Whirlwind

To say the last few weeks have been busy would be somewhat of an understatement! I am working on so many different projects and need to just focus on one and finish! I plan to post September's monthly menu on the 1st but forgive me if I don't get it done!
I've really been enjoying the weekly photo posts and b/c I posted on Saturday last week, I only managed to take 1 picture this week. That's right just 1!!
But it has a great little story behind it and a couple yummy recipes.

Wylie was soooo bored yesterday so I invited him to help make dinner.  He helped peel carrots, cut up kielbasa, gather ingredients, open a can of beans and stir our soup.  We made Kielbasa and Kale soup.  

And for a side dish, we cooked up a batch of Roasted Brussel Sprouts, served with a delicious Garlic Aioli. 

The big surprise here? Well it wasn't that the younger two in the family didn't even try the soup (they ended up with PB&J instead). And it wasn't that even Wylie liked it.  

No, the BIG,

 GIANT 

surprise is that not only did PreacherMan eat the soup AND the Brussel Sprouts - 

HE LIKED IT!!!!

1 point for Mama - 0 points for veggie haters

MadCounty Mama

Photo Blast

We started off this week with a BBQ with some great friends! Then it was on to soccer camp, a new-to-us stove, playdate, homeschool prep, garden harvest & early fall cleaning. Then our internet was off and on the past few days and I've not been able to upload photos till now!
Wylie had an awesome time at soccer camp and both boys are excited to start Awana in a couple weeks. 
I decided to become a leader in the Sparks program which is where Wylie will be. (K-2nd grade)
Wyatt will be in Cubbies (Pre-K)
Today was leader training all day at our church.  I met some great people and am so excited to be part of this amazing club!!
If you are interested in sending your child/children feel free to contact me!

Anywho...here's this week's photos!

My birthday decor! The boys had a blast decorating

Kids at the BBQ

Cheers Ladies!

Wylie - ready for soccer!

working hard

Game time!

The Thunderkicks!

Awana kickoff party!

Inflatables and Ice cream!

MadCounty Mama

Menu Monday

Wylie was off to High Power Soccer camp this morning at our church thru the Awana program! He was so excited to go and I was so proud to see my budding athlete! I will post pics on Wednesday of his adventure.

Menu planning tips:
#3 - Buy in bulk, separate into smaller packs at home and freeze. 
Ex: I buy 6 gallons of milk in one trip to Costco and freeze it.  I also buy the large packs of hot dogs, american cheese, bread, lunch meat and butter. I put the hot dogs and cheese into smaller packs right away.
#4 - If you run out of something or need 1 thing to complete a recipe, DON'T run to the store.  Try to find a substitute or make a different recipe.  Impromptu trips to the store almost always end in buying more than you came for.  Plan ahead and have what you need on hand!

This week's menu:

Monday:
Breakfast - Kid's choice
Lunch - Sandwiches, pretzels, apple
Dinner - Leftovers from BBQ

Tuesday:
Breakfast -Oatmeal w/ banana
Lunch- Ramen noodles,
Dinner - Grilled kielbasa, brown rice, grilled veggies

Wednesday:
Breakfast -Smoothies & Pumpkin bread 
Lunch-  Egg salad sandwich, chips, fresh veggies
Dinner - Chicken Alfredo, spaghetti squash, green salad

Thursday:
Breakfast -Cold cereal, bagel w/ cream cheese
Lunch- Lunchables
Dinner - Lettuce wraps w/ sweet potato fries

Friday:
Breakfast -Whole wheat pancakes & bacon
Lunch- PB&J, goldfish, carrots
Dinner - Calico Beans, summer veggie salad

Saturday:
Breakfast - Homemade Granola bars & yogurt
Lunch - Dad's cooking
Dinner - Steak, potatoes/cauliflower & salad

Happy Cooking!
MadCounty Mama

Wordless Wednesday

MadCounty Mama

MadCounty Gunner

We brought home our family's first dog last Monday.  Both PreacherMan and I grew up with dogs and it's something we've always wanted, not just for companionship but also protection of the homestead and responsibility for the children.  At this time most of the responsibility falls on me but I don't mind! Wylie likes to help feed and water the dog as well as take him out to do his business.
At first, Princess did not want to be down on the ground around Gunner at all.  Now she is to the point that she will get in one quick swipe down his back, giggling after. 
Gunner does like to jump up and nip (or chew on me) so teaching the kids how to deal with that as well as teaching Gunner no, is a full-time job! They are all doing much better after this short week.

MadCounty Mama

Menu Monday

I am slowly working my way back to a monthly menu- so starting in September I will be posting once (hopefully!) at the beginning of the month.  And I'll be sharing some tips on how you can plan for a month of meals too without going to the grocery store every week.
Tip #1 - Stock your pantry when items, you frequently use, are on sale!
Tip #2 - Take a monthly inventory of your pantry/freezer each month before you meal plan.
Stay tuned for more tips next time!

Weekly Menu:

Monday:
Breakfast - Oatmeal & Strawberries
Lunch - Grilled Cheese, Ants on a Log
Dinner - Spaghetti, Garlic bread, fresh greens

Tuesday:
Breakfast -Scrambled eggs w/ cheese & toast
Lunch- Lunchables
Dinner -Soup & Salad

Wednesday:
Breakfast -Smoothies & Zucchini bread
Lunch- PB&J, goldfish, carrots
Dinner -Ham&Kholrabi gratin, broccoli salad

Thursday:
Breakfast -Cold cereal, fruit & yogurt
Lunch- Leftovers
Dinner -Grilled Trout, 4-bean salad

Friday:
Breakfast -Whole wheat Waffles & bacon
Lunch- Chicken wraps, veggies & fruit
Dinner -  BBQ chicken pitas, green salad

Saturday:
Breakfast -Homemade Granola bar & fruit
Lunch- Cook's choice
Dinner - Pizza

Sunday:
Breakfast -Cold cereal w/ muffin
Lunch- Chef Salad
Dinner - BBQ w/ friends

Cheers!
MadCounty Mama

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake - Healthy!

This shake is so good and guilt-free! Also gluten-free; can be dairy free, just use almond or coconut milk. Try it, you will be amazed!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake

2 bananas, diced and frozen

1 Tbl cocoa powder

1-2 Tbl peanut butter (depends on how much you love PB)

3/4 cup milk +/- on your preference of consistency

vanilla

Place bananas in blender with cocoa, peanut butter and milk. Blend till smooth. Stir in vanilla. 

Technically 2 servings but some days you just want it all!

Enjoy!

MadCounty Mama

Wordless Wednesday

Three Forks Fly-in

Grandpa's plane

'rasslin the laundry

MadCounty Mama

Menu Monday

Yesterday was a bit crazy :) in a good yet exhausting way. Hope to have pictures up soon of the new addition to our family!
This week's Menu...

Monday:
Breakfast- "on the go" cheese stick and granola bars
Lunch - PB & J w/ goldfish and fruit
Dinner - Lettuce wraps - these were amazing! Will be posting a recipe soon!

Tuesday:
Breakfast - Yogurt & whole wheat apple scone
Lunch - Watermelon/canteloupe, broccoli/cucumber, Ants on an Island (recipe to follow!)
Dinner - Chicken waldorf salad

Wednesday:
Breakfast - cheerios & smoothie
Lunch - Homemade mac 'n' cheese, carrot sticks
Dinner - BBQ pork steaks, grilled summer squash

Thursday:
Breakfast - Cream of wheat
Lunch - Egg salad sandwich, veggies
Dinner -  Ham & Veggie primivera

Friday:
Breakfast - Eggs & toast
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner - Leftovers  :)

Saturday:
Family Reunion!
I'm making Frog Eye Salad, Calico Beans and Rhubarb Crisp

Happy Cooking!

MadCounty Mama

I was in a Stampede today...

That's right! I ran in my first ever 5K (3.3 miles) this morning. The Big Sky Wind Drinkers Stampede, part of Bozeman's annual Sweet Pea celebration of the arts.

My best friend, Monica, talked me into signing up with her. :) My goal was to get into shape before the race but with PreacherMan's crazy schedule and 3 kids at home, there wasn't a lot of time to get out and run.
I've never been a "runner". I have always loved competitive sports and excelled in high school at basketball and volleyball but I only suffered through conditioning because I knew it was part of the game.  I did some running in track my senior year, where I raced in the 4x4 relay at districts and divisionals, but I've never done long distance running. (I always thought those kids were crazy!)
Turns out, I like running.  It's a great stress reliever and it makes me feel really good about myself and what I've accomplished!
So here's to the first race of my running "career".  And may there be many more to come!

Almost finished! Time: 32min

We did it!

 My Cheering Section!!!

MadCounty Mama