Monday, October 06, 2008

Monday Menu and Miscellany


Happy Monday! We are enjoying a rainy, sleepy, lazier-than-usual Monday morning around here. It is a school day, but we are getting a later start so I thought I'd take a few minutes to participate in Menu Plan Monday (which I haven't done in awhile) and post a few fun pictures.

First of all, regarding our menu. I was worried that once Minte joined us I would need to alter our menu or make something different just for him... but no. He. Eats. Everything. Not only that... He. Loves. Everything! He basically just loves food, LOL. So, meal planning since we have gotten back has been great and he has enjoyed roast, chicken pot pie, tacos, anywhere we have taken him to eat, etc. I love it! He doesn't particularly love vegetables (so I may have to break out my Deceptively Delicious cookbook soon) but he always eats some because he knows he's supposed to eat at least a few. In fact, big sister Bethany taught him that the first week we got home. :)

So, here's our menu for the week. I'm still on "auto pilot" (it takes me a few weeks after I get home from traveling to feel "all here") so it's easy, quick, cheap, things I've made a million times, and food I know they'll eat...

Monday:
B- Toaster Strudels, fruit
L- Lean Pockets, carrot sticks
D- Chicken Paninis, pasta salad, fruit

Tuesday:
B- cereal, fruit
L- taquitos, black beans
D- fish, rice, stir-fry

Wednesday:
B- waffles, fruit
L- Pizza Pancakes, green beans
D- Hawaiian Meatballs, Asian Sesame Pasta

Thursday:
B- eggs, toast, jelly
L- spaghetti, green beans
D- Baked Potato Soup, crusty wheat bread, salad

Friday:
B- YOYO (You're on you're own)
L- ditto (There's plenty of leftovers to choose from!)
D- Out for Ethiopian food with some dear friends (We're praying it's a celebration of a successful court date!)

For more menus, or to share what's going on in your kitchen this week, visit Laura at orgjunkie.com.

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Our first couple of weeks back have been filled with activity! Beginning with Minte's birthday party just after we arrived home. I had sent out the invitations for a Sept. 23rd party, thinking that his birthday was on the 22nd. At the embassy appointment we found out his birthday was actually Oct. 2, so he's had two celebrations. Nothing wrong with that!


The birthday boy at his "bouncy house" party. I had it at a bouncy house place because it would be colorful, fun, and you can jump and laugh in any language!


Some friends he remembered from the airport, new cousins he met for the first time, and some of his soccer and Awana friends.


I was inspired by the Ethiopian cupcake flag my creative friends made for the shower, so we had it again... this time he got to enjoy it!


He loved ALL of his gifts so much, and always looked into the "crowd" to see who had given it to him so he could thank them personally.


First soccer practice. Looks like a pro already!


Then, the next day, another birthday! My little girl is 15!


By the way, she's also China's Next Top Model. Click on the picture to see her featured in a Chinese table tennis/ tennis wear catalog! She did a "modeling gig" when she was there in May and we received the catalog on her birthday. Fun!


She enjoyed a birthday serenade from her brothers!


Lots of fun and celebration going on around here lately!

10 comments:

Mindy said...

Looks like a great menu. I don't have a panini grill but I love panini's so I'm a little jealous.
The link for the pizza pancakes wouldn't work for me but I will come back and check it out. Sounds interesting!
Love seeing your family pictures! Glad everything is going so well!
In HIM -
Mindy

Cyndi said...

Oh, I should've added that I don't have a panini grill either. I just use my years-old George Foreman grill. I love that thing! :)

Linda said...

What wonderful pictures Cyndi! What a wonderful party (parties!). It is so sweet to see all of your happy, smiling faces. How good God is.
We were in your neck of the woods this past weekend (well close enough). We had such fun. Next time we'll stay longer and perhaps I can give you a call. That would be special indeed.

Jill said...

I need to pull out my panini grill! I begged for one several years ago for a gift and EVERYONE I know made fun of me! BUT - everyone I know LOVES warm panini sandwiches!

Loved the pictures of your family - can't wait to see the 5 of you in person!

D said...

Oh it does my heart good to see those pictures...both of Minte doing so well AND his brother and sister having so much fun with him.

Can't wait to see you on Friday!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I love seeing your family celebrating as a family.

Tricia said...

I forgot to tell you....the other day Jessie woke up from her nap and said in a groggy voice..."I want to go to Minte's birthday party!" I told her that Minte already had his birthday party and she said, "I want to go again!" LOL!

Alycia said...

Oh, I just love love love these family pictures!!! I am so happy things are going well for Minte and your other two!! They all look so happy! Your menu looks yummy as well and I am looking forward to trying a couple of your recipes! Have a blessed day....

beckyww said...

You have three good-lookin' kiddos!

Kelly said...

The joy in your family translates so clearly through the wonderful pictures you share.