Wordless Wednesday

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Shape up Challenge! Week One

I am trying to keep my motivation up as it is quick to dissolve. I find having kids makes it easier and easier to allow myself excuses when really what does it take to make 30 min for myself to exercise? I mean I manage to find time to check in here a few times a week... so here it goes.

My MOPS group started this Shape- Up Challenge last week trying to promote healthier moms. So many of us are complaining about what we want to do with ourselves but never seem to make it a priority, so we started kind of a biggest loser competition. It is a challenge, but it also is a chance for us to come together and work towards a goal and keep each other motivated! There are prizes in this and accountability to others. At each meeting (twice a month) we have a weigh in and a place to track our measurements. So it is pounds and inches lost. I usually base it on inches or how I feel. Last week we started it out with a kickboxing instructor who I thought was going to demonstrate some things we could do, oh did she! It turned out it was an actual class we had to do!! Which in one way was great because so many of us that thought we weren't ready to take a class, decided this could be fun working out together.

So I have been trying to work out at least 3 days a week, but that gives me to much room to not do it. To skip a workout which turns into a few workouts, etc. etc. So this week I have decided to make working out part of my daily schedule. Mon-Fri need to fit in at least 30 min of something.
My personal goal is to lose 15 lbs. Really 10 would put me at my pre-pregnancy weight, so I am shooting for just a bit more. So far this week I have managed to do an hour class that my church offers yesterday and 45 min of pilates today.

I have a small discussion group that is helping with the motivation, we were to get together today and workout together, but my baby was sick so I wasn't able to join them:(
Now I just have to stay focused. I am planning on taking my kindergartner to school a bit early tomorrow so I can sneak in a workout before dh leaves for the day. This is a 12 week competition and we have just one week under our belts. Now for the rest of the challenge! Keep ya posted:)

recipe for bacon ravioli

I am taking a break from baking to check out some recipes, My preschooler has snack for school tomorrow and she wants gingerbread cookies, so my son wants to take a treat to school too, so we are also made oatmeal butterscotch cookies. mmm. my house is smelling soo good right now!
Here is the recipe for the Bacon Ravioli. It is really easy and Really yummy!
you need:
8 slices bacon, diced
1 cup alfredo sauce
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup fresh bail or 1 TBSP dried basil
1 lb frozen or refrigerated ravioli
ground black pepper to taste

Fill one pan with water, cover and bring to a boil. Meanwhile saute' bacon until crisp. Drain off fat. Stir in Alfredo sauce, milk and basil. set aside.

Cook Ravioli, uncovered in boiling water according to package directions. Drain and return to pan Pour sauce over ravioli and stir gently. Warm over low heat, season with pepper and serve.

Menu Plan Monday

Once again its time for me to sit down and plan my meals for the week. I sat down yesterday and went through cookbooks. My dh and I are trying to really buckle down this year and not spend so much, so I am doing my part by keeping the food budget down. So looking for new easy and inexpensive ideas. Here is our meals for the week. Looking forward to checking everyone else's out to get some inspiration!

Monday: Taco Grande, black beans and corn
Tuesday: Bacon ravioli, fresh green beans, garlic bread
Wednesday: Minestrone soup, corn bread
Thursday: Crispy chicken, baked potatoes, apple/carrot salad
Friday: pizza
Saturday: Meatball sandwiches, baked french fries -never made these last week.
Sunday: Dh will be somewhere watching the game, so probably pancakes and sausage, fruit

That is it, oh and I have never been a fan of low fat, cheeses or anything, but we are going to make a conscious effort to use low fat versions of things to make them a little healthier for everyone. I make a lot of casseroles and we eat a lot of cheese so that is one small step towards healthier living.
Check out Laura over at http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com for more menu planning... Have a great week!!

Wordless Wednesday - Daddy and his girl

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Menu Plan Monday - January 22

Hello! Laura over at http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com hosts Menu planning Monday and once again I will say what a difference this has made in my life! I was in a major dinner rut and it took a little time to sit down and do this, but it works and with so many perks. Laura mentioned this in her Thursday Thirteen about why she likes meal planning. It saves time, saves on my budget and the family likes knowing ahead of time what is for dinner, it's not just me springing a box meal on them at the last minute because I am crunched for time and cannot think.

I didn't get a chance to get on here last week and post, but since we are on a major budget right now, I sat down and made my meal plan. I planned out meals for the rest of the month! and believe it or not, I planned out 20 meals and with coupons and local sales and purchased all with the exception of fresh fruits and veggies, milk and I spent only $250.00!! I was soo excited so now we are sitting here with a pantry and freezer full. Less trips to the store with 3 kids in tow makes this momma a happy one!

So here is my meal plans for this week:
Monday: Mexican Monday - Chicken Quesadillas, Spanish rice
Tuesday: Meatloaf, noodles, green beans
Wednesday: Baked potato soup
Thursday: Chicken casserole, peas and carrots
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Spaghetti Pie, salad, bread sticks
Sunday: meatball sandwiches, baked french fries

The spaghetti pie is one of our favorites and a meal I make for moms a lot when they have a baby. I will post the recipe if anyone is interested. Its just a new take on regular spaghetti.

1 lb ground beef
1/2 c chopped onion
1/4 C green pepper
1 jar (15 oz) spaghetti sauce
8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs beaten
2 tsp butter
1 c cottage cheese
1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees, cook beef, onion and green pepper in lg skillet until meat is browned. Drain fat, stir in spaghetti sauce. In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, eggs and butter, mix well. Place in bottom of 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Spread cottage cheese over top; cover with sauce mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake until mixture is thoroughly heated and cheese is melted about 20 minutes.

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wordless Wednesday go to http://www.wordlesswednesday.com or http://www.5minutesformom.com

Wordless Wednesday

For more wordless wednesday go to http://www.wordlesswednesday.com or http://www.5minutesformom.com

Menu Plan Monday

This is my first week actually posting my meal plan. I have been doing this for the past few weeks and it amazed me that I could actually save money on my grocery bill by planning out my meals! In fact last week my grocery bill was only $30.oo because I planned meals with mostly what I had on hand. I normally would just restock my pantry each week and then stew forever about what to make each night. Now I have the week planned and if the family doesn't feel like something, I can just switch meals. SO MUCH EASIER! So I want to say thanks to Laura over at I'm an organizing junkie http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com She is the one who hosts the Menu plan Monday. You can link over to her and check out other menus too!:)

Here's mine for this week:
Monday: Pork chops, pierogies, green beans
Tuesday: Beef stroganof, peas & carrots, rolls
Wednesday: white turkey chili, cornbread
Thursday: Ham, augratin potatoes, mixed vegies
Friday: Pizza at our aunts house
Saturday: Chicken alfredo w/ broccoli, breadsticks.

I know its pretty boring, This week is digging out of the pantry week. Usually in our house Mondays are mexican mondays and Wednesday is crockpot or slow cooker day. Also if I find any good recipies that I like online I will link to them when I plan them.

Off to surf other menus for some fresh ideas!

Here comes 2007!

Just had to start this post with a pic of me and my hubby. New Years Eve was our 7th wedding anniversary. We were married December 31, 1999. That year the world was supposed to end. We laugh because the other date that had everyone all afraid of that year was the anniversary of our first date which we celebrate each year-09/09/99. All the computers were gonna crash on that day. We used to joke that we were destined to be doomed ;) When I sat down to update my calendars yesterday, I just couldn't believe it was time to do this already. At least I remembered to change my calender, I usually toss the old one before I realize I didn't transfer birthdays onto the new one, then I have to call everyone to update. So in one little aspect I am ahead of the game! YAY! Now I still am focusing on what to make as a new years wish. Don't make resolutions because - bad me... I don't keep them. So a wish seems more realistic. Of course there is the old stand by, eat healthier, exercise more. But I think I want to stretch a little deeper this year. I want to make more time to read, I want to get more involved with a bible study. I help out with different activities MOPS, AWANA, volunteer at the kids schools but I want to find something that I can truly be passionate about. so that is something I plan to ponder on just a bit more.

Our year in review: I cannot be as detailed as Tina - what a good memory she has!!
This year started as a really good one - we were able to finish a few house projects that we have wanted to do since we bought the house, we were able to connect with some family members we haven't seen in awhile, Ethan started kindergarten, Elena started preschool and Jason started middle school, made some new friends, and lost some very dear loved ones. The end of this year has been a tough one for our family but through it I think a different, closer family is taking its place. My husband has come to church with me for a month straight without me asking him! THAT is what I am most excited about.
So for this new year my main focus is to keep my family close, to laugh and love everyday. To be thankful for what God has blessed us with and for each new day! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!