Family of 13 ❤️ What we eat in a week - Dinner Edition

A view into our daily life amidst the backdrop of our daily bread. I am really grateful I have the opportunity to chronicle our weekly menu because it inspires and encourages me to try new things. Also I get a lot of good ideas from viewers & friends. I've always been a fan of Jamie Oliver because his food is simple and full of healthy things like herbs. Marc and I watched his videos in the early 2000's together and it helped us start our own little food revolution. We have a few picky palates that keep us on our toes but Mo and Josiah pretty much eat anything, so that's nice! We try to eat budget friendly meals because food is getting really expensive! #largefamilylife

[@gretaz1502]

Some ideas for new video material: how about laundry? How you handle a couple days or week’s worth. Your schedules, etc. Day in the life homeschooling. Maybe an apartment tour, I know there was one when you moved in but a new one would be nice. Curious about the day to day logistics of managing a family of this size.

[@bridgettconn1756]

Again, such good kids. Mo loves to eat and does very well eating independently. Such a big boy to be so young❤

[@amandanicole7955]

I thought this as well especially with soups

[@dianaturley475]

Love how all the kids are independent and get there own servings, or make there own sandwich. Also, that the big kids help you & Mark so much. Mo is such a great little eater too he literally eats everything. You’re so lucky not to have real picky eaters.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

More kids would not be picky eaters, if not given any options. I grew up having one option- what was on the table. Same with my kids. We all eat anything!

[@SharonCraig-gy5mo]

So glad to see your oldest son finally sat down . Bless his heart

[@brendadrew191]

I think parents should share this family video with their teens. It's a marvelous lesson in kindness and sharing!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@PeriWinkle33957]

I agree! It warms my heart to see how everyone prioritizes their siblings and is genuinely kind and loving.💗

[@cynthiawilliamson5905]

So, daddy is the chef of the family! And your daughter is the cookie Baker! Mom, you have the hardest job of all!! I know you were grateful for all the help that you get and it comes from raising your children properly. Kudos to you and dad! Especially bringing them to the house of God is the most important of all that has everything to do with it as well!! they all have the best that any children could have when it comes to parents, love, respect warn@‘respect, and most of all being raised in the house of God!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️🙏🥰

[@susannetestrup-7022]

Jubbii en mand der laver mad ..dejligt.

[@dolivier]

Love these kids , Mo and Melody playing together are so cute 🥰 Your older children are so sweet with the littles. When I watch your family I, truly can see the love ❤😊 Diane from Rhode Island ❤😊 GREAT PARENTING 🎉

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏🥰

[@naomihartman6623]

Mo is such a good eater wanting to in wrap his chocolate all by himself self “I can do this” Naomi is such a good baker and looking after neta perl with neta is priceless Elijah is a good help to u in the kitchen Marc is such a good husband kind and gentle

[@mariewood9239]

I love how each and every one of your children love and respect their siblings. Thats not heard of any more. Because family is not first anymore. It warms my heart to watch your family. Because that’s how I grew up. Your children know how important family values are that why you still see your older children. Mark and Amber you have done a wonderful job.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@mc5366]

Amber you hair looks pretty up. Yummy food and chocolates! Love how the older kids help with holding Neta. Sweet Little Melody, sharing her juice with Mo, just love her!

[@suzanneewing268]

Your kids are real, normal kids...just extra talented and extra sweet. ❤️

[@IntheHollerHomesteading]

I love that Marc lets the girls help him....THANK YOU for the videos

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️🙏

[@karolrust2300]

I still think Moses is the king of this castle 🏰😄 l'm learning alot about cooking just from watching your family make those amazing recipes ❤ Marc did a knockout job on the coleslaw!! Blessings 🙏

[@betheurich7790]

Love your videos ❤ Love that Mo’s new is No..when it was Yeah..such a sweet two year old 😊❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@melindaw1572]

So sweet how your family just flows so well. If ones not home another just jumps in and does whatever needs done without having to ask. Also how involved you all are in meal making as a family. Great parenting!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@user-fo7sx2pq4o]

Mo makes me laugh he so funny in this one and melody so sweet and such a happy little girl mark well done your food always lookes beautiful you could start a food channel and amber you look so good neta wow she growing so much ❤💚☘️☘️☘️

[@dailyoccasions9539]

You have the sweetest family. I love Mo and his 2 year old NO!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@tinafrancis4293]

Melody was really enjoying the white chocolate strawberry her little voice melts me, Moses is so adorable with is No, and how clever is he when eating, knowing it’s hot and blowing his food, Neta is adorable and looks so much like Melody, Enoch is so loving, I could go on and on, the big kids are so good at looking after the little ones especially Neta (not sure if I’ve spelt names right sorry if I have ) just love watching you all, Mark can make such delicious meals and makes it look so easy, keep bringing these lovely videos to watch ❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

🙏❤️

[@user-qd2wd7ns9uAnnie]

Always a pleasure to watch your weekly food videos... Beautiful home cooked organic food...❤ I love the growing young man Elijah !!!! He really loves his food.. We are lucky being invited into your beautiful home .. All your children will grow up as beautiful parents, look how they care for beautiful Miss Netta.🥰...

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@christieostler]

Everything looks delicious! I love how your children take such good of each other.

[@wandag7882]

Oh my! I had a salad shooter for years and when it broke I searched everywhere for one. I finally found one years later and I am a happy camper! I use it to shred cheese! It’s the best!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

I think we need one for our carrots!😅❤️🥕

[@darilanglois8860]

Bonjour from Montreal! Love love your beautiful family and Mo is the cutest! Merci Thank you for giving us the idea for every day meal to prepare. Sorry for my English writing.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Merci!❤️🙏🥰

[@marykoufalis7666]

Hello fellow Montrealer. Fancy meeting you here... lol..

[@cherylduncan5158]

All of the meals looked so delicious especially the bbq and coleslaw ❤

[@ashleyramirez4819]

My husband is from southern Mexico and they eat mostly black beans as well. I put them I. The crockpot and add garlic, epazote(mint leaf) and salt. My kids will not eat canned beans. Tonight we are making copy cat chipotle burritos with chicken. We usually do on the grill but we got some snow last night. We eat a lot of beans lol. My youngest, who is 12, now longer likes store bought corn tortillas. He always wants me to make them but I work full time. And have a travel soccer kiddo too. Life is crazy but I like how you feed your kids healthy meals.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

That sounds good I’ll have to try it! I usually put ginger but garlic and mint sounds yummy!

It was funny to see Mo say no for the first time . That fish Naomi bought is dangerous and has to be kept alone . How cool to have a family pet though !

[@tonjaruff223]

I wanted to share a 2 ingredient cookie recipe since your daughter Naomi loves baking. Simple coconut macaroon. 27 ounces sweetened condensed milk 13 1/2 ounce’s shredded sweetened coconut 2 teaspoons vanilla (optional) Mix together well -let sit 5-10 to rest - scoop with a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. These are AMAZING Store in air tight container in fridge.

[@tonjaruff223]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Sounds really yummy! Yes we are on a cookie making kick!

[@marykoufalis7666]

How many cookies does this recipe make because I imagine they will probably have to double or triple the ingredients for sure. I will make them but use unsweetened coconut as the sweetened condensed milk is quite sweet on its own.

[@shannonguevara5896]

I'm new here and I love that you don't use plastic and paper products for meals! Thank you for not filling up our landfills! What a sweet family! ❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏we do use paper products sometimes but we try not to use too much.

[@amyrivers4093]

I have to laugh at you saying that when there is a pack of paper plates on the bench. I can imagine that convenience is a must on busy days.😊

[@shannonguevara5896]

@amyrivers4093 I know! I spoke too soon! Baby steps I guess!

[@amyrivers4093]

@shannonguevara5896 I'm glad that you took my comment in jest. You made my day so thank you. This family is very special with all the kids talents, healthy food with a few treats, really well behaved and kind kids. I think you will enjoy the channel. 😊

[@werethewilsons]

Hi Amber and family! Your friends in Cleveland here headed to an AA meeting and are spending the evening watching you guys! We didn't realize how hungry we were until we saw this, so take out on the way ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️❤️👋🥰

[@MarthaGarrett]

I cannot compliment your family enough. I also adore these recipe ideas. Thank you

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏🥰

[@Cinthiaellieartie]

I like this type video on your channel! I hate cooking 😂 so like to see people cooking but me 😂

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️❤️

[@ramonalowry7568]

I love your videos. I don’t sleep well so I will play them 4 or 5 times each before another one comes out. I really love that ya’ll are such great parents and the kids are always so well behaved and seem to be brought up with such good morals. Have a good weekend.😊

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Aw thank you!❤️🙏 Hope you have a good weekend too!

[@Stargazertattooflowers]

Wow, ur girls have an amazing motherly instincts... Its so so sweet to watch. They're all gonna be such great moms( and dads).

[@nadaleenbrady8183]

It’s a great day always when your vids come out! Keep them coming you all rock!!! ❤❤❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@huwinheaven]

Just love you guys. Enjoying the.music too xx

[@aherna224]

Love these videos Ty for sharing ❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️🥰

[@foxsea451]

Miss Here is adorable! Your soups always look yummy!

[@NoobsyPoopsy]

You guys are just absolutely sweet. I love your balanced meals. I'm going to try two of the recipes this week. Thanks for sharing!

[@amyrivers4093]

Hi Amber, another wonderful video. It's probably strange but I find it very peaceful cutting up vegetables. I have a cutter that does an okay job, but it's gathering dust because it's quicker than washing the machine, but I'm a family of one human and two dogs who love vegetables. I always make my own breadcrumbs, and it's especially good on top of mac and cheese. I normally put it in the toaster if it's sandwich slice, which is quicker than the oven for me.

[@user-ys6fq7yx1b]

Love watching these videos and what you've eaten for the week. It can't be easy to think what the menu for the week will be.

[@cynthiawilliamson5905]

Looks yummy!

[@kyliestark7356]

I am pretty sure MeLody will be an artist xxx

[@user-nt2ty9kn6e]

I made your cornbread recipe last weekend with potato soup, soooo yummy. Thank you for sharing the recipe 🥰

[@btladee]

I would love a video on schooling. Regular school/homeschool, etc. Love the food ideas I have been getting from you!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@SongSparrow-wf2is]

delicious hearty meals🌷

[@TW-kx6dl]

You can put the carrots in will onions it gives them a better carmalized flavor

[@UDntKnwMeKid]

Melody gives me life😍😍love her little personality.

[@patsycrocker8483]

I’ve started eating the black bean burritos and they are good. I bought canned beans with just beans, water and salt .

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Yes! A great way to get healthy protein. Also I’ve heard there are antioxidants in black beans.

[@robinfox4703]

That looks yummy mark!

[@FreeMare1042]

Just love you guys. The kids are such cuties. Great meal ideas too!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@AndreaLovell2024]

Love your videos! Happy Saturday!!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Thank you! Happy Saturday to you too!❤️🙏

[@rondamcbride6607]

Meals all look so good. Yummy😁

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@marinamayo7994]

Excellent epidode! God bless you all!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@cynthiawilliamson5905]

The barbecue looks wonderful!😮

[@karinhritz9381]

Naomi, try putting dried cranberries in the oatmeal cookies. It's so good.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Yes!

[@naturalsimpleliving]

Happy Weekend! Everything looks amazing! It's hard work feeding a family of 13 all day, and it takes a team. You're doing fantastic! Sending you love from Wisconsin!❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Thank you!!❤️

[@marjoleinvanlieshout9429]

Have A great weekend! Going to make diner and then I watch it

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️❤️ Happy weekend to you too!

[@marshacovington3633]

Your kids are kind and loving loved all the food that was cooked

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️🙏

[@elizabethrodriguez2788]

HOLAAAAA!!!😊HAPPY CARAVAN FAMILY ❤WATCHING YOU GUYS COOKING GODBLESS AND ENJOY YOUR FAMILY MEAL MMMM 😋 YUMMY YAMMY 😋 😊 ❤❤❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

👋Hola!🥰❤️

[@lmartinez1324]

Melody asking if there is no white tortillas (I'm with you girl)😅..She still ate it no crying or tantrums I love it your kids are so well behaved I don't think I have ever seen such sweet kids good job everyone.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Haha yes! Whenever Trader Joe’s has the white ones I stock up because they are everyone’s favorite.❤️

[@ramonalowry7568]

I remember the salad shooter! Lol😊

[@jillwalls9330]

My 14 year old son is a history buff too but typically only WWII and WWI. 😊

[@michelleclawsey9565]

Another week of amazing meals ❤❤❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️🙏

[@susie1338]

I wanted to let you know that OXO makes a Julian peeler. It only takes a few seconds to get perfect Julian slices. I bought the set of 3. They are a game changer.

[@rhondamckinley4373]

Thank you 😊

[@suzanneewing268]

Beautiful beta fish💙❤️

[@naomivantonder1161]

I see you guy love soups as much as we do.That soup looks delicious.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️🙏

[@dorindanothnagel7636]

Naomi, I love your new Beta. You are such a beautiful and intelligent young woman. I was really happy to see that Captain Roger has an amazing tank for swimming and living environment

[@marywallis6734]

I have a Salad Shooter and it works great. It has 5 or 6 different blades. I love it.

[@kimkerley4218]

Hi 👋 Amber. Have a great week dear one 😊❤

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Thank you!❤️

[@Smegal62]

Just love Moses ❤❤

[@awesomegingersmith9086]

I love pinto beans and cornbread 😋 Add onions omg

[@meechyshelm3692]

WOW! We like the same Broccoli Cheddar soup as you - I kick the flavor up a notch by roasting my broccoli with garlic and olive oil before adding it to the pot. Adds a nice flavor like it has been cooking for hours!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

That sounds so yummy!

[@user-bj2bt2wm2g]

Fresh Bay leaves are the way to go. Try putting them in when cooking rice with some butter and salt. But they have to be Fresh not dried. Amazing. Loved Taco Night. You have to try making Mexican Lasagna.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Yes! I want to make my mom’s enchilada casserole. Naomi especially loved it.

[@cynthiawilliamson5905]

👋👋👋👋Be sure to begin stocking up and canning!! I’m concerned since so much is going on NY!😮😢❤ You’ll eat very healthy! Very little processed food!

[@nancyfarkas3592]

That soup looks delicious. Don’t normally like brocolli but I like it in soup

[@BEVJERRYJOHNSON]

In the south we put coleslaw on our barbecue sandwiches. We also eat more pork barbecue than beef barbecue.

[@marykoufalis7666]

Same here in montreal. Many burgers and barbecue sandwiches will have coleslaw. Are famous steamed hot dogs also have coleslaw on top of them as well.

[@eztieder4772]

Do you use white vinegar for the barbecue beef? Thanks for the recipe and props to Marc for the patience and dedication prepping all those veggies for the coleslaw.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

I think we used Apple cider vinegar, but my mom used white I think.

[@marykirkpatrick9382]

I make my own recipe for broccoli cheddar soup. I use olive oil for good fats to sauté the onions and make the roux. I use almond milk instead of cream and use veggie broth. I leave the broccoli and carrots and onions whole. I like the texture of the whole veggies.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Sounds good!

[@user-bg2xf6zy3m]

Ok now I want bbq and coleslaw 😋.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

🙌🏼❤️🥰😅

[@victoriaduran3767]

Josiah holding Neta❤❤ oldest and youngest!!

[@wendy3437]

Your Broccoli cheese soup looks really good I cook some of the 🥦 first with the broth and then blend them. Then I add the carrots 🥕 and 🥦 broccoli to cook add the cheese and I add evaporated milk. I also add white pepper and dry mustard. I also cook the onions 🧅 like you do but if I don't have them I use dehydrated onions 🧅. Your kids get a great variety.

[@sandrasykes3026]

Try a box grater for the veggies.

[@jeannastamatis2573]

I can’t believe how Mo eats everything! He is so cute! Can you share how you make the instant pot beans?

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Yes! I just put 4 cups of unsoaked beans in the pot and fill the water level to max. Then I turn on the instant pot to high pressure and cook for 42 minutes. Then I put in 2 tbs salt and 6 cubes of frozen ginger. You can put powdered ginger as well if you want to.

[@jeannastamatis2573]

Thank you:)

[@marykirkpatrick9382]

Do you ever run out of food before everyone gets some? I noticed the older boys take healthy portions before others can get their own food.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Usually it’s a fight to get Melody and Enoch to eat their food. They want to go straight for the cookie😅 We almost always have enough but if we run out I make a note and make more next time.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Yea we had to all take smaller amounts and then if some was left er could get seconds or the thirds. We weren’t allowed to overload plate all at once before everyone was served. It always worked out where everyone got enough or more than enough as they wanted it. It was a big thing so I do notice that. My parents would Be horrified if we went somewhere and took a lot before everyone served. So it was engrained into me. I guess I don’t eat too much because of it. I see people at buffets overstuff their plate. You can go back and get more, it’s not going anywhere.

[@jelena313]

Lindor Kugeln from Lindt Switzerland are the best❤ Love for you all from Switzerland🏔️🐄🍫

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️❤️

[@kimkerley4218]

I love tacos 🌮 too lol

[@Deanira277]

Love your videos 😊 I think you are doing an amazing job in exposing the children to lots of food options! The bbq beef recipe looks really nice, is it tablespoons or teaspoons for the spices in the second column? I would like to try it 😊 ❤ from Bulgaria!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️❤️ I’ll have to check! Marc has been putting some recipes on the website so I’ll ask him to put that one on there too!

[@sallyhostetter2820]

Neta is so sweet. All you’re meals looked great. When do you plan the meals for the next week? I need to meal plan.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

I usually plan on Sunday or Monday. I need to make time for it or I mess up the shopping list😅

[@user-os3lm5uf6y]

Amber you are a great woman and you great mother

[@TheHappyCaravan]

🙏🙏❤️

[@mariacasella6474]

So,the Mom films and films and the dad cooks and the kids help each other care for themselves?they are very patient

[@afterthought72]

I need a bowl of soup shipped to Georgia please 😊

[@TheHappyCaravan]

❤️❤️🙏😅

[@user-ey5wo3ev7l]

Have you ever tried Cheeseburger soup? Lots of protein and yummy.

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Yes I want to try that!

[@kimkerley4218]

I looovvve Lindor chocolates ❤❤❤

[@jeanniesaltwaterla8718]

Netta(sp?)looks so much like Melanie!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Yes! She does!

[@MsSam66ok]

I love that you have your mother’s written recipes. Does any know where I can find a recipe notebook like hers?

[@TheHappyCaravan]

I’m not sure! It’s just a little binder.

[@aerofan1458]

Mo. No beef sandwich. No coleslaw. No football 🏈 at least he's honest😂❤😊

[@TheHappyCaravan]

😅❤️

[@aerofan1458]

Thanks😇❤️

[@maliadelosangeles3232]

🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@nadaleenbrady8183]

How did you come up with the name “happy caravan?” It truly fits your family!!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

I really loved the history of Gypsy caravans and culture across Europe and loved the idea that they were so musical.

[@texasoutlook60]

In Texas it's not uncommon to but our coleslaw inside our barbecue beef sandwiches!!

[@Natalie-ym8pj]

Hi Amber! I keep forgetting to tell you, i made your Tuesday Chicken! I gotta tell you, i made it because there was just no way it could be good 😂. It didnt sound or look that great but you all love it so much i thought ok!! Chicken thighs aren't too expensive so if we dont like it its not a big deal I MAKE IT EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND!! I'm shocked lol IT IS DELICIOUS 😋. I love you and your family so much. They are all so precious. Every single kid!!! Great job mom and dad!!!

[@TheHappyCaravan]

Aw thank you! So glad you like it!❤️