Never, Ever, Ever Assume

Reflection of my day...

Never, ever, ever assume that just because you can hear laughter from both of your children that they are playing nice. Tonight I was cooking dinner, and just on the other side of the bar I could hear Mason laughing and Addison giggling. I totally assumed that they were having some great sibling bonding time. And come to think of it they were. I could hear Mason laughing, saying, "Addison a baby monster." Didn't think a thing of it. We often play chase and Addison comes to get us. All the while saying, "It's the baby monster!" Didn't even pick up on this clue, "Addison you a scary baby." Just thought he was venturing out with his vocabulary. What finally got me was noticing the green marker missing from his art box. Put it all together and figured it out.

Mason used his sister's face as his canvas!

I have to admit she did look a little scary. Thank the Lord for washable markers!

Parmesan Pork Chops with Herb Roasted Veggies

I know pork chops aren't for everyone, but I have learned to love them. After all my husband refers to the pork chop as the "Puerto Rican steak" He's quite the character I tell you!

Parmesan Pork Chops

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsps all-purpose flour
2 tsps italian seasoning
1/4 tsp pepper
4 boneless pork loin chops
2 Tbsps olive oil

• In a small bowl, melt butter. In a large Ziplock, combine Parmesan cheese, flour, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Dip pork chops in butter and then place in bag to shake one at a time.
• In a large skillet, cook pork in oil on medium heat for 7-8 minutes per side or until juices run clear.

Herb Roasted Veggies
1 medium zucchini sliced
1 yellow summer squash sliced
1 medium tomato seeded and chopped
1/2 cup onion
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil

• In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
• Put veggies in a 13 x 9 baking dish. Bake uncovered @ 450 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned and tender.

Another quick and easy recipe, but oh so delicious! Happy Cooking!

"I HAVE TO GO PEE PEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Since Mason has been in his big boy bed (almost a year now) he has not once gotten up in the middle of the night and wandered to our room. Once we put him to bed, he stays in his room. You're probably thinking, "Wow! How did they train him to do that?" or maybe even, "Man, they have magical parent powers." All kidding aside, I don't know why he doesn't wander in the night like most kids. However, there is a BIG downside to this. Instead of leaving his bed, he'll yell what he needs. For example, last night it was 12:30am. I was on my second dream and snoozing so peacefully when I was abruptly awakened by loud yelling, "I HAVE TO GO PEE PEE." This is not unusual. At least once a week, basically when he refuses to go to the bathroom before bed, Mason will wake up having to go pee. So he just yells until someone comes to get him and takes him to the bathroom. He does this with stormy nights too. Most of the time he sleeps right through storms, but on occassion you wake up to "THUNDER...THUNDER!", and Steven or I will go in there and lay by him. He will NOT sleep in bed with us. We have tried this, and he just cries that he wants to go back to his room. So on one hand I'll count my blessings that our bed is 'our bed', but on the other hand it is completely startling to wake up to someone yelling in the middle of the night. Now for his sister on the other hand...

Crumb Coated Ranch Chicken

There are only so many ways you can re-invent the chicken meal. However, this is one I likey!

Crumb Coated Ranch Chicken

2/3 cup ranch salad dressing
2 cups coarsely crushed cornflakes
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
4 boneless skinless chicken breast

• Pour ranch into a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the cornflake crumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Dip chicken in ranch, then coat with crumb mixture.
• Place in a greased shallow baking pan. Bake @ 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until juices run clear.

There you have it. Ingredients you probably have on hand combined with simple prep work. My kind of recipe! Happy Cooking!

Nap Time Hair

You know you've had a good nap if you wake up with hair like this...

Torres' Take on the Aquarium

We've been wanting to take Mase to the aquarium for a while. Originally we planned for him to go with us without little sister, but it never worked out that way. So little sister went and we are super glad she did. I think she had just a good of time as Mason. Not to mention, Mase was showing her all the 'fishees'. I still marvel at how kind hearted he is to her.

The Torres Clan taking on the Alligator...

Checking out the stingrays. Addie was very intent on trying to touch them...
My little princess having a grand ole time...

Daddy and Mase going after the shark...

This next one creeps me out.

Someone actually caught a fish this size in a lake here in OK...

Me and my baby boy.

I love this little dude...

Daddy telling Mase all about the fish...

Touching the starfish...

In other news, Addie is pulling up on everything. Her cousin Linc has been for quite some time now. It is still so weird to see them up on 2 legs. I'm praying for a little bit more time before they take off. However, both babies are getting brave. Their days are numbered and my days are getting ready to get WAY crazier!

One of my fav's...easy and delicious!

Greek Tacos

1 lb turkey meat
1 can (14-1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tsp Greek Seasoning (Cavendar's Greek Seasoning)
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 can (2-1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives
1 pkg taco shells/pita bread
1/2 cup feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion

Cook meat. Stir in tomatoes, Greek seasoning, garlic, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 8-10 minutes or until thickened. Add spinach and olives; cook and stir until spinach is wilted.

Serve with your choice of taco shells or pita bread. Top with feta cheese and onions.

Happy Cooking!