Meal Plan Week #22

Hello, Monday!

Hope you had a great weekend! We've got a FUN week ahead. On Wednesday, we're celebrating a very special day (5 days early) with an exciting all day family trip. Can't wait!

Last week, the stand out was definitely this:

   Chili with Cornbread Waffles.

It's nothing fancy. It's just our basic turkey chili but instead of cornbread muffins, I made cornbread waffles in my Belgian Waffle maker. I simply used a box of Jiffy cornbread out of my pantry but my family thought I was a genius and LOVED the twist.

Instantly, it became breakfast and dinner combined... which we love!

Here's what's on the menu this week:

Meal Plan Week #22

• Carne Asada Tacos
• Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
• Hamburger Soup
• Greek Chicken Gyros
• Spaghetti

February FFP

This month's FFP took place outside at our community's park. Thankful for the gorgeous weather! 

Morgan did a great job of being the grill master.

 We had 3 other families join us so it was a big picnic in the park.

 A beautiful day with great friends!

Some of the ladies (little ladies, too!).

 The kids enjoyed playing in the open space of the park.

 Ben & Joe having too much fun on the golf cart.

 Baseball game with an amazing view.

 We used the golf cart (as the potty train) for trips back to our house.

Love these kiddos.

We always look forward to our monthly gatherings and this one was no exception. We wanted to take advantage of our spectacular winter weather so this month's FFP was held outdoors. That way, we could invite more families to come join us, too.

What a fantastic day of discussion, prayer, fellowship, food, and family fun!

We're so blessed and grateful for this little community God has given us.

Meal Plan Week #21

Happy President's Day!

Also known as George Washington's birthday.

AKA: So happy it's a federal holiday and Morgan gets another day off. 😄

There were no particular stand out meals from last week so in honor of President's Day, I thought I'd share some pictures from our trip to Mount Vernon (George & Martha's home) back in 2012. We stopped here from Colonial Williamsburg on our way to Washington D.C. and I'm so glad we did!

It was truly the most fascinating thing ever!

Such a huge part of history that I will never forget.

The first family. Lol!

Look how little the girls were? They were six!

The tomb of George & Martha Washington.

The engraved scripture on top reads, "I am the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus said... he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." -John 11:25

What an experience! The girls still remember our trip and we talk about it from time to time. In fact, Lord willing, we hope to go back and do the whole thing over again when Zach gets a little older.

Ok, here's what's on the menu this week...

Meal Plan Week #21

• Mexican Enchilada Casserole
• Tomato Basil Artichoke Chicken
• Turkey Chili with Cornbread Waffles
• Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup
• BBQ Meatballs

Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival

 First thing's first. The girls were so excited to check out the Junior Exhibit Hall to see if their artwork won anything. Yay! First & second place! Good job, girls!

Faith's cat was also submitted and won second place.

 Teacups!

My big girls.

 This is by far, the best ride at the fair. Too bad Zach was too small for it. Soon, buddy!

  More his speed anyway.

 Vrooom!

Love them.

His first Ferris Wheel.

The gang's all here!

Fun house with sissies.

Love my men!

 He rode the "ATV" 4 times.

Our hometown fair has arrived and we pretty much conquered it in one day. We took advantage of free-admission on the first day so we could instead, spend our money on unlimited rides for the kids. The weather was kind of crazy. It was cloudy, windy, dusty, and cold... but unlike most years, thankfully, it wasn't brutally HOT! We had a great time and came home thoroughly exhausted.

We love our family tradition of going to the fair!

Favorite Things Friday

It's Fri-YAY!

A couple of weeks ago, I took the girls to the movies. It's been a LONG time since we had a girls day out! They're getting so big. Before I know it, they'll be teenagers. We saw Moana and loved it!

We've had some gorgeous weather here in the desert. You should see how fast Zach goes on his scooter now!

A quick snap of my little loves on Valentine's Day.

I saw this and laughed out loud! Sadly, some days, this is very true. #gladtheresgraceforthat

 

I've been a big fan of sheet pan dinners lately. They are so easy to clean up and everyone enjoys them.

So, recently he's learned how to take off his clothes. I just wish it wasn't out in public! Sigh.

Why does she look so grown here? Maybe it's because SHE IS!! Sigh.

Can we all agree that most pre-teen and teen fashion choices for girls are just awful out there? Years ago, my girlfriend Hailey introduced me to Lands' End for kids and I couldn't be more thankful. Their clothes are well made, modest, and age appropriate. They do tend to be a bit pricey but I always shop their sale category and wait for times when they have extra savings. I just made a big purchase of clothes for the girls. I ordered skorts (our favorite), shirts, and a couple of spring dresses. We're ready for you, spring!

 Can't stop. Won't stop.

 Ok, maybe just for a quick second.

Love that my new camera phone takes better action shots (without so much blur).

 Silly lizard glasses.

 Time for another haircut with our favorite barber, Lil' Ivan. #freedombarbershop

Look at my big handsome boy! This kid is blessed with some great hair.

 Guess who was the substitute teacher at co-op this week?

 I had a blast being the kids' art teacher! We used oils, pastels, and chalk to make these funky birds. Plus, we had extra time so we made up names for our birds and presented them to one another.

We also played Heads up 7 up! #sofun #itsbeenawhile 

We're headed to the annual Date Festival in town today and daddy is taking the day off to hang out with us! That means it's going to be a long 4 day weekend for him. By far, that is my FAVORITE thing!

Enjoy your weekend, friends!