New Blogging Motivation: MEAL PLANNING!

I'm very excited to use this blog to help me keep up with meal plans. DUH - why did I just think of this? I have tons of things pinned on Pinterest, but I can never seem to get it together to plan for the week. SO, I end up searching for other people's meal plans online...HELLO, why not create my own so I can keep it all in one place!

If any of you who read this blog do meal planning, I would welcome your ideas! If you have a blog or know of some good resources, please leave a comment with a link! I am trying to use more fruits and vegetables and less dairy as that seems to be a trigger for Aiden's eczema.

So here goes!

Monday: Skillet Pork Chop Saute with Peaches Side Dishes: Bulgur, Couscous or Quinoa & Steamed Green Beans

Tuesday: Flank Steak Tacos Side Dishes: Sliced Avocado, Black Beans

Wednesday: Vegetable Beef Bow Tie Skillet One Dish Meal! (Omit cheese for Aiden)

Thursday: Pork Tenderloin Medallions and Balsamic Reduction Sides: Roasted Potatoes and Mixed Green Salad (with some of the balsamic reduction as dressing) and/or Roasted Green Beans

Friday: Spaghetti and Meatballs (I will either use frozen meatballs as this recipe suggests, or attempt to make my mother-in-law's, which are delicious but more time consuming) Sides: Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread

Yum, yum! Anyone else got a meal plan to share? I'd love to steal see it!

Random thankful list.

Just got back from vacation, and that is usually a stressful time and kind of a downer because I miss everyone and don't want to come back to reality. No better reason, then, to remind myself of everything I am thankful for right now! Here are some little things that make the whining, nap resisting, time-zone-re-adjusting, unpacking, and laundry chores seem bearable!

1. Library perks. We signed up for our library's summer reading program. We set a goal for Aiden and Gavin to "read" 100 books this summer. Should be EASY since we generally check out 10 to 15 books every time we go. They gave us free book tote bags which will make carrying the books in and out much easier. Also they had cool dinosaurs decorating the children's room and the bathroom was 'my size!' according to Gavin.
2. Phone calls. It is so encouraging to hear a familiar voice on the phone.
3. Hearing Gavin talk about Papa's garden (my grandfather). He LOVED seeing it, and Papa is obsessed with it, so I know he will be proud to know that Gavin thinks it is the coolest.
4. Gavin bursting out with songs he learned at Bible study randomly. "Good morning God, this is your day, I am your child, show me your way!" It's a good reminder and helps reset my mood when I am tempted to be cranky and frustrated (which is often).
5. Seeing people back home! We enjoyed going to church on Sunday and it's been great catching up with people here (friends and family).
6. Looking at pics from our trip.

Happy Summer everyone!