My heart is so sad over the terrorist attacks in France.  Such a senseless loss of life.  I'm anxious to hear from my missionary (who is serving in France) this morning.  On Mondays he and his companion get their wifi from a nearby McDonalds.  Assuming the mission president tells them they can leave their apartments today, I should hear from him shortly.  We did hear from his Mission President the evening of the attacks and he assured us that all the missionaries are safe and they will be in their apartments and off public transportation for the next few days.
On a happier note, I CAN'T BELIEVE NEXT WEEK IS THANKSGIVING!  That snuck up on me!
Here's my  menu for the week:
Monday:  Chicken Fettucine Alfredo , Olive Garden Salad and Breadsticks
Tuesday:  Sloppy Joes, Chips and Salsa and Relish Tray
Wednesday:  Spicy Kabocha Soup with Turkey Pesto Paninis
Thursday:  Parmesan Tilapia with Sauteed Garlic Lime Brussel Sprouts and Rice Pilaf
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Grilled Cheese and Soup
Sunday:  Lasagna, Garlic Bread and Green Salad

Here's the Kabocha soup recipe that my sweet friend gave me (along with the Kabocha)

Spicy Kabocha Soup with Pepitas

1 T. olive oil

1 med onion thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic minced

2 t. smoked paprika

1 bay leaf

2 T. apple cider

1/2 T. apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 lb kabocha peeled and diced

2 c. vegetable broth

Heat oil.  Ad onion and saute.  Add garlic, spices and bayleaf.  Cook 1 minute.  Add cider and vinegar.  Add squash, broth, and 1 c. water.  Bring to a simmer.  Cover and reduce to medium low or until squash is tender.  Remove bay leaf and puree.  Season with salt and pepper.

Spiced Pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)

1/2 c. pumpkin seeds

1 T. olive oil

2 t. agave nectar (or honey)

1/2 t. smoked paprika

1/2 t. salt

Preheat oven to 350.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.  Toss all incredients, spread on a sheet and bake 10-12 minutes stirring occasionally.  Cook and break apart to top soup.

I never have smoked paprika so I use this blend (1 t. cumin 2 t. paprika dash of cayenne)

I took a quick trip to St. George with Chase's high school swim team.  It was a long drive, but worth it!  I loved getting to know the team better and cheering Chase on at his meet.  He did excellent, setting some new personal records.  It's always nice to come home after being away, I seem to be appreciated more!  Imagine that!  I'm looking forward to a fun week.  I'm teaching a class on freezer meals on Tuesday and then have a Primary training on Thursday and a fun night out with old friends on Saturday.
Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles with Steamed Broccoli and Apple Dumplings
Tuesday:  Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos with Limed Rice, Lentils and Guacamole
Wednesday:  Chicken Pot Pie with Pomegranate Green Salad and Bottled Fruit
Thursday:  Sour Cream Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Friday:  Homemade Pizza Night using this Breadmaker Crust
Saturday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Sunday:  Pre-Thanksgiving dinner with the Larsons.  I'm bringing these rolls and mashed potatoes.

Work is getting done on our new backyard and it's so fun to see the progress.  We are the neighborhood entertainment with the heavy machinery back there moving dirt and placing rocks. We're getting excited!
Here's my menu for the week:
Monday:  Fried Rice, Teriyaki Chicken and Cabbage Salad
Tuesday:  Crispy Chicken Wraps, Cottage Fries and Vegetable Tray
Wednesday:  Turkey Burgers, Chips and Salsa and Green Salad
Thursday:  Crockpot Soup
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Breakfast for dinner
Sunday:  Larson family dinner--Erin's Homecoming!

Halloween Week!

My baby is in fourth grade....how did that happen?  Today I was bemoaning the fact that I have only a couple years left of Halloween excitement at my house.  I'll take it while I've got it!  Here's our menu for the week:

Monday:  Beef Enchiladas, Spanish Rice and Green Salad
Tuesday:  Spaghetti
Wednesday:  Spider Pot Pies (so cute!)
Thursday:  Mummy Dogs (I use sausage instead of hot dogs) with Easy Parmesan Risotto and Spinach Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  HALLOWEEN!!!!  Pizza Mummies

Twice a year Judson teaches a course at our office.  I'm the caterer!  It's actually pretty fun.  Tomorrow starts another course.  I am planning to feed 25.  Here's what I'm making:

Friday breakfast:
Breakfast burritos using this Scrambled Egg recipe.  I'll also include tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded cheese, hash browns, spinach, sour cream and hot sauce.  Baked breakfast sausage and Bacon for a crowd.  Sliced fruit on the side.

Friday lunch:
Thank you Kneaders and Plates and Palates!  1 gallon Asiago Bisque, 1 gallon Tomato Basil soup, 2 platters half sandwiches, 1 dessert platter, 1 pear and pecan green salad, 1 cranberry nut green salad

Saturday breakfast:
This awesome Raspberry Cinnamon French Toast recipe, and two Apple Cinnamon French Toasts (one gluten free) served with Maple Syrup.  Boiled eggs, Bacon, Sausage, and sliced fruit.

Saturday lunch:
Thank you Gourmet Fusion!  Chicken Picatta with Rice Pilaf, Green Salad, Rolls and Butter and Cookies.

We went on a fantastic family getaway over the UEA weekend to beautiful Moab, Utah!  There is not another place like it on earth.  We had an absolute blast mountain biking along the Colorado River, hiking to Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, The Garden of Eden and The Windows.  The boys especially loved off-roading and ziplining across the Slick Rock trail--I personally thought it was terrifying!  I've figured out I have a definite fear of heights when there are sheer drop offs on both sides and nothing to hold on to.  Weird huh?  We stayed at a beautiful place called Red Cliffs Lodge.  It was so quaint and country.  We had a cabin right on the Colorado River.  It could not have been more picturesque!  I love this little fam of mine.
Here's my menu for the week (we're definitely ready for some home-cooked meals after 4 days of eating out!:
Monday:  Pesto Salmon, Twice Baked Potatoes , Kale Salad and Croissants
Tuesday:  Torta Rustica with Roasted Cauliflower, Spinach Salad and Fruit
Wednesday:  Beef Enchiladas with Spanish Rice and Green Beans
Thursday:  Chicken and Cheddar Ravioli and Green Salad
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Bacon, Eggs, Toast and OJ
Sunday:  Artichoke Chicken over Egg Noodles, Kale Salad and Bottled Peaches

Conference weekend was inspiring and uplifting.  I love being surrounded by family and hearing prophetic counsel. I admit I was intensely missing my missionary.  I woke up several times on Sunday night with him in my thoughts and he's remained there ever since.  France is lucky to have a great missionary in their midst.  He wrote to me yesterday assuring me that he's doing well, "No need to worry about me, I'm doing great!"  Those were words this mom needed to hear!  Now to move forward in a great week!
Here's my menu:
Monday:  Stromboli with Spinach Salad, Chips and Grapes
Tuesday:  Pesto Chicken and Pasta with Roasted Broccoli
Wednesday:  Crockpot Pork Chops with Parmesan Toast and Green Salad
Thursday:  Homemade Cafe Rio Burritos
Friday:  Mom's Night Off :)
Saturday:  Grilled Tuna Sandwiches and Soup
Sunday:  Roasted Chicken, Potatoes, Carrots and Rolls