Fall Has Arrived!

We had a huge storm yesterday for the last day of summer. BUT, that huge storm brought in our first day of Fall. The temperatures were just perfect. Days like this make me so glad I get to spend time at home with these little cherubs (I say that now because they're all sleeping soundly). So in celebration, we had waffles for breakfast. For the babies, this is their first first day of Fall. Both Linc and Addie were still bakin' in the oven this time last year.

Addie, Mase, and Linc eating breakfast.

Mason Update

Mason's little personality is really developing, and is very true to form for an almost 3 year old. His emotions run wild throughout the day, but here's a little glimpse of his funny side. He was practicing making faces. The first one is his 'funny guy' face. The second is his 'tough guy' face.

Addison Update

Now for my Little Addie. She has never been a big eater until the day she started feeding herself. She is something else. Addie's absolute favorite would have to be pancakes/waffles and bananas. She would probably eat that everyday if we let her. She even makes little "mmmm" noises when she eats. Pretty cute!

It's still so funny to me that she is almost a year old. Time has gone by so fast. She is still so tiny, but continues to do big things. Anytime there is music on, she dances. She loves to dance! I absolutely cannot wait to take her to her very first dance class. Oh wait, yes I can! That would require her to grow up. So I can wait...

Roast Beef Dipper Sandwiches

1 lb deli roast beef
1 can of beef broth
1/4 cup steak sauce
Kaiser rolls

• Combine first three ingredients in a large pot and warm over medium heat. Serve on Kaiser rolls.

Dipping Sauce
1/4 cup steak sauce
2 Tbsp dijon mustard

• Heat in a small sauce pan. Serve with sandwiches for dipping.

Seriously, it's that easy! Not only that, but they were tasty.

Happy Cooking!

Sausage Manicotti

1 lb Italian sausage
16 oz small curd cottage cheese
1 pkg (8 oz) uncooked manicotti shells
1 jar (26 oz) pasta sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. In a large bowl, combine sausage and cottage cheese. Stuff manicotti shells. Place in a greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Top with pasta sauce. Cover and bake @ 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.


Now, I like this recipe, but didn't LOVE it. Next time I make it, I plan on using only 8 oz cottage cheese and then adding 8 oz of ricotta cheese. I'll probably add some fresh parsley into the mix too. However, Steven loved it. To each his own. Let me know what you think if you try this one. If you have a yummy manicotti recipe, please share!

TIP: Have trouble stuffing the shells? Try putting your mix into a ziploc bag then cutting the corner off. Presto! Easy filling for you!

Gone Fishin'

For the first part of Labor Day Weekend we went to my dad's house at the lake. We always have a relaxing time there and enjoy the outdoors. We got to eat some yummy food, and Mase went on his first fishing trip. He was so excited.

My Sweet Little Miss

She has on no clothes because we gave her a sippy cup to keep her occupied for the hour and a half trip. Good news, she had a blast with it. Bad news, she was SOAKED when we got there. Sippy cup for her equates to party time.

Mase Fishing...

Mase Sleeping...

Mason has never been one to sleep in the car like most kids, but put him on a boat and that's a totally different story. Knocks him out everytime.

Black Bean Corn Salsa

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can of whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
3 cups chopped tomatoes, seeded
1 large onion chopped
3/4 cups cilantro
1/4 of a diced tomatillo
1/2 of a jalapeno diced
3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp cumin
dash of salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! This is more of a pico style salsa. If you enjoy a liquidy salsa, I suggest taking 2 cups tomatoes and running it through your food processor. Then dicing 1 cup tomato so it's not so runny.

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!