Menu: Week 1

  I'm starting something new here on the blog.  I hope that you find it helpful, as I always appreciate good dinner ideas.  I have used various free menu sites, such as grocerybudget101.com as a base point in my menu planning in the past, and continue to check it out now and then while searching for ideas.  Now that I've been menu planning for a while, I pick and choose various meals for my family and take advantage of cookbooks, websites, and of course Pinterest to provide delicious recipes for us to try.

  I am a big fan of casseroles and one-dish dinners as you will see this week.  I must have had a craving or two.  ;)  Here is what we'll be eating this week.  Warning: This week's menu is neither vegetarian nor paleo-friendly, so if you're looking for inspiration, you'll have a LOT of tweaking to do! ;) Here's what we're eating... I'll include links and recipes at the end of our list. Enjoy!

Terry Family Menu: Week 1

Breakfast Options: 
*Fresh fruit is always available as a side
~eggs & hashbrowns
~bacon, egg, cheese, & veggie tortillas
~oatmeal & fresh fruit
~pb toast and bananas
~cereal and fruit (added later due to incredible sales)

Lunch Options:
*We always serve fresh veggies and/or fruit on the side
~egg salad sandwiches or wraps
~cucumber wraps
~deli or pb&j sandwiches
~leftovers

Dinner:
*Hot veggies or side salad served with each meal
*I should note that I often leave 2 days menu-free for company, leftovers, those nights we don't feel like cooking, and for those times Jeff gets the urge to grill some grub. :)
~Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
~Santa Fe Chili Casserole
~Rice, Bean, Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole
~Tater Tot Casserole
~Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
~Leftovers

Snack Options:
~popcorn
~fresh fruit
~veggies and dip
~crackers
~string cheese
~yogurt

As far as drinks go, we push water like none other.  The kids drink milk or orange juice occasionally.


This Week's Recipes:

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Found on Pinterest  (click the Pinterest link to reach the recipe)

Santa Fe Chili Casserole
Found on GroceryBudget101.com  Hayden will be making this for his cooking show.  Can't wait to try it! :)

Rice, Bean, Broccoli, & Cheese Casserole
I'm just throwing this casserole together.  Eyeball your ingredients and add your favorite seasonings. :)

Tater Tot Casserole
Yes, I'm a Duggar Fan! Find the recipe on their website here.

Grilled Cheese & Soup
We opted for tomato soup this week.  Find a recipe for that and other delicious soups on my Good Eats ~ Soups, Stews, & Chili board on Pinterest.


As you can see, we keep it simple, and really try to load the kids up on fruits and veggies as much as possible. Not every recipe we make is the healthiest thing out there, but we're big on enjoying food and making sure to eat the best we can while maintaining a palatable menu for the kids.  I will do my best to keep up with my menu posts every week.  If I fall behind, please forgive me. :)

Where God Leads

  My son Hayden (12) recently went on his very first mission trip with my dad and a great group of people to West Virginia.  There were many jobs to fill, and many blessings for the local people that week~ a sports camp for kids, all sorts of classes (i.e. sewing), deck building, you name it.

  Hayden was placed exactly where his gifts lie.  He helped in a computer class with a top-notch computer programmer, and he was even able to assist an executive chef (from a very successful, very expensive restaurant in Miami) with dinner one night.  Two of his greatest loves were combined to not only bless his own socks off that week, but to in turn, bless others.

  When we think of ministry, we often believe we must be outgoing public speakers, or that we must have talents of all sorts to do any good for anyone.  I've missed the call several times because of my reservations, or my belief that I am lacking in some way.  Hayden taught me an invaluable lesson through his experience:  when God calls you to go, you go!

  He had a bit of hesitation at first, not knowing what he was getting into, but that didn't stop him from obeying that call.  He went, and in turn was blessed to serve in ways that fit his talents perfectly.  Those of you who know Hayden know just how smart he is when it comes to computers and how creative he can be in the kitchen.  God wanted his willing heart to be blessed and to be encouraged to continue doing His work.  He showed Hayden what an incredible honor it can be to use our God-given gifts and talents for His kingdom.

  He has memories and stories that will last him a lifetime.  If he dismissed that call, he would have missed out on an incredibly pivotal moment in his life.  He wouldn't have impacted the people he met and he wouldn't have learned the lessons he learned had he stayed home, in his comfort zone.

  God might call some of us to minister in our home town.  He may call some of us to go to the ends of the earth.  He might ask you to go far beyond your comfort zone, or to minister right where you are, in your field of expertise.  He will use your gifts, and He may ask you to go beyond your gifts at times.  Will you listen?  Will you go where He leads?

  Don't miss out on great opportunities and experiences in life because you're not sure God has your best interest at heart.  That is exactly what we're saying when we say "no" to Him.... that we think we know better.  God always knows best and will never lead us astray.  Follow His lead and you will impact the world, one person or thousands at a time, steering them toward His love and mercy.

Grandfather and Grandson, safe at home after a life-changing week.

By the Grace of God

  Are you one of those people who is constantly learning the same lessons over and over and over again?  No?  Well, I am, and let me tell you... it is *grits teeth* so fun!  I find myself taking one step forward and two steps back much of the time.  Will I ever learn?

  You would think that as much as I journal and blog and what have you, that I'd  work through my hang-ups and be so on top of my life, but SURPRISE!  I'm not.  lol  I have people message me, under the assumption that I've got my stuff together, and it's quite the shocker to know that I struggle just as much as the next guy.  The bits of wisdom I have gained are from years of falling and getting back up, only to fall again.  Much of the time, I don't listen to my own advice.

  How do you get through life when you keep screwing it up for yourself?  Five words: By the Grace of God!  That's it.  One lesson I've learned and know well is that it is nothing I do that brings success... it is everything God does.  This realization has helped me by leaps and bounds.

  I've been struggling in a couple areas a LOT lately, and thank the Lord I haven't been pounded to the ground by these issues.  One struggle is my need to keep everyone happy.  I've touched on this on my personal page quite a bit, and have received many notes of encouragement and tidbits of wisdom on how to bust through this hurdle.  I want to be that listening ear, that friendly hug, and that bit of encouragement to everyone I come across, and sometimes I struggle to see when it's time to hand over the torch and let someone else (ahem, God) take the lead.  Other people's problems often weigh heavy on me and I become no good to anyone.  This isn't healthy at all.  I need to be in a good place for my husband and children, and for myself.  I'm still searching for that balance, and thankfully, by the Grace of God, I'm making progress, one step at a time.

  Another example of one of my struggles is that I tend to shut down when I notice my failures.  I am a pro at beating myself up when I am a less than perfect mother, wife, daughter, sister, or friend.  I start to notice every little mistake I make and I all but give up.  These incidents are few and far between, but when it happens, I am once again no good to anybody.  I've had that moment recently, and while most would chalk it up to all the extra hormones flowing through me, I know better than to use my pregnancy as a scapegoat.

  When I come up against these challenges, roadblocks, or mistakes, it is a big clue that I haven't been in the Word enough.  It's a good sign that God has more work to do in me and I need to open up my heart to Him and hear what He has to share.  I'm not saying life is perfect when I'm reading the Bible and spending time with Him every day, but it is most definitely clear when I'm not giving enough of my time to the One who loves me most.

  So I'm challenging myself this month to strive at a deeper relationship with my Savior.  I am going to set aside time every day to be still and just listen.  I'm going to dig into the Word, worship more, praise Him more and allow Him to do a good work in me.  If you'd like to do the same, I'd love to chat with you and find a way to keep each other accountable to our commitments.

  I'm not usually so preachy sounding here on my blog... I try to make my posts relatable to everyone, even those who haven't had much exposure to Christ, but this is necessary for me, and I feel it is necessary for some of my friends. Don't worry, I don't have anyone specific in mind, so if this is speaking to you, you are safe... I haven't a clue! ;)

  I want everyone I know to be blessed by Christ as I have been.  The imperfections in my relationship with Him are all on me.  He is never-changing.  He is always there.  He is absolutely perfect in every way, so any flaws that squeeze their way into our fellowship are my own doing.  When I return to Him, He is always there with open arms.  Have you felt a warmth in your core that has brought you to tears?  I want that for you.  Those good, cleansing tears... the ones you cry when you feel at home, when you finally feel at peace.  That is what He gives me and so much more.

  It is by God's grace that I am not only surviving this live here on earth, but thriving in this life.  It is the Grace of God that holds my family together like glue.  It is by the Grace of God that I can get up every morning, face the day, no matter what comes, and go to bed at night knowing I am loved and loved well.

  If you want to know more about what God can do for you, and how a relationship with Him can change your life, crack open a Bible and start reading.  You can always message me.  I am an imperfect friend, but I will do my best to share what God has done for me, so that you in turn can have hope and encouragement to pursue a real, everlasting relationship with Him.

  Be blessed and let God's love and grace wash over you as you walk through this imperfect life.  Love you all!

~Em