Fall bucket list and menus!

There are a few things I do that confirm that I am a complete dork.  Actually it is more than just a few.  But as my years get older and I get "wiser", I have learned to embrace who I am.....dorkiness and all!  

My latest project could be considered dorky, but it is what it is and I enjoyed creating it and taught myself quite a bit about photoshop and the blogging world!  I created a Fall Bucket List...which most of you have probably seen floating around the internet.  I was intrigued to do one for myself.  Plus....I have quite an obsession with writing lists (maybe unhealthy).  I write lists for every single thing! I have a huge spiral notebook that is just dedicated to lists of all colors, sizes, and shapes!  I quite possibly might drive my husband crazy but what is fun in not putting a little crazy in your life!  So now I just have a fancy list for Fall!  

I know...I know...Fall is well underway.  But this took me all month to do.  Not joking!  And a lot of it we already have done but a lot we are doing next month!  This time every year....I start to feel overwhelmed.  The common holiday stress starts to get to me!  The other day, I sat on my back porch watching the rain drop and the grey clouds go by and I let it send me into a trance.  A trance that brought some peace and realization that slowing down is okay.  The fall and winter months are meant for us humans to slow down, to hibernate.  For some reason, we have lost that in the craziness of the holidays.  It is okay if I don't do every craft project that I want to do or bake everyday or do every single activity known to the holidays.  These seasons are about family and being grateful for what we already have.  For me, for my family I am bringing that back....we are slowing down and enjoying each other.  If we don't do everything on our bucket list....that is okay with me.  These are just a few things that I would love to do, to enjoy this great season.  

I wanted to be able to share this with everyone....so I taught myself how to create a downloadable file.  And.....I did it.  If you want a copy of my super cool fall list......all you have to do it click the image twice and download it!  

Back to my menus!  I hope to share all my menus during this holiday season.  Because isn't holiday/comfort food the best?!  Our journey towards eating whole, eating local, eating sustainable has been amazing.  It thrills me to know that this is the only way of eating my children know.  If we want to change the world we have to start with our children!  

MENU:  

MONDAY:  Potato and Broccoli Frittata and a Spinach Salad (I will share this cookbook recipe soon)

TUESDAY:  Spaghetti Squash and Chard Gratin with Kale Chips

WEDNESDAY:  Halloween Dinner with family.  Bringing Cornbread! (Cookbook Recipe to be shared soon)

THURSDAY:  Crock pot Shiitake and Noodle Hot & Sour Soup

FRIDAY:  Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup with Polenta Croutons and Grilled Cheese

SATURDAY- Leftovers

SUNDAY:  Polenta Pizza and Spinach Salad (Cookbook Recipe to be shared soon)

What are you cooking this fall???

Peacefully,

Alyson

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." -Ovid

Cookbooks & Menus

There is just something very satisfying about opening up a cook book and picking out a delicious recipe to feed your family.  This warm experience is one that a computer or ipad can never replace.  I have heard over and over again how cookbooks will go extinct in the near future and I just won't accept that.  I really think there are enough "foodies" out there that really appreciate and relish in opening up a cookbook to make sure they stay around.  In this extreme digital age, these little things that bring us tangible experiences are so important, and using my new and used cookbooks is just one of those experiences that keeps me grounded and feeling whole.  Don't get me wrong...I find it simple and easy to bring the ipad into my kitchen or find an amazing recipe on a fabulous blog, but I still enjoy cookbooks more.  My mother has given me most of the cookbooks I own and knowing that she held the same book in her hand while cooking the same food I am now making for my family brings a huge smile to my face.

With all that being said.....I made a point to make my whole weekly menu (except for one recipe) from recipes that I found in my cookbooks.  This was a great reminder that I need to do this more.  My hope is to post all my cookbook recipes on here for you all to enjoy!

WEEKLY MENU:

MONDAY:  Ratatouille with brown rice

TUESDAY:  Whole wheat spaghetti with homemade garlic & tomato sauce

WEDNESDAY:  Family dinner outing

THURSDAY:  Cauliflower Soup, Fall Harvest Salad, and homemade bread

FRIDAY:  Homemade Pizza and graden green salad

SATURDAY:  Leftovers

SUNDAY:  Kale and Potato Frittata


What is your favorite cookbook??

Peacefully,
Alyson

“No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of cookbook writers.” -Laurie Colwin

Harvest Time & Menus

It is that time of year again......my favorite time of year.....Harvest time!  When all our hard work pays off in the kitchen and on our dining table!   We have been hard at work cooking, preserving, canning, freezing, and baking everything we grew this year.  It seems like there is a lot more than past years!  Or maybe we are just doing it better this year!  From zucchini bread to pickling cucumbers to canning salsa......and everything in between.  It has definitely been a full time job preserving everything but this winter when we are enjoying all our delicious goods...it will be worth it!  Being able to provide our boys with food grown by us and at the same time teaching them about growing our own food makes me happy!  There is a huge sense of joy that overcomes me when I watch my boys walk through the garden, pick their favorite vegetable, and eat it right off the vine.

Our dinner's have been full of harvested vegetables.......here are a few that we will add into this week.  Happy to start posting our menus again!

WEEKLY MENU:

MONDAY:  Homemade fresh tomato soup and grilled cheese & spinach

TUESDAY:  Vegetable Stir fry over rice thai noodles

WEDNESDAY:  Quinoa Stuffed Peppers and Baked Salmon with Cilantro & Lime

THURSDAY:  Garlic & Greens Whole Wheat Spaghetti and Fall Harvest Pear Salad

FRIDAY:  Homemade garden vegetable pizza and garden greens salad

SATURDAY:  Leftovers

SUNDAY:  Crock-pot Potato Leek Soup and homemade bread

What are you cooking this week?

Peacefully,
Alyson

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."  -William Blake

Rhubarb & Menus

I have never been a rhubarb eater.  And to be honest, I don't know why!  I like it, I like the taste, I LOVE strawberry rhubarb pie.  So I'm not sure why I turn away from it so often.  I was buying strawberries at the farmers market last week and I looked over and saw this huge pile of rhubard.  I thought to myself, "why not", grabbed a bunch and headed home.  Now.....what the heck do I make with these!  I wanted to try something different then the typical rhubarb strawberry pie, crumble, or jelly.  So, I went to one of my all time favorite food blogs, 101 Cookbooks and found this......Rhubarb & Rosewater Syrup!  I can't even wait to try this out this week.  I will most definitely be taking pictures and blogging about my experience making this!  Stay tuned!

We are entering the season of amazingly fresh food everywhere!  I am in love!

MENU:

MONDAY:  Dijon Salmon, Reversed Guacamole Salad, and roasted balsamic potatoes

TUESDAY:  Homemade Pizza and a green salad

WEDNESDAY:  Ginger-Cilantro Baked Tilapia over brown rice and Sauteed Mustard Greens (fresh from our garden).

THURSDAY:  Leftovers and a green salad

FRIDAY:  Black Bean & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers and Avocado, Tomato, Edamame Salad with cumin lime vinaigrette

SATURDAY- BBQ with my dad

SUNDAY- On a mini road trip to celebrate fathers day with my boys!

What are you cooking this week?

Peacefully,
Alyson

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."  -J.R.R Tolkien

Just a lonely little menu!

I love writing things I am passionate about or what is on my little mind when I post my menus but I am totally focused on getting my photo project up to date on here that I am just going to post my menu this week.  I am trying a new recipe with gnocchi this week.  I have never cooked with it...so I hoping that it goes well.  It's always so exciting yet scary to try new things in the kitchen.

MENU:

MONDAY:  Creamy Spring Asparagus Soup and Strawberry Spinach Salad (I sprinkled crumbled goat cheese on top of the salad)

TUESDAY:  Breakfast Burritos with black beans & kale

WEDNESDAY:  Out to dinner with some awesome family!

THURSDAY:  Homemade pizza with a green salad

FRIDAY:  leftovers

SATURDAY:  Picnic!!! Hummus & Veggie Wraps,  Parmesan Cheese Spread w/ baguette, and pineapple.

SUNDAY:  Kale Pesto Gnocchi **I am going to add organic cherry tomatoes and grated parmesan cheese to this recipe.**

What are you cooking this week?

Happy cooking!
Alyson

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” -Michael Pollan

Curveballs & Menus

You know when life throws those curve balls at you so hard that it hits you in the face!  That happened to us last week!  Totally throwing us for a loop!  It was emotional in every aspect that I can think of.  I am choosing to not share what exactly this curve ball is on my blog but just to write about our feelings on such life changing events.

When things happen in your life unexpected and throws things off a little there are two things you can do.....sit and dwell on the negative part of this circumstance or you can move forward and realize the good that is coming from the situation.   My husband and I have chosen to move forward.  Deep down we know how much of a blessing in disguise this was.  We were able to sit, reflect, and remind ourselves what our life intentions really are.   We are excited!  We revisited our major "goal list" again and we are ready!  With the world at our finger tips, we are ready to dance together in our next adventure with our boys on our backs!  For now we are remembering to celebrate....organic food, our world, and our family!!!!!

On to an important part of our life..... nourishing our soul and body!  Our weekly menu!  I made my own recipe last week!!!!!  I am SO excited to share it this week with you all!  I have played around with making my own recipes all the time but I finally made the time to write it down and be precise.  I love knowing exactly what I am putting in my families bodies.

MENU:

MONDAY: Grilled Salmon (freshly caught by my amazing brother), grilled asparagus, and grilled pineapple

TUESDAY:  Spinach-Ricotta Stuffed Shells and a fresh green salad.  Having my brother and sister in law and their precious new baby boy over for dinner.  They just moved here for the summer!

WEDNESDAY:  Vegetable stir fry over brown rice

THURSDAY:  Dinner with some girlfriends for my birthday!!!  My boys will have tuna pasta salad and homemade bread!

FRIDAY:  Big family backyard birthday fiesta with my family!  And lots of them.  We have a lot of my husband's family in town right now.  So we chose to get them all together to celebrate!  We are have a taco bar and a salsa bar!

SATURDAY:  Spring Pizza, salad, and steamed artichokes

SUNDAY:  Mother's Day Picnic with my family!  I am bringing goat cheese & crackers, homemade hummus & veggies, and making a Lemon Pound Cake!

What are you making this week?

Peacefully,
Alyson


"Peace comes from within.  Do not seek it without."  -Buddha

Menus & Farmers Markets

Last weekend my mom and I took my two boys down to the Portland Farmer's Market!  The sun was shining....which we DO NOT take for granted here!  The sun comes out and everyone erupts with smiles and energy!  It's fantastic!  The market was booming with happy people, which is amazing to have all this support for our local farmers.  The energy there is infectious!  I was able to get some radishes, onions, kale, carrots, leeks, and some beautiful fresh seasonal flowers.  I was giddy about all it!  I might be a nerd if I get giddy over fresh local veggies but I like that nerd part of me!  I took only a couple pictures as I was focused on my kiddos since it was a crowded adventure!

Last week I made a Spring Pizza that was to die for!!!!  I highly recommend making it before the asparagus season is over.  It was perfect with steamed artichokes or a micro green salad!  Here is our menu for this week.  I am trying a couple new recipes this week and I am very excited about them.  I will let you all know how they turn out.  It is just my littles and I for most of this week since my husband is traveling, so I will cook smaller portions!  Enjoy!

MENU:

MONDAY:  Vegetable Stir-fry over brown rice

TUESDAY-  Dinner with some close family friends

WEDNESDAY-  Tex-Mex Taco Salad (substituted the meat for brown rice)

THURSDAY- Egg Salad Sandwiches (omit mayo) and Beet & Avocado Salad with Fresh Mozzarella & Fennel.

FRIDAY-  Leftovers and a big green salad

SATURDAY-  Quinoa Burger and steamed broccoli

SUNDAY-  Family Picnic!!  Tuna pasta salad, homemade hummus and veggies, and pineapple

What is your favorite thing to get at your local Farmer's Market?

Peacefully,
Alyson

"Hug a farmer" 

Seeds & Menus

After taking some time off from writing...I am determined to get back into a rhythm of doing it daily or close to that!   It feels so good to write!  Bare with me though...I am kind of all over the place in thoughts at this moment!  I have a lot of meditation coming soon to clear and organize my thoughts!  My photo project was also put on pause....which I know defeats the purpose of the project but I can't give up.  I am starting that back up this week with a week of film.  I will post all my past month of pictures that I did get daily....there will just be a few days missing!

Today it will be about seeds and what I want to have blossom in my backyard soon!

It is that time of year again where we bring out the gloves, seed packets, and till up the compost that has been cooking all fall and winter.  The past two years we have been growing our vegetables, herbs, and flowers at a farm about 45 mins away from us.  We decided that we wanted to grow in a more sustainable manner this year by staying as close as possible to avoid using the car too much.   Our backyard, my parent's huge garden (which is .5 miles away from my home), and a friend's huge garden will be a "farm" this year.  Chickens may even be in our very near future!!!!  Which excites me way too much!  One day we will have our dream farm house on a couple acres but for now we will make due with what we have.

As my husband and I blaze a path towards a sustainable life....growing as much of our own food as we can has been a huge priority.  We do this not only for our bodies and our children's bodies but also for our planet!!!!!  So much good comes out of growing your own food.  It is one of the most rewarding things we have done, especially with our children learning along with us.  But it does come with lots of challenges and I will continue to share all of our little families up and downs while we travel down this sustainable path!

I am going to bore you with a list of what we are growing this year....I love lists...So I have to!

• Beans- Bush & Pole 
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Collards
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Kale
• Lettuce- Valmaine & Tennis Ball
• Peas
• Peppers- Sweet & Hot
• Potatoes- Blue & Red
• Pumpkins
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Squash- Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Butternut
• Swiss Chard
• Tomato- Oregon Spring, Oregon Cherry, Jersey Devil, and San Marzano Roma
• Tomatillos
• Melons
• Blueberries
• Basil
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Oregano
• Thyme

I am beyond excited to get my fingers in some dirt!      

What are you growing this season?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Back to my menus!!!  This is a short week because I am traveling!  But I still wanted to share the few things I am making this week!  

MONDAY:  Baked Miso Tofu and Kale Salad with Quinoa, Tangerines, and Roasted Almonds

TUESDAY:  Dinner party at a girlfriends home!  We are making fish tacos.  I am bringing a mexican coleslaw for the tacos.  

WEDNESDAY:  Traveling during dinner time...so we are having a heavy lunch.  Hummus & Veggie Wraps, cut-up fruit, and leftover kale salad!  

Peacefully,

Alyson

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” - Margaret Atwood

Menus & Always Remembering

Today we remember an inspirational peacemaker, Martin Luther King Jr.  Really everyday we should remember him and all the other peacemakers that have changed the course of our history.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for what he believed and for that we should all be grateful.  But this is bigger than being grateful, it is bigger than remembering..it is about bringing peace into our homes, our neighborhoods, our countries, and our entire beautiful world.  Everyday we should be taking steps, big or small, towards a compassionate and peaceful life and world.  This is not for us..this is for our children and our grandchildren.  The biggest and best thing we can do for them is to show our children about compassion, acceptance,  and love.  This is the first step towards a more peaceful and more accepting world.  Martin Luther King Jr. proved to us that this can happen...that this dream can come true.  Thank you Martin Luther King for standing up for peace!  

I'm going to end this post with our menu for the week.  I hope everyone is still doing what they can to know where their food is coming from and eating whole delicious foods!  

MONDAY:  Homemade whole wheat pizza, kale chips, and a green salad

TUESDAY:  Double Broccoli Quinoa Bowl

WEDNESDAY:  Out to dinner

THURSDAY:  Vegetarian Taco Salad

FRIDAY:  Ginger & Cilantro Baked Tilapia over brown rice

SATURDAY:  Attending a friend's wedding

SUNDAY:  Vegan Tofu Pot Pie 

Peacefully,

Alyson

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend."-Martin Luther King Jr.

Sewing and Menus

One of my goals this year was to get more comfortable with my sewing machine.  Doin' it and lovin' it!  I haven't gotten too fancy with the machine but I feel pretty comfortable with the few projects that I have done.  It feels pretty darn awesome to be able to create my own things even if they aren't perfect.  But I actually love the imperfections in my creations.  In my eyes they are perfect and in my dreams my grandchildren will think they are perfect too.

My latest creation was my Christmas tree skirt.  I found one I loved online but it didn't have any kind of tutorial.  So I asked my aunt if it was doable and she said it would be pretty simple.  I went to her house two days in a row and got it done (with her amazing help of course and two kids in tow)!  My husband was out of town with our camera, so unfortunately I didn't take any pictures except for afterwards!

Since I don't have any fun pictures to go along with this.....I will share a short version of how I made my tree skirt.  It was pretty simple!

-Using two yards of burlap, I cut out a 50 inch circle with a slit and circle in the middle.
-I then cut out some muslin to match the burlap in size.  I then pinned the burlap and the muslin together.
-I wanted a ruffle, so I took some soft scrim style fabric and tea-stained it.  Then I took the fabric and pinned it between the burlap and muslin.
-With all those pins in place, I sewed the edge of the circle, slit, and middle circle together leaving about a 6 inch gap.
-I then turned the fabric inside out through the gap and GASP......a tree skirt.  It was exactly how I wanted it.
-I then added some strips of satin ribbon to the slit for ties and sewed up the gap.

It isn't perfect but it is definitely perfect for me and I love it!  I can't wait to start sewing more things and especially my own children's clothes.  A HUGE goal of mine!  What a better way to be sustainable then to make my own children's clothes!  There is just something about putting your own time and sweat into something you use and wear!  The sewing machine can be a bit intimidating but I will share more of my creations (and difficulties) as I get braver with the machine.

Here are some pictures I took of the skirt after it was all done.

I am posting my menu SUPER late this week.  It is a busy time of year but I still wanted to share some dinner ideas for you all!  My Christmas week menu will be up on Monday!  Even with all the temptations this time of year we are doing our best to eat organically and as healthy as possible.  But we are still enjoying some pretty delicious food!

MENU:

MON:  Whole wheat spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce and a green salad

TUES:  Garlic Tilapia Pasta (used less butter and less spice)

WED:  Veggie stir fry over brown rice and Egg Drop Soup (We used veggie broth instead)

THURS:  My husband's work Christmas party

FRI:  Snowman Pizza and green salad

SAT:  Baked salmon, baked potatoes, and steamed broccoli

SUN:  Leftovers and a big green salad

Peacefully,
Alyson


Memories are stitched with love.  ~Author Unknown

Cows and Menus

This is a short post because I am working on some long ones for this week.  I thought I would share some pictures my husband and I took while driving home a few weeks ago.  One of our goals for the new year is to take a photo a day and to go on more photo excursions.  This is one of those..."wow, look at all those cows, look at the lighting, quick turn around and lets take pictures" moments!  Thought I share these pictures of these fabulous cows!

On to our weekly menu which doesn't include any cow!

MENU:

MONDAY:  Homemade pizza, kale chips, and a green salad

TUESDAY:  Inside Out Lasagna and a green salad

WEDNESDAY:  Broccoli Cheddar Chowder

THURSDAY:  Leftovers

FRIDAY:  Cilantro Lime Cod and Quinoa Salad with Black Beans, Avocado, & Cumin-Lime
                  Dressing

SATURDAY:  Veggie and Tofu Stir-fry with brown rice

SUNDAY:  Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Roasted Parmesan Potatoes, and Waldorf Salad

Extras:  Cinnamon Almonds (recipe soon)
             Spicy-Sweet Almonds (recipe soon)
             Homemade Granola (recipe soon)
             White Chocolate topped Gingerbread Cookies

What are you baking this week?

Peacefully,
Alyson

“To eat is a necessity, to eat intelligiently is an art.” La Rochefoucauld          

Conscious Gifting and Menus

One of our goals as a family is to make a difference in this beautiful world and our local community. During the holidays I feel like there are more opportunities to strive for this goal.  One of ways we work towards this goal is the way we buy gifts.  This year we made 4 guidelines on our gift giving.  We must buy gifts that are either......

1. Local
2. Handmade
3. Eco-friendly
4. Educational (books)

In our world at this time I believe that we need to be way more responsible for our consumerism and our footprint on this planet.  By buying locally we are keeping the dollars in our community and during these tough economic times we need this more than ever.  Really there are a few hundred reasons why buying locally or handmade is better for our country, planet, and ourselves.  Some of the reasons why my husband and I have decided to do this are.....supporting our local small businesses and artists,  lessening our carbon footprint by buying things that are NOT shipped from over seas,  staying away from toxic plastic yucky toys and gifts,  and buying/making things that are unique, thoughtful, and with LOVE.  I am also making a few handmade gifts myself which I am having a ton of fun with.

Now, I must say that I did buy a couple clothing items that were not from a local store or locally made.  Which was kind of a bummer but I needed to get these items and the sale was amazing! BUT I do feel like I am doing an awesome job with the rest of the gifts.  I'm making the right steps and maybe in a few years I will be making my own clothes or shopping all local.  Plus, small steps will make it easier to achieve my big goals in the future.  Taking the steps towards my goal of conscious gifting and sustainable living is what feels right to me and I am glad we are doing this.

There are a couple items that my son is wanting for Christmas that we really want to get him and that I am hoping we find locally.  One being a telescope.  There are a couple locally owned toy stores in our area that I will check out first.  The other being books.  Of course I will buy any books I can through our local bookstore. We also look for eco-friendly options instead of plastic yucky toys.  Now a days, you can find lots of toys made out of recycled plastics or non-toxic materials and I hope to find these at a locally owned store as well.  This has been an extremely fun challenge for us, one I hope we do year round when thinking about gifts for people.

Have you thought about conscious gifting this year?

For fun, I posted pictures from Christmas last year!

These last two photos are my favorites.  On the left, Ayden is hugging on my aunt and uncle's doggie!  On the right, he is on the rocking horse that once was my mother's and all her siblings.  It is still being enjoyed in the family!

On to this week's menu.  Which is a little sparse since we will be out of town a few nights.

MENU:

MONDAY:  Spaghetti bake with mushrooms, olives, and broccoli

TUESDAY:  Veggie Stir fry over brown rice

WEDNESDAY:  Leftover and a big salad

THURSDAY:  Out of town

FRIDAY:  Out of town

SATURDAY:  Out of town

SUNDAY:  Creamy Fettuccine with Brussels Sprouts & Mushrooms

For more meal plan inspirations, visit I'm An Organized Junkie every Monday.

Peacefully,
Alyson

"May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!" -Author Unknown

Winter Crops and Menus

I waited till the last minute to finish but I did it.  I got all of our winter crop in our backyard garden done and in the ground.  Garlic, shallots, kale, spinach, and broccoli are in the ground and ready to grow.   Grow my little green babies...grow so you can nourish our bodies and souls in the spring!   I love that we are able to grow in the winter and I love that we do it!  Every year we do more and more to live that sustainable life that we strive for!  I am excited for our little family!

For fun a picture of two of the three of my amazing boys!

The busy days and magical moments of the holidays are upon us now.  I do believe that they get more magical when you have children.  Watching the pure and true excitement of the holidays through their eyes is pretty much amazing and heart melting.   Such a warm wonderful time when we can gather with our loved ones and celebrate what is important and good!  Thanksgiving is this week and I look forward to all the special quiet family time we have coming up.  Here is our menu for the holiday week!

MENU:

MONDAY:  Grilled cheese with homemade tomato basil soup

TUESDAY:  Cod with Fennel Butter, Kale & Quinoa Pilaf, and sauteed green beans

WEDNESDAY:  Homemade pizza and a green salad

THURSDAY:  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  Bringing to my family gathering:  Green Bean Casserole (we use fresh green beans instead of frozen), Autumn Chopped Salad (omit the bacon), and Homemade Apple Pie

FRIDAY:  Leftovers and a big salad

SATURDAY:  Crockpot Potato & Leek Soup (recipe coming soon)

SUNDAY:  Salmon salad and leftover soup

Extras:
Pumpkin Bread (One last batch before the season ends!)
Apple Cookies
Canning Apple Butter

What are you cooking this week?

Peacefully,
Alyson

"Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter  

lies a miracle...a seed waiting to sprout,  

a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl.   

And the anticipation nurtures our dream." - Barbara Winkler 

Slowing Down and Menus

Before I had kids I was always on the go, working two jobs, rushing to get here and there, and wanting more all the time.  The minute I found out I was pregnant with my first son, I forced myself to slow down.  Knowing there was a lot for me to learn and a lot of changing about to happen...I slowed down to embrace it all.  I wanted to embrace every second of my pregnancies....the amazing times and the uncomfortable times!  So that is what I did!  I knew my little ones would enter this world when he or she was ready so I did not feel rushed to go into labor.  Plus I wanted all the time in the world to prepare my body and mind for childbirth and motherhood.

Everyone I know who had kids before me, warned me of this time warp that was about to occur.  Everything happens at lightening speed!  I kept thinking to myself that everyone was just exaggerating.  Man.....they were SO right!  It's like the minute you bring your precious little one into this world a button gets pushed and everything starts happening fast.  This tiny little one that once was small enough to by in my belly will start growing and it happens in the blink of an eye.  So I kept it slow and I continue to keep it slow with my new little one.   Especially in these first few months of life.  We can never relive these first few moments with our children, so I have to let everything else go and just be a mom.  Being in the moment and soaking in these amazing souls that so blissfully call me their mother is exactly where I want to be.  The fast paced world can wait, I am raising my children here!  I am embracing every stage my new little baby boy is in and not rushing to get to the next stage.  He will get there when he is ready for now we are enjoying the rolie polie, raspberry sounds, grabbing on to toys, and laughing stage.

My first!  Look at how big he is now at 3 1/2 years!

My newest little!  Almost 5 months!  

And all this growing calls for some good healthy whole foods!  On to our menu of the week!

This week's MENU:

MONDAY:  Sauteed Cod with Garlic-Shallot Butter, Colcannon Potatoes, and steamed broccoli

TUESDAY-  Out to sushi

WEDNESDAY-  Veggie stir fry over brown rice

THURSDAY-  Fish tacos and black beans

FRIDAY-  Simple Vegetable Soup and a green salad

SATURDAY-  Memorial for my amazing great aunt who I miss dearly!

SUNDAY-  Healthy Tuna Melt, Spinach & Apple Salad, and Kale Chips (recipe coming soon)

What are you making this week?

Peacefully,
Alyson

Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep.  -H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Halloween and Menus

My littles were cute as could be this year (but I think I will say this every year).   My oldest little man was Mario and his baby brother was Toad (toadstool).  My lovely friend's mom was so nice to make both of my boys' hats!  I can't wait to learn how to crochet so I can make hats like crazy! We had a little family/friend Halloween gathering to celebrate Asher's first Halloween and went trick or treating around the neighborhood!  One trick or treater, 10 adults, and 2 little babies!  My son needed a whole entourage of people while trick or treating.  It was fun even if all of us adults went......we are all kids at heart anyways!  My oldest little has been very shy about trick or treating the past couple years but this year he was all for it with no fear involved!  Except the fear of wearing his Mario mustache!  He was very iffy about this fake mustache being pasted on his face but after he realized how cool mustaches really are, he was sporting the thing!  There is something truly magical about watching your children in costume running through the leaves on a crisp fall night!  It brings such a smile to my face and reminds me why being a parent is honestly the biggest blessing of all!

Here are some pictures of our month long preparation for this fun holiday......crafts my children and I made, decorations I made, my favorite wreath that I have ever made, pumpkin hats my aunt made the boys, my favorite white pumpkins, our carved pumpkins, and Halloween night!  One of my favorite holidays ever!

I'm a little late posting my menu this week but that is how it goes as a mama sometimes!

This week's menu:

MONDAY:  Halloween feast:  Vegetarian chili, cornbread, and a green salad

TUESDAY:  Baked salmon, Gratin Potatoes, and a green salad

WEDNESDAY:  Leftovers and salmon salad

THURSDAY:  Out to dinner with the family

FRIDAY:  Zucchini, black bean, and rice skillet (we use fresh tomatoes instead of canned)

SATURDAY:  Broccoli Quiche (we will use mushrooms instead of bacon) using homemade whole wheat pie crust and green salad

SUNDAY:  Hungarian Mushroom Soup, Hearty Kale Salad (omit the bacon), and homemade whole wheat bread

 What are you cooking this week?

Peacefully,
Alyson

"Witch and ghost make merry on this last of dear October’s days."  -Author Unknown

Pumpkin Patches and Menus

We went to three pumpkin patches this fall!  Three!  Yep, three!  Maybe I am a little crazy but we love them.  We love farms (hence my obsession with living on a farm), we love fall time, we love being outdoors, we love fresh vegetables, we love apple cider.  So, of course, we love pumpkin patches!  Plus, it is a great activity to do with my littles that can be free if you want it to be!

Pumpkin Patch #1

Nursing my sweet baby boy at Pumpkin Patch #2

Pumpkin Patch #3

Thank you to my hubby you took most of these photos!  

THIS WEEK'S MENU:

MON:  Green Pizza and Apple, Walnut, and Endive Salad

TUES:  Veggie fajitas with homemade spanish rice

WED:  Shrimp and broccoli in a garlic sauce over whole wheat angel hair pasta

THURS:  Broccoli-Cheese Chowder and a green salad

FRI:  Leftovers

SAT:  Out to dinner with my boys and friends!

SUN:  Baked Dijon Salmon,  Au Gratin Potatoes, and a spinach salad

EXTRAS:  

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll (We use fresh pumpkin instead of canned)

Warm Apple Cider

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Jack O Lantern Cookies (for my son and his friend to help make)

What are you cooking this festive week?

Peacefully,

Alyson

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about. ~Angela Schwindt