Dinosaur Birthday

Hey ALL -

Birthday parties always seem to creep up for my family. Brody's is right after the Holidays and Beau's is shortly after Brody's. So I tried to plan ahead and we all were going to go to the zoo (since we just bought a zoo pass and it was opening wkend!!). Well weather happened typical to NE and decided to snow. So we re-planned the planned Birthday! Instead of the zoo. Ekkk kids are crying because they thought we were going to the zoo, so quick thoughts and creativity kicked in to compensate hurt feelings. We planned a weekend at home with dinosaur themed party activities and had the family over on Sunday!

So what do you do under the tight time line for party plans!!! The evening table saying goes, "USE WHAT YOU HAVE."

Party Weekend Agenda

• Bake & Decorate Dinosaur Cake
• Volcano Experiment
• Dig for Dinos Activity
• Dino /Fossil Cookies
• Party with Family Prep


Bake & Decorate Dinosaur Cake

Honestly I am all about do it yourself cakes. I don't even really like cake so why spend a fortune on it. Plus its fun to involve the kids and get down and dirty.

A little tip; if you look at the pictures of my dining room table I rolled wrapping paper over the top, easy clean up for messy kids.

Items Needed
• Chocolate Cake Mix
• Frosting
• Toppers, honestly we used dinos we already had in the toy box, with some fake trees, and M&M's for dino eggs and a picture of Mr. Beau.

Sorry it will not let me rotate the photo. You get the idea.



 







Volcano Experiment

Here is a photo of our homemade volcano. Sorry I can't rotate this pics.

Items Needed:
• Empty Plastic Bottled Water Container (we tried the plastic Folgers coffee can but it was too wide)
• Baking Soda
• White Vinegar
• Food Coloring
• Tin Foil
• Card Board for strips to hold tin and create the volcano shape.
• Tape to tape the card board down.

All you need to do is take your plastic bottle and I used card board & cut strips to make the volcano shape and wrapped with tin foil. You can Pinterest other creative ideas, but I am all about easy!

Definitely put something under the volcano to leak onto. I used a throw away fruit tray I had laying around. Then you just put some baking soda in the bottom of the bottle I just sprinkled it on the bottom. And I put some food coloring and vinegar in a cup and poured into the volcano on top of the soda and WOW it will erupt and kids will go wild crazy!!!

Dig for Dinos Activity

Items Needed:
• Plastic Dinosaurs laying in toy box
• Beans, Rice (I just grabbed a colorful assortment from the store, bags are only about $1 and I kept for later to do this again.
• spoon, forks, tools, little paint brushes, basting brush (I just found any utensil that would be fun for digging)
• Large old ice cream bucket or bowl

Put the dinosaurs on the bottom of a bowl. I told a dinosaur story while we started the project. Then poured all the different beans and rice. Give them tools to dig for dinos. They had a blast. And again roll wrapping paper over the top of the table, for easy clean up for messy kids.

Dino Fossil Cookies

Honestly this didn't really work, so I am not going to recommend. I just used store bought sugar cookie dough and we imprinted the cookies with toy dinosaurs. It was fun, but they didn't keep the indention on the cookie.

Party with Family Prep

For the party we made WALKING DINO TACOS

Items Needed:

• Frito Bags per guest (you can literally buy the full size which are not even that big and I cut them in half)
• Taco Meat
• All your favorite toppers!


BLAST Volcano

My husband created his own big bang experiment. We went outside and he used a diet coke liter and Mentos candy. Dropped the candy into the pop and watch it explode. Cool Cats!

DONE! So easy and kids had so much fun!! Parents did too.

       

Videos of Planning for Week!

I'm having troubles uploading the videos to my blog, you can link to facebook and my YouTube Channel.

Please Like my Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/Eveningtable/videos/637808343076205/

And Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
https://youtu.be/LFX6jlpFJUs

Taking a Plunge

Hey Friends-

Are you a person that is constantly ticking and thinking outside the box. My mind drives me crazy and I know also drives my husband insane with all the ideas and shark eating ideas that rack my brain. With that said, its been an exciting week for evening table. I gained some inspiration from some local entrepreneurs and Evening Table will be getting launched soon.  Not just a blog, video board, place to come to read.  There will be so much more!!!

The VISION: The importance of eating together. Did you know that most American families are starved for time to spend together and sometimes dinner is the only time to reconnect, bond, tell stories, share your day. Think about this......did you know the average person spends 110 times a day checking their phones and up to every 6 seconds in the evening checking their phone. Evening Table wants to promote putting your phone to rest. Cook a meal. And sit. Talk. Pray. Eat. Enjoy ONE ANOTHER! Rejuvenate your mind and body.

Did you know, over the past 15 years research has come to find that: sharing a family meal at your evening table is good for the human spirit, the brain, the mental and physical health of all family members. Recent studies link dining together with: lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy and depression, as well as higher grade-point averages and self-esteem. Studies also indicate that dinner conversation is a more potent vocabulary-booster than reading, and the stories told around the evening table help our children build resilience. Regular family meals also lower the rates of obesity and eating disorders in children and adolescents. This is only a few to mention. So put your phones down, set the table and get ready. Evening table will get your family back together!!!

Can't wait to share with you all soon!! Please stay tuned!!


Menu: 

Saturday: EAT OUT

Sunday: Roast with Veggies

Monday: Beef Noodles and Sweet Peas

Tuesday: Beef Sandwich on Hoagie Bun with Veggies

Wednesday: Smoked Sausage, Dumplings and Kraut

Thursday: Left Overs

Friday: Fun Fajitas at Home

Grocery List: 

Roast
2 lbs Ground Beef
Steak (2 slabs of your whatever is on sale, you will use this for fajitas friday)
Smoked Sausage Ring
Potato
Carrots
Egg Noodles
Cream Mushroom Soup
Sour Cream
Shredded Mexican Cheese
Eggs
Pancake Mix
Sausage or Bacon
Provolone Cheese Slices
Frozen Sweet Peas
2 bags Frozen Fajitas
Frozen Veggies (lately we love the Caribbean blend)
Hoagie Buns
Sauerkraut
2 Taco or Fajita Seasoning packets
Soft Tortilla shells
Salsa
Chips


Saturday: Eat Out with Friends, Take Out!!
 

Sunday: Breakfast for Champs & Supper Roast with Veggies
 Sunday's I love to make a huge late breakfast. Then you can usually skip lunch and have supper early.
Breakfast: My family loves waffles, syrup, scrambled eggs with bacon! Easy Peesy!

Supper: Make an easy crock pot meal. Throw in a roast, with carrots and cut up potato's. Save the left over meat and shred it up for tomorrow nights meal. Also save the au juice in a separate container.

Monday: Beef Noodles and Sweet Peas
Start boiling the egg noodles. In frying pan add cream mushroom, sour cream (1 Cup), left over shredded beef, and add some au juice. The au juice will have a lard of fat solid on the top, throw that away and use the nice brown juicy gel into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer and serve on the bed of noodles. With side of peas.

Tuesday: Ground Beef Philly Sandwich with veggies
Brown the hamburger, drain, etc. Then add bag of frozen fajita bag & some seasoning, usually I just use some taco seasoning! Then you will turn on your broiler. Layer the bread with some butter, add the meat mixture, and a slice of prov cheese and broil for just a few minutes, watch it so it doesn't burn! And heat some of those frozen veggies quick in the microwave! (Again I love the Caribbean & Island blend-Hyvee brand)

Wednesday: Smoked Sausage with dumplings and kraut.
We have homemade smoked sausage, usually I cook this in beer and water and just boil on the stovetop. Heat the kraut in the microwave. And I made my aunt Ritas dumpling recipe which is super easy!
Dumplings: Start to boil water. Then mix up the dough. 2 C flour, 4 TBSP baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 egg, 1/2 C Milk. Mix in bowl it will make dough like consistency. Shape into balls. Once water is boiling add the dumpling balls into the boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. Don't lift the lid. you will need to watch it to make sure it doesn't boil over and reduce temp.

Thursday: Left Overs (should have plenty in the fridge)


Friday: Fun Fajitas with Chips and Salsa
You can grill your steaks, or pan sear them. Once cooked. Slice long strips, Throw into cast iron skillet with the other bag of peppers in the freezer. Let everything simmer and sizzle, add some fajita seasoning or taco seasoning is fine too. Serve on tortilla with cheese and all the fun toppers!!! With Chips and Salsa! And don't forget the Margaritas!

Resolutions

Hey Friends -
What are your resolutions for 2017? I think its important for everyone to set up goals for the year and to really hold ourselves accountable. Here are some tips to getting yourself started. Remember to start small. Take it week by week. Then the goal doesn't seem so big. Start with your menu plan.

1. Be in the Right Mind frame You have to know your why... ? How will you work to improve your life? 

To put yourself in the right mindset you also need to be reading the right books, and talking to people with similar interests.
 

2. Make the Habit a Priority

You have to plan ahead. You can’t hope that your goals will happen to fit into your current schedule, or that by nature you will prioritize it. You have to plan your schedule and block out time. That could mean making every Saturday planning your meals for your week. How many sales calls I will accomplish in a week. For me its about creating small tasks to accomplish the bigger picture.
 

3. Have an Accountability Partner 

An accountability buddy can help you make strides toward your goals. The important part is finding someone reliable and truly committed. They will be there to remind you to stay on track with your goals when they see you are getting distracted. Thanks to my blog followers they keep me in check & help me to realize they need me to keep writing and providing tools to make their planning habits more effective, that is what drives me friends. You are all my accountability partners.
 

4. Educate Yourself  Nourishing your mind on the habit you choose to pursue is super helpful. Knowing more about the subject will strengthen your "reason.” Start by reading books, watching youtubes, go live videos are fun and talking to people that will help mentor you.

So with that said; if you are home today with the storm, or having to venture into work create your WHY. Make a list of goals for the 2017 year!!!


Menu for this week:
If you go to my facebook page you can view the menu plans from the last two weeks. I have been taking a different approach with my template and trying the GOLIVE videos. Go to
https://www.facebook.com/Eveningtable/



Sunday
Chili

Monday
Roast

Tuesday
Roast Beef Sandwiches

Wednesday
Left Overs

Thursday
Wraps

Friday
Tacos

Saturday
TAKE OUT!!

 

GO Live Videos

https://www.facebook.com/Eveningtable/videos/615811711942535/

https://www.facebook.com/karla.wilson.12382/videos/10154958758631518/

Gratitude

Hey Friends -

Its been awhile since the last post, seems I always start my blog with those words. Life has been busy I guess I have the excuse I just had a baby!! I know, crazy, exciting, exhausting, wonderful, oh so wonderful!!! We had almost exactly two weeks ago, Taylee Milla Wilson, a little girl. Perfect as can be! We didn't know what we were having so having two boys at home, we were completely over joyed to be surprised with a little girl. Wow, all I can say is I still look at her in awe at what a blessing she is to us and how much love I truly have for this child and my boys. It can be so uplifting to look at them and feel so much gratitude. Have you ever just sat and thought about gratitude and you could literally feel it?

But what true love doesn't come with some sacrifice. Its hard to believe almost a year ago, we found out we were pregnant. We were due on our anniversary July 9th. We lost the baby in late November, life a year ago was a sad time for me. Having experienced a loss early in pregnancy is a very lonely beast. Its hard to express and I won't go there today that wasn't the reason I wanted to write. I don't choose to look at that time as darkness anymore but more as an enlightening experience. I wanted to write, because October is pregnancy infant loss awareness month. So many struggle with loss, and its hard to understand why God takes you down a path you never want to travel.

I wasn't going to write about infant loss with the birth of our new baby. But yesterday my mom offered the mass for our baby we lost, it was a surprise she did that as it was something I never thought to do especially now that a year had past. But it was a good reminder of remembrance,  gratitude and reflection about the road we had traveled. Have you ever experienced a tough time and looked around you and noticed different signs from heaven? The last year had given me countless works that lead me to believe everything was ok and in the place it was supposed to be. I believe its God showing us he is there. I understand now, the path God had in store for us and accepted it. As Taylee's very existence wouldn't be; have it not been for the loss. Its truly amazing to see how God works in our lives. Hope everyone finds gratitude in life's struggles and joys! I surely am counting my blessings these days!! As after the storm usually lies a beautiful rainbow of hope. Keep seeking to find and don't give up hope.

 

Meal Prep:

Last night I wanted to show my boys mom was still fun even with a baby latched 24/7 and healing up after a C-section. That they deserved moms attention too. I said, "I have a surprise" We cut up apples together, warmed up some caramel, and sat around a plate and shared caramel apple treats together!! It was fun and they were so excited to do that before bedtime!!

So today with gratitude on the mind, it isn't about meal plans, lists, schedules, etc. Obvious those have been far and in between here. Thankful for my mom, family and friends who have brought us meals so I didn't have to think about meal plans. So instead make a list and be grateful of your blessings and plan a fun family night. Date night. Plan a trip. Get away. Go to the park. Look at the beautiful fall trees.  Just appreciate life!!!! And BE GRATIFUL. Even through the struggles we have a lot to be thankful for.

Sweet Summertime!

Evening Table

Aw the smells of summer, hope everyone has been enjoying the summer. I realize I haven’t written for most of it. Our life has been rather hectic. I’m learning the art of organization, adversity, and reflection. I’ve definitely been utilizing my meal plans for the sake of time. We commute and life is so much less stressful when I get home and I know what’s going to be on the table. I value sitting down together as a family, I think its important for our children to learn to eat what is made, not choose what they want for dinner. It’s such a challenge with toddlers because they do learn what they like and dislike. Many meals are left with full plates and it leaves me angry they don’t want or like to eat what I spent time preparing for them. I guess that is all part of it and it’s also that life lesson, to let go of the small stuff. This week made me reflect on how short life is, a sweet coworker of mine sudden passed away. I remember just the day before talking with her scanning items in the workroom and the next day, she was gone. Life can change in a blink of an eye. It made me think all week about life and how it’s so short and just not fair sometimes. That we worry about things we don’t have control of and the things we do we complain about. So my new motto is to make changes in my life that I do have control of! Make a list for yourself; if you didn’t have tomorrow or ask yourself if the person you loved was gone tomorrow what would you have done today??? So what are you waiting for……… get out there and DO IT!!!!! Check out my meal plan to help with your week planning and make life just a bit less stressful, and spend more time with the people who matter most!!

 

Weekly Dinner Plans

Sunday – Grilled Pork & Potatoes   

Monday – Walking Tacos

Tuesday –Rotelle Pasta with sausage Alfredo & fresh green beans   

Wednesday – Jambalaya & Corn Bread w/ honey

Thursday – Left Overs

Friday – Take Out

Saturday – Burgers, Fries, & Malts

Grocery List

Check your cabinets for ingredients you may already have!

·         2 lbs Ground Beef

·         2 packages of Kielbasa cooked Sausage

·         Bag of frozen diced grilled chicken

·         Pork Chops

·         Bag of Potato’s

·         Garlic Clove

·         Onion

·         Frozen Fries

·         Frozen bag of fajita peppers

·         Fresh Green Beans

·         Lettuce

·         Alfredo Sauce

·         Rotelle Noodles

·         Rice

·         Taco Seasoning

·         Dorito Chips

·         Salsa

·         Can of Diced Tomato’s

·         Tomato Juice

·         Chicken Stock or Bullion cubes

·         Jiffy corn bread mix

·         Honey

·         Ranch

·         Shredded Cheddar Cheese

·         Sliced Cheese for Burgers

·         Buns for hamburgers

·         Vanilla Ice Cream

·         Malt Mix

·         Milk

·         Chocolate Syrup

RECIPES

Sunday – Pork & Potato’s      

Marinade your pork chops on Saturday. Dice some potatoes put in foil with butter, salt, pepper, & parmesan cheese. Grill potatoes and pork on grill.

 

Monday – Walking Tacos

             Ground Beef (Brown 1 lbs of the Hamburger)

            Taco Seasoning

            Doritos

            Salsa

            Cheddar Cheese

            Lettuce

            Top with your favorites!

Follow the directions on Taco packet, cook your meat. Chop up your lettuce. Add lettuce, cooked taco meat, salsa, crunched up Doritos, and all your other favorite taco toppers!!

 Tuesday – Sausage Alfredo w/ Green Beans

Cut up sausage

                1 jar Alfredo Sauce

                 Rotelle pasta

                Basil, Salt, Pepper

Dice up the smoked sausage and throw in skillet. Boil Pasta as directed. Add Sauce to sausage. Season Sauce with basil, salt and pepper. Strain noodles when complete and dinner should be ready! Put the green beans in steamer microwave until soft, add butter and salt and pepper. This was so easy and delicious!

 

Wednesday – Jambalaya & Corn Bread

One Bag of Frozen Fajita Veggies (red pepper, onion, yellow & green peppers)

            Use the ½ of the bag of frozen chicken

            Large can of diced tomatoes

            1 Cup Rice

            1 garlic clove

            ½ tomato juice

            2 cups chicken stock

1/2 tsp (or more!) of hot sauce

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp oregano

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp garlic salt

1 bay leaf

Box of Jiffy
           

Throw your bag of the frozen fajita veggies in the skillet with a little oil. 5-7 minutes or so. Preheat over for jiffy corn bread. While that is cooking cut up the polish sausage into small pieces, toss the meat into the skillet with the veggies by this time they should be soft. Open your can of diced tomatoes throw in un-drained. Add one garlic clove. (I use a garlic press).  Then add your seasonings & rice and cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. While this is simmering mix up your jiffy and put into muffin tins and bake! Top Muffins with butter and honey!!

 

      

Thursday – Left Over’s Night

You should have plenty of left overs to feast and eat up what you have in your fridge or freeze what you don’t eat.

 

Friday – TAKE OUT

Saturday – Burgers, Fries, & Malts

Make hamburger patties with salt and pepper. Preheat the oven as directions for fries. Blend up your ice cream, malt mix, chocolate, and milk in blender.