And Fun Times Were Had By All

I was having a not so fun day at work the other day, and Kenny called me laughing hysterically. What's so stinking funny?? He was driving down the road, minding his own business, and this is what he looked over and saw in the car next to him. Please take a moment to look in the backseat...

Of course, this is not something you see every day. Oh, but it gets better and oh so very cliché! There was another monkey on the dash board eating a dang banana. Bahahahahaha...that's where I lost it, and my not so funny or great day got a whole lot better. It was that much better when I received this picture on my email. Oh, but why didn't he get a picture of the other one? Gotta love it!!!

Young Love

While taking my trip down memory lane (see below), I ran across this picture of Kenny and I when we were dating. So, that's what nearly 5 years of marriage, a baby, and more demanding careers will do to you.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I wouldn't have it any other way. But wouldn't it be nice to be that skinny again?? *Big sigh!*

Blast From The Past

So, we were talking at work yesterday about how much Cooper looks like me. I had a request to post some pics of me as a baby to see just how much. Have a look...

7 months

11 months

12 months

9 months

7 months

It's got to be the big brown eyes that resemble me the most. I thought these were some of the pics that look the most like him. Oh, and a side-note: You have just got to love the 1980's clothes and decor. Nice!!

Well, this was a lovely little trip down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed.

Cooper Loves Homemade Bread Too

Cooper had a little bit of a rough day today. Fridays are always a little harder because he's been away from Mommy and Daddy most of the week, and he's ready to settle down to stay at home for a couple of days. He was really clingy when we got home today. So, I let him set up on the counter while I assembled the grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. Well, I sliced a piece of bread a little to thin, and he asked for it. Of course, the blogger in me had to pause for some pictures. Daddy came in to help with that for a moment. A side-note: I'm pretty sure Kenny is starting to question my sanity regarding this whole "blog thing." But you know him, he just goes with the flow. Now, back to Cooper and the bread. Let's just say he loved it; dominating the entire piece. That's my boy!

Dad, are you kidding me? She's got you taking pictures now too??

Alright. If you insist. I will be cute while eating this bread!

Oh, it's the simple pleasures in life that bring such joy! Especially after a week of work and being away from your family for 8 hours a day. Thank God for Friday evenings in the kitchen together...brings me back down to Earth, reminding me of what's most important. You're looking at him!

Easy, Yet Satisfying, Meal

Might I share an easy, yet oh so satisfying meal with you today? Of course, Fridays call for easy meals so we can enjoy more time reconnecting as a family. So, tonight I made the most simple of meals. 

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches & Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

Sandwiches:

     Homemade white bread

     One slice swiss cheese

     Two slices cheddar cheese

     Spread butter

Soup:

     Canned tomato soup

     Basil

     Parsley

Directions:

Sandwiches:

     Just make a grilled cheese sandwich like you always do. Surely there isn't a lot of explanation required on this one. I think the mixture of cheese is the perfect combination. It makes a gooey and stringy sandwich...an A+ in my book! I recommend the homemade white bread because it cooks more evenly, and it is a little sturdier. We always have homemade loaves of bread in our house, so it is no big deal. If you don't make your own bread, a good loaf of store bought will do the trick. But please, please treat yourself to good bread. It makes the sandwich!! Believe me on this one!

Soup:

     Just combine the tomato soup and basil (fresh or not...mine was not this time, and it was just as good) and warm while your sandwiches are cooking. Then, garnish and then some with the fresh parsley. Personally, I love the way parsley adds a fresh flavor to your dish. You can put as much or as little as you like. And, of course, if you don't care for it, leave it out! Your choice.

ENJOY!!

Recipe of the Week

I've had a request to do a "Recipe of the Week" from now on. So, here goes. This recipe was a specific request of Kristen's. Glad you liked the muffin girl! I will likely post more than one recipe in a week, but I will make sure to share at least one that we happen to be enjoying at the time. 

I bake these particular muffins quite frequently. I am a big fan of preparing a pan of muffins on Sundays so Kenny and I will have breakfast on the run all week long. You have to think ahead when you are a working mommy! Since we usually have a couple of bananas left over from the week, it works out perfectly. 

Banana Nut Bread (Muffins)

Recipe Courtesy of Granny

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 medium mashed ripe bananas

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour bread or muffin pan, bottom only (spray will work too).

In large bowl, beat sugar and oil.

Add eggs, bananas, sour cream and vanilla. Blend well.

Mix flour, salt and baking soda in separate bowl.

Add to banana mixture until moist.

Add nuts (optional).

For bread: bake for 50-60 minutes, using the toothpick test.

For muffins: bake for 25 minutes.

Cool for 5 minutes on rack.

ENJOY!

Cooper and the Tagalongs

So, Cooper and I ate dinner alone tonight because Daddy wasn't feeling well. I just made a "Cooper Friendly" meal of chicken nuggets and french fries. As a treat after, while we were still at the dinner table having "Mommy and Me" time, I brought out the box of Tagalongs (Girl Scout cookies). Cooper loves, loves, loves chocolate!! So, he was very excited to have a treat. Well, I must say now that I do not have an endless supply, but it is hard for a toddler to understand that when he just wants one more cookie...

Oh Mommy, thank you so much for this delicious chocolate peanut buttery goodness!!

Mmmmmmmm...this just hits the spot!

You think I could get another one in these chunky, chipmunk cheeks?

What?!? You don't have anymore??

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Well that was unexpected! And, yes, he eventually got over it and had a bath. Then, I was back in his good graces eventually. And, when it was all said and done, he lived happily ever after...

Can you believe this is the same kid as above?? He's precious in this state!

I sure LOVE this kid!

Simple Perfect Enchiladas

We had a delicious meal tonight. I made PW's Simple, Perfect Enchiladas. Kenny paid me the absolute most rewarding complement too. He told me that this was the best meal he'd ever eaten at home. With that, the recipe is one of my favorites I've found so far! If you have PW's cookbook, it shows up on pages 176-178.

Simple Perfect Enchiladas

Ingredients:

The Sauce

1 tablespoon canola oil

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 large (28-ounce) can enchilada or Mexican red sauce

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus extra for serving

The Meat

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion

Two 4-ounce cans diced green chilies

1/2 teaspoon salt

The Rest

10 to 14 corn tortillas

Canola oil for frying

1/2 cup chopped black olives

1 cup chopped green onions

3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

Cilantro

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the canola oil and flour.

2. Whisk together and allow to bubble for 1 minute.

3. Pour in the red sauce, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.

5. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the meat:

              Finely chop the onion...

6. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion. Drain the fat, then add the green chilies. Add the salt and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.

7. In a small skillet over medium heat, lightly fry the tortillas in canola oil just until soft. Do not crisp. Drain on a paper towel - lined plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been fried. 

              Now that all the elements are ready, let's assemble!

8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

9. Next, dip each tortilla into the sauce.

10. Set the sauce-soaked tortillas on a cookie sheet. Onto each tortilla, place some of the meat mixture, black olives, and green onions.

11. Top with a generous portion of grated cheddar.

12. Roll up the tortilla to contain the filling inside.

13. Place the tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.

              Stir the cilantro into the sauce, and pour the remaining sauce over the top.

14. End with a generous sprinkling of cheese.

15. Bake the enchiladas for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro over the top.

I served with black beans, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and blue corn chips. Of course you can serve with whichever side goodies you would like. You definitely will get a couple of meals out of this.

ENJOY!!

Brush...Brush...Brush

Cooper tries so hard to reach the sink to brush his teeth independently. We just recently got this step so he can get a little closer. He loves brushing his teeth (with his Thomas & Friends toothpaste) and washing his hands. I thought it was extra cute tonight and wanted to share. Of course, I'm a little biased and pretty much think everything he does is cute.

Have you ever seen a kid so happy to brush his teeth??

Mom, haven't you taken enough pictures??

What?? I'm just brushing my teeth here!

Rinse and tap, tap, tap. All finished!

Happy Birthday Andrea!

I took my friend, Andrea, out to lunch today for her birthday. This weekend, I made her "Family Deco Blocks" for her birthday gift...only my second set since my dear friend, Whitney, taught me how to make them. I think they turned out pretty well. She liked them too! 

The Front

The Side / Back

The Back

The Birthday Girl and Her Gift

Aimee and Andrea

What To Do When Mom And Dad Are Watching A Movie...

What, you might ask, does Cooper do when Mommy and Daddy want to watch a movie and he is tired of watching Thomas and Friends in his playroom??? Well, tonight he decided it would be a good idea to grab the roll of toilet paper I have been using for tissue in the living room and tear some off. Oh, it didn't stop there though. He then proceeded to tear it into the tiniest pieces his little hands could produce. Then, when he stood up, there were little pieces stuck to him. Therefore, he left a trail of toilet paper pieces as he ran around the house before bed. There was a nice little trail from the living room, down the hall to his bedroom and his playroom. I couldn't stop him though. He was quiet. He was cute. And...I knew I would be able to blog about it for all of you. Now, enjoy the illustration!

Want a piece, Mom?

What, you don't think this is cute??

Well, here. Let me get a little closer to concentrate. Maybe if I get you a smaller piece, you will think this is cute...

Oh...here's the piece for you Mom. I lay it at your feet!

See, I'm still the cutest kid around!! You love me. 

And that I do. I must go to bed to be rested for the start of another week. I just wanted to leave you with a little taste of how we ended the weekend. Oh, and if you were wondering, we were watching "Year One." Pretty funny!

This Week's Menu 2/21/10 - 2/27/10

We made our meal plan a day early (we usually do so on Sunday mornings)! I will try to share some of the best recipes throughout the week, after we have them. However, if you are interested in one, just comment, and I will share. I'm always interested in new recipes too. We don't duplicate often because we love the variety...it keeps us motivated to eat at home. So, please share any good ones! 


Sunday: Leftover Clean-up Day (We have leftover chili and smoked chicken that needs to be eaten. Waste not, want not!)
Monday [Kenny]: Steaks with Sweet Potato Fries
Tuesday [Aimee]: Enchiladas with Black Beans and Chips/Guacamole
Wednesday [Kenny]: Chili Garlic Pork with Jasmine Rice
Thursday [Aimee]: Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Friday [Aimee]: Grilled Cheese (on homemade white bread) with Tomato Basil Soup
Saturday [Kenny]: Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Cole Slaw


Yum...my tummy is growling just thinking about it. Although, that could be attributed to the blackberry cobbler my glorious husband is baking in the oven right now!! Be sure to check in for recipes and pictures throughout the week!

My Boys

I was looking through my pictures today and came across this. I guess the boys took it upon themselves to take a self-portrait. I love little surprises like this. Aren't they precious??

I love "My Boys"!!

Playtime with Mommy

In order to accomplish our goal of eating at home 6 out of 7 days per week (sometimes all 7 these days), either Kenny or myself will be the cook and the other will be the entertainer for the child. Thursday was my night to entertain so Kenny could make some amazing blue cheese burgers. Cooper and I spent some time outside, enjoying some chilly but beautiful weather, and then we came in to play in the playroom. Here are a few pictures of the angel child. The poor kid only has a ball to play with outside because he is just now to the age that he enjoys playing outside. So, we will have to remedy that soon...

Wanna play ball, Mom??

Come on...you know you wanna...

And he discovered the kitty in the window! Yes, he spent a while taunting him. Ha!

You looking at me, Cowboy?!?

And this is how all nights eventually end up! Thomas, Thomas, and more Thomas!

Fancy Macaroni Recipe

My amazing husband made the absolute most wonderful macaroni recipe last night! Warning: the 20 minute cook time is more than doubled on your first try. We didn't eat until after 8:00pm!! That's a big deal in our house. However, we will definitely have another go at it. Oh, and don't expect to maintain that girlish figure on this diet. ;) 

Here's the recipe if you want to try:

Recipe taken from The Pioneer Woman

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/12/fancy-macaroni/

Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 cups Macaroni
• 8 Tablespoons Butter (Salted Butter)
• 2 whole Medium Onions, Cut In Half And Sliced Thin
• 10 slices Regular Bacon
• 1 Tablespoon Bacon Grease (reserved From Bacon Slices)
• ¼ cups All-purpose Flour
• 2 cups Whole Or 2% Milk
• ½ cups Half-and-Half
• 2 whole Egg Yolks, Beaten
• Salt And Pepper, to taste
• ½ cups Grated Gruyere Cheese
• ½ cups Grated Fontina Cheese
• ½ cups Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
• 4 ounces, weight Chevre (soft Goat Cheese)

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook macaroni for half the time of the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Fry bacon until slightly, but not overly, crispy. Drain on a paper towel. Reserve grease.

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet and then saute onions over medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown and soft. Set aside.

In a pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter (and add 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease for good measure!). Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat for 1 minute. Pour in milk and half & half, then cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until thick. Reduce heat to low. Add salt & pepper to taste. (Do not undersalt!)

Beat egg yolks and drizzle 1/4 cup hot mixture into the yolks, stirring constantly. Stir to combine. Pour egg mixture into sauce and cook for another minute.

Add cheeses and stir until melted. Add onions and bacon and stir. Taste for seasonings and add more salt if needed. Add cooked macaroni and stir to coat.

Pour into a baking dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until sizzling and hot. Serve with red meat or a green salad.

Longing To Go Outside

Cooper spent Sunday longing to play outside even though we have no outdoor toys. He had so much fun running around the backyard on Saturday, and he wanted another taste. As he sat at the back door hoping we would let him out into the 30 degree temperatures, he realized Daddy's shoes were by the door. Well, he thought he may as well make the most of this time...

Let's just say we are really anxious for warm weather and the chance to play outside!

Meet Cooper Jake

Cooper is an energetic 19 month old who definitely keeps his Daddy and me busy. His interests include: watching Thomas & Friends; running laps around the kitchen; terrorizing the cats; playing choo-choos; and singing and dancing with his Sprout friends.