Monthly Archives: August 2015

Aug 12

Monthly Crochet Review: July

I’m still working on Christmas blankets, and I’m happy to report that I have just three more to crochet.

One project I started and scrapped after about a week of pattern reading, and just not getting the hang of it.

I gathered up my yarn, and a book to get to work on learning how to crochet a chevron pattern.

I worked on it off and on for two weeks, and I just couldn’t get it down.

I swapped the project for some stripes instead. I’ll try to revisit the chevron pattern again, maybe once the kids are busy in school.

I did finish one more blanket for Christmas…

The warm and cozy Grey Blanket is finished!

The Grey blanket turned out nicely, and it is extra warm for Winter.

I also finished up one more project. I also have  five more requests for this same project.

Last month I made a scrappy blanket for Agnes. This month Dylan requested one too.

I gathered up my yarn, and got to work.

This blanket came together in about a week.

It is extra warm and cozy, and perfect for this little guy…

 

Aug 7

School Enrollment

Yesterday was school enrollment day, and my goodness it was a very long day… It took us about two hours to enroll all of the kiddos this year, and we were all pretty tired after the day.

Thade got his first Middle School schedule and locker, the tiny ones are excited about their new teachers. Agnes was a little bummed that I wasn’t dropping her off for her first day.

We are going to practice the new school run. This year I’ve got three kids in three different schools, so we need to get a schedule down quick. The school times this year are also starting earlier, so we’ll see how that goes.

We still have a few weeks before school officially begins, so we are going to enjoy the free time while we’ve got it.

Aug 5

July’s Veggie Meals

July was a delicious month, we had a few fresh veggies from the garden, and a few fresh veggies from a friend’s garden too. I’m still sticking with vegetarianism, and making one or two of my meals vegan daily. I’ve been really happy with the change, and I have lots of yummy photos to share.

For the Fourth of July, James was in charge of the grill. He grilled veggies and corn for me. I also made a pouch of cheese stuffed sweet peppers, they were amazingly delicious.

I made a big batch of Veggie Calzones. I topped mine with Flax seed.

They were stuffed with Mozzrella, Kale, Sweet Peppers, and Black Olives.

My family isn’t a fan of this dish, so I make a little version for me, Cheesy Rice with Broccoli. It is great for lunch or dinner.

We picked a few tiny Roma Tomatoes, and a few Okra too. My gardening buddy brought me over some Cucumbers, so I made him a cherry pie in exchange. I made a Veggie Gumbo with the okra and tomatoes. I also made a cool Corn and Cucumber salad to go along with it.

Growing up as a teen in SW Mo, my very favorite place to go was Gringo’s. It was an awesome (regional) Mexican restaurant. Now that I’m a grown-up living in SE Ks, I try my best to recreate their delicious recipes. This is my version of their Refried Bean Toastadas, with fresh tortilla chips on the side, and don’t forget the Cherry Pepsi, that is a must. It is pretty close, their tostadas are still the best.

I must have had take-out on my mind. I made a big batch of Veggie Hot & Sour Soup,

and a big batch of Veggie Lo Mien

The soup freezes well, and I added a bit of rice to it when I had it for another day’s lunch.

Hello Grilled Cheese.

Grilled Mozzarella Cheese with Roma Tomatoes and fresh Basil. This was one insanely delicious sandwich. If my tomato plants decide to give me a few more tomatoes, I’m going to make this one again.

Aug 4

July’s Tasty Treats

July was a tasty month filled with lots of cooking and baking. I lost count of just how many pies and cookies were baked. It was a lot of fun though, and I even tried out a new recipe too.

I made so many Cherry Pies. Some for friends, some for us, and all of them were delicious.

I also made a lot of Dinner Rolls. The kids can finish off a batch with dinner.

James and Dylan requested a Pumpkin Pie. Good practice for Thanksgiving baking.

I like my Dinner Rolls for dessert with extra Grape Jelly.

I made so many cookies… So, so, so many cookies.

I also made a batch of Triple Chocolate ones to mix things up.

July we celebrated, and hosted a Baby Shower for my amazing Sister (in-law) Jill. I made lots of goodies.

Seriously, more Chocolate Chip Cookies… Please, dear family, request a different cookie…

I don’t know what it is about this baking dish, but it bakes Dinner Rolls perfectly. They are always light and fluffy.

Lastly, I wanted to make dessert, but I didn’t want to leave the house for supplies. I found a recipe on pinterest for Dump Cake, and used what I had in the pantry. I made a Red Velvet Cherry Dump Cake, and it was delicious. The tiny kiddos liked it too.

Breakfast of Champions! Holy moly, I love it when my hubby picks up Sunday breakfast.

Aug 3

August’s Monthly Menu

Well wouldn’t you know it, I’m already behind this month. School is just around the corner, and I’m ready for a bit of peace and quiet. There is a ton to be done this month, and I hope I can remember to get to it all. First thing, here’s my monthly dinner menu for August, even though it is a couple days late.

  • 8/1/2015: Panko Chicken Sandwiches and Tater Tots
  • 8/2/2015: Chicken Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 8/3/2015: Grilled Chicken, Roasted Chickpeas, and Steak Fries
  • 8/4/2015: Chicken Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls (leftovers)
  • 8/5/2015: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 8/6/2015: Panko Chicken Tenders, Spaghetti, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 8/7/2015: BBQ Burgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Chips & Dip
  • 8/8/2015: Steak Fajitas, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 8/9/2015: Panko Chicken Tenders and Tater Tots
  • 8/10/2015: Chicken Soft Tacos, Tortilla Chip, and Homemade Salsa
  • 8/11/2015: Popcorn Chicken and Tater Tots
  • 8/12/2015: Tostadas, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 8/13/2015: Snack Dinner: Lil Smokies, Veggie Sticks and Hummus, Chips & Dip
  • 8/14/2015: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 8/15/2015: Steaks, Grilled Veggies, and Dinner Rolls
  • 8/16/2015: Pot Roast, Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 8/17/2015: Tostadas, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 8/18/2015: Homemade Pizza, Spaghetti, Black Olives, and Breadstick Dinner Rolls
  • 8/19/2015: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 8/20/2015: Popcorn Chicken and Tater Tots
  • 8/21/2015: Chicken Burritos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 8/22/2015: Brunch Buffet: Toast, Bacon, Bagels, and Fresh Fruit
  • 8/23/2015: Panko Chicken Tenders, Spaghetti, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 8/24/2015: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 8/25/2015: Panko Chicken Sandwiches and Tater Tots
  • 8/26/2015: Salmon Bites, Salad, and Breadstick Dinner Rolls
  • 8/27/2015: Grilled Chicken, Roasted Veggies, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 8/28/2015: Pizza Rolls, Spaghetti, Black Olives, and Breadsticks
  • 8/29/2015: Chili 2 ways (veggie and meaty), Cornbread, and Tortilla Chips
  • 8/30/2015: Chicken Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 8/31/2015: Snack Dinner: Lil Smokies, Veggies & Hummus, Chips & Dip

I’m still sticking with my veggies, and I’m making one or two meals a day vegan. It is a pretty good start, and I’ve been trying out lots of new recipes too. I’ve even gotten the family to come around on a few veggie meals, and I’ve found two meatless meals that everyone will eat.

Better make a shopping list, and check it twice.