I walked!!

Since last October, until about May, I was walking 4-5 miles a day. Well, once the kids let out of school, that became harder and harder to do.

Yes, I could have still done it, but with so many little walkers, my track became crowded. And while I enjoyed the time with them, it became dangerous when I was trying not to step on them, because they don't have the stride or speed that I do.

Wellllllllllll, last night, after class, I walked 2 miles. I actually felt like I could have done the whole 4-5 miles that I had worked up to, but it was dark, so I had to stop.

I am proud of myself, though, for doing it. No excuses, I just did it :)

Tonight my class lets out too late to walk after, but it starts later, so I am going to try to walk before I leave for class.

My doctor wants me to lose 50-70 pounds. And, he wants me to do so only 25 pounds every 6 months. So, it will take me approximately 1 1/2 years to do so.

I have just under 3 months til my next appointment, so in that time, my goal is to lose 12 pounds. My appointment is 11/16 at 9am.

My hope is by eating right, exercising & watching the scale, I can start correcting my diabetes and high cholesterol, and if not completely eliminate the need for prescriptions, at least greatly lessen them.

Numbers

Borrowing this idea from a good friend:

161
...that's the number of unread blog posts in my google reader. How will I ever get caught up?

89
...that's the number of messages in my email inbox. How will I ever get caught up?

50-70
...that's the number of extra unhealthy pounds on this body of mine. How will I ever make time for the healthy food planning and exercise that my body needs to get back to a healthy weight?

7
...that's the number of days each week that I should be spending time with the Lord my Savior, as well as having family devotion time with my kids. How will I ever make the time for this?

6
...that's the number of rooms in my home. They all need a good cleaning and some decluttering. How will I ever get caught up?

5
....that's the number of courses I am taking this semester, with plenty of homework and studying in each. I have classes Monday (day & night), Tuesday (night), Wednesday (day), Thursday (night), Saturday (day), as well as 2 online courses. How will I ever keep up?

My goal is to limit my online time to just 30 minutes in the morning (after I've seen my kids off to school), and mobile online time while in the car riding in the passenger seat. Whatever is left over will have to go!

Have a blessed day!

MPM 8/17/09

MPM

Ok, I didn't do this the last 2 weeks, because of another week of vbs and running around.

This week has already started, but I will still post what we had yesterday. (Sunday I made 20qts of homemade spaghetti sauce, so i made baked spaghetti & lasagna, the rest of the sauce will be frozen).

Monday:
breakfast: eggs, bacon, cheesy grits, toast, sliced tomatoes, bananas, milk
lunch: baked spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, corn, green beans, watermelon, milk
dinner: lasagna, garlic bread, salad, corn, green beans, strawberries, milk

Tuesday:
breakfast: rice krispies with bananas and milk
lunch: lasagna, garlic bread, salad, grapes, milk
dinner: cajun chicken sandwiches, sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles, baked potatoes, celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch dressing, strawberries, milk

Wednesday:
breakfast: french toast, bacon, bananas, milk
lunch: turkey blt sandwiches, fruit cocktail, chips, milk
dinner: tater tot casserole, peas, turnip greens, salad, peaches, milk

Thursday:
breakfast: bacon, eggs, cheesy grits, sliced tomatoes, toast, grapes, milk
lunch: tuna casserole (with asparagus in it), peas, salad, pears, milk
dinner: teriyaki chicken sandwiches, sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles, pineapple, fried chips, salad, watermelon, milk

Friday:
breakfast: sausage and tomato biscuits, home fries, blueberries, milk
lunch: cheeseburgers, squash & zucchini, corn on the cob, blueberries, milk
dinner: pizza and salad at my mom's house

Saturday:
breakfast: breakfast casserole, sliced tomatoes, cantaloupe, milk
lunch: turkey blt sandwiches, french fries, salad, milk
dinner: on the road (mini-vacation)

Sunday:
all meals on the road (mini-vacation)

MPM 7/27/09

MPM

This is gonna be an easy peasy week. VBS is Monday-Friday, so I only have to plan bf & lunch til Saturday :)

Monday:
breakfast: cheese toast & milk
lunch: bologna sandwiches
dinner: VBS

Tuesday:
breakfast: sausage biscuits from the bo
lunch: chick-fil-a
dinner: VBS

Wednesday:
breakfast: cinnamon toast
lunch: potato skins
dinner: VBS

Thursday:
breakfast: cereal
lunch: spaghetti
dinner: VBS

Friday:
breakfast: french toast
lunch: hot dogs, chips & baked beans
dinner: VBS Finale dinner

Saturday:
breakfast: fried egg sandwiches
lunch: twice baked potatoes
dinner: lasagna

Sunday:
breakfast: blt's
lunch: lasagna
dinner: nachos

Visit my other blog

My Clean Home

for my decluttering, organizing, rearranging and other things going on around this crazy place.

Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole

Cheeseburger 'N Fries Casserole

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Casseroles

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 can condensed golden mushroom soup
1 can condensed cheese soup
20 ounces frozen crinkle-cut french fries

Brown beef in skillet. Drain grease. Preheat oven to 350°.

Stir soups into ground beef. Pour into a greased 9 X 13 X 2" baking dish. Arrange fries on top.

Bake, uncovered, for 50-55 minutes or until the fries are golden brown.

MPM 7/20/09

MPM

Monday 7/20:
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Corndogs, french fries, corn, brownies
Dinner: Easiest Swiss steak, rice, corn, salad, breadsticks, heavenly hash ice cream

Tuesday 7/21:
Breakfast: BLT
Lunch: Chicken Sandwich, lettuce, tomato, fries
Dinner: Crockpot Meatloaf, fried squash and onions, boiled potatoes, peas, salad, cornbread, vanilla ice cream

Wednesday 7/22:
Breakfast: French toast & sausage
Lunch: Leftover meatloaf
Dinner: Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole, baked beans, asparagus, salad, garlic bread, watermelon

Thursday 7/23:
Breakfast: Omelettes
Lunch: grilled cheese & bacon sandwiches
Dinner: Cheeseburgers, fried chips, pickles, salad, peaches (yes, i know that's beef 4 nights in a row, but it has to be used up before vacation)

Friday 7/24:
Vacation

Saturday 7/25:
Vacation

Sunday 7/26:
Vacation

Menu Planning Monday 7/13/09

MPM

All the dinners are using the CROCKPOT :) It's so easy to clean the kitchen at night, wash the crockpot, fill it back up, sit in fridge....then in the morning pop it in and have dinner ready for me at the end of the day. AND...it doesn't heat up my kitchen! Less dishes to wash, too :)

Monday 7/13/09:
Breakfast: bacon & eggs
Lunch: lemon pepper chicken sandwiches
Dinner: Bean & Sausage Delight, salad, cornbread, watermelon

Tuesday 7/14/09:
Breakfast: chicken biscuits
Lunch: Meatball subs
Dinner: Dr. Pepper Roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, salad, yeast rolls, peaches

Wednesday 7/15/09:
Breakfast: cinnamon toast
Lunch: bologna sandwiches
Dinner: Golden Mushroom Chicken, rice, green beans, salad, herb bread, strawberries

Thursday 7/16/09:
Breakfast: sausage biscuits
Lunch: smothered chicken sandwiches
Dinner: Lone Star BBQ Ribs, potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, garlic bread, homemade peach ice cream

Friday 7/17/09:
Breakfast: banana bread
Lunch: Hot Dogs & chips
Dinner: Crockpot Steak, rice, navy beans, sliced tomatoes, squash, salad, bread, watermelon

Saturday 7/18/09:
Breakfast: french toast
Lunch: peanut butter & jelly sandwiches
Dinner: Crockpot Lasagna, salad, garlic bread, homemade chocolate icecream

Sunday 7/19/09:
Breakfast: omelettes
Lunch: lasagna
Dinner: No-Brainer Chicken, baked potatoes, zucchini, pinto beans, salad, cheesy biscuits, blackberries

Menu Planning Monday 7/6/09 (a day early)

The good thing about this week's menu is I have ALMOST everything I need, so there won't be much to buy at the grocery store :) Menu Planning Monday at Organizing Junkie

MENU:
Monday 7/6/09
Brisket, baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, salad, herb bread, watermelon for dessert.
Tuesday 7/7/09
Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches (teriyaki chicken, pineapple slice, tomato, leaf lettuce on a kaiser bun), fried chips (potatoes sliced paper thin and deep fried), green beans, salad, ice cream.
Wednesday 7/8/09
Kielbasa fried with onions, peppers and zucchini, home fries (potatoes cubed, fried and seasoned), salad, grapes.
Thursday 7/9/09 Slow Cooker Thursday
Farmhouse Pot Roast (this is my recipe that is in Gooseberry Patch's Ready, Set, Eat), salad, yeast rolls, peaches.
Friday 7/10/09
Pork Ribs, Baked Potatoes, Squash, Peas, salad, cornbread, fruit cocktail.
Saturday 7/11/09
Lasagna, Garlic Bread (this is my recipe that is in Gooseberry Patch's Christmas Kitchen), Salad, Brownies
Sunday 7/12/09
Cajun Chicken Sandwiches (chicken with cajun seasoning, onion, tomato, leaf lettuce on an onion roll), Fried Chips, Salad, Strawberry shortcake.

Grocery List (I have most everything I need already. For BOLD items, those are just things I need to buy every week, so I don't really have many "extras" to buy):
bread
milk
soy milk
pediasure
lunch meat
salad items
tp
dog food
diapers
wipes
cherub's choir snacks
onions
carrots
celery
potatoes
watermelon
grapes
strawberries
bbq sauce
16 oz. ricotta
8 oz. shredded mozzarella
Italian seasoning

Recipes (for those without links):

Parmesan Herb Bread

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (3 1/2 to 4 1/4 cups)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 packages Fleischmann's® Rapid Rise Yeast
2 teaspoons fines herbes
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups water
1 egg -- at room temperature
1 egg white -- lightly beaten

In large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, cheese, sugar, undissolved yeast, fines herbes and salt. Heat water until very warm (125º to 130ºF); stir into dry ingredients. Stir in whole egg and enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface, until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.

Roll dough to 7- × 11-inch rectangle. Roll up tightly from short end as for jelly roll; pinch seam and ends to seal. Place in greased 8 1/2- × 4 1/2-inch loaf pan. Cover, let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 20 to 40 minutes.

Brush loaf with egg white. Bake at 375ºF for 25 to 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack.

Yields: 1 Loaf

Homemade Lasagna

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 10
Categories : Casseroles

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 cups homemade spaghetti sauce -- see recipe
1 box lasagna noodles -- prepared as directed; or 1 box uncooked dumplings
16 ounces cottage cheese -- or ricotta cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese -- finely shredded

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spray 13X9" baking pan with non-stick spray.

Lay one sheet of lasagna noodles or two sheets of dumplings in pan. Top with sauce and cottage cheese.

Repeat layers until done. Top with mozzarella.

Bake 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Check after 30 minutes; if top is getting brown too fast, cover with nonstick foil.

NOTES : To freeze: Assemble lasagna and freeze without baking. Thaw and bake.

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.

From-Scratch Brownies

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Brownies & Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
16 ounces chocolate syrup
1/2 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix chocolate syrup, butter, flour and sugar together; add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Pour into a greased 13X9" baking pan; bake for 30 minutes.


Strawberry Shortcake

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 10
Categories : Cakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Buttermilk Pound Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 sticks unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
3 cups sugar
5 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Fresh Strawberries:
1/2 cup sugar
2 pints strawberries -- hulled and sliced
1/3 cup warm water
Fresh Whipped Cream:
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 325°. Grease and flour a 10" Bundt pan.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.

Cream the butter, shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add dry ingredients and the buttermilk, alternately, to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Add the vanilla; mix well.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the cake is done. The cake will pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove cake from oven.

Fresh Strawberries: While cake is baking, dissolve the sugar in water. Add sugar water to the strawberries, and toss. Let stand, tossing a few times before serving. They will make their own juice in about 30 minutes.

Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. Invert onto cake plate. Serve each slice topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

Fresh Whipped Cream: Using an electric mixer, beat together the cream and sugar until stiff.

So sorry!

I am so sorry I have been MIA lately. I am going to try and do better. I have been so busy decluttering and busy with the kids, that I have neglected my blogs (but still better than the other way around, lol).

I have just finished my menu plan for the next week, so I will post it tomorrow for Menu Planning Monday (hosted by Organizing Junkie).

I am also going to participate in Slow-Cooker Thursday (hosted by Diary of a SAHM).

I also "hope" to participate in a few other challenges by other blogs.

The biggest challenge (of my own), is that I hope to start posting again on a regular basis. I have still been doing my decluttering daily as I promised, but haven't thought to blog it as I go along. You would think by now I'd be clutter free, but in a house with 5 kids (and a sloppy dh), that is just NOT the case!!! I hope to do better....Hope you all had a Happy 4th!!

Menu Planning Monday 5/11/09

Monday: Cheeseburgers on the grill, potato chips, baked beans, corn
Tuesday: Grilled chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, green peas, salad
Wednesday: Fried pork chops, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, salad
Thursday: Pot roast with carrots, potatoes, yeast rolls, salad
Friday: Spaghetti & Meatballs, salad, garlic bread
Saturday: Steak, baked potato, sauteed mushrooms, salad, bread
Sunday: chicken & dumplings, salad

Menu Planning Monday

Strawberry Cake :)

Ok, so I am trying to oamc my desserts today, since I am not doing that for meals this month. This is now in the oven, and I will be probably making a few more desserts today before it is all over & done with.


Homemade 6-Layer Strawberry Cake

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 20
Categories : Cakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Cake:
3 1/2 cups cake flour -- NOT self-rising
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup solid vegetable shortening
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons strawberry liqueur
1 cup buttermilk
red food coloring
2/3 cup strawberries -- diced
6 egg whites
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Frosting:
2 sticks unsalted butter -- at room temperature
16 ounces cream cheese -- at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
4 pounds confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
red food coloring
1/3 cup strawberries -- diced
Garnish:
2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
6 medium strawberries


Preheat oven to 350°. Coat 3-8X2" round cake pans with cooking spray. Line bottoms with waxed paper; coat paper with nonstick cooking spray.

Sift together flour, baking soda and salt into large bowl.

Beat shortening in large bowl on medium speed, gradually adding 1 1/2 cups sugar; beat 2 minutes or until smooth. Add vanilla and liqueur; beat 1 minute.

On low speed, beat in flour mixture, gradually (in 3 additions), alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour; beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. Tint with 10 drops food coloring. Fold in strawberries.

In a separate large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar; beat on high speed, gradually adding remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form.

Stir 1/4 beaten whites into cake bater fold in remaining whites. Divide batter among 3 prepared pans.

Bake for 28-30 minutes, until cakes spring back when lightly touched. Cool in pans on racks 15 minutes. Turn cakes out onto racks; remove paper; let cool.

Frosting: Beat 1/2 cup butter and 8 ounces cream cheese in large bowl until smooth, 1-2 minutes. Add half of the extracts, 2 pounds sugar and 2 Tablespoons milk. Beat on low until blended; scrape down sides of bowl. Beat on high until smooth and spreading consistency, 1-2 minutes. Tint with 8 drops coloring. Stir in diced strawberries.

Use remaining frosting ingredients to make a second batch, omitting food coloring, so frosting is white.

Trim 2 cakes even; leaving third layer with crown. Insert picks around side of one layer, halfway up the side. Using picks as a guide, slice in half. Repeat with other 2 layers (for 6 layers). Discard picks.

Place one layer on cake stand. Spread 1 cup pink frosting over top. Place another layer on top; spread with another 1 cup pink frosting. Repeat with 3 more layers and pink frosting. Top with untrimmed layer; do not frost. Insert a couple of wooden skewers vertically into cake, so layers do not slide.

Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Frost sides of cake with about 3 cups of white frosting. Before frosting sets, gently press coconut into sides. remove skewers.

Swirl about 1 1/2 cups white frosting on top of cake. Arrange strawberries on top, halving some. Refrigerate to set, at least 1 hour before serving. Cut while still cold.

Today's Meals:

For breakfast, I fed the kids (and dh) waffles and bacon.

Lunch: leftover northern beans with ham

Dinner: Chef Salad, breadsticks, brownies.

BREAKFAST:

Bulk Waffles

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Waffles

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
16 cups sifted all-purpose flour
24 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
8 teaspoons baking soda
8 teaspoons salt
16 cups buttermilk
32 eggs -- well beaten
8 cups butter or margarine -- melted

Sift flour, baking powder, soda, salt. Combine buttermilk, eggs; add to flour mixture. With hand beater, or mixer at high speed, beat until smooth; whisk in butter.

When waffle iron is ready to use, pour batter into center of lower half until it spreads about 1" from edges. Bring cover down gently. Cook until no steam escapes. Do not raise cover during baking.

When waffle is done, lift cover; loosen waffle with fork; serve at once. Reheat iron before pouring in next waffle. Flash freeze & bag in multiples of 12 (separated by wax or freezer paper).

LUNCH:
All I did was fix dried northern beans with ham in them and seasoned well with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Simmered them all day.

DINNER:
Chef's Salad Bowl

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Salad

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 pounds head lettuce or mixed greens
3/4 pound cooked turkey
1/2 pound cooked ham
1/2 pound cheddar cheese or swiss cheese
6 green pepper rings
3/4 pound tomatoes -- cut into wedges
3 hard-cooked eggs -- quartered

Cut or tear lettuce into bite-size pieces. Portion into individual salad bowls

Cut meat and cheese into thin strips. Arrange on top of lettuce, turkey, ham and cheese.

Garnish with 1 green pepper ring, 2 tomato wedges, and 2 egg quarters.

Serve salad with choice of dressings.

Breadsticks

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 32-48
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour -- divided
2 packages active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups warm water
cornmeal
1 egg white -- slightly beaten
1 Tablespoon water

In large mixer bowl combine 2 cups of the flour, the yeast, and salt. Add 2 cups warm water. Beat at low speed of electric mixer for 1/2 minute, scraping bowl constantly. Beat 3 minutes at high speed. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon. Turn out onto lightly floured surface.

Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (8 to 10 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover; let rise in warm place until double (1 to 1 1/2 hours). Punch down; turn out onto lightly floured surface. Divide in half.

Cut each half of dough into 16 or 24 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope 8 inches long. Place on greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise until nearly double (about 30 minutes). Preheat oven to 375°. If desired, brush with egg white mixture and sprinkle with coarse salt or sesame seed. Bake for 10 minutes; reduce temperature to 300° and bake for 20 to 25 minutes longer. Makes 32-48 breadsticks. Flash freeze, then bag in multiples of 6.

From-Scratch Brownies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Brownies & Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
16 ounces chocolate syrup
1/2 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix chocolate syrup, butter, flour and sugar together; add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Pour into a greased 13X9" baking pan; bake for 30 minutes.

March Meal Plan

I am going to try something a little different this month (instead of either 1. oamc'ing or 2. no planning).

My meal plans will be:
Sundays-Chicken & Dumplings
Mondays-homemade soup or sandwiches
Tuesdays-beans
Wednesdays-crockpot
Thursdays-salads
Fridays-Italian
Saturdays-Steaks on the grill or out to eat

This month:
Thursday 3/5 Chef Salad
Friday 3/6 Pintos with ham
Saturday 3/7 OUT TO EAT....somewhere nice...maybe Texas Roadhouse or Outback?
Sunday 3/8 Chicken & Dumplings
Monday 3/9 Bean Burritos
Tuesday 3/10 Spaghetti
Wednesday 3/11 Farmhouse Pot Roast
Thursday 3/12 Grilled Chicken Salad
Friday 3/13 Lasagna
Saturday 3/14 Ribeyes on the grill
Sunday 3/15 Chicken & Dumplings
Monday 3/16 Chili
Tuesday 3/17 Northern Beans with Ham
Wednesday 3/18 Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff
Thursday 3/19 Taco Salad
Friday 3/20 Calzones
Saturday 3/21 OUT TO EAT
Sunday 3/22 Chicken & Dumplings
Monday 3/23 Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches
Tuesday 3/24 Lima Beans with Ham
Wednesday 3/25 Crockpot Pot Roast with Beans
Thursday 3/26 Oriental Chicken Salad
Friday 3/27 Pizza
Saturday 3/28 Grilled Ribeyes
Sunday 3/29 Chicken & Dumplings
Monday 3/30 Cajun Chicken Sandwiches
Tuesday 3/31 Bean Soup
Wednesday 4/1 Crockpot Pork Chops with Mushrooms
Thursday 4/2 Cajun Chicken Salad
Friday 4/3 Stromboli
Saturday 4/4 OUT TO EAT

Day 30, Decluttering

Today I cleaned out the cabinet where I keep the medicines. I tossed all the expired meds, and organized everything else.

I have made a new blog just for my cleaning, decluttering, baby stepping & decorating: My Clean Home

I am starting FlyLady's babysteps again Sunday, 2/1 :)

Decluttering update Days 26-29

Monday Jan 26--cleaned out the fridge again...wasnt too bad.

Tuesday Jan 27--decluttered my cleaning supplies...consolidated like items

Wednesday Jan 28--decluttered my tupperware cabinet

Thursday Jan 29--Decluttered the kids' room, tossed 4 trash bags of stuff (torn out color books, notebook paper, stray game pieces, toys with parts missing, etc)

SO SO SORRY....Decluttering update

No, I have not been neglecting my decluttering mission. I just havent had time for posting. The kids were out of school from 1/17(sat) through 1/23 (friday).

So, here's a short recap of my journey:
16-cleaned a bin from the shed....tossed 1/2, freecycled other 1/2
17-kids' hanging clothes...about 1/4 to freecycle
18-2 bins from shed.......tossed & freecycled most
19-1 bin from shed...most gone
20-bathroom cabinet...wasn't anything to toss, just straightened it all up
21-emptied magazine rack...won't tell you how old they were, lol
22-went through a box of craft supplies, freecycled it all
23-went through Brea & Rory's toys....freecycled 1 trash bag full
24-went through the board games...tossed those missing pieces
25-went through the dvd's....tossed empty cases & scratched dvd's


Today starts the super fling boogie on flylady again...go check it out. I am down with the stomach flu today...but will try to get something done, even if it's just cleaning out my wallet. Not sure if I will get to post today, or not

Homeschooling

I am leaning towards homeschooling. I would like any advice from readers out there that are currently homeschooling. Are there any curriculums out there that are a good program? Any to avoid? Any advice? I'm very curious to see what you have to say.

Day 15, Decluttering

I cleaned out the small buffet and got rid of some cookbooks I knew I'd never use.

Now I am using it to hide YES, HIDE, snacks from my kids. I have to provide a daily snack for my kids to carry to school, but if I don't hide them, they will get gone. Hopefully it will be a LONG time before they find this hiding spot ;)

Day 14, Decluttering the truck, pt. 2

Today I decluttered the front seat of the truck, I got a few stray pieces of dirty clothes and a wal-mart bag of trash (it was already partially full). I also found a few things I knew were in the car, but couldn't find.

I even cleaned out the console.

The only thing left to declutter is the door racks in the front seat (just a few magazines in there) and the trunk........there's always tomorrow ;)

Day 13, Decluttering my truck pt.1 (1/13/09)

Decluttered the middle & back seat of my truck. Tossed 1 trash bag & had 1 trash bag of dirty clothes.

It's amazing that the kids are only in my truck for a total of 15 minutes a day and aren't allowed to eat or drink in the car accumulated a whole trash bag full of trash.

Chey doesn't accumulate any trash, and we hardly ever go anywhere.

The clothes are from them too lazy to bring in their dirty clothes from staying at grammy's. Well guess what...new rule: you don't bring in your dirty clothes, you miss a turn.

Another new rule: surrender your backpacks when you get in the truck, so that any snacks you had leftover at school, the trash & crumbs don't end up in my truck.

I will be getting the truck detailed this weekend, if I'm in town.

Day 12, Decluttering (1/12)

Sorry I didn't post this yesterday, I cleaned out the entertainment center and straightened up the dvd's. Tossed any empty cases I had.

Day 11, decluttering (12/11 Sunday)

Sorry I have not been posting lately, but I have been decluttering. I went through 2 bins from the shed today and tossed everything in them. Have no idea why I'd kept the stuff, but glad it is gone now!!

How cute is Santa's little helper???

This little girl with the mischievious look on her face is ready to go see Santa...12/22/08. Cheyanna 7 months.

Menu Planning (a few days early)

I changed my mind about going out to eat tonight.

So, here's my menu from tonight through next Saturday night:

Saturday 1/10
Lemon Herb & Garlic Shrimp, baked sweet potatoes, rice pilaf and salad. For dessert the kids & dh will have lime jello. I am omitting the sweet potatoes for myself, and I will have sugar free lime jello.

Sunday 1/11
Taco Dip & Scoops (no scoops for me). Dessert is pound cake for dh & the kids. More s-f lime jello for me.

Monday 1/12
Tuscan Rosemary Chicken & Beans, pasta, salad, homemade yeast rolls. Dessert is chocolate pudding. For me no pasta, rolls and s-f lime jello instead of choc pudding.

Tuesday 1/13
Mushroom Delight Pork Chops, rice, salad, homemade yeast rolls, Dessert pound cake. Me: no rice, rolls or pudding; s-f lime jello.

Wednesday 1/14
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, green beans, salad, cornbread, cherry jello. For me no cornbread or cherry jello; s-f peach jello.

Thursday 1/15
Creamy Pesto Chicken & Bowties, peas, salad, hm yeast rolls and pound cake. For me no peas (yuck, lol), rolls or cake; s-f peach jello.

Friday 1/16
Preacher's Delight, salad, hm yeast rolls, vanilla pudding. Me: no rolls or pudding; s-f peach jello.

Saturday 1/17 Chicken & Homemade Dumplings, carrots, salad, hm yeast rolls, Orange Creme Cake. Me: just a few dumplings, raw carrots instead of cooked (yuck), no rolls or cake; s-f peach jello.

Sunday 1/18 Leftovers.

Decluttering, Day 10

I decluttered my pantry & my can pantry...but I also went grocery shopping. Sooooooooo................they are now slam packed again. But they are better organized. I do need to inventory though.

Day 9 Decluttering my desk (1/9/09)

Didn't get a chance to post yesterday.

I got one desk shelf completely decluttered...it is now empty and waiting on me to decide what to put there. I think that is going to be home base for my camera, cellphone, wallet & keys.

Day 8, Decluttering my desk

For some reason, blogger still won't let me upload pics....so, yesterday, I worked a little more on decluttering my desk shelves. I did not get it completed, but I did go through all the stuff on the remaining upper 4 shelves. I tossed all the trash (filling 1/2 a very large trash bag). I still have things on my desk that don't belong there, but I did eliminate the trash from those 4 shelves.

Day 7, Decluttering the DR table

Yes, My Dining Room table is a mess.....covered by who knows what...everything imaginable :)

I have (almost) come to terms with the fact that my table will not be available until all the decorations are put away, BUT, at least I can get all the "extra" junk off of it.

Ok, I do have 3 pics for you, but for some reason I am having technical difficulties (the picture thingy on blogger won't open...yes, that is a technical term).

But, I will have to show you my progress later. Everything not Christmas related got put away or tossed. The Christmas stuff is on the table sorted by category.

Day 6 Decluttering...part 1

Ok, yesterday the kids were all home with a stomach virus, so I let the clean laundry pile up (I know, I know, shame on me). I washed & dried all day but did not fold or put up.

So, the first thing I had to do, if I wanted to declutter anything, was to fold the laundry & put it away.



Before.......a big pile of laundry.



After....all folded & ready to be put away.

Day 5, Decluttering...One Desk Shelf

Ok, this is REALLY embarrassing...It's ONE of the shelves on my desk.



shelf before....yes, please don't judge, I know it's bad...



the contents of that shelf dumped...in my defense, I have 4 kids & a dh that love to stick stuff on my desk and it's a really deep shelf. Ok, that doesn't even sound like a good excuse to me, lol.



Ahhhhh...a nice clean shelf. Tell me why it can't stay that way???



This is all the stuff that needs to be put away elsewhere.



This is the stuff that needs to be put back on that shelf (disregard the crayon box and the rolls of calculator paper, because I ended up putting 2 photo boxes full of supplies on the shelf and now they won't fit on the shelf).



The after picture ;) 2 photo boxes of supplies, my markers, my check box, envelopes, scrap paper (the old stubs from the business account), index cards, tae bo dvd, education cdrom, my favorite cd, butterfly rock that Brea painted, my meter & outgoing mail.........

Menu Planning Monday

No, I've not given up on OAMC, but don't have time to do a session right now. So, here's this week's menu.

I got this idea from Rhonda at Christmas Notebook, who in turn got the idea from Organizing Junkie.

Monday: Homemade Chicken & Dumplings, green beans, homemade yeast rolls, peanut butter cookies (for dh & kids)
a small serving of C&D for me, with a large salad

Tuesday: Meatloaf, Rice, tomatoes and peas, carrot cake (dh & kids)
Meatloaf, tomatoes, salad for me

Wednesday: Barbecue Chicken, carrots, black eye peas, chocolate cherry crunch (dh & kids)
Grilled chicken, black eye peas, raw carrots for me

Thursday: Farmhouse Pot Roast with carrots & potatoes, homemade bread, gingerbread cookies (dh & kids)
roast beef & carrots, salad for me

Friday: Shrimp cocktail, baked potatoes, turnip greens, salad, coca cola cake (dh & kids...cept turnips just for kids)
shrimp, salad for me

Saturday: McDonald's for kids, Outback for me & dh IF my mom will watch the kids.........if not it will be Golden Corral for all of us. Yes, I know this is not going in the direction of saving money, but my dh & I have not been out just the 2 of us in years.....and we could use the time to talk.

Happy Monday

I haven't had time YET today to declutter. The kids are home sick with a stomach bug, and I've been cooking up a storm.

Have made so far:
Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
Meatloaf
Homemade Yeast Rolls
Steak & Eggs (breakfast for me & dh)
Peanut Butter Cookies

Grocery Game

I joined Grocery Game to help save money at the grocery store. The trial is for 28 days and costs only $1. After that they will charge you every 8 weeks, $10 for the 1st store and $5 for each additional store.

They tell you the weekly sales for the stores in your area (you pay by the store). They also tell you which coupons to use to maximize your savings (and when the coupon ran). They also give you links for printable coupons.

For the trial, I signed up for all the stores in my area, but will probably whittle down to 2-3 when I start paying full price. How many stores I sign up for will depend on how much I save between now & then.

If you sign up, please use my email for a referral. cats75@embarqmail.com

Thanks so much.

Grocery Challenge

Ok, this year I am also vowing to spend less at the grocery store. I found a blog Jane4Girls that she feeds her family of 4 for $800 or less a year. Now, I know that we can not do that with 7 of us. But, I am going to try to do it for no more than $1600 per year. In 2007 I spent that much in 2 months, so it will take some buckling down.

My first strategy is to use what we have first. After I've done all I can do with what we have, then I will buy groceries....buying on sale items and using coupons.

DH went shopping yesterday (not my best move if I'm trying to save money), but he did want to eat out, and I nipped that in the bud by making breakfast.

Once, I locate the receipt, I will update this post.

I will also take the cost of my Sunday paper out of the budget, because the only reason I buy it is to get the coupons.

$1600 - $1.50 (paper) = $1598.50 left in budget for 2009

Day 4, Decluttering, part 2...Packing up the Kitchen Christmas Decorations

I put away all my Kitchen Christmas decorations today (except the china).



Here's the left side of my buffet.



Here's the right side of my buffet.



Here's my gingerbread wreath. The utensil ornaments hanging from it are from my best friend.



Here's the miniature utensil ornaments that my best friend bought me for Christmas....Thanks Tami ;) Next year they will hang on my 32" fiber optic tree that I bought after Christmas for only $6, along with some other ornaments I bought for it.

Day 4, Decluttering...Fridge

Today's project was organizing my refrigerator.

Ok, I forgot to take a before pic, but all I tossed was a couple of half empty condiment bottles, that we won't be using anytime soon. So, it wasn't that different, just unorganized.



Inside of the fridge. I had no idea it was so empty...just sent dh to get some milk :) Guess I could have cleaned it while I was rearranging everything. Oh, darn, I forgot to tell him to get more eggs.



Here's the inside of the door. The bottom row is empty because the rail broke.

Day 3, Decluttering...Putting away the decorations, pt. 3

Next 10 Ornaments (last 10 of today)...



Precious Moments



Precious Moments 2



Roses painted by me 2001. there were 12, we are down to 3 :(



Rudolph (CNB)



Santa painted by me in 1998....yes, he needs a touch up.



Santa (cracker barrel)



Santa paintbrush (CNB)



snowboy (cracker barrel)



snowman cd (CNB)



Star (CNB)

Day 3, Decluttering...Putting away the decorations, pt. 2

Part 2...the next 10 ornaments :)



Dancing Star (CNB)



2001 Eeyore.......I love me some Eeyore, you'll probably see his face again ;) (disney store)



Embroidered ornament (Rhonda at CNB)...isn't it beautiful?



Jacob's Duke Homestead field trip stocking Kind. (2007, 5yo)



Jacob's stocking 1st grade He made this for his baby sister's (Cheyanna) 1st Christmas...isn't that sweet? (2008, 6yo)



Jacob's snowman Pre-K (2006, 4yo)



Jesus is the reason for the Season (CNB)



Mitten (CNB)



Nativity (CNB) Isn't it pretty?



Pink Cascading Stars (Cracker Barrel)

Day 3, Decluttering...Putting away the decorations, pt. 1

Sorry I have not posted yet today....I have been busy doing laundry AND putting it away as it comes out of the dryer...what a novel idea!! Lol, I am known to let it pile up til it's about 10 loads (yes, that is possible in one day around here). And then have a ton to put away all at once. So, in a way you could say I've been decluttering my laundry pile...Sorry no pics for that one ;)

Today I am going through my Christmas boxes. Not all the ornaments got placed on the tree this year, b/c I didn't get it decorated til 4am Christmas Day (blushing now), but I promise to do better next year. I only opened 2 boxes of Christmas decorations (of 6). There will probably be more boxes this year. The ornaments on the tree will stay up through epiphany (January 6).

Most of our ornaments are homemade (by the kids or through an exchange I do every year), they look old-fashioned or rustic, or the kids' ornaments that they collect. Most, but not all.

Here are the first 10 ornaments:



apple flag (cracker barrel)



Bell ornament from an exchange at CNB



Blue Cascading Stars...got these at Cracker Barrel



Caity's Feliz Navidad stocking 1st grade (2007 6yo)



Caity's 1st grade snowman (2007 6yo)



Caity's Chrismon Kind. @ Sunday School (2006, 5yo)



Caity's Dalmatian Kind. (2006, 5yo)



Cardinal (cracker barrel)



Cat in the Hat (KFC??)



Santa's Clipboard (CNB)