On Wednesday this past week my grandfather passed away unexpectedly. He was 91-years old and was a happy man to the end. We are sad but he didn’t suffer and lived a long life. You know, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this death thing. It’s just so strange. And unexpected deaths, well, I don’t like missing the chance to say goodbye. I just hope Grandpa Wallin has been hearing my thoughts all week, as I ponder his life and think about what I would have said to him one last time if I’d had the chance.
I am grateful to my grandfather and my grandmother (who died in 1995) for having the courage to move to the United States all those years ago, setting into motion the events that lead to me sitting here today.
We are staying with family all this week, so no menu for me. My meal plan is to enjoy lots of meals with people I love!
Please still post your menus for the week so you can inspire one another! And, your homework this week (well, besides planning a menu!)…pick up the phone and call a loved one you haven’t talked to in a while.
Have a great week, everyone!
Hi! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and count on you to share yours! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
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S: Chicken, fig, and arugula paninis
Meatless M: Barley stew with leeks
T: Chicken and wild rice soup
W: out, maybe
R: Spaghetti and kale
F: Out
S: Entertaining. Leaning towards a smoked beef brisket hash, though that could change.
I’m very sorry for your loss…enjoy this week seeing family, and know how much it means to your grandfather’s memory that so many are gathering to celebrate his life!
Week of February 17 to February 23
Sunday: Leftover Chinese food
Monday: Patty melts and sweet potato fries
Tuesday: Beef stew
Wednesday: Stuffed pepper medley
Thursday: Pasta Puttanesca with green beans/spaghetti
Friday: Peanut and sweet potato chicken on couscous
Saturday: Italian feast for family party ā Iām bringing sausage and peppers
thank you, sarah…and you are exactly right. when the babies were being noisy during the funeral, I figured Grandpa wouldn’t mind one bit…they are a tribute to him! š
I don’t have much of a menu planned for the week yet, although I did make a successful run to Sam’s Club on Friday, but I just wanted to pop in and offer my condolences on the loss of your grandfather. I’m sure he was a great man. I, too, lost my grandfather unexpectedly several years ago.
Also, I haven’t stopped by in a while, but the new pics of your little ones on the sidebar are so adorable!
As for a menu, I’m thinking lemon chicken breasts and roasted broccoli one night, BBQ pork and coleslaw, and burgers and sweet potatoes – no idea what meal will fall on what night!
thanks, tessa! I realized when owen was about 1 that he wasn’t being represented! š
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grandfathers and special people.
Mon: Wine tasting and snacks at a friend’s
Tues: Tilapia Piccata & Rice Pilaf with tiny shrimp and veggies
Wed: Tostadas
Thurs: Chili Topped Baked Potatoes (Chili from the freezer)& Garden Salad with Balsamic( BF cooks)
Fri: Out
Sat: Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Dressing and Creamy Gravy, Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, & Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Sun: Out
Oops…Not going out Friday. We are having Chicken Pot Pie and Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Feta
thanks, kindy!
I’m so sorry for your loss! I hope your grandfather’s memory is a blessing for you and all who loved him. I lost my favorite grandfather when I was ten, he was 61. I still think of him nearly every day, more than 20 years later.
we’re still recovering from colds, stomach flu and the hubs is traveling this week so I’m only planning a few meals. think we might be eating from the freezer a bit.
short ribs, polenta, roasted sprouts
parm crusted tilapia, couscous, grilled zucchini
apple cider roasted chicken and butternut squash
mac n’ cheese with chicken apple sausage, broccoli
do you have a recipe for your apple cider roasted chicken? it sounds yummy
it’s amazing how our loved ones just stay with us, isn’t it, sharon? it’s a blessing to be sure.
It was great, though a little bland – I’ll probably use a little more salt/pepper next time.
http://thelemonbowl.com/2012/10/apple-cider-roasted-chicken-with-butternut-squash.html
Enjoy the time with your family to the max.
Monday- Shepard’s Pie
Tuesday – Greek Chicken Pitas
Wednesday – Hungarian Goulash
Thursday – Falukorv Pasta Bake
Friday – Kebab and French Fry Pizza
Saturday – Steak Sandwiches and Potato Salad
Sunday – Lemon Tarragon Chicken with Rice Pilaf
What is French Fry Pizza?
I HAVE enjoyed the time with family to the max…it’s been a wonderful week, despite the sad reason for coming together. thank you!
In Sweden it is common to add French Fries to the top of a pizza! We actually decided against it at the last minute due to laziness but it is a great addition if you are feeling extra hungry!
Jane- so sorry to hear of your Grandfather’s passing. I always say those of us who are fortunate enough to get to know and love (and be loved by) our Grandparents are better people because of it. Grandparent’s teach grandchildren so much about life in such a patient, wise, and appreciative way.
Sun: Scallops and cous cous, salad
Mon: Portobella mushroom burgers, fries, fruit
Tues: Baked ziti, salad
Wed: Orange Chicken, brown rice, string beans
Thurs: Shrimp tacos
Fri: Chicken scallopine, peas, salad
Sat: Salmon cakes, corn, salad
such lovely sentiments, kim, thank you!
I’m so sorry for your loss. We lost several loved ones last year, it never gets any easier.
Mon: Moussaka and broccoli
Tue: Pasta with garlicky sprouting broccoli, salad
Wed: Goats cheese twice-baked potatoes, salad
Thur: Pork chops, spicy roasted potatoes, green beans
Fri: Chicken cardamom curry, spiced corn, chickpea flat breads
Sat: Polenta and ragu bake, salad
Sun: Dinner at mum’s
Can you share yoyr polenta and ragu recipe?
It’s going to be a bit of an experiment but the plan is to cook the polenta (1/2 cup with 2 cups of water for 2 of us) and stir in some butter, parmesan and spinach. Then I’ll put half the polenta in a greased baking dish, top with some ragu (I keep portions in the freezer) and finish with a layer of polenta and some mozzarella. Then I’ll bake it until golden and fingers crossed it’ll be nice!
thanks, tamsin…and I agree, it really never gets easier. strange that it’s such a part of life…
Sunday. Lamb loin chops, baked potato, asparagus and salad
Monday – leftovers
Tuesday- salmon with fries
Wednesday- cauliflower fettucine Alfredo and salad
Thursday – ham steak and broccoli
Friday – out
Saturday- going to my daughter’s house to celebrate her birthday!
So sorry to hear of your loss. It is definitely harder on the ones left behind when it is sudden but so much better than if they have to suffer. Sweet memories to you.
Sunday – Shrimp and pasta alfredo, salad
Monday – General Tso chicken and rice
Tuesday – Easy skillet pork chops, rosemary cubed potatoes and veggie
Wednesday – Hamburger stroganoff with rice
Thursday – Twice baked potato soup, baguette
Friday – Crockpot bacon ranch chicken with pasta
Saturday – Leftovers
I agree, mona…it really is such a blessing when they don’t have to suffer. I’m am grateful for him for that. thank you for your comments
No menu yet…have to wait till kiddos go to bed to think straight! My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers sent to you and your family at this tough time and may your hearts heal swiftly and enjoy your time with family.
thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
God bless your family. Remembering the good times doesn’t heal you, but it certainly helps.
Sunday: Out for pizza…..too tired after running a half marathon to cook š
Monday: Stuffed peppers
Tuesday: Pasta and meatballs
Wednesday: King Ranch Chicken
Thursday: Yorkshire Pudding with cranberry sauce
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Out
yes, bonnie, it does help. thank you so much for your kind words
So sorry to hear about your loss. My grandfather passed away recently also. It was nice to see family I haven’t seen a while and my 4 yr old was able to meet relatives he’d never met before.
Sun: Crab Legs w/ beet risotto (so good on valentines we decided to do it again). š
M: Pork tacos w/ avocados & black beans
Tu: Oven Fried Chicken w/ Caesar salad & Carl c wheat croutons
W: Parmesan Crusted Fish w/ lentils & potatoes
Th: Out w/ BFF! Boys will enjoy leftovers.
F: Homemade Chicken Nuggets w/ acorn squash Mac n cheese& carrot slices
Sa: Cooking Class…I’m teaching a class on easy side dishes.
please share your beet risotto recipe!
yes, it is always sad to come together for a funeral, but it really is so neat to all come together, it happens so rarely. I think the kids actually had a wonderful day the day of the funeral. it was a good day, lots of love and time to talk with relatives!
I always think its so much better when people die suddenly, because there is no suffering and in the long run that is easier on everyone. Enjoy your family this week.
Sunday- dinner at my mother inlaw’s house
Monday- crockpot roast beef po boys
Tuesday- smothered pork tenderloin
Wednesday- cashew chicken and jasmin rice
Thursday- leftovers, as I am sure there will be plenty!
Friday- pancakes and berries
Saturday- baked ziti
I think you’re right melissa. it is a blessing. and I have soaked up every second with family this week – it’s been wonderful!
I, too, am so sorry for your loss. š
Sunday – Hawaiian meatballs in the crock pot, rice, broccoli
Monday – Costco pizza
Tuesday – Chicken chili
Wednesday – Pasta?
Thursday – Salsa and sour cream chicken in the crock pot, with bean and tortillas.
Friday – Dinner with friends, not sure what we’re bringing yet
Saturday – Out for my son’s 7th birthday!!
Sunday – Hawaiian haystacks, son’s pick for his bday weekend dinner.
Can u tell me what HI haystacks are? They sound fun!
thanks, elizabeth, I appreciate it.
Yes – I had never heard of them before, but when I married my husband his family grew up eating them. They sound kinda weird, but they’re actually pretty good, kids love them, and you can “health” them up, too. They’re basically white rice (you could make w/ brown, too), and you make a gravy for on top w/ cream of chicken soup. Then you have a ton of toppings and dinner guests go to town piling on whatever they like. In my husbands family toppings include diced ham, chicken breast, peas, tomatoes, mandarin oranges, pineapple, chopped tomatoes, almonds, crispy chinese noodles (like la choy), black olives, shredded cheese. My kids request this for bday meals a lot. Just googled it too, and there are a bunch of recipes for making your own gravy (not canned soup). š
Jane, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your loved ones are in my thoughts…
Sun – Garlic Parm & Spicy Garlic chicken wings
Mon – Shrimp scampi pasta
Tue – Pork piccata pasta
Wed – Tacos
Thu – Burgers
Fri – leftovers
Sat – leftovers
thank you so much, angie
Sun- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Black bean burritos
Mon- Crockpot chicken with rice, PW “the bread”
Tues- Shrimp alfredo, garlic bread and salad
Wed- Make your own Quiche
Thurs- Shepherd’s Pie, clover rolls
Fri- Homemade pizza….shrimp or chicken thai, margherita, cheese and pepperoni,bacon and basil(for the kids)
Sat- BBQ and smoked grill meat with all the fixins
Sun- Some crockpot meal……. Any suggestion?
Again…so sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. My grandma passed away two years ago this week. She shaped the person I am today more than she knew and I miss her daily. Enjoy the time with your family.
I am doing a 40 day vegetarian challenge for Lent (40 different vegetarian dinners), so my menu is all veg…
Veggie Burgers with Stuffed Potatoes (black and bleu burger for him)
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Parm Soup
Broccoli Avocado Pasta
Pesto Stuffed Shells for me and Pesto Shrimp Bowties for him
Baked Potato Soup
Purple Baked Gnocchi
Can I ask where you’re finding most of your recipes? I used to eat as a “pescetarian” only and have removed all meat and fowl/poultry again. I’m looking for some more yummy veggies to add to my menu. Thanks.
alley, thank you for your kind thoughts…I really appreciate it.
hi 2wellsmade5 – i use a couple different sources for vegetarian recipes (and then usually make a few adjustments because I am picky). searching for “vegetarian” on Pinterest/TasteSpotting/FoodGawker is pretty easy, then most blogs have a vegetarian section in their recipe index. then there are lots of cooking magazines (which i like to tear out the recipes and add them to my recipe binder) and vegetarian cookbooks from the library (there are so many cookbooks!) you’ll end up with more vegetarian recipes than you know what to do with! š
Big week of pinterest recipes…..
Sunday: Lemon and roasted garlic chicken, roasted potatoes, carrots, “red lobster” biscuits
Monday: Breakfast for dinner: Cheesy bacon potato frittata, oranges
Tuesday: Hubby wants lasagna…. so I’m trying a lasagna bolognese with bechamel instead of my usual version… garlic bread, salad
Wednesday: Hubby cooks. Burrito bowls, fruit
Thursday: Hubby cooks. Ham and cheesy potatoes, green beans
Friday: Pizza night, salad
Saturday: Hubby’s out with the guys- kids and I are making Taco mac
I also baked a banana toffee cake for a treat this week.
Jane, I’m so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your grandfather. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Our menu this week is barley a plan at all. We are feeling under the weather, so whatever happens happens. Also, we are all vegetarian all the time, so look at some of my past menus if you are looking for non-meat items for lent.
Leftover Thai take out
Leftover Curried Vegetables and Dahl (Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home cookbook)
Italian Veggie Pie (didn’t get to it last week)
Maybe a soup or veggie pot pie filling over rice or something easy if the leftovers don’t hold out
hi jenn – thank you so much for your kind words!
i’m so sorry for your loss.
Monday: Kung Pao Chicken Burgers [didn’t make before]
Tuesday: Taco Pizza
Wednesday: Lemony Kale Pasta
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: Minestrone Soup
Saturday: Pot Roast
Sunday: out to eat
thank you, sarah!
I am so sorry for your loss Jane. Unexpected losses seem to add anger to the grief and compound the feeling of loss. I think it’s wonderful that you are focusing on quality moments as a way to honor your grandfather.
My hubby is gone for the next two weeks so our menu is a little less heavy. Lots of kid choice meals š
Monday – Frozen pizzas
Tuesday – Cheesy Garlic Chicken and noodles
Wednesday – Pork Roast with rice
Thursday – Chicken Ranch Tacos (also some Shrimp Tacos, this week’s challenge recipe)
Friday – Salisbury Steak and mashed potatoes
Saturday – Totally unsure! We may end up at my in-laws or go out
Sunday – Leftovers will abound I am sure š
thanks for your comments, fran…unexpected IS hard, but I am grateful he didn’t suffer, so trying to focus on that. anyway, thank you!
Sorry for your loss. Enjoy your week with the family!
Sunday: out
Monday: Greek chicken and pita
Tuesday: Steak, cherry tomatoes, garlic bread
Wednesday: Chinese take our
Thursday: Penne with homemade pesto, salad
Friday: BLT wraps
Saturday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas
Also, either Friday or Saturday I am preparing a batch of cookie dough to store in the freezer
thanks, lexa! and I have enjoyed the time with family very much – it’s been great!
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandfather, Jane. We’re never really prepared for something like this, even when someone has enjoyed such a long life. My grandma died a few months ago, the reality still hasn’t completely set in. I’m glad you’re able to be with your family. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
thanks so much, kathy. really appreciate it…will talk to you soon!
I’m sorry for your loss, it’s hard to lose any loved one.
Monday: Roast leg of Lamb, Tzatziki sauce, Homemade Pitas and Fresh Veggies and Feta
Tuesday: Bucatini all’amatriciana and Peas
Wednesday: Pork Milanese with Escarole Salad
Thursday: Salmon Poached in Court Bouillon and Broccoli
Friday: Cheesy Taco Pasta and Tomatoes and Avocado
Saturday: Mexican Lasagna and Fresh Salsa and Corn
Sunday: Breakfast for dinner-Granola Waffles and Fresh Fruit
thank you, vicki!
I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather. Even when someone is older it is still a shock when they pass away. I experienced this when my 99 yr old great grandmother passed away. some people seemed to think it odd that it hit me so hard because she was so old but it still did. I’m sending thoughts your way.
Here’s my Gluten Free menu for the week (yes its all GF !)
Sun – Lasagna with cauliflower garlic breadsticks
Mon – Mushroom Fontina Pizza
Tue – Leftover Lasagna and Sauteed Kale w garlic
Wed – Sweet & Sour Chicken & rice (baked not fried!)
Thu – Chicken Caesar Salad
Fri – Tacos
Sat – Out !!
steve jobs’ sister said the most beautiful and truthful thing in his eulogy…no matter when or how someone dies, it is always in the middle of a story. that just rings so true to me and I think explains why it doesn’t matter if your grandmother was 99…it was still her story. anyway, thank you for the thoughts…
We had a long weekend, so I just planned this today:
M: leftover soup
T: Roasted chicken breast over rice with whatever side veggies are still lurking in the house.
W: grilled squash and mango with brown rice pilaf
T: crock pot rosemary chicken with baked potatoes and balsamic vinegar Brussels sprouts
F: leftover chicken goes into chicken noodle soup
Sa: ok, this is bad parenting, but the daughter is going to be running the house this weekend, she’s going to fix herself cardboard pizza. That’s the cheap pizza that you can eat the box or the pizza, it’s the same flavor.
Su: I’m going to wing it. Probably vegan sushi.
never too late to post! and that is not bad parenting š
So sorry to hear about your grandfather — it’s hard to lose someone you love, no matter their age. Blessings to your entire family.
S: Sauteed Ravioli with Garlic Tomatoes and side of broccoli
M: Apps for dinner – Pancetta, Leek & Goat Cheese tart, Bacon wrapped artichokes, Salad
T: Baked Mac & Cheese with Sausages and Salad
W: Roasted Lamb with Potatoes & Broccoli
Th: Loaded Tostadas
F: Out
Sa: Soup & Sandwich nite
thank you, kim!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Monday: Sundried Tomato Fettuccine
Tuesday: 3 ingredient slow cooker chicken tacos
Wed: Meatloaf
Thursday Grilled T-Bone Steaks (grilled with sugar — amazing!)
Friday: Almond Crusted Tilapia
Saturday: Sloppy Joes
Sunday: Sunday Night Stew
thank you, jessica!
Sorry for your loss. My grandfather died the year my daughter was born. I wish she had been able to meet him.
Sunday: leftover pizza
Monday: out
Tuesday: leftover slowcooker chicken curry
Wednesday: think I will try making pasta with swiss chard and sausage
Thursday/Friday: not sure yet I have baby bell peppers to use along with red peppers
Sat/Sun: I work so it’s up to the hubby.
I feel the same way – my grandpa hadn’t yet met owen, either. thank you for your kind words!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Sorry for the late post āā I didn’t complete my plan until this morning. Our youngest has become a vegetarian for lent. Not too hard since we do a lot of vegetarian meals but it makes me think about planning a lot more, especially for lunches as well. My husband is trying to eat low-carb and our oldest just had three wisdom teeth pulled so he needs soft foods this week. It’s been challenging to plan!
Sunday: We had take out Thai.
Monday: We had turkey meatballs and meatless “meatballs” (made with lentils and rice) over penne with roasted brussel sprouts and pears.
Tuesday: Mushroom and spinach quiche with side salads and smoothies.
Wednesday: Leftovers.
Thursday: Chicken and bean soft tacos and tostadas with roasted broccoli.
Friday: Halibut with pineapple and avocado salsa, with baked zucchini parm.
Saturday: Husband is making dinner āā probably maple glazed ribs.
Sunday: Dijon chicken linguide with mushrooms and toasted almonds. Green beans on the side.
thanks, esther.
and it’s never too late to post!
Sun 2/17 – at a friend’s house
Mon Red Lentil and Carrot Soup w/ Coconut Milk (crockpot)
Tues Leftover Soup
Wed Ricotta Frittata and Salad
Thurs Pasta and asparagus
Fri Not sure; away on a road trip all day
Sat Black Bean Soup w/ Chipotle (crockpot)
So, sorry for your loss. Good that you will be spending time with family. That is so important. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
2/17 Sun: Pizza for the kids & beefs for us w/ fries
Mon: BFD salsa & cheese omelet, sausage & toast (Hubby cooked)
Tue: @ Grandma’s house so…. sammies
Wed: chicken tostadas, spanish rice & a veggie
Thur: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes & veggies
Fri: Baked Fish & a salad
Sat: Goulash
thank you, happy!
sending our condolences!
Sat – maple glazed salmon, risotto w/ veg
Sun – out – bringing hummus raviolis to a party.
Mon – Chili in the crock
Tues – bbq pulled pork (crock) sandwiches w/ homefries
Wed – soup & sandwiches (soup from freezer, chicken salad wraps)
Thurs – spaghetti & salad
Fri – pizza
thanks so much, jessica!
everyone, thank you for your menus and all of your kind words and emails. I really appreciate it so much this week!
My grandfather passed away unexpectedly one month ago today. It is a difficult thing to grasp. Like yours, mine didn’t suffer either and went quickly, for which we are grateful. Hope you have brighter days ahead.
thank you, natasha. and yes, that is definitely something to be grateful for. thank you!
Just catching up on blogs & saw this post… wanted to say so sorry for your loss. So glad you got to go spend time with family… it really is so important to let our loved ones know what they mean to us.
yes, the week with family was wonderful. thank you so much for your comment š