Last night we watched the movie "Jumanji" while eating dinner. During the scene that the police car runs into the store and knocks over a wall of paint onto the bag guy, Evan states "You don't see that everyday". Too funny - Alex and I both burst out laughing! Then of course it was funny to say during most of the scenes of that movie.
This morning Avery came & joined Alex and I in bed. Alex asked if he could tickle him and he replied "a little bit". I love it!
Shortly after that Avery stated "Daddy, I wish I was old like you." Alex's response "Gee, thanks!" Then Avery said it was because he wanted to be Thor like Daddy. Very sweet!
We measured the boys last night on their Curious George growth chart that Alex made & painted - they are getting so big! I think today I will need to rearrange Avery & Owen's clothing. The size 2 PJs all seem to be too small for Avery - this morning he looked like he was the Incredible Hulk bursting out of his clothing!
Later this morning Evan asked Alex if he knew what Evan wanted to be for Halloween next year, Alex replied that he did not know. Evan said he wanted to be a doughnut, a REALLY BIG doughnut! Then he also told us he wanted to go to the doughnut store. He also said he wished the doughnut store would have another festival. When Krispy Kreme had their grand opening in Cotswold, Pizza Peel next door was also having a big celebration and had a Scooby Doo bouncy house. Unfortunately we had special plans for our 6th anniversary that night and could not stay to bounce. Amazing they things they remember!
Avery has a coat hanger which he keeps trying to attach to Owen's shirt or pants. I said don't do that and Avery replied, but he is my doggy. Obviously Owen does not want to be Avery's doggy.
Evan is now up to 31 site words, I am so proud of him! He gets very excited when he sees one of his words written on something. This morning we worked on putting up a few things in their play room as it is a disaster - I know, shocking! We were also looking for items that begin with "J" for tomorrows show & tell at school. We were hoping to find the Joker, thus far we have not, but we did find a Jeep - so that will work if we are unsuccessful at finding the Joker. I guess we had best get him to school. We have another very busy week ahead, luckily with some very fun things to look forward to such as Nana coming to town & Elle's 7th birthday!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thankful
For the third year in a row I am posting things I am thankful for during the month of November on Facebook - below you will see a few of the ones I have posted thus far.
I am thankful for Evan! It was amazing we both survived his birth. He is smart, funny and already understands how to use sarcasm - Lord help me ;-)
One evening we were all in the Prius and I gave Evan a bag of pretzels and told him to be sure and share with his brothers. Owen was screaming and I asked Evan to give him one. Evan was holding the bag with one had and reaching in for a pretzel with the other one - his response "Do I look like an octopus? I only have two hands, I don't have eight". I think possibly Aunt Nancy is channeling down through him - ha! If this is him at 4 what will the teenage years bring?
I am thankful for Avery. He is my little fire cracker! I think we need to rename him Forrest Gump - as his current passion seems to be running. Yesterday he got into the elementary school and ran around an entire block of corridors - thankfully his shoe finally fell off! Bully one moment to prove there is nothing a 4 yr old can do that he can't then so loving, caring and sweet the next. (side note - I am also VERY thankful for the angels watching over my boys!).
Tomorrows will read:
I am thankful for Owen. At one and a half he already has such a great personality. He LOVES to laugh and you just have to join in with him. His vocabulary is till quite limited to words such as Mommy, Daddy, ball, more - his favorite new word is "plane". He loves to point out the airplanes in his room and yesterday pointed to one in the sky.
We are so very blessed with all three of our boys - they are all loving, caring, sweet, funny, adorable, VERY ornery and a bit wicked at times - I guess the saying "all boy" applies times three.
Next week we will be enrolling Evan in kindergarten, I can't believe he will be attending kindergarten next fall! Wow! We are going to enter him in the lottery to try and get him into one of the magnet schools - we will see happens. I have been praying for what is best for him to happen. The first lottery is at the beginning of the year and I guess time will tell.
Tonight for dinner I believe we will have Seafood Fra Diavlo (shrimp, scallops & calamari) over Lemon Spaghetti. I am looking forward to special family time this weekend. So... off to do more cleaning, organizing, laundry so we can concentrate on family this weekend!
I am thankful for Evan! It was amazing we both survived his birth. He is smart, funny and already understands how to use sarcasm - Lord help me ;-)
One evening we were all in the Prius and I gave Evan a bag of pretzels and told him to be sure and share with his brothers. Owen was screaming and I asked Evan to give him one. Evan was holding the bag with one had and reaching in for a pretzel with the other one - his response "Do I look like an octopus? I only have two hands, I don't have eight". I think possibly Aunt Nancy is channeling down through him - ha! If this is him at 4 what will the teenage years bring?
I am thankful for Avery. He is my little fire cracker! I think we need to rename him Forrest Gump - as his current passion seems to be running. Yesterday he got into the elementary school and ran around an entire block of corridors - thankfully his shoe finally fell off! Bully one moment to prove there is nothing a 4 yr old can do that he can't then so loving, caring and sweet the next. (side note - I am also VERY thankful for the angels watching over my boys!).
Tomorrows will read:
I am thankful for Owen. At one and a half he already has such a great personality. He LOVES to laugh and you just have to join in with him. His vocabulary is till quite limited to words such as Mommy, Daddy, ball, more - his favorite new word is "plane". He loves to point out the airplanes in his room and yesterday pointed to one in the sky.
We are so very blessed with all three of our boys - they are all loving, caring, sweet, funny, adorable, VERY ornery and a bit wicked at times - I guess the saying "all boy" applies times three.
Next week we will be enrolling Evan in kindergarten, I can't believe he will be attending kindergarten next fall! Wow! We are going to enter him in the lottery to try and get him into one of the magnet schools - we will see happens. I have been praying for what is best for him to happen. The first lottery is at the beginning of the year and I guess time will tell.
Tonight for dinner I believe we will have Seafood Fra Diavlo (shrimp, scallops & calamari) over Lemon Spaghetti. I am looking forward to special family time this weekend. So... off to do more cleaning, organizing, laundry so we can concentrate on family this weekend!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
I tried this tonight for the first time - YUM! We all loved it! I got this from someone's blog and I can't remember to whom to give credit (so sorry) - I modified it - as I typically do... Highly recommend. Quite simple & so tasty!
Lightened Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small
bite-sized chunks
Coconut oil - brush pan
1/2 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
1 can diced tomatoes - drain some juice & then mince the tomatoes
1/4 cup cream
6-8 oz dry linguine pasta
Directions:
Cook pasta in boiling salted water. Drain and set aside.
In a a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
Add the chicken and 1 tsp cajun seasoning blend and cook until the chicken
has just cooked through---about six minutes.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and add the minced
shallot and garlic to the hot skillet (add a little more oil if necessary).
Saute until the shallot is tender and then add the tomatoes, cream and
additional cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently,
for a couple minutes. Add chicken back to sauce.
Add linguine to the pan and toss to combine. Serve pasta with a
grating of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Time:
20 minutes
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Weekend away
Alex and I went away this past weekend to a marriage retreat with our Sunday school class. We went up near Hickory to the Holliefield Training Center. It was the perfect time of year for it - our little cabin was right on the water, the leaves are all changing color - it was lovely! One place we went for lunch had amazing mango quesadillas as well as an amazing selection of 28 craft beers on tap - the one I had was the Founders Breakfast Ale - YUMMY!
Upon everyone's return home yesterday it was fun to hear how their weekends went. Evan had a great time going to Cason's soccer game and getting to enjoy hotdogs following the game. He got to sleep in Cason's bed while Cason slept in the closet, he loved playing with Cason's back-pack toy, Elle told him he wasn't allowed to say the words "poopy" and "oodie". My favorite bit of information was that on Saturday night for dinner they had Zomie and he LOVED it! Of course I had to follow-up with Kristen to see what Zombie was and it turns out that they had lasagna - ha!
Avery & Owen went up to the mountains with Aunt Diana, Uncle Tim & Bodaddy to join G'ma. It sounds like they also had a great time. It seems that Avery liked to run & run - no surprises there! Owen had to be cut out of one of his sweatshirts.
This afternoon after school Evan informed me that he loved me, but that he loved Daddy best - I guess I know where I stand.
Avery picked a Tootsie Roll for his lunch treat today. He wasn't quite sure what it was and I told him it was candy and that he was to eat it - he did and said "mmmm, it tastes like chocolate milk!"
Hoping and praying that our family will continue to be more healthy and be up to 100% by the end of the week. The last few weeks have been challenging with very little sleep.
I also look forward to putting some of what we learned this past weekend to make our marriage even stronger and better.
For now, I must wash some china I bought this morning and get it put away then start getting stuff ready for dinner - think tonight we are trying a new Cajun chicken pasta recipe.
Tomorrow Evan doesn't have school, due to the Presidential voting so we may do something fun like go and jump.On a political note I saw an ad last night where Colin Powell endorsed President Obama - the man never ceases to impress me. The reason he won't run is exactly why we need him to run! One republican I would not hesitate to vote for should he ever change his mind.
Upon everyone's return home yesterday it was fun to hear how their weekends went. Evan had a great time going to Cason's soccer game and getting to enjoy hotdogs following the game. He got to sleep in Cason's bed while Cason slept in the closet, he loved playing with Cason's back-pack toy, Elle told him he wasn't allowed to say the words "poopy" and "oodie". My favorite bit of information was that on Saturday night for dinner they had Zomie and he LOVED it! Of course I had to follow-up with Kristen to see what Zombie was and it turns out that they had lasagna - ha!
Avery & Owen went up to the mountains with Aunt Diana, Uncle Tim & Bodaddy to join G'ma. It sounds like they also had a great time. It seems that Avery liked to run & run - no surprises there! Owen had to be cut out of one of his sweatshirts.
This afternoon after school Evan informed me that he loved me, but that he loved Daddy best - I guess I know where I stand.
Avery picked a Tootsie Roll for his lunch treat today. He wasn't quite sure what it was and I told him it was candy and that he was to eat it - he did and said "mmmm, it tastes like chocolate milk!"
Hoping and praying that our family will continue to be more healthy and be up to 100% by the end of the week. The last few weeks have been challenging with very little sleep.
I also look forward to putting some of what we learned this past weekend to make our marriage even stronger and better.
For now, I must wash some china I bought this morning and get it put away then start getting stuff ready for dinner - think tonight we are trying a new Cajun chicken pasta recipe.
Tomorrow Evan doesn't have school, due to the Presidential voting so we may do something fun like go and jump.On a political note I saw an ad last night where Colin Powell endorsed President Obama - the man never ceases to impress me. The reason he won't run is exactly why we need him to run! One republican I would not hesitate to vote for should he ever change his mind.
Monday, October 29, 2012
The boys have been playing great together this morning (for the most part anyways). Earlier they created a submarine in the living room using sofa cushions, pillows, blankets... I love hearing their conversations about being in the submarine or on the floor which is the water - they are so creative - LOVE it!
Evan to Avery "You can't fly anymore - I took your powers!"
Yesterday while Avery, Owen & I were in the car waiting for Evan while he was at speech - Avery asked me for a nose paper - took me a minute and I figured out he meant a tissue - thought that was quite clever.
Yesterday afternoon while we were waiting at the pharmacy for Evan's prescriptions for his bronchitis he gave Owen a sword to play with and Avery a Spiderman book & a dinosaur then stated that was teamwork. Then he informed me he wanted to change his name to Smart Evan.
Avery has been on a kick lately where he will do something nice then say "wasn't that nice of me?". Bully one moment and so very helpful the next - you just never know what you are going to get around here!
Last week I took all three boys to Trader Joe's to pick out some carving pumpkins. We selected three - I had Owen in the front of the cart & the pumpkins in the back. This left Evan & Avery walking. As I paid Avery ran out of the store and down the sidewalk. Luckily as I grabbed the receipt & ran out of the store telling Evan to follow Avery I noticed Avery duck into one of the doorway recesses. As I turned around to talk to Evan, I discovered he had not followed. So I was in the middle of Evan & Avery and had Owen and the pumpkins with me - which way to go? I yelled for Evan and went after Avery. Evan then did appear taking his time leaving Trader Joe's (mind you Trader Joe's is a great store... but...).
Alex and the boys carved a pumpkin last night while I was getting my hair done. The did a Darkwing Duck.
What did parents do prior to the creation of the Magic Eraser? I have needed it twice today - first when Avery wrote with a blue highlighter all over the half bath then as second time when they used what was to be Owen's green make-up all over the wall. Currently Evan is crying because I stated we might not go trunk or treating this year as they had just ruined Owen's The Hulk costume. Deep breaths... I NEVER pictured myself as a stay-at-home mom - but I love it more than I ever thought possible - but it is by far the most challenging job I have ever had. Now to go check on them to see what they have gotten into next.
Evan to Avery "You can't fly anymore - I took your powers!"
Yesterday while Avery, Owen & I were in the car waiting for Evan while he was at speech - Avery asked me for a nose paper - took me a minute and I figured out he meant a tissue - thought that was quite clever.
Yesterday afternoon while we were waiting at the pharmacy for Evan's prescriptions for his bronchitis he gave Owen a sword to play with and Avery a Spiderman book & a dinosaur then stated that was teamwork. Then he informed me he wanted to change his name to Smart Evan.
Avery has been on a kick lately where he will do something nice then say "wasn't that nice of me?". Bully one moment and so very helpful the next - you just never know what you are going to get around here!
Last week I took all three boys to Trader Joe's to pick out some carving pumpkins. We selected three - I had Owen in the front of the cart & the pumpkins in the back. This left Evan & Avery walking. As I paid Avery ran out of the store and down the sidewalk. Luckily as I grabbed the receipt & ran out of the store telling Evan to follow Avery I noticed Avery duck into one of the doorway recesses. As I turned around to talk to Evan, I discovered he had not followed. So I was in the middle of Evan & Avery and had Owen and the pumpkins with me - which way to go? I yelled for Evan and went after Avery. Evan then did appear taking his time leaving Trader Joe's (mind you Trader Joe's is a great store... but...).
Alex and the boys carved a pumpkin last night while I was getting my hair done. The did a Darkwing Duck.
What did parents do prior to the creation of the Magic Eraser? I have needed it twice today - first when Avery wrote with a blue highlighter all over the half bath then as second time when they used what was to be Owen's green make-up all over the wall. Currently Evan is crying because I stated we might not go trunk or treating this year as they had just ruined Owen's The Hulk costume. Deep breaths... I NEVER pictured myself as a stay-at-home mom - but I love it more than I ever thought possible - but it is by far the most challenging job I have ever had. Now to go check on them to see what they have gotten into next.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Soccer & Corn maze
Friday night we had soccer practice then went to Pizza Peel for dinner. Katie, from Evan's soccer team and her family joined us for dinner. The kids sat in a booth and we sat at the table. I did get to hear Evan telling Katie that she was his BEST friend in the WHOLE world - such a talker! She replied that he was also her best friend - too cute!
Saturday was pretty crazy as we were running late trying to get everyone & everything needed for soccer & the corn maze into the car. We arrived a few minutes late for the game - oops! Evan still has no desire to play and so I am thankful for only one more game! Avery is a go getter. Coach Sara stated that her favorite part of the game was when Avery went up against the other teams biggest player with no hesitation. When he sets his mind to something he goes for it 110%!
Then off to the corn maze - after stopping to get some cash - in case it was necessary. I managed to forget drinks for Alex & myself - thankfully they sold water by the bottle! I also forgot paper plates, flatware, napkins (luckily Esther brought extras for us!)... I did remember all of the food - so we did eat well. with what we brought and what others brought we had hot dogs (turkey & grass-fed beef), sausages (chorizo, chicken with spinach & roasted red pepper, and hot italian chicken), corn (necessary at a corn maze - ha!), chips, pretzels & most importantly s'mores! YUM! Everyone ate and left prior to doing the maze and hayride except for Esther, Caitlyn and Ryan and our family. We had a great time - it was quite the maze! It took us about an hour and a half - crazy! The corn was the tallest corn I have ever seen and had no corn - I am wondering if it was a special hybrid created for mazes - possible? I don't know - I guess I could research that. Owen slept during the hayride. We thought someone stole our wagon while we were on the hayride - but we did eventually find it in a new location - whew! Avery passed out about half way through the maze he had literally been running ALL day! The place was great and had a sand box, a place with lots of bouncy balls, a Little Tykes area, a tractor, a hay house, a store, a giant spider, a pumpkin patch, two fire pits - sooooo much to see & do! The kids absolutely loved it!
Evan was up most of the night coughing so he and I have stayed home from church today. Alex took the two youngest for Sunday school then will stay to help with Extended Session and 11:00 - unfortunately we have left them one short by me staying home. Unfortunately I am not convinced that my sinus infection has 100% gone away - so we will see.
Last night Evan & Avery both informed me they wanted to be firefighters when they grow up. This morning Evan told me he wanted to be a teacher - a church teacher. He then proceeded to color (scribble) on every page of his drawing pad - this has something to do with what one of his church teachers does - hmmm... Now he needs every single page of the drawing pad torn off so he can teach. When I asked who he was going to teach - he replied his brothers Avery & Owen.
Happy birthday GiGi/Aunt Nancy! We love you and miss you so very much!
Saturday was pretty crazy as we were running late trying to get everyone & everything needed for soccer & the corn maze into the car. We arrived a few minutes late for the game - oops! Evan still has no desire to play and so I am thankful for only one more game! Avery is a go getter. Coach Sara stated that her favorite part of the game was when Avery went up against the other teams biggest player with no hesitation. When he sets his mind to something he goes for it 110%!
Then off to the corn maze - after stopping to get some cash - in case it was necessary. I managed to forget drinks for Alex & myself - thankfully they sold water by the bottle! I also forgot paper plates, flatware, napkins (luckily Esther brought extras for us!)... I did remember all of the food - so we did eat well. with what we brought and what others brought we had hot dogs (turkey & grass-fed beef), sausages (chorizo, chicken with spinach & roasted red pepper, and hot italian chicken), corn (necessary at a corn maze - ha!), chips, pretzels & most importantly s'mores! YUM! Everyone ate and left prior to doing the maze and hayride except for Esther, Caitlyn and Ryan and our family. We had a great time - it was quite the maze! It took us about an hour and a half - crazy! The corn was the tallest corn I have ever seen and had no corn - I am wondering if it was a special hybrid created for mazes - possible? I don't know - I guess I could research that. Owen slept during the hayride. We thought someone stole our wagon while we were on the hayride - but we did eventually find it in a new location - whew! Avery passed out about half way through the maze he had literally been running ALL day! The place was great and had a sand box, a place with lots of bouncy balls, a Little Tykes area, a tractor, a hay house, a store, a giant spider, a pumpkin patch, two fire pits - sooooo much to see & do! The kids absolutely loved it!
Evan was up most of the night coughing so he and I have stayed home from church today. Alex took the two youngest for Sunday school then will stay to help with Extended Session and 11:00 - unfortunately we have left them one short by me staying home. Unfortunately I am not convinced that my sinus infection has 100% gone away - so we will see.
Last night Evan & Avery both informed me they wanted to be firefighters when they grow up. This morning Evan told me he wanted to be a teacher - a church teacher. He then proceeded to color (scribble) on every page of his drawing pad - this has something to do with what one of his church teachers does - hmmm... Now he needs every single page of the drawing pad torn off so he can teach. When I asked who he was going to teach - he replied his brothers Avery & Owen.
Happy birthday GiGi/Aunt Nancy! We love you and miss you so very much!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Lunch
Today I opened the refrigerator and was inspired by a container of leftover brown rice from ordering in Chinese the other day. I made fried rice with ham, broccoli, onions, carrots, eggs - all yummy stuff... well at the last minute I drizzled in a few drops of chili sesame oil - well... mistake! Too much - too spicy for the boys. So (except for me - the fried rice was YUMMY!) honey sandwiches all around - chunky peanut butter with big bear honey (honey in a small bear or in a jar just won't do!). As Evan is eating his sandwich - he eats it into the shape of a boat. As he is rocking it back and forth he asks me - "Do you know whose boat this is?" I replied that I did not. He then informed me it was Noah's boat - who knew? The do listen and they do learn - good to know! (At least most of the time - ha!)
Evan has been doing great with his site words - he currently knows 16 - but not every single time. Yesterday and today both he is getting stuck on "it" and "is" with me. He knew them for Alex last night... he sounds them out perfectly... who knows? Each time he adds an additional five new works to his list he earns a minifigure - after every group of "x" amount then he can earn something bigger. Last night with Daddy and he was able to earn a new minifigure - he got the Lumberjack - so with that he started singing the Lumberjack song from one of the Monty Python songs - too funny! I guess Alex had shown it to him once - again - scary how they do retain things!
Owen has been super fussy lately - not sure what that is about - teething, sinus, allergies...
Tonight is soccer practice - only two more left!
Yesterday we received a note from Evan's teacher stating that they have noticed a pattern that he is sleepy and won't pay attention on Thursdays. She then asked if there was something we were doing on Wednesdays that could contribute to this. I guess that is the end of Wednesday nights at church for a while. I know Evan loves it - but it is something that will have to be put on hold for the moment.
Tomorrow is a big day - soccer game, corn maze/weenie roast, then dinner at Duckworth's to help raise money for Breast Cancer. Currently it is amazingly gorgeous out - the perfect fall day - hopefully that will be the case for tomorrow!
Avery is still resisting potty training - he is doing pretty well with the poopy part... but he continues to pee in his pants the majority of the time - we have tried bribing, putting him on the potty every 30 or 40 minutes, big boy underwear... NOTHING seems to work! Owen has also started... will see how that goes - our boys seem to take at least a year before they will do it.
Evan has been doing great with his site words - he currently knows 16 - but not every single time. Yesterday and today both he is getting stuck on "it" and "is" with me. He knew them for Alex last night... he sounds them out perfectly... who knows? Each time he adds an additional five new works to his list he earns a minifigure - after every group of "x" amount then he can earn something bigger. Last night with Daddy and he was able to earn a new minifigure - he got the Lumberjack - so with that he started singing the Lumberjack song from one of the Monty Python songs - too funny! I guess Alex had shown it to him once - again - scary how they do retain things!
Owen has been super fussy lately - not sure what that is about - teething, sinus, allergies...
Tonight is soccer practice - only two more left!
Yesterday we received a note from Evan's teacher stating that they have noticed a pattern that he is sleepy and won't pay attention on Thursdays. She then asked if there was something we were doing on Wednesdays that could contribute to this. I guess that is the end of Wednesday nights at church for a while. I know Evan loves it - but it is something that will have to be put on hold for the moment.
Tomorrow is a big day - soccer game, corn maze/weenie roast, then dinner at Duckworth's to help raise money for Breast Cancer. Currently it is amazingly gorgeous out - the perfect fall day - hopefully that will be the case for tomorrow!
Avery is still resisting potty training - he is doing pretty well with the poopy part... but he continues to pee in his pants the majority of the time - we have tried bribing, putting him on the potty every 30 or 40 minutes, big boy underwear... NOTHING seems to work! Owen has also started... will see how that goes - our boys seem to take at least a year before they will do it.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
School Pictures
Last week was Evan's first experience with school pictures. We couldn't quite agree on what to wear so finally we compromised with a red shirt layered with a long-sleeved white shirt, jeans and of course, his Avengers shoes. He came home stating he had made funny faces - considering how his Aunt Diana likes to take pictures, this was quite possible. Today we were given the link to view the pictures - they were really great! They took them outside and he did a great job! Now we have to figure out which ones and how many to order.
Speaking of Avengers - our plan for Halloween is to go as The Avengers - Evan will be Ironman, Avery will be Captain America, Owen The Hulk, Alex will be Thor and I will be the Black Widow - should be interesting.
The other day Evan informed me "You need Iron Man stuff when you are a boy". Who knew? I guess I am more familiar with the Land of Barbies & The Sunshine Family.
Yesterday I went to Goodwill - it was a great shopping day there. I found two sets of flippers along with bags & snorkeling masks - the boys LOVE them - the insist on carrying them everywhere with them. This morning they were playing in the Living Room pretending they were at the swimming pool - too funny!
Last week this is what I overheard... "Avery, I am going to be a frog and you are going to be a frog catcher" Evan. Where do they come up with these things? Currently Evan is jumping around saying ribbit & Avery is going after him trying to catch him with the laundry container.
This past Saturday Avery kicked the ball off the line at their soccer game then went down to score the first goal! Yay Avery! Bad news was Alex & Tim were not there to see it as they were running a half marathon through mud and over obstacles & fire. They did an amazing job and completed it in 4 hours and 18 minutes - I was so proud of them.
This morning the boys and I played Hide & Seek - the boys kept hiding behind the sofa - the first time it was a great hiding place - after that... not so much - ha!
Speaking of Avengers - our plan for Halloween is to go as The Avengers - Evan will be Ironman, Avery will be Captain America, Owen The Hulk, Alex will be Thor and I will be the Black Widow - should be interesting.
The other day Evan informed me "You need Iron Man stuff when you are a boy". Who knew? I guess I am more familiar with the Land of Barbies & The Sunshine Family.
Yesterday I went to Goodwill - it was a great shopping day there. I found two sets of flippers along with bags & snorkeling masks - the boys LOVE them - the insist on carrying them everywhere with them. This morning they were playing in the Living Room pretending they were at the swimming pool - too funny!
Last week this is what I overheard... "Avery, I am going to be a frog and you are going to be a frog catcher" Evan. Where do they come up with these things? Currently Evan is jumping around saying ribbit & Avery is going after him trying to catch him with the laundry container.
This past Saturday Avery kicked the ball off the line at their soccer game then went down to score the first goal! Yay Avery! Bad news was Alex & Tim were not there to see it as they were running a half marathon through mud and over obstacles & fire. They did an amazing job and completed it in 4 hours and 18 minutes - I was so proud of them.
This morning the boys and I played Hide & Seek - the boys kept hiding behind the sofa - the first time it was a great hiding place - after that... not so much - ha!
Mexican Chocolate Cake
Adapted from Pampered Chef Seasons Best Fall/Winter 2007
1/2 c almonds
3 eggs
16 oz Greek yogurt
1 package (18.25) chocolate cake
1/2 c chocolate chips
1.5 t cinnamon
1/8 t ground cayenne pepper (will see how this goes - seemed necessary for a Mexican Chocolate cake!)
1/2 t cinnamon
1 T sugar
1/2 c chocolate chips
1 c whipped cream
Additional whipped cream for serving
Brush Stoneware Fluted Pan with butter or coconut oil with a silicone basting brush. Chop almonds. Whisk eggs & sour cream together until smooth. Add almonds, cake mix, chocolate chips, and cinnamon - mix well. Pour batter into pan and spread evenly.
Microwave cake on High for 11-14 minutes or until wooden tooth pick comes out clean. Cake will be slightly moist on top near center. Let stand in microwave for 10 minutes. Remove pan from microwave to cooling rack. Loosen cake from sides of pan and invert onto a large platter. Cool slightly.
Can also be cooked in oven at 325 degrees for 50-55 minutes.
Combine remaining cinnamon & sugar into flour/sugar shaker - sprinkle over cake. Place remaining chocolate chips & whipped cream into microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, stir until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cake. Serve warm with whipped cream.
I did this without the whipped cream and drizzled just the warmed chocolate chips over the top - very yummy!
1/2 c almonds
3 eggs
16 oz Greek yogurt
1 package (18.25) chocolate cake
1/2 c chocolate chips
1.5 t cinnamon
1/8 t ground cayenne pepper (will see how this goes - seemed necessary for a Mexican Chocolate cake!)
1/2 t cinnamon
1 T sugar
1/2 c chocolate chips
1 c whipped cream
Additional whipped cream for serving
Brush Stoneware Fluted Pan with butter or coconut oil with a silicone basting brush. Chop almonds. Whisk eggs & sour cream together until smooth. Add almonds, cake mix, chocolate chips, and cinnamon - mix well. Pour batter into pan and spread evenly.
Microwave cake on High for 11-14 minutes or until wooden tooth pick comes out clean. Cake will be slightly moist on top near center. Let stand in microwave for 10 minutes. Remove pan from microwave to cooling rack. Loosen cake from sides of pan and invert onto a large platter. Cool slightly.
Can also be cooked in oven at 325 degrees for 50-55 minutes.
Combine remaining cinnamon & sugar into flour/sugar shaker - sprinkle over cake. Place remaining chocolate chips & whipped cream into microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, stir until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cake. Serve warm with whipped cream.
I did this without the whipped cream and drizzled just the warmed chocolate chips over the top - very yummy!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Horseradish Encrusted Salmon - Mmmm!
This is definitely a family favorite and I think it is Bodaddy's favorite - next to bread pudding anyways.
This is from "The American Country Inn and Bed & Breakfast Cookbook, Volume II" by Kitty & Lucian Maynard
6 fresh salmon filets (I typically buy a large piece and cut into individual portions)
.75 c dry white wine
4 oz softened cream cheese
1 T Dijon mustard
.5 c finely chopped smoked salmon
2.5 T finely grated horseradish (calls for fresh - I use the type from the jar)
2 t grated lemon peel
6 T melted butter
1.25 c fine bread crumbs (I like the wheat panko)
Fresh chives
Butter a baking pan. Place the salmon in the pan, pour the wine over it. In a small bowl beat the cream cheese until it is fluffy & add the mustard, salt, smoked salmon, horseradish, & lemon zest - blend well. Spread the mixture over the salmon. Combine the butter & bread crumbs & sprinkle evenly over the fillets. Bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes (depending on thickness it could take longer). Garnish with a cross of fresh chives & serve immediately.
I like to double or 1.5 the cream cheese mixture .
This is from "The American Country Inn and Bed & Breakfast Cookbook, Volume II" by Kitty & Lucian Maynard
6 fresh salmon filets (I typically buy a large piece and cut into individual portions)
.75 c dry white wine
4 oz softened cream cheese
1 T Dijon mustard
.5 c finely chopped smoked salmon
2.5 T finely grated horseradish (calls for fresh - I use the type from the jar)
2 t grated lemon peel
6 T melted butter
1.25 c fine bread crumbs (I like the wheat panko)
Fresh chives
Butter a baking pan. Place the salmon in the pan, pour the wine over it. In a small bowl beat the cream cheese until it is fluffy & add the mustard, salt, smoked salmon, horseradish, & lemon zest - blend well. Spread the mixture over the salmon. Combine the butter & bread crumbs & sprinkle evenly over the fillets. Bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes (depending on thickness it could take longer). Garnish with a cross of fresh chives & serve immediately.
I like to double or 1.5 the cream cheese mixture .
Friday, October 5, 2012
Pumpkin/sweet potato choc chip muffins
EGG AND NUT FREE PUMPKIN/SWEET POTATO CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS (can easily be dairy free)
This is my version adapted from The Food Allergy Mama (this is a double recipe)
.5 c of butter (non-dairy butter can be used if dairy allergies)
1.5 c applesauce - no sugar added
3 c granulated sugar
.5 c water
2 tsp. vanilla
2 - 15 oz. can pumpkin puree (not pie filling) or pureed sweet potato (or combo)
6 c. mixture of whole wheat flour/white wheat flour & flax seed meal
4 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
2.5 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. ground nutmeg
.5 tsp. ground cloves
.5 tsp. ground ginger
2.5 c.dark chocolate chips - prefer mini - but typ have to use milk choc to get mini (dairy free mini chocolate chips - can be used if dairy allergies - I use Enjoy Life)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray mini muffin cups with baking spray or preferably rub with butter, set aside.
In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, applesauce, sugar, water, vanilla and canned pumpkin/sweet potato puree thoroughly.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger with a wire whisk. Add to the butter mixture and mix on low until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.
Use a cookie scooper to divide batter among the muffin cups. Time will vary depending on if mini-muffins, big-muffins or loaves - so check - roughly 18-25 minutes (NOTE: Oven temps vary quite a bit, check on your muffins after 18 minutes to see how they are doing. Muffins are done when lightly browned and a cake tester comes out clean). Cool and serve!
I have also made mini loaves with this recipe that turned out great using the Pampered Chef 4 mini loaves stone - especially good when in a hurry
This is my version adapted from The Food Allergy Mama (this is a double recipe)
.5 c of butter (non-dairy butter can be used if dairy allergies)
1.5 c applesauce - no sugar added
3 c granulated sugar
.5 c water
2 tsp. vanilla
2 - 15 oz. can pumpkin puree (not pie filling) or pureed sweet potato (or combo)
6 c. mixture of whole wheat flour/white wheat flour & flax seed meal
4 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
2.5 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. ground nutmeg
.5 tsp. ground cloves
.5 tsp. ground ginger
2.5 c.dark chocolate chips - prefer mini - but typ have to use milk choc to get mini (dairy free mini chocolate chips - can be used if dairy allergies - I use Enjoy Life)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray mini muffin cups with baking spray or preferably rub with butter, set aside.
In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, applesauce, sugar, water, vanilla and canned pumpkin/sweet potato puree thoroughly.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger with a wire whisk. Add to the butter mixture and mix on low until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.
Use a cookie scooper to divide batter among the muffin cups. Time will vary depending on if mini-muffins, big-muffins or loaves - so check - roughly 18-25 minutes (NOTE: Oven temps vary quite a bit, check on your muffins after 18 minutes to see how they are doing. Muffins are done when lightly browned and a cake tester comes out clean). Cool and serve!
I have also made mini loaves with this recipe that turned out great using the Pampered Chef 4 mini loaves stone - especially good when in a hurry
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Donuts with Dad!
Today Evan's pre-school had donuts with dad. So after speech I dropped Evan off at Alex's work and they both went to school together. Avery was upset by this so we drove through Krispy Kreme and each got one - I also got a dark roast coffee since I have been up pretty much since 11:30 last night when Owen started screaming and had a 103 fever.
So Evan had answered some questions his teachers had asked him about his dad - this is how it went (his answers are in bold):
My Dad's name is Alex. My dad is 14 years old. His favorite color is white & red. My dad's favorite food is all of the foods and pizza too! My dad's favorite sport is basketball. I love it when my dad goes to the playground with me. My dad is really good at all things. My dad and I like to play my Mickey Mouse game. My dad likes it when I clean up my toys. My dad is great because he goes to work and goes to church.
How sweet is that? Alex said he wasn't the youngest or the oldest of the answers - ha! He was pleased with his favorite colors - upset by his favorite sport. We were impressed Evan knows what makes us happy - ha! The other answers were just so sweet!
These days whenever we go somewhere and meet someone new - Evan must tell them his name - then goes on to introduce his brothers then tells the person that Alex is his daddy, but that his name is Alex - then that I am his mommy, but that they should call me Erin.
At speech today one of the words they worked on was "mouthwash". Evan asked what that was - Ms. Cindy replied it was what dentists sometimes use. With that statement Evan when on to tell her that his Bodaddy was his grandpa AND his dentist. She was quite impressed with his vocabulary and his understanding of all of it.
Avery is getting better & better about going potty. Owen is now going some too.
Yesterday Evelyn, down the street from us watched Avery & Owen so I could work on our house. I got more done in two hours than I could typically get done in a week - crazy! I still have much to do prior to mom getting here on Sunday - assuming she makes it. Aunt Joan has been sick and then last night she fell and possibly injured her back - so we will have to see.
Today I was supposed to provide snacks for MOMS, thankfully Kelly took in doughnuts from Krispy Kreme since I couldn't take Owen. We were also supposed to take a meal for Stacy from our Sunday School class and she said we could take it tomorrow when we take the boys to soccer practice. What a day!
So Evan had answered some questions his teachers had asked him about his dad - this is how it went (his answers are in bold):
My Dad's name is Alex. My dad is 14 years old. His favorite color is white & red. My dad's favorite food is all of the foods and pizza too! My dad's favorite sport is basketball. I love it when my dad goes to the playground with me. My dad is really good at all things. My dad and I like to play my Mickey Mouse game. My dad likes it when I clean up my toys. My dad is great because he goes to work and goes to church.
How sweet is that? Alex said he wasn't the youngest or the oldest of the answers - ha! He was pleased with his favorite colors - upset by his favorite sport. We were impressed Evan knows what makes us happy - ha! The other answers were just so sweet!
These days whenever we go somewhere and meet someone new - Evan must tell them his name - then goes on to introduce his brothers then tells the person that Alex is his daddy, but that his name is Alex - then that I am his mommy, but that they should call me Erin.
At speech today one of the words they worked on was "mouthwash". Evan asked what that was - Ms. Cindy replied it was what dentists sometimes use. With that statement Evan when on to tell her that his Bodaddy was his grandpa AND his dentist. She was quite impressed with his vocabulary and his understanding of all of it.
Avery is getting better & better about going potty. Owen is now going some too.
Yesterday Evelyn, down the street from us watched Avery & Owen so I could work on our house. I got more done in two hours than I could typically get done in a week - crazy! I still have much to do prior to mom getting here on Sunday - assuming she makes it. Aunt Joan has been sick and then last night she fell and possibly injured her back - so we will have to see.
Today I was supposed to provide snacks for MOMS, thankfully Kelly took in doughnuts from Krispy Kreme since I couldn't take Owen. We were also supposed to take a meal for Stacy from our Sunday School class and she said we could take it tomorrow when we take the boys to soccer practice. What a day!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Friday
I love that the boys and I are sitting here at lunch and Evan and Avery are playing Eye Spy!
Evan got to light the candles this week at chapel at school. He said the teacher let him do it all by himself - but it was scary and he got some on his shoe. Then he claims his foot was on fire... somehow I don't quite think that is the case. Especially considering the fact that his teacher sends home a note if he bumps his head or falls down - somehow I think I would have at least gotten a note if had been on fire!
On the way to church Wednesday night Evan stated "I think it sounds like fun to die" - ok... scary! After talking to him some more we discovered that he thought Heaven sounded like a wonderful place and he wants to meet his Grandpa Roger. We then tried to explain that we all have more work to do here on Earth and that SOMEDAY Heaven will be a wonderful place to be - but in God's time - NOT ours. I also said that I look forward to seeing my dad and several others again, but that for right now I hope I can stay with our family for quite some time.
Tonight Evan and Avery have soccer practice. Tomorrow they have their third game - we are hoping they will WANT to play. Just as it was last year, it has been a struggle to get them on the filed and keep them there. Alex is line coach and I have made/prepared snacks to follow the game. After the game we will go up to G'ma & Bodaddy's mountain house. Alex is wanting to make apple cider so we are going to go to an orchard - hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will also get to go on a hayride.
I must go and continue working on laundry, packing, cleaning... So much to do before we can leave for a night in the mountains!
Evan got to light the candles this week at chapel at school. He said the teacher let him do it all by himself - but it was scary and he got some on his shoe. Then he claims his foot was on fire... somehow I don't quite think that is the case. Especially considering the fact that his teacher sends home a note if he bumps his head or falls down - somehow I think I would have at least gotten a note if had been on fire!
On the way to church Wednesday night Evan stated "I think it sounds like fun to die" - ok... scary! After talking to him some more we discovered that he thought Heaven sounded like a wonderful place and he wants to meet his Grandpa Roger. We then tried to explain that we all have more work to do here on Earth and that SOMEDAY Heaven will be a wonderful place to be - but in God's time - NOT ours. I also said that I look forward to seeing my dad and several others again, but that for right now I hope I can stay with our family for quite some time.
Tonight Evan and Avery have soccer practice. Tomorrow they have their third game - we are hoping they will WANT to play. Just as it was last year, it has been a struggle to get them on the filed and keep them there. Alex is line coach and I have made/prepared snacks to follow the game. After the game we will go up to G'ma & Bodaddy's mountain house. Alex is wanting to make apple cider so we are going to go to an orchard - hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will also get to go on a hayride.
I must go and continue working on laundry, packing, cleaning... So much to do before we can leave for a night in the mountains!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
So sweet!
There are some moments when, as a parent, you feel like you are just doing something right. Yesterday when we picked up Evan from pre-school he said "I missed Avery" awww. Avery replied "I missed you too" again awwww. Then Evan asked him if he missed him all the way to the moon and back again and Avery replied that he had then Evan said he had missed Avery all the way to the moon and back again. I just loved that. I frequently tell my boys that I love them all the way to the moon and back again, always and forever. So to Evan I guess he has learned to equate all the way to the moon and back again with A LOT!
We have been a busy family lately. Two Saturdays ago we had Evan & Avery's first soccer game of the season. Then made it to the pool for the last September weekend - we hadn't done so well getting to the pool this summer. It seemed like it rained or at least was thundering most days at 4:00 when we wanted to head over after Alex got home from work. After a nap we then went to Adam's Fest - a small festival here in Ballantyne to support Pediatric Cancer Research. We bought the wristbands for the boys to go on unlimited rides. They had a BLAST! We got our moneys worth just on the big slide that you ride down on burlap sacks. Made me think about when Jannette Dugan and I did that when we were young and Jannette got stuck on one of the hills because she didn't weigh enough to make it all the way down. We ended the amazing day by going to dinner at Duckworths. Alex was hoping to catch the NC State football game, but it wasn't being televised so we had to just enjoy a yummy dinner and some great beers.
Last weekend we went to Evan & Avery's second soccer game and I must say that this season is going just about the same as last. They both really wanted to play - but then when it comes time for the games - they really don't want to play so much. Luckily there are only 5 more games and it is a short season this year. After coming home, eating lunch and taking a quick nap we headed to the invitation only opening party of the new Krispy Kreme in Cotswold. Yummy doughnuts for everyone! We then rushed home and Marissa came to watch the boys while Alex and I went out to celebrate our 6th anniversary. What a busy 6 years we have had - first my unknown virus prior to the wedding, bought a new house,Alex got a new job, Alex was diagnosed with MS, got the Prius, had Evan, the doctors caught a growth on my liver and I had to have 2 surgeries to have it removed, we had Avery, then we quickly had Owen, Owen couldn't swallow thin liquids - they would go straight to his lungs, so they had to be thickened, then he had to have a double hernia surgery, then came the mini-van and here we are today. Alex surprised me by taking me to dinner at Zebra - that is the restaurant we went to the night he proposed. He also thought we would go to Tutto Mundo & Morehead Street Tavern (both places we went to the night we first re-connected) and they have both closed - ha! So then we went to D'Vine Wine and enjoyed talking and some live jazz music. It was such a lovely evening. I am so very blessed!
Funny things you never thought you'd say... Evan, put on your close-toed shoes - would have thought that would only have been a statement to a girl - ha!
I just changed Owen's diaper and when he got up, he picked it up and took it right to the trash can and put it in - impressive!
Time to get Evan to pre-school and then go looking for pants to fit Owen - he must be shorter than the other two were at this age - he still seems to need 12 month pants vs the 18 months that he is. You would have thought clothing for Avery & Owen would have been simple - Evan's old ones - but they have each grown a bit differently - they like to keep it challenging. So off to the rat race of another day with three boys!
We have been a busy family lately. Two Saturdays ago we had Evan & Avery's first soccer game of the season. Then made it to the pool for the last September weekend - we hadn't done so well getting to the pool this summer. It seemed like it rained or at least was thundering most days at 4:00 when we wanted to head over after Alex got home from work. After a nap we then went to Adam's Fest - a small festival here in Ballantyne to support Pediatric Cancer Research. We bought the wristbands for the boys to go on unlimited rides. They had a BLAST! We got our moneys worth just on the big slide that you ride down on burlap sacks. Made me think about when Jannette Dugan and I did that when we were young and Jannette got stuck on one of the hills because she didn't weigh enough to make it all the way down. We ended the amazing day by going to dinner at Duckworths. Alex was hoping to catch the NC State football game, but it wasn't being televised so we had to just enjoy a yummy dinner and some great beers.
Last weekend we went to Evan & Avery's second soccer game and I must say that this season is going just about the same as last. They both really wanted to play - but then when it comes time for the games - they really don't want to play so much. Luckily there are only 5 more games and it is a short season this year. After coming home, eating lunch and taking a quick nap we headed to the invitation only opening party of the new Krispy Kreme in Cotswold. Yummy doughnuts for everyone! We then rushed home and Marissa came to watch the boys while Alex and I went out to celebrate our 6th anniversary. What a busy 6 years we have had - first my unknown virus prior to the wedding, bought a new house,Alex got a new job, Alex was diagnosed with MS, got the Prius, had Evan, the doctors caught a growth on my liver and I had to have 2 surgeries to have it removed, we had Avery, then we quickly had Owen, Owen couldn't swallow thin liquids - they would go straight to his lungs, so they had to be thickened, then he had to have a double hernia surgery, then came the mini-van and here we are today. Alex surprised me by taking me to dinner at Zebra - that is the restaurant we went to the night he proposed. He also thought we would go to Tutto Mundo & Morehead Street Tavern (both places we went to the night we first re-connected) and they have both closed - ha! So then we went to D'Vine Wine and enjoyed talking and some live jazz music. It was such a lovely evening. I am so very blessed!
Funny things you never thought you'd say... Evan, put on your close-toed shoes - would have thought that would only have been a statement to a girl - ha!
I just changed Owen's diaper and when he got up, he picked it up and took it right to the trash can and put it in - impressive!
Time to get Evan to pre-school and then go looking for pants to fit Owen - he must be shorter than the other two were at this age - he still seems to need 12 month pants vs the 18 months that he is. You would have thought clothing for Avery & Owen would have been simple - Evan's old ones - but they have each grown a bit differently - they like to keep it challenging. So off to the rat race of another day with three boys!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Dinner with Raj & Jenny
We had our friends Raj Bhandari & Jenny over for dinner last night and this is what we made. It was a perfect evening eating a yummy dinner out on the deck with the boys and friends! It was topped off with Gigi's cupcakes (brought by Raj & Jenny) and Alex's orange chocolate port.
My version adapted from
My version adapted from
Sweet-and-Smoky Baby Back Ribs with Bourbon Barbecue
Sauce
Bon Appétit
| July 2000
by Steve Raichlen
Ingredients
- 6 Country Style Ribs
- 1/2-3/4 cup bourbon
- 1.5 tablespoons coarse salt
- 1.5 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoons ground black pepper
- .5 tablespoon garlic powder
- .5 teaspoon ground cumin
- Preparation Arrange ribs in large roasting pan. Pour bourbon over. Chill 30 minutes, turning ribs often. Pour off and discard bourbon.Whisk salt and next 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Sprinkle spice mixture on both sides of ribs. Baked at 250 degrees for 90 minutes then grilled at lowest temperature. Would recommend cooking longer in the oven, but due to time constraints. Could also let them sit with dry rub for an hour then bake then grill if time allowed.
- Bourbon Barbecue Sauce (a couple of my adjustments)Bon Appétit | July 2000yield: Makes about 2 1/2 cupsIngredients
- 1 cups ketchup
- .25 cup mild-flavored molasses
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1.5 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
- 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- .5 teaspoon garlic powder
- .5 teaspoon onion powder
- .5 tablespoon dark brown sugar
PreparationCombine all ingredients in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered until sauce thickens and flavors blend, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover; chill.)
Amazing black beans adjusted from
Kemp's Black BeansGourmet | April 2007yield: Makes 8 to 9 cupsactive time: 15 mintotal time: 2 1/4 hrDon't be fooled by the short ingredients list; these vegetarian black beans have a surprisingly complex flavor. Since I can't use a meaty bone or... more ›Ingredients- 1 lb dried black beans (about 2 1/3 cups), picked over and rinsed (but not soaked)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 c chicken stock
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup tawny Port
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
PreparationBring black beans, onion, oil, chicken stockc, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a 6- to 8-quart heavy pot, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until beans are tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours (depending on age of beans). Thin to desired consistency with additional water. Stir in Sherry and remaining teaspoon salt, then soy sauce and vinegar to taste (start with 1 tablespoon each), and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.Due to time I used two cans of black beans, rinsed them, added a cup or two of chicken stock and the rest of the ingredients minus the oil. Cooked it down. Served topped with Greek yogurt.
Kendall's Zucchini Cornbread Casserole
2 cups shredded zucchini (squeezed to drain)
2 cups shredded yellow squash (squeezed to drain)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 of a large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 (8.5 oz) packaged dry corn muffin mix - I prefer Trader Joe's (if use entire box double rest of the ingred)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
3 heaping Tbsp. Trader Joe's shaved Parm, Romano & Asiago cheese (can also use grated parm)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 2 qt. casserole dish.
In a large bowl, mix the muffin mix, eggs, salt and pepper. Stir in all veggies, and half of the cheddar cheese and mix well. Spread mixture into the greased casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan.
Bake for 1 hour
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