Saturday, May 31, 2008

Nightly Routine

Every night sweet little Julia makes sure ALL off her animals and dolls are comfortable and then, in whatever space is left, lays down to sleep. Half of her body is usually hanging off the bed, all to make sure her little friends are comfy cozy.
James really wants to get the Lego Indiana Jones game that comes out this week,
he was hard at work today earning some money:


Some of the happy customers

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Forgive me Weight Watchers, for I have sinned.

I have always wanted to know how to make yummy cinnamon rolls, I think I did it =)

Sunday, May 25, 2008

New Recipe Sunday

Following are what we had, recipes and our personal reviews. (Reviews come from Dawn, my sister-in-law who went to Scottsdale Culinary Institute and is a fabulous cook and pastry chef, my mom who loves to cook, has the best stocked kitchen in America and makes even the simplest dish taste extra special. Eating at my mom's is one of my favorite indulgences and finally me, I don't consider myself half the cook Dawn and mom are, but I sure am good at eating and reviewing. I like to read cookbooks, cooking blogs and looking for new recipes to try.
First up, Corn Salsa Salad:

This came from my friend Bobby, and we all gave it 5 out of 5 stars, so fresh and tasty. We did add a can of green chilies to the original recipe. This is my new staple to take to summer picnics and barbeques. It is fresh and healthy.

2 cups cooked corn (we used fresh corn on the cob)1 avacado
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 small can mild green chilies
Dressing:
2 Tbs. Olive oil
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp lime zest
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Mix together and serve as a salad or salsa.
Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

This is an Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) Recipe. Definately 5 out of 5 stars, I could eat this alone for dinner and be very satisfied. I will be making this to compliment many family dinners to come.

2 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus (about 30 large)

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lay asparagus in a single layer on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 to 20 minuites, until tender. Sprinkle with th eParmesan and return to the oven for another minute. Serve with lemon wedges.

French Bread Rolls I found this recipe on a cooking blog and it was so easy and, DELISH! I was proud of myself for making yummy bread, I have made rolls maybe twice in my life and for some reason have always been intimitaded by bread making. We all gave these 5 out of 5 stars (Dawn even gave them 6 out of 5!) Click here for the recipe.

Divine Breadsticks

I thought these were just so-so (2 1/2 to 3 stars) My oven was turned off after baking the rolls and so the time and temp got all messed up, that may have had something to do with them not being "Divine" in my mind. Click here for recipe. I might give them one more chance someday.

Garlic Chicken Farfalle Pasta

This one also got average reviews (3 stars), I really liked it, I just didn't die over it and don't know if I will think to make it again. It is VERY flavorful and spicy. If you want to try it, click here for the recipe.

Icebox Oreo Cheesecake

This was our dessert, if I remember right, it got 3 to 4 stars. We will post the recipe on Dawn's cooking blog soon. If you like cheesecake, you would probably like this one. Dawn said she would make it again, in a different size spring form pan and sprinkle more oreos on top

Overall, dinner was great. I love new recipe Sunday.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Football



Yesterday was the last football game of the season, this boy was THE defensive champ. I am pretty sure he pulled more flags by far than any other player (I could be a little off, afterall, I AM his mom) He got five or six touchdowns and loved every minute of every game. We look forward to many more football seasons to come.

Anniversary

+
5 moves
2 states
2 college degrees
5 jobs

4 kids
happy times
sad times
30 pounds (or so, damn it)

lots of fun, laughter & love
the world's most patient husband
Nine Years
(and much, much more)
=
A very happy couple

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Pair-adise

Happiness is. . .
being a mother AND an aunt of twins

Just the girls

Cousins, Friends
(missing you Jolie & Leah)