Menu Plan Monday 2/24

Pasta with Sausage Sauce and Garlic Bread
Taco Rice with cheese and corn bread
Simple Fried Rice and Egg Rolls
Salsa Sloppy Joes with mac and cheese
Leftovers (soup, paninis, fried rice)
Chili or Meatball Subs
Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries

We ate all of our meal plan last week except on Saturday, we got a free pizza from Safeway so we decided to have that for dinner instead of making a bigger meal. It was a great easy week and I this weekend I put in a huge effort to make this week easy too.  I made the salsa sloppy joes, chili, sausage sauce in addition to getting everything ready for dinner.  It was a lot but I hope that means that the week will be that much easier.  I have some chicken that I bought to cut up and freeze in meal sized portions and a few other things to make but loving being ahead this week.

Raising the Challenging Child Book Review

I thought that Raising the Challenging Child: How to Minimize Meltdowns, Reduce Conflict, and Increase Cooperation by Wendy Lyons Sunshine sounded like an interesting book that might have some pointers on different things to do when raising children which is always something that I like to hear.  I thought it would also be helpful for working at preschool too.

What's the worst you've ever faced as a parent? An all-out tantrum at the mall? A son who won't take out his earbuds to listen to you? A daughter who's failing at school and won't do her homework? A teen who constantly breaks curfew? A call from the police? Whatever you're dealing with, Raising the Challenging Child will help.

Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to

- minimize behavioral meltdowns
- reduce conflict
- increase cooperation
- promote healthy attachment
- improve family relationships

The strategies they share work both for the child who is going through a difficult phase brought on by life disruption or trauma, and for the child who faces chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.

I like the beginning with the relationship bank because it gives information because it talks about how you need to have a good balance with the yes and nos.  There is some information about calming down which is helpful.  I thought that the book was a little strange because it wasn't really written from one person's perspective but rather constantly quoting staff at a facility but that was the only thing that was a little different. Although the examples were helpful and gave good descriptions of the problems to help illustrate the resolution.  I am not sure it is super helpful for a challenging child but there are a few helpful hints included.  I am all for learning anything that we can from reading interesting books.  I think that it would be more helpful for a first time parent or someone who is looking for a quick solution to the problems that they discuss.  I think that it might also provide ideas that you haven't tried to deal with some problems.  I hope that you get some helpful hints to try and find at least one thing that will help you and your family.

**I got a copy of the book to read for my review but I was not expected to post a positive review.

Menu Plan Monday 2/17

Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries and tater tots
Pasta with Sausage Sauce and Garlic Bread
Stir Fry with Popcorn Chicken and White Rice
Wewalka Pizzas- one Pepperoni and one Buffalo Chicken
Leftovers (soup, paninis, fried rice)
Steak and Baked Potato
Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries

Last week went pretty well against the plan.   We had pasta with sausage sauce and garlic bread Monday.  I started the soup on Monday and refrigerated it so I was ready for a super easy dinner.  I put the crock pot insert back in the crock pot a few hours before dinner and added a little bit of instant mashed potatoes.  I made the simple fried rice but forgot to make the egg rolls until we sat down to eat.  Ooops!!

Thursday, I made Rosemary Chicken with egg noodles with melted butter.  It raised a lot of questions because I used the butter from the freezer from Thanksgiving that was in the shape of a turkey.  Not sure why my husband asked but I told him it was turkey butter which some how confused him so I asked my son to tell him and he said turkey butter which suddenly made my husband understand but my son was totally confused.  It started to sound like who's on first but it was nice to pull that out and use up the things in the freezer because I didn't need to measure the butter.

Friday was Steaks with baked potatoes which was really tasty.  It was a nice treat and I am glad to have the propane back for the grill outside which has been awhile.  Saturday was leftovers.  I made a huge batch of buffalo chicken mac and cheese and a huge batch of fried rice which lasted my husband for dinner and lunch the next day.  I also made super pretzels, tater tots, chicken fries for my son.  I had some sweet potatoes and some pretzels that my son didn't finish.

Sunday we had a basketball game rescheduled at 6:15 so we decided that my son's favorite dinner would be moved to Monday since it was a holiday anyway.  We decided to go with tacos because I just bought ground beef at Wegman's and froze five portions and left one in the fridge.  It was the last day to an easy meal week that I put in my best effort to get the meals on the table.  Love when a meal plan comes together!!

I had most of the meals planned for the month so I was excited to get those meals made and use up many things in the freezer, fridge and pantry.  It is almost time to take the inventory again and see what we have to use up for March.

Meant to Be Yours Book Review

I put a book on reserve when I saw it on the new release section because I love the books by this author.  I didn't know what series it was part of but I knew that I needed to read Meant to Be Yours (Happily Inc) by Susan Mallery.  I was super happy to find out that it was part of the Happily Inc series.  It is the 5th book in the series and even more exciting news is that I checked it out on Amazon and there is 6th book in the series too but currently only available for preorder so I know that I need to be patient!!

Wedding coordinator Renee Grothen isn’t meant for marriage. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, plan. But she never could have planned on gorgeous, talented thriller writer Jasper Dembenski proposing—a fling, that is. Fun without a future. And the attraction between them is too strong for Renee to resist. Now she can have her no-wedding cake…and eat it, too.  After years in the military, Jasper is convinced he’s too damaged for relationships. So a flirtation—and more—with fiery, determined Renee is way too good to pass up…until his flame becomes his muse.  Renee is an expert at averting every crisis. But is she finally ready to leap into the one thing that can never be controlled: love?

Renee is working at Weddings Out of the Box in the small town of Happily Inc and enjoying her new life.  She works hard to make sure that the bride and groom have the wedding of their dreams.  She asks all the questions to make sure that they have thought of everything.  Renee is working extra hard because her boss is out with a new baby.  She is working six days a week with Monday being the only day off.  It is also the down day for everyone else so there is a game night at the local bar.  Renee goes out with friends and sees famous writer, Jasper, who is just back from a book tour.  They partners in the game leave because it is their first night away from their new baby. Renee and Jasper are left to talk and get to know each other.  They both decide that they could have a no strings attached fling with no future.  Renee thinks that her past heart breaks mean that she is no good at love and Jasper things that his time in the military has left him broken and unable to love.  The decide that they are the perfect match.  Jasper jumps into writing another book and needs Renee's help to finish the new characters in the book.  You have to pick up the book to find out what happens with the new book and the new relationship.

Love With A Perfect Cowboy Book Review

I was working on the series that I was reading but I was missing a book in the series so there was a brief pause to reserve it at the library.  It came in quickly so I started reading it after another book.  Love With a Perfect Cowboy: A Cupid, Texas Novel by Lori Wilde was the 4th book in the series.  This one was interesting because it started in New York City so I was wondering if they were going to be in Cupid, Texas in the book.

Melody Spencer had long-ago wiped the dust of Cupid, Texas, off her cute shoes . . . and done her best to forget the chiseled jaw and strong arms of cowboy Luke Spencer. Their families might be part of a long-time feud, but he was her very first love, even if it turned out they never wanted the same things.  But now Luke's come striding back into her life, tempting her with the memories of long, lazy evenings and hot, passionate kisses. And he has an ulterior motive—as Mayor of Cupid, he knows Melody's business savvy can help save their beloved hometown. His smooth talking might get her to Texas, but that doesn't mean he'll get her in his bed. Still, people do say love can be more perfect the second time around . . .

I thought that this book was different from the other books in the series with enough of the small town charm to have you interested in the same characters who we have met in previous books.  Melody had left Cupid to make a life for herself in New York City.  She is now right where she wants to be with a great job and famous boyfriend.  Never does she say she likes her job or her boyfriend but it is what she has been working towards for years.  She goes into work one day and meets with her boss.  She is fired and her life is turned upside down.  She goes home to her apartment that she is sharing with her boyfriend and finds that he has packed up all her stuff and left it in the lobby.  She has no job and no apartment.  At that exact moment, in walks Luke Spencer from her hometown.  He says that he is going to take her out to dinner and then gives her a mission to save the town of Cupid. They are going through a big drought and many shops and stores are having to close.  You have to pick up the book to find out what happens but I promise that you won't be let down.  It is a good story that has you wondering what is going to happen next for this small town.

Wrapped Up in You Book Review

I put this book on reserve because it was the new release in a series that I had just finished reading.  I was excited when it came on my reserve shelf.  Wrapped Up in You: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel by Jill Shalvis was book 8 out of 8 books in the series.

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.  Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-term plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.

I thought that this was a great book to learn about the newer character that we didn't know much about, Ivy Snow.  She runs the food truck in the neighborhood where most of the story takes place where people live and work.  She keeps herself separate from others that are in a tight knit group of friends because she is used to protecting herself.  She realizes that she has friends if she just reaches out to them but not until Kel comes into her life.  He is there to visit with his friends and just happens to be the one person that she doesn't want to trust because he is a cop.  Kel is there for her when her food truck gets broken into and he stays with her to help clean up.  Kel and Ivy become really close and he starts to realize that she is lying when she is talking about her brother.  He doesn't call her out on it but wonders what the truth is until he learns.  These two become closer but you have to pick up the book to find out how Ivy tries to block everything until she can't anymore.  I hope that you enjoy this book and the rest of the fun series as much as I have.

The Protective One Book Review

I reserved The Protective One (3) (Walnut Creek Series, The) by Shelley Shepard Gray before I knew anything about it because I saw it in the new release section online.  It came on my reserve shelf so I was ready to read it and figure out what it was about.  I figured out that I didn't read the rest of this series!!  WHAT?  I started with the third book in the series.  Going back and reserving the others in the series to catch up now.

The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he’s Mennonite like herself and has her parents’ approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off—wondering if, perhaps, she’s the one who’s missing a spark.

When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other.

But E.A.’s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she’s not the only one struggling—Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, Elizabeth Anne begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined...one that ultimately enables her to find everything she’s been searching for.

In this latest installment in the Walnut Creek series that “both delights and surprises” (Leslie Gould, bestselling author), Shelley Shepard Gray pens a powerful and poignant tale of friendship, courage, and love.

I am starting with this book so I didn't have a background but the book started with the loss of a close friend of Elizabeth Anne, EA to her friends.  EA is dealing with the loss of her friend and her odd relationship with her beau, David.  When David says something negative about EA's friend, EA breaks up with him.  David doesn't move on and keeps telling lies about her to her friends and family.  EA becomes closer to her friend Will and they end up dating.  EA is also working in the local fabric shop and teaching sewing classes.  She has one student that she is worried about but she isn't sure what is going on with her.  EA is working hard to be there for everyone in her life but you have to pick up the book to find out what happens.  There is no shortage of adventure and character building.  I hope that you check out this book and the rest of the series for yourself.  Make sure you know that this is not the first book in the series so start with which ever book you would like.