The Toy Box Years: Menu Monday

The Creators of the Toy Box Years

The creators of the Toy Box Years are my two beautiful daughters and wonderful, handsome soldier husband.

"Nani" (our oldest) is a 11 year old 6th grader who loves Taylor Swift, ballet, books, fashion designing and sewing. Ask her what she wants to be when she grows up and it changes daily to anything from "an artist" to "a teacher" to "a singer/dancer". Nani is also currently fighting a battle against brain cancer -- recently diagnosed in June 2016.

"Nudgie" (our youngest) is a very smiley, very happy, very giggly, very spirited 8 year old 3rd Grader who's favorite toys are anything that gives mommy an anxiety attack - ladders, stepstools, the climbing wall at the playground. Like her sister, she has a love of reading and coloring, loves gymnastics and still provides mommy lots of snuggle time!

"My Marine" is my high school sweetheart. We've been married over 20 years and met when we were 17. (You do the math....) His favorite toys are Blackhawk helicopters, the lawnmower, our steam cleaner, and microbrew beer bottles. My husband is also my hero in that he proudly serves his country as a Blackhawk crew chief (hence his favorite toy!). And need I say that there is nothing hotter than my man in uniform!

All About Me......

Once upon a time I had a career and worked in the corporate world. Once upon a time, I dreamed about leaving that all behind to follow my true calling -- being a wife and mommy.

The first part of my calling was fulfilled in 1995 when I married my Marine (now soldier) and my love. Little did I know that being a military wife would change me in so many ways and that because of that, I would have an extended family all over the world from Japan, to California, to North Carolina.

The second part of my calling took a little doing, but I finally achieved that dream in 2004 with the birth of our first child, followed 4 years later by her baby sister.

So now, when someone asks me what I do for a living - I simply smile and say proudly that I'm following my calling - I'm a mommy and a wife -- and I couldn't be HAPPIER -- I'm living in the Toy Box Years!!

Menu Monday

Next week I'm hoping to display a custom-drawn header for Menu Monday! I asked Nani to draw me a picture of her and I cooking in the kitchen. The end result is adorable! I just need to scan it in and upload it! Stay tuned!

In the meantime, I did my grocery shopping this week and got stocked up with some great deals on fresh vegetables and meat.

So here's our menu plan for the week......

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Monday - 1/30

Marinated cod filets
Mashed potatoes
Green beans
Homemade rolls

Tuesday - 1/31

(Night flight for My Marine)

Grilled cheese
Veggies & Dip
Apple slices

Wednesday - 2/1

(Night flight for My Marine)
Ravioli

Thursday - 2/2

Stuffed peppers
Mashed potatoes
Homemade rolls

Friday - 2/3
Nachos

Saturday - 2/4

Make Your Own Pizzas
Caesar salad
Brownie Bites

Sunday - 2/5

Superbowl Sunday
We're all gathering at a friend's house to watch the game.
I'll be making my taco dip and maybe my hot bacon/mushroom dip.

So, what's on YOUR menu for the week?

3 comments:

MaryAnne January 30, 2012 at 6:15 AM: Saturday's dinner sounds really fun!

Great menus, as always =)
Vivian Kirkfield January 30, 2012 at 9:17 PM: Love your menu, Jenn...can I come over. :)
I also love to plan ahead...it makes the week so much easier...and the shopping a snap.
This week I made a tofu parmagiana casserole and a sauteed Chablis chicken/apple/raisin/pineapple dish.
Monday: Chablis Chicken/rice/salad
Tuesday: Tofu parm, spaghetti, garlic bread
Wednesday: Chicken salad wraps, oven baked fries
Thursday: Salmon on the grill, grilled onions/pepppers/mushrooms
Friday: Leftover tofu parm, spaghetti, green beans
Saturday: Western omlet w/mushrooms, onions/peppers
And then on Sunday I'll decide what to make for the next week. :)
rhonda January 31, 2012 at 11:06 AM: I'm coming for dinner!