Menu Plan Monday May 13, 2013

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day.  We did something a little different this year.  Usually,  we order carry out,  eat at home, then take our normal Sunday afternoon nap.  This year after church,  we headed home, changed clothes, packed up the van for a picnic, then headed to Table Rock State Park for some hiking. Since we had a couple little children, a child carrier that really isn't for hiking,  and this out of shape mom,  we took the shorter and easier trail.  However, by the end of the summer I hope to be able to hike the 8 mile round trip trail to the top!!!  We plan on making this a regular family adventure!!  Here are a few pics of the fun:

It truly was wonderful just spending the day with hubby and our children!!

Now, back to reality; schooling, cooking, laundry, and cleaning!!  Yep, it's pretty much in that order.

This week's menu is focusing on easy prep and a lot of grilling (hopefully the weather will cooperate)!!

MONDAY - grilled chicken,  roasted potatoes, glazed carrots

TUESDAY - hamburgers,  mac n cheese, green beans

WEDNESDAY - grilled salmon, rice

THURSDAY - baked chicken fajitas

FRIDAY - homemade pizza

SATURDAY - crock pot BBQ chicken sandwiches, french fries, fruit salad

SUNDAY - Eating Out

Visit Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie for more menu ideas.

Menu Plan Monday May 6, 2013

What a crazy weekend!!  There are at least 4 different posts I could write just from Saturday and Sunday.  I won't off course!!  But, maybe someday??

I will share the two biggies for me.

         #1  The celebration of a birth!!  Baby Samuel turned 2 on Saturday!!!! Where has the time gone??

My beautiful baby boy on the day after his birth.  So cute!!

Big boy Samuel on his birthday!!

My how he has grown!!

The big boy with his birthday cake!!  I had to do some serious improvising because I couldn't find most of what I needed to make the cake I wanted.  All in all,  not too bad!!!  

           #2  The sorrows of missing mom!!  Sunday was 5 years that my Mom has been a resident in Heaven. 

                 There are so many days I miss being able to just pick up the phone and tell her something one of

                 the kids had done or call and just complain!!!  But,  I have the promise of seeing her again.  I 

                 have blessed hope and look forward to a blessed reunion!!!

There was so much more that happened in just those two days, but I just don't feel like rehashing them!!  So,  on to this weeks menu!!!

MONDAY - Crock pot chicken,  mashed potatoes, green beans,  yeast rolls

TUESDAY - Baked chicken, crock pot sweet potatoes (didn't get to this last week), peas

WEDNESDAY - Homemade pizza

THURSDAY - Grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, mac n cheese, baked beans

FRIDAY - TACOS

SATURDAY - Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread

SUNDAY - I'm hoping to spend the day outside with the family,  so I'm thinking a nice picnic would be in order.  We'll see,  that of course is flexible!!  BUT,  since it's Mother's Day,  I'M NOT COOKING!!!!!

Enjoy the week!!  Thanks for taking time to read my blog and head on over to Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday for even more menu ideas and fabulous recipes!!

Christian School Under Attack

Get ready America!! Times,  they are a changing!!!! 

A local Christian school is under attack from worldwide atheists and others for having their 4th grade science class watch a video from AIG about creation and dinosaurs.  She then gave a small quiz regarding the information.  One of the children's parents showed a "friend" who then took a picture and posted it online.  This photo has gone viral:


You can read the AIG article here .  Our local news also had a bit of coverage on the situation here.

A couple of my brief thoughts:

       #1 What would people expect to be taught in a Christian school other than Christian beliefs and faith based curriculum?  Since the school is private and NOT funded by public tax dollars,  why do they care?  I should be the one upset!!  My hard earned tax dollars are funding schools that are graduating children that CAN NOT READ!!!!!

      #2  We are talking about a private,  non-tax dollar funded Christian school.  It is their right to teach what they want!!  If you don't agree,  simply do not send your child there.  I consider the belief of evolution quite insane!  I mean, why would anyone what to believe they came from apes?   However,  I have never taken a public schools tests or quiz and posted them anywhere claiming them to be ignorant or below the average of a standard child's learning.  Yep, some have went so far as to say the school's level of learning is of concern if this is what they teach!!!  For those that want me to tolerate their beliefs and ideas,  they have very little tolerance for mine!!

  Unfortunately, this school is set to close down after this year due to financial hardships.  I'm hoping and praying that the recognition they are getting from this will provide some funds and relief by those that stand with them.  My children do not attend there,  however we know some children that do.  We attend church with some and play football with others.  They would love to see their school doors remain open for years to come and I know the administrators and teachers would as well.  I believe the Answers in Genesis article has a link to the school, but if not here it is
http://www.brca.us/  .

I think of Genesis 50:20  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Please help pray for this school and many others who are standing firm on what they believe regardless of what is said about them.  Share the situation of what is going on here in little ole South Carolina,  it could be your little local Christian school next!!  If possible visit their school web site, donate, and help them keep their doors open to raise up a generation of children who love God and want to serve HIM!!!

Grilled Salmon

ANOTHER grill recipe!!

I love Copper River's grilled salmon!!  I don't however love the big dent it puts in my budget to have to go there to get it.  

So,  here's what I found:  It takes a little forethought,  but the recipe is pretty simple.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs salmon fillets

lemon pepper to taste

garlic powder to taste

salt to taste

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar,  water, and vegetable oil in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved.

Season the salmon fillets with the lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.  Place the salmon fillets in a large resealable bag and pour 3/4 of the soy sauce mixture over them.  Place in the fridge to marinate for at least two hours turning occasionally to coat both sides.  Place the remaining soy mixture in the fridge as well until you're ready to grill.

Preheat your grill for medium heat.

Lightly oil the grill grate.   I used a smoked cedar plank that I got with a to go order from Copper River!!  (I only have one,  so I think it's time for another carry out order.)  Place skin side up for the first 5-6 minutes,  then flip the fillets.  Once the skin side is down,  use the remaining marinade to brush over the tops of the fillets for the remaining 6-8 minutes of grill time.

The fillets are ready when it flakes easily with a fork. 

Seriously delicious and so close to my favorite recipe at Copper River.  Serve with a side of the grilled sweet potatoes,  a baked potato, some buttered rice, or some fried rice.  Any way you choose,  it will taste great!!!

Menu Plan Monday April 29

What a weekend!!  I can't even think clearly to speak yet.

I'm trying to teach my children that ALL actions have consequences and most adults I know haven't even learned this lesson yet!! Maybe, those that have just don't care about the consequences!!  Someone is always there to excuse their actions and behaviors!!

But,  I digress!!  On to this week.  Thankfully,  it's a new day and a new week!!!

Here's the meal plan:

MONDAY - Lasagna (I didn't get to this Sunday)

TUESDAY - Hamburgers on the grill, mac n cheese, peas

WEDNESDAY - Homemade pizza (maybe even on the grill)

THURSDAY - Chicken Giardino

FRIDAY - chicken gravy biscuits, mashed potatoes, corn

SATURDAY - Grilled steak, roasted potatoes,  glazed carrots, and birthday cake (Baby Samuel turns 2)

SUNDAY - Crock pot chicken,  Crock pot sweet potatoes (new recipe),  green beans, homemade bread, and more birthday cake (We celebrate birthdays until the cake is ALL gone)

Here's to a better week than weekend!!

                                                                    

For more menu ideas and some incredible recipes,  visit Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Have I mentioned I love grilling? 

 I do believe I have, so I'll move on.  

This recipe is the perfect side dish to the grilled BBQ pork tenderloin.  

It's also VERY easy!!  You all know I LOVE easy!!!

Here's all you need:

2 large sweet potatoes

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Preheat an outdoor grill on medium-high heat.  

Cut the sweet potatoes into 1 inch cubes and place on a heavy duty piece of foil (or you could just double up the foil like I did).  Top with 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg.  Fold the foil into a packet so nothing can leak out.  Place on grill.

 Turn the packets every 10 minutes for 20-30 minutes It took a bit longer on my charcoal grill, I like my sweet potatoes pretty tender.    

The final product tastes good and is mostly good for you.  It will be repeated this grill season!!

Grilled BBQ Pork Tenderloin

It's that time of year - GRILLING SEASON.

I love grilling for two reasons: 1 - everything tastes better on the grill,  2 - it get's hubby involved in the dinner process.  I get to hand over the tongs and spatula for the main course.  I've been looking into sides that I can grill so I can get hubby doing ALL of it (well except prep work, of course).

Here is a really great recipe I adjusted a bit from Publix Aprons simple meals.

Here's what you need :
        1 pork tenderloin (I used a 2 1/2 lb)
        2 tbsp brown sugar
        1 tbsp onion powder
        1/2 tsp kosher salt
        1/4 tsp pepper
        1/2 tsp turmeric
        1 tsp ground cumin
        1/2 tsp nutmeg
        1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray's)
        1 tbsp olive oil

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (if using gas grill).  For charcoal grills,  you want the temperature around 350 degrees.

Combine the brown sugar, onion powder, turmeric, cumin, and nutmeg.  Rub the pork with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then coat with the spice mixture (use as much or little as you like).

Place pork on grill; grill 2-3 minutes on each side.

Reduce heat to medium (or move pork to coolest part of grill if using charcoal); place pork in foil,  use 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce and pour over the pork,  cover and grill for 15 minutes.

We left one open and on the non lit side to get smoked.

Remove the pork from the foil and place back on grill, using the rest of the BBQ sauce, grill an additional 2-3 minutes each side while brushing the pork with BBQ sauce. *Times vary depending on grill type and temperature.  The pork is done when it's temperature is 160 degrees (for medium).

Delicious!!  This is by far the best pork tenderloin I have had.  Like everything else fixed on the grill, you don't want to leave it too long and make it tough and dry though.