The Final Friday Of January

And may I just say, this has felt like a very long month! Why does Christmas feel like forever ago??? Maybe because it has been cold. Like very cold. Good thing I like being inside and reading inside, and drinking coffee inside and not being outside. Because that is what I have been doing. Add in some homeschool, some laundry, and some cooking, and that was my week. Oh! I did venture out for Mocha's follow-up appointment. She was all cleared and has no restrictions. She was happy.

What exactly did I cook this week? First up, we had a family favorite that we simply call Chicken Bowls. I just put some chicken breast in the crockpot and pour a cup of salsa over it. It cooks 7 or 8 hours on low, and then I shred it. We add rice, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and Greek yogurt. 

I also made another family favorite this week: tuna and noodles. I know this is a controversial meal, and some people don't care for it, but believe me, my kids absolutely love it! I have shared the recipe before, but if you missed it, here it is again.

Tuna and Noodles

Ingredients

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups milk
• ⅓ stick of butter (about 2½ tablespoons)
• 1 can (7 oz) tuna, drained
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 3 slices of cheese (e.g., American or cheddar)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

• Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• In the same pot, combine the milk and butter over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts.
• Add the drained tuna and cream of mushroom soup to the pot, stirring to combine.
• Mix in the cooked noodles, then add the cheese slices, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese melts, and everything is well combined.
• Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Garnish with parsley before serving.

And then, because Valentine's Day is coming up, we had a little pre-Valentine's Day dinner. Tyson makes these cute and delicious heart-shaped chicken nuggets. I made macaroni and cheese and a tossed salad. This is the most delicious macaroni and cheese recipe ever! Click right HERE.

And because it was National Chocolate Cake Day, Flynn made a delicious chocolate cake. 

And Peyton sent us a picture of her chocolate cake, too! 

Well, we are supposed to have some more very cold weather and possibly some snow this weekend. If you need me, you know where to find me! 

Happy Weekend, my friends! And Happy February!

Billie Jo