Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day friends. Do you have romantic plans with your loved one? I think most importantly on Valentine's Day is that we let each other know we love them and appreciate their presence in our lives. And with Lent here, maybe its a time to have God be present in our lives as well and acknowledge him through daily prayer, maybe even practice it together as a family.

What was Valentine's day derived from anyway?

Story of St. Valentine

"The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian Martyr.   The emperor was Claudius II.   The Christian was Valentinus.

Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, and had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians.   But Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ; not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs.   He was arrested and imprisoned.

During the last weeks of Valentinus's life a remarkable thing happened.   Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might be brought to Valentinus for lessons.   She had been blind since birth.   Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind.   Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to her.   He described the world of nature to her.   He taught her arithmetic and told her about God.  She saw the world through his eyes, trusted his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.

"Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?" Julia asked one day.

"Yes, my child, He hears each one."

"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night?  I pray that I might see.   I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"

"God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him," Valentinus said.

"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe! I do!"  She knelt and grasped his hand.

They sat quietly together, each praying.   Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell.   Radiant, Julia screamed, "Valentinus, I can see!  I can see!"

"Praise be to God!"  Valentinus exclaimed, and he knelt in prayer.

On the eve of his death Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God.   He signed it, "From your Valentine."  His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory.   He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome.   It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave.   Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship.   On each February 14, Saint Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world."

 

 

Weekly Dinner Plans

Sunday – Meatballs & Cheesy Potato’s

Monday – Philly’s & Ramon Slaw Salad

Tuesday – Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, & Dumplings

Wednesday –   Tacos & Black Beans

Thursday – Spaghetti & Corn

Friday – Favorite Take Out

Saturday – Pork Chops & Green Beans

Grocery List

·         3 lbs of Hamburger

·          Pork Chops

·         1 Frozen section pepper jacks philly meat

·         Smoked Sausage

·         Hash Browns

·         Cheddar Cheese

·         Provolone Slices of cheese

·         Sour Cream

·         Evaporated Milk

·         Hoagie Buns

·         Tortilla’s

·         Taco Mix

·         French onion soup

·         Cream of Chix Soup

·         Salsa

·         Sauerkraut

·         Asparagus

·         Corn

·         Black Beans

·         Spaghetti Sauce

·         Spaghetti Noodles

·         Hoagie Buns

 

RECIPES

Sunday –Meatballs & Cheesy Tators

            Meat Mixture: 1 lb hamburger

                1 Cup Oatmeal

                1 egg

                ½ t. pepper, ½ t. garlic powder, ½ t. salt, ½ t. chili powder

                Chopped Onion

                ½ Cup evaporated milk or milk if you don’t have any!

                SAUCE: 2 Cup ketchup, 1 ½ Brown Sugar, 2 Tbsp. liquid smoke, chopped onion, garlic powder

Mix the meat ingredients. Shape into balls, place in dish. Pour sauce on top. Bake 350 for 45 minutes. Find your favorite Cheesy potato recipe and throw in the oven with the meatballs.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday – Philly’s &  French Onion Soup

            Philly Meat

            Hoagie buns

            French onion soup

            Provolone Cheese

Heat up your philly meat on stove top as direct on package, once completed. Place hoagie buns on baking sheet, butter the bread, scoop meat on bun along with cheese. Heat oven to boil. Put in oven but watch closely shouldn’t take but a few minutes. As bread is heating, put your French onion soup in cups (I like to use little tea cups) with a little mozzarella cheese and microwave for a couple minutes. Cut your sandwiches and place French onion soup on plate. Garnish with pickles. Don’t forget to dip your sandwich in soup!! So yummy!!

 Tuesday – Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and dumplings

Polish Sausage

Sauerkraut

Simmer the roll of sausage and sauerkraut on stovetop to heat.

Dumplings are super easy this is my Aunt Rita’s recipe. 2 C flour. 2/3 C milk. 1 egg. ¼ t. salt. 2 t. baking powder. Add all the dry ingredients. Add egg, milk, and stir. Knead the dough and start forming nice balls. Boil 2 inches of water, and put the dumplings in cook for 10 minutes but DO NOT LIFT THE LID. After 10 minutes take out and put in with your sauerkraut and meat dish! Who doesn’t love a little ketchup and mustard to go with!

 

Wednesday – Taco’s & Black Beans

                Ground Beef (Brown 2 lbs of the Hamburger, you’ll use the 1 lb for tomorrow spaghetti)

            Taco Seasoning

            Tortillas

            Salsa

            Cheddar Cheese

            Top with your favorites!

Follow the directions on Taco packet, its super easy! Throw black beans in microwave while cooking. After dinner is finished save the remaining taco meat for tomorrow’s meal!!

 

 Thursday – Spaghetti & Corn

                Spaghetti Sauce

                Spaghetti noodles

                Meat

                Corn

Throw your meat and sauce to simmer. Boil noodles. Microwave the corn!

Friday – TAKE OUT

 

Saturday – Pork Chops & Asparagus   

Grill Pork chops & Asparagus

 

Don't get caught with an Empty Fridge!!!

This was my menu from last week. We started swim lessons up again; so I needed to start up my menu plans because the weeks are getting busy. On those busy nights plan ahead so you have left overs to quickly eat before or after activities. It was great and stress free. We got home and had left overs in the fridge so it was quick and easy supper. Make your life easier by planning ahead or following this menu guide to help!!!! Enjoy your weekly menu friends!!!!

 

Weekly Dinner Plans

Monday – Polish Dogs with Kraut & Dumplings

Tuesday – Chili & Cinnamon Rolls      

Wednesday – Stromboli & Corn       

Thursday – Left Overs; Chili Dogs

Friday – Take Out

Saturday – Eat out or YOU PICK and add the ingredients to your meal plan.  

Sunday – Roast with Veggies (make sure your read to the bottom for TIP!!!)

Grocery List

Check your List before you go to the store, you may already have some of these items!!!

·         Polish Dogs (get enough for two meals)

·         3 lbs hamburger

·         Beef Roast

·         Pepperoni   

·         Onion

·         Baby Carrots

·         Garlic

·         Potato’s

·         Green Beans

·         Corn

·         Sauerkraut

·         Bean for Chili (we use Black beans)

·         Lg Can of Tomato Sauce

·         Lg Can of Diced Tomato’s

·         Chili Packet

·         Spaghetti Noodles

·         2 Cans Spaghetti Sauce

·         Hot Dog Buns

·         Shredded Cheddar Cheese

·         Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

·         Hot Roll Mix Dough (This is in the Cake mix section)

·         Beer to cook polish dogs in! (I’m sure you already have some in your fridge though)

·         Celery Seeds

·         Caraway Seeds

·         Brown Sugar

·         Onion Powder

·         Dill Weed

·         Cinnamon Rolls

RECIPES

Monday – Polish Dogs with Kraut & Dumplings

            Polish Dogs thawed (I love to get the made ones behind the meat counter at Hyvee)

            2 cans of Beer

Seasonings: 1/8 tsp celery salt, 1 TBSP Brown Sugar, 1/8 tsp onion powder, 1/8 tsp black pepper

            1 Can Sauerkraut

Put brats in skillet over medium heat. Mix beer and all seasonings stiring in brown sugar to dissolve. Pour over brats. Bring to boil and reduce heat for 10 min with lid on top. Take lid off, simmer 20 minutes. While the brats are simmering. Start to boil water for dumplings.

Dumplings; 2 Cup flour; 2/3 cup milk, 1 egg, ¼ tsp salt, 2 tsp baking powder.

Add all dry ingredients, then add milk and egg. Knead dough. Form into balls, and drop in water. Once all dough is in the water. Put the lid on the pot and do NOT open for 10 minutes. Make sure heat is medium-low so it doesn’t boil over.

Heat Sauerkraut.

Boil the extra brats so they are done for Thurs. Chili dog meal and put in fridge for later.

 

 Tuesday – Chili & Cinnamon Rolls   

                Hamburger (make 2 lbs put half in fridge for tomorrows meal)

                Onion/Garlic

                Chili Packet

                Tomato Sauce/Diced Tom.

                Beans

Pre-heat oven for cinnamon rolls. Super easy just follow directions on back of chili packet. I also Sautee the onions and garlic first then throw everything in to simmer as long as you can wait. Remember to rinse the beans. Serve with Carrots on the side and cinnamon rolls from oven.

 

Wednesday – Stromboli & Corn       

            Hot Roll Mix

            Left Over Hamburger

            Spaghetti Sauce

            Moz Cheese

            Pepperoni

Preheat Oven. Take out the leftover hamburger meat from the fridge you saved from Tuesday night! Make the Hot Roll Mix follow directions for pizza dough. After dough has rested, roll out the dough long and flat. Spread Sauce, add meat, pepperoni, & Cheese. Fold the dough over the top like a runza; brush with oil or butter sprinkle with garlic powder; then bake for 375 for 35-40  minutes or until golden brown. Pop in oven. Serve with Corn on the side!

 

Thursday – Left Overs Chili Dogs

You already have the cooked brauts & cooked Chili. Heat away in our wonderful microwave. You can broil the buns with hot dogs and chili with cheese in the oven for a couple minutes to heat the cheese.

 

Friday – TAKE OUT

Saturday – EAT OUT

Sunday – Roast in the Crock with Veggies

Throw the roast, veggies with seasoning water and if I have some red wine I will toss a bit of that in and cook for 8 hrs on low.

TIP: …..Remember to save the juices after you eat and shred up the leftover meat. Pour juice in a container and put in the fridge. Once you are ready to use it; you can peel the fat off the top (it will be solid) throw away the fat and keep the good beef stock liquid at the bottom. Then you will use this for next Monday night’s meal, for Beef soup.

Kindness

I wanted to sincerely thank everyone for their kind words to us from my last blog post. Its amazing the out pour of support. Truly its been a blessing to receive the messages & to see the reach of over 5,300 people. But most of all the stories I heard from other women who experienced the same situation and how they felt they were not alone. Some of those women had miscarriages, stillbirth, SIDS or premature births that resulted in infant death; some that were 20 + years ago or even within the last few months, one mother shared the same due date, so we plan to stay in touch as we know that day in our futures will be tough. They told me how they dealt with their loss and still think of their baby today. That is truly why I wanted to write, I didn't want to shock the world of our news for those we didn't share, or have others feel sorry for us or think I wanted attention from the world. I wanted to bring awareness to the fact that it is ok to speak of this, it shouldn't be made to feel like a private matter, its still a celebration of life. We created a life and God called him or her forth. It is just as much a being as others who take their first steps, its still a child of God. I have enjoyed hearing all of your stories and have built relationships with other women throughout the world. Each who are going through a time they needed someone to say, "I understand, that is exactly how I feel; I'm so sorry for your loss" the sharing of stories, blogs, articles, & songs to help one another through a time to bring us each peace and hope have been truly an inspiration.

I wanted to share one song primarily which has touched me so much. So, thank you to those of you who lead me to this song. Please listen to the link below. His name is Craig Aven, his wife's name is Tess. They lost 2 babies to miscarriage and he wrote a song about it. Its touched my heart and soul so much I want to share if you haven't already heard this. I have been following this amazing family and they recently announced on his page..........; "We are humbled and EXCITED to take this big step of faith, and announce that we are going on tour! Tess and I have been inspired by your stories of healing and hope that have been pouring in after the release of some of our latest songs. Please help us spread the word."

It is amazing how sharing our stories of hardships can help others so much and how kindness is received and spread throughout our world, can really change our world. Craig and his wife Tess are interested in touring in Lincoln, Nebraska please message me on facebook if you know of how we can help them get here.

Thanks for coming to read. I will be posting a menu and back to evening table today!!! More to read on this snowy Groundhog day!!

https://www.facebook.com/craig.aven.3/videos/vb.622867619/10153464588462620/?type=2&theater

Write. When. It. hurts.

I’ve been MIA from Evening table. This week was a revelation of why I have distanced myself from writing. I actually have been journaling independently instead of publicly writing as it’s been a tough few months. I’ve been in silence with my own words and feelings. I’ve been locked in solitude and closure through counsel in my white pages and black pen. Have you tried to Journal before? Its a great release, please try this if you find the time. I wanted to forget about evening table for a while to heal. This week I ran into my friend who helped design my blogger business cards and logo. She asked how evening table was going. I said, “Forgive me I haven’t been writing. I haven’t logged into my account for 3 months. I’m just too busy.” That was a lie. Because every week I try to find the courage to write and I can not bring myself to it. Part of my blog vision is to always write about something my readers can relate to. That they can connect to and take away to make their life better or easier. Well the last months; I've gotten more views to my page, random likes to my Facebook, people are still reading my blog and visiting frequently. It’s been a constant reminder that evening table was still something worth reading. But I haven’t written because I have been locked in a place of silence. Because the one thing that has been constant on my mind, I haven't been ready to write about.  Then last Friday driving to work I listened to the radio and a blogger was talking about her books, her blog, and that the most inspiring written documents are those that touch others. The ones that dig in deep, that link people to experiences and touch their soul. The stories that connect people in a way that brings them peace; where in times of sorrow they can gravitate to a happier place, and find faith and hope. The writer on the radio said, “Write when it hurts.” It pierced me; and that was it; "my revelation". The moment that brought tears to my eyes, the moment God told me, I needed to write, because people still think its worth the read, and if it touches one person then I accomplished my goal here.

So today I will get out my pen, and write my story..................and hopefully touch one person or many.......

We found out this fall we were pregnant with our 3^rd child, we were overjoyed with excitement to add to our family another baby. It was such a blessing as it was right after my grandmother Ludy Birkel passed away. It was a joy in a sadden time of loss and grief. It gave me comfort to think my grandmother was the first to learn of my baby, even before I knew my child existed. The due date was July 9^th; our 5^th wedding anniversary. What an amazing blessing, we were so happy. On November 22^nd I started to miscarry. We lost our precious angel baby on November 25^th. It was truly devastating and heart wrenching pain, I have never felt. I didn’t know such love or pain existed. The loss of a child no matter how long you carry that baby; you have a piece of your heart removed forever. And I truly mean that, its been a journey. Grief is a journey, I'm doing ok, I tell you I am doing good. But I will never get over this; it remains constant in my mind.  I will never forget my sweet baby angel; we named her; Millie Faith Wilson. She will always have a place in our heart forever and I look forward to our reunion someday. My faith has carried me through this struggle and I trust in God's plan.

Here is a beautiful prayer by Mother M Angelica; it has given me profound comfort.

In Loving Memory of Millie Faith and All the Other Babies taken too Soon!!

"You see, the child lives. Instead of the wind she hears the sound of angels singing before My throne. Instead of the beauty that passes she sees everlasting Beauty. She sees My face. She was created and lived a short time so the image of her parents imprinted on her face may stand before Me as their personal intercessor. She knows secrets of heaven unknown to men on earth. She laughs with a special joy that only the innocent possess. My ways are not the ways of man. I create for My Kingdom and each creature fills a place in that Kingdom that could not be filled by another. She was created for My joy and her parents’ merits. She has never seen pain or sin. She has never felt hunger or pain. I breathed a soul into a seed, made it grow and called it forth.”

 

 

 

Hello Again

Hi Friends!

 

I'm so sorry I haven't wrote in a while. First off, I forgot my password to my account & Secondly, I’m blaming it on the fact I was transitioning into a new job. Which is super awesome and exciting! A great opportunity landed on my lap. I’m back in insurance utilizing my insurance broker license, and with my expertise in health care senior venue I’m dabbling in the world of Individual Health plans along with Medicare. Fun stuff!! Really it is, I mean that too, it’s something we all need and I feel I can help people maneuver a really perplexing market. November 1^st is open enrollment, give me a shout out if you need some help. I’m not telling you that to sell you. But I wanted to share that we all can make changes in our lives that lead us to our goals. But you have to examine your goals and where you are at. Where are you going? Where do you want to go? How do you get there? You have to make a list of career goals and go out and find the path that matches those goals. Take a strength finder test (I just took Strength Finder 2.0 by Gallup, thanks to my new company Unico), it will help you to understand your skill set and what areas you excel. Once you read it, you are like, duh? I knew that. And then from there you continue to build on those strengths and key traits. And always, to help others grow to be the best they can be as well. Hope it inspired you friends, now go out there and seize the world.  

Now onto the meal plans!

I do not have a beautiful menu this week, but this is what I made:

Sunday – Oven Baked Chicken and Carrots

Monday – Tator Tot Casserole

Tuesday – Arby’s family Drive through (we got rear ended in the drive - thru line, really damn people texting and driving! She said her car jolted when she put it in park.)

Wednesday – This was an amazing new recipe I tried, I was craving some German Brats, Kraut, and Dumplings.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/228406/beer-glazed-brats-and-sauerkraut/ 

Tonight we are having left overs!!

 

Have a great night folks. Promise I will write again so

Back to School

 

Its hard to believe its back to school time! Its such an exciting time for kids to start a new year. But for moms & dads can bring about hectic lifestyle changes, what a better week to plan ahead and relieve some stress. I put together a menu for you to make your week easier! Hope you all had a great summer filled with memories! Enjoy Friends!

Dinner Plans

Sunday – Pizza Burgers with Zucchini and Squash on the grill.

Monday – Cavatini and Sweet Corn

Tuesday – Rice Bowls

Wednesday – BLT’s with Sweet Potato Fries

Thursday – Left Overs

Friday – Favorite Take Out

Saturday – Pizza Muffins, Veggie Bag & Watermelon Picnic outside.

Grocery List

·         2 Ibs Ground Beef

·         Pepperoni

·         Bacon

·         Pizza Sauce

·         Spaghetti Sauce

·         Zucchini

·         Squash

·         Sweet Corn

·         Lettuce

·         Tomato

·         Onion

·         Garlic

·         Watermelon

·         Moz Cheese

·         Provolone Sliced Cheese

·         Hamburger Buns

·         English Muffins

·         Bread for BLT’s

·         Noodles (favorite for cavatina I usually use macaroni and rigatoni)

·         Bag of Frozen green and red peppers

·         Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

·         Frozen Pepper Jacks Steak Meat

·         Favorite Steamer Bag of Veggies

·         Can of black beans

·         Rice

·         Salsa

·         Ranch

  

RECIPES

Sunday – Pizza Burgers with Zucchini and Squash on the grill

Prep your ground beef for burgers on the grill. Slice up the zucchini and squash put in foil with oil and salt and pepper. Grill burgers and veggies. Last few minutes on grill melt provolone cheese & few pepperoni’s on burgers along with the buns to toast them. Once complete top the burger with some pizza sauce.  

Tuesday – Cavatini and Sweet Corn   

Spaghetti Sauce

                Cavatini noodles

                Ground Beef

                Pepperoni

                Onion/Garlic

                Moz Cheese

                Sweet Corn

Brown your meat. Boil noodles. When the noodles are complete dish them out and leave the water to use for the corn. Prep Corn and put in water. Preheat oven 350. Once meat is done, saute onion and garlic. Add the sauce to the meat, onion, and garlic mix it up. Once the noodles are done. Throw everything into a casserole dish. Top with Moz cheese and put in oven for 30 mins or so.

 Tuesday – Rice Bowls   

Philly Meat

                Frozen Pepper Veggies

                Rice

                Salsa

                Ranch

Heat the 2 philly meat as directed on package. Put frozen veggies in and simmer until done. Prepare your rice. Serve philly meat and veggie over bed of rice, compliment with salsa and ranch!!

Wednesday – BLT’S & Sweet Potato Fries

            Preheat Oven for Fries and get those ready before you start the bacon. Then turn skillet on medium heat add your strips of bacon (3 minutes on each side, you will notice when brown, I like to overcook mine so it’s nice and crunchy). As bacon gets done put on plate topped with paper towels to drain grease. Slice the tomato, clean your lettuce. Once bacon is almost finished, start to toast your bread. Top bread with mayo, tomato, lettuce then add your bacon. Cut in half.

Friday – Its your night off, order take out or have your hubby prepare dinner!!

Saturday – Pizza Muffins & Veggies

            English Muffins

            Pizza Sauce

            Moz Cheese   

            Pepperoni

This is super super easy and fun for the kids. Make sure all muffins are sliced. You will make these just like pizza. So top the muffin with pizza sauce, then cheese and top with pepperonis. Broil in the oven on low for only a few minutes you can watch until the cheese is melted and bread is toasted. My kids loved it. I threw a steamer bag in the mic, then sliced up some watermelon and we had a picnic outside!