I joined a friend's meal swap about a year ago and then recently decided to start my own closer to home. What is a meal swap you might ask? In our case, it's a group of ladies who prepare a single meal in bulk, divide it into 4-person servings sizes and then get together to swap these meals, ending up with several ready-to-go freezer meals for the month.
Last month, I made Peanut Chicken and came home with White Bean Chili, Orzo Soup, Lasagna, and Beef Lentil Stew. Yummy!
This month, I made a huge batch of Beef Stew and can't wait to see what I end up with tomorrow at our swap. I'm hoping to compile the groups' favorite recipes later in the year for a little recipe book of sorts.
Even with some recent dietary restrictions in our family (long story) I like having the meals available for lunches, company and dinners when John is travelling for work.
If you're on the Eastside and want to join or swap or start you own, let me know!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Migrant Sleeper
Jane is a decent napper/sleeper but she is notorious for wandering around the house looking for a good place to sleep (other than her room). William would never dream of sleeping anywhere other than on his bed with his Pooh Bear, T-Rex and two "snuggle bug" blankets. Jane, on the other hand loves searching the house for the perfect spot whether it be the bath tub, the linen closet or the trampoline in our bonus room. I draw the line at her crawling into bed with Baby Joy as I'm not a happy camper when the baby gets woken up.
At night, we make her stay in her own room, but sometimes for naps I'll let her get creative. Here's where she wandered to last Sunday for a little afternoon snooze:
At night, we make her stay in her own room, but sometimes for naps I'll let her get creative. Here's where she wandered to last Sunday for a little afternoon snooze:
Snow Play
I'll remember this snow as the one where the kids really started to enjoy playing in it. Both yesterday and today they had a great time pulling each other around in the sled, throwing snow balls (at me) and of course, incorporating dinosaurs into the mix. Will pretended that the snow was ash from a recent volcano that we had to run away from. They were having so much fun today that I had to make them come in to warm up after they were out there for over an hour. We're looking forward to some more sledding after quiet time this afternoon! 
Baby Joy is 5 months old
Joy is the smiliest baby I've ever seen. She is so much fun. She just loves being carried around so she can see the world around her and flash her adorable smile for anyone that stops to say hi.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A Firefighter Birthday
Will had a blast at his birthday party yesterday and here are some highlights:
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Join me in praying to end abortion
This year, during Lent (March 9th-April 17th), there is a worldwide campaign called the '40 Days for Life Initiative.'
40 Days for Life consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, 40 days of constant, peaceful vigil outside abortion centers and Planned Parenthood offices and 40 days of pro-life community outreach.
“With the dramatic changes in congressional leadership, negative attention surrounding Planned Parenthood and the rest of the abortion industry, and the monumental shift in public attitudes regarding the right to life, we have reached a cultural tipping point,” said Shawn Carney, campaign director of 40 Days for Life. “Against that backdrop, we are preparing to launch the largest-ever 40 Days for Life campaign.” (source: lifesitenews.com)
I haven't decided exactly how I will participate, but I will definitely be committing it to prayer and hope you will too.
To learn more click here
40 Days for Life consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, 40 days of constant, peaceful vigil outside abortion centers and Planned Parenthood offices and 40 days of pro-life community outreach.
“With the dramatic changes in congressional leadership, negative attention surrounding Planned Parenthood and the rest of the abortion industry, and the monumental shift in public attitudes regarding the right to life, we have reached a cultural tipping point,” said Shawn Carney, campaign director of 40 Days for Life. “Against that backdrop, we are preparing to launch the largest-ever 40 Days for Life campaign.” (source: lifesitenews.com)
I haven't decided exactly how I will participate, but I will definitely be committing it to prayer and hope you will too.
To learn more click here
What do you get when you cross Valentines Day with a love of Dinosaurs?
Homemade Red Dinosaur Suckers (Straws + Red Chocolate Melts + Dinosaur Mold)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Two Cute Janie Bug Videos
Jane showing her ballet moves. I love her disheveled hair/leotard in this video. It captures her personality. She loves being a princess but doesn't have time to bother with details like fixing her hair or wiping her nose. At the end of this video you can hear Will yelling, "FIRE! FIRE!" because he's seeing steam rise up from the rice I was steaming :-)
Jane singing her ABC's with GUSTO (also capturing her personality perfectly)In case you're needing a little translation, at the end, instead of saying "Next time won't you sing with me" she says "Next time won't you eat a cookie with me" which the kids think is hilarious
Jane singing her ABC's with GUSTO (also capturing her personality perfectly)In case you're needing a little translation, at the end, instead of saying "Next time won't you sing with me" she says "Next time won't you eat a cookie with me" which the kids think is hilarious
Will's Birthday and more
Thought I'd post a few pictures from Will's 4th birthday as well as some other recent favorite shots.
On his birthday, we headed down to Krispy Kreme for donut holes in the morning, had a surprise visit from Pa and then headed to the Dirty Bird for dinner.
Throughout the day, Will kept showing me tricks he could do.
"Mommy, now that I'm 4, I can do this!!!" (Jumping off of the couch)
"Mommy, now that I'm 4, I can do this!!" (Forward roll)
"Woah, Mommy, look at how long my arms are now that I'm 4!!"
"Mommy, I'm 4 and I still like dinosaurs!!"
My favorite quote of the day was when John called Will from work to wish him a happy birthday and when John said "Happy Birthday, Will"
Will answered with:
"Happy Birthday to you too, Daddy."So polite :-)
We had a good friend (shout out to Andrew Barfoot) purchase a firestation party package for Will at an auction last year. We are so excited to cash in on this gift and throw Will a fire station birthday party this coming weekend. I'll post pictures of that next week.
On his birthday, we headed down to Krispy Kreme for donut holes in the morning, had a surprise visit from Pa and then headed to the Dirty Bird for dinner.
Throughout the day, Will kept showing me tricks he could do.
"Mommy, now that I'm 4, I can do this!!!" (Jumping off of the couch)
"Mommy, now that I'm 4, I can do this!!" (Forward roll)
"Woah, Mommy, look at how long my arms are now that I'm 4!!"
"Mommy, I'm 4 and I still like dinosaurs!!"
My favorite quote of the day was when John called Will from work to wish him a happy birthday and when John said "Happy Birthday, Will"
Will answered with:
"Happy Birthday to you too, Daddy."So polite :-)
We had a good friend (shout out to Andrew Barfoot) purchase a firestation party package for Will at an auction last year. We are so excited to cash in on this gift and throw Will a fire station birthday party this coming weekend. I'll post pictures of that next week.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Baby holding Baby
Our friend has an 18 month-old named Courtney that loves baby Joy. She was very excited to hold her yesterday at church and her mom, Melanie snapped a quick picture.
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