Freezer Cooking SIGN UP for Oct

Our first freezer cooking exchange will be held on Sept 7th at 7:00 at Zion. If you want to be a part of October's exchange, post a comment or email me. Sign up before Sept 3rd.

Rhi

Meal plan for this week

Casey is in Dallas this week...so easy and simple food to help clean out the freezer while Daddy is gone:

Monday:
D: Frozen Pizza with beans

Tuesday:
D: Mom's Burger Casserole

Wednesday:
D: CARNIVAL AT ZION 5-9 :)

Thursday:
D: Creamy Potatoes with Ham and peas (still have yet to make this recipe from a few weeks ago)

Friday:
D: Leftovers or Spaghetti (depending if Daddy is home or not)

Saturday - Monday: we will be traveling to Aurora and Grand Island for the big NEW STATE FAIR.

Have a great week!
Rhi

Scrapbooking 2 years later...

the boys and I have had a very productive day. I have been reading the book, Sink Reflections by the Fly Lady . It is about home making. She has really inspired me. She tells me to do things that Casey has requested me doing. Little did I know that actually listening to my husband would make things easier for me in our house. I am just LOVING our new carpet. It is an amazing feeling to have a great foot massage on the way down the stairs in the morning.

What have we done today?

-Laundry

-Chores (boys put two loads of dishes away from dishwasher)

-Freezer cooking

-Made two pies

-Made homemade maple syrup

-Ate 3 meals at home today:)

-Cleaned out closets and put things where they belong

-Played outside

-SCRAPBOOKED. I am only 2 years behind...yikes! I was able to do all these pages (plus the double for the other boy) thanks to Scrapbook Factory Deluxe. I just ordered the 5th version of it for $20.00. It has many premade sheets, so I am using them and adjusting them to our life. I am saving them as JPEG's then putting them immediately into a Walgreen's photo book. I will order the book when they go on sale. It has been fun, while the boys are playing with all the NEW toys that we found while cleaning out closets. It was great to have the windows open this morning and able to put up the red N on the porch...one week until game day!

Meal plan for this week

I really did have a meal plan for the last few weeks...but somehow they never got on to the computer. We have been RUNNING this week. Casey and I got to go to a Counting Crows concert on Monday (thanks to Aunt Annie for letting the boys sleep over). Tuesday we came home to recoup, Wednesday the boys and I went to the LAST Wild Wednesday and got to hang at home tonight. I am looking forward having a weekend at home.

Meal planning to continue next week:)

trying something new

I am going to try to scrapbook instead of blog our adventures with pictures. I think I have posted this before...but this will really work if I stay on top of it. You can click on the picture to enlarge it to see our adventures in writing:)

Have a great FRIDAY!
Is it Friday ALREADY?
Rhi

August fun

Sprague Fun Days

This weekend was the Annual Sprague/Martell Fun Days at the Center (aka Ball park outside of Sprague). Casey always has guard drill and we hardly ever make it out. With the BEAUTIFUL weather and a nice fresh pile of sand by the playground, I decided to let the boys take three inside trucks outside and play up a storm at the ball field. I had fun seeing people from Crete and around Sprague as well as see the boys play and meet new friends. We took a total of 4 baths in 2 days, but was a grand ole time. I even got to play one game (which I can still barely walk due to soreness) and got to work in the concession stand. It was a great weekend, but no pictures...too busy just soaking up the great weather and atmosphere.

Have a great week! This one has started off a great one again (waiting for the grass to brown a bit on this side of the fence....) tonight I was able to clean out Casey's car (an all night chore in itself), play candyland, cook dinner, clean up the house (shine my sink;)), and put two boys to bed by 7:30. This is the life:)

Meal plan for this week

I am going to start to do my meal plans on Wednesdays. This allows me a better outlook on the weekend and the week ahead. *= Freezer cooking

Thurs:
L: leftovers/sandwiches
D: Homemade Pizza

Friday:
L: leftovers
D: SPRAGUE/MARTELL FUN DAYS

Saturday:
L: Frozen Pizza
D: SPRAGUE/MARTELL FUN DAYS

Sunday:
L: Sandwiches
D: SPRAGUE/MARTELL FUN DAYS

Monday:
L: Sandwiches/Chimichangas*
D: Donna's Strombolli*

Tuesday:
L: Leftovers
D: April's Chicken* with cheesy potatoes

Wednesday:
L: Sandwiches
D: Creamy Ham and Potatoes with peas

Random August

Boys busy at the corn boil. For those of you there...I hope there wasn't any short hairs in the corn. It would have been from my boys loving to dip their head in the cool water...neat! Love, love, love this pic. Hmmm maybe a gift idea!?!!?

the boys with Mommy's new cousin (yes 31 years apart:) Kenna Jo

Kenner was so responsible when holding Kenna. Bub just wanted to read her stories.

THE ICE CREAM TRUCK graced it's presence in Sprague tonight! Such a novelty item!

don't fall over...

Hello blog viewers - I hope that you are still out there. It is always crazy in the Svitak household, so it has taken me awhile to adjust to a new schedule (both work and cleaning *flylady.net). I feel more than ever that God has placed me in the correct work setting in order to allow me to feel a balance to my life.



I know I can't speak from too much experience, but working 7 hours a day and being able to leave at 7 hours and not bring anything home has been great. I love being in Lincoln as it saves me 40 minutes just to run errands. I have been blessed with a better than ever babysitter for the boys. Kenner has done more writing in the 4 days that he has been in daycare than he has in the past years at other places. I was again worried and questioned God's opinion about me switching jobs which placed the boys in a new daycare and Kenner without preschool. Why do we question God? I am thankful that he has reminded me subtly that he is always in control and knows what is best. If I could only write this on my forehead to remember every day.



Another blessing has been the flylady and her outlook on keeping the house clean. When I mentioned this on facebook, everyone thought she was quite overwhelming and crazy. Well right up my alley. I like her, because you can do as much or as little and still feel like your house is put together.



I am so thankful for a more than generous and loving family. I came down with a kidney infection on my 2nd day of work last week and was out of it for two days. Casey was able to pick up the boys and take them to Elge's, then my mom picked them up from Elge's for a few days. I am so thankful to have so many Grandparents involved in their lives. They learn so much without even others knowing what they learn:) While Casey was busy with the boys, Kendra and Trevor were assisting me back to health (while Kendra was more than 9 months along). Their self-sacrifice to come to my aide is so humbling and inspiring. Words can't describe the thankfulness I have for everyone to helped me in some way last week. I love you!



My job is interesting, challenging, and stressful BUT ONLY if I allow it to be. I have great supports that are allowing me to learn. It is SUCH a change from the school setting, much more laid back and less stress. Although I won't have next summer off...I have so much more time after work with my boys that I don't need an entire summer off. I continue to pray for my patience and for the patiences of others to cont to allow me to learn more about my job.

Have a great Wednesday...is it already Wednesday?
rhi

Corn Boil

I am attempting to scrapbook as I put them up on the blog...this saves me time later and also saves me time by just uploading one picture.

Random July/August Pics

Our Annual picture in front of the sign. Can you say CHEESE bubbi? The boys LOVE minnesota. Except the ride. Patton has been into saying really. For example, about an hour away from my Grandparent's house Patton wined, "Mommy Minnesota is really really really really really really really really far away." It was hillarious.

Having fun on the swing and the foot rest...but the perfect size for a swing for 3 year olds.

this is a great picture of my Grandpa and my cousin Carter...had to include it.

On our 5 minute sailing trip...the boys had to relief themselves.

Kenner and Carter had a blast together. We enjoyed have someone to show the boys how to swim in the lake, fish, and just plain have some good ole lake fun. Thanks Carter! Baseball buddies

One of my favorite things at the lake...campfire:) Thanks to my youngest son requesting to burn marshmellows (aka start the fire) from noon until it was time to actually start the fire, we had one about every night.

Patton also loved the jet ski. I love this picture.

Having some fun with Daddy as he teaches the boys how to fish.

Carter, my cousin, looks completely scared...but he must have just been talking or something:) Bubbi was a pro at catching fish (or the hook he used was just the right size). Pontooning with Great Grandpa!

Playing around with Dad

Nothing cooler than driving around with Great Grandpa

Grandpa makes sure you look just right...with his hat:)

Canoeing with Grandpa. Thanks to Grandpa the boys were occupied from 6:15 am to 8:00 when the rest of the world woke up. Love you Grandpa!

Look what we finished this summer...the summer reading program. Wow do they give a lot of freebies for just completing simple activities:)

Mini recap

We have had a fun filled week before I head back to work, since I am writing this the morning that I start my new job...I thought I would be brief.

- We finished the reading program at the Library. What a great treat!
- We traveled to Minn last Tuesday and came home on Friday. Kenner was always the first one up and got to go tubing. Patton and Kenner enjoyed fishing and playing with their cousin Carter.
- We went to Aurora on Saturday to put up a BUNCH of sweet corn. All of us had a great time. What a process, but fun to experience it with everyone else.
- We rushed home to take a quick shower to go to our friend's grandson's 1st year party. Casey got to put his ice cream machine to use-we had mango flavor. Yum!
- Got to go out as grown ups last night at my friend Patty's house for supper. It was fun and the boys had fun with Laura at the park. we need to do this often.

Today is a big day that I have been wanting/dreading this whole summer. I start a new chapter in the game of life today. I pray that I can at least pretend to go through the motions and gain the knowledge I need to become a great SLP for the company. I pray that all my coworkers be patient with me as I learn a new system and a new way of thinking. I pray that my family is able to transition to a new job for mommy, new daycare for the boys, and new system of being in Lincoln all the time. I am thankful that I have an opportunity for a new job, a new start, and a fresh positive outlook on the field of Speech Language Pathology. I pray that I am able to work less and have more time for my family, but continuing to fulfill my need of helping others through the field of Speech Language Pathology.

Thank you for your thoughts for us this week as we transition.:)
rhi

what I have been up to...

love these guys...

I haven't blogged in a while and won't be, but to tide you over here are some great pictures of the boys! Have a good week.

photo book motivation

due to our computer on the fritz and many many pictures not off of here has given me great motivation to start at Jan 2008 and finish photo books for the boys by the end of the week. Do you think it can happen? I hope so...that is why I have my blog in the first place:) They might not be the cutest things on the block, but the boys will have something in hard cover that has their picture in it:)

Time clock starts...now!

Meal Planning Monday

so Casey is gone again this week and he maybe isn't the biggest fan of freezer cooking, because he likes my cooking better. I can't complain, but boy it is fun when he is gone. EASY cooking for me:)

Monday:
L: Lean Cuisine - yes this the last of it...
D: Mom's Style Burger Helper - Freezer cooking with home grown corn (last year's supply)

Tuesday:
L: Lunch with friends
D: Honey Lemon Chicken on the grill with Cheesy Zucchini Casserole I am attempting to use my zucchini in ways that my boys don't know what it is. We will see if this works?

Wednesday:
L: Tony's Pizza and salad
D: Popcorn chicken and Mozzerella Sticks and salad (so not good for you, but really good to eat:))

Thursday:
L: Crafting day and Dr's Appt = eating out
D: Pool Party in Omaha - Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

Friday:
L: Green Bean Casserole
D: Leftovers

Saturday:
L: Neighbor's bday party
D: Leftovers or popcorn chicken again:)

Sunday:
Casey comes home some time...so we will let him decide.

Have a great week!

Thank you God!

As I am cleaning out our big desk...hoping to downsize this week, I found this frame with a great saying in it. It got wet so it is no longer useful to put up, but I kept it because of the saying.

Thank you, God, for Little Things

Thank you, God, for little things that often come our way -
The things we take for granted when we pray -
The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful kindly deed, a hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need.

Oh, make us more aware, dear God, of little daily graces
that come to use with sweet surprise from never-dreamed of places.

Helen Steiner Rice

Freezer Cooking Sign up Sheet

Lincoln Freezer Cooking Group Sign up

Please fill out the information below and email it back to me. I will compile the answers and respond with results. It is essential that your voice be heard as we are developing the times, places and preferences of this group. I will be working hand in hand with Carla (Beatrice Freezer Cooking Group) in order to continue the great success she has every month for the past 5 years.

Please respond by Friday, July 16th. Please note: Responding to this email does not sign you up for anything. It is just merely giving me information about serious interest, so that I may have several opinions on how to develop this group further. Thank you for your time! Please pass on to others and have them email it to me – Rhiannon at crsvitak@windstream.net Questions – email me or call me 402-416-8345

Name: ________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

Email: ___________________________

Phone: ___________________________

What size of meal do you need? (depending on the size of your family)
- 2 - 8 x 8 portions
- 1- 9 x 13

Where would you prefer to have our exchange?
- Zion’s Coffee House (*will have to check for availability)
- Sprague Community Center
- Other: _______________________

When would you prefer to have our exchange? (note these would occur on the 1st chosen day of the month
- Monday night 7:00 pm
- Tuesday night 7:00 pm
- Wednesday night 7:00 pm
- Thursday night 7:00 pm
- Saturday morning 10:00 am
- Other: ___________________

Any other thoughts or suggestions?
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Freezer Cooking 101

Freezer Cooking Tips and Information
- The benefits of freezer cooking are very significant in the areas of lowering stress, finances and healthy eating.
o However, don’t underestimate the work! Cooking one recipe multiple times is no minor chore. But compared to cooking supper every night for a month, there is no comparison!

- As many meals as possible should be frozen in freezer bags as opposed to foil pans to save money and space.

- Please use Zip-loc brand freezer bags.
o We have found them to be noticeably better. You can buy these by the case at Sam's for significant savings. I figure out how much the unit price is for one bag, write it on the case, and then charge the group for each bag I use. This gives me the freedom to use them for personal use throughout the month. The last time I bought a case, it came to seven cents a bag.
o Include the price of your bags or pans in your final costs.

- It is absolutely essential that certain information is included with each meal:
o the name of the meal
o the name of the recipient
o your name
o cooking instructions that are found on your recipe sheet
o what the cook should have on hand in order to serve the meal

- Do not bring any meals to the exchange that are not properly labeled. If you are bringing separate cans of beef broth, pizza sauce, etc. for the recipients to have on hand for your meal, please have each item labeled with the recipient's name and what meal it goes with. This brings lots of clarity to what the cook is receiving from you.

- Do not use staples to attach these instructions. Tape them onto your bag before you freeze the bag, using hot/cold duck tape or just slip the instructions in between your two bags when you double bag.

- Bargain hunt by way of Sam’s Club and Grocery Store sale papers! Buying bulk sauces, meats, etc. from Sam’s is a huge savings. If you don’t not have a membership, contact Rhiannon as she shops there each month and will gladly shop for you. (update: please price check between Sam's and Supermarket)


- Write out a shopping list! Do not try to do the math in the store. Double check your list, making sure you have multiplied everything by the number of people we have participating. It is very frustrating to be short of something on cooking day.

- Have personal groceries rung up separately.

- Double bag everything in Ziploc brand bags only.

- We always have room for more cooks. The more cooks, the more meals! This is never a closed group.

- Exchange day is TBA. Kids are always welcome.

- Bring coolers to haul your food home.

- Each person will receive each meal in 2 8x8’s/2 Ziploc bags or 1 9x13/1 Ziploc bag depending on personal family preference. The quantity of the food received is the same, it is just divided into two bags (2-8x8) or all in one (1-9x13).

- When making a meal with chicken breasts, please use Tyson boneless skinless chicken breasts, Member's Mark Chicken breasts or IGA chicken breasts. The group prefers the quality. Replace “fryer parts” with six breasts per meal. Sam’s breasts are on average 85 cents while Wal-Mart is $1.50/breast! NEVER buy Wal-Mart brand chicken breasts. The average Sam’s Member's Mark bag contains 16 breasts- helpful information!

- Ground beef at Sam’s is also considerably cheaper in a 10 lb. tube compared to Wal-mart. Unless otherwise specified, please use 90% lean ground beef only. Also, watch the local grocery store for slashed prices for meat.

- Please email me your totals TBA so I can email back to everyone the amounts that they need to pay in or take out. At the end, everyone spends the exact same amount. I figure the average spent by all the cooks. If you were above the average, you will get money back at the exchange. If you spent less, you will pay in.

- Please be on time to the exchange. The exchange process takes about 20 minutes, therefore being on time gives us even more time with our families.


- Once you have committed to a month's exchange you MUST carry through and bring your assigned meals to the exchange. You cannot back out during the month. Others might have already prepared meals for you. PLAN AHEAD!!! Leaving it for the last week can be very stressful and dangerous!

- One freezer cooking manual pointed out that starting your freezer cooking at 8:00 in the morning looks and feels a lot different than starting at 8:00 p.m. Look at your month and schedule this day of cooking in ahead of time.

- Hunt for great deals, give yourself plenty of time to get your cooking done and look forward to a freezer full of prepared meals!

- Email me any time with any questions you may have.