Meal Plan 2/10/2014 to 2/15/2014

The meal plan for this week (2/3 to 2/7) was a bit crazy.  I had somethings on the plan that could not be made because of time constrains with everyone.   I told my family that we had to start using the calendar so that I can plan our meals around the busy schedule. With the softball season starting up, singing in church and a host of over Spring-related activities that I hadn't planned for.

Every week I have managed to include one meatless meal in to my menu.  Cooking without meal is a whole lot cheaper than cooking with it.  I've managed to spend less than normal folks by cooking with less than one pound but the expense is still there. 

This week, I have decided on not cooking much meat this week. Last week my paycheck was smaller due to having two days off because of the snow and ice storms.  I've picked out recipes that use items that I already have in my pantry and freezer.   Yes, I know there is a holiday this week.  For holidays and birthday's I like to spend a little more, whether it's going out to dinner, or me preparing a nice meal at home.  This Valentine's day, I will splurge on a nice steak to serve my family.  I am big on spending a little more for food at a holiday or special occasion.  It's a nice treat for all of us.


Mon - Crockpot Minestrone Soup
Tues - Arroz Congri (Cuban Rice and Black beans)
Wed - Margarita pizza (pizza with fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella)
Thur - Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Fri -    Rosemary Rubbed Rib-eye, Herb Roasted potatoes, Asparagus ( I LOVE asparagus!)
Sat -    Leftovers!

Do Something

A few weeks ago while driving home from work, I heard this song.  Most days my drive home from work is my time to unwind, and flush out all the "stuff" from the prior 8 hours.  While unwinding, I hardly ever notice what is playing on the radio.  This day was different, even though the music was low, I listened and  heard each and every word that Matthew West was saying.

The first verse goes as such:

I woke up this morning
Saw a world full of trouble now
Thought, how’d we ever get so far down
How’s it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, “God, why don’t You do something?”
Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of
People living in poverty
Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, “God, why don’t You do something?”
He said, “I did, I created you”

How often do we sit and wonder why God is not doing something to make this world a better place.  Lots of nonbelievers use this as their reason for not believing.  We live in a world full of so much hate that we as Christians have started to look to God and ask why He isn't doing something.

Last month, our churches message series was called "Make Life Work in 2014".  One one of the passages that had been said over and over and OVER again in each service was " Faith without works is dead".   God created us to do something.  He wants us to have faith that it can be done, but at the same time we are responsible for getting up and help Him to help us. 


Alright, enough preaching for me.  Go ahead and listen to the song.  Let me know what you think!

Meal Plan for 2/3/2014 to 2/8/2014

This week is pasta week!  I love pasta, my family loves pasta and most times, pasta is quick and easy to prepare after a long day at work.



Mon - Broccoli Rabe, Feta and Mint Pasta
Tues - Chicken Parmesan over Linguine (easy recipe, hope to document next week)
Wed - Homemade pizza
Thur - Chorizo Carbonara
Fri - Linguini with Tomatoes & Shrimp
Sat - Eat out...