Stuff for a Monday....

So, I decided that one thing I'd like to do this year is to, each Monday, post our family meal plan for the week.

I know, I know -- this is nothing new. Many of you plan out meals each week the same way I do....But, I thought maybe I could give a few ideas if you're stuck in a dinner rut, and perhaps some of you could do the same to give me a few ideas because sometimes, I'm stuck in a dinner rut (hint hint).

If you'd like any recipes from me that I either don't post or don't link, leave me a comment with your e-mail address (if I already don't have your contact info). I'll gladly send you a recipe or two. I don't own any secret recipes.

A few things, though....

a) I don't typically plan out lunches during the week -- only weekends when Marc is home. With only one child who's only 17 months old, we don't really need meal planning for him yet. Typically, Luke and I just find something around the house for lunch.

b) If you ever see the word "rummage" in our plan, that means that each person is on his or her own to find something to eat (not to eat out, though). There's plenty of "rummaging" type food in our home, generally speaking.

c) I don't ever plan desserts except if we have guests over for supper or if it's a special day (holiday, birthday, etc.)

With all of that in mind -- here goes....

Monday -- January 4, 2010
Tuna salad on croissants
Carrot sticks and dip
Cheddar Cheese

Tuesday -- January 5, 2010 -- we're having friends over for dinner
Crescent Chicken (this is Meg's recipe)
Oriental Salad
Mixed Fruit
Brownies

Wednesday -- January 6, 2010
BBQ'd Turkey Sandwiches
Veggie of some sort

Thursday -- January 7, 2010
Navajo Soup

Friday -- January 8, 2010
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Bread of some sort
Caesar Salad

Saturday -- January 9, 2010
Lunch: Chicken Salad on croissants, rummage for anything else
Supper: Homemade pizza

Sunday -- January 10, 2010
Lunch: Leftovers/Rummage
Supper: Our Community Life Guys will be meeting here
Grilled Hamburgers
Chips
Baked Beans
Dessert
Pepsi (of course)

**We're only providing the burgers and baked beans. The other guys are providing the rest.

*****

Luke has recently taken to bringing all of his toys into the kitchen to play with. I guess it's because I'm in there quite a bit.

This is what I had in my kitchen this morning by 9:30, and it only increased after I took these photos.

Funny Funny Luke!







Marc and I should really just laugh about these toys. We talk often about how we want to establish a "hospitable home" -- you know, one of those homes people feel welcome in. We know that by the mere shape and layout of our home, the kitchen is often a gathering place (as it is in many homes). I guess Luke is starting that "gathering place" feel. He has recently really taken to being in there with me -- no matter what I'm doing.

*****

And for today's dose of thankfulness -- it's #921 -- smoke alarms.

Currently, we have two main smoke alarms in our home. And, Marc is EXCELLENT at checking the batteries and checking the functionality of these alarms. Did I mentioned that he is EXCELLENT at that? That's something that makes me feel safe.

In fact, he recently completely replaced one of our smoke alarms, and I know he's getting ready to replace another one this month.

Also, one of our alarms is also a carbon monoxide alarm....also, something to feel a little safer about.

Anyways, I am thankful for smoke alarms. Fortunately, I've never had to exit a house because of a fire. But, I'm glad for them to hopefully wake me up or warn me if a fire is ensuing.

Not quite 9 years ago, my aunt and uncle (who live in Oregon) had their house burn down. Thankfully, an alarm did warn my aunt (who was home by herself) of the fire. She was able to escape without harm.

Have you tested your smoke alarms lately? If not, do so today. Don't delay!



(And yes, you too can now "wince" at our ugly wallpaper in our kitchen. Someday, we'll replace it, but that's not on our goal list for this year).