Hi y’all!! Apologies for not posting last week but I just didn’t have it in me. The girls and I have been on spring break, since the 18th, and I have been doing a whole lot of nothing and loving it. I just felt like I needed to allow myself the opportunity to disconnect from all the things, including Dinner with the Duffys. This is my last day of nothingness and I’m a little down in the dumps if I’m being honest. For the past seven days, I have been sleeping until 9AM, drinking my coffee on the back porch, by myself, and relaxing in the sun. It has been magical. I was supposed to be switching out winter/spring wardrobes, packing up my china cabinet and other monotonous tasks but none of it happened and honestly, I could care less. Sadly, it’s coming to a screeching hault – reality will hit like a ton of bricks come Monday. Patrick will be out for most of the week and we have a gazillion tennis, soccer, swim, school and work things that just happen to fall in the one week he can be of no assistance. I hear you loud and clear universe – I’m getting off my arse. This coming week also happens to be a tough one for me, emotionally. Tuesday marks the four year anniversary of my dad’s suicide. In the past, I’ve tried to ignore this day because quite frankly, who wants to acknowledge the day of a loved one’s death? But here’s the thing – I have found pretending this anniversary is no big deal makes it an even bigger deal and does me no good. Surprise, surprise. So this year I’m going to allow myself the space to grieve because honestly, it’s what I believe I need. I think of my dad often but between work, the kids and all of the other things, there is just not enough time to miss him and feel the impact of his loss in my soul. And I need to feel the impact of his loss even if it is only once a year. I think my brain has been telling me this for four years but I just never stopped long enough to listen. Well, I’m listening this year.
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MEAL PLAN FOR THE WEEK OF 4/28
Sunday, April 28th – Oven Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos – I do not need a cheat day this week people BUT, it’s Sunday and my family needs a family Sunday meal. Just sets us up for the week. These tacos are fuss free and super tasty. Cut back on hot sauce if your kids do not like spicy food – or just add hot sauce to your tacos after they cook.
Monday, April 29th – One Pan Italian Chicken Skillet – Veggies and chicken but in a not so boring way. Balsamic vinegar and Italian seasoning kick this super healthy dish up a notch. I have a late work meeting and Ava has a soccer game so I will be meal prepping on Sunday.
Tuesday, April 30th – Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes – Here’s the thing – I plan to cook tonight but I may end up throwing the girls into the car and having a picnic on the beach, or something equally as out of the ordinary. If I do decide to cook this sheet pan option is fantastic and should provide enough leftovers for lunch or Wednesdays dinner.
Wednesday, May 1st – Healthy Burger Bowl – I love this recipe link as it gives you a multitude of options for this one dish. I will make turkey burgers for the family – by make I mean pull out frozen turkey Bubba burgers – and serve mine in a bowl and theirs between buns. I’m leaning towards the pickled onion, avocado and balsamic option myself.
Thursday, May 2nd – Warm Chicken Salad – No, my kids will not eat this as a salad – Ava might but never Regs. I will use a rotisserie chicken, give them the drumsticks, potatoes and a little lettuce on the side. Everyone is happy – sort of.
Friday, May 3rd – Baked Garlic and Onion Chicken Wings – Y’all, I have never made chicken wings. Isn’t that bananas? I don’t know why – I like them but I guess I just never thought to make them. Well, all of that changes today. I’ll serve these with my go to Costco green beans and call it a night.
Happy, Healthy Eating Friends!
XO ~ Kelly D.
Kerri Forsberg says
Love you, Kel. ❤️
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Diane Meyer says
Kelly, I love all these recipes this week. Take it easy girl. Get your mom to get Ava and Regan one day and I will get my two. We can do something fun. All four of them though are so into sports which is good. Would love to see your girls. Miss your dad too. He was a great guy. It never gets easy. Barry has been gone 11 years and I miss him so much. Love you and your beautiful family. ❤️
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