March Menu Plan

So, I was thinking about all the recipes I've been trying lately.  I use to plan meals every two weeks, but recently decided I was going to plan a whole month, and then shop every Saturday for the following week.  My goal is to save money (seems odd shopping every week, I know) and it makes the menu easier to adjust or switch around.  I am hoping that shopping every week I can stock up on things that I only need for that week, and it will eliminate the 'small/quick' trips I make during the week (where 1 thing can turn into 30)!   Anyway, I thought I would start sharing our monthly meal plan along with links to the recipes.  I figure if we are going to try and eat at home more, might as well enjoy it!  I hope you can find some recipes you enjoy too!

Here is March's meal plan with links below (there aren't links for everything, so if you have a question just let me know).  If it has a star next to it, it's something I've made before - and obviously something we've enjoyed enough to repeat!  I hope you enjoy!

1. Lion House Sweet and Sour Chicken   2. *Egg Salad BLTs   

3. Moctezumas (our favorite Mexican restaurant!)

4. *Turkey Burgers w/ Oven baked steak fries  5.  Chicken and Black Bean Tacos   

6. *Club Sandwiches with Black Bean/Corn Salsa  7. White Bean and Turkey Chili  
8. BBQ Chicken Nachos   9. *Southwestern Burritos  10. Tuscan Chicken Pizza Sandwiches

11. *Fiesta Taco Salad  12. Chicken & Roasted Red Pepper Penne  13. Breakfast Panini  
14.  *Taco Pizza  15. Smoky Orange BBQ Chicken Sandwiches  16. *Yaki Tacos w/ Coconut Rice  

17.  *Meatballs w/ Roasted Veggies   18. Broccoli and Pasta with Chicken   19.  Fauxtisserie Chicken  20.  *BBQ Chicken Quesadilla  21.  Chicken Lime Avocado Soup  

22. *Grilled Chicken w/ Layered Salad and Bread sticks

Remember- you can always reduce the calories of a meal by using lean meats, turkey bacon, milk instead of cream, low fat cream cheese, light mayo, less cheese (I find most recipes that call for cheese use generous amounts),  whole wheat or whole grains etc.  Happy Eating! 

Boston, MA and Simple Things

It's hard to believe it's been two weeks since I last posted.  Granted we have been gone for one and a half of those two weeks, but that's hardly an excuse right?

Our trip to Boston went great, all except for the fact that neither Andy nor I took any pictures.  Noah stayed at Nana and Gramps house while we took our trip out East.  It was really difficult to leave the little guy behind.  I cried.  No joke.  I missed him like crazy but was grateful to have the time with Andy and that Andy's parents were willing to watch him for us!

After a weekend trip to Portland - Andy, Clare and I came home to spend a short day packing for our trip.  The wonderful thing is that Clare was teething at the same time, so that threw in an extra twist.  Overall she did really well, aside from a couple of nights.  The flight to Newark was about four and a half hours long...I am glad we stopped there before heading to Boston - because it gave us this beautiful view....

New York City.

Here is Clare and her cute self on the plane, she did great!  I couldn't have been happier.

Meanwhile, at Nana's house......

Noah kept busy by playing the piano, making cookies, playing cars, riding bikes and watching movies.  A little boys dream!

Once we got to Boston we took the public transportation to meet up with our friends, whom we were staying with.  They saved us a great deal of moolah by not having to get a hotel, and it it was really wonderful getting to spend time with them.  Our first day on the Harvard Business School (HBS) campus was Thursday.  It started off with a 'light' lunch which included legit chicken Caesar salad, salmon and wraps.  If they were trying to make a good impression, then it worked!  ha  We spent most of the day meeting new people and Andy even attended some informational classes.  My favorite part was touring the on-campus housing, since that's what I am mostly concerned about!

Day two Andy and I spent mostly apart.  They had separate partner activities while the Admits were attending other events.  First, Clare and I attended the Crimson kids gathering.  A group of HBS families who have different events/classes each week for children.  I know Noah will be so excited to participate!  He loves that kind of stuff.  After that I went to a partners panel and then a partners lunch...both were great.  Little Clare did awesome too, and slept the whole hour and a half of the partners panel....

Unfortunately, even though Andy and I did get to spend a little time that afternoon together, it was pouring rain and we didn't get pictures of the campus like we'd hoped!  Thankfully we will be moving there, so I am sure you will see more pictures of Boston then you can handle!

It was a really great trip, and makes me even more excited to move out East.  We will definitely enjoy our last few months here in Washington though, we can't wait for summer to get here!!

Simple Thing this week....

I am grateful for a well behaved 10 month old.  Clare did fantastically on the flight home.  While all the other babies were crying, she slept and played.  I have been on the other side of that and know how difficult (and long) a flight can be with a crying baby.  I am grateful we ended the trip on that note!  Makes me not so nervous for our flight back to Boston this fall!

Simple Things...

I think I posted more on the blog this week then I have in a really long time...so I don't really need to bring you up to speed on what's been happening.  I do, however, need to do my weekly simple things post - and as always, I have much to be grateful for.

This week we celebrated Noah's birthday, spent time as a family, had lunch with friends and enjoyed a little down time watching Downton Abbey (you know that UK show we are addicted to).  It makes me want to be British, as if that's anything new.

We also spent Saturday morning at this little local bagel shop that Andy found this week.  I love some quality family time, it really is the best.

We will definitely be visiting again!  

Some things we have to look forward to in the next couple weeks....

Trip to Portland (with tax free shopping included!)  AND a trip to Boston for Andy, Clare and I.  We can't wait!  Stay tuned :) 

Twenty Questions

I found this idea on Pinterest and though it would be fun to try with Noah this year.  Most of the questions he had a quick answer for, but I had to help him with a few by giving him some ideas.  I hope to do this every year on Noah and Clare's birthdays (starting at age 3).  As they grow it will be fun to see how their answers and interests change from year to year.

So without further ado......

Don't worry, that's chocolate pudding on his face.  I'd call it a puddin' stache except it is below his lip...hence I'll call it his chocolate flavor saver :) 

20 Questions with Noah: Age 3

1. What is your favorite color?  Red

2. What is your favorite toy?  Cars

3. What is your favorite fruit? Grapes

4. What is your favorite TV show? Mickey Mouse (Clubhouse)

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Pudding (I think he answered pudding because that's what he was eating when he answered this question.)

6. What is your favorite outfit?  I’m A Keepa' (A Boston T-Shirt Andy got him, which he was also wearing at the time) 

7. What is your favorite game?  Cars

8. What is your favorite snack?  Fruit Snacks

9. What is your favorite animal?  Lion

10. What is your favorite song?  The Lion Sleeps Tonight

11. What is your favorite book?  How Does a Dinosaur... (awesome books, you can find them here) 

12. Who is your best friend?  Case

13. What is your favorite cereal?  Lucky Charms

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?   Play in the leaves

15. What is your favorite drink?  Orange Juice

16. What is your favorite holiday?  (He wasn't sure on this one)

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  (Stuffed) Doggie and Cars

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?  Pancakes

19. Where’s your favorite place to visit?  The Library 

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? (I tried to give him ideas on this one but he still wouldn't give me an answer :)

10 Months Already!

We originally had a scheduled baby well appointment for Clare at 9 months, but it was during the week of our freak snow storm and so the hospital cancelled it.  The next available appointment wasn't until she was 10 months, but they didn't seem to mind.  I know I sound like a broken record when I say it, but these kids are growing so fast!  Clare has literally gone from a new born to a 10 month old in the blink of an eye.

Since I wasn't paying close enough attention, and the nurse never gave me a print out, I am not sure of all of Clare's 10 month stats...I will say she weight in at a whopping 19lbs 10oz.    I also don't really take notice but have had several people comment on how a) chunky she is and b) tall she is.  I think they are crazy usually, mostly because in comparison to Noah at this age she is itty bitty.

Exhibit A

Oh I just love this little boy.  Looking at this picture makes me want to go into his room and give him a little squeeze.  Isn't he so sweet??  You can see Noah's 9 month stats here.

And...here is our sweet Clare at 10 months.  Looking at Noah's picture above, I can definitely see a resemblance!

 Some of the things Clare loves right now...

- Food (She will eat almost anything, or at least give it a try)
Here she is eating applesauce with her hands....

- Exploring.  She loves to see what she can find...because of this I have to vacuum and sweep multiple times a day!

- Noah.  She thinks Noah is the bee's knees.  

-Music.  She has already developed a love of music and dancing - just like her big bro. 

See for yourself.

- Being held.  While she loves to crawl around, if she could be held all day I think she'd take it! 

- Peek-a-boo.  She will play this with mommy and daddy all the time

- Mommy and Daddy.  Equally

Clare has an infectious smile and laugh.  She has such an adorable personality and curiosity.  I love how she wants to be where you are, but will also explore on her own.  I look back and can't imagine our family without her.  

I think often how blessed I am to have two healthy, beautiful children.  The Lord has certainly blessed Andy and I in so many ways.  

Treadmill Woes...

Some of you might remember my 100 day streak post, from the beginning of January.  So far things have been going pretty well.  If I'm completely honest I haven't done 100 percent on everything...but I am trying harder every day and really working on sticking to it.  One thing I have been faithful at is my exercise routine.

I have never considered myself a runner, but I do like to run.  It's my main form of exercise, but I am neither fast nor a cross country runner.  If you're like me, running outside is not only more enjoyable but just better all around.  Unfortunately the winter weather in Washington rarely cooperates and I am left to the treadmill.  I love the treadmill for many reasons, but frankly I get bored after 2 minutes (no exaggeration)!  For that reason, when I go to the gym, I have to have a routine (and some rockin tunes).  With that, I thought I would share some of my favorite treadmill routines that keep me going, even after the first 20 minutes.  The best part is I don't get bored, and for some odd reason the time flies by!   I am NOT giving you advice on how to exercise or telling you whats good for you - I just figured if you get bored on the treadmill like I do, maybe you will enjoy these too!

* Above are four different routines form fitsugar, depending on your preference and desired intensity.  I did the intermediate interval routine and it kicked my butt - definitely worth doing again.  You can click HERE to go to fitsugar and print as a PDF.

* If you prefer walking, here's a 45 minute walking routine that is sure to please.

* Another list of 7 different treadmill routines from beginner to advanced.  I have tried about 4 different ones and have enjoyed them all! Click HERE.

* Find lots of information about running @ http://www.fitsugar.com/Running

Lastly, A good run isn't complete without some good tunes...here are a few of my favorites right now!

Birthday Boy Turns 3!

Well, it's official.  Like I mentioned in my previous post (I fixed the video by the way), Noah is officially 3.  Time flies!  I can hardly believe how quickly it's all gone.  I realized last night that what they say is true,  enjoy them while they are young because you'll never get that back.  Now obviously Noah is still young, but I realized how quickly the last 3 years have gone by and can only imagine the years to come will go by just as quickly.  

The celebration was pretty modest, but we had a good day.  For breakfast I made Noah his favorite - pancakes!  I decided to use some pancake molds I had, but had never used before.

Incase you are wondering, that's supposed to be a rocket ship on the moon.  Andy thought it was a ladies purse haha.  Anyway, Noah wouldn't eat the rocket ship, and the blue pancake kind of threw him off a little.  So all it all, it didn't go over how I had hoped - maybe we'll give it a shot next year!  :)

When daddy got home from working out we let Noah open his gifts.  Noah was so excited we sat and watched for daddy from the front window.  Aside from the bike, he got a Mickey Mouse DVD and some cars.  He has been playing with the cars non stop...sleeping with them even. 

I love these pictures, Noah's red hair really stands out and I love it!  For dinner we had homemade 'Chick-Fil-A' nuggets, sweet potato fries and fruit kebabs!  It was great.  After dinner we ate some of Noah's cake....

I know it looks kind of boring for a 3 year old on the outside...but it's what's on the inside that counts, right?

Overall I think Noah had a great day.  I am excited for this new year and what it has in store for Noah and our family.  I love him more and more every day and learn more and more about him.  He is a very important and special part of our family and we are lucky he chose us!  We love you Noah.  Happy Birthday!

Xoxo

Simple Things....

Ahhh, it's Monday already?!  Another week come and gone.  This month is going to be especially busy for our family.  Noah's birthday, a little trip over Presidents day and then Andy and I (and Clare) are Boston bound - for a few days anyway.  Can't wait!  Before I get too ahead of myself though...here are my simple things from this week...

Noah, our sweet little guy, is turning 3 years old tomorrow.  I KNOW. Three. Unbelievable.  Since the weather has been uncharacteristically warm here, Andy and I decided to give Noah is main birthday present a little early - so he could enjoy it.



Don't mind the nose picking at the beginning, I think he's just figuring that out. ha.  
I sure love this little guy, and am so grateful he is in our family.  I loved seeing him 'ride' his bike outside and seeing how excited he was about it.  He still has a lot to learn, but I know that come summertime we will spend a lot of time outside enjoying it!

Another simple thing I appreciated this week, SLEEP.  Mostly because I didn't get a lot of it.  Clare was up two nights in a row, almost constantly.  I couldn't tell if she was getting sick or teething, after taking her to the Doctor, I now realize it's probably both.  I spotted one of her top front teeth peeking through the gums, hopefully we get through the rest of them as painless as possible!

Here is an authentic picture of her sitting up at 2:00AM.  She was up for about two hours during this stretch...I was one tired mama!

A couple other things I enjoyed....
- Costco Superbowl samples on Saturday afternoon.
- Warm beautiful sunshine!
- Running outside instead of on the treadmill.

Now it's your turn to go out and enjoy some of the simple things in life :)

I Love Dump Trucks....

I have been meaning to post about this all week, but haven't had the chance to sit down and do it...until now.

On Tuesday this little guy will be 3 years old....

I can hardly believe it.  I look at him all the time and think, "I can't believe how big he is getting."  Its true, he is.  Noah is in sort of a tantrum-y phase right now, but he is also in an adorable phase.  Can they coexist??  I think so!  Over the past 6 months Noah's vocabulary and speech has improved by leaps and bounds.  He says so much...and I am loving it.  Some of the things he says that make me smile....

"Mommy, Noah's so funneeee." 

"Uh oh, What happened?" 

"Noah not like that!" (Usually referring to dinner, ha!)

"Mommy lay by you." (Translation: Mommy lay by ME -trying to get me to cuddle before he goes to bed)

"Mommy look at peeectures?" (He is obsessed with watching videos of himself on my phone, he loves it almost as much as he loves cars - almost.)

Trust me, there are plenty more - I just can't think of them all.  My most favorite one right now is when he says,  "Mommy, I love....(fill in the blank)."  This one changes depending on our situation.  For example, the other night I was cooking dinner and he saw some ground beef on the stove. "What Mommy makin?" he asks.  "That's hamburger."  I respond.  "Mommy, I love hamburger!"  HA, is what I thought - because he never eats it.  Same thing going to the library, "Mommy, I love library."  To the park, "Mommy, I love swing and slide."  "Mommy, I love race cars!"  "Mommy, I love dump trucks."  "Mommy, I love books."  All things he has said this week.  

I'll tell you what, it gets me every time!