peelosophy

It’s not as drastic, or as permanent, as when I used an entire bottle of Sun-In on my hair with a blow-dryer.  But my blog does look a bit different.  I was thinking I would try a different template to commemorate my first year in the world of blogging.  But what really motivated me was last weekend while I was checking out different blogs, I found one that looked EXACTLY like mine ascetically speaking.  It was much like showing up to a wedding with someone wearing the same dress or discovering my cyber-doppelganger.  I was a bit horrified.   I went right to my blog designer, whom I happen to sleep with, and told him we need to change my blog.

So there you have it. The design is a process though and is not complete.  I have an idea of what I want for the header but it hasn’t come up to fruition quite yet – so hold the comments for about a month.  I am hoping that this template you will actually be able to read from your iPhone. Yea!

Hey! It’s kind of a weird week for menu planning because we may take a spontaneous trip out of town this weekend.  So I guess I’ll plan it and if we don’t eat it, you may see it on our menu for next week too.

Also, the Pesto Chicken Pasta I made last week, John said, “It was the best thing I’ve made in a long time.”  So you may want to try it.

MONDAY: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad, Rolls

TUESDAY: Chicken Chili and rolls

Chicken Chili

3 cans great northern or cannelloni beans, drained
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium red peppers, seeded and chopped
1-4oz can diced green chilies
3 cloves if garlic, minced
3 ¬Ω cups chicken broth
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried oregano

1. Combine all ingredients in crock-pot.  Mix thoroughly.

2. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.

WEDNESDAY: Homemade Pizza and salad

THURSDAY: Eggs to order, bacon and toast

FRIDAY: Date Night — eating out

SATURDAY: Pulled Chicken Sandwich and Home Fries

SUNDAY: Ground Beef and Tomato Manicotti (new recipe)

We had a fun day Friday morning at The Boathouse in Forest Park with the boys and Grandma.  We rented a one paddle boat for all of us – 2 adults and 3 children.  I started out in front peddling with JJ while Grandma, Henry and George were in back.

We were only out for about 20 minutes until George had a total breakdown.  He was hot in his life jacket, tired and hungry and only wanted to fling himself into a tantrum on the tiny back of the boat.

Really no matter how “fast” you pedal those boats they only go one speed – slow.  Grandma switched with me in front to pedal and I went in back with George.

So lessons learned:

1- Don’t bring anyone under 2 if you don’t have to

2- Bring snacks and water

3- If it’s sunny, bring an umbrella for shade

4- Don’t bring a purse – there is no where to put it

5- Don’t count on your 5 year old to be tall enough to reach the pedals

6- Go at 10am to beat the rush for lunch at the Boathouse after your ride

7- Bring a camera and keep your eyes peeled for some “wildlife” in the middle of the city

Here are some pics….

I recently read about a man being described being on a “passionate quest for the real whole-wheat Bread of Life”.  As a mom that tries to read labels, what struck me was the adjective “whole wheat”.   To me, whole-wheat means it’s the real deal, the best nutrition-wise and what I should be feeding my kids.  I never heard of the Bread of Life/Jesus explained like this and it made me question, “What kind of Bread of Life am I partaking in every day?  is it 100% Whole Wheat? or is it Wonder White? or somewhere in between?”

Then I got carried away with the illustration in my head.  I decided that I wasn’t getting 100% Whole Wheat Bread of Life daily because of all the “preservatives” I fill my life up with instead – all the busyness that occupies my hands and my head all day.  Some necessary, but some that I could definitely put off.  These preservatives are tricky. Like with bread, they help it not to spoil, they extend the bread’s life, but not without nutritional costs.  For me, my preservative is busyness. I use it to make me feel in control for a while, but it also has a nutritional costs – it creates a barrier between me and God.  And, with my self-induced preservatives I can’t get the 100%WWBOL. (Whole Wheat Bread of Life)

I could go on with what was going on in my head about bread and Jesus, the parallels between high fructose corn syrup or what it means when you cut the crusts off the bread.  But, I’ll spare you the the crazy that comes from the internal committee in my head.

I’m trying to understand how the fact that God gives me the choice about where He is in my life- He is offering me 100% Whole Wheat (Ephesians 3:19)- but I choose through my excuses/busyness the lesser.  How do I flip that – I don’t know quite yet, but I’ll let you know if I figure it out.

note: the one thing I couldn’t draw a parallel to is why does PBJ taste SO much better on white bread?

I’m hopping on board with Menu Plan Monday with I’m an Organizing Junkie – or for this week at The Happy Housewife.  Well, because I’m bored with cooking and menu planning, so I thought this may actually help me plan better, spice it up a bit and I get a post from it.

Don’t expect any culinary cuisines from my menus, but it may inspire you to think outside your normal meals and try something new.  And please comment with your family favorites or share recipes with me too.

I’m only listing dinners for now, I kinda like to be spontaneous for breakfast and lunches.  But maybe in the future, I’ll put those in too.

MONDAY:  Northwoods Baked Chicken, Sauted Zucchini, Grapes and Cheese

Northwoods is a house spice blend from Penzeys Spice Shop.  It’s awesome.  Here’s what I do:

On 4 Chicken Thighs, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle Northwoods Seasoning, let marinate for as long as you can – I usually do a couple of hours.

Set oven for 350 degrees.  Put another sprinkle of Northwoods on chicken and also sprinkle garlic salt.  Then cook for about an hour in the oven, depending if you are using bone-in or boneless thighs will vary the length you cook.   You can also grill for 7 minutes on each side.

TUESDAY: Eggs to order, bacon and toast…yes for dinner!

WENESDAY: Sloppy Joe’s (the Manwich variety tonight), home sweet potato fries and fruit

The fries I do this:

Cut sweet potatoes in quarters.  Put in a bowl and coat with olive oil, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Place on sprayed cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes until crispy.

THURSDAY: Pesto Pasta with Chicken and a Salad

FRIDAY:  Out at a party

SATURDAY:  Homemade Pizza Night with a Salad

SUNDAY:  Chinese Takeout from Webster Gardens