My Weekly Menu Plans are a collection of delicious dinner recipes, side dishes and a few desserts that will hopefully offer a little dinner inspiration and help make your week a little smoother one recipe at a time.
Writing posts has always been my least favorite part of blogging because I’m not a writer and most of the time my mind is blank and today’s post is one I’m really not excited to write about, but for a different reason.
The last few days have been extremely tough for my family. If you live in Utah I’m sure you have heard about the Dollar Ridge Wildfire that has been burning since Sunday, July 1st. Because of the extremely dry, windy and hot weather conditions it rapidly grew and still continues to burn out of control.
My family has been following it closely and fervently praying because my parent’s cabin is in that area. The winds shifted Tuesday night and my parents thought everything was going to be ok and that the cabin would be safe. Unfortunately the winds shifted again and we found out late Wednesday afternoon that their cabin was hit by the fire.
We are beyond devastated.
There are no words to even begin expressing our sadness. The cabin was our family’s happy place. It was my mom’s sanctuary. For the past 13 years it has been a place of unforgettable memories. We have laughed until we cried, spent endless hours playing games, eaten our guts out, ridden four-wheelers, talked until we dropped, built a new deck, fixed a broken pump at the spring, shot guns at make-shift targets, roasted countless marshmallows (and starbursts), enjoyed “professional bacon” for many, many breakfasts and most importantly, created family memories and bonds that will last forever.
Our cabin wasn’t big and fancy, it was small, simple and rustic. It was perfect. The views were breathtaking and we loved every minute we spent there. It was a place where everything in the world seemed right.
This picture was taken from what we called The Point. You can see our cabin surrounded by beautiful trees.
This is the view from the side deck of our cabin. . . .truly amazing!
Another incredible view.
This old, abandoned bus has been there the entire 13 years we’ve owned the cabin. It was the favorite spot to ride the four-wheelers to or hike to. Countless pictures have been taken on this bus and who can even remember how many different paint jobs it’s had.
We even made homemade ice cream up at the cabin.
Our hearts are broken for our loss and for the countless other families who have lost their cabins and homes.
I’m sorry for being a Debbie Downer today, but my heart is broken and no amount of baking and chocolate chip cookie dough and cookies can even begin to heal it right now. Life sometimes is not fun!
Anyway, here is a new menu plan to hopefully help you out. Have a great weekend.
XOXO
Classic Lasagna & French Bread
(I always make the lasagna the night before and put it in the fridge. Make sure you read my notes about it.)
Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
(I shared this over at Life in the Lofthouse awhile back, so if you missed it, now is your chance to try it. It’s absolutely delicious and so fast and simple to throw together.) 
Bacon & Queso Breakfast Tacos
Slow Cooker Italian Pepperoncini Roast Sandwiches
Cheesy Enchilada Rice Skillet
Quick & Easy Mexican Chicken Bake
Jodi, I am so very sorry to hear this news. That cabin is just amazing and the views are incredible. That is such a horrible thing to go through. I know you have your many wonderful memories there that will hopefully give you some comfort, but I am so sorry about this terrible loss.
Thank you Teresa for your kind words. It’s absolutely devastating and we are all so heartbroken. I’m thankful for 13 years of memories, but just wish we could have at least 13 more years❤️.
Hi Jodi, It was heartbreaking to read your post this morning. I am so sorry for the loss of your family’s cabin. Hold onto the wonderful memories you have created there. Many blessings to your family.
Thank you so much Lori for your sweet words. We will hold onto those memories forever. We were just there last weekend and when we pulled away never in a million years did we think that would be our last time there.
Before I started to read your post, I was thinking to myself how grateful I was to read your post of delicious recipes. Then my heart broke from your sad news. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Connie, thank you so much for your sweet comment. It’s been absolutely heartbreaking and we’re all devastated. We’ve had such an outpouring of love from so many people. So thank you again, it means so much.
Jodi, I am so sorry for this loss that your family has encountered. Just yesterday my husband and I were discussing the tragic losses that families face when these horrific fires burn out of control. I pray for the Lord’s comfort to surround and permeate each one of you as you pick up the pieces of your broken hearts and savor the memories made together there over the years.
Thank you for the posts that you share, which I have come to look forward to each week over the past few years. Your recipes are delish and hearing occasional stories about your family’s adventures has always been a highlight that I enjoy when I pick up a post from 5 Boys Baker! I shall carry this particular story in my heart and it shall prompt me to pray for all of you as you heal.
Christie, thank you so very much for your kind, kind words. I cried as I read your comment and the other comments that have been left. You really touched my heart I appreciate it more than you’ll know. We’re all devastated and I just our hearts can heal with time. What makes this even harder is that is didn’t have to happen. The fire was started by a man trying to do a “controlled burn” on his property on a hot, dry, windy day in July. What a careless, stupid decision. Thank you again, you are a sweetheart.
I came to your site today, as I do almost daily looking for more delicious recipes – recipes for my family that nourish our bodies and feed our hearts and souls as we share, laugh and love during dinner – all with your help – thanks to your generosity in sharing your time and wonderful recipes with us and I am so sorry to read of your family’s loss – I wish I had more words of comfort
Thank you Cat for your sweet comment and kind words, you are truly a sweetheart. This is a hard one to swallow, we’re beyond devastated. We will just hold onto and cherish those 13 years of memories.
Thank goodness your family was not there at the time! Trees can be planted, a cabin rebuilt, and new memories made. What a devastating environmental impact. Very sad.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Those memories made there are priceless! You were so blessed to have such a special place. May you find comfort and peace through the Savior, the source of all healing.
Thank you Lachelle for your kind words. We will definitely cherish all our memories there.
Sorry to read about the loss of your family’s cabin. It sounds like it was a super special place for everyone and I enjoyed reading about all of the joys and memories shared. I hope that keeping those memories alive at future family gatherings helps everyone heal while you create new lasting memories. Thinking of your family.
Thank you Ali for your kinds words. It’s been pretty devastating. We lost everything. . . .the cabin, the bunkhouse and the garage with our four-wheelers. It was our favorite place to go and spend time as a family . . . so thankful for all the years we had there and the memories.