Menu Monday

Well, I may not have time for much more lately, but at least I've been trying to be consistent about putting a menu plan together here once a week!  It finally snowed last night so went out and enjoyed playing in it with the kids for a while, who have the day off from school for Mr. Luther King Jr. Day.  There wasn't very much snow, but LR asked me to help her make a snowman with what we had.

Snowy the snowman :)

I had a friend request last week's easy lasagna recipe so I'll share it here.  It was actually given to me by a friend/co-worker many years ago when I worked at a bank.

Easy Lasagna:
1lb Italian Sausage (I use the kind in a tube)
1 Jar Prego - Traditional
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 16 oz container ricotta
shredded parmesan
9 cooked lasagna noodles (I cheat and buy mine fresh)

Brown Sausage and Add Prego.  Simmer
Layer 3 cooked noodles on bottom of 13x9 pan and cover with sauce mixture.
Layer 3 more noodles.
Spread Ricotta Cheese over noodles and then cover cheese with  1/2 mozzarella and parmesan
Layer 3 more noodles and cover with sauce mixture.
Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

Well, maybe it is not the most cost effective, but I like my lasagna to be extra cheesy and the sausage gives it lots of flavor.  I look for the sausage on sale and freeze it.  I also make two pans so I have one for the freezer. :)

Here's this week's menu:
Monday: Chicken Enchilada Soup in the Crockpot
Tuesday: Stew in the Crockpot
Wednesday: Chicken Stroganoff in the Crockpot
Thursday: Taco Salad
Friday: Mexican Chicken and Rice
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Breakfast

Well, that's what we're eating this week.  I have a very small grocery list because most of this is coming out of my pantry and freezer.  It's going to be a good week on our grocery budget! :)

Have a great week all!
~Melissa

Menu Monday

Is it Monday again already?  The first week of the year sure did go by in a flash.  I've already got dinner in the oven for tonight but I haven't had a chance to post yet today.  So here's a quick glance at what's for dinner at our house this week!

Monday: Turkey and Bean Burritos
Tuesday: Lemon Chicken Pasta
Wednesday: Easy Lasagna
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Chicken and Potatoes
Saturday: Paninis
Sunday: Breakfast

I am really trying hard to stick to my menu plan as closely as possible but I caved last night and brought home pizza.  My DH is sick, and I am sporting a cold myself, so neither of us wanted to cook.  The kids didn't complain all that much!

Have a great week all!
~Melissa

Menu Monday

There's nothing like planning a menu to start the year off right!  I won't go grocery shopping until tomorrow so I needed to make something easy with what I have in the house for tonight.  What's better than a little comfort food on the first Monday of the year?

Monday: Teriyaki Chicken over Rice
Tuesday: Tater Tot Casserole
Wednesday: Kari's Mexican Casserole
Thursday: Baked Potatoes
Friday: BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Lemon Chicken Pasta

I have some leftover zucchini bread that we will use for snacks plus I will make some apple muffins later in the week. 

It's good to be back in a routine.  Even though there were a few protests about getting up early this morning, the kids were happy to go back to school. 

And now, I'm off to widdle away at my to-do list!  Have a great Monday!
~Melissa

Humor Matters

Hello everyone!  Happy Early New Year!  I hope that everyone had a marvelous Christmas.  Our home was filled with family and we had a great time making memories together laughing, opening presents, sharing meals and playing games.  I really enjoy having a nice big home that we can offer up for family events.

Christmas Eve we went to a candle-light service at my in-law's church.  Afterwards we spent time at their home for an informal dinner.  We arrived home at 9:00pm and tucked the kids into bed because we knew it was going to be a long day.  Before doing so, I wanted a picture by the tree with our "best dress" on.  I handed my brother in law the camera and hoped for the best.  Everyone was tired so they kind of just cooperated "for mom."  We got at least one that was decent, but there's one that stands out from the rest as my favorite.  It really shows the light-hearted nature of our family.  We sure do love to laugh!

From our home to yours, wishing you all joy, love and laughter in the year 2012!

~Melissa

Very Merry Christmas Cookies

To start of our Winter break, we made Christmas Cookies on Saturday!  Everyone got to help with the fun.  DH mixed and rolled out the dough.  The kids took turns with the cookie cutters making fun shapes.  (We even have an Easter bunny or two in there.)  Then when they cooled we frosted and decorated them.  There ended up being plenty to share with neighbors, employees, and the girls at the bank!  As for the rest...well, I'm sure we'll figure out something!

Happy Holidays

One more hour left until the kiddos officially hit winter break!  I can't believe Christmas is almost here.  It's certainly been a wild ride in 2011!  I look forward to seeing what 2012 will bring.  One thing that I know for sure.  This year has really brought our family, and extended family closer together.  Between moving and opening a new store, we've really bonded.  In all the chaos of change, we've hung on to what matters most...strong family ties. 



RL-10, LR-7, CD-5, BC-8, JS-9



May your homes be filled with Peace, Love and Joy this Holiday Season!

~Melissa & Family

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 23

I can hardly believe that it is the first of December.  There has been so much change in our lives this year that the months have just flown by.  November was so full of excitement that I didn't even really have the chance to sit down and blog about it.  There were birthdays and concerts and vacations and Thanksgiving with both sides of our family.  Yes, there was a lot to be thankful for in November.  And now, the Advent season is upon us.  It is time to reflect on the one thing that will always be unchanging in my life...the everlasting love of God revealed to us in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-2, 14 NASB

Last month, I chose a memory verse from Luke to remind me that God always fulfills the promises of His Word.  I was listening to Beth Moore one morning and this verse really sank in, right to the core of my being.  It was "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her." (Luke 1:45)  It is one thing to memorize scripture, but to believe that every promise in the Bible is true and still applies to me today, well now, that is something entirely different.  This year, God has really impressed upon my heart the relevance of His Word in my life on a day to day basis. 

He has upheld me when I felt I could no longer stand.  He has reminded me that I am never alone.  He has given direction where there was none before.  He has taught me to look to Him in the midst of storms.  He has given me courage to face uncertain change.  He is my strength, my motivation, and my reward. 

I could go on and on, but I think I will sum this post up with my second to last memory verse of 2011. 

 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name." -Luke 1:49

May you all be blessed by His Word,
~Melissa