Weekly Meal Plan and One Lone Photo....

I didn't post a meal plan last week, but trust me, I had one :)

So, here's our plan for this week...

Monday, January 24, 2011
Chicken Salad on croissants with bacon
Mixed Fruit

Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Lasagna
Bread Sticks
Salad

Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Savory Chicken Squares (from Shannon)
Vegetable

Thursday, January 27, 2011
Lemon Chicken Piccata (from Macaroni Grill)
Vegetable

Friday, January 28, 2011
Tacos

Saturday, January 29, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: DATE NIGHT!

Sunday, January 30, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: Crescent Chicken, Salad, Brownies

**Marc & Sarah to eat dessert at small group; dinner provided for ourselves and Sarah's parents (who will be watching Luke)

*****

If you read THIS POST (two posts ago), you might remember that I mentioned that Luke really likes to "copy" what we do now....especially Marc.

Well, Marc's been building AWESOME fires in our fireplace this winter -- keeps us rather toasty. Luke likes to "build fires" as well, but he is a bit limited as we don't want him burned.

After Marc gets a fire started and going, Marc always stands in front of the fireplace with his hands on his knees and watches the fire (I think it's a "guy thing").

Luke has started doing this as well....VERY FUNNY AND CUTE to watch in person -- especially from the perspective of this mama.

A Recipe....Easy-Cheesy Lemon Bars....

So, I haven't shared a recipe in awhile. I think it's time.

This recipe creates the BEST lemon bars. I say that because MANY people have told me so. WHENEVER I make these lemon bars, somebody is most certain to ask me for the recipe.

It's not my recipe. My very good friend Tammy has a sister-in-law named Angela. Angela is an incredible baker. This recipe comes from Angela. I don't know if Angela made it up; if Angela got it from somebody; OR if it's specifically from Duncan Hines. Honestly, it doesn't matter. These lemon bars are just good.

Recently (like back in October), I made these for the evening edition of Mom 2 Mom at our church. So, you might possibly have had them there.

I made them this morning -- to be served tomorrow evening at Life Link, once again at church. A few of you who are also making desserts for tomorrow night (Community Life Council wives) could possibly be reading this blog. So, Jill, Jess, and Carolyn -- I have the lemon bars covered.

Here goes....

Easy-Cheesy Lemon Bars

1 Package Lemon Cake Mix (I like Duncan Hines)
1/3 C. Butter
1 Egg

1 Can Lemon Supreme Frosting (again, Duncan Hines)
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 C. Chopped Nuts (optional)
1 Egg

(I opt OUT of the nuts in this dessert)

Sooooo, the ingredients....



PLEASE, spray a 9 X 13 baking dish....Things will stick if you do not.



On low speed, mix together first three ingredients (cake mix, butter, and egg) until crumbly. Press into 9 X 13 sprayed baking dish.





Next, mix together frosting, cream cheese, and egg (and nuts, if desired).





Spread 2nd mixture on top of "crust."



Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Chill two hours. Sift powdered sugar on top.

(Shown here WITHOUT powdered sugar; will be done when ready to eat).


A couple of notes....

1) My oven ALWAYS bakes this dessert faster than what the directions say. Today, I baked it in 35 minutes.

2) I do NOT sift powdered sugar on top. I merely sprinkle powdered sugar on top. It's always been fine.

3) I have found that if these lemon bars chill overnight in the refrigerator (as opposed to just the two hours), they are much better. That's why I made these lemon bars this morning even though they're not needed until tomorrow evening.

Enjoy!

A Bunch of Randomness....

1) This past Friday evening, I had an evening out alone -- something I LOVE and CHERISH! I'm the type of person who does like to be alone on a somewhat frequent basis. I think it's because a) I'm fairly independent, b) I lived alone for a number of years before I got married, c) I worked for 10 years at a job where I traveled alone frequently.

But, please don't think I don't LOVE my husband and child and being around them. I do....I just like my occasional alone time.

Anyways, I went to these places for my evening....

Target
Chipotle
Barnes & Noble
DQ (to make a quick visit to my brother and to pick up a Diet Pepsi)

At Barnes & Noble, I discovered a new tea that I am IN LOVE with....Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea. It's from Harney & Sons....Try it sometime. I know you'll love it.



2) Marc and I are really enjoying watching Luke imitate things that we do -- especially things Marc does. It is Luke's usual routine after a nap to have some juice and Cheez-It crackers.

Yesterday, however, Luke did something a bit different.

He insisted on taking off his shirt (not sure where he got that since Marc really doesn't walk around here without a shirt on) and sitting in the recliner covered with a blanket (this could be from Marc or myself) while eating his crackers and drinking his juice.



He didn't want this next photo taken, but I snapped one anyways.



3) Marc and I do NOT watch any reality TV shows, typically. However, we have gotten into one show on the NatGeo channel. That show would be the Alaska State Troopers.

Neither Marc nor I have been to Alaska, but it is on our "goal list of places to go in life." Everybody we know who has been to Alaska says it's amazing.

Alaska State Troopers does show some amazing scenery and wildlife (which is the appeal of Alaska). But, this program does show some sad facts about Alaska -- its high rate of suicide, its high alcoholism rate, its high rates of crime in certain areas.

I think it's so cold and dark through the winter (and so far away from the rest of the country as well as so desolate in areas) that people get depressed and ultimately end up making some poor choices.

Hmmmm.....Sounds like a great place to do some mission work. Sounds like people need a Savior -- just like the rest of us.

Anyways, I'm rambling....Watch the show if you have the channel. It's interesting.

Finally, Christmas Photos....

Some of you have mentioned how behind you were on posting Christmas photos (this was over a week ago). Well, not that it's a competition or anything, but I have you beat :)

I'm just now posting Christmas photos.

If you need a recap on our Christmas Eve, click HERE and HERE.

I have tried not to make this blog too much "about our kid only" (though I know I have done that on occasion), but upon looking through our Christmas photos, Luke was obviously the subject :)

So, enjoy the Luke photos....

A couple of things first....

1) We gave Luke a tricycle and a helmet for Christmas. If you know Luke, you know he likes hats -- A LOT! The helmet is a "hat." Therefore, it was hit in this house!

2) Luke has a ways to go on mastering the tricycle, but he'll get it -- we know. The weather needs to warm up a bit so we can go outside :)

3) We spent Christmas morning and afternoon at home. When we first got married, we established "that tradition." Christmas morning will hopefully always be relaxing and enjoyable with our family unit.

4) After Luke's nap in the afternoon, we headed to Marc's parents' house....about 15 minutes from here. We spent the evening with them.

**And, Robin -- the "truck" book was a HUGE hit with Luke (still is)....There's a photo in here with Luke reading it.























And yes, once we got back inside, Luke had to wear shorts....This would be because Marc nearly always wears shorts in the house -- even in the winter.

Luke likes to do everything just like Marc :)





And -- the evening at Marc's parents' house....Yep, the helmet and sunglasses went along.

A Needed Release of Energy....

On Thursdays, during the month of January, I have Luke signed up for a "Toddler Gym Time" at our local recreation center.

It started last Thursday, the 6th, but we were unable to go as Luke was slightly under the weather.

Today, however, Luke was GOOD TO GO....I'm glad we went since after today, there are only two classes left.

Since it's been so cold, Luke's been needing a way to release some energy. This class was a good way to do that -- for a bit, anyways.

I was impressed with the organization -- I think it was organized as well as one can for having 10 toddlers and their mothers/baby-sitters.

To start out....the parachute was brought out. Luke LOVED this....The photos don't do any justice. I had a hard time getting good photos this morning since this class is most definitely "parent involved." It's hard to take photos as well as participate.







Then, all of the kids did some "dancing in the hoops" while music played. When the music stopped, they were to FALL suddenly to the floor. It took a bit for Luke to "get" this activity.



For the rest of the time, the kids did things like use bats to hit balloons (watch out on this one), bowl, and play with "tumbling equipment."











Overall, I'd say, at least so far, this was a VERY WORTH WHILE activity to enroll Luke in.

We might just have to do it again :)

Finally....Some Snow....

Oh My....I have NOT done a very good job on blogging lately. I have MANY catch-up posts to do, but for today, the topic is S.N.O.W.

Yep, it snowed here a bit yesterday, a bit more throughout the night, and right now, as I'm typing this -- it's snowing again.

This snowfall is the first real snow for us here in south central Kansas this winter. My VERY meteorologically-minded husband would remind you all that it's a bit abnormal for us to wait this long for snow.

While parts of the rest of the country have certainly received adequate amounts of snowfall -- we have been a bit dry.

If you've been following our family for awhile now, you'll know that Luke was a late walker -- didn't walk until 16 months.

So, a year ago, Luke was a "beginner walker." Thus, I didn't take him outside to walk in the snow.

Therefore, today was a first for Luke -- walking in the snow with SNOWBOOTS!





Of course, as soon as we got outside, he headed over to our next door neighbors' (Luke's favorite neighbors), Willis and Joan....Willis had a path in his driveway, and Luke headed to Willis' "work garage" -- a place where a little boy could get into a lot of trouble if he wanted to....Needless to say, visits to this garage are most definitely supervised.





Luke also headed across the street to see another favorite neighbor, Wayne. I didn't get any photos there, however.

As many of you locals already know, the City of Newton doesn't get any prizes for excellent snowplowing (but, I do want to say I am thankful for what they do)....So, our little street certainly is NOT on the list of plowed streets.

Thankfully, our neighbor and Luke's buddy, Willis, does a little bit of street-clearing for us. Luke enjoyed watching this process.









And, as in the life of any good little 2 year-old, many good things end in tears....You can't fully tell in this photo, but Luke is crying. I don't even remember why....But, I had to capture it.

Friesen Weekly Meal Plan....

O.K., it's most definitely time to get back into the "ol' grind."

We've had a W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L. Christmas and New Year's Break (Marc's been home since December 23), BUT....you know what I mean :)

I don't have a photo to share tonight (I promise I will soon), but in case you're curious, here's what we're eating this week....

Monday, January 3, 2011
Chili Dogs

Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Italian Sausage Soup

**Take Egg Casserole to Bible Study

Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Ground Beef Baked Beans

Thursday, January 6, 2011
Chicken and Pasta with Velveeta and Ro-Tel

Friday, January 7, 2011
Speedy South Seas Chicken (recipe from friend, Lisa)

Saturday, January 8, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: Chicken Enchiladas, Oriental Salad, Chips & Salsa, Lemon Bars

**Friends -- Jeremy, Nicole, and Baby Mady will be joining us for supper!

Sunday, January 9, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: BBQ Meatballs, Oriental Salad (yep -- again)....

**Small Group at our home -- small group members will bring rest of meal :)