Christmas Notebook » Uncategorized

menu plan monday ~ may 7, 2012

~~Rhonda — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:03:57 +0000

I had this post ready to go last Sunday evening, then we had four long days of intermittent and unreliable internet access. I couldn’t get on my blog, flickr or Netflix, just to mention a few. What a long four days!! It seems to be working this evening, so I’m posting this, even though it’s late and I will try to get something from the garden posted tomorrow. Here’s a preview…

The hosta ‘Blue Cadet’ by the birdbath in the back yard is looking so nice this year. But it’s about to eat the birdbath…may have to consider moving it back a bit.

Monday
Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot
Rice
Garden Salad
Steamed Green Beans

Tuesday
Soft Shell Tacos
Lettuce, Cheddar Cheese, Beef, Tomatoes, Avocado, Green Onion, Salsa

Wednesday
Hamburgers
Homemade Buns
Garden Salad

Thursday
Homemade Pizza

Friday
Chef Salad

Saturday
Fridge Food

Sunday
Mother’s Day and I’d like ~
Grilled Chicken Wings
Grilled Pork Steaks
Garden Salad
Veggie Packets in Foil
Corn on the Cob
Strawberry Shortcake

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

menu plan monday ~ april 23, 2012

~~Rhonda — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:09:32 +0000

We have several people in the house not feeling well. And a birthday to celebrate Monday evening. Lots of yard work to do this week. Who knows what else will come up. At least the menu is ready!

Monday
Carry Out for a birthday dinner request
Cherry Cheesecake birthday cake by request

Tuesday
Chicken and Dumplings
Green Salad

Wednesday
Pork Chops in the Crock Pot
Rice
Green Salad

Thursday
Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas
Garden Salad

Friday
Chicken Taco Chili
Home Baked Tortilla Chips

Saturday
Fridge Food

Sunday
Julie’s Ziti
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Peas
Corn on the Cob
Garden Salad

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

menu plan monday ~ march 12, 2012

~~Rhonda — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:25:00 +0000

Spring weather and temps are predicted for this week. We’re looking forward to that! Lettuce is sprouting in our garden and the yard is full of daffodils. The bright, cheery bouquet in my craft room smells so good!

I tried a new recipe Sunday, instead of having the spaghetti I had planned. Chicken and Dumpling Bake casserole was a big hit. Comfort food. It’s very easy to make. I added freshly ground black pepper and chopped fresh parsley. Adding pearl onions, carrots and green peas would make it taste like chicken pot pie. This casserole would work well for a pot-luck dinner or to take to a family who needs a warm meal. I wish I’d taken a picture to share with you. Next time!

Here’s the menu for this week.

Monday
Roast Beef Sandwiches
Homemade Buns

Tuesday
White Cheese Chicken Lasagna
Garden Salad
Steamed Broccoli
Corn

Wednesday
Taco Salad
Baked Tortilla Chips

Thursday
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Rice

Friday
Hamburgers
Homemade Buns

Saturday
Fridge Food

Sunday
Alton Brown’s Pot Roast
Homemade Buns
Chips
Celery / Carrot Sticks
Sugar Cookie Bars

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

savoring every cup

~~Rhonda — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:58:50 +0000

D&J gave me a package of Ballard Blend coffee from the Java Bean Coffee Company for Christmas. It’s the best coffee I’ve ever had. Seriously. It’s organic, fair trade and salubrious, no less. Or so they say. …I had to look that one up…

This morning I brewed a pot and now I’m down to just enough beans for one more round.

It’s been a hectic morning, with the furnace man here to do a seasonal check up, DH in and out, the twins running free, putting together lesson plans and assignments… But now DD is doing schoolwork. DH is outside swinging with the twins. I’m somewhat alone.

A quiet moment for me and I’m contemplating which direction I want to take this year.

A delicious cup of coffee makes the process delightful.

~~Rhonda

Update…DD went out to take pictures of the twins with Pa and came back with this one…

I’m not feeling so quiet and peaceful! I texted DH to ask him to put that away where they can’t get to it when they are done. I can see the girls helping themselves, if they found it within reach! D&S have been heating the farmhouse with wood. Maybe the twins will take their “logs” home for the fire.

Bye, again… ~~Rhonda

menu plan monday ~ january 2, 2012

~~Rhonda — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:30:37 +0000

We enjoyed keeping the twins overnight Saturday and are looking forward to having all three grands here for an overnight Tuesday. Last week, the girls were here and the twins had a ball playing games on their aunt’s phone. Everything is an adventure for them. And lots of fun for us.

Here’s the menu for this week. My family is coming Sunday for our family Christmas party that had been postponed due to Mom’s funeral just before Christmas. It will be good to see everyone.

Monday
Golden Nectar Soup (Cheesy Potato Sausage Soup)

Tuesday
Lasagna with Homemade Sauce
Rosemary Bread
Green Salad
Peas and Steamed Carrots

Wednesday
Tacoritos

Thursday
Hearty Vegetable Soup

Friday
Homemade Pizza with Portobello Mushrooms

Saturday
Fridge Food

Sunday
My-Side-of-the-Family Christmas Party. Everyone brings something. I’m making the meat, buns, and providing beverages.

Alton Brown’s Pot Roast for sandwiches
Spicy Shredded Pork for sandwiches
Homemade Buns
Cheese Spread with Crackers and Bagel Chips
Veggie Tray and Dip
Fruit Tray
Green Salad
Desserts

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

menu plan monday ~ october 24, 2011

~~Rhonda — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:30:15 +0000

It’s high noon in the process of our son and his family moving from North Carolina to our area. Our son and daughter-in-law are packing the moving truck as we speak and should be rolling in tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning. DH flew to NC Saturday evening and drove the girls back yesterday. A fourteen hour trip! This morning, all were up bright and early. The twins helped me make rolls and buns and we even made a teddy roll. Just like Twin2′s teddy. Right down to the flowers (painted on with edible food markers). As soon as he came out of the oven and had cooled enough, they gobbled him right up.

Planning the menu has been a little challenging. I’m trying to work around the move, taking into consideration everyone’s food likes and dislikes, and the extra company in the house. Meals that can wait are good, as I am not sure just how the timing is going to work out. Following is what I’ve come up with.

Monday
Homemade Pizza

Tuesday
Lunch ~
Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Celery / Carrot Sticks
Red Grapes

Supper ~
Baked Penne with Chicken
Steamed Carrots
Peas
Green Salad

Wednesday
Lunch ~
Hamburgers on Homemade Buns
Veggies and Ranch Dip
Honeydew Melon

If everyone is at the house, unloading the truck, I’ll send a crock pot of beef stew over for an easy, eat-when-you’re-hungry lunch.

Supper ~
Vegetarian Lasagna
Garlic Bread
Steamed Sugar Snap Peas
Green Salad

Thursday
Tacoritos
Tortilla Chips
Green Salad

Friday
Ham or Turkey Sandwiches
Chips
Grapes

Saturday
Fridge Food

Sunday
Baked Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Steamed Green Beans
Steamed Carrots
Green Salad

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

The twins went outside to play. While outside, they picked up acorns. I told Twin2 she could plant them at the farm and grow oak trees. She said, “No! ACORN trees!” Well, of course. What was I thinking?

~~Rhonda

menu plan monday ~ june 27, 2011

~~Rhonda — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:35:04 +0000

We’re having a great time with our older son’s family who are here visiting for the week.

The twins played in the mud puddles Sunday afternoon.

DH reintroduced the girls to his mom, their great-grandma.

And we’re getting and giving plenty of lovin’.

Lots of fridge food (leftovers), so most of the time everyone does his/her own thing for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Here are the supper menus for the week.

Monday
Chef Salad
Watermelon

Tuesday
Fridge Food

Wednesday
Vegetable Lasagna
Garlic Bread
Garden Salad
Corn
Peas

Thursday
Lunch ~ Sandwiches / Veggies and Ranch Dressing / Grapes

Supper
Pork Chops
Mashed Potatoes
Steamed Green Beans
Garden Salad
Corn on the Cob

Friday
Taco Salad
Tortilla Chips

Saturday
Fridge Food

Sunday
Turkey in the Crock Pot
Rice
Garden Salad
Corn
Steamed Sugar Snap Peas

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

menu plan monday ~ april 11, 2011

~~Rhonda — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:59:17 +0000

The redbuds and the apple trees are blooming. Spring is in full swing. Today we’re getting a nice rain. None of the severe storms that others far north of us had last night. Yesterday’s hot temps are cooler and more comfortable today.

The first black swallowtail was spotted by DH.

The dwarf iris ‘Baby Blessed’ is blooming.

Last week, we visited our son’s family…

…so the menu this week starts with pizza, just to keep things easy while DD gets back into the swing of school.

Monday
Homemade Pizza with Portobello Mushrooms

Tuesday
Baked Salmon
Rice
Steamed Sugar Snap Peas
Corn

Wednesday
Hamburgers / Homemade Buns
Celery / Carrot sticks with Ranch Dressing Dip
Red Grapes

Thursday
Baked Lemon Pasta
Garlic Bread
Green Salad
Steamed Sugar Snap Peas

Friday
Chicken Stir Fry
Rice

Saturday
Fridge Food

Sunday
Spaghetti / Homemade Sauce
Corn
Peas
Garlic Bread
Green Salad

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda

prayers for Japan

~~Rhonda — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 22:10:51 +0000

While we are not able to get our minds around the enormity of what has happened in Japan, we can trust that our God is bigger than and Master of anything that happens in His creation. We are praying for the people of Japan and for those who are there to help. We were glad to hear that our denomination’s missionaries and their families are safe. They are mobilizing to help with the work that needs to be done. Please pray for the nation of Japan and all who reach out to help in their time of great need.

~~Rhonda

am i willing?

~~Rhonda — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:54:12 +0000

To open our school day, we have a Bible reading schedule we follow, a devotion at least once a week, and the Westminster Shorter Catechism to memorize. Via email each week, our pastor’s wife sends a copy of the next Sunday’s worship bulletin to those who have asked to receive it. Sometimes I peruse the appointed hymns and choose one to use as a basis for the devotion we use for school.

This week, I chose the hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” to use for tomorrow. While researching the hymn, I found this little statement, which I liked so much that I printed it and put it in a frame, after modifying it from “Thou givest,” etc. It was simply titled “I am Willing.”

The women at church are preparing to study “Respectable Sins” by Jerry Bridges and I’ve been reading that. Today, I also read an interview with John McArthur where he talks about being a slave for Christ. Between the hymn, the book, and the interview…a lot to think about. And the statement above seems to resonate with what I’ve been reading.

If you like the statement, here it is to copy for yourself.

I AM WILLING, MY GOD
To receive what You give,
To lack what You withhold,
To relinquish what You take,
To surrender what You claim,
To suffer what You ordain,
To do what You command,
To wait until You say “Go.”
~Unknown

~~Rhonda