Tasty Tuesday ~ Tater Tot Casserole

TATER TOT CASSEROLE

This is one of those recipes you can make a million different ways, but this is the one I got from my sister and it's my favorite version. I think just about every child would eat this. It's got meat, it's got potatoes how can you go wrong?

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 - 3/4 cup chopped onions
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of celery soup
1/2 can of water
2 cups shredded cheese
1 (32 oz) bag of tater tots

How to Make It:
1) Brown the meat and onions in a skillet. Drain. Put into 9x13 dish.
2) Add the soup and 1/2 can of water and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir and mix well.
3) Top evenly with shredded cheese and then the tater tots.
4) Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and crispy.

Shamelessly Bragging (& a Crazy-Long Update)

I know it's been a while since I've done a comprehensive update on our little Tennyson Harper, and boy is there a lot to catch up on! He's learning at least one new word a day. He's saying and doing funny things now. He's so full of life, and energy, and well, he's just so stinkin' cute! (Not that we're biased or anything. And we also know this because people tell us quite often when we're out in public. Most often they comment on his beautiful, blue eyes and full head of blond hair....and rightly so!)

~This part is mostly for the sake of documenting, but here is a list of words Tennyson can say (not including those listed in a previous post). I have been keeping track, but I probably missed a few:
*sit *star *moon *this
*bird *that *mess (thanks to Mommy)
*mouse *snow *house *dog
*star *butt (thanks to Daddy)
*bus *bonk *tree *ball
*tea *tower *rain *book
*wet *trash *more *help
*duck *wa-wa (water) *down *milk
*more *eyes *Mickey (as in Mickey Mouse)
*nose *read *truck *bite *yes
*night-night *no *oatmeal (pronounced "ooh-me-ooh")
*yuck*bye *baby *please *watch *house *work *diesel (I'll explain this one later)

~Tennyson also knows some of his colors already: purple, red, blue, yellow, white, black, brown, and sometimes orange. :-)

~When someone knocks on the door Tennyson loudly yells, "Min!" This is, of course, his way of saying, "Come in!" Too funny!

~Today when he saw birds flying outside I asked him where they were going and he said, "Work."

~Thanks to Tom if you ask Tennyson what wipes are for he says, "Butt." This always makes us roar with laughter, which probably isn't the best thing when trying to instill manners. Ah, but he's a boy, and after all, they love potty humor, right? We were having dinner with my family one evening and I asked Tennyson what wipes were for. Without missing a beat he says, "butt" in the sweetest voice. As if that weren't funny enough. When I then asked him who taught him to say that, he replies, "Mama." What?!?!

~A few weeks ago I told Tennyson that I was going to set the timer after lunch and when it went off it was going to be naptime. Well, when he heard me say I was setting the timer he went and sat down in front of the fridge where I put him for time-outs and where he must sit until the microwave beeps! Hahaha!!!

Believe it or not, I have a lot more to post, but I think this one is long enough! We got a little behind schedule with Tennyson's doctor's appointments, so even though he'll be 20-months old on Monday we took him for his 18-month check-up today. (Here's where the real bragging begins) The pediatrician was truly amazed at his vocabulary and comprehension level! He said his vocab (especially knowing colors already), and putting words together is on track for a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 year old!!! (The only "phrase" Tennyson knows right now is "Made a mess." Again, thanks to me!) We knew that he was really smart, but didn't know he was THAT smart! His doctor made it known that it was especially amazing since 1) he's a boy and 2) he doesn't have older siblings. Oh, yes, we are mighty proud parents of the world's smartest boy!

More to come.....

Tasty Tuesday ~ Chicken & Yellow Rice

CHICKEN & YELLOW RICE

This recipe is an old family favorite. My mother got the recipe from another army wife when my parents were living on base, and she's been making it ever since. So I can't tell you how many times I've eaten this dish, but I still love it! And for some reason, we always have it with brussel sprouts, always. It's tradition.

Ingredients:
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 26 oz. can cream of chicken soup
1 10.75 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
yellow saffron rice (we prefer Mahatma)

How To Make It:
1) Mix both cans of soup in a deep casserole dish. Add chicken breasts and stir. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
2) When one hour is up remove chicken breasts one by one and cut into bite-sized pieces. Return to casserole dish and continue cooking until the rice is ready.

Serves: 6-8

Boy vs. Girl

Obviously our baby's gender has been on my mind lately. Okay truthfully, I can't stop thinking about it. Before I elaborate I should make it clear that 1) if I HAD to pick what I wanted I probably could (but I don't get to choose), and 2) there are good things about having a boy or having a girl. So all that to say, Tom and I both are totally fine either way and have no really strong feelings about boy vs. girl. We are just praying for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.

With Tennyson I knew in my soul he was a boy. Never a doubt in my mind for a day. But I was still impressed that my organized, planning self didn't give in and find out for confirmation. Not so for Baby Bates #2. I am beside myself and wonder how I am possibly going to make it 3 more weeks before finding out if we will be bringing home a girl or a boy.

And maybe out of boredom (or the urge to create another list) I started a Baby Tally. I know 10 people right now that are pregnant. 10! And these aren't just people I met once, these are friends, relatives, or people I see on a regular basis. It's crazy! As of today the tally is: 2 girls, 2 boys, 3 aren't finding out, and 3 are TBD. And I just realized that everyone I know that has given birth in the past 3 months have ALL had boys! Maybe it's because I am a "numbers" person, but I just find it interesting.

So here I sit typing, feeling Baby Bates bumping a little because I just ate lunch, and wondering. Wondering and waiting. Come on April 9th!

Tasty Tuesday ~ Pasta Primavera

This was our dinner on Saturday night, and with all the fresh veggies it had such a wonderful flavor. It was a good way to welcome spring! This was the first time I had made this, so naturally, once the delicious dish had been consumed, I started thinking of alterations: adding blackened chicken, carrots, or broccoli. I am looking forward to making it again and experimenting. Isn't that what cooking is all about?

PASTA PRIMAVERA

Ingredients:
1 lb. of (thin) asparagus
16 oz. dried rotini
1 large red or yellow sweet pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups sliced yellow summer squash
1 16 oz. jar of light Alfredo sauce
2 Tbsp. fresh tarragon or thyme
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

How To Make It:
1) Wash and snap off woody bases from asparagus spears. Bias-slice asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
2) In a large pot cook pasta according to package directions, adding asparagus, sweet pepper, and squash to pasta the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain. Return pasta and vegetable mixture to pot.
3) Meanwhile, for the sauce, in a small saucepan combine Alfredo sauce, the 2 Tbsp. tarragon/thyme, and crushed red pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat about 5 minutes or until heated through. Pour sauce over pasta and vegetable mixture; stir gently to coat.

Serves: 6

Counting My Blessings

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved watching old movies, especially, the good, wholesome ones from the 40s. In one such movie, "White Christmas", Bing Crosby sings a song called "Count Your Blessings". The lyrics are simple and I often find myself thinking similar thoughts throughout my day.

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

I think a lot about where I was just two years ago: pregnant with our first child, working in a job I loved, yet unsure of what the future held. I had always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, and never wanted to have to divide my attention between work and home. But I was prepared to do just that because I couldn't let myself imagine it differently. As the main bread winner I had to keep working. (Of course, I had no one lined up to watch my newborn and worried constantly while I was pregnant about what I was going to do.) Well, I had Tennyson a month early and went on my 8-week maternity leave fully intending on coming back part-time. But in a unexpected turn of events I ended up being "let go" from my job. At the time I felt hurt, rejected, and sad (among other things). And despite my plans falling apart, I soon realized that it was necessary for my deepest, unspoken desires to be fulfilled....all because of His plans for my life.


It was calm and beautiful after the storm of uncertainty. And even though money is beyond tight and we often don't know how we are going to pay our bills, I am content. God has blessed me with great family and friends, an amazing husband, and the best little boy in the world! I have found alternate ways to make up a small fraction of my "lost" income, and though not having to work at all would be ideal, I go to sleep at night counting my blessings. Knowing I am the only one that's cared for my child all day (of course, until Daddy gets home to help) is important to me. Please don't get me wrong, I have no problem with working mothers. I thought I was going to be one myself, but God knew that was not the true desire of my heart.

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

And here we are getting ready to welcome Baby Bates #2 into our family. Sometimes I have to smile about everything God has done for me, for us, and for our family. I am so glad things haven't worked out according to my plans. And I am constantly reminded that His ways truly are higher than our ways.

It's Official

I am definitely feeling the little one moving around in there!!! What a glorious, wonderful reminder that we are really having another baby! And it's such a nice reassurance to feel him or her kicking around in there. Thank you Lord for a strong, healthy baby!

First Baby Bates Update

Well, I think this will mark my first post about Baby Bates (other than the ultrasound picture). After several appointments and 3 ultrasounds I thought I should update those of you who aren't Facebookers. Hee hee. I had an ultrasound at 6 weeks and another at 8 weeks because of some spotting. I spotted with Tennyson through the whole first trimester, but this baby has been more "trouble." In fact, I went to the doctor again today for unexplained bleeding. I was 16 weeks yesterday so I was definitely taken aback to have some bleeding again.

During the first and second ultrasounds both ultrasonographers remarked that the sac was dating a week or so behind the baby. So when I had my first doctor's appointment on February 20th I was still concerned about it, despite them telling me not to worry. I mentioned it to the doctor and she did another u/s and determined the baby was fine, the sac was fine, and there was plenty of fluid around the baby. She also noticed that the baby was on his/her head and moving alot. Hahaha!!! Today when the doctor checked for the cause of the bleeding (and found none - Praise God!) she also used the fetal heart monitor to check on the baby. She said, "Now sometimes it takes a minute to find it so don't panic." Well, she placed it on my belly and instantly found that sweetest of all sounds - my baby's heartbeat. She could also hear the baby's constant movement and said what an active baby we have. Believe me I never pray so hard in my life than when I am pregnant!!! It's so hard not to worry and release all my fears and the unknown to God, but it's so necessary......or I'll go crazy with worry.

And I am almost positive I have felt a little moment the past few days! I know the second time around you usually feel the baby move sooner and sure enough it's true. With Tennyson I felt those first wonderful flutters around 18 weeks and more defined, constant movement around 21 weeks or so. Feeling that new life inside is truly the MOST amazing part of being pregnant. I just can't get enough of it! Thank you Lord for your protection and blessing us again with new life.

Tasty Tuesday ~ Chicken Parmesan

CHICKEN PARMESAN

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
3 Tbsp. flour
Dash of red pepper flakes (or more if you like some spice)
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
2 eggs
1 16 oz. jar marinara sauce, plus more if you serve with pasta
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Cooked pasta, if desired

How to Make It:
1) Mix the first 3 ingredients and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta.
2) Place each chicken breast between heavy duty plastic wrap and pound to 1/4 inch thick with a mallet or use a rolling pin.
3) Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Slightly beat eggs. (I used one yolk and discarded the other.) Dip chicken in egg and coat well with breadcrumb mixture.
4) Brown chicken breasts in hot oil on both sides until no longer pink. Place in 9x13 dish. (I used 3 breasts and needed an extra dish.) Top evenly with marinara sauce. Sprinkle evenly with cheeses.
5) Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pasta, if desired.

PS- I have to admit that this photos is not of my chicken parmesan, but it could have been. :-)

Saturday at the Playground

Don't you just love a warm day in February? Ahhh, that brief ray of hope that winter isn't going to last forever and you just can't wait to get out of the house. And isn't it even better when that blessedly warm(er) day is on a Saturday? Tom and I took Tennyson to the playground on the 7th, and he really enjoyed it because he was finally big enough to climb up the stairs and slide down the slide. I just cherish the family times we have together. During the rush of the week it's nice to spend time with just the three of us (for now). Already these days are flying by.

Getting ready to go down the slide

Tom and I just love his many facial expressions

Not sure what he was looking at so intently

Another classic funny face as he tries to put his hand in his pocket

Reaching for the monkey bars

Riding high on Daddy's shoulders on the way home

Snow is Better from the Indoors....Apparently

I am finally getting caught up on some blogs! I don't really need to give a lot of commentary on the following photos. They are of Tennyson "enjoying" the snow day we had on January 27th.

The view out our back door
Watching Tom drop snow

What is all this white stuff?

Taking a stroll with Daddy (as the snow rapidly melts)
Tennyson was singing as they strolled ("Daa doo daa doo")
His little, yellow boots left a smiley face wherever he went
Okay, so he actually hated the snow
Now playing in the gutter.....THAT was fun!
And yes, he was drinking from it! Ick!