Big League Chew

Sickness.
Canceled plans.
Big League Chew bought during a fit of nostalgia.

It's helping to beat the doldrums. Too bad it can't cure a sore throat.

Laid Back Days

At least that's what I would call them. Not sure what Todd & Ina would say about these days. All I know is that they are passing much too quickly.

Three dorky guys wearing shorts & white socks. The quality of this photo wasn't affected by shooting into the sun. It was affected by a tiny person's grubby paw prints on my lens. Somehow I like it.

Food And Stuff

Is it me or does it seem like the cost of food skyrocketed overnight? Granted, I had a little less to spend this past week, but still. $100 later & our fridge looks pretty empty. Anyway, it's actually kind of fun to figure out how to feed everyone with a bit less. At least food doesn't go to waste this way. Tonight I started with about 3 cups of leftover roast & I must say supper was delicious. Here's the recipe I used;

Beef Pot Pie

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 cups cubed leftover beef
• 1 1/2 cups frozen veggies (I used carrots & beans as it's what I had on hand)
  
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• your favorite biscuit recipe
  

In a medium saucepan, cook onion in butter until onion is tender. Stir in flour and salt until smooth and bubbly. Stir in beef broth. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly. Add leftover beef, veggies, and parsley; heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding whatever your little heart desires. Pour beef mixture into a 2-quart casserole. Prepare biscuit dough & dollop on top of hot beef mixture. Don't you just love to use the word dollop whenever you get a chance? No? Okay, moving on. Bake beef pot pie at 450° for 20 to 25 minutes.

Serve with salad & you have a lovely meal using *gasp* leftovers. I'm too frugal to waste food, but I do try to make each incarnation enjoyable & different. It looked yummy too, but I didn't think of taking a photo until it was half devoured. What do you like to do with your leftovers? Any to die for recipes to share?

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The stuff in our life right now is our seemingly never ending bathroom project. The floor is done! I think it's beautiful. Tonight we primed some walls. Now, we just need to decide on the exact shade of paint to use. Maybe, just maybe we can install the toilet & sink this weekend?

We have a wall color in mind, but just for curiosities sake, what color would you choose?

Our Baby

Is naughty, funny, sassy. In other words absolutely delightful. Most of the time.

Her favorite words are; No, Mine, Stop, SHHHHHH & Bye-bye. Almost always shouted in a sassy manner. Often accompanied by a raised hand. You know, like she is threatening to hit us. She has only uttered one sentence & she says it just about every day. "Pee-yuw, I tinkaaay!" She always says it in context. Potty training should begin perhaps?

It seems we've reached the terrible twos at 19 months. Maybe it's the influence of her older siblings.

Jamie Oliver

I haven't had time to blog even though I've been wanting to. We were so happy to have our good friends Todd & Ina here for several days. We were so busy relaxing, cooking, eating & catching up that I didn't take one single photo. Luckily they will be back & I can change my slacker ways!

I really enjoyed this blog post about chef Jamie Oliver. He's busy trying to change the way our schools feed our children. I could go on about this subject, but I won't. I'll leave you with this little bit of advice. Eat real food. Cook in your own kitchen. It's really not so hard & actually very enjoyable!

Ready For Anything

In case you can't figure it out the note says, "I like having my eyeglasses."

As long as her day doesn't include more than mud, rain & wiggly, squiggly letters, she's all set.

Last Weekend

I wasn't going to post more family photos, but then someone requested some. Then I thought, "Well, it is my blog after all." Then I started remembering that I plan to print out a photo book for every year I keep this blog. It doesn't matter that I'm two years behind. I'll get to it eventually & I'll be glad these photos are ready. Then I decided to Picnik the photos & that was really fun. So in no particular order, I present more family photos.

Running in the dark.

On a treasure hunt.

Flying.

Random silliness.

Playing knock-out.

Walking in the great outdoors.

Catching up on a years worth of lovin.

Driving lessons.

Some aunties, a grandma and a bunch of kids.

Random silliness shot #2.

The whole gang.