March's OAMC session will last from 3/30/08-5/8/08:)

Date: Meal:
Sun. 3/30/08 Creamy Italian Chicken
Mon. 3/31/08 Crockpot Lasagna
Tues. 4/1/08 Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Wed. 4/2/08 Dinner at Church
Thurs. 4/3/08 Crockpot Roast With Mushroom Soup
Fri. 4/4/08 Golden Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Sat. 4/5/08 Mushroom Pork Chops
Sun. 4/6/08 Roasted Rosemary Beef
Mon. 4/7/08 No-Brainer Chicken
Tues. 4/8/08 Crockpot Beef Stroganoff 2
Wed. 4/9/08 Dinner at Church
Thurs. 4/10/08 Roast Apple Chicken
Fri. 4/11/08 Crockpot Meatloaf
Sat. 4/12/08 Creamy Italian Chicken
Sun. 4/13/08 Crockpot Lasagna
Mon. 4/14/08 Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Tues. 4/15/08 Crockpot Roast With Mushroom Soup
Wed. 4/16/08 Dinner at Church
Thurs. 4/17/08 Golden Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Fri. 4/18/08 Mushroom Pork Chops
Sat. 4/19/08 Roasted Rosemary Beef
Sun. 4/20/08 No-Brainer Chicken
Mon. 4/21/08 Crockpot Beef Stroganoff 2
Tues. 4/22/08 Roast Apple Chicken
Wed. 4/23/08 Dinner at Church
Thurs. 4/24/08 Crockpot Meatloaf
Fri. 4/25/08 Creamy Italian Chicken
Sat. 4/26/08 Crockpot Lasagna
Sun. 4/27/08 Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Mon. 4/28/08 Crockpot Roast With Mushroom Soup
Tues. 4/29/08 Golden Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Wed. 4/30/08 Dinner at Church
Thurs. 5/1/08 Mushroom Pork Chops
Fri. 5/2/08 Roasted Rosemary Beef
Sat. 5/3/08 Dinner for Mom’s bday
Sun. 5/4/08 No-Brainer Chicken
Mon. 5/5/08 Crockpot Beef Stroganoff 2
Tues. 5/6/08 Roast Apple Chicken
Wed. 5/7/08 Dinner at Church
Thurs. 5/8/08 Crockpot Meatloaf

March OAMC

Ok, I haven't bought my groceries yet for my February OAMC session, but I went ahead and selected my recipes for March...here they are:

Creamy Italian Chicken

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
12 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix
3/4 cup water
24 ounces cream cheese -- softened
3 cans cream of chicken soup -- undiluted, NOT low fat
12 ounces mushroom stems and pieces -- drained

Place the chicken in crockpot. Combine salad dressing mix and water; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.

Soften cream cheese in microwave for 30 seconds. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms. Pour over chicken, stirring to combine the dressing with the soup mixture. Cook 1 hour longer or until chicken juices run clear.

Serving Ideas : Serve over rice or noodles with salad and rolls.

NOTES : This recipe makes up alot of sauce so serve rice or noodles and pour some of the sauce on top.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT cream cheese, soup and mushrooms in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 3 hours. 3. Continue recipe.

Crockpot Lasagna

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 30
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
24 lasagna noodles -- uncooked
3 pounds ground meat
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
84 fluid ounces spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
12 ounces sliced mushrooms -- optional
45 fluid ounces ricotta cheese
6 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Brown ground beef in skillet. Drain. Stir in Italian seasoning.

Break noodles into thirds. Place half in bottom of greased crockpot. Spread half of ground beef mixture over noodles in crockpot.
On top of beef, layer 1/2 of sauce, 1/2 of water, 1/2 of mushrooms (opt.), 1/2 of ricotta, and 1/2 of mozzarella cheese. Repeat all layers.
Cover. Cook for 5 hours on low.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately). Freeze spaghetti sauce separately. Freeze WITHOUT noodles, water, mushrooms, and cheeses in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Add ingredients, layer as directed. 3. Crockpot low 5 hours.




Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 boneless skinless chicken breasts
84 fluid ounces spaghetti sauce
6 green peppers -- chopped
3 onion -- minced
6 tablespoons garlic -- pressed

Place chicken in a crockpot; top with remaining ingredients.

Cover; cook on low for 7-9 hours.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT green peppers, onion and garlic in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Add vegetables. 3. Crockpot low 7-9 hours.



Crockpot Roast With Mushroom Soup

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
9 pounds chuck roast -- well marbled
salt and pepper
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
extra virgin olive oil
wide egg noodles

Spray the crock with Pam.

Season the roast with salt and pepper to taste. Sear in a little olive oil, trying to get all sides.

Place in crock pot. Pour the soup over the meat and spread to cover, trying not to touch the sides of the crock. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Serve over noodles.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT egg noodles in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 6-8 hours. 3. Serve over egg noodles.

Golden Mushroom Chicken Thighs

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
36 boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 cans golden mushroom soup

Rinse in cold water. Put in crockpot. Pour in one can of golden mushroom soup and 1 can water. Cook on high at least 4 hours or until chicken falls apart.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot high 4 hours.

Mushroom Pork Chops

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 large can cream of mushroom soup
18 pork chops -- butterflied

Dump everything in the crockpot, mix it together, and cook it on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 8-10 hours.


Roasted Rosemary Beef

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
12 pounds roast
9 cubes beef bouillon -- crushed
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary -- chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
salt and pepper -- to taste

Place roast into crockpot that has been sprayed.

Add bouillon cubes and seasonings.

Turn crockpot on low; heat for 24 hours.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT rosemary in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Add rosemary. 3. Crockpot low 24 hours.

No-Brainer Chicken

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
9 pounds whole chicken -- washed and patted dry
herbs
salt and pepper -- to taste
mushrooms -- cut up
3 cups water
butter
lemon juice

Prepare chicken. Stuff with your favorite herbs. I like throwing lemon grass in the cavity. Whatever is fresh and sounds good works. Salt & pepper the chicken. Put mushrooms in crockpot, add water. Rub butter on the chicken and a few squirts of lemon juice. Cook on low 4-6 hrs.

NOTES : Use the crockpot to get chicken super tender for shredding into chicken salads, enchiladas, etc.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT herbs in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Add herbs. 3. Crockpot low 4-6 hours.
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff 2

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 pounds sirloin steak -- cut into 1" slices
3 envelopes beefy onion soup mix
3 cans cream of celery soup
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups sour cream
3 bag egg noodles -- cooked as directed

Spray crock with nonstick spray.

Mix all ingredients, except egg noodles. Pour into crockpot.

Cook on low 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve over cooked egg noodles.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT egg noodles in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 6-8 hours. 3. Serve over noodles.
Roast Apple Chicken

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 whole chicken
3 apple -- or onion

Put a whole chicken in the crockpot, put an apple or onion in the cavity. Cook on low 8-10 hours. In our house, we use an onion, rather than an apple, because my ds is allergic to apples.

Serving Ideas : Serve with rice pilaf and a vegetable.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT onion (or apple if using) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Add onion (or apple if using). 3. Crockpot low 8-10 hours.
Crockpot Meatloaf

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 pounds ground beef
6 eggs -- beaten with a fork
18 tablespoons ketchup -- or chili sauce or salsa; reserve half for topping
9 tablespoons onion soup mix
9 tablespoons beef/steak seasoning -- ex. LaGrille Steak Spice or Victorian Epicure's Beef & Steak Seasoning


Mix it all ingredients together and mush into the bottom of the crockpot. Spread an additional 2 or 3 Tablespoons of ketchup (or Chili sauce or salsa) over the top. Cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 3-4 hours.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

March-May OAMC

will be posted soon:) I want to go ahead & get all my planning done, so I can have meals throughout the end of June at least:)

February OAMC Grocery ListS

Okay, since I am doing all crockpot meals for this month, I have split my lists into 4 MAIN lists and 5 sub lists. The sub lists are for ingredients not added in at time of freezing (I have noted this on the recipes this month for added ease in preparation).

Thursday, February 21--Day 1 Shopping List:
Crockpot Pizza
(3 meals-Thursday 2/21, Tuesday 3/4 & Monday 3/17)
Chicken Spaghetti
(3 meals-Friday 2/22, Thursday 3/6 & Tuesday 3/18)
Easiest Swiss Steak
(3 meals-Saturday 2/23, Friday 3/7 & Thursday 3/20)

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pasta:
6 cans pizza sauce
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
3 large jars spaghetti sauce
3 cans mushrooms
6 cans stewed tomatoes
1 bag egg noodles
1 box pasta

Dairy:
48 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
cheese – shredded (for top of pizza)

Meat:
3 pounds hamburger
18 boneless skinless chicken breasts
18 pieces round steak



Saturday, February 23 Day 2--Shopping List:
Chicken-Rice Casserole
(3 meals-Sunday 2/24, Saturday 3/8 & Friday 3/21)
Homestyle Pot Roast with Beans
(3 meals-Monday 2/25, Sunday 3/9 & Saturday 3/22)
Easy Barbeque Chicken
(3 meals-Tuesday 2/26, Monday 3/10 & Sunday 3/23)

Produce:
celery

Condiments:
3 bottle barbecue sauce

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pasta/Rice:
3 cans cream of chicken soup
3 cans cream of celery soup
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 ½ cups Minute rice
3 cans mushroom pieces
3 large cans (or 6 small) cream of mushroom soup
6 cans great northern beans

Meat:
18 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 roasts
3 packages chicken



Tuesday, February 26 Day 3—Shopping List:
Newlywed Beef & Noodles
(3 meals-Thursday 2/28, Tuesday 3/11 & Monday 3/24)
Faux Rotisserie Lemon Pepper Chicken
(3 meals-Friday 2/29, Thursday 3/13 & Tuesday 3/25)
Easy Crockpot Steak
(3 meals-Saturday 3/1, Friday 3/14 & Thursday 3/27)

Cans/Jars/Soups/Pasta:
9 cans beef broth
12 beef bouillon cubes
8 ounces egg noodles
3 packages onion soup mix
3 cans cream of mushroom soup

Spices:
Lawry's Lemon Pepper seasoning

Meat:
4 ½ pounds stew meat
3 whole chickens
4 ½ pounds round steak



Saturday, March 1 Day 4—Shopping List:
Chicken Stroganoff
(3 meals-Sunday 3/2, Saturday 3/15 & Friday 3/28)
Taco Beef
(3 meals-Monday 3/3, Sunday 3/16 & Saturday 3/29)

Produce:
1 onion
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Green onions

Cans/Jars/Soups:
24 ounces mushroom pieces
3 cans cream of mushroom soup

Seasoning Packets:
3 packets taco seasoning mix

Chips:
Tortilla chips

Dairy:
3 pounds sour cream
Shredded taco cheese

Meat:
18 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 beef roasts



Monday, March 3 Day 5—Shopping List:
(Crockpot Pizza--Tuesday 3/4)
(Chicken Spaghetti--Thursday 3/6)

Pasta:
1 bag egg noodles
1 box pasta



Friday, March 7 Day 6—Shopping List:
(Chicken-Rice Casserole--Saturday 3/8)
(Homestyle Pot Roast with Beans--Sunday 3/9)
(Newlywed Beef & Noodles--Tuesday 3/11)

Produce:
celery

Pasta/Rice:
1 ½ cups Minute rice
8 oz. egg noodles



Friday, March 14 Day 7—Shopping List:
(Taco Beef--Sunday 3/16)
(Crockpot Pizza-- Monday 3/17)
(Chicken Spaghetti--Tuesday 3/18)
(Chicken-Rice Casserole-- Friday 3/21)

Produce:
1 onion
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Green onions
celery

Pasta/Rice:
1 bag egg noodles
1 box pasta
1 ½ cups Minute rice

Chips:
tortilla chips

Dairy:
Shredded taco cheese



Friday, March 21 Day 8—Shopping List:
(Homestyle Pot Roast with Beans-- Saturday 3/22)
(Newlywed Beef & Noodles-- Monday 3/24)

Produce:
3 stalks celery

Pasta:
8 oz. egg noodles



Friday, March 28 Day 9—Shopping List:
(Taco Beef-- Saturday 3/29)

Produce:
Onion
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Green onions

Chips:
tortilla chips

Dairy:
Shredded taco cheese

February Meal Plan

Date: Meal:
Thurs. 2/21/08 Crockpot Pizza
Fri. 2/22/08 Chicken Spaghetti
Sat. 2/23/08 Easiest Swiss Steak
Sun. 2/24/08 Chicken-Rice Casserole
Mon. 2/25/08 Homestyle Pot Roast with Beans
Tues. 2/26/08 Easy Barbeque Chicken
Wed. 2/27/08 Dinner at church
Thurs. 2/28/08 Newlywed Beef & Noodles
Fri. 2/29/08 Faux Rotisserie Lemon Pepper Chicken
Sat. 3/1/08 Easy Crockpot Steak
Sun. 3/2/08 Chicken Stroganoff
Mon. 3/3/08 Taco Beef
Tues. 3/4/08 Crockpot Pizza
Wed. 3/5/08 Dinner at church
Thurs. 3/6/08 Chicken Spaghetti
Fri. 3/7/08 Easiest Swiss Steak
Sat. 3/8/08 Chicken-Rice Casserole
Sun. 3/9/08 Homestyle Pot Roast with Beans
Mon. 3/10/08 Easy Barbeque Chicken
Tues. 3/11/08 Newlywed Beef & Noodles
Wed. 3/12/08 Dinner at church
Thurs. 3/13/08 Faux Rotisserie Lemon Pepper Chicken
Fri. 3/14/08 Easy Crockpot Steak
Sat. 3/15/08 Chicken Stroganoff
Sun. 3/16/08 Taco Beef
Mon. 3/17/08 Crockpot Pizza
Tues. 3/18/08 Chicken Spaghetti
Wed. 3/19/08 Dinner at church
Thurs 3/20/08 Easiest Swiss Steak
Fri. 3/21/08 Chicken-Rice Casserole
Sat. 3/22/08 Homestyle Pot Roast with Beans
Sun. 3/23/08 Easy Barbeque Chicken
Mon. 3/24/08 Newlywed Beef & Noodles
Tues. 3/25/08 Faux Rotisserie Lemon Pepper Chicken
Wed. 3/26/08 Dinner at church
Thurs. 3/27/08 Easy Crockpot Steak
Fri. 3/28/08 Chicken Stroganoff
Sat. 3/29/08 Taco Beef

February OAMC

All crockpot meals for ease in cooking & ease in grocery shopping...grocery lists to follow.

Crockpot Pizza (3 meals)
(Thursday 2/21, Tuesday 3/4 & Monday 3/17)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 bag egg noodles
3 pounds hamburger
6 cans pizza sauce
48 ounces mozzarella cheese
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
Pizza toppings (mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, whatever you like on your pizza)
cheese -- shredded

Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Brown the hamburger. Then you layer the all the ingredients in the crock pot and top with a little cheese. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or until heated through.

NOTES : To make clean up a little easier lightly coat crockpot with oil.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT egg noodles in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Add egg noodles. 3. Crockpot low 3-4 hours.

Chicken Spaghetti (3 meals)
(Friday 2/22, Thursday 3/6 & Tuesday 3/18)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 large jar spaghetti sauce, without meat -- or homemade
pasta

Put chicken in crockpot and add 1 large jar of spaghetti sauce. Let cook on low all day till chicken is tender and pulls apart. Cook pasta and serve over.

Serving Ideas : Add a salad and rolls and you have a complete meal.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 6-8 hours.
Easiest Swiss Steak (3 meals)
(Saturday 2/23, Friday 3/7 & Thursday 3/20)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 pieces round steak
6 cans stewed tomatoes

Cut up round steak into pieces about the size of a deck of cards and place in the crockpot. Then add a couple of cans of stewed tomatoes. Put on the lid, set on low and let it cook all day. The round steak is very tender and practically falls apart on your fork.

Serving Ideas : If you wish, you can add some potatoes and let them cook all day as well.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 6-8 hours.
Chicken-Rice Casserole (3 meals)
(Sunday 2/24, Saturday 3/8 & Friday 3/21)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cans cream of chicken soup
3 cans cream of celery soup
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups celery -- diced
4 1/2 cups Minute rice

Mix in crockpot the 3 cans of soup and rice. Place the chicken on top of the mixture, then add the diced celery. Cook for 3 hours on high or 4 hours on low.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT celery & rice in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Add celery and rice. 3. Crockpot low 4 hours.
Homestyle Pot Roast with Beans (3 meals)
(Monday 2/25, Sunday 3/9 & Saturday 3/22)
Recipe By :Cherylann T. Smith
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
15 pounds roast, trimmed
9 stalks celery -- chopped
3 cans mushroom pieces
3 large cans (or 6 small) cream of mushroom soup
6 cans great northern beans -- undrained

Put roast in bottom of 5-6 quart crockpot. Top with celery, mushrooms, soup and beans.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beef is done and falling apart.

NOTES : Can substitute venison for beef.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT celery in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Add celery. 3. Crockpot low 6-8 hours.
Easy Barbeque Chicken (3 meals)
(Tuesday 2/26, Monday 3/10 & Sunday 3/23)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 packages chicken -- whatever pieces you have on hand
3 bottle barbecue sauce -- or more if needed

Put chicken pieces from the freezer into the crockpot and pour some bottled BBQ Sauce on each piece and cook for about 7 hours.

NOTES : Make sure to spray crockpot first with nonstick spray.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 6-8 hours.

Newlywed Beef & Noodles
(Thursday 2/28, Tuesday 3/11 & Monday 3/24)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 1/2 pounds stew meat -- browned and drained
9 cans beef broth
12 beef bouillon cubes
24 ounces egg noodles

Add beef, broth and 3 broth cans of water to a crockpot; stir in bouillon cubes.

Heat on low 4-6 hours; add noodles.

Heat on low until noodles are done.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT egg noodles in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Add egg noodles. 3. Crockpot low 4-6 hours.

Faux Rotisserie Lemon Pepper Chicken (3 meals)
(Friday 2/29, Thursday 3/13 & Tuesday 3/25)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 whole chickens
Lawry's Lemon Pepper seasoning

Put 1 or 2 whole chickens in the crockpot and sprinkle them with Lawry's Lemon Pepper seasoning, and cook them on high 6-7 hours, or low 8-10 hours.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 8-10 hours.

Easy Crockpot Steak (3 meals)
(Saturday 3/1, Friday 3/14 & Thursday 3/27)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 1/2 pounds round steak
3 packages onion soup mix
3 cans cream of mushroom soup

Slice steak into 6 serving-size pieces; place in a crockpot. Add soup mix, 1/4 cup water and soup; cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 6-8 hours.

Chicken Stroganoff (3 meals)
(Sunday 3/2, Saturday 3/15 & Friday 3/28)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 boneless skinless chicken breasts -- frozen (don't worry about thawing)
3 pounds sour cream
24 ounces mushroom pieces
3 cans cream of mushroom soup

Put breasts in crockpot, mix up the rest of the ingredients and pour them on top, making sure chicken is covered. Cook 8 hours on low. Serve with wide egg noodles.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low 6-8 hours. 3. Serve over egg noodles.

Taco Beef (3 meals)
(Monday 3/3, Sunday 3/16 & Saturday 3/29)
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 onion -- quartered
beef roast
3 packets taco seasoning mix
taco toppings
tortilla chips

Put onion pieces into the bottom of the crockpot, set roast in top and pour a packet of taco seasoning in it. Turn the crockpot on low and cook for about 10 hours. Shred it with a fork and serve it with tortilla chips and taco toppings.

*********With this recipe, I will make one meal on the day of eating it, put the other two (separately) WITHOUT taco toppings & chips in the freezer without cooking.

To serve freezer meals: 1. Thaw, 2. Crockpot low about 10 hours. 3. Serve with chips and toppings.

Update on my goals again

Updates (so far) on my goals:

1. To spend more time focusing in God's Word. UPDATE: I have been doing my daily devotional, praying more and reading more from my Bible.

2. To spend more quality & quantity time with my children. I want them to remember me as a mommy who loved them, not just because I tell them so. I want to try to do at least 1 fun thing with them each week, so they will remember their mommy time. UPDATE: Need to re-start this, the kids have been making messes in their bedrooms and spent a lot of time "cleaning" (yeah right) instead of family time.

3. Don't nag so much at my family (dh included). Instead of nagging, if I will just do things myself, there won't be anything to nag about. Maybe then kids & dh won't be so reluctant to help out when asked. Especially if I ask less often. UPDATE: My allergies got the best of me, and I got the flu, everyone let everything fall apart while I was sick. So, I had to ask for help, didn't get it & got frustrated. Made me feel like such a hag to keep harping on getting help & then not getting it.

4. To make my house a "home". Not only would I like to take 2008 to try to decorate my home, I also would like it to become more of a place of bliss for my family, rather than a house we all reside in. UPDATE: Have not decorated the master bedroom yet, or Jacob's room, but have bought a few things here & there to make our home more "homey".

5. Declutter/Organize my house and try to keep it clean so it maintains itself. This has been a long on-going goal for me:) I want to create routines/schedules that I can achieve, rather than feeling let down at the end of the day, for not finishing. Also a big part of this, and #4 is that I want my family to come home to a clean home daily. I don't want any machines (dishwasher, washer/dryer, etc) going when they come home. I want it all to be "done" when they get here. The only thing that should be running is the stove/oven (because kids get home 90 mins before dh & if dinner is already ready when they get home, it will be cold when he gets home). I think this would add to the relaxed atmosphere I am striving for (thanks for the tip Nichole). I also want to thank my dear friend Tami for challenging me & working with me on weekends:) UPDATE: I've been working on this. I try to have everything except the crockpot turned off by the time the kids get home from school. As far as the house running itself, I have been playing catch up instead, due to being so sick.

6. To take time at least once a week and do something I enjoy...whether it's scrapping, or watching a chick flick (rather than disney movies, lol). UPDATE: Maybe once I get caught up again...grin.

7. To find a way to make more money from home, so I can feel like I am contributing something, and also to make things not so hard on dh and the kids. I already sell Pampered Chef, but don't make much money and I do bookkeeping/taxes, but that's seasonal. UPDATE: Haven’t yet figured out a way to do this.

8. To start saving money, instead of spending every penny that falls into our hands. I want to have money put aside for the future.
UPDATE: Haven't started saving yet, but have made sure the bills were paid on time, instead of letting any be late. Our goal for 2008 is to get a new, BIGGER house. So, our first goal is to pay bills on time (have done so far), start paying on old bills accumulated when dh was out of work 3 years ago for medical reasons (will start this month...hope to be paid off by end of May), start paying extra payments on house, so we will be ahead, until we can get a new home (will start after old bills are paid off, and start saving $$ for a down payment on a new house (will hopefully start by this summer).

9. To become more self-sufficient. Like growing all of our produce for the year, except things that have to be fresh (like salad stuff, etc). To learn to can, to start raising our own meat/poultry.UPDATE: Will be starting our seeds indoors this month for transplantation in April. Please pray that our kids will not destroy these in the meantime (grin).