Birthday Bash (part 2)

We got some really cute pictures of Porter enjoying his birthday cake.  Here are a few.....
 Ready for his cake.
 So yummy. He really liked playing with it at first.
 But he did manage to get some in his mouth....but mostly on his face.
 Shoveling it in.
 It was quite funny. He even thought so.
Sawyer stealing some icing.
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Birthday Bash (part 1)

 On his actual birthday we had a special lunch with just Daddy, Porter, and me. Daddy got him this cookie monster which he loved.... and so did Danner and Sawyer.
 He had a taste of birthday cake.
 He played outside with Danner and Sawyer.

These are from his actual party. I only had our families for the party. I did pumpkin patch themed. The invites were cute. I will try to upload one for you to see.
 I made him a pumpkin smash cake.
 We had lots of food....chili, ham rolls, candy , popcorn, chips, pumpkin seeds......
 I made these chocolate pumpkin suckers.
 Cake for everyone else.
 Boo Cups....basically pudding and cookies with whipped cream in the shape of ghosts.
 Big boy seat.
 Pictures of Porter for everyone to take home.
 Birthday Boy in his birthday hat. Why won't kids leave hats on their heads?
 PopPop carved this pumpkin with a 1 for his nose. It was so cute.
 Porter and me.
Trying to get a shot of all 3 kids with the pumpkins. That is never easy.....as you can see.




Part 2 of the party coming soon....

not sure what the deal is with my blog....but hopefully it will be fixed soon.

Dinner for the Week

Got tons of cute photos to share from the birthday party (Porter's) this weekend. However, I forgot my camera at my sis's house. So those will have to wait. We had a blast. Porter was cute, as always. And the twins love all his new toys.

I thought I would share my dinner menu that I have planned for this week.....I know,  I know...I live such an exciting life!! Don't be jealous! Dinner might be the highlight of my day. And if I don't plan for the week in advance, then I usually end up getting take-out or being lazy and uncreative with meals.

These are all easy, but delish dinners that are ready in under 45 minutes- give or take.


Monday:  Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients

6 green bell peppers salt to taste, 1 pound ground beef, 1/3 cup chopped onion, salt and pepper to taste, 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup uncooked rice, 1/2 cup water, 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup, water as needed

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the tops off the peppers, and remove the seeds. Cook peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain. Sprinkle salt inside each pepper, and set aside.

In a large skillet, saute beef and onions for 5 minutes, or until beef is browned. Drain off excess fat, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the tomatoes, rice, 1/2 cup water and Worcestershire sauce. Cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender. Remove from heat, and stir in the cheese.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. (175 degrees C). Stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, and place peppers open side up in a baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine tomato soup with just enough water to make the soup a gravy consistency. Pour over the peppers.

Bake covered for 25 to 35 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tuesday: Zatarain's Jambalaya
Ingredients
1 box of Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix
1 lb cooked smoked sausage
2 1/2 cups water.

Directions
Bring water to a boil. Add jambalya mix and meat and return to a boil. Reduce heat, stir, cover and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes.  

Wednesday: Chicken Marsala

Ingredients

1/4 cup all-purpose flour for coating 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded 1/4 inch thick 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1/2 cup Marsala wine 1/4 cup cooking sherry

Directions

In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper and oregano. Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture.

In a large skillet, melt butter in oil over medium heat. Place chicken in the pan, and lightly brown. Turn over chicken pieces, and add mushrooms. Pour in wine and sherry. Cover skillet; simmer chicken 10 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Thursday: Spaghetti

Ingredients:
1 box of spaghetti noodles
1 jar of spaghetti sauce ( I love Ragu mushrooms and green peppers)
1 can condensed cream of mushroom
1 onion (diced)
1 bell pepper (diced)
1 lb ground beef (turkey)

Directions
Brown meat, onions, and peppers and drain. Add sauce, mushroom soup. Cook on medium heat until hot. I like to let mine cook on low for an hour or more. Cook noodles according to directions on box.  Done!!

Friday: Salisbury Steak with Gravy

Ingredients


1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/4 cup ketchup 1/4 cup water 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder  1 package of liptons dry onion soup mix 1 can condensed cream of mushroom

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together 1/3 cup condensed French onion soup with ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt and black pepper. Shape into 6 oval patties.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown both sides of patties. Pour off excess fat.

In a small bowl, blend flour and remaining soup until smooth. Mix in ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder, mushroom soup, and dry onion mix.  Pour over meat in skillet. Cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.



Saturday and Sunday are Jesse's days to grill for me! The kids are all big meat eaters. Twins love their meats and starches and most fruits but hate veges. I always try to get them to eat but they refuse. Porter eats anything. They eat what we eat. I refuse to cook a different menu for them. So they eat or starve....haha

What are some of your favorite quick and easy recipes???



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Bicycle Ridin

Papaw has a toddler seat on his bicycle for taking the kids for a stroll. They love it.....



Not bad for an 80+ year old guy, huh?
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State Fair

Saturday we took a day trip to the State Fair. The kids had a blast. It was crazy-crowded and the weather was beautiful. There was so much to do/see and I was happy that we went. And guess who rode the horsies this time?
 Yep, Sawyer....


 And Danner.....


 And they rode some rides.......
 driving around in the car

They saw some smelly animals, ate some greasy fried foods, and walked miles and miles.....(with leashes...don't judge people, I have 3 kids and only 2 hands....so leashes it was)
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Depressed

It is with a heavy heart, teary eyes, and a lump in my throat that I introduce to you........
 Our ONE year old little man!!!!!! I really can't believe the day has come.....and so quickly it came. One year ago today our little man was born into this crazy world. Ane he has been a perfect baby ever since. NO momma could ask for a better baby. I wish he would stay this happy little baby forever, but time doesn't stop. Here is a little recap of Porter's First Year!!
 Happy Birthday.... Oct 20, 2009   8 lb4oz  20 inches  10:51am
 One Month
 Two Months
 Three Months
 Four Months
 Five Months
 Six Months
 Seven Months
 Eight Months
 Nine Months
 Ten Months
 Eleven Months

Porter,
Thank you for being such a sweet, happy baby. You are such a special miracle baby and Daddy and I are so thankful for you every day. Happy Birthday Little Man. We love you more than the sky is blue.
Love,
Mommy

PS: Danner and Sawyer love you too....although you might not think so.......they do like to beat you up......but you are catching up in size and will be able to payback that "love"....  :)
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