Thoughtful Tuesday: Something to Think About

 

Menu Plan Monday #5 of 2023

Happy Monday! Today is the last Monday of January. I can't believe January is almost over. Man has it been a crazy month. This weekend was busy, and this week also looks like it will be quite busy. The kids have a lot of after school stuff, I have a doctor's appointment and a meeting, work, etc. Such is the phase of life that I am in. If you read my last post, then you know that I took some time yesterday to prep some fresh veggies and salads for this week's lunches as a way to get ahead. Another way that I am keeping my sanity is by knowing what is for dinner each night and not having to make last minute decisions on what to cook. 

This year, I am bringing back the Menu Plan Monday postings that will allow me to share what we ate and what I am planning on making. I love reading what others are cooking and getting inspiration from others for meals. Maybe by posting this I can be an inspiration to someone else. 

Before we get to the menu plan, I thought I'd share something lighthearted. 

Ok, now let's get back to the menu plan...

So how did we do with last week's menu plan? 

 

Monday: meatloaf, julienne potatoes, peas, roasted broccoli applesauce.

Tuesday: Soft tacos and Mexican corn

Wednesday: Crockpot lasagna soup and garlic bread

Thursday: Pork and Peppers, macaroni and cheese mashed potatoes, sauteed  french style green beans

Friday: Pizza for the kids. Bill and I had a date night at the local Chinese buffet. 

Saturday: I am not sure yet, as Rebecca has solo and ensemble choir competition, and the boys have basketball. Rebecca and I ended up having Wendy's for dinner. Bill and the boys had McDonald's after the boys' games. (Sorry no photo!) 

Sunday: Ritz Cracker Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, and Veggies of some sort (I ended up microwaving a bag of Asian mix veggies) 

What are we eating this week?

 

Monday: Crockpot Potato Soup and rolls

Tuesday: Fiesta Chicken in the Crockpot and Rice

Wednesday: Chicken Pot Pie and Salad

Thursday: Pot roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, maybe rolls

Friday: Pizza and fruit

Saturday: I am not sure yet. Maybe pasta bake? 

What are you eating this week? 

Sunday in the Kitchen

Happy Sunday everyone! After a busy day yesterday at Solo and Ensemble with Rebecca, today was a day to get ready for the week. As we are all aware, the cost of groceries is skyrocketing and it's insane. To battle some of the rising costs, I am going to start making more things from scratch and making sure we do not waste produce. That is my focus right now. So today after teaching PSR, going to church, and waiting while my kiddos had youth choir practice, I came home and got to work in the kitchen. 

Today I made chocolate chip cookie bars (using a cake mix from the pantry that needed used up), from scratch brownies, and Cranberry-Orange bread to supplement breakfast offerings.

 

Then I laid down on the couch and took an hour-long nap! LOL 

After getting up from my nap, I made dinner and then cleaned up the dinner dishes before focusing on produce (mostly our veggies). I took all the produce out of my refrigerator and proceeded to chop and bag it up for easy access for the kids. I sliced up a red bell pepper and a green bell pepper, bagged up individual servings of baby carrots and cherry tomatoes, chopped up 2 English cucumbers and a huge head of broccoli. I also made four containers of salad for lunches (as Ben has been requesting salads for his school lunches lately.)

It feels good to have stuff prepared so that I can just throw it in the lunch bags in the mornings.

Now I am tired and going to post this and get ready for bed. I have a pretty busy week ahead, so I need my rest. 

Do you prep food for the week ahead? Do you make desserts for the week ahead? 

Solo and Ensemble Competition

Happy Saturday everyone! Sorry I didn't post yesterday. It ended up being a very busy day. I had to get some blood work done and a urine test done for my upcoming nephrology appointment. I went to the hospital and got it done. Then I had to head to work. Well, while I was at work, I got a call from the lab that they needed me to redo the urine test. So instead of having a lunch date with Bill after I got off work, I headed back to the hospital and did the urine test again. We decided to instead have a dinner date. So, after I came home from the hospital, I ate a quick lunch and then hung out with Bill and the kids after they got home from school. Bill and I ended up going out to the Chinese buffet for dinner, someplace we haven't been in a really long time. According to their sign it is actually the ET. LOL 

The food was really good. I found that I leaned more to the veggies. I was excited to see green beans and zucchini. Maybe my mentality towards food is changing, even though again this week has been tough with eating due to stress. 

Today has been crazy busy as well. I spent most of the day with Rebecca had the OMEA solo and ensemble event. Before the event there was some craziness. She was checking her texts at around 10:50 while I was ironing her dress she was going to wear. First came a plea for someone who could give a ride to one of the members of the ensemble, whose mom told her this morning she didn't have enough gas money to go to the competition and back. Several of the other girls were already at the competition, so couldn't. I said we could as long as she could be ready by 11:15. Well, then Rebecca was reading all the other texts and realized that everyone else in ensemble were wearing black and white. Well, she had planned on wearing the rust-colored dress she was wearing for her solo. So, we quickly found her black choir pants and I told her to text her friend we would get her closer to 11:30 as we had to make a quick stop at Walmart for a white or black shirt. Rebecca found a white sweater that is really cute and then we picked her friend up. Rebecca needed to be at the competition site at 12:24 and we pulled into the parking lot at 12:23. 

Last year Rebecca participated for the first time and did really well in her ensemble event. This year she competed in Solo. She performed "Florian's Song" and did AMAZING! She earned a 1, which is great and the top score. What was even better though was that while she was performing there was another performer in the room with her choir director and after Rebecca performed and we left the room, the other choir director stopped Rebecca's director and said, "I don't know that girl, but I heard her, and you need to make sure she continues singing." That compliment meant so much to Rebecca. 

She also performed with her ensemble, and they did wonderful as well. They also earned a 1, which is the top score. I am so proud of her.

 

Now we are home and exhausted and tired. However, it is a good exhaustion. 

Hope everyone else had a great Saturday! 

What were you up to today? 

Ghosts?

Happy Thursday everyone!

Last weekend I was feeling kind of down, so went on social media and ended up going down a rabbit hole of looking at paranormal videos and ghost sightings. Before I go further, please know that I do believe in ghosts and have encountered a few in my own life. That being said, I find it fascinating and kind of freaky at the same time. 

Well, on Saturday and Sunday, I found myself passing time by going down the rabbit hole that is Facebook reels. Several of the ones that I watched involved a TikTok app called AI Manga. This is a filter that turns your home or wherever you point your phone into an anime scene, including turning you into an anime character. Well, apparently in December 2022, they added a feature that would detect ghosts/ paranormal activity in your home, etc. 

Well, I don't have TikTok, but Rebecca does. I asked her about the app, and she had it on her account. So, we decided to do some ghost hunting in our home. 

Well, the first area we did was a corner of our living room, where I have an exercise bike and there is a window. Usually, there is a draft there and often as a baby Ben used to stare at the steps like he was seeing something there. This is a picture of the corner taken with no filter...

And here is that corner taken with the AI Manga filter (this is a screenshot from Rebecca's phone)...

There was no one standing near the window. The anime person on the right side is Bill who was sitting in the recliner. I will admit I gasped when I saw the photo as I really wasn't expecting to see anything. It was freaky. The boys were especially freaked out. 

After they went to bed, I decided to go through the rest of the downstairs to see if it picked anything up. Apparently, we have ghosts in our mudroom/pantry, bathroom and near our desk and going into our basement. 

My brain is saying that this is just a computer effect, but I think it is pretty freaky but cool. 

If you have read to this point, maybe you think I have lost my marbles. I know, when I was explaining to Rebecca how I went down the rabbit hole of paranormal, she asked if I was feeling okay. LOL. I do say that though that I think there is some truth to this filter. I have had experiences with seeing the ghost of my grandmother's 1st husband who died before I was born, hearing the chimes of a former railroad engineer working on the railroad outside of my friend's home, etc. 

What about you? Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever had an encounter with a ghost? Ever used a filter like the AI Manga? 

Weigh In Wednesday #4 of 2023

Happy Wednesday everyone! Sorry this post is going up late today. We woke up to a snow day today. It snowed around 3-4 inches between 3AM and 7AM this morning and then it changed over to freezing rain and then rain off and on during the day. So school was closed, which is our 2nd snow day this week. The kids and I just hung out at home. I did some laundry, baked some pumpkin bread, made lasagna soup in the crockpot and just puttered around. 

I mentioned in my New Year's goal post that I wanted to hopefully lose weight this year. I am at the heaviest I have ever been, and I NEED to lose weight to get healthy. I am going to make Wednesdays my weigh in Wednesday day. So, this will be my weekly update. Today is weigh in #4 for the year.

The good things in my weight loss journey this past week were: I was aware of the food choices that I was making. I did well when ordering food from Jersey Mike's (skipped the oil and vinegar, ordered wheat bread, etc.) Was able to hit my water goal every day but 1. 

The bad things in my weight loss journey this week were: I ate out too much. I had Jersey Mike's one day, McDonald's one day, and Wendy's twice. I wasn't able to exercise most days due to my back hurting. I didn't journal my food on Sunday. I just wasn't in the mood. I snacked WAY too much on chocolate. 

So, taking into account the good and the bad, I guess it is time to get down to the facts and see if I lost any weight this week. 

My Starting Weight on 1/1/2023: 265.8lbs.

My weight last week: 260.6lbs

My weight this week: 262.8lbs.

Weight loss/gain from last week: +2.2lbs

Total weight loss Year to Date: -3.0lbs

I am not surprised that I gained weight this week. I expected it. Now I need to get back on track with journaling and exercising. I need to do this. I can do this. 

Are you on a weight loss journey? If you are on a weight loss journey, how is it going?   

Thoughtful Tuesday: Something to Think About

 

Menu Plan Monday #4 of 2023

Happy Monday everyone! It was a low-key weekend here, with basketball for the boys on Saturday and then church on Sunday.

We were home the rest of Sunday as it was snowing and cold. We got a few inches of snow and it was quite pretty. I took a nap in the afternoon and just rested. 

It was a nice weekend, given that this week is going to be quite busy. Although today just got a little easier. The kids and I have a snow day! The roads were too icy this morning for buses to run, so we went from a 2 hour delay day to a no school day. I still have to go out later to take Jacob to a doctor's appointment, but now I don't need to worry about picking him up early from school, etc. I guess that means I need to spend some time straightening up the house and doing laundry. But before I do that, I wanted to jump on here and post my menu plan (to keep up with my 365 blogging!)  

This year, I am bringing back the Menu Plan Monday postings that will allow me to share what we ate and what I am planning on making. I love reading what others are cooking and getting inspiration from others for meals. Maybe by posting this I can be an inspiration to someone else. 

Before we get to the menu plan, I thought I'd share something lighthearted. 

Ok, now let's get back to the menu plan...

So how did we do with last week's menu plan? 

Monday: Pork Chops with squash and spinach (this is a new recipe), Velveeta mac-n-cheese, peas, applesauce cup

(The pork chop recipe was okay. I liked it somewhat. The rest of the family didn't like the veggies on top. They thought the pork was okay. I have other recipes for pork chops that we like so much better. )

 

Tuesday: Wendy's for Bill and the boys; Jersey Mike's for Rebecca and me (we had a busy night.) (I had a turkey and provolone sub with lettuce, tomato, onion and a little bit of their pepper relish with a dash of the spices they use on wheat bread. I discovered Jersey Mike's pepper relish on this trip, and it is so good on the sub that I didn't miss the oil and vinegar! I skipped the oil and vinegar trying to make it a little bit healthier.)  

Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner-- Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and fruit

Thursday: Red bag chicken sandwiches, salad, french fries

Friday: Make your own pizzas and fruit. I ended up making homemade pizzas with Walmart dough, freshly shredded cheese and pepperoni. They were really yummy. 

Saturday: 8 can taco soup

Sunday: Chicken and Cheese Casserole, green bean, corn, peaches

What are we eating this week?

 

Monday: meatloaf, julienne potatoes, peas, roasted broccoli applesauce.

Tuesday: Soft tacos and Mexican corn

Wednesday: Crockpot lasagna soup and garlic bread

Thursday: Pork and Peppers, macaroni and cheese, sauteed green beans

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: I am not sure yet, as Rebecca has solo and ensemble choir competition, and the boys have basketball. 

What are you eating this week? 

I was going to write something lighthearted tonight, but with so much heaviness in the world I can't. So instead, I will say this... it is through these times that we need to pray for those who are dealing with things that are horrible. We need to cherish each day and each other as if it is the last day we have with them. No one knows when their time here on Earth is done. Life is so short and we need to take advantage of the time we do have. 

Sending extra prayers tonight to SAM over at Sam, Coffee, Money, & Thyme who lost her husband unexpectedly this week. 

I'll be back tomorrow with regular blogging. 

My week in a nutshell this week...

 

Crazy weather, chicken and a hurting back

Happy Friday everyone! Are you having crazy weather where you are? Here in our part of Ohio, yesterday we had a picture-perfect day. Sunny. Blue sky. fluffy clouds. Temperatures in the low 60s (62 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Then last night we had a front come through. Thankfully without the severe storms the weather people were predicting. Then the cold came in. Today, it was 32 degrees, cloudy, and snowy off and on all day long. It was cold and damp. Crazy weather. 

Weather aside, how was your week? Mine was okay. The biggest things that I did this week was pick up and process 40 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts that I ordered at $1.67 a pound from a local meat market. It took me about an hour and half to process it. I left some whole breasts, cubed up some, make some into strips, and I put 5 pounds into the crockpot to make shredded chicken for use in enchiladas, soups, etc. Now I have tons of chicken in the freezer for future meals. 

I felt accomplished. However, I did somehow hurt my back while I was processing it. At one point, my back started spazzing out and I could barely move. Two days later it is still hurting, so I have been sitting with a heating pad and laying down. 

Due to my back pain, this week has been a downer week. I haven't been able to exercise the last few days. I am snacking more because I am down. It is what it is, I guess. Not every day is going to be rainbows and sunshine. Hopefully, I will get it turned back around tomorrow. 

For now, I am off to bed for the night. Have a good night everyone! 

 

5 Random Things

Happy Thursday everyone! 

It's time once again for a day of randomness. Here are five random things from this past week. 

1. 

Rebecca has started getting college information mail. In the past 2 days she has gotten 6 different letters. She is like "I am only a sophmore." It is a moment in her life though. Before we know it, it will be time for her to start applying. I wish time would slow down. 

2. 

I had to go buy Jacob a new pair of tennis shoes. He told me on last Thursday that he had a hole in the side of his tennis shoes (the ones that he got for his birthday, meaning they lasted 2 months!). I got him a new pair and they are Men's size 10! That means that Jacob's foot is now officially larger than mine. He is only 13! 

3.

The decluttering has been going strong this week. I took about 5 minutes and cleaned out our cups cupboard. I put all of these cups in a donate box. I took a big box from work and left it next to our door and am putting things in it as I think about it. As of this morning that box is almost full. Rebecca went through a few of her clothes and added a good size amount to the box along with other odds and ends that I ended up donating.  

4.

Ben continues with his Upward season. He is #35. He has scored a basket in both of his first 2 games. He loves playing! 

5.

Gus and Gronk have been extra affectionate lately. They love laying on my bed especially when I have it made. The other night, Gronk laid next to me and kept putting his head on my hand demanding pets. I fell asleep petting him and Bill said he came in to find Gronk curled up next to me asleep and I was asleep.

What's been going on in your world this week? 

Weigh In Wednesday #3 of 2023

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope everyone is having a good week so far. Mine has been busy. I was on the go all day yesterday doing things (work, Aldi, getting my hair cut, choir practice, etc.). Today is also going to be busy as I need to run to Kroger to get some loss leaders, CVS to pick up meds, gas in my van, work, pick up 40 pounds of chicken that I ordered from a local butcher, and the usual running the kids around. It is my season of life and I am so very thankful that I get to be these kids' mom! 

I mentioned in my New Year's goal post that I wanted to hopefully lose weight this year. I am at the heaviest I have ever been, and I NEED to lose weight to get healthy. I am going to make Wednesdays my weigh in Wednesday day. So, this will be my weekly update. Today is weigh in #3 for the year.

The good things in my weight loss journey this week are: I have been doing very well with food journaling and exercising so far. I have also been able to get my goal of 64 ounces of water each day. So, yay! Go me! I have also been able to exercise most days. I am trying to exercise 6 days a week for at least 30 minutes. This week that included riding my indoor exercise bike, working out on the Wii Fit, working out with dumbbells doing upper body exercises, and working out on my rowing machine.

The bad thing in my weight loss journey this week is that I was snacking way too much. I don't think that I ate a whole lot, given that I have to record it on my journal, however, there were lots of days where I was reaching for chocolate. Also, using my food journal, I definitely confirmed that I am stress eater. I also learned that I need to incorporate a healthy afternoon snack between lunch and dinner. Several days this past week, I didn't eat between lunch and dinner, and I was definitely moodier and hangrier. So that will be a goal for this coming week. 

So, taking into account the good and the bad, I guess it is time to get down to the facts and see if I lost any weight this week. 

My Starting Weight on 1/1/2023: 265.8lbs.

My weight last week: 262.8lbs

My weight this week: 260.6lbs.

Weight loss/gain from last week: -2.2lbs

Total weight loss Year to Date: -5.2lbs

Yay! Down another 2.2 pounds. That means that what I am doing is working even when I am snacking more. This week, I hope to cut back on the snacking and get back on track. I can continue to do this! I need to do this! 

Are you on a weight loss journey? If you are on a weight loss journey, how is it going?   

Thoughtful Tuesday: Something to Think About

 

Menu Plan Monday #3 of 2023

Happy Monday everyone! Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! We are off school/work today (well, the kids and I- Bill has to work). I hope to spend some time today working in the closet of doom. I am on a decluttering bug and am trying to keep momentum moving in the right direction. Hopefully, I can be productive today. 

I was productive over the weekend by making up my menu plan for the week. This year, I am bringing back the Menu Plan Monday postings that will allow me to share what we ate and what I am planning on making. I love reading what others are cooking and getting inspiration from others for meals. Maybe by posting this I can be an inspiration to someone else. 

Ok, now let's get back to the menu plan...

So how did we do with last week's menu plan? 

Monday: smoked sausage and potato bake, French style green beans

Tuesday: Deluxe nachos

 

Wednesday: Hamburger Helper and peas for Bill and the kids, leftovers for me- I had leftover spaghetti and cucumbers.

Thursday: Fish filets, baked potatoes (cooked in the air fryer again!), cole slaw, edamame *funny story about the edamame. I have never had it before and no else in the family had either. We thought you had to eat the pods and they were so hard and nasty. Only Jacob was right by popping the pods out. LOL Lesson learned and I told the family we would have them again next week and eat them the correct way! 

Friday: Pizza and fruit

Saturday: Chili and grilled cheese

Sunday: Turkey tenderloin, mashed potatoes, carrots and broccoli

What are we eating this week? 

Monday: Pork Chops with squash and spinach (this is a new recipe), velveeta mac-n-cheese, peas, applesauce

Tuesday: Wendy's for Bill and the boys; Jersey Mike's for Rebecca and me(we have a busy night) 

Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner-- Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and fruit

Thursday: Red bag chicken sandwiches, salad, french fries

Friday: Make your own pizzas and fruit

Saturday: 8 can taco soup

Sunday: Chicken and Cheese Casserole, green bean, corn, peaches

What are you eating this week?