Menu Plan Monday + Maddy's First Day Tomorrow!

It's a busy week here in the Baylor household. Madison Hope starts her first day of nursery (preschool) tomorrow! She and I both are excited and yet a bit nervous. Ok - I'm a bit sad. It's hard to believe she's growing up so quickly! But I'm just so proud of her. She is becoming such a beautiful little lady inside and out. 
She said to Tim and I, "But I don't know anyone! How will I have friends?!" It broke our hearts! I went into full comfort mode, but Tim was really great to encourage her by saying that all she has to say is, "Hi, my name is Maddy. Do you want to be my friend?" - I tell you what, she just perked up with a look that said, "I can totally do THAT! I do it every day on the playground".  Love that girl. 

Her session is just from 9am-11am each day. It's a center based and play based method including centers such as: dress up, play dough, sand and water, writing, outdoor play, kitchen/cooking, reading, etc. She's going to love it! The whole program is provided free of charge by the city council. I think she is going to learn so much and enjoy her time!

Tomorrow, she only goes for an hour and Tim, Rose and I will be with her the whole time along with 5 other students. It's a time for us to get to know the classroom and her teachers while she becomes comfortable with her classmates, teachers and surroundings. What a relief!

I am sure she will do great though. Tim and I have spent time talking and praying about this option and feel like it's the best choice for her. The hardest part is letting my firstborn go out of my sight and immediate care and trusting that God will care for her and give us wisdom about how to best guide her through this new phase in her life. Having to trust the Lord again is a good thing. I'm thankful that the He has blessed us with such a confident, energetic girl - so full of LIFE! We think she's ready!

On the Menu this week: 

Monday~  Roasted Tomato BLT Sandwiches (around 350 cals) with fruit salad

Tuesday~ Shredded Beef Tacos, Guacamole
* Big shout out to Casey for this one. SO looking forward to trying it!

Wednesday~  Linguine with Turkey Meatballs and Roasted Peppers (639 for 1/2 of recipe - I will lessen my portion!)

(I got this one from a cooking magazine that my neighbor gave me. So you might have to pull out your cooking scale or google the equivalents :)

150g dried linguine

50g streaky bacon (just regular bacon for those in the US), finely chopped 

250g lean thigh turkey mince (ground turkey)

2 pinches of crushed dried chili

1 tsp fennel seeds

2tbsp olive oil

2 roasted peppers from a jar, sliced

100 g spinach

zest of 1 lemon (optional)

1. For the pasta, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. in a bowl mix together the bacon, turkey, chili, fennel seeds, and a pinch of salt. Form into 16 small balls. 

2. In a large nonstick frying pan, fry the meatballs in half the oil in batches for 7-8 minutes until golden and cooked through, shaking the pan frequentl. Meanwhile , cook the linguine to pack instructions

3. Drain the pasta, return to the pan and toss over a low heat with the rest of the oil , the peppers, spinach, lemon zest, and some seasoning. Mix with the meatballs and divide between 2 bowls. 

Thursday~ Baked Chicken, Grilled Asparagus

Friday~  Lemon Chicken Rice Soup (275 Calories a serving), salad

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