Today is the hubby and my anniversary. We were married 7 years ago.
Funny story, my husband and I went to the same high school but never knew each other. He is a year older than me. My husband went to Clemson. I met my husband the day after I graduated high school. We were introduced by another friend because I was going to Clemson as well. We started out as friends that summer. When we got to school we started dating casually for about a month or so. We weren't serious or "exclusive" until the following spring. Last week it was 14 years since we had our first date! How crazy is that. To say that I believe in fate or destiny is an understatement.
I am so blessed. I married my best friend. We are still as close (or closer) than ever. If it wasn't for the minivan and its occupants, I'd swear we just got back from our honeymoon. I hope this feeling of pure happiness lasts forever.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Meal Updates
Okay so the meal planning has been going well. I have not stuck to the plan 3 times so far. Twice it happened on Mondays. Both Mondays the hubby happened to be out of town which meant he wouldn't be enjoying my gourmet cooking (laugh inserted here).
On the first Monday, my MIL called. She invited us to dinner at a new(er) restaurant where the kids eat free on Monday. So in the interested of not cooking, we went. Our meals were good. The service was slow. 2 hours to get in and out with 3 kids is a little too long. At least for my kids.
Then this weekend, we had planned on eating out on Sunday but we switched it to Saturday. All was well because we ate Saturday's food Sunday. No biggie.
But on Monday, I just fell off the wagon. The little dude started complaining that his ear hurt around 1pm. By the time I was able to get in with the md. it was for a 4:45 appt. When I arrived at the doctors, I was told my appt time was triple booked. I try to never get mad when I have to wait at the pediatrician because with kids I know there are certain times when someone really needs an appt. And I have had to be squeezed in enough times to not mind. But either way, it brought us to leaving the doctors office at 5:45. I had a meeting to attend at 7, and had my in-laws coming by to babysit at 6:45. I had originally planned to have the kids bathed and ready for bed once they arrived. Instead I picked up Micky D's, shoveled it in the kids mouths, and rushed to put the kids pj's on.
Yesterday we got back on schedule. I made tilipia for dinner. Normally I bake it in the oven with blackened seasoning. Last night, I pan fried it with panko. I served it with risotto. It was my first time making risotto ever. It was pretty good but I need to tweak the recipe and try again. Next time, I'll share it. Pinkie swear.
And I am thinking about batch cooking for next months meal plan. I am really trying to stick with a grocery budget, so I need to see if I can figure out a way to make that work. I'll let you know.
On the first Monday, my MIL called. She invited us to dinner at a new(er) restaurant where the kids eat free on Monday. So in the interested of not cooking, we went. Our meals were good. The service was slow. 2 hours to get in and out with 3 kids is a little too long. At least for my kids.
Then this weekend, we had planned on eating out on Sunday but we switched it to Saturday. All was well because we ate Saturday's food Sunday. No biggie.
But on Monday, I just fell off the wagon. The little dude started complaining that his ear hurt around 1pm. By the time I was able to get in with the md. it was for a 4:45 appt. When I arrived at the doctors, I was told my appt time was triple booked. I try to never get mad when I have to wait at the pediatrician because with kids I know there are certain times when someone really needs an appt. And I have had to be squeezed in enough times to not mind. But either way, it brought us to leaving the doctors office at 5:45. I had a meeting to attend at 7, and had my in-laws coming by to babysit at 6:45. I had originally planned to have the kids bathed and ready for bed once they arrived. Instead I picked up Micky D's, shoveled it in the kids mouths, and rushed to put the kids pj's on.
Yesterday we got back on schedule. I made tilipia for dinner. Normally I bake it in the oven with blackened seasoning. Last night, I pan fried it with panko. I served it with risotto. It was my first time making risotto ever. It was pretty good but I need to tweak the recipe and try again. Next time, I'll share it. Pinkie swear.
And I am thinking about batch cooking for next months meal plan. I am really trying to stick with a grocery budget, so I need to see if I can figure out a way to make that work. I'll let you know.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Two fun family events
The last two weekends we have done some fun family activities.
Two Fridays ago, we went to the Gwinnett Braves game. They are a minor league team whose field is right here in Buford. We took the older kids and went with two other families. First we met for dinner at Five Guys (yummy!). It was looking a little rainy but we went over to the field to see if they were playing. We got $5 tickets for the outfield. You can bring blankets to watch the game on a grassy hill. So that is what we did. Actually the dads watched the game, kids and tried to see who could pitch the fastest ball. The kids jumped in a bunch of inflatables and ran around. And us moms, well we talked and watched the kids and the older kids (our husbands). It was a really nice night. Completely low-key and a perfect way to end an otherwise crazy week.
Two Fridays ago, we went to the Gwinnett Braves game. They are a minor league team whose field is right here in Buford. We took the older kids and went with two other families. First we met for dinner at Five Guys (yummy!). It was looking a little rainy but we went over to the field to see if they were playing. We got $5 tickets for the outfield. You can bring blankets to watch the game on a grassy hill. So that is what we did. Actually the dads watched the game, kids and tried to see who could pitch the fastest ball. The kids jumped in a bunch of inflatables and ran around. And us moms, well we talked and watched the kids and the older kids (our husbands). It was a really nice night. Completely low-key and a perfect way to end an otherwise crazy week.
See the daddies watching the game?
Then this past weekend, we took the kids to an outdoor concert in a neighboring town. It was in the town park which is the city center. The show was sponsored by a radio station. We got there early and had packed a snacks and drinks. We met up with three other families. We took our kids to one of the restaurants for dinner during the show. It was hot and we needed to get inside for some air conditioning. After dinner we went back to our blanket and chairs. The kids ran around and played with their friends while we waited for the headliners to come out. Cowboy Mouth started at 8pm. It was the kids first concert besides The Wiggles. They seemed to love it. They were dancing and singing along as if they knew the words. So cute! We stayed for about an hour or so and then headed home so they wouldn't be up too late. It was a great family event and cost barely anything. I want to take them to another show when the weather gets a little cooler.
Confession Time
Last week I accidently left my cell phone at home when I went to a meeting. I didn't even realize it for over an hour. It was great.
Since then I may have "accidently" forgotten it a little more. A trip to the grocery store, a day at the park, and maybe even the whole day yesterday was spent without my phone.
Once we got rid of our home phone, it has been hard to part with my cell. It really is attached to me. And I really don't like it. So my new guilty pleasure is enjoying the quiet when I actually have it.
Since then I may have "accidently" forgotten it a little more. A trip to the grocery store, a day at the park, and maybe even the whole day yesterday was spent without my phone.
Once we got rid of our home phone, it has been hard to part with my cell. It really is attached to me. And I really don't like it. So my new guilty pleasure is enjoying the quiet when I actually have it.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Pork Chops in a skillet
I made this for dinner last night and it is a family favorite!
Pork Chops w/ caramelized onions and stuffing
6 boneless pork chops
2 large onions, halved lengthwise & thinly sliced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 TB brown sugar
1 pkg stove top stuffing mix for chicken
1-1/2 cups hot water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Place pork chops between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound slightly to an even thickness. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat large skillet (I use an electric skillet) sprayed with cooking spray on med-high heat. Add chops and cook 3 min. on each side. Remove from skillet.
Add onions to skillet. Cover and cook over med-high heat 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add balsamic vinegar, cook 1 minute stirring constantly. Add brown sugar, cook 1 more minute, stirring constantly. Add pork chops back to skillet.
Mix stuffing mix and hot water together. Spoon around the skillet and over the chops. Top with cheese, cover. Let cheese melt.
Enjoy!
Pork Chops w/ caramelized onions and stuffing
6 boneless pork chops
2 large onions, halved lengthwise & thinly sliced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 TB brown sugar
1 pkg stove top stuffing mix for chicken
1-1/2 cups hot water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Place pork chops between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound slightly to an even thickness. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat large skillet (I use an electric skillet) sprayed with cooking spray on med-high heat. Add chops and cook 3 min. on each side. Remove from skillet.
Add onions to skillet. Cover and cook over med-high heat 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add balsamic vinegar, cook 1 minute stirring constantly. Add brown sugar, cook 1 more minute, stirring constantly. Add pork chops back to skillet.
Mix stuffing mix and hot water together. Spoon around the skillet and over the chops. Top with cheese, cover. Let cheese melt.
Enjoy!
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