Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Wordless Wednesday



Ladybug singing in Church!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Menu Monday

It's the last week of football!!! I am so proud of Chris and the whole Matoaca Minor team, they won the Southern Division Title on Saturday and will play in the Super Bowl this weekend.

We aren't going to know what to do with Chris home in the evenings, but we will enjoy it.

Here's the plan for the week - most likely subject to change:

Monday - Taco Soup
Tuesday - Hawaiian Pork
Wednesday - At Maamaa and Poppi's
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - ?
Saturday - Chicken Soup
Sunday - London Broil, Sweet Potatoes

Friday, November 9, 2012

Missie


You were my first baby, gone to soon. 
My constant companion through the years, you fell in love with Chris right along with me and even accepted Chase, his dog, as a playmate.  You loved to lay on my belly when I was pregnant with Ladybug -  no matter how much she kicked you off!  You were up with me through midnight feedings and right back to 'tuck me in' bed.  How do we say goodbye to unconditional love and acceptance?  I can still see you running through the kitchen or waiting at the door.  Thank you for your time with me, and us.

Missie - May 2002 to November 8, 2012

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Wordless Wednesday



Guess what I did over the weekend!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Happy Halloween

Hurricane Sandy put a little kink in our trick or treating plans (nothing like New York or New Jersey though) by canceling football on Monday and Tuesday (during playoffs!) so Chris had practice Halloween night until 6:15.  We met him out off a River Road to go trick or treating after stopping by Maamaa and Poppi's.  Our theme this year was Alice in Wonderland -

Meet Alice:

And the Cheshire Cat:

The Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts:


 They really were excited to be dressed up and going house to house.


Here's the whole group -
We are still knee deep in candy and we only went to a few houses before riding due to the cold.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Monday, September 24, 2012

Menu Monday

Welcome to September!!!  I know it's almost over, but this month just seems to always end up a whirlwind.  Dance started for Ladybug, we have Football games on Saturdays, plus birthday parties, and church and practice; it seems as though we live in the car during the fall.  My freezer meals have been a lifesaver and it's almost time to fill back up - but first we need a deer!  We are down to just 4 pounds of burger left and Chris isn't bow hunting this year so we have to stretch it through the beginning of November.

There's isn't a game tonight but Chris has practice every night and the Ladybug has dance on Wednesday, should be a pretty calm week (except for Saturday!)

Monday - Beef Drip Sandwiches, Tater tots, salad
Tuesday - Stroganoff Meatballs with egg noodles and peas
Wednesday - dinner at Maamaa and Poppi's maybe
Thursday - Leftover Night
Friday - Out to Buffalo Wild Wings at the request of Ladybug
Saturday - Date night for Chris and Me, the girls are going to Aunt Holly and Uncle Guy's for the evening.  Chris and I are planning to attend the Grapes and Hops Festival and then have dinner at The Bistro.
Sunday - Smoked Shoulder, potatoes and corn

Monday, August 27, 2012

Menu Monday

*Make sure you check the girls pages out for updates on Butterbeans new vocabulary and funny conversations with Ladybug.

This is a short work week thanks to the Labor Day Holiday, that also means it will be very busy!  Last week we did pretty well sticking to the menu, although I traded the Salmon for Chicken Pot Pie since Ladybug was headed out of town with her grandparents.  I still haven't been able to make the Steak Fingers - maybe once Chris gets back from the bear hunt.

Here's the plan for the week, this is very subject to change as the girls may be going to Nana's tonight and we may be going to Maamaa and Poppi's on Wednesday!

Monday - Stew and sandwich
Tuesday - Pasta Pesto with Italian Sausage
Wednesday - Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - ? Maybe Chinese or tater tot casserole
Saturday - We will see what looks good at the farmer's market
Sunday - Grill out - London Broil?

And since it's a holiday on Monday - Hot dogs for the girls!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Recipe Friday - Taco Casserole

This is one of those recipes that doesn't make sense but then ends up being wonderful.  It would freeze well also making it great to double and pull out for those busy nights.

Taco Casserole

Macaroni and Cheese (recipe coming soon), prepared
1 cup salsa
1 cup sour cream
1/2 pound ground beef
Taco Seasoning (recipe coming soon)
1 cup crushed tortilla chips or taco shells (use the crumbs in the bottom of the chip bag)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese


Preheat oven to 350, grease 8x8 baking dish.  Brown beef and add seasoning, set aside.  Layer in pan: macaroni and cheese, salsa, sour cream, taco meat, cheese.  Bake for 20 minutes, cover with crushed tortilla chips and bake for another 5-10 minutes until chips are golden.

Serve with salad.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Four Year Photo Shoot

We had an impromptu photo shoot Saturday afternoon before nap.  I think we have a future star on our hands! These are unedited, so ignore some of the background and the butterbean being cut off.






Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Party Time

Ladybug turned 4!  We had an ice cream party for her birthday that night but first we had a Mommy-Daughter day!

After dropping her sister off at the sitters we went to visit Maamaa and Poppi (and had breakfast).  Then we were off to Carytown to get tap shoes and leotards for the new dance year, I don't think I have ever seen anyone as excited about tap shoes; she wanted to show everyone who walked in the door.
We headed home for lunch and an early nap since we had reservations for tea at Feathernesters.  I think this is going to be a annual tradition, she was such a joy to sit and talk to while having tea from real china cups and personal tea pots (with strawberry lemonade for her). 

It was back home and time to set up for the party.  She was such a big help getting everything together and wanted to do everything Mommy was doing.  I like to try and get pictures of everything set up before people arrive so we can remember what we had.  Well she went to find the extra camera and was right there with me!
 This is her personal cake.

 Her helping document the cake.

 The cupcakes instead of a cake this year.
The ice cream and cake table.

Ladybug blew the candle out as soon as it was set in front of her so we had to relight it as we sang to her!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Menu Monday

Football is in full swing and it's starting to feel like Fall weather (which is really unusual for August).  There isn't anything planned for the week so we will probably just go for walks in the evenings while dinner is in the oven.

Monday - Taco Casserole
Tuesday - Salmon, Rice, roasted Veggies
Wednesday - Sloppy Joes, tater tots, green beans
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - At the football field, so sandwiches when we get  home
Saturday - Still trying to make those steak fingers!
Sunday - Beer can Chicken

What's your week look like?

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Cooking Day

Since our evenings are going to be filled from now until November, I decided to try my hand a freezer cooking.  I didn't get everything finished that I wanted but did manage to put 32 dinners in the freezer that can be ready in about 30 minutes.  I will share recipes over the next few weeks as we put them on the meal plan.  Here's what we have now:
  • Lasagna - 2
  • Meatloaf - 2
  • Chicken Enchiladas - 1
  • Baked Spaghetti - 2
  • Tater Tot Casserole - 2
  • Hawaiian Pork - 1
  • Tai Pork - 1
  • Stroganoff Meatballs - 2
  • Taco Soup - 4
  • Italian Soup - 3
  • Sloppy Joes - 3
  • Shepherds Pie - 2
  • Brunswick Stew - 4 
  • Chicken Soup/Chicken and Dumplings - 3
I also have plain meatballs, salmon, pizza, chicken stock, shredded chicken, and hot dogs ready to go.  Now we just have to hope the power doesn't go out!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Menu Monday

It's officially football season in our house so that means practice Monday through Friday 6-8pm.  I'll tell you tomorrow how I prepared for the craziness.  It's also Ladybug's birthday this week.  That means lots to do and little sleep for Momma.

Monday - Birthday dinner for Uncle Michael
Tuesday - Chicken Burritos
Wednesday - Dinner at Maamaa and Poppi's (and try to bake Ladybug's cake and cupcakes)
Thursday - Leftovers (and decorating cake and cupcakes)
Friday - Birthday party - Ice cream, cake, and pizza
Saturday - Steak Fingers
Sunday - Beer Can Chicken

What's your plan for the week?

Monday, July 16, 2012

Menu Monday

Can you believe Summer is almost half over?  With the heat we've had lately I'm looking forward to the cooler Fall weather (which we probably won't get until November!)  I will miss the long days, I think that's what's making it hard to stick to a menu.

Monday - Tenderloin, Rice, green beans
Tuesday - Pizza
Wednesday - At Maamaa and Poppi's
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - On the road
Saturday - Out of Town
Sunday - Out of Town

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Big Girl Room

Chris and I finally got on the ball and converted Ladybug's crib to a full size bed.  She has done really well with the change and to celebrate I took her to pick fabric for it.  I let her pick the colors, orange and pink, and then narrowed down the fabric selection for her to choose.  I found out about a discount fabric store (u-fab) in the are from this awesome and inspiring blog - http://www.younghouselove.com/.  The people there were very friendly and helpful and the fabric was great, I could have spend hours rummaging through the remnants ($2.99!).  Ladybug takes after her mom and immediately picked the most expensive fabric on the rack, we compromised and got a yard of it for a throw pillow.  Here's her (guided) selections:

 That shiny fabric is the 'expensive' stuff.  Here's what it should look like all together:


The idea is to do this for a bed skirt using this fabric.
My plan is to make a duvet for the ugly comforter currently on the bed.  It will have the bird fabric on one side and the zigzag on the other, so we can change it up.  I plan on making the throw pillow as a long rectangular bolster.  I didn't get fabric for shams since I could decide what fabric to use.  It also gives me an excuse to make another trip to u-fab!

Her curtains are currently a solid white fabric so I won't be changing those, the only downside to this project is the mural on her wall.  I don't want to paint over it but it really doesn't go with the new fabric.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Menu Monday

With the heat supposedly subsiding this week, temps in the 90's, I'm hoping that it won't be so hot in the kitchen.  Last week was miserable!

Monday - Sloppy Joes, Broccoli
Tuesday - Quesadillas with beans and beef
Wednesday - ?  I think Chris said something about a cook-out at a friend's house
Thursday - Brunswick stew and sandwiches, or just sandwiches and fruit depending on the heat
Friday - Homemade pizzas - make your own!
Saturday - possibly date night for Chris and I
Sunday - Fried Tenderloin, Rice, green beans

Breakfasts - the girls are at the sitters and Chris and I will be having protein shakes
Lunches - girls at the sitters and I'll be having salads and Lean Cuisines.  Probably sandwiches for Chris.

We are trying to work our way through the freezer and pantry without going to the grocery store, I'm hoping that we can clear out some space to restock with summer veggies!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Menu Monday

After last weeks craziness we have nothing scheduled this week!  I'm actually looking forward to cooking dinner each night. 

Monday - Chicken soup (for my sick husband)
Tuesday - Baked Spaghetti
Wednesday - Dinner at Maamaa and Poppi's
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Make your own Pizza
Saturday - Birthday Party
Sunday - Meatloaf, Baked potatoes, green beans

Monday, June 18, 2012

Menu Monday

We finally made it to the grocery store over the weekend, not that I think we needed to since this week will be worse than last.  Our schedule seems to just be revving up even though it's summer.  I guess with the weather being nicer and the days being longer we think we can do more!

Monday - Tenderloin Stir Fry
Tuesday - Taco Salads
Wednesday - Business Dinner at Maggiano's for Chris and I
Thursday - Business Dinner for Chris and I
Friday - Flying Squirrels game (with work also)
Saturday - Grilled Chicken, Roasted Veggies
Sunday - Lasagna, Salad

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Beach Time

It wasn't as hot as it was 2 years ago but it also wasn't as calm and clear either.  It didn't seem to bother Butterbean who would run at the water as soon as we put her down.

 Ever the protective big sister Ladybug would tackle her before she could get to far.
 Ladybug is also our bathing beauty.

 Here we go...
 Just kidding!
 We all got in on the fun and buried Daddy in the sand!
 Daddy loves taking the girls in the water, and they love being carried in!  Remind you of something?  Doesn't look like the same place does it?