Sorry, sorry...the days are getting away from me

I'm not used to posting daily - those of you who have followed for a long time already know this. I'm actually a little bit lazy in the blogger dept. so this is highly unusual behavior - for me to post daily. So, sorry, sorry, apologies all around...

I'm going to keep this short and sweet again, in the interest of time and taking me weary derriere to bed.

The last two days have gone by smooth sailing - no slip-ups or breakdowns.

Day 18 was easy, because I was feeling pretty miserable with this ugh I've got. I skipped church (oops) to get some extra sleep, which really did give me a boost. AB took Q to church and Mommy had some quiet time - it was really nice to sleep...I can't remember the last time I slept so sound, knowing that Quint was taken care of.


Yesterday's Menu ~

Breakfast: Nuttin' - slept through it - yaaay!

Lunch: Hotdogs and chili

Dinner: AB's 40 Clove Garlic Chicken - let me just say that even though I have no picture - this is the best stinkin' chicken ever. I can't even put it into words - you'll just have to trust me. And I'll get a pic next time. Ohhh, it's soooo good!

Superbowl was exciting, but I was truly bummed that AZ couldn't pull it out in the end. Boo hoo!

Day Nineteen ~

Breakfast: Cereal

Lunch: What a miserable joke. We tried to eat the rest of the frozen mini pizzas, but the crust was hard, and they were a little bit freezer burned. It just didn't work out. So we tried some hotdogs, but Q-man had a major meltdown and it was all lost appetite from there...sigh.

Dinner: I made chili again and cornbread (thanks, V! for the tip) and we took it over to a friend who is presently minus his other half. She's traveling on business and he's got the twin boys (under a year!). So we had a nice visit with him and we all loved the chili. Yum! And yes, in case you're thinking it, we have been eating a lot of chili lately - but what the heck - it's good!

I did make a trip to the grocery store today and spent $40. We needed eggs, bread, water, and some other small necessities. I was pretty proud of myself for getting out of there and not being tempted to invade their Valentines isle. Ok, I was tempted. But to help myself out, I didn't even go down the isle. Gulp. Can't say it wasn't hard to just look. But you and I know that looking would have led to the justification of 3lbs of devine chocolate in various heart shaped containers as a necessity. And you might even tend to agree with me out of pity or depending on the day/time of the month, right?

For those of you taking on the 30-days of Nothin' or Empty Pantry - please let me know how you're doing - I love getting your updates and seeing your progress!

Back for day 20 and some thoughts on the challenge...

Saturday over too soon

Today was a great day - if you take into account that we spent the first part of it completely lazy and sauntering around the house in our PJ's. Bliss I tell you! We even all took naps this afternoon - a luxury we DO NOT take for granted in these baby years of our new life.

We made it to seventeen and I thought this was when I would hit a wall. Guess I'll never know, because some generous friends reached out to us and decided to treat us to a lovely dinner OUT. Yaay! Details to follow.

Meanwhile, the fun didn't stop there, because we are just party animals! We went from dinner to a birthday bash for our good buddy Paul, given by his wife and my M3 sistah in crime - Robyn. Played some Rock Band, ate some yummy desserts, and laughed laughed laughed laughed. That's just how we sistahs roll! The kids almost outnumbered the adults and we had fun watching them all interact and play. Not to mention that my son got the most laughs of the night when he decided to start consuming Erin's dog food. Um, yeah. That's my baby. Dog food connoisseur. Yuck! Wish I could say we've never caught him doing that here at home, but you know how that goes...I've already admitted to it in previous posts...oh well...he's all boy! We had to cut out much earlier than in birthday parties past - because little boys who go to bed between 7-8 just don't do too well when the clock strikes 9pm. He was a good boy - but we had to take pity on the rubbing of the eyes sooner or later.

Today's Menu ~

Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and toast. Nobody, and I mean nobody, can make more perfect scrambled eggs than AB. They are flawlessly fluffy and taste incredible.

Lunch: Sandwiches and frozen mini-pizzas

Dinner: I got my wish! Some dear friends took us to one of our favorite Mexican places and insisted on buying our dinner. (Hint *they might have known we were on a 30-days challenge) It was really, really good - and the company was even better. Quint was having a little meltdown though, and I kept thinking to myself that after 17 days at home - I can really see the benefits of not eating out. Namely - being in your own home and not having to say you're sorry when your child hucks cheerios, a cell phone, his shoes, chips, and his sippy cup at the table next door. Yeah. Good times.

Pics of our lovely Saturday with captions ~

It was a nice warm 67 degrees outside today, and we decided not to miss it. We spent some time outside in the backyard throwing small rocks from the retaining wall. It wouldn't be nearly as cute if it weren't for the little guy in the "Captain Drool" onesie. Love him..

Love her too. She just makes me smile everyday. We call her our little "sweetheart", and she really, really is. There is nothing she wouldn't do for us, if she thought it would make us happy. Love you, Anabelle!

This is AB and one of his favorite students (former). He's all grown up now, and will be a senior this Fall - but when we met him, he was just a tiny 6th grader. Hard to believe, since he's changed so very much over the years - but the one thing that has never changed is his personal passion for theater and his wonderful family. They have remained friends of ours since AB taught AP.

Here's Cathy and Robbie with Q-man. They just wanted to eat him up - as per usual! He certainly didn't complain about sitting on Cathy's lap and getting all that attention. They really are a great family and we love catching up with them.

Later, over at E's for some birthday fun...we realized as we were leaving that we hadn't taken any pictures - so Robyn was nice enough to snap this one really quick for me. It's so cute, but my poor little man is so tired. And so is Quint!

See ya for 18 and Superbowl Sunday!! Go ARIZONA!!

15, 16, friends & tired...

Sorry about the lack of posting last night. AB had to work late both last night and tonight, so last night I had a dear friend come over for dessert and good conversation, and tonight I made my way with Quint over to V's home to share a meal and let the kids go crazy playing for a while. Afterward, we made our way to see AB, who was putting on an Improv show with his students.

So it's been a fairly painless non-spending two days and we're doing just fine and dandy. I can't lie though...in sixteen days, I have rarely left the house and it's just as well. I could have seriously done some damage to a Mocha Frappuccino tonight on our way home. Oh, it hurt to keep driving right on by the Starbucks...sob!

Short and sweet ~ and no food pics, because AB wasn't home to create photo-op worthy beauties. Who needs a picture of a can of Campbell's Soup? I mean, I know it's "mmm mmm good", but do we need a picture?

15th Menu:

Breakfast: Cereal and breakfast bars
Lunch: Leftover Roast Beef and Cheesy Potato Casserole
Dinner: Beef & Cheese Chimichanga with chips and salsa (frozen, btw)

16th Menu:

Breakfast: Blueberry Muffins
Lunch: Bean and Ham Soup w. butter crackers
Dinner: YUMMY homemade chili with sour cream and cheese. Delicious cornbread muffins with honey butter and people - it was so darn good, I had seconds of both. Thank you, V - it was a fabulous time, as usual! Love you! I wish I had my camera, so I could have taken a picture of this stuff - it would have been photo worthy for sure!


The only other thing I have is a picture I took of Quint the other night, while he was sitting in his little chair. Lately, about six different people have pointed out to me that Quint looks like AB - or that they see AB in Quint through his smile or facial expressions. (Don't worry, Eloise - I don't think you're crazy!) Truth is, as he develops his personality more and more, I'm sure he does in many ways imitate his very animated Daddy. Of course, we don't see it - but one thing is for sure - if you put Anton and I together - Quint would be the baby you would get. Amazing how God works like that...Quint is definitely our little "mini-me".


Well, we're all a little bit under the weather and I don't know what's up with that. I feel like every other post I'm whining about us being sick again. Annoying! So, my only concern is that I feel like I'm getting that fever/sore throat/really thirsty/too tired thing again. Uh-oh. You know. That little friend I had called Mono? I hope he's not back. I really don't want to go through that again...send a little prayer up for me, eh?

Back tomorrow for 17 - can you believe we've made it this far? I'm a little surprised, myself!

Fourteen and Grandma's Cheesy Potato Casserole

Ah yes...two weeks come and gone. I'd say we're no worse for the wear, and our bank account has never had it so easy. Honestly, it was so cold outside, I had no desire to even step a toe out the front door - so there was no temptation to spend anyway.

Let's cut to the chase here people, and talk about family recipes. Anton credits his mother (Mama B) for developing in him a deep love of cooking and sharing his culinary gift with others. She has certainly fed us her share of amazing meals and watching her put together dinner for 20 people on a dime (both time wise and budget wise) is an incredible feat to behold.

Likewise, my own Grandmother was always amazing in the kitchen - and people spoke of her tasty recipes for miles around. One in particular that was a favorite for me was Grandma's Cheesy Potato Casserole. (which in all honesty, I don't think she started to make until I was an adult, but just the same) It's....it's...how do you describe succulent warm cheesy amazing ooey-gooey potatoes all perfect and delicious in your mouth? I guess I just did! We harassed my Grandma into giving us the recipe over Christmas dinner several years ago and I've finally gotten around to making it (here in the middle of 30 days). The ingredients are simple and easy to have on-hand for a go-to dish that feeds hearty appetites or big families. Recipe provided courtesy my sweet Grandma who turned 75 on Monday - love you Grandma - Happy Birthday!

Today's Menu:

Breakfast - Cereal

Lunch - Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches

Dinner - Mama B's Roast Beef with Grandma's Cheesy Potato Casserole and Buttered Mini Brussel Sprouts. You know you want to come over for dinner...

Enjoy the pics, which cannot and do not do this incredible meal justice. AB - another triumph, my dear...another triumph...




~ Recipe for Cheesy Potato Casserole ~

(*Note that we cut the recipe in half because there was only three of us, and we still had some leftover. However, we did not cut the Cornflakes portion down and were glad we didn't.)

Step 1:
2 Pounds Frozen Diced Potatoes (defrosted)
2 tbls Dried Onions
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cups of Sour Cream
2 cups grated Cheddar or Colby Cheese

Mix all of the above ingredients together in large bowl and put into 9x13 casserole dish.

Step 2:
Melt 1/2 cup butter and toss with 2 - 2 1/2 cups of crushed Cornflakes. Spread on top of the potato mixture.
Step 3:
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Can take longer in some ovens.

Step 4:
Seriously...dig in. You will not regret this quick, easy and delicious recipe. Thanks Grandma - love you!
**************************


I don't know what's cuter: Quint trying to cover our Kaleigh with his blankets or Kaleigh letting him do it repeatitively with such gentle tolerance. Love her...

And this was just for me...because I love that boy so much I could eat him up.

Onward and up to weeks 3 and 4...