Menu Plan Monday

So I've decided that I am going to start posting my menu plan for the week on Mondays. I don't always stick to my plan, but I'm going to start really trying to.
Here are my reasons to stick to my menu plan.

1.I never have to come up with a last minute meal idea off the top of my head.
2.Our meals are for the most part healthier and well balanced.
3.I always have the ingredients in the house for whatever I’m making because I make up my menu plan before going grocery shopping.
4.I always know what meat to take out of the freezer the night before.
5.I save money by not buying groceries I don’t end up using.
6.I save money by planning my weekly menu around what is on sale that particular week.
7.I save time by planning quick and easy meals (especially crockpot meals which can be prepared in the morning when I’m not rushed and have more energy).
8.My kids and husband enjoy knowing in advance what is for dinner.
9.Helps me to avoid last minute unhealthy desperation meals.
10.I don’t have to spend any more time in the kitchen than is absolutely necessary.
11.Knowing in advance what is coming up allows me to often prep one meal while making another, saving me even more time.
12.Dinner is organized and on the table at the same time every night.
13.It gives me something to blog about every Monday :)


Here is my plan for this week:

MONDAY
Cheeseburger Casserole

TUESDAY
Beef Stew

WEDNESDAY
Chicken Lemon Rice Soup

THURSDAY
Pasta with Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter

FRIDAY
Order out for Pizza

SATURDAY
Meatballs

SUNDAY
Chicken Tacos

Top 4 Tuesday - 4 Favorite Books

Changing things up a bit this week. Instead of a Top 10, it's only going to be Top 4. Simply because I'm tired and stressed out.


1. Women's Devotional Bible
I honestly found it at a local thrift shop for $1.00. This is one of my favorite Bibles. If you're looking to study the Bible in a year, grab this one and off you go! I use this Bible as a pick-me-up whenever I've had a rough day. Somehow, I find a devotional that applies to the situation and also, one that highlights what may have happened that day. It's a definite must in today's world, trust me!


2. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn
I have read this book 23 times. Every year since I was 11. I never get tired of it. Saying this book is very good is an understatement. The author makes the characters seem so real and unpretentious. Life for Francie doesn't always have a happy ending which is very relatable if you want a book that captures the essence of life.


3. Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life
Reading this book makes me want to meet Amy Rosenthal. I want to take her to lunch and discuss the restaurant's decor, menu offerings, table placement and cloth napkins vs. paper napkins, all in alphabetical order. She has changed the way I look at and categorize my own life, opinions, experiences and even emotions.


4. The Catcher In The Rye
I can't even begin to summarize this book. My all time favorite.

Saturday Six - Faith

My friend, Jen, asked me if I would take her daughter's senior pictures. I have never done anything like this. I usually just take pics of my family, so I was incredibly nervous. I think they turned out fairly well.

Top 10 Tuesday - 10 Places I Want To Visit

1. Hungary

I really want to see where my people are from.

2. Paris

I was supposed to go here on my senior trip way back in 1994. Unfortunately my french teacher's (who was our chaperone) husband had to have a quadruple bypass. :(

3. Ice Hotel in Iceland


4. Moscow

A few years ago I read a book about a missionary in Moscow. I have wanted to go ever since. Also, the buildings are seriously amazing.

5. Maine


6. Tree House Hotel in Oregon

7. Northern Lights in Norway


8. Thailand

My dad was stationed in Thailand when he was in the Air Force. When I was a kid I remember looking at the photos and random things he had brought back and I knew that one day I needed to go there.

9. Sydney, Australia


10. Hawaii

Can you tell I have a slight thing for beaches and water?

Dear Mom, I Really Want This For Christmas.

Buy the The Camera Lens Mug at the Photojojo Store!

Sunday Seven - Scenes From The Apple Orchard

Top 10 Tuesday - My 10 Favorite Foods

1. Hummus

2. Stuffed Cabbage

3. Red Vines Licorice

4. Pizza

5. Storck Chocolate Riesen


6. Soft Pretzels

7. Ice Cream

8. Salad with homemade ranch dressing

9. Cheese! (except bleu cheese because i'm allergic to it)

10. Cupcakes

ABC's of Me

Age: 34


Bed size: queen


Chore you hate: Dusting


Dogs or Cats: Neither, we have 2 rats


Essential start you day item: Toothbrush


Favorite color: currently orange. i have orange toenails to prove it.


Gold or silver: Silver


Height: 5' 9"


Instruments you've played: Flute & Piano(for about 6 months)


Job Title: Lunch Lady


Kids: 3 Blessings, Madison Elizabeth Raine, Ian Thomas and Elek James


Loud or Quiet: I prefer quiet, but that just doesn't happen around here unless everyone is asleep.


Mom's name: Patricia


Nicknames: Kell, Kellerbell or Casper


Overnight hospital stay: several when i was a kid & 3 baby deliveries


Pet peeve: See last weeks post.

Quote from a movie: Vous au moins, vous ne risquez pas d'être un légume, puisque même un artichaut a du cœur.
At least you'll never be a vegetable — even artichokes have hearts.


Right or Left handed: Right handed.


Siblings: Sister, Amanda.


Time you wake up: 5:30 a.m. far too early.


Underwear: yes, i wear them.


Vegetable you don't like: Peas. YUCK!


Ways you run late: i never run late. i'm usually early.


X-rays you've had: Chest, foot, shoulder.


Yummy food you make: cupcakes!


Zoo favorite: Hippo

I Am

This Friday...


I am Tired.
I am Busy.
I am Stressed.
I am Crazy.
I am Forgetful.


BUT...


I am A Child of The King!
I am Blessed.
I am Forgiven.


And That Makes
EVERYTHING GREAT!

Who are you today?