Friday, December 30, 2011

UB and Cousin Justine Visit

My Uncle David or UB (Uncle Brat, it's a family joke) and cousin Justine stopped in Frisco on their way to San Francisco. I know this makes little sense, but my uncle is driving my cousin (technically my cousin-in-law) out to California to join her hubby, my cousin David. David accepted a BIG promotion with Subaru and moved out there in August and Justine just finished LPN school. They are stopping in Phoenix next to visit my UB's mom and then its on to sunny California. I can't wait to see what this adventure holds for my cousin and his wife. Here's a few pics from their visit.





Baylor Proud


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Ella: 18 Months

Oh my "big" girl! Where has the time gone? Our little peanut (weighing it at a whopping 21 lbs) is an active, talking, climbing, funny little lady. She says the cutest things and her sweet voice melts my heart. We've also started those famous "terrible two's" with full-on temper tantrums when Little Miss does not get her way. They are quite epic at times. We both have to try so hard not to laugh at her. She's developed a new love for grapes and her favorite words are "Uh-Oh". We love you sweet pea!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Merry Moments

Just a few of my favorites from the day! Next up I'll post some information about the menu :)


Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!

From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

'Twas the Night before Christmas

We made it!
Christmas Eve mass- CHECK!
Gifts wrapped- CHECK!
Children snug in their beds sleeping soundly- CHECK!
Glass of wine for Mrs. Claus- CHECK!

I can't wait to see their little faces tomorrow morning!

Christmas Eve at AFD


Jon's on shift so we stopped by for a visit after mass. I just love this picutre!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wrap! Cook! Shop! Eat! Decorate! Rush! Rush! Rush!


So I know the Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and family, but between the wraping, buying, eating, cooking, decorating and everything else involved in making the day as perfect as a Norman Rockwell painting I seem to lose site of that. I mostly feel a rush of anxiety. Why do I focus so much on perfection? My kids are 1 and 4 and most days I know they would never notice if something was out of place on Christmas morning. Is it mom guilt? Is it trying to live up to the unrealistic expections of perfection I see on TV and in magazines? Next year my goals is to be wrapped and done by December 1. I know it's lofty, but maybe if I achieve it I will actually get to enjoy the true meaning of the season.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Cookie Time

We've been busy with the Mimi baking lots of cookies. This is the first batch....gingerbread cut-out cookies. The kids had a great time decorating them. 

Monday, December 12, 2011

A Toddler's Mind

A toddler's mind is a beautiful and complicated thing.....this is a hilarious depiction of how they think! This starts about 16 months and goes through about age 5. Ella is currently ruled by Elmo, goldfish and she is obsessed with her belly-button. Jack is also ruled by goldfish, phone call interuption ganglia and his endless repetition stem.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Baylor Proud: RG3 Wins Baylor's First Heisman

Sic 'em Bears! Robert Griffin III made all of us associated with Baylor University so proud on Saturday night when he won the school's first Heisman. He's an amazing player, student and person. This is such an outstanding achievement for him and the university! Here's a breakdown of the vote:

Heisman Trophy Voting

BaylorRobert Griffin III won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night by a wide margin:
Player1st-place votesTotal points
Robert Griffin III4051,687
Andrew Luck2471,407
Trent Richardson138978
Montee Ball22348
Tyrann Mathieu34327
Matt Barkley11153
Case Keenum10123
Kellen Moore690

Friday, December 9, 2011

Flashback Friday: 1985

Where do I start? This is my 6th birthday, February of 1985 and I was so excited to get my first tape recorder. It's quite the upgrade from the record player I'd gotten the year before. What is going on with my hair? I'm rockin' another plaid skirt-  courtesy of my Gram. Speaking of Gram, don't you love her decor? There'a a yellow couch, green loveseat and rust-orange chair that sit in this very room- too bad they aren't in the picture. I also love my mom's blush overload. Gotta love the 80's!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Well she's up and she's beautiful! Jon, Jack and I had a nice time decorating the tree. I have such found memories of decorating the tree when I was little. I hope Jack and Ella grow to love it and pass it along to their own children someday. I am looking forward to sipping a glass or two of wine while chatting with the fireman or any other guest this season in the lovely glow of this tree. 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Jedi Training


Jack recieved a light saber for his birthday and has since been obsessed with Star Wars and becoming a Jedi. He frequently roams the house with this light saber searching for Darth Vader. We've introduced him to the Star Wars movies (what is the word for a six-part series??) and now he can't wait to be old enough for training. Jon is just loving this time with him. I can't wait for Ella to take interest in something like this!

One other funny thing...with the introduction of Star Wars came the realization of where our cat, Yoda, got his name. Jack asked me the other day "Does Yoda use the Force?" I love this kid!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

'Tis the Season

Well we are 19 days out from Christmas and I feel like one hot mess! The tree isn't up, the cards aren't finished, there's plenty of shopping looming and I still haven't decided on my menu for Christmas dinner. 

The tree is being shipped to us this week and I hope to have it decorated this weekend. After tossing our old one last year it seemed like such a daunting task to find the perfect replacement. I finally did, but it was online only. Oh well, at least there's free shipping.

I love picking the perfect picture for our Christmas card...I just haven't found it yet and it's stressing me out! With rain all last weekend there was no opportunity to take pictures! This weekend it is make or break. I thought when we took the kids to see Santa there would be the option of using that picture, but Ella had no love for Santa this year and Jack wouldn't smile. Oy vey!

I am about 50% finished with our shopping and right on budget. On the bright side, I know what I am getting for everyone....now if I can just find the time to actually get into a store and shop.

As for Christmas dinner....right now I am thinking of tackling a beef tenderloin. I hope to go through my recipe book and pull together the menu this weekend.

'Tis the season to be......jolly, right?

Friday, December 2, 2011

Flashback Friday: 2007

One of Jack Ryan's first pictures.....it seems like a lifetime ago. It's so cliche but they grow so fast. Love, love, love him!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Jumbalaya

Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 package smoked chicken sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• 1 (16 ounce) can crushed Italian tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/4 cups uncooked white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large heavy Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the with Cajun seasoning. Saute sausage until browned. Remove with slotted spoon, and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter and add flour to make a rue (this is your thickening agent). Sauté onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic until tender. Stir in crushed tomatoes and season with red pepper, black pepper, salt, hot pepper sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in sausage. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Ella Grace: 17 Months


My big girl! This spunky little thing is such a bright spot in our lives. She is incredibley loving and thoughtful. Jack is her favorite person these days. She hugs him every morning when she first sees him. He's patiently teaching her to play cars, transformers and light sabers. He doesn't even mind when she brings Minnie or Dolly to the party. Ella broke the 20 lb mark this month and now weighs 21.2lbs! She loves anything with cheese- a girl after my own heart. 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

More Compassion, Less Judgement

Being judgmental can drain us. Having compassion and empathy restores and increases our energy and our sense of well-being. It helps us want to move toward others and allows others to move toward us. During this holiday season, when we are surrounded by family and friends, we should all try to be more tolerant and empathic to our differences and check some of our judgments both of others and of ourselves at the door. Be mindful of the tendency to be judgmental and find humor and acceptance the kaleidoscope of human foibles that make up our world.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Flashback Friday: 1982

In the spirit of prepping our Christmas cards, I thought this would be appropriate. My sister Amy is about to turn 2, I am almost 4 and our cousin David is 6 months old. My grandmother purchased our matching outfits and had photo Christmas cards been sent in 1982, I'm pretty sure my parents would have sent this one. 

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thankful

Thanksgiving....a time to reflect on the wonderful things in my life. I am so very thankful for my husband, children, family, friends, health and job. I have everything I need in life and more.

This year we are headed to the fire station to visit the hubby while he works and I am prepping some of the food for our Thanksgiving celebration on Friday. It will be small this year, just the fireman, the kiddos and Papa Joe. Jack and I made some cut-out cookies in the shapes of pumpkins and turkeys. I also made a pumpkin pie. I love cooking so tomorrow I will be in heaven.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

The Muppets

Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozi Bear, Animal and the whole gang are coming back to make a new generation of children laugh this Thanksgiving! I can't wait to take Jack to see the new movie! I love that in Jim Henson's world a little green frog can love a big beautiful pig!

The Muppets helped host SNL last weekend. Here's a few clips to bring a smile to your face.



Monday, November 21, 2011

Baylor Proud


It was simply amazing! Baylor has played OU 20 times and 20 times we've lost....clearly we have a different team this year! RG3 helped the Bears pull off one of their biggest wins in school history. The win bumped us up to #18 in the BCS Standings- it's a nice change of pace for our football team. To celebrate I made some green and gold cupcakes! I have to give a shout out to my boss- an OU alumni and avid Sooner fan- she overcame her disappointment to enjoy a cupcake! 


Friday, November 18, 2011

Flashback Friday: 1997

Look at those two kids! Barely two years into our love affair. At 18 and 21 we had all our hopes and dreams ahead of us.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Swedish Meatballs


Ingredients

Meatballs:
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
¼ pound Jimmy Dean sausage (or favorite ground sausage)
1 egg
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp dry mustard
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 clove minced garlic
2 tsps salt
1 tsp pepper

Sauce:
2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
3 tsps Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Tabasco sauce
1 cup milk
¼ cup of heavy cream
1 tsp pepper
¼ tsp of garlic powder
½ tbsp fresh Italian parsley to garnish

Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together for the meat mixture. DO NOT OVER MIX! Roll into small balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake 45 minutes or until browned. In a medium bowl mix sauce ingredients together. Place meatballs in a skillet or crock pot. Simmer for 45 minutes. Serve noodles or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Rigatoni di Gregorio

Rigatoni di Gregorio (yields 4 servings)
Ingredients:
8 oz. rigatoni
2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup chopped yellow onion
4 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. dry white wine
¼ cup Marsala wine
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
2 tsp. minced fresh basil
2 tsp. minced fresh parsley
1 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. butter
Directions:
Bring a pot of water to a boil.  Once boiling, cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.  If necessary, turn down the heat to medium-low so the outside doesn’t brown too quickly.  Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.  When cool enough to handle, cut into bite-size pieces.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan with the heat on medium-high.  Add the onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.  Add the mushrooms to the pan and continue to cook until most of the liquid has been released and the onions are softened, about 5 minutes more.  Mix in the garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Remove the pan from the heat and add the wines, scraping with a spoon to deglaze the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.  Whisk in the chicken broth.  Return Bring to a simmer, lower the heat to medium and continue to simmer until the liquid is reduced by about half.  Stir in the cream and cook until heated through.  Add in the herbs, Parmesan and butter; mix until well blended and the butter is completely melted.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the pan and toss with the sauce.  Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan as desired.
Source: adapted from Pennies on a Platter, originally from RecipeLink

Monday, November 7, 2011

Loving this right now

Just a few things I am loving in the world wide blogosphere:

  • Annie's amazing food blog. I've tried a several of her recipes and have more in my "to try" folder. She's a doctor by day and cook/baker by night.
  • Coco's design ideas. She's fresh and loves the minimalist approach to decorating. Plus I heart her nickname (my parents call me "Coco"). Did I mention Katy Perry loves her too!
  • From food to fashion to sounding off on everything uniquely 80s and female I check out Hello Giggles (co founded by one of my fans- Zooey Deschanel)
  • I aspire to dress this way!
  • The hilarity that is Blair. She's painfully honest, a postpartum survivor and a girl I'd love to be friends with in real life.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Big Brother, Little Sister


I know I'm biased, but they really are the most beautiful children. They love each other so much.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Boo!

My Tinker Bell and Optimus Prime had a fabulous time trick-or-treating this year!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Chicken Lasagna with Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce




Chicken Lasagna with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:
4 cups finely chopped cooked chicken (Rotisserie Chicken works great!)
2 (8oz) containers of chive and onion cream cheese

1 (10oz) package frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained
1 tsp seasoned pepper
3/4 tsp garlic salt
9 no boil lasagna noodles
1 cup shredded Italian 5 cheese blend
Roasted red pepper sauce (see below)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Stir together first 5 ingredients


Layer a lightly greased 11x7 baking dish with one third of sauce, 3 noodles, one third of chicken mixture, and one third of cheese. Repeat layers twice. Place baking dish on a baking sheet.Bake covered at 350 for 50-55 minutes uncover and bake 15 more minutes.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:

1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers drained
1 (16oz) jar creamy alfredo sauce

1 3oz package shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Ella Grace, 16 months


16 months old! Time is going by so quickly. You learned to twirl in circles this month and you love to dance. You love Big Bird and purses. When I sing "patty-cake" you roll your hands to "roll the dough" and laugh each and every time. New words this month include Papa, Poppy and bark. You are obsessed with dogs and try to ride Jack whenever the opportunity presents itself. Your favorite foods are waffles, avacados and cheese. Your bravery knows no bounds and you love to climb into the chair to sit at the table with Jack-Jack. I love you big girl!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

A to Z of Me


A. Age: 32
B. Bed Size: King
C. Chore you hate: Folding laundry
D. Dogs: Jake our small 105 lb lovable yellow lab
E. Essential start to your day: Hugs and Kisses from the fire fighter, J & E
F. Favorite Color: I love grey
G. Gold or Silver: Both
H. Height: Somewhere over 5'7".
I. Instruments you play: Wooded spoons and pots. I played the flute, but never went to Band Camp
J. Job Title: Mommy. Wife. Website Marketing Manager.
K. Kids: Jack Ryan and Ella Grace
L. Live: Texas by way of Chicago, Il (my heart belongs to the Midwest)
M. Mother's Name: Mary Beth
N. Nicknames: Kate, babe, dudz, Coco
O. Overnight hospital stays: Yes- thanks to c-sections
P. Pet Peeves: Wet towels on the floor. Dirty dishes in the sink. Lies.
Q. Quote from a Movie: “You’re killin’ me smalls”. The Sandlot
R. Right handed or Left handed: Right. My left hand is a bit slow.
S. Siblings: Younger sister, Amy
T. Time to wake up: When the kids do- 7 am
U. Underwear: Comfortable and solid colors
V. Vegetables you hate: Beets. Yuck!
W. What makes you run late: Typically the kids.
X. X-rays you have: Teeth. Lungs.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Pasta Bolognese and Spice cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
Z. Zoo animals: Otters. Hilarious.