Meal Planning Monday & the start of my 36th year!

The sound woke us both up. Banging of some sort. Both in the daze of being awaken from a good solid sleep, Dan got up and went downstairs to check on Ghost who was spending the night in the indoor crate (due to temps being so cold). Five minutes later he comes up and says, "Rach, you have to get up and come see this. He ate his way out of the crate."

WHAT?

This dog doesn't like change. He doesn't like his schedule changing, or the car he goes to work in changing, or us changing his sleeping area. He was pissed and decided to eat his way out of a metal crate. He then had free reign over our basement for who knows how long before his clawing at the door woke us up.

All in all he didn't do that much damage considering the electronics that could have been destroyed. 

He also ate his leather leash and some scotch tape. So at 2ish in the morning poor hubby had to go to the vet. They did X-Rays and made Ghost throw up (which got up most of the leash). They were most concerned about internal bleeding and the mesh from the blue laundry basket not passing and causing a block. They were sent home and had us monitoring him (hoping for pooping out the mesh from the laundry basket). SO…we monitored him. 

My amazing husband, who was operating on 3 hours of sleep, allowed me to keep my hair appointment(despite my offering to cancel so he could sleep) for cut and color (which ladies, you know, takes hours). The rest of the day was low key. My sister-in-law came for a visit and we all went out to dinner. 

Dinner out with a 17 month old sucks. I am not sure why I even chose this option over ordering in. I just wanted to get out of the house for a bit. Never ends the way it should, or the way I'd like it to. McKenna was a handful. She wanted to just walk around the restaurant and wanted nothing to do with the highchair. So, bright side, it was nice not to have had to make dinner. 

Life with two littles doesn't stop for a birthday. It doesn't make the sitting down for dinner challenges less challenging. It doesn't make potty training accidents less gross. K9 police dogs don't stop their antics to celebrate. Full nights of sleep don't happen. BUT the blessings, the laughs, the hugs, the "I wuv you's", the happy birthday wishes…they all make it easier. They all make it worth it. Excited for my 36th year of life! 

Now onto some meals..

 Holidays weeks are hard for me to get motivated to cook, especially knowing all the cooking Wednesday and Thursday entail. We have been doing so well healthy eating and meal planning that I am sticking to it and planned healthy, light evening meals for the beginning of the week. 

Monday- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken & Sweet Potato
This is a must try! Special thanks to Erin for sharing with me.  We actually just use crumbled blue cheese on top and it is just the right balance of flavors. This is one of Dans favorites! 

Tuesday- Shrimp and Broccoli over Rice

I love this meal. It is full of flavor and leftovers are just as yummy. 

Wednesday- Grilled Chicken Salad

Our favorite salads include romaine hearts, cucumber, carrots, blue cheese, hard boiled egg, olives, artichoke hearts, peppers and sunflower seeds. I make my mom's homemade italian dressing and we top off with grilled chicken (or another protein). They are delicious and a staple around here! 

Thursday- THANKSGIVING

To say I am excited is an understatement. Turkey, Mashed potatoes, stuffing, pies…YES! 

Friday- Taco Bar

Looking forward to time with friends and a yummy taco bar with all the fixings.

Saturday- Leftovers

Sunday- Homemade Pizza & Salad


Don't forget your fitness this week! Most gyms are closed on Thursday so get that cardio in another way. Maybe sign up for a Turkey Trot or get out for a long walk before chow time. Here is a fun treadmill workout I found on Pinterest and enjoy doing. 

Happy Monday!!