Shout out to my kiddos!

I'll take a little moment to give a shout out to my kids, they've been working really hard lately. Both Keaton and Chase had Piano Federation on Saturday and worked so hard to prepare. They both did a great job at the performance. Keaton has barely had time to breath, he's been so busy with school, lacrosse and his other activities. He brought home a first place in State at the State TSA (Technology Student Association) competition on Friday. He's been invited to Nationals which are in June in Nashville, TN. Chase continues to swim and swim and swim. He's increased his times tremendously and is really loving the sport. He's looking forward to Junior High come fall. Brooks is becoming a great pianist and even accompanied the entire singing time in Primary a couple of weeks ago. He is so smart, his teacher at school is always complimenting him. Landon is becoming a good reader and is really loving Kindergarten (although he tells me he can't wait for First Grade because that means he gets to be with his friends all day at school). We're all doing our best to find joy in the journey.
Here's my menu for this week:
Monday: Toastcups
Tuesday: Build Your Own Burrito Bar
Wednesday: Beef Stroganoff over Pasta with Asparagus
Thursday: Coconut Chicken Curry, Brown Rice, Green Beans and Mango Lassi
Friday: Crepes (I set out a variety of things to fill the crepes with, anything from scrambled eggs, cheese and spinach to fresh berries)
Saturday: Mom's Night Off!
Sunday: General Conference BBQ with the Wall family

A sad thing....the end of birthday week

There are a few weeks I love each year. Topping the list would be the week of our 'unique' family vacation, the week of Christmas, and the week of my birthday. There's just something awesome about people bringing you gifts, sending you notes, expressing love, taking you out to lunch, making your meals and feeding you cake! Pretty fantastic. I felt so loved this week. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, everyone. The only bad thing about birthday week is that it has to come to an end. :(

Here's my menu for the week:
Monday: Chicken Cacciatore, Angel Hair Pasta, Olive Garden Salad
Tuesday: Stromboli with Marinara Sauce, Spinach Salad, and Chips
Wednesday: Chili Verde (I cut this recipe in half) with Cheese Quesadillas
Thursday: Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice and Peas
Friday: Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Saturday: Mom's Night Off! :)
Sunday: Roast, Potatoes, Carrots and Sweet Dinner Rolls

Is it gardening time already?

On Friday I came home to an absolutely giddy husband. "Guess what?" he asked. I don't know. "I planted peas, carrots, kale and spinach in the garden today!" Huge smile on his face! Wow, really? Isn't there still snow in the backyard? "Yup, but I chose a really warm spot in the garden." Okay, great. Wondering to myself, "Isn't it a bit early to start planting outside?" I guess we'll see! But downstairs, we have an indoor garden. All sorts of things under the grow lights, I'll have to take photos. Never did I ever imagine that I'd married such an earth enthusiast. But I love it, and most of all, I love fresh garden produce. I'm already looking forward to the harvest!

Here's my menu for the week:
Monday: Herbed Chicken Nuggets (I use milled flax rather than wheat bran and add 1 tsp. salt), Pumpkin Pie Muffins, Arugula Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Tuesday: BBQ Glazed Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Wednesday: It's My Birthday!!! I think I'll let my hubby take care of this meal!
Thursday: : Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, and a Spinach Smoothie
Friday: Pancakes and Eggs
Saturday: Mom's Night off!
Sunday: Birthday dinner at Grandma's house!

Ready to dive in!

Today, as I look at my upcoming week, I feel like I need to just hold my breath and dive right in and hope I resurface by the end of the week. It's gonna be a busy one....thus, simple meals are in order!

Monday: Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Potatoes, Carrots and Onions
Tuesday: Artichoke Chicken with Steamed Rice and Sauteed Garlic and Lime Brussel Sprouts
Wednesday: Easy Bagel Melts, Veggie Tray and Chips and Salsa
Thursday: Taqueria Style Tacos (I'm going to cheat and cook the meat in the slow cooker)
Friday: Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Saturday: Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday: Dinner with friends

Delicious Cookie Recipes

This blog has become my "recipe saver." So, here are some cookie recipes that I really don't want to lose. We love them!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies (for this recipe I use coconut oil, brown sugar, and add shredded coconut and an egg).
Coconut Macaroons (I cut the almond flavoring to 1 tsp.)