Family Photos 2019

I saw a meme on Facebook the other day that said:

"Family Photos (what actually went down):

14 trips to Old Navy.

SO. MUCH. SWEATING.

A super-annoyed spouse.

Children losing their freaking minds and

Mom swearing like Samuel L. Jackson in pretty much any movie."

I had to laugh, because most of the time, that is 100% spot on.

However our recent session with Kristen @ Hello, Betty Photography, was far from stressful.

It was a September mini-session, and I literally picked out our outfits that morning.  Ellis was a dream child during the shoot, and Zac didn't even fake smile!!  I didn't break a sweat (or swear), and so we celebrated with an ice cream stop on the way home.

Dear God, please let all future family photos sessions go this well!

Anyway, sharing a few of my favorites below:

All photos by Hello, Betty Photography

If you're new here, the "9" represents 9 years of marriage (our Anniversary was in October).  We take Anniversary photos every year with the number of years that we've been married... see this post for past anniversary pictures.

Click here to see our 2018 family photos

What's for Supper | Menu Planning #8

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Pic via Spend with Pennies

My dad made this a lot when we were growing up.  I was never much of a fan of it, but now I really like it.  Plus, you can add whatever you want to make it your own - corn, peas, shredded zucchini -- the possiblities are endless!

Fun fact: my dad did most of the dinner cooking at our house because he worked 3rd shift, so he was home during the day.  Every weeknight, he had supper ready & on the table for when my mom got home from work.  Pretty great dad/husband, huh?  Love ya Papa Poogie!

Sloppy Joes

Pic via McCormick

Quick & super easy for a weeknight meal.  We follow the directions on the back of the McCormick Seasoning package, except we also add in some cream of mushroom soup. I love to serve with coleslaw and a big ol' pickle.  Yum!

Pizza Casserole

Pic via The Diary of a Real Housewife

Another easy-peasy throw together casserole the whole family will love.  The recipe I have linked is pretty basic -- we like to add Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, & green peppers.

What's for Supper | Meal Planning #7

Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Pic via Taste of Home

Throw together on a Sunday and just pop it in the oven to bake on a Monday.  Classic comfort food that the whole family loves.

Tacos

Pic via The Wholesome Dish

A week night staple, because everyone loves tacos, right?! We eat them all.the.time because they are the easiest and Ellis lovesss gauc.

Meatloaf Muffins

Pic via The Two Bite Club

We haven't actually tried these yet, but they are on the menu this week.  I thought they were kinda fun and a perfect little serving size for a toddler.  We will probably freeze half the batch for later.

What's for Supper | Menu Planning #6

Lasagna

Pic via The Pioneer Woman

Hands down, the best Lasagna I've ever made.  I usually put this into two smaller pans, and throw one in the freezer (before baking).  I love when I only have to cook once and get two meals -- one for now, one for later.

No Peek Beef Burgundy

I found this recipe on Shannon's blog -- and she provided a screen shot of the recipe.  Here it is:

We subbed the beef with vension and it was gooooood!  And, it couldn't be easier.

Spicy Garlic Pasta & Shrimp with Roasted Cauliflower

We've been making this for years and loveee it!

A lesson on saying Yes

It was last Thursday.  It had snowed the day before, and we got about 4 inches of fresh powdery snow... the first accumulating snow of the season (which was much too early, if you ask me).

All day Ellis was asking to go play outside.  I kept pushing him off and pushing him off because frankly, I didn't really want to go outside.  The high was only like 28 degrees, and dressing up a two year old to play in the snow is a bit like going to Costco on a Saturday.  "Not worth it,"  I said to myself.

I managed to "redirect" his requests to go outside all morning long, but the moment he woke up from his nap he said, "Mommy!  Let's go play outside!"  

He had taken a late nap that day, and woke up just when I'd be prepping supper...

I thought hmm... how can I get out of this?  I texted Zac & asked him if he had any plans after supper. I knew Zac wouldn't mind being outside with him.  I told Ellis that Daddy would play outside with him after supper, and it would so fun because it would be dark out!  

But then I got to thinking.... it's gonna be even colder once that sun sets... probably not the best time for a two year old to be outside...

Zac texted back: "No plans. But I'm starving! What's up!?"

I replied: "Ellis really wants to play outside.  So either I go out with him now & we eat supper late.  Or he goes outside after supper.  But will it be too cold then?"

Zac: "Go now and play while it's nice."

Me: "I mean, I could just tell him no..."

Zac: "Go play!"

So at 4:30 pm instead of making supper, I spent 17 minutes bundling up me and my baby and outside we went.

And we had so much fun!  We shoveled the driveway and the back deck, we made snow angels, we watched the tractors go by, and we jumped in the leaves covered in snow.  And I thought to myself... why did I say "no" to this all day?

I often forget the power of fresh air.  It instantly lifts our spirits, even if it is a hassle to bundle up during winter time.

More than that though, I forgot the power of setting aside the dang To Do List and saying YES to playing with my child, who really only wants two things... my time & my attention.


And the best part of playing outside in the wintertime?  Warming up with a cup of hot cocoa!

Cheers to a lesson on saying YES!

What's for Supper? | Menu Planning #5

Another week, another menu!

Have you made any dinner ideas that I shared so far?  Let me know -- I'd love to hear what you think.

Chicken Fried Rice

Pic via Cooking Classy

We love everything about this, and Ellis does too.  And, it's a healthier option than picking up Chinese from a fast food restaurant but still satisfies the craving.

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Pic via Cafe Delites

This was a new recipe for us last week, and it will go in the rotation as a keeper!  I love that it uses the crock-pot, then just requires a few minutes on broil to finish it off (Don't skip this step!!  The charred/caramelized pieces are THE BEST!)

Dump & Bake Chicken Taco Casserole

Pic via The Seasoned Mom

Full disclosure:  I didn't love this.  It was ok -- but I think if I made a few variations to it next time, it would be better.  First off, I wouldn't bake it with the chips on the bottom -- I'd save the chips for crushing on the top when it's done.  Second, I would pre-cook the chicken & shred it.  The recipe says to add it raw, but I had to bake this wayyyy longer for the chicken to be done.  We also subbed out the green chili for black beans, because it's what we had on hand. We also used salsa instead of a can of diced tomatoes.


I hope you are enjoying these posts, and they are inspiring you to get in the kitchen!

Fall at the Beach

It was a sunny October Sunday afternoon.  Zac was bow hunting, and Ellis had just awoken from his nap.  It was one of those days where it was too nice to sit inside, but still chilly enough that you had to bundle up a bit.

If you're from the area, you know our Fall has been a bit of a downer weather-wise.  Most days are windy and rainy, but this particular Sunday was beautiful.

I knew we wouldn't get many more days like it, so we grabbed our hats & headed to the beach.

Ellis loves to throw rocks in the water, and I love to search for sea glass -- a new hobby I picked up this summer (I've got half a mason jar filled already!)

While we were there, a sweet elderly gentleman named Stuart started talking with us.  He is a Door County native -- been there for 78 years.  He told me that he fulfilled a bucket-list item last year -- he's walked the shore line of every beach in Door County.  Impressive!  He told Ellis that he liked his stocking cap (go Pack go!), and praised me for getting outside & playing with my son.  We chatted a bit more -- mostly small talk -- then went our separate ways.

There is no other point for me to share this story, other than for me to remember this day.

There was nothing particularly spectacular about it... it was just really good.  The sun was warm on our faces, the beach glass was plenty, and we had a great time with each other making up our own games and building a castle out of shells and beach sticks.

These are the days I dreamt of before becoming a mom. <3

What's for Supper? | Menu Planning #4

Hello Hello!

It's Menu Planning Sunday, where I share what's been on our menu to help inspire you to get cooking!

Crock Pot Low Carb Cabbage Roll Soup

Pic via Sugar Free Mom

This was a new recipe for us this week, and it's a keeper!  It was super easy & I love how low-carb it is.  I used pre-shredded cabbage in a bag and it was 100% worth not having to shred a big head by hand.  Cut corners where ya can!

Marinated Elk Steak

I'm a super bad blogger & forgot to snap a pic to tell you about this meal, but wanna know the best venison/elk marinade there is?  It's the one on the back of the McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning bottle:

• 1/4 cup olive oil (I use avocado oil and it's just as good)
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 tsp. seasoning
• (We also add a few peppercorns)

Mix together in a gallon freezer bag with the meat & let it marinade at least 30 minutes (all day or over night is best).  Then grill those babies up and YUM!  I pared our steak with oven-roasted veggies.

Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs

Pic via Best Cuisine Recipes

OK.  If I'm being 100% honest, I didn't use this recipe.  I was in a hurry & just ended up doing spaghetti & meat sauce, but this is a recipe I want to try. 

Notice that cast iron skillet?  I got one for Christmas a couple years ago, and I don't know why, but I am intimidated to use it.  Do any of you cook with a cast iron skillet?  If so, give me your tips & tricks!

My love/hate relationship with Fall

Ok.  Maybe this post title is a little bit of a stretch.  I mean, hate is such a strong word.

The truth is, Fall used to be my favorite season.  Now that I'm a mom?  It's not my favorite anymore.

The first reason I hate Fall?  Asthma.

If you have asthma and/or are a caregiver for someone with asthma, you know.
Spring and Fall SUCK.

I mean, did you even know about Asthma Peak Week? Lemme tell you what, it's a real thing.  Per the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (from 9/16/19): "This week is known as Asthma Peak Week – the week out of the year when asthma episodes, attacks and hospitalizations tend to be the highest. In the third week of September, both adults and children with asthma are exposed to more asthma and allergy triggers such as ragweed pollen, respiratory infections, and dust and mold in school buildings."

Ahh, is that why my kid has had a cold turned sinus infection and we haven't slept for 3 weeks?

The second reason I hate Fall?  Hunting season. And deer in general.

Zac, I know you're reading this.  And I will never ask you to quit hunting.  But, I hate hunting season.

And, we seem to manage to clunk a deer with our vehicle(s) every year.  This year?  $8200 worth of damage:

The third reason I hate Fall?  Black walnut trees.

That is so petty, I know.  But seriously.  We have 4 too many black walnut trees in our yard, which equals MILLIONS of black walnuts that have fallen to the ground and need to be picked up. Ain't nobody got time for that.

Honestly, I could give you at least ten more reasons why I hate Fall.  However, I know there are plenty of reasons to LOVE fall too.

So here's the part of the post where I take my bad attitude and turn it around...

I need to remember that Fall is just another season, and it will not last forever... much like any hard season in life.

I know that almost 98% of life is what you make of it.  You can only control You.  So in my effort to be more of a Positive Patty and less of a Negative Nelly...

I'm thankful for doctors and medication that can help my child breathe.
I'm thankful for venison meat in our freezer.
I'm thankful for Auto insurance... of that $8200 claim, we only had to pay our $250 deductible.
I'm thankful for the shade those black walnut trees provide in the heat of summer.

Also, Halloween is in Fall.  Who doesn't love Halloween?  I mean, look at this cute Train Engineer:

Here's to my better Fall attitude... at least for the rest of the day ;-)

What's for Supper? | Menu Planning #3

Welcome to another round of Menu Planning Sunday, where I share what's been on our menu, to help inspire others to get cookin' & get some fresh ideas.

BBQ Chicken Tostadas

Pic via Cupcakes & Kale Chips

These are a new fav!

A tip regarding the chicken breasts, I usually put 2 frozen chicken breasts in the crock pot with 1 cup of water, a chicken bouillon cube, season salt, pepper, garlic power, and chives, and then cook on low for 8 hours.  This makes for perfectly seasoned & easily shreddable chicken to use in whatever dish you want.

Ham & Cauliflower Casserole Au Gratin

Pic via Kalyn's Kitchen 

A yummy casserole that's low carb & keto friendly!  And, Ellis loves this one too.  Win/win!

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

A super easy crowd-pleasing comfort food.  I'm not a fan of store-bought tomato soup though.  We use this recipe with whatever kind of tomatoes we planted from our garden.  It cans well, too!

Bon Appetit!

What's for Supper? | Menu Planning #2

I received a great response to my post last week, so it's confirmed that I'm not the only crazy person who likes to know what everyone else is eating these days.

On our menu this week:

Baked Chicken Fajitas

A tried & true favorite.  I've posted about them on my blog before, with some time saving tips to make this a great week-night meal that's easy to throw together in a pinch.

Chili

Everyone has a different version of chili, but any version is fall/winter comfort food, am I right?  With these cooler temp, a pot of chili sounds yummy.  I don't have a recipe to link you to but I'll tell ya how I make mine.  I use 1 lb. ground venison or elk sauteed with onion and 2 jars of chili sauce that Zac's mom makes & cans from the tomatoes in our garden (ask Char for the recipe, it's sooo good!)   Then I just use an Essential Everyday Chili packet seasoning mix, throw in some beans & elbow noodles and bam...  Chili.  Sometimes I will sneak in shredded zucchini too, because you can't taste it and we've got zucchini coming out of our ears.

Muffin-Tin Pizzas

Pic via Taste of Home

We had leftover pizza sauce from last week, so I scoured the internet & landed on these muffin-tin pizzas.  I will use frozen bread dough instead of canned pizza crust, and omit the first 6 ingredients to use my left over pizza sauce.  I will also add in Canadian bacon because, I love it.  Aren't these a fun spin on regular ol' pizza?


What's on your menu this week?

What's for supper? | Menu Planning

Raise your hand if you never know what to make for supper.
Or, do you feel like you're in a rut & always make the same things?

I did.  And so at the beginning of the year, I set a goal to menu plan by the month.  The first three months of the year, I did awesome... and then it became menu planning by the week... and lately, it hasn't been happening at all.

I really need to get back on the bandwagon, and I thought as long as I'm doing it, I might as well share our weekly menu to help inspire others to get cookin' & get some fresh ideas.

I truly think the hardest part of making dinner, is deciding what to make.  And once you decide what to make, having all the ingredients on hand is the next kicker... so a little planning goes a long way.

My goal is to make 3 dinners/week.  We like leftovers and for our little family, 3 meals will get us through.  The rest of the week we'll scrounge, eat leftovers, or eat at grandmas/grandpa's.  We also usually end up eating out on Friday or Saturday night.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Pic via Taste of Home

I never follow a recipe for chicken noodle soup, but this one looks pretty close to how I make mine.  I will usually add peas & shredded zucchini too. Sometimes I'll use a rotisserie chicken if I'm feeling extra lazy.  I usually end up with a huge batch when I make this, but when we're sick of eating it, the leftovers freeze well.  And I always bring some to my grandma. :)

Pizza Loaf

Pic via Taste of Home

I shared this recipe on my blog a few years ago, and it's still hands down one of my favorites.

I love pizza.  I love bread.  I love all the things about this.  

Ranch Pork Chops

Pic via Dessert Recipes Grill

A Pinterest Win! Easy & delicious.  I serve them with steamed broccoli & cauliflower rice or some kind of potato.
P.S. - have you seen the Dynamic Duo little potatoes at Aldi recently?  They are SO SO good roasted in the leftover oil/ranch mixture from the pork chops. 

I'd love it if you'd share some of your favorite dinner time meals in the comment section below, so I can incorporate them in our rotation!