Works for me Wednesday: Birthday wishes

My baby girl is going to be 2 on Friday. ~sniff~ sob....okay I will pull myself together.

I realized that I decorate my front door for every possible holiday in the world....except birthdays! Since we are between Valentines and St. Patricks day, I thought it would be the perfect time to create a fun, whimsical birthday wreath.

I figure the kids can help me hang it for their birthdays and it would be a fun way to announce to the world (well at least the neighbors and passer by's) that my little babies are turning a year older.

I just took an old ugly ivy and wretched purple flower wreath that someone gave me and stripped it bare. I then searched through my things until I found some festive ribbon and then some purple star shiny wire stuff. (Because I like to use technical names.)

I weaved the ribbon in and out of the vine. I then went through my party favors and found some children's whistles and the ball/ cup game thingy. (Again, I am s tickler for proper names.) Throw in some star wands and a birthday candle that says. "Happy Birthday" ...and WHALAH.

The fun thing about this wreath is that almost all of us has old party things hanging around our house. I would have loved to use a pink boa I found but I didn't think my hubs and son would like that on their birthday.

I would like to think that this makes my people feel special around their special time.

And that works for this mama.

For more great Works for me Wednesday visit We are that Family!

Cheese stuffed meatballs

My meal plan is a yummy one this week! Lots of family favorites! So I wanted to share my cheesy meatball recipe...hope your family loves it as much as mine does!

Cheese Stuffed Meatballs!

4 sticks (1 oz. size) mozzarella string cheese, cut into 3/4" cubes

1/2 cup Italian style bread crumbs

1 jar (48 oz. size) tomato pasta sauce, divided

1 1/2 pound lean ground beef

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1 egg

12 ounces uncooked spaghetti

2/3 cup shredded fresh Parmesan cheese

Put cheese cubes in small resealable freezer plastic bag; seal bag and freeze at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line 15x10x1" pan with foil; spray foil with cooking spray.

In large bowl, mix bread crumbs and 3 tablespoons of the pasta sauce. Stir in beef, onion, salt, oregano and egg. Shape mixture into 2" balls.

Press 1 cheese cube into center of each ball, sealing it inside. Gently place in pan. Bake 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, pour remaining pasta sauce into 5 quart Dutch oven. Cover; heat to simmering over medium high heat, stirring frequently. Gently stir in meatballs; reduce heat to medium low.

Cover; simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked and not pink in center. Cook and drain spaghetti; keep warm. Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti.

Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Menu Plan Monday: I'm Back!

After a full week of antibiotics, I actually feel up to cooking again! I fully realized the value of a meal plan when I don't have one. It involves alot of standing in front of the fridge, foot tapping and sighing. My saint of a husband picked up the slack and cooked for us several times. (I think he may have not wanted me coughing over his food but I can't be sure:) )

Anywho, this week has so many great recipes that I will be posting them throughout the week! Happy Eating Y'all!

Monday: Stuffed green peppers, Crescent Rolls

Tuesday: Spaghetti and Mozzarella meatballs, Italian green beans, garlic bread

Wednesday: Steak, twice baked potatoes, grilled asparagus, salad

Thursday: Leftover buffet

Friday: Pizza, salad

Saturday: Fish and Chips (Recipe follows)

Sunday: Grilled chicken, roasted carrots, broccoli

Oven Baked Chips

4 medium baking potatoes

seasoning of your choice (I like Kosher salt and pepper)

Dry bread crumbs

Wash each potato and cut into wedges.

Soak potatoes in water for five minutes then drain and pat dry. Place favorite seasonings and bread crumbs into a large resealable bag. Place potato wedges into bag a couple at a time, seal and shake to coat.

Arrange potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and bake until crispy, about ten minutes.