Menu Plan Monday: week of July 26th ~ Goodbye July

These late Menu Plan Monday posts are starting to become a habit.  I like to work on my Monday posts during the weekend but the past few weekends really haven't allowed for that "schedule". 

July is almost over and honestly, I'll be glad to see it go.  This month has been really stressful mentally and financially. 

Here's a bit of what's been going on with us this past month:

Grace is getting four of her top teeth all at once.  Although, teething hasn't been as bad as I expected, she's still not her normal, happy baby self. 

My dad was in the hospital this month and for the three days the doctors were running tests on him left me very nervous and stressed.  The not knowing is pretty awful.  Add to that, my new-found Grey's Anatomy addiction and all sorts of scenarios were running through my head! 

The two things above are pretty much mental stress.  The financial stress also contributes to mental stress. 

This month, we've had a lot of added expenses.  Dental bills, hospital bills for Grace's bloodwork that wasn't covered by insurance.  We just can't seem to get ahead. 

A few other issues that I don't want to share  at the moment, but they are bit of both the mental and financial stress put together. 

I'm hoping that August will be a better month for us. 

This week, in order to attempt to recover from the extra expenses, I'm going to do some cooking from the pantry and freezer.

Here's what is planned for this week: 

• Monday:  Leftovers
• Tuesday:  Chili (from the freezer) served over white rice
• Wednesday:  Scallops and vegetables over pasta
• Thursday: Chicken, baked potatoes, veggie
• Friday: Leftover night
• Saturday: breakfast for dinner
• Sunday:  Spaghetti & meatballs 

I assigned days for the menu plan, something I don't always do.  But for this week, I felt the need for a bit more structure.  That's not to say that I won't just switch things around anyway! 

I don't have any links for you this week.  My chili is different every time I make it and I never get around to writing it down as I make it.  I'll have to remember to do that the neext time.  I'm using store bought frozen meatballs this weekend just to use them up and get them out of the freezer, I'll probably use jarred sauce too, since I don't have any homemade sauce left. 

I do have a picture of the scallops and vegetables over pasta to share with you.  I took the picture the last time I made it, but forgot to write the measurements down as  I prepared it.  I'll try to remember this time.  For now, here's a picture: 

Pretty much the only thing we'll be buying at the store this week will be milk, fresh fruit and veggies.  I'm pretty sure we have everything else we'll need for meals.