Thrifty Thursday - Radishes

 It's time for Thrifty Thursday!

Today's entry - Deniska's home grown radishes.  

Both my boys LOVE radishes and will eat them like candy.

Home grown is much cheaper (and better) than buying in the grocery store.

Now, let me tell you about these radishes.

While cleaning out his room, Deniska found a packet of radish seeds which was probably bought years ago.  He asked if he could plant them and I said "Of course!"

He planted both packs of seed in planter boxes on our deck.

Then, we had freezing weather, rain, wind, cold, heat, horrible weather and good weather.

But, these little fellas just keep growing.

According to my little master gardener, these will be ready in 30 days! 

 (At least that is what the back of the pack said, according to him.)

If all of them produce, we should have a bumper crop from both boxes.

I am very proud of him.

He has big plans for us to have a big garden this year.  

He has a special touch with growing things in his little 12 year old hands.

Menu Monday

 Sometimes, I would like to hide under the cabinet and think no one could see me! 

 But, since I have to plan meals each week, I suppose I should get with the program!

Monday - Turkey breast, dressing, gravy, green beans, turnip greens, sweet potato casserole, vegetable casserole, rolls, and cake pops, ice cream

It's our anniversary so I thought a nice meal might be in order.  I can pull out my good china and set a pretty table.  It's our 18th anniversary.  According to the sources on the internet, porcelain or garnets are the appropriate gifts.  Dennis gave me a new toaster oven!  I gave him a car wash.  Can you tell we are practical people when it comes to gifts? 

Tuesday - Spaghetti with meat balls, garlic bread, corn on the cob

This is Dennis' favorite meal.  I like it because it is not a hard meal to fix.  D is not a big fan of meatballs.  He likes his spaghetti with just sauce. 

Wednesday - BBQ chicken, broccoli, creamed potatoes

We all like BBQ chicken.  It's not a hard meal, just time intensive.  I get home at 4 PM and Dennis likes to eat promptly at 5:30 PM.  That does not give me a lot to time for meals that take a long time to cook. 

Thursday - Beef stew with vegetables, cornbread,

I will need to pick up some potatoes and celery for this meal.  The beef stew will cook in the crockpot while I am at work (those are my favorite recipes!)

Friday - salmon patties, green beans, hash brown casserole, brownies

Although Lent is over, we still like to have fish every Friday night throughout the year.  I have to admit that it is not easy for me to have fish every Friday.  But, since my husband thinks we should do this, we will.  I try not to complain...too much!

Saturday - homemade chicken filet sandwiches with tomatoes, cheese, and spinach

This is an easy meal to have on Saturdays.  We usually eat out on Saturday nights after Mass so this is a light meal. 

Sunday - hamburgers (with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese), chips, pasta salad

Hamburgers are always a good quick meal on Sunday. 

  

I really should explore some new meals.  I get in the same rut with having the same meals over and over.  Anyone have a suggestion on how to deal with that problem?

 

We were bowled over!

Dennis and I took the boys bowling on Friday.  

It was packed with parents and children.  Everyone had the same idea!  

We bowled two games. 

 N won the first one.  

D won the second one. 

 And, I called it a day!

No one would believe I had a whole year of bowling in college! 

 I think my high score was in the 40s!

 

We all had a good time.

After the game, we all went to the chiropractor!

I see lots more games at the bowling alley (along with trips to the chiropractor for me!)

Day 3 - Virginia Beach

Today is our last day at the beach.  We will be leaving for home in the morning.  Today, we went to the movies and saw Oz.  We really enjoyed it very much.

 

Saw this sign all around Virginia Beach.  I thought it was a great way to remind people to watch their choice of words while out and about.

Virginia Beach - Day 2

Day 2 at Virginia Beach!  It was a beautiful day but chilly!

Then, we went to Dennis' mom's house where Deniska mowed the grass.  He was so happy to be outside working.

 

After a hard day's work, both boys were treated to Ben and Jerry's ice cream!

 

Virginia Beach

 What a handsome boy - and look - he's smiling!!!!

No hidden treasures found today!!

 

King Neptune on the boardwalk.  Lots of people out even though it is still a little chilly.

 

Birthday gifts

I had a great birthday.  The boys and Dennis gave me money to get a pedicure.  

Who doesn't love a pedicure for the spring?

 I had a wonderful birthday from my friends.  One of my friends, Tara, surprised me with a surprise birthday party at a meeting that I was attending.  She bought me this beautiful flower and angel, along with a Pig Popper!  I think that is such a funny toy!

My friend, Gail, brought me a birthday cake.  It was gone before I could even take a picture of it!  I think I got 2 pieces!  The boys really enjoyed it while I was at work!!!

Source

The only blimp on the day was when my tooth broke off while I was eating dinner.  So, that is a trip to the dentist with $$$ in the forecast!  I am not so happy about that!

This week's meal plan

Happy Monday to you!  

Dennis and I bought some roses for our table.  We felt like the flowers just brightened the whole house.  Aren't they pretty?

This week's menu is simple:

Monday:  Parmesan chicken fillets, turnip greens, rice, millk gravy, and homemade coconut pie.

Here's the pie I made for Monday's meal.  

I thought it was very good.  

D and N were not as impressed since both said it was "disgusting" since it had eggs in it.....

Dennis and I both liked it (more for us!)

It reminded me of my early childhood days when my mom would make this for my dad on special occasions.  I wish my children had liked it as much.

Tuesday:  Nachos (chips, taco meat, tomatoes, onions, cheese, sour cream, salsa) and the leftover coconut pie.

Wednesday:   Chicken pot pie (with vegetables), sweet potato casserole

Thursday:  Taco soup, cornbread, sour cream

Friday:  Holy Friday.  We will be eating at Red Lobster since it is also my birthday!

Saturday:  Honey BBQ wings, broccoli, celery, carrots, ranch dressing

Sunday:  Easter Sunday.  Ham, yeast rolls, potato salad, green beans, brownies with ice cream

Have a good week everyone!

Happy Sunday to Everyone

 

Last week, we arrived at church to find the banners flying in honor of Pope Francis I.  I snapped this shot of the boys while they were waiting for us to catch up with them. 

 

 

Of course, they had to come and check out what I was doing....

 

My boys are growing up. 

 

I just blinked my eyes and they are already 12. 

 

(Lean close for a secret - they are not too big for me to love on. 

When they are sick, it is to mama's lap they go for loving! 

Don't tell them you heard it from me!!)

 

D is almost as tall as I am, with N close behind! 

 

Where does the time go?

 

Dennis and I are very blessed!

 

 

Week 3 of the pantry challenge

This is week 3 of the pantry challenge.  We have done very well with cooking from the pantry and freezer.  We still have been buying fresh fruits and lunches for the boys to carry to school.

This is this week's menu.

Sunday - baked spaghetti with meatballs
This was a new recipe and one that we enjoyed very much!

Monday - hot dogs, chips

I made a big pot of homemade chili.  I will freeze it into smaller bags later tonight.

Tuesday- roast, rice, gravy, green beans

I have a late meeting on this day so the crockpot will help me out!

Wednesday - baked potatoes or nachos, meat, onions, cheese

Thursday - baked chicken, broccoli, mashed potatoes

Friday - shrimp jambalaya, green beans

Saturday - sandwiches

Peer Pressure and a Pantry Challenge

Good Cheap Eats is joining several other folks for a pantry challenge.  Her website is new to me; I have enjoyed reading some of her articles.  She has a very good write up on what a pantry challenge is and what it is not.  It basically comes down to eating out of your pantry and freezer to avoid waste of food.  I thought this was a good thing since I had to throw several items out of my refrigerator this morning.  I hate to waste money like that.  It does not mean that you never buy groceries or that you don't continue to stock up.  It should, however, result in savings from your grocery budget.

  

Now, how does peer pressure come into play here?  

Well, I started reading blogs of my online friends when I noticed a trend of them joining:

Dawn - A Home in the Country

Rhonda - Made Do and Mend

Tammy - My Little Corner of the Prairie

Now, you see why I have to join in!  I can't let these girls get ahead of me!!  :)

So, I started with today's meal:

*Ham (had on hand)

*Turnip greens (pantry)

*Corn (pantry)

*Apple cake (all from the pantry)

*Black-eyed pea dip with tortilla chips (pantry)

*Yeast rolls (freezer)

Being in the South, I had to serve pork, greens, and black-eyed peas on New Year's Day!! 

I also wrote a few goals to go with this particular challenge:

1.  This 'extra' money will come in handy as Dennis and I sat down and made a list of our financial goals for 2013.  This should help us along with that challenge.

2.  Clean out/Organize my pantry.  (Rhonda has the prettiest pantry I have ever seen.  You need to go to her blog to read about how pretty it is.  Come to think of it, that might have been on her old blog.)

3.  Write a menu out each week based on what I have on hand.

4.  Teach both boys how to cook.  I have missed the boat on that chore.  They can do simple things but they really need to be more proficient that what they are currently.

5.  Keep my grocery spending down to less than $100/week for a family of four.  

Anyone want to join us?  

And, Happy New Year!!

I love my life ... and Lucy

I grew up watching I Love Lucy. I relate to her so much more since I have become a wife and mother.  Sometimes, you just have to do what you have to do.....

We had a wonderful Christmas and the kids got way too much (as usual!)  Now, to find a place for the new goodies!

I took both kittens to the vet yesterday to have them "fixed".  Ricky (aka Dennis) was not too happy over the amount of money it cost but I thought it was very reasonable for both kittens.  And, I got a discount for writing a check.  Both kittens are curled up next to me now as I write this post.

 Christmas Eve I was reminding the boys that Santa was coming to town and they needed to be nice and not naughty.  I was singing the famous words of "he knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you're awake."  Little Ricky (aka Deniska) piped up and said, "So basically, Mom, you stalk us!"  Yes, dear, I stalk you and will be in your business for the rest of your life!  This was the first year they did not wake up early and race to see what Santa brought them.  They are growing up - too fast.

Dennis bought me a Food Saver for Christmas.  I had been wanting one forever!  It was just what I wanted! 

 Since I did not bake anything (except cookies) for Christmas, I decided that every month around the 25th I would make a special treat for the boys.  Yesterday, I made fudge.  I have a list already made for every month this coming year. 

 One of my best Christmas gifts was having lunch with my best friend.  We had Chinese food and caught up on all of the Christmas and daily goings on.  I really miss her since she retired last year.  It is hard not to see your best friend every day!

Today, it's back to the daily grind.  I need to clean house, do laundry, cook, etc...  It's not all fun and games you know.  

Lights, camera, action...time to get to work!

 
(all photos are from the I Love Lucy show.)

Monday menu -a day late!

Monday- center cut pork chops, English peas, four cheese mashed potatoes

Tuesday - vegetable soup, cornbread, chocolate chip cookies

Wednesday - tacos (meat, onions, cheese, salsa), Mexican rice, 

Thursday -  spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, brownies

Friday - shrimp and grits, cantaloupe, broccoli

Saturday - chicken noodle soup, rolls