Menu Plan 10/29- 11/4

My boys were off school at the end of last week for parent/teacher conferences. I took advantage of the time off and went with my in-laws to an indoor waterpark resort in Wisconsin Dells for the break. Joe had to work so he couldn't come along but we managed the watersliding fun alright without him. Joe got the task of meeting each of the boys' teachers by himself and he did just fine without me.

Tonight was Trunk or Treat at my church and my kids had a blast. My angel, Scooby-Doo and green monster loved the fun and games and of course all the candy.

My freezer is full once more and I've got plenty of beef this week for dinner. I'm using my crockpot a lot as it's my favorite appliance, especially in the fall.

Menu Plan 10/29- 11/4
Monday:  Crockpot Roast (beef), carrots, potatoes

Tuesday: Baked Tilapia, brown rice, steamed broccoli

Wednesday: Pasta with homemade marinara sauce, Artisan bread

Thursday: Ground beef Tacos with pureed lentils mixed in

Friday: Grilled Burgers, Candied Acorn Squash in crockpot

Saturday: Homemade Pizza

Sunday: Crockpot BBQ chicken, Artisan bread

Snacks: Crockpot applesauce, Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

You can find more menus at Menu Plan Monday at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

21 Days to a More Disciplined Life e-book review

I struggle with self discipline as a mother and homemaker. I long for a completely organized home but would settle for a decluttered desk. I generally procrastinate as much as I can. I want to add more discipline into my life but I struggle to know where to start. 

21 Days to a More Discipline Life is just realeased today and is filled with practical steps to lead you into a more disciplined life.  I was thrilled with the opportunity to read and review this book as self discipline at home is something I need to work on. With this book you choose an area in your life you want to change and you spend 21 days building toward mastering that goal. 

It is full of encouragement. At no time does Crystal make you feel bad about where you are. The book is full of motivation to keep moving forward. Goal setting is clearly laid out. Crystal explains how to break big goals down into manageable bite sized pieces.

I like that you read one short chapter per day and then have a small assignment. Each days' reading includes a practical application step that you do to move closer to whatever area you are mastering. Crystal uses the example of establishing an early morning routine for herself that includes getting up at 5am on weekdays. She didn't just start getting up that early but instead took small steps to move toward getting up early as part of her regular routine.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to add more self discipline into your life in a practical and realistic way. This is a book you can re-read as you move onto another area of you life you want to be more disciplined in.

From Crystal's website:

What You Can Expect to Learn From This Book:

• How to prioritize and name your goals so that you can accomplish them faster than ever.
• How to expose the obstacles that will come up, and then make a plan to conquer them.
• How to break up a goal that feels insurmountable into bite-sized pieces.
• How to stop making excuses and get the job done now — and then enjoy the rest of your day!
• How to put accountability in place to help you stay on task and motivated.

Click here to buy 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life in pdf form. It's also available on Kindle.

Am I the only one who struggles with self discipline?

(Note: The link in this post is my referral link. Read my disclosure policy here.)

Menu Plan 10/22-10/28

This week is a bit odd for me as the kids are off school on Thursday and Friday so I'm taking them to Wisconsin Dells for a little vacation. We're traveling with my in-laws to their condo at an indoor water park and the kids are VERY excited to go. Joe has to work so this trip won't exactly be a vacation for me but with his parents to help out it should be (mostly) fun.

Since I'll be away Wednesday and Thursday nights Joe will have to feed himself. I'm not sure what we'll be eating in the Dells but probably simple foods like sandwiches and take out. 

Luke & Joe- Our 2011 trip to the Dells

Menu Plan 10/22-28
Monday: Ground beef Tacos with pureed lentils mixed in
Tuesday: Baked Tilapia, quinoa, steamed green beans

Wednesday: I'm on vacation
Thursday: Joe's on his own
Friday: Orange chicken, steamed broccoli, brown rice
Saturday: Homemade Pizza
Sunday: Ravioli with marinara sauce


Snacks: Healthy Pumpkin Muffins, green smoothies

You can find more menus at Menu Plan Monday at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan 10/15-10/21

Last week I had the opportunity to join Luke's preschool class on their field trip to Tom's Farm Market or as Luke called it "the pumpkin farm." It was painfully cold but at least this time Luke was willing to wear his coat, hat and mittens. 

We headed out to pick pumpkins and Luke really got into it. He took his time in the pumpkin field choosing his pumpkin and gourds despite the freezing temperatures.

The kids had a chance to visit the farm animals and enjoy the playland. We all were happy to take a bread inside (where it was warm!) for a snack. Luke ate his apple donut faster than the other kids and wanted more. I had one too and they were so good I brought home a bag for the rest of the family.

When we posed his class together the kids were not willing to even sit close together but at least they were close enough for a picture. That's my blond boy grinning in the back. At least my kid was looking at me for the photo.

We've been out of beef for a couple of weeks and waiting for our next quarter from the Reimer's. I'll have beef again next Thursday and I've been digging through the freezer to make it until then. Yesterday in my digging I found 2 pounds of ground beef. I did a little happy dance as I've been wanting tacos for weeks. Here's my menu for the week- with tacos up first!

Menu Plan 10/15-21
Monday: Ground beef Tacos
Tuesday: Baked Tilapia, rice, steamed broccoli
Wednesday: Pasta with homemade marinara sauce, artisan bread
Thursday: Crockpot Carnitas in taco shells with toppings
Friday: Orange chicken, steamed green beans, brown rice
Saturday: Homemade Pizza
Sunday: Ravioli with marinara sauce


Snacks: Grain-free Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins, green smoothies

You can find more menus at Menu Plan Monday at I'm An Organizing Junkie.