Menu Planning and other random thoughts!

I decided to start menu planning last week. I get tired of going to the store, usually with three children in tow, and don't have anything that works together. Then it's back to the store for more money spent and less things that go together. Well, after years of doing that and wasting money, I decided I'm going to plan our weekly dinners, allowing two days of leftovers and one day that we can go out, or have sandwiches.

The first week was exciting, I planned several meals that I thought would be a hit with the kids. Boy was I wrong. I made my first pot roast, and only Cole and I loved it. We made party potatoes and that seemed to go over rather well. Finally I made cheesy chicken and dumpling soup. I loved it, the rest of the bunch was rather disappointed. So I was determined in my quest to make more items that the kids would like and that were healthy.

I got this awesome crockpot book for Christmas from my mom and have been putting it to use more than I ever thought. I seriously believe the crockpot is one of the greatest inventions for parents who have little time to cook and want to make great food, instead of eating out. I found some fantastic websites as well. I plan on trying many different recipes until we find some versions that work for the kids. If just two out of the three kids like them, I consider them hits!

This week, I've planned for four meals: Creamy chicken and wild rice, Bbq pulled pork sandwiches, baked ziti with sausage, and Lasagna. I also thought I'd make some healthy desserts, since my type two diabetes won't allow for most. So for that I'm making cinnamon candy applesauce with vanilla ice cream and black bean brownies. I'm hoping the brownies turn out well, because they are all that I can eat! No flour, no dairy and soy free! Here's to hoping this week is better for that then the last!

I also have planned a major change in my workout routines. I've decided to work out at least 6 times a week, giving myself Friday for a milder workout (with yoga) and Sunday as a day off. I really want to lose as much as I can before my husband comes home for R&R. I want to give him a BIG shock!

In other news, Cole has gotten his 8th tooth, with several molars appearing to be in the beginning phase of pushing through. His tear ducts are still blocked and his ear infections don't appear to be clearing up. I am hoping he doesn't have to have surgery, but we'll deal with that when it comes to it. The little man is also getting braver about standing on his own and walks on as much furniture as he can pull up on. I'm so NOT ready for walking or running. He likes to dash across the floor and to the stairs, where he turns around and gives me the most onery look before he starts climbing. This child is going to be a little stinker! His 1st birthday is also in 7 days! I can't believe he's so close to that already!

Caleb's sleep-deprived EEG shows no indicators of seizure activity. This is fantastic news, as in October he had a complex partial seizure. We still have one more test to do to completely rule it out, but so far the results look promising. He's determining what he wants to do at the YMCA as some after school activities. So far, we've narrowed it down to karate, lego club, and swimming lessons. I'm really wanting to branch out on what he does.

Christian is doing well lately. He had a great first semester of preschool and we're looking forward to the rest of the year. He's also deciding on what he wants to do at the YMCA, he's really interested in gymnastics and legos as well. Swimming lessons did not go well, because his ears really are sensitive to the water. We've tried ear plugs, but so far nothing has worked. His birthday is also coming up, his is in 9 days. He's going to be 4! I cannot believe how fast he's growing. It seems like yesterday that I brought him home from the hospital. When I asked him what he wants for his birthday, he wants a watch. A watch? What 3 going on 4 year old wants a watch for their birthday? I guess mine! He also requested I get him a green Zhu Zhu pet. We'll see what he gets when that time comes. I'm definitely enjoying seeing him grow up!

Graduate school starts in about a 10 days, and I'm ready to get back in the mix. I had some thoughts about putting my education on hold so I don't have to take out any more student loans, but I don't want to do that. I really want to finish this degree! I want to be able to make a difference with kids with special needs!

Well I hope all is well in your worlds! Enjoy life and live it to your fullest!