Mom to Tate and Charlie

February Weigh In

2012-02-08T16:36:00.001-08:00

January 4 2012 February8,2012
Bust 41.25 in 40.50 in
Waist 34.50 31.75
Ab 39.50 38.25
Hips 40.00 38.50
Thighs x 2 43.00 41.50
Arms x 2 22.00 22.50
Body Fat % 28.90% 25.20%
BMI 24.02 22.73
Weight 158 lbs 149.50

Way to go me!

Charlie, The First Year

2012-02-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

Charlie, 41 weeks

Charlie, The First Year

2012-01-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

Charlie, 40 weeks

Charlie, The First Year

2012-01-21T18:21:00.000-08:00

Charlie, 9 months old. Banana pancake breakfast.

20 questions with Tate

2012-01-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

I found this great idea from Pinterest (LOVE that website!); every year on your childs birthday ask them these 20 questions.

Tate turned 7 years old on December 29, 2010. Here are his answers to the 20 questions.

1. What is your favorite color? Green
2. What is your favorite toy? Transformers
3. What is your favorite fruit? apples
4. What is your favorite tv show? Raising Hope
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Sandwiches
6. What is your favorite outfit? jeans, Sturgis long sleeve shirt, disc golf hoodie
7. What is your favorite game? Battleship
8. What is your favorite snack? granola bar
9. What is your favorite animal? giraffe
10. What is your favorite song? I've Got A Feeling (Black Eyed Peas)
11. What is your favorite book? Hop on Pop
12. Who is your best friend? Ayla & Kye
13. What is your favorite cereal? Honeynut Cheerios
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? ride bike
15. What is your favorite drink? hot chocolate
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? any stuffed animal
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? orange
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? cake
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a builder

We Love you very much Tate Alexander! Happy 7th Birthday!

Charlie, The First Year

2012-01-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

Charlie, 38 weeks (8 months, 3 weeks)

It's a new year......

2012-01-11T09:55:00.001-08:00

One of my goals this year is to post more on the blog. I want to post stories and pics of the boys.....sort of a journal that they can look at when they are older.
I also want to use the blog to help keep me on track with getting healthier.

Chris and I are both trying to eat healthier. I also go to Curves. I have a weigh and measure once a month. Here is my report as of Jan 4.

Bust 41.25 in (I am still nursing Charlie, so my bust measurement is not a big concern)
Waist 34.50
Ab 39.50
Hips 40.00
Thighs x 2 43.00
Arms x 2 22.00
Body Fat % 28.90%
BMI 24.02
Weight 158 lbs

My goal is to be back at my pre-pregancy weight of 135 lbs (pre-pregnancy with Tate). I dont have a goal date......maybe by my birthday, June 20.

Charlie, The First Year

2011-10-13T14:41:00.001-07:00

Today Charlie is 25 weeks old.

Someday......

2011-09-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

I will get the blog updated. :)

Who you gonna call?

2011-03-15T11:53:00.001-07:00

GHOSTBUSTERS!

This is Tate the Ghostbuster, catching Slimer.

February 2011

2011-02-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

Tate helping make Daddies birthday cake.

Pacific Science Center, Seattle

You cant go to Seattle without seeing a protest.

Snow Day!

Snow day #2

Parachuting

2011-01-31T18:01:00.000-08:00

Tate is always green, Chris is always black and I am always purple. :)

25 weeks 5 days pregnant, about 100 days to go

2011-01-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

This Saturday I will be 6 1/2 months pregnant. The time is flying by!

We had an appt this morning and all looks good. I am measuring just right and haven't gained a ton of weight.

We now start going to the doctor every two weeks. And next week is the dreaded glucose test. I hate drinking that crap. We will also discuss the possibility of scheduling the c-section.

Baby G is a mover just like Tate was. He really moves when I eat fruit (or chocolate).

Now if we could just come up with a name for him........

Baby G ~ 23 weeks 5 days

2011-01-06T11:28:00.001-08:00

Baby G is 1 lb 7 oz, and still a boy! :)

Baby Tate is 6!!

2010-12-30T13:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Tate's 6th birthday! Time sure does fly!! We started the day with breakfast at Darby's.
We then headed to Seattle and met some friends. We went to the Children's Museum and the EMP / Science Fiction Museum.
Then we headed home for cake and ice cream. And then to Apex Go Karts for one quick race.

It was a long day; but Tate said it was great.

Happy Birthday Baby Tate, I Love You!

Baby G ~ 19 weeks 6 days

2010-12-12T12:27:00.003-08:00

It's a BOY!!!

Profile

Face

His little hand doing the I Love You sign. :)

Baby G Belly Shot ~ 18 1/2 weeks

2010-12-02T17:20:00.001-08:00

Tate's Art

2010-10-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

Tate drew this picture at school today and I love it!

Baby G ~ 12 weeks 5 days

2010-10-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

We had our first ultra sound yesterday. Here is our little baby G. I am approximately 12 weeks 5 days along.

Tate's First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Wordless (toothless) Wednesday

2010-08-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

Menu Plan Monday, August 23

2010-08-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the squished post, the editing is weird today.

Menu Plan Monday is hosted by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie. Please see her blog for more menu's.

Once again, last week did not go as planned.

We did have the Kowboy Pasta Skillet and the 3 Packet Pot Roast. We also finally had the Yakisoba that was on the menu 2 weeks ago (you have to try this, it is one of our favorites!!)

We are camping this weekend, so we will see if we stick to the menu or not. :)

Monday: Meaty Mac & Cheese

Tuesday: Pan Glazed Chicken with basil (I cut the chicken into bite size pieces before I cook it. I serve it with white rice)

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes

Thursday: Spaghetti

Friday: Marinated Chicken

Saturday: Burgers / hot dogs

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T08:46:00.001-07:00

Menu Plan Monday, August 16

2010-08-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Menu Plan Monday is hosted by Laura from I'm an Organizing Junkie. Check her site for many more menus!

Last week did not go as planned. We did have the Perfect Potstickers, corn beef and cabbage, and the breakfast casserole.

Here is the plan for this week, but we will see how it goes.....it has been hot here (finally!) and I don't like to cook when it is hot.

Monday: Grilled Chicken Fajita Fettuccine
Tuesday: Tate and Daddy fend for themselves, I am going to a Storm Game
Wednesday: Out for my bestie Brook's Birthday
Thursday: Kowboy Pasta Skillet
Friday: 3 packet pot roast
Saturday: Hawaiian Chicken

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Menu Plan Monday, August 9

2010-08-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Here is my menu plan this week. For more menus, check out Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie's blog.

Monday: Perfect Potstickers

Tuesday: corn beef and cabbage in the crockpot

Wednesday: Breakfast Casserole

Thursday: Yakisoba Chicken

Friday: Grilled Chicken Fajita Fettuccine

Saturday: Kowboy Pasta Skillet

I will try to post next week what I actually made.

A cold (Summer) day at the beach

2010-07-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

A very cold, Summer day at Ocean Shores.

Tate and his friend Sidney. (She loves him) :)

Tate, Sidney and Dylan.

Rest in Peace Eva

2010-03-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

This is a blog I have been following for awhile. Although I have never met Eva, she was an awesome person. She passed away on Saturday after a life long battle with cystic fibrosis.

http://65redroses.livejournal.com/

Wordless Wednesday (I heart my hubby)

2010-03-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Garden ~ week 1

2010-03-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

We have a raised garden bed. The people who owned the house before us put it in. We have never used it. I have really wanted to use it....but had no idea where to begin. So my very good friends Jim, Heather, Julie and Austin came over to help me get started.

Saturday we started with cleaning it all out. I thought it would take us all day....but we got it done in about two hours!

Sunday Julie came over and planted peas and strawberries. Tate helped her.

2010-03-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

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Skating!

2010-03-10T11:17:00.001-08:00

I grew up next door to a skating rink. I loved to skate. I was excited to finally take Tate skating. I was not so impressed with this rink....but it will do.

Conversations with Tate

2010-03-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Tate: Where does milk come from?

Me: Cows make milk. When you were a baby Mommy made milk.

Tate: You made cows?!?!

Paradise at Mt. Rainier

2010-01-25T15:36:00.001-08:00

This weekend we went to Paradise at Mt. Rainier to go sledding.

http://www.visitrainier.com/index.php?&gigpag=family_fun_winter

I dont have any pictures of us sledding. I have a large camera and didnt want to deal with it.

New Years Eve 2009

2010-01-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

Since having Tate, we have always stayed at a hotel on New Years Eve. We take Tate swimming and get pizza for dinner. And a few of our friends always stop by to ring in the new year with us.

Here Tate is trying to get Mary, his friend Jewell's Mom, with his new nerf gun (which has since been taken away and put up high in the closet).

Tate and Jewell shooting someone.

Tate and Mommy.

Hubby and Me.

Sarah and Me.

Heathy and Me.

Me & Brook.

Heathy, Sarah, Me, Brook and Bethany.

Heathy, Sarah, Karen, Me, Brook and Bethany.

Tate and his Smonster. (Sock Monster that Heathy made him for his birthday).

Stuff & Things

2010-01-07T14:33:00.001-08:00

Stuff & Things we did during the holiday break.

We went on a play date with Jen and her three kids and Anna and her two kids. It was a great day.

We went to Snoqualmie to see the falls and have lunch at the cafe from the series / movie Twim Peaks. We also stopped at the Chew Chew cafe to get Tate a treat. It was cold out, but he chose ice cream. And then refused to sit with us and instead sat alone at the counter.

Tate's fifth birthday, December 29, 2009

2010-01-06T10:56:00.001-08:00

My baby is 5. *sigh*

We started the day with breakfast at the New Moon Cafe. My new favorite breakfast place.

Love my bugs.

Brook and Karen joined us for breakfast.

After breakfast, we went to the Children's Museum. Tate got a crown to wear because it was his birthday.

Jewell and her Daddy joined us at the museum.

They had face painting, but Tate refused.

After the museum, we went to Tate's new favorite place, Shankz. They have slot car racing and black light mini golf.

The three of us then headed to I.talia for pizza. Tate loves this place. They have little wooden pizzas you can play with.

Then home to open gifts and have cake with our friends.

Happy Birthday my Tate.

Christmas Day 2009

2010-01-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

Santa gifts! Hooray!

A new card game. Thank goodness, I can only handle so much Go Fish.

A cute Cars sleeping bag / air mat.

BUMBLEBEE!!!

Bath fizzies.

YUM! This is now a must have for special occasions. Overnight Monkey Bread. Oh So Good.

I just made snacks for us to munch on all day.

Around 7:30 that night, Tate spiked a fever of 102.4 and started puking.

Poor sick baby. By the morning, he was fine. No fever and no more pukes.

Christmas Eve 2009

2010-01-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

Tate couldn't wait to open presents. We let him open one in the afternoon. He picked this one from Stan & Natalie.

Tate was an Angel in the Christmas Program at Church. All the kids were so cute!

When we got home, we opened all our presents. (Expcept the ones from Santa of course!) (This is just a few, the kid was spoiled rotten this year!)

Message from Santa to Tate

2009-12-17T15:26:00.000-08:00

http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/f06d92073d0e291919b3598e3935e2cf

God vs. Dinosaurs

2009-12-15T12:25:00.001-08:00

I posted this on FB the other day...but I want it here as well so I can remember it.

Tate: Did God make the dinosaurs?
Me: Yes.
Tate: Then did the dinosaurs eat God?
Me: No.
Tate: Did dinosaurs eat people?
Me: Hmmm, I am not sure.
Tate: Look it up online.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

This year we traveled to Portland, OR for Thanksgiving. We almost always spend Thanksgiving with my BFF Brook and her brother Mat. Their Dad lives in Portland, so this year we all went there. We had a great time. Lots of food, drinks, games and Wii Rock Band.

"On the road again......."

Traffic was great until we got to Portland.

One of the many bridges in Portland.

Daddy teaching Tate how to drum......kind of.....

Daddy and Tate attempting to put together some dinosaur thing.....yeah, it didnt work. We put it away.

Lincoln Logs!

Quelf. Yes, it is a game. If you have ever played it, it would make perfect sense that Bethany has tin foil on her hand.

This is the only picture I got of the three of us together on Thanksgiving.

Me and my good friend Bethany.

Me and my BFF Brook.

And of course, no trip is complete without a stop at a disc golf course. It was a bright sunny day in Portland; but it was freezing! Tate and I hung out in the car while Chris golfed.

GRRRRRR

2009-12-02T14:11:00.001-08:00

I just spent a good 20 minutes working on a Thanksgiving post and Blogger ate it. GRRRRR.

Bowling

2009-11-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

Tate's friend Ayden invited us to go bowling this past Saturday. We had a great time...but Tate was sad he didnt get a strike. However, I had two! :)

Hooray Me!

2009-11-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

I won a beautiful pair of earrings! Check them out: From Storms to Sunshine

Thanks Christine!!!

Oldies but goodies

2009-11-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

These are from last year around Christmas. Someday Tate will be mad at me for showing people pictures like these. But he is so cute!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

One light burned out before we even began.

Daddy wanted to be a robot too!

Sleepy robot Tate.

And the winner is......

2009-11-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

TATE!!

We entered Tate into the costume contest at Fred Meyer on Saturday. He won! He won a $ 25 gift card. We let him pick out any toy (under $25) that he wanted. He picked a Cars set with firetruck Mater, rescue helicopter and dalmation Mia & Tia. He was so proud of himself. :)

Tate of Halloween's Past

2009-10-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

Tate's first Halloween ~ 2005 (Lion)

Tate's second Halloween ~ 2006 (Scarecrow)
Tate's fourth Halloween ~ 2008 (Knight)

I am missing Tate's third Halloween. I am searching the pics I have on my work computer, but it may be on the home computer. Once I find it I will add it in.

Meals we have left for October

2009-10-29T11:07:00.001-07:00

The month is almost over. Here are the meals we still haven't made. I am not planning on making a full November menu. I want to see how long we can go with what we have around the house, without doing a major shop.

Lentil & brown rice casserole
Ham & cheese omelets
Navajo tacos
Grandma Mack breakfast casserole
Appetizer sandwiches
Crock pot beef enchiladas
Crock pot potato bacon soup
Smothered chicken with brown rice
Not soggy nachos
Veggie beef soup
Quiche

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T09:52:00.001-07:00

Photos by Kate McElwee

Tate Tuesday

2009-10-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Photo by Kate McElwee

Basketball

2009-10-26T10:31:00.001-07:00

Yes. Tate is playing basketball with a soccer ball. Shortly after I took these pictures, Chris and Tate walked down to the local sports store and bought a basketball.....and then didnt play with it. Boys. Hmmm, or maybe they did but I was making dinner.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

Every year daycare takes the kids to the Hunter's Pumpkin Patch. Chris and I always go with. Not sure what we will do next year when Tate is in school and no longer at daycare. Maybe they will still let us tag along.

Tate in the hay maze.

The slide is the kids favorite part of the day.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T12:28:00.001-07:00

Photo by Kate McElwee

Tate Tuesday

2009-10-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Just another excuse to post pictures of my bug. :)

Disc Golfing with Daddy

2009-10-15T11:45:00.001-07:00

It stopped raining yesterday just long enough to get a round of disc golf in. The course was muddy, but I just put Tate in his boots.

Attitude

2009-10-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Not my child. Never.

Photo by Kate McElwee

One last trip to the park

2009-10-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Before the rain begins. It was chilly on Saturday, but it was not raining. The forecast this week is rain, rain, and more rain. I wanted to take Tate to the park one more time.......

I know this is blurry, but I like it.

Dulce De Leche

2009-10-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. Gawd. This was so easy, and so good. Make it. Now.

Dulce De Leche

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
water

Remove label from milk can. Place can on side into a 3 quart slow cooker. Fill with water until it is 3-4 inches above can. Cover and cook on low heat 8-10 hours. Turn off slow cooker and allow can to cool 40 minutes inside slow cooker. Chill caramel in unopened can in refrigerator until ready to serve. Use as a dip for apple slices or serve over ice cream. From 365 of Slow Cooking Blog.

The only concern I had was that in her recipe she says to cover the can with 3 to 4 inches of water.....I used a 6 qt crock pot and I did not have 3 to 4 inches of room. So, I covered it as much as I could. I went home at lunch to check on it and it was just fine.

We have been eating the carmel with sliced apples, oreos, and I think Chris & Tate had some on a banana split last night. Yum!

October 2009 Menu (part 2)

2009-10-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here is part 1

Here is the rest of our menu for October.

Jambalaya with corn bread

Chili with cinnamon rolls

Appetizer sandwiches

Baked Tomato and Basil Gnocchi with broccoli

Egg Cups with hash browns

Tacos

Hawaiian Chicken, Sauteed Zucchini & Squash

Crockpot Chicken & Rice Soup

Cheesy Chili Dip

French toast with eggs

Crockpot beef enchiladas

Baked Pasta with Chicken Sausage

Crockpot Potato Bacon Soup

Crab Rangoon

Broccoli & Cheese Quiche (basically this recipe without the ham)

Spaghetti

Smothered Chicken with brown rice

Crockpot Taco Soup

Not Soggy Nachos

Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

Sloppy Joes

Veggie Beef Soup

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Photo by Kate McElwee

Teddy Bear Pancake Prayer Breakfast

2009-10-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, instead of Sunday School, our Church had a Teddy Bear Pancake Prayer breakfast. It was very cute to see all the little kids with their bears.

Yum!

2009-10-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

Friday night after I picked Tate up from daycare, we made cookies. They were yummy! We took them to our friends Jim & Heather who invited us over for dinner.

Tate helped me make the cookies.........and helped "clean" up.

BATMAN!!

2009-10-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

October 2009 Menu (part 1)

2009-10-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

I started to work on my October menu the other night, and Chris said to me, "You still have 11 meals left from September". So, I am going to post what meals we still have left. I will then work on a menu for the rest of the month and post it as well. Needless to say, the full month menu worked great for us. And I am very happy that it will last into October.

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, brocolli
Kielbasa Bean Soup
Lentil & Brown Rice Casserole
Ham & cheese omeletes, hashbrowns
Navajo Tacos
S.O.S.
Mexican Chicken, rice, sunshine salad
Grandma Mack breakfast casserole
Beef pot pie

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Click everyday!!

Damien's 2nd birthday

2009-09-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, Tate and I went to Tacoma for our friends Anna & Dan's sons 2nd birthday. What a beautiful day for an outdoor party! For September, the weather was great!

Birthday boy Damien. The Diva, Charlotte.

My baby, Tate.

Damien in the green, Coleman inthe purple hat, Lincoln in the orange hat and Gabe in the red shirt.

Damien and his sweetheart Charlotte.

Damien chasing bubbles.

Coleman, Gabe, Lincoln.

Coleman, Gabe, Lincoln, Tate and Charlotte.

Tate wants long hair

2009-09-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

So, the other day, Tate told me he wanted long hair. And he didnt want anymore haircuts. I told him we had to take pictures then, you know, to document it.

I was telling the ladies at daycare about this, and dont you know, he now does not want to grow his hair long. Boys!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

(This is an old picture, but I am missing Kitty)

Salisbury Steak with mushroom gravy

2009-09-22T12:35:00.001-07:00

I made Salisbury Steak with mushroom gravy last night. I did follow the recipe...except...I bought canned gravy. Um, I will not do that again. I did like this, and I will make it again, but, I will try different gravy or attempt to make my own.

*********************************

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 egg
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, cut in half, then sliced
1 jar (4.5 oz) Green Giant® sliced mushrooms, drained
1 jar (12 oz) beef gravy

1. In large bowl, mix beef, egg, 1/4 cup of the Bisquick mix and the pepper. With wet hands, shape beef mixture into 6 oval patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Lightly coat patties with remaining 1/4 cup Bisquick mix.

2. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Arrange patties in single layer in skillet. Add onion slices around and on top of patties. Cook 12 to 16 minutes, turning patties once and stirring onions occasionally, until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F.

3. If necessary, spoon fat from skillet and discard. Add mushrooms and gravy to skillet. Turn patties to coat with gravy. Heat to boiling.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

Sweet & Sour Chicken

2009-09-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

I made Sweet & Sour Chicken from the blog My Kitchen Cafe. It was more work then I normally like to spend on dinner. But, oh my, it was so worth it. I did make the extra sauce as she suggested and used it for the egg rolls. No, I did not make the egg rolls. I bought frozen ones. :)

Try this. It is good.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Family Camp 2009

2009-09-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

Every year we do a family camp during Labor Day weekend. Our "normal" group is us, Jim & Heather and some of their adult children, Julie & Austin and Terry & Nick. This year "others" came and went through out the weekend. The weather could have been nicer, but we still had a great time.

This year we went to Mason Lake in Shelton.

Thanks for the prayers

2009-09-14T20:51:00.001-07:00

My friend K sent me a text today. Her test came back benign. HOORAY! Thanks for the prayers.

Prayers for K

2009-09-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

My friend K has asked that I not share her name, yet, but she needs some prayers. Today K had a biopsy on her breast to check for cancer. Please, keep K in your prayers or send some happy thoughts her way. I love her a lot. Thanks.

9

2009-09-09T12:17:00.001-07:00

Do you have $9?
http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/2009/09/9.html

September 2009 Meal Plan

2009-09-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Sept 1 ~ Ham & Cheese Omelets, hashbrowns
Sept 2 ~ Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, greenbeans
Sept 3 ~ Mexican Chicken, white rice, mandarin oragnes & pineapple (Sunshine Salad)
Sept 4 ~ Hamburgers, roast potatoes
Sept 5 ~ Steaks, baked potatoes
sept 6 ~ Potato Slabs
Sept 7 ~ Lentil & brown rice casserole
Sept 8 ~ Breakfast burritos, fruit salad
Sept 9 ~ BLT with avacodo, chips
Sept 10 ~ Salisbury Steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli
Sept 11 ~ Crockpot 3 packet pot roast
Sept 12 ~ Kielbasa bean soup
Sept 13 ~ Navajo tacos
Sept 14 ~ Spinach & cheese quiche (modified from the recipe)
Sept 15 ~ Biscuits & gravy, srambled eggs, fruit
Sept 16 ~ Jambalaya
Sept 17 ~ Crockpot sour cream and salsa chicken, white rice
Sept 18 ~ homemade pizza
Sept 19~ Grandma Mack's breakfast casserole
Sept 20 ~ Sloppy Joes, chips
Sept 21 ~ Cheese ravioli with pasta sauce
Sept 22 ~ French toast, eggs, bacon
Sept 23 ~ crockpot mac & cheese
Sept 24 ~ Sweet & sour chicken, egg rolls
Sept 25 ~ Beef pot pie
Sept 26 ~ Swill
Sept 27 ~ Spaghetti
Sept 28 ~ Broccoli cheese soup in bread bowls
Sept 29 ~ S.O.S.
Sept 30 ~ hmmm, missed one day...oh well....

Tate

2009-08-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is just one of the great photos Kate McElwee took during our family shoot in July. Thanks again Kate. We had a great time and can't wait to have a family shoot in Boston. :)

A very cool giveaway

2009-08-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

Check out these cool bikes! And they are doing a weekly giveaway!

(Thanks Paige!)

Mowing the lawn

2009-08-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

I was surprised to look out and see this......Tate is sensitive to loud noises. He usually hides inside, and makes me close doors and windows when Chris mows the lawn.

Jet Wash Open, Disc Golf

2009-08-18T10:07:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Chris played in the Jet Wash Open in SeaTac, WA. This course is right by SeaTac airport. It is very loud. I didn't get to watch Chris play as we had a play date with another disc golfers wife and her two kids. Tate had a great time!

So did Chris....I cant believe I don't have pictures....but my camera is still in time out.

Chris got FIRST PLACE!! WOO-HOO!

http://www.pdga.com/tournament-results?TournID=9423#Advanced

Congrats Chris! We love you!

Need meal inspiration?

2009-08-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

I didnt do a menu this week....but if you need ideas, go to Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie's blog.

http://orgjunkie.com/2009/08/menu-plan-monday-august-17th.html

Spinach-Stuffed Pasta Shells

2009-08-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

1. I can not remember which cook book I got this from, which is a bummer because I really like this recipe. I checked it out from the library awhile ago.

2. I should have taken a picture...but my camera is being dumb so I put it away. I am mad at it.

Spinach-Stuffed Pasta Shells

12 dried jumbo shell macaroni
1 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (8 oz)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 26-32 oz pasta sauce

1. Cook jumbo shells according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Set shells aside. Meanwhile, drain thawed spinach well.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For filling, in a medium bowl stir together spinach, eggs 1 1/2 cups of the Italian cheese blend and the ricotta cheese. Spoon a generous 2 rounded tablespoons of the filling into each jumbo shell. Arrange shells in a 2 quart square baking dish. Pour pasta sauce over shells.

3. Bake, covered, in the preheated oven about 40 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining 1.2 cup Italian cheese blend. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 4 main dish servings.

Make ahead directions: Prepare as above through step 2. Cover with plastic wrap, then foil. Chill for up to 24 hours. To bake, remove plastic wrap and replace foil. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until heated through. Continue as directed.

Adrienne's notes: I did not have Italian Cheese Blend. I used 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup mild cheddar for the filling and 1/2 cup mozzarella for the top and sprinkled Parmesan on as well. I cooked 20 shells and had enough filling for 18.

Sturgis, SD

2009-08-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

So, I was going to post a pic from Sturgis and the computer will not read my card and I forgot the cord. Stupid! I will see if I can figure out how to make it work. We are having a great time!!

And, more teasers.....

2009-07-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

http://katemcelweeblog.com/2009/07/27/golden-gardens-family-adrienne-chris-tate/

Teaser!!

2009-07-27T10:03:00.001-07:00

July 2009 Menu

2009-07-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my current menu

Buttermilk baked chicken
Spinach-Parmesan Pie
Cheeseburger Pie
Lasagna Primavera
Chicken Stir Fry
Creamy Italian Chicken
Hamburgers
Ham & Broccoli Quiche
Spinach Stuffed Shells
Tacos

I am still here

2009-07-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

I dont think anyone reads this anyway....but sorry for the lack of posts. I get busy at work in the summer and then dont have time to blog.

Anyway, I am going to work on posting some sights that I get food recipes & inspiration from. Once I have updated somethings I will try to post my menu and recipes. I will also try to be better about posting pics of Tate. :)

A little green (2)

2009-05-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

I bought dryer balls last night. :) I am excited to see how well they really work. I got these at Bed, Bath & Beyond: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13936579

Beaver State Fling

2009-05-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

We are off to Portland, OR for the weekend. It is the annual Beaver State Fling. This is the first year Chris is playing. It fills up quick.

http://www.beaverstatefling.com/

Clicky, clicky, come on, just do it

2009-05-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Go here: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3&link=ctg_ars_home_from_trs_home_sitenav

And click on each tab at the top. It is easy and it does good for the world. Just do it. Ok?

A little green.....

2009-05-07T14:48:00.001-07:00

So, we are attempting to go a little green. Nothing to drastic to start. I already try to use re-usable bags when shopping. And, the other day I made my own laundry soap! Hooray! I made a liquid version. When it is gone, I think I will try the powder version. And, when our dryer sheets are gone, I am going to try dryer balls.

i can not find a link to the recipe I used, but here is a link to a similar recipe. I did not use castile soap, I used Ivory soap.

http://cleancalgary.org/index.php/guides

Baby Tate

2009-05-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Five years ago today, we found out we were pregnant. It was the scariest, happiest day.

Hooray for Stellan!

2009-04-28T20:32:00.001-07:00

Hooray! Stellan is home with his family. Way to go Stellan.
http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

On the road again.....Cahuita here we come

2009-04-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

We met back up with Brook and headed to the Carribean coast. We stayed in Cahuita at a cute lodge. We had our own two bedroom house. I would receomend the Sia Tami Lodge. :)
http://www.siatami.com/

Which way Tate??

While we were in Costa Rica, there was an earthquake. This was the town that was closest to the epicenter (I think, I could be wrong). Anyway, we drove through 2 or 3 days after the earthquake.

Bananas. Lots and lots of bananas.

We let Tate pick the place to eat when we got to town. Big mistake. If you ever find yourself in Cahuita Costa Rica, DO NOT eat at the Pizza N Love.

I can not remember the name of this bar...which is to bad, because we really liked it. This is happy hour in Cahuita. We each ordered a different drink, you get two for one. It was fun. :)

This is the hammock that was on the porch at our house.

PRAYING FOR STELLAN

2009-04-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

Praying for Baby Stellan!!!
For updates, click on the cute picture over there ------>

Also praying for Tricia!! For updates check on Confessions of a CF Husband in my blogger list.

Waterfall

2009-04-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

We decided to check out the La Fortuna Waterfall. It was a hike! My legs hurt for days afterwords....but it was beautiful!

http://www.arenal.net/la-fortuna-waterfall-costa-rica.htm

This was before we left for the hike....Tate wanted to play dress up.....

just a test

2009-04-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Mom!! Since you dont have Facebook, can you click on this link and let me know if you can see the pics?? Thanks, love you.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020306&id=1161402300&l=b488c100e5

Zip Line!!!!

2009-04-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to go on the zip lines in Costa Rica. I had to do some research, but I found one place that would allow a four year old to go. We had a long drive (on the crappiest roads ever) there and back; but it was soooo worth it!
Here is the place we went to: http://www.selvatura.com/

Lunch & drinks (of course!!) before the zip line.

Getting ready to go!

Tate was the first one in our group to go. I was soooo worried he would freak out. Thank GOD he didn't. If he would have hated the zip line, he would have to go on FIVE before he could get down. But, he LOVED LOVED LOVED it.

When we got done (took a little over an hour) Tate asked if we could go again. :)