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!