We've finished our month of meals. Most were really good but a few, we all agreed, will definately not be repeated. It was so nice all month long to just pull a meal out the day before to defrost or sometimes even the day of. So little thought. Each week I purchased the fresh ingredients needed and it was a piece of cake.
We do pizza night every Tuesday because of sports schedules and events at church. This makes it easier too. There were some days during the month that other things came up and we didn't use that night's meal. We shuffed things and had a meal left over for the week when that happened. At the end of the four weeks, we just used those "leftover" meals to carry us over another whole week.
There were some things that just didn't freeze well either. Like the Fried Rice. The corn chowder recipe I used was not all that tasty.
Another benefit to having these premade meals was the ability to bless others. Something came up with one of my children's teachers. I was going to just send the meal home for them to cook (it was defrosted) freshly as I was worried the chicken could dry out in reheating. But given they were having to make many trips to the hospital I decided it would be more of a blessing to have it cooked. I prepared two separate bags of containers. Two Ziploc containers with separate compartments for the Canadian Maple Chicken, rice and corn. I added in bottled waters for them to use the meals on the go if needed. Then a second bag with larger portions for them to have at home
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Cooking Day
Cooking day was exhausting. I didn't start quite as early as I intended to. I went through the recipes I picked a week at a time, doing the non-cooking and easiest ones first. I packaged everything together in large 2 gallon Hefty zipper bags. These can be saved and reused since no food will touch them unless they leak.
Inside were the smaller bags with basic instructions on a shipping label stuck to one of the bags. I included the side dishes where possible so everything is together in one place. Some items, like Beef and Broccoli below, needed precooking.
Sauces are great to prepare ahead too. This particular dish is for Pita Pocket Sloppy Joes. Tasted yummy before freezing!
Only fresh ingredients will need to be purchased each week. Shopping trips will consist of the fresh ingredients needed for meals, perishables such as milk and bread, and items for breakfasts and lunches. Should be quick and easy. Some of the meals are more elaborate and some are kid favorites like chicken nuggets, noodles and fresh cucumbers and carrots. I have things that need to be baked in the oven like Dr. Pepper spaghetti. And some like pulled pork that need to be prepared in the crockpot. I have soups, breakfasts, pastas, chicken, beef.
Daddy and "L" helped that night to do some potatoes for me. I have an allergic reaction when peeling potatoes! We made mashed potato balls from these.
The directions were to freeze in muffin tins but I have these silicone cups I used and did some on cookie sheets too. Defrost and warm one 'ball' per serving. We begin meals tomorrow with Pineapple Chicken!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Prep Day
Monday was my shopping day for fresh produce and last minute items. Much more than I thought. Then Tuesday was prep day. But with a day of no school I didn't do all of my prep work like precook my spaghetti or macaroni. Or individually bag family servings of rice and noodles. So next time I know those things do make the day go a little more smoothly.
I am definately exhausted from yesterday's long day. Took some pictures along the way that I will get up in the next few days. I never did get the photo of the freezer prior to cook day but I did one after cook day.
I'm already looking for more great freezable entrees.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Trying something New
It has been forever. And as I went about my day today thought maybe I would try to blog about my new endeavor to track my progress, the pros and cons, the challenges and highlights, etc. I decided a couple of days ago to try OAMC (Once A Month Cooking).
The decision came from when I used to do Dream Dinners with friends. It is a place where you go and prepare dinners and then have them stored in your freezer. I liked the idea of having things all together (in one place) and having REAL meals on hand. Not resorting to throwing something unhealthy on the table when I couldn't get to the grocery store. On Saturday, I began considering "Why can't I just do it myself?". While it was social and fun and wonderful going to Dream Dinners, it could also be pricey.
Part of my motivation is to track how frugal this endeavor really is considering the time investment. I've looked around for some meal ideas online. I've made up menus for four weeks and included pizza night once a week. I think when we factor in we will be less likely to eat out if we have planned meals at home as well as eating healthier, it is going to be worth the effort. Of course, I do have some kid-friendly and unhealthy meals planned to please my children like hot dogs and chicken nuggets once during the month.
I shopped today for some items that were worth buying at BJ's in bulk. While shopping I made note of prices so I could also compare with other stores. I also grabbed non-perishable items from the grocery store that I could not get at BJ's. When I came home I sorted meat into smaller portions using Ziploc bags. I precooked some ground beef and ground turkey for recipes. The freezer in the garage is overflowing! Will have to take a photo tomorrow.
I'm feeling really good about this! Monday is shopping day for perishables. Shouldn't take long. Prep day on Tuesday will not be a full day either. Then Wednesday the entire day is devoted to cooking and bagging up meals! Then the EZ meal prep can begin.
I will take a few days and then start preparing the menu for the next month of meals. That will allow me to shop through the month and watch for sales, coupons and deals!
The decision came from when I used to do Dream Dinners with friends. It is a place where you go and prepare dinners and then have them stored in your freezer. I liked the idea of having things all together (in one place) and having REAL meals on hand. Not resorting to throwing something unhealthy on the table when I couldn't get to the grocery store. On Saturday, I began considering "Why can't I just do it myself?". While it was social and fun and wonderful going to Dream Dinners, it could also be pricey.
Part of my motivation is to track how frugal this endeavor really is considering the time investment. I've looked around for some meal ideas online. I've made up menus for four weeks and included pizza night once a week. I think when we factor in we will be less likely to eat out if we have planned meals at home as well as eating healthier, it is going to be worth the effort. Of course, I do have some kid-friendly and unhealthy meals planned to please my children like hot dogs and chicken nuggets once during the month.
I shopped today for some items that were worth buying at BJ's in bulk. While shopping I made note of prices so I could also compare with other stores. I also grabbed non-perishable items from the grocery store that I could not get at BJ's. When I came home I sorted meat into smaller portions using Ziploc bags. I precooked some ground beef and ground turkey for recipes. The freezer in the garage is overflowing! Will have to take a photo tomorrow.
I'm feeling really good about this! Monday is shopping day for perishables. Shouldn't take long. Prep day on Tuesday will not be a full day either. Then Wednesday the entire day is devoted to cooking and bagging up meals! Then the EZ meal prep can begin.
I will take a few days and then start preparing the menu for the next month of meals. That will allow me to shop through the month and watch for sales, coupons and deals!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Humble Pie
I love mowing the lawn. I get to spend time in a relatively mindless state. Its a great quiet time. A time of reflection.
Sunday at church we had a time of celebration for Pastor. I'd helped my deacon husband pull it together. Which was funny because we'd been thinking the celebration was as much for his wife because we know behind every great man stands a great woman. I feel that has been my ministry though I don't always embrace it wholeheartedly......... to support my husband in such ways that he is enabled to be productive in ministry himself. He does sound Sunday night and really enjoys the service; I stay home with the young kids. He is a co-leader in CSB on Tuesday evenings; I very much see it not just as ministry but as his opportunity to be involved with other Christian men. He serves as clerk in the business meetings and also as the CSB Liason, more minor commitments in regards to his time. But most recently he took on the position as deacon. He didn't really want to do this if it was going to be half-hearted and he was going to settle for just doing the best he could do. In some ways, that ends up happening. I've been able to encourage him to visit some of his families as well as accompanied him on some visits. I try to send a snack or a meal or something to just let them know we are thinking of them. Helping things come together for Pastor was just one of those times you are doing what is in your heart never expecting anything in return. I love Pastor and his wife and wanted to be sure this came together for them. It was a high of the day.
Another high of the day was also related to his deacon position. A family we've been assisting, since even before he was their deacon, came to church for the first time in nearly two years. I was ecstatic! It was a bit rewarding knowing I had a small part in that, encouraging during the days prior and really wanting them to get there before they have to move away.
Which brings me back to my mowing. I was thinking about this couple coming to church and had tears in my eyes. I was truly happy they were able to take that step out of their home, out of their depression, out of their world for just a few hours. Several people have said to me that I've been a blessing to this family. We've been involved with them since before my husband was their deacon. But the last several days I have been trying to help them go through years of clutter in preparation of foreclosure. I am uncomfortable in receiving any accolades. First, because I do it because I care. Second, I do it to support my husband by doing the things he is unable to take care of. Thirdly, because my motives are not at all pure!
There are some family issues for this couple. I'm frustrated. Part of my motives have been a very nasty, stomp my foot kind of attitude to say to others "I'm going to do this because I'm going to show the love of Christ!" not just to them but to others. To do the thing that those closest to them is unable to give them. To be the hero so to speak. So much time to think about that while mowing. So mcuh time to come to be reminded that God will use us wherever we are to reflect His Glory and to fulfill His purpose.
I don't deserve accolades. I'm not helping of my own ability. It is by His grace I am able to do this each day. It is draining in so many ways. But I continue on to show them God's love, compassion and kindness through what I am able to do for them.
And through it all I teach my own children. I was focussed on trying to 'stick it' to those who are either unable or choose not to help. Isn't it amazing when the Lord steps in and ends up teaching us a lesson instead.
Sunday at church we had a time of celebration for Pastor. I'd helped my deacon husband pull it together. Which was funny because we'd been thinking the celebration was as much for his wife because we know behind every great man stands a great woman. I feel that has been my ministry though I don't always embrace it wholeheartedly......... to support my husband in such ways that he is enabled to be productive in ministry himself. He does sound Sunday night and really enjoys the service; I stay home with the young kids. He is a co-leader in CSB on Tuesday evenings; I very much see it not just as ministry but as his opportunity to be involved with other Christian men. He serves as clerk in the business meetings and also as the CSB Liason, more minor commitments in regards to his time. But most recently he took on the position as deacon. He didn't really want to do this if it was going to be half-hearted and he was going to settle for just doing the best he could do. In some ways, that ends up happening. I've been able to encourage him to visit some of his families as well as accompanied him on some visits. I try to send a snack or a meal or something to just let them know we are thinking of them. Helping things come together for Pastor was just one of those times you are doing what is in your heart never expecting anything in return. I love Pastor and his wife and wanted to be sure this came together for them. It was a high of the day.
Another high of the day was also related to his deacon position. A family we've been assisting, since even before he was their deacon, came to church for the first time in nearly two years. I was ecstatic! It was a bit rewarding knowing I had a small part in that, encouraging during the days prior and really wanting them to get there before they have to move away.
Which brings me back to my mowing. I was thinking about this couple coming to church and had tears in my eyes. I was truly happy they were able to take that step out of their home, out of their depression, out of their world for just a few hours. Several people have said to me that I've been a blessing to this family. We've been involved with them since before my husband was their deacon. But the last several days I have been trying to help them go through years of clutter in preparation of foreclosure. I am uncomfortable in receiving any accolades. First, because I do it because I care. Second, I do it to support my husband by doing the things he is unable to take care of. Thirdly, because my motives are not at all pure!
There are some family issues for this couple. I'm frustrated. Part of my motives have been a very nasty, stomp my foot kind of attitude to say to others "I'm going to do this because I'm going to show the love of Christ!" not just to them but to others. To do the thing that those closest to them is unable to give them. To be the hero so to speak. So much time to think about that while mowing. So mcuh time to come to be reminded that God will use us wherever we are to reflect His Glory and to fulfill His purpose.
I don't deserve accolades. I'm not helping of my own ability. It is by His grace I am able to do this each day. It is draining in so many ways. But I continue on to show them God's love, compassion and kindness through what I am able to do for them.
And through it all I teach my own children. I was focussed on trying to 'stick it' to those who are either unable or choose not to help. Isn't it amazing when the Lord steps in and ends up teaching us a lesson instead.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Our lives are His
I hadn't checked in on my Facebook friends for a few days so popped on earlier today. As I scanned through messages I saw a dear friend of mine had changed her picture and a small tiny baby was shown in her profile picture. It got my attention immediately because of a situation she has been struggling with.
In late June, her newly graduated son and his 16 year old girlfriend were to become parents. The young girl has had a very rough life losing her mother at a young age. Her drunken abusive father left her to live with an aunt and uncle. They are all she has and when they found out she was pregnant she was basically kicked out of their home. My friend D has a heart of gold and took the young pregnant teen into her home. As a divorced, single mom, D was carrying alot on her shoulders. Her son wanted to put the baby up for adoption but the young mom was hoping to keep the baby.
I recently heard the baby would need surgery immediately after delivery because his intestines were growing outside his body. This is alot for anyone to handle much less young kids or my unsaved friend.
Needless to say, when I saw the change in pictures on her profile I immediately began searching her page as well as his to get more information. Apparently the baby was born sometime Monday evening or Tuesday. I am not sure. While D posted a picture in loving tribute and thanked people for the outpouring of kindness and support, her son shared some of his own heart wrenching emotions.
"I Love you T****** You Are Forever In Daddy's Heart. I Love You Son. 1lb 11 inches Dear Lord you done took so many of my people I'm just wonderin why you haven't taken my life Like what the h*** am I doin right? He Was 4... Months Premature... But He Had The Stubborness Of Me And The Innocents Of H****... I Love You so Much My Beautiful Baby Boy I Cant Wait To Be With You Again"
"Holding My Beautiful Baby Boy Seconds After He Was Born He Was Only 11 inches And He Weighed Only 1 pound but he was a fighter his lungs wernt developed completly and he tried his hardest to keep goin (he lived 1 hr. 43 minutes) and he did great REST IN PEACE in Daddy's Heart Forever"
"Keep Thinking Of The Night They Took My Son, I Try To Black It Out But It Plays Again Holding His Little Body And I Diddnt Want To Let Go But He Had To Leave Me And Move On To Hevan.... Man He Was Beautiful... He Has Changed My Life Forever I Just Wi...sh The Good Lord Took Me instead Of Him.... God Bless My Son."
I hope he reads the message I left for him and takes it to heart. I pray he and his family will find peace, the kind of peace only the good Lord can provide.
Dear A*****, we never seem to understand why the Lord takes those we love. Though it is hard to see or to know, He does put us all here for a purpose. He will use little T's life for good too. Though it may seem his life was cut short before it had begun, know the life he has was the fullness God intended it to be. Some of us just have smaller spaces to fill. Praying for peace for you and H***** as well as the rest of your family.
Though I can look and say I know it is a "blessing in disguise" in some ways, I also have a heavy heart for my dear friend, D. Of course she taught her son better. Of course she wanted more for him than to get his girlfriend pregnant, especially at such a young age. Of course she was disappointed when she first heard the news. And because of her big heart, of course she supported them and not condemned them for their mistakes. It was obvious she was at a place of acceptance of what was to be. And had already fallen in love with this innocent child waiting to come into this world. Now of course her heart breaks..........for her son, and her grandson. As a mother, we hate to see our children in pain or experience anguish. I cannot imagine sharing this experience with my child.
D has been out of touch with all she has been handling these months. I so badly wish I could be there for her more and to reach out to her and show the love of Christ. To help her through a crisis and help her to know that the Lord WILL INDEED use this little baby for HIS good.
With a heavy heart.
In late June, her newly graduated son and his 16 year old girlfriend were to become parents. The young girl has had a very rough life losing her mother at a young age. Her drunken abusive father left her to live with an aunt and uncle. They are all she has and when they found out she was pregnant she was basically kicked out of their home. My friend D has a heart of gold and took the young pregnant teen into her home. As a divorced, single mom, D was carrying alot on her shoulders. Her son wanted to put the baby up for adoption but the young mom was hoping to keep the baby.
I recently heard the baby would need surgery immediately after delivery because his intestines were growing outside his body. This is alot for anyone to handle much less young kids or my unsaved friend.
Needless to say, when I saw the change in pictures on her profile I immediately began searching her page as well as his to get more information. Apparently the baby was born sometime Monday evening or Tuesday. I am not sure. While D posted a picture in loving tribute and thanked people for the outpouring of kindness and support, her son shared some of his own heart wrenching emotions.
"I Love you T****** You Are Forever In Daddy's Heart. I Love You Son. 1lb 11 inches Dear Lord you done took so many of my people I'm just wonderin why you haven't taken my life Like what the h*** am I doin right? He Was 4... Months Premature... But He Had The Stubborness Of Me And The Innocents Of H****... I Love You so Much My Beautiful Baby Boy I Cant Wait To Be With You Again"
"Holding My Beautiful Baby Boy Seconds After He Was Born He Was Only 11 inches And He Weighed Only 1 pound but he was a fighter his lungs wernt developed completly and he tried his hardest to keep goin (he lived 1 hr. 43 minutes) and he did great REST IN PEACE in Daddy's Heart Forever"
"Keep Thinking Of The Night They Took My Son, I Try To Black It Out But It Plays Again Holding His Little Body And I Diddnt Want To Let Go But He Had To Leave Me And Move On To Hevan.... Man He Was Beautiful... He Has Changed My Life Forever I Just Wi...sh The Good Lord Took Me instead Of Him.... God Bless My Son."
I hope he reads the message I left for him and takes it to heart. I pray he and his family will find peace, the kind of peace only the good Lord can provide.
Dear A*****, we never seem to understand why the Lord takes those we love. Though it is hard to see or to know, He does put us all here for a purpose. He will use little T's life for good too. Though it may seem his life was cut short before it had begun, know the life he has was the fullness God intended it to be. Some of us just have smaller spaces to fill. Praying for peace for you and H***** as well as the rest of your family.
Though I can look and say I know it is a "blessing in disguise" in some ways, I also have a heavy heart for my dear friend, D. Of course she taught her son better. Of course she wanted more for him than to get his girlfriend pregnant, especially at such a young age. Of course she was disappointed when she first heard the news. And because of her big heart, of course she supported them and not condemned them for their mistakes. It was obvious she was at a place of acceptance of what was to be. And had already fallen in love with this innocent child waiting to come into this world. Now of course her heart breaks..........for her son, and her grandson. As a mother, we hate to see our children in pain or experience anguish. I cannot imagine sharing this experience with my child.
D has been out of touch with all she has been handling these months. I so badly wish I could be there for her more and to reach out to her and show the love of Christ. To help her through a crisis and help her to know that the Lord WILL INDEED use this little baby for HIS good.
With a heavy heart.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Phil 4:7 And the Peace of God which transcends all understanding.......
Though I wasn't moved spiritually in the ways I expected (the speaker), God was certainly speaking to me in other ways. It was the fellowship with women I care deeply for and some I am just getting to know. It was the emotion in the room while we joined in heartfelt worship. It was mission speaker and her devotion to the students she works with. What moved me most was taking the wagon ride to a field on a mountain side, feeling you are in the middle of nowhere, and truly enjoying a magnificent night sky with starts too inumerable to count. I was reminded that is all I am.......nothing but a speck, like the tiniest star in the sky. But I know God cares for me in ways that are inumerable, just like those stars. The women singing, no music, was one of the most beautiful sounds I ever heard.
I felt God speaking to me about CJ alot this weekend. I'm just not sure what he is saying to me! Under the stars he was on my heart as he has had such interst in being out under the stars ever since camp this summer. And during worship time we sang "How Great is Our God", a song he was very moved by this summer.
Because of the company I was in, I was greatly reminded of how much I take for granted in my life. The joys the Lord surrounds me with that I am often too busy to appreciate. I am grateful for the weekend to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounded me.......... the scenery, the music, the women, the devotion to helping others. I am in a wonderful place!
And let me give glory to Him each day, not treat Him "like a rose, trampled on the ground".
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