Thanksgiving, Thankfulness

We made our yearly treck down the highway to visit my inlaws for Thanksgiving and it has been WONDERFUL! Somehow eating in Kentucky just seems different from Texas. I think it is because everything is cooked with LOVE. (not that it isn't at home, but I get to be pampered by food while I am here)

Hubby's Mom and grandmother cook for the whole crew while we are here and I try to cook a dinner the Friday after Thanksgiving, but always feel SO inadequate. :) Even Salmon Patties hold some magical power over my boys. They don't like eating them at home, but when Gran Gran says here you going honey .. they eat them all up. :)

I am most looking forward to Thanksgiving Day where I already know TOO MUCH is on the menu, but I don't think any of us would have it any other way.

Turkey, Ham, Greens, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Potato Salad, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Pinto Beans, Cranberry Salad, Caramel Cake, Jam Cake, Custard, Cherry Delight, Sweet tea and of course, Gran Gran's famous rolls. (she really is famous for these ... even made the local paper).

Even I am on a new eating plan, I WILL have my seat at the table and step when the time is just right.

I am thankful for family, mine and his and the way we love each other .. especially through FOOD.

Happy Thanksgiving from my house to yours!

Weekly Menu

Sunday - Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
Monday - Taco Bar, Salad
Tuesday - Pork Chops, Spinach, Diced Potatoes and Apples
Wednesday - Pizza, Salad
Thursday - Veggie Stir Fry, Rice
Friday - Salmon, Salad

Brand vs Generic

Life has been so busy lately, that I have not been purchasing my groceries all in one monthly trip. When we run out of this or that, I've just been running to the store to "get a few things". Worst budget buster ever. (that's another post all together)

This may not be earth shattering for you, but in the last few months, I've noticed that most store generic ziploc sandwich and freezer bags are MUCH better than the famed Ziploc ones. Really. I use coupons a lot and recently got a deal on Ziploc freezer and sandwich bags, so I stocked up.  Boy howdy was I shocked when the first few bags ripped while I was trying to open them just to put a sandwich in. That has never happened with my WalMart or Walgreens bags. The Ziploc bags continue to rip, so when we run out these, I am done.

So again not earth shattering or anything, but enough for me to warrant a quick post. :)

Birthday Celebrations

Hubby's Birthday is during the week, Jack's birthday is THIS weekend and Jordan's bday is Thanksgiving day ... we have NO plans to go out to eat. Do you KNOW how much it costs for a family of five to eat out?? ... even McDonald's is $20.00 .. so can you imagine the tab at Bob's Steak and Chop House or even Applebees ....

Besides, the kids have had a LOT of homework latetly, so I decided we would celebrate indoors and at home. I ordered a special meal for the Birthday Dad (Beer Can Chicken from Babes) and the Birthday Boys  on their special day (Burgers and Steak) from their favorite resturaunts and a slice of cake from one of the best bakeries in town to celebrate. I then cooked a special meal for me and the other children that we could all eat together. Wasn't sure how this would make the non birthday people feel, but it actually turned out great. (and I spent a LOT less money) I just need to make sure I do this again for Dylan in the Spring. :)

How do you save on BDay celebrations?