We wrapped another chapter in the Rock Education lessons as we saw Guns n Roses live at the Metlife stadium. It was a great day; the weather, atmosphere, and the kids were pretty impressed. Especially our son, who recognized many of his favorite songs, expressed his happiness by shouting and pointing at the stage.
As the parents of a non-verbal kid, we get emotional when he attempts to express himself. The slightest attempts at communication are a huge milestone, so we encourage any verbal outbursts.
We have some minor concerns if he starts repeating phrases from his favorite movies, Deadpool I and Deadpool II. But his teachers are just as encouraging as us and would welcome foul language if he suddenly speaks.
Towns 4 Troops
I am honored to be part of a great organization called Towns 4 Troops. The primary purpose is to enhance the lives of our active-duty military brothers and sisters and their families by creating and hosting events and on-base events to help the troops during training weekends, promotions, deployments, or other activities.
Furthermore, we also help plan tailgating parties and family events so the service members can spend quality time with families.
This past weekend, to generate awareness for our T4T organization, we were invited to provide food for a community day event. I spent most of the week planning, prepping, and grilling nine trays of sausages and peppers (and onions) we would sell during the event. In addition, we served hotdogs and burgers – we keep it simple when we have to cook for large crowds.
It was a great day and event, and I mingled with local musicians, neighbors, police officers, and politicians. The weather was good, and many people praised the flavors of the sausage and peppers I made.
Dinner and PTO Time
My wife just started a new job, so she has limited PTO days available. But I need to use my PTO days and have decided to take some days off each week. It’ll allow me to catch up on many projects around the house, spend time with the kids, and perhaps recharge work batteries.
Kids are on their own, again, when it comes to preparing breakfast and lunches. I’ve bought some items for them, but they must put them together. No fancy lunch will be served.
Dinners are different. I spent most day Sunday prepping and cooking a few meals, which we will reheat during the week – as usual.
I started by cutting a few chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, coating them in a few pieces and corn starch, and then frying them in batches. Once done with the chicken, I move on to frying the vegetables, and then I add the chicken back and smother the mixture with some sweet chili sauce.
I’m making a French onion and mushroom soup. I start by caramelizing sliced onions (approx. 5 onions) with some cheap white wine. Then I add mushrooms, herbs, and garlic, the chicken stock, and a half-half. I’ll bake the banquettes tonight so we can use them for the soup.
For the white chicken chili, I’ll reuse a portion I have in the freezer. I’ll add to a cast iron skillet, sprinkle some grated cheese on top, and then bake it in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
While I’m off work, I will spend some hours baking Naan bread, marinating the Tandori chicken, and making the dressing.
Friday night, I want to have a nice Family dinner around our newly sanded and oiled dining table. I’ve spent a few nights in the garage sanding the old dining table and adding a new coat of Danish oil, which has rejuvenated the table. It looks amazing, and I’ll share some before and after pictures soon.
Meal Plan
| Lunch | Dinner | |
| Monday | No school or camp | White chicken chili skillet baked in the oven with a layer of cheese |
| Tuesday | No school or camp | French onion and mushroom soup with homemade baguette |
| Wednesday | No school or camp | Chicken, green peppers, garlic, and green bean stirfry |
| Thursday | No school or camp | Chicken Tandori burgers on homemade Naan bread |
| Friday | No school or camp | Tenderloin beef roast with creamy garlic potatoes and mushrooms – on the Traeger of course |
One day, I might get so organized that I will link the meals below to my recipes. We can only live in hope!
Have a fantastic week, my friends. I hope you enjoy these meal plans. It is much easier to make food in advance, although you must invest several hours preparing meals during the weekend.
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