Freezer meal marathon day

Wow, today was crazy. Brett and I have been wanting to cut back costs everywhere, and one of those areas is groceries. If we aren't careful, we spend WAY TOO MUCH $ on groceries. One of the things that has really helped us is doing feezer meals. I have been having tons of fun looking for yummy looking recipes that could potentially be freezer friendly. I have tried a variety of options: crockpot freezer meals (the kind you prepare to just throw in the crockpot), bake meals (the kind you pull out of the freezer then stick in the oven and bake), and bag meals (Where everything is cut and ready, but you still have to make it). We like the bag meals the best. They taste the best. Today, I got up, went grocery shopping, made what felt like a million meals, and cleaned up all of it. I started preparing about 11:30, and finished about 9:00 pm. Long day. But here is my success story:

All of these are 4-6 servings:

Orange chicken- I made 5 bag dinners of this because it is a family favorite.
Mongolian beef- I made 4 bag dinners of this.
Shredded beef sliders- I made 6 of these.
Fried rice- I made 6 of these.
Egg rolls- I made 2 of these.
Meatballs- I made 3 of these
Lasagna roll-ups- I made 3 of these.
Lasagna pockets- I made 2 of these
Ham and cheese pockets- I made 2 of these.
Pork chops (for 2, Brett hates pork chops)- 2 of these

35 total meals for 3-6 people - Some of which are going to my sister since she is having a baby soon.


Plus I made some for my uncle that I knew he would like: 1 bag of pork chops, 2 beef sliders, 1 orange chicken, 1 mongolian beef, 2 fried rice, 1 egg roll meal, 1 lasagna roll up, 1 lasagna pocket, 1 ham and cheese pocket, 1 chicken enchiladas, 1 teriyaki chicken,  1mini pizzas, 1 fajitas, 1 goulash, 6 beef and provolone sandwiches, 6 twice baked potatoes, 4 breakfast sandwiches.

About 20 total meals with servings for 2-3


I also half prepared a few others, but ran out of time and ingredients, and freezer bags (I couldn't believe it since I had over 60 quart size bags, and about the same in gallon) so I am finishing them up in the morning.
Bang bang chicken
Sweet and sour chicken
Pizza pockets
Broccoli ham alfredo
Beef and veggie pockets

After a super long day of preparing meals, cooking, cleaning, etc. Derrick was begging me for banana bread. Since I had several very ripe bananas, I figured, "Why not? I mean I have already been cooking all day, what is one more thing?" So I made a batch of banana bread. Yum!

It may have taken all day long, but this means I have dinner ready to go for a whole month. No thought, no shopping, no worries. Just add my fresh produce and I am good to go. I couldn't be more thrilled. Plus, my amazing husband brought me home some food, and ate what I made for dinner. So, I didn't even have to eat the food I had been looking at all day.

I will be posting the recipes, bag instructions, and reviews soon.

Baby girl update

I had a prenatal visit this morning, and an ultrasound to make sure that my placenta had moved because it was lying low, and we wanted to make sure I did not need a C-section. All is well, and it was really fun to get to see my beautiful baby girl! I am now to where I go in every 2 weeks instead of 4. I have no glucose problems, and everything went great. I am still measuring big, but that is no surprise! 

 

 

 

Her face!

Look at that beautiful face!

She put her hand up right before taking this pic, and it was fun to feel and see it at the same time!

Teacher Back to School Gifts

This is what I made as my back to school teacher gifts. I stole the idea from here... http://www.theletter4.com/2011/06/fathers-day.html

I used my Silhouette to create this. It is not perfect, but I had fun. 

Then I printed it, ran it through my sticker maker, and stuck it on dollar store jars, which I filled with Jelly Bellies! Yum! Cute! Fun! Not too expensive. 

Okay, so small adjustment. I opted to skip the dollar store jars. I made them, and put the stickers on, and they looked great, and the labels were the perfect size and everything, but once I bought the beans to fill them I was overwhelmed by how much the beans cost. It was like $35 in Jelly Beliies because of the jar size. So I figured I would try and find a lower cost option. I ran to Target, and found these cute buckets in their dollar section. They were about half the size of the jars, so that made it far more cost effective for me. I just filled cellophane treat bags, and tied them off with ribbon. The labels were smaller, and hard to read, so I printed out a bigger version to use as the card, had the kids write on it, laminated it, and stuck it in the back so the teachers could at least see the "flavors".

The kids will be taking them to school tomorrow! If I can keep them from eating the treats out of them! Enjoy!

My 28th Birthday

This year for my 28th birthday, Brett planned my party. I know...amazing right? My birthday fell on a Tuesday. He had to work that day, unfortunately, so wanted to spend the evening just us. So, he asked if I would want to do my party the night before. Now, my secret confession (not so secret actually) is that I totally love watching the Bachelor, Bachelorette, and Bachelor Pad on Monday nights. As do many of my friends. So, Brett thought I could do a girl's night type party, load up on food, watch my show, talk, gossip, do nails, whatever. He invited a couple of my friends, then asked if I would just take over and invite who I wanted. 

He took care of the food for the party. He originally planned to get Winger's but the girl he usually trades with bailed last minute, so he just did Harvest stuff, and let me tell you, it was sooo good. Here's a look at the spread (the only thing I got pics of because I was having too much fun chatting). 

We had fruit, veggies, chips, salsa, limeade, and more...

Spinach artichoke dip with pita chips and toasted bread

A cheese tray, various cheeses, fruits, and baguette

A yummy chocolate cake!

On my actual birthday I got the kids up and out the door to day camp. Lots of loves and hugs that morning, and birthday wishes from the munchkins. I dropped Derrick off at a good friend's (thank you Katie), and then I headed up to Salt Lake. I enjoyed some relaxation, some shopping, and met a great friend for lunch. It was a great morning. We talked and ate, then I headed back home to get the kids, and get ready for my date with Brett. I had a couple hours between when I got home and when Brett was going to take me out, so I read a book, took a little nap, and just played with the kids. Then got ready. We went out to dinner at China Isle. It is one of our favorites. We brought some food home for the kids, and the sitter. Then we decided to see a movie. After the movie (Bourne Legacy, I think, I was so tired I can't really remember it), we got Cold Stone. Haha it was yummy! Then home! It was a pretty pleasant day. Perfect for pregnant me, and low key!


Brett did not know what to get me this year, as I don't want clothes because I am prego, and just haven't been wanting anything of late besides an omelet pan, which his parents got me. However, he remembered me saying a few months back how much I would like a bigger grill. Ours works fine, but is small, so it is hard to entertain using it, and I LOVE TO ENTERTAIN. So this is what he got me! It was a great surprise! 

School Days

My how the summer goes fast. 

In some ways I am exceedingly grateful, in others a little sad. This is how the first day of school always goes for me. There is the trepidation and anxiety of not knowing if the people we entrust our children to will care for them with the love and consideration we would like. But there is also the joy of having a few hours peace, where we know our kids are off learning and socializing. I love that I can clean my house without messes turning up around every corner. I love that I don't have to referee arguments for a few hours, or even worry about making lunch. 

I do however stress, What if they don't have friends? What if they feel behind? What if they don't behave the way I have taught them? What if their teachers don't like them? What if they get bullied? Or worse, what if they are a bully? I try to tamp down these fears, and just have faith that my kids are resilient, so even if the first day of school stinks, they will manage. Then I trust in the Lord to watch over and protect them. 

 

We had a great morning, the kids were excited to get their new school clothes on, Dillan in particular was fairly picky about what he would wear this year. Apparently all the kids wear these graphic t's, and basketball shorts. No polos and chinos for him. Lexi was a little more flexible, she liked what I picked, and was just happy not to wear a uniform. The kids got a father's blessing, and we read scriptures, had a family prayer, told Dillan to watch out for sister, and then sent them on their way. 

When I picked the kids up, they were all smiles! I was so grateful! We started homework right after school, and I already got take home volunteer stuff to do (put all the book orders together for the end of the week). It was a great day. Productive all around.

Brett and I have established a great for us routine. He wakes up with the kids and has them get dressed. I set out their clothes, down to the underwear and socks the night before so that it is easy. Then he does Dillan's hair and wakes me up so I can do Lexi's. We then spend a few minutes as a family, the kids then brush their teeth, grab their backpacks, and we usher the kids out the door. Brett has been driving them, and I have been hanging out with Derrick. Dillan and Lex have opted to eat breakfast at school this week, which works for me. Less work, less mess, and they LOVE it.

I hope the rest of the school year goes as well as yesterday and this morning.

Dillan loves Batman!

He had to wake up so he could say bye! But boy was he sleepy

Happy smile! So excited for day #2

Out the door, Daddy driving!

Growing up so fast!

Our little slice of paradise

I have a full heart this morning. Derrick was so hyper when he woke up, and so happy, it was infectious. Despite being exhausted from a night of pregnancy heart burn and little feet in my back (yes, Derrick is still getting in bed with us EVERY night), I couldn't help but smile. Dillan came in and joined us, and was all smiles as well. We tickled and wrestled for a little, then in honor of it being one of the last days of summer, I decided to roll my big butt out of bed, and make them their favorite breakfast-German Pancakes! I took a short cut and made the mini ones that take far fewer ingredients, but I think the kids liked the respite from the boxes of cereal that have been their staple go to for breakfast since I got pregnant.

The kids got dressed right when I asked, no argument, and brought up their favorite album, so we rocked out to some Kidz Bop (yay, note the sarcasm), while we cracked eggs, measured flour, etc. Then Derrick said a sweet prayer over the food, and we dug in. The kids all helped each other out with toppings, and have been sitting and enjoying breakfast. They have been so sweet to each other this morning. These are the kinds of mornings that make up for the chaotic ones that make you want to pull your hair out.

I have been kind of burnt out on the mommy front of late, just so tired and hot and unwieldy, so it was a great reminder of what a blessing our little family is. And it certainly doesn't hurt that school is starting soon, so I know a little peace and order are coming soon!

Freezer meal review #2: Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken

 

I am pretty happy to report that my second freezer meal review is another positive review. It was really delicious. My kids did not love it as much as the orange chicken. Dillan in particular did not like it, but Derrick gobbled it up and asked for seconds. Lexi ate it without comment. 

I thought it was really yummy. I was busy and distracted when I made it, and so I dredged the chicken in flour and corn meal before I remembered that this recipe does not call for that. It was really good with the coating on it, and was the perfect consistency. However, I have no idea how it would be without the flour coating. It only took about 8 minutes to prepare, which was a huge plus for me, and only one dirty pan. (My veggies weren't done when I took the picture).

We will definitely be making this dish again. I will probably reserve it for dinners with Brett as I think he would love it. I highly recommend it if you like sesame chicken! Mmmmmm