Random Recent Pics

Aaron is getting so big. He will be 9 months old on Tues. He doesn't sit, doesn't crawl, doesn't roll much, except from his belly to his back, but he is a pretty happy baby. And Joel loves him. Right now Joel is taking pics of him with his toy camera.

These two are either playing very nicely together or at each others throats! They are the closest in age of all 4 boys so it will be interesting to see how they interact together as they grow older. All the boys love books. We have been going to the library every week and checking out stacks of books and they all love to sit and look at the new finds each week. Yesterday Joel got up from his nap and went and took a stack of books back to bed with him to look at. I was surprised to see how long he stayed in bed looking at his books!

This boy's trouble! :-) He is definitely at a very active age. He likes to hang around mommy and is at the age where he likes to test his boundaries. Keeps me hopping but he's definitely a sweetie, especially when he says, "Love you mommy!"

Aaron loves his exersaucer. He spends large portions of time in here, especially because he doesn't sit. He has just started to really like his infant cereal and its so funny to see him open his mouth wide as the spoon comes toward him. We are starting to see his unique personality more and more. I love how when I pick him up, he curls his body in and snuggles into my shoulder. He always has a happy chirp when I get him up from his crib.

Daddy snoozing with the middle two boys.

Solitude

Here's Andrew's solution to escaping his younger brothers:

Climb in crib in order to work in peace!

Great Minds Think Alike

So funny to see the boys copying each other years down the road...

Here's Andrew sharing all his toys with Noah when Noah was about 3 months old.

He was completely surrounded!

And here's Joel sharing all his toys with Aaron!

Orthodontist anyone?

Andrew's double row of teeth.

The Ultimate Pie Experience

My neighbor and friend, Vonnie Engelsma, recently started a pie company. A friend gave me a slice of her specialty pie, the Sweetie Pie, to taste today and it was phenomenal! The Sweetie Pie consists of chocolate, pecan praline, cream cheese and a cookie crust. I would highly recommend Vonnie's pies for your next special occasion. Check them out at Maisy's Pie Company.

What's Cookin'

3 meals in the crockpot this week!

Mon~PW's beef stew, bread, applesauce

Tues~Beef enchiladas, salad

Wed~Crockpot spaghetti, salad, cheddar onion biscuits

Thurs~Crockpot chili, bread

Fri~Pizza, veggies

Sat~Taco salad

Sun~Swiss steak, applesauce

Noah's hat

Trying to get a picture of Noah's hat...

oops, missed...

mid-twirl...

gotcha!

Grandma V made the boys each of these nice warm hats for the snow, but they get worn inside too. :-)

Salad for lunch

Here's what I made for lunch yesterday:

It was really yummy and it made me feel like I was eating healthy. :-)

Ingredients:

Romaine and Boston lettuce

toasted almonds

mandarin oranges

Oscar Mayer chicken (I got this for $1 at Meijer this week)

provolone cheese

I drizzled the above with honey poppyseed dressing from my Joy cookbook:

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons cider vinegar (or other fruit vinegar)

1 small shallot, minced (I used some onion flakes)

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (I used spicy mustard)

1 teaspoon poppy seed

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

*Whisk all ingredients together or shake in jar.

My mother-in-law gives this cookbook to all her daughters/daughters-in-law when they get married and I appreciate it more and more every time I use it. Good, quality recipes.

What's Cookin'

Mon~Hamburger steak, leftover mashed potatoes/rice, corn, salad

Tues~Beef Enchiladas, salad, applesauce

Wed~Spaghetti, bread, carrots

Thurs~Baked chicken, roasted potatoes, green beans

Fri~Pizza, salad

Sat~Out

Sun~PW's beef stew, bread

Preschool: N

This week we learned the letter N. I made play dough and the kids had fun making the letter N and other letters. They also cut N's out of magazines and N pictures like nose.

Kaiya, very happy with her letter N!

Connie did an excellent job.

Ethan is all smiles.

Andrew needed a break from all his hard work. :-)

Andrew's to-do list

Andrew asked me to write him a list which he dictated to me. While I was cleaning tonight, I found it with each item crossed off and checked as he finished them.

Frog in a blanket

Brotherly Love

Yesterday the boys were playing downstairs and I heard Noah start crying (rather theatrically) and then Andrew's frantic voice as Noah came up the stairs to "tell on Andrew": "Noah, punch me, Noah, punch me!"

Homemade Yogurt

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/storebought-or-homemade-yogurt.php

Has anyone made homemade yogurt? My kids love yogurt and I like giving it to them except it gets expensive. Joel has yogurt every day because we have not yet been able to get him to drink milk (its coming!).

Here's a recipe for yogurt in the crockpot that looks super easy. I think I'll get some plain yogurt and try it the crockpot way first. All you really need is 1/2 a cup of yogurt and milk, plus some sweeteners or thickeners if you choose to add those.

New favorite blog

Saving Addiction is my new favorite blog. My friend Heidi told me about it and I like it because the bloggers are both from Michigan and concentrate on stores that are local to my area. Click on the picture to check them out.

Girls already?

It was just Andrew and I last night while Daddy took Noah and Joel to visit his grandparents and Aaron was sleeping. So he and Mom sat in the kitchen and had some hot cocoa. Andrew started asking me about all the Christmas card pic photos on the fridge and then said, "Mom, next time you see Lydia's mom, can you ask her for a picture of her family?"

"Why do you want that?" I asked.

"Because she's pretty," he said, "Did you see the pretty blue Sunday shirt she wore?"

And so it begins. :-)

Divided, The Film

Here's a clip where Paul Washer talks about the grave error many pastors are making in their large churches by catering to carnal people with carnal means instead of ministering to the smaller group that makes up God's true flock.

Divide, The Film (summary)

There is a crisis. Christian youth are rapidly leaving evangelical churches for the world. This well-recognized disaster has been the topic of significant discussion in recent years for both church leaders and modern news media. DIVIDED follows young Christian filmmaker Philip LeClerc on a revealing journey as he seeks answers to what has led his generation away from the church.

Traveling across the country conducting research and interviewing church kids, youth ministry experts, evangelists, statisticians, social commentators, and pastors, Philip discovers the shockingly sinister roots of modern, age-segregated church programs, and equally shocking evidence that the pattern in the Bible for training future generations is at odds with modern church practices.

He also discovers a growing number of churches that are abandoning age-segregated Sunday school and youth ministry to embrace the discipleship model that God prescribes in His Word.

Taken from sermonaudio.com

Reforming Modern Youth Evangelism and Discipleship

Just listened to this conference message by Rev. Paul Washer. The title doesn't really contain what his message was about. He started out by talking about how many Christians try to lead unbelievers to Christ by getting them to pray a prayer and then telling them, Hey, you're saved! He says this is why there are so many people out there who say they are saved but go on living sinful lives. They were never really saved, but well-meaning Christians told them they were because they prayed a prayer. Rev. Washer says that first one has to have conviction of sin, be repentant of that sin, and then he has to dwell on the promises of God until he truly believes and has assurance that he is saved. This process could take minutes or it could take months, even years. He also explains how to Biblically approach children and youth who made a decision for Christ when they were young but as they grow older, their behavior is anything but Christian. He touched on children's church, family worship, and evangelizing to unbelievers. I think the most convicting part of his message was when he talked about how the leaders in our churches and parents have abandoned the spirtual teaching of their children and youth to the spiritually immature. Our elders should be teaching our Sunday schools, not well-meaning, but spiritually immature people or even teachers who are coerced into it because of the need. Fathers need to be teaching their children during family worship or they are not keeping the promise they made in baptism. He also talked about how boys want to be men and girls want to be women and how fathers and mothers need to spend time with their children doing manly/womanly things. He shares a humorous story of his young son and him practicing bow hunting in their backyard and how critical these types of activities are in the training of boys. I hope to listen to this message again some time this week when I can take more detailed notes. Truly a blessed message.

Paul Washer is an itinerant preacher and the General Director for HeartCry Missionary Society - their website address is www.heartcrymissionary.com (sermonaudio.com)

Recipes of Late

Cheddar Onion Biscuits

I made these tonight to go with our spaghetti since I am out of yeast and can't make bread. They were fabulous! Similar to Red Lobster biscuits, but no garlic.

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Strawberry Bread (recipe from What's Cookin' in Kalamazoo)

2(10 oz) packages of frozen strawberries, thawed (I used about 4 cups and drained some of the liquid)

4 eggs

1 1/4 veg oil

3 c. flour

2 c. sugar

3 t cinnamon

1 t baking soda

1 t salt

Grease and flour 2 (5x9 in) loaf pans. Combine all ingredients; stir by hand until well blended. Pour into pans and bake for 1 hr at 350. Let stand 10-20 minutes in the pan (This is crucial! I didn't wait on the first pan and I made a big mess.) before removing from pan.

Excellent bread! Very moist and unique strawberry flavor.

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Chocolate Whoopies (from TOH)

Ingredients

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 
  FILLING:
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 
  GARNISH:
• 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil and vanilla; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
• Drop by 2 tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until edges are set. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
• For filling, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, flour and salt. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Cool completely.
• In a large bowl, beat the shortening and butter until fluffy. Beat in chocolate mixture and vanilla.
• Spread chocolate filling on the bottoms of half of the cookies, about 2 tablespoons on each; top with remaining cookies. Roll sides in miniature chocolate chips for garnish. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: about 1 dozen.

Super yummy!

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Chunky Veggie Dip

Veggies I used~Green pepper, red pepper, celery, sweet onion, and cucumber (made it a little runny). Served with whole wheat Ritz crackers for a yummy snack.

Stunning Mathematics

Check this out. Pretty neat!

What's Cookin'

Mon~PW's beef stew, applesauce, biscuits

Tues~Quiche, fruit

Wed~Shepherd's Pie (potluck)

Thurs~Pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, carrots

Fri~Mexican Mess, salad

Sat~Pizza

Sun~Pork fried rice, green beans

Ruins of Detroit

It's no secret that the city of Detroit, MI has been in decline for years. Here's a link to some haunting decaying buildings of that once great metropolitan. I can't help but picture what these buildings looked like years ago when they were new and bustling with people. They seem to hearken to a grander era. Part of me wishes I could have experienced the civility and nostalgia of that time.

What's Cookin'

Mon~Baked chicken, brown rice, carrots

Tues~Pancakes, bacon, canned fruit

Wed~Spaghetti, bread, green beans salad

Thurs~Pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, veggie

Fri~Cousins' Night out-jello salad

Sat~Pizza, raw veggies

Sun~Mexican mess, salad

5 Minute Artisan Bread

Image from food.com

So I've seen this recipe floating around and I was really skeptical. Bread that takes only 5 minutes? No way. Bread needs to take a really long time, make a huge mess of the kitchen, and give you sore arms from kneading so much. But, I really wanted some homemade bread for dinner the other night and thought I'd give it a try. And I wish I had tried it months ago! It really does take 5 minutes to whip up, plus it makes enough for 4 loaves and keeps in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It was an airy loaf of bread that the boys gulped down. Definitely going in my book of 'keeper' recipes.

Here's the recipe I used.

Edit: Here's a pic of my bread. Bummer I ran out of yeast last week. It would go great with our spaghetti tonight!

Rep. James Lankford, Oklahoma-Arguing against federal funded abortions

Cheap Pampers Diapers on Amazon

Here's how:

1. Sign up for an Amazon Mom account. I've been an Amazon Mom for about 6 months and love it. Free shipping on everything and discounts on baby products.

2. Go to this page and clip the $1.50 off Pampers coupon.

3. You will be redirected to the Pampers diapers that will work with the coupon. Choose your diapers.

4. Click on Subscribe and Save and you will get 30% off your purchase. You can choose to receive your diapers every 1, 3 or 6 months. (Some people sign up to get the discount and then cancel their subscription. I'm on the fence as to whether that's right or not. Thoughts? I've heard convincing arguments both ways.) Amazon sends a reminder when another package of diapers will be shipped.

I used my $10 for $20 Amazon gift card to get 176 size 4 diapers for $17.12!

UPDATE: Just got this email from Amazon Mom.

Dear Amazon Mom Member,

Congratulations, you've earned a 1-month extension of your FREE Two-Day Shipping benefits from Amazon Mom! Based on your recent purchases from the Baby Store, you now have Amazon Prime shipping benefits through March 30, 2011.

We'll continue to grant you an additional month of Amazon Prime shipping benefits for each $25 you spend within a single order in the Baby Store. You are now eligible to earn up to 8 additional months (see more details here).

A list of your qualifying orders is provided below, and can always be found in Your Account.

Thanks for being a member of Amazon Mom,

The Amazon Mom Team

Plum District: Papa Murphy's

Go here to get a $10 Papa Murphy's gift card for $5.

This post contains a referral link.

PS I've hit over 400 posts!

What's Cookin'

Mon~Bacon and cheese quiche, cinnamon biscuits, fruit

Tues~Spaghetti bake, salad, carrots, bread

Wed~Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots (I just cleaned the fridge and we have about 4 lbs of carrots!)

Thurs~Out for my birthday

Fri~Pork tenderloin, rice, green beans

Sat~The most unbelievably great pizza you make at home. :-)

Sunday~Beef veggie soup, bread

Roe v. Wade, Obama style

Here's President Obama's statement on 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade:

Today marks the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, and affirms a fundamental principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters.

I am committed to protecting this constitutional right. I also remain committed to policies, initiatives, and programs that help prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant women and mothers, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption.

And on this anniversary, I hope that we will recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights, the same freedoms, and the same opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.

Constitutional right? I must have missed that in my copy of the constitution. Oh, and President Obama must have missed the fact that 3 out of 5 African American pregnancies end in abortion and that if this keeps up, the African American population will dwindle, not thrive.

Yum

Photo from PW

This looks so good that I'm about ready to chuck 5 boys (I'm babysitting) in the car and go buy me some cube steak. If I knew what cube steak was, where to find it, how much it costs, etc. I will definitely be checking that out next time I go grocery shopping.

Blood Money

I just watched a shortened version of this. A must see.

Sanctity of Life Sunday

First observed in 1984 by President Reagan, Sanctity of Life Sunday is a day set apart to affirm our belief in the sanctity of human life. Not surprisingly, Presidents Clinton and Obama discontinued the practice. Tomorrow is the day pro-life advocates have set apart as Sanctity of Life Sunday. Remember the unborn, the women who are victims of abortion, and pray that God will be merciful on our nation and stop this horrid practice.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

Proverbs 31:8

The Horrors of Abortion

A lot of pro-life people don't want to hear about abortion and they especially don't want to see actual pictures. But I think it's really important that we see and hear these things and keep the topic ever in the forefront of our thoughts. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away. I've been especially horrified by the abortion "doctor" in Philadelphia that has been in the news lately. If you would like to hear/see graphic testimony about this man, check out jillstanek.com. But be warned, she has some very graphic pictures pertaining to Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic. The horrible conditions here were ignored by state officials and the health department. I wonder who's palms were being greased?

What's Cookin' Tonight

Can't get into the menu planning this week. Just. Can't. Do it. :-)

So here's what we're having tonight. My friend and neighbor recently started a business, Maisy's Pie Company, and I found this recipe on her blog.

I haven't tried any of Vonnie's pies yet, but I am salivating! Waiting for a special occasion.

Basic Pizza Dough

serves 8

1 cup warm water

1 package dry yeast

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine water and yeast in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes.

Whisk together in large bowl; 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, stir until dough forms a ball. Knead dough on well-floured surface, using as much of remaining 1/4 flour as needed. Form dough into a disk, place in a bowl that has been lightly coated with olive oil, and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rise in a warm place for approx. 2 hours.

Remove dough, punch down, and roll into desired diameter.

Marinara Sauce

Makes 2 cups

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes, crushed by hand

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 dried basil

1/4 teaspoon salt

In medium sized saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, cook 1 minute, stirring so garlic does not burn. Stir in tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook, with lid ajar, for 30 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

To assemble pizza; Spread sauce on rolled out pizza dough. Sprinkle sauce with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and layer with sliced pepperoni; or any toppings you prefer. Bake at in a 500 degree, preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Living Social Deal

Here's a great Living Social deal. Go here to get $20 on Amazon for only $10. Limit one per person, no expiration.

Homemade Oreos

Image from My Baking Addiction

Try these. Very simple to make. Don't taste a thing like Oreos. Much better. I gave Joel one this afternoon. When he finished, he said, "More." Mommy said, "No more." Joel: "A couple?" My usual response when he wants more raisins, crackers, etc, is just a couple. Guess he caught on to that one.

Family Night Out

No pics, but we had a family night out tonight. First stop, Arby's with our coupon. Total cost for dinner? $8.36 (it helped that the boys had some bread around 4 PM). Next, Toys r us to try and buy Andrew some playmobil with his bday money, but couldn't find what he wanted. Stopped in at Burlington and then on to Menards. Bought a toilet, water savers for both toilets and light fixtures. Final stop: McDonald's for 4 icecream cones. Cost: $4.72. Boy, way too exciting for me, I'm ready for bed! :-)

Blood Money

I requested this book from the library, picked it up yesterday and couldn't put it down. A must read for anyone, pro-life or pro-choice. Blood Money by Carol Everett exposes abortion as a business, a business that's main goal (like any other business) is increasing profit. Carol, a post-abortive mother herself, shows how the lust for money fuels the abortion business, disregarding the lives and health of mothers and babies. One particular story that struck me was of a woman who had to come in for another abortion because the first abortion didn't work. Another woman was much farther along than the abortionist thought and as he reconstructed the baby, he tried to hide the measurements from Carol because the infant was actually 32 weeks gestation, able to survive outside the woman. This book is graphic-it describes Carol putting the aborted babies down the disposal, feeling a baby move while an abortion is being performed, and the many covered-up botched abortions that maimed and even killed some women. Another interesting thread in the book is Carol's emotional journey after her own abortion and how it affected all of her relationships. Also check out this link to a documentary that features interviews with Carol and also Norma McCorvey, the subject of Roe v. Wade.

Meijer Deal~Kool-Aid Jammers

Haven't tried this yet, but you can buy 3 boxes of Koolaid Jammers 3/$5 and get $3 off at checkout, making these 67 cents/box. Good deal!

What's Cookin' (revised edition)

I know I posted this week's menu with last week's but too much changed so I'm going to repost. :-)

Mon~PW's barbecued meatballs, rice, corn, applesauce

Tues~Spaghetti, broccoli, bread

Wed~Church potluck-PW's meatballs with pineapple and peppers

Thurs~Pork tenderloin, roasted winter vegetables, applesauce muffins

Fri~Pizza, salad, fruit

Sat~Pancakes, sausage, fruit

Sun~Crockpot pea soup, french bread

PW's Meatballs with Pineapple and Pepper

I'm hungry and this sounds really good right now. Thinking about making it for the church potluck on Wednesday. Good idea or not??

Photo from PW

The Loose Ponytail: How to make a ponytail last all day

My favorite hairstyle? The ponytail, hands down. So easy and keeps my hair out of my face. I wore a ponytail pretty much every day during elementary school thanks to my dad's skill in hairdressing (except that one picture day in 4th grade where he sent me to school with a huge bright pink bow but I've forgiven him for that) :-). And now with 4 little boys I still where a ponytail most days. But I have learned a trick in my old age (I will be 28 soon!). Here's how to make a ponytail last all day:

Gather most but not all of your hair into a ponytail and fasten with a hair tie. Gather all your hair and rewrap with another hair tie. Spritz with hairspray and you're good to go all day!

Meijer Deals

Check out Give Me Neither for links to coupons to help you get Old Orchard concentrate juice for 65 cents (when you buy 11 items) and big bottles of Coffeemate for $1 each when you buy two bottles.

What's Cookin'~2 week edition

Here's what's on the back burner for the next two weeks:

Mon~Potatoes, smoked sausage, carrots

Tues~Leftovers

Wed~Beef and mushrooms, egg noodles, green beans

Thurs~Spaghetti, garlic bread, broccoli

Fri~Barbecue on buns, chips, raw veggies

Sat~Pizza, veggies

Sun~Lasagna, bread, beans

Mon~Meatballs, potato wedges, corn

Tues~Swiss Steak, mashed tatos, carrots

Wed~Church potluck

Thurs~Pork tenderloin, rice, green beans

Fri~Pancakes, sausage, fruit

Sat~Chicken enchiladas from the freezer, salad, chips n salsa

Sun~Leftover beef and mushrooms, egg noodles, carrots

God's Greatest Gift

⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:7-12

AbundantLifeDesigns

Like these concrete bookends? You can buy them from my friend Lisa at AbundantLifeDesigns. Check out all her awesome concrete creations!

Making Supper at Lunch

I do this quite frequently and it is a great time and sanity saver!

Decorating Cookies

Yesterday Aunt Shell came over to decorate cookies with us.

Getting started with a steaming cup of cocoa...

Noah enjoyed cocoa in mommy's special tea cups, but didn't want any marshmallows floating in his.

Joey also got to use a big boy cup and he didn't even spill!

The only cookie Joel decorated. He put all the candies on, then pulled them off and ate them, then ate the cookie.

Shell created some masterpieces. :-)

Some of Andrew's and Mommy's finished cookies.

Aunt Shell's cookies.

Can anyone spot Noah's cookies? :-)

Thanks for making us cookies and coming over to play Aunt Shell!!

Love, the boys

Living in the Light

The emotion these people show when they received God's Word written in their own language is overwhelming. One view commented that we as Americans have the AUDACITY not to read the Word so readily available to us. Remember the treasure we have been given and read it!

What's Cookin'

Mon~Chicken tortilla casserole, corn, carrots, applesauce, salad

Tues~Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, green beans

Wed~Leftovers/Breakfast

Thurs~PW's Beef Enchiladas, salad, chips n salsa

Fri~Pizza, salad

Sat~Christmas dinner-french bread, green bean casserole, dessert

Sun~Spaghetti casserole, broccoli, bread