In this slow economy, the Mr. and Mrs. Igor have had to make some hard decisions about their professions in the service industry. As much as Brother Igor loves owning his own business and being his own boss, things are just too slooooooooow. For now, at least, he's taking a job with Werner Trucking out of Phoenix. On Tuesday we said goodbye for the next three to six weeks.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Pantry Challenge
I will need to buy chicken (giant bag of frozen boneless/skinless breasts, $20 at Costco), a few more pork chops, and possibly some stew meat and/or a beef roast (hopefully on a goooooood sale for the last three) to be fully prepared to take this on. With some changes in the work situation of the Igor Family's parents, Niece and Nephew will be here for dinner 2 - 4 nights weekly for the next six weeks. As such, we need to stockpile just a bit more meat. Of course, the Igor Children love "breakfast for dinner," so that's a viable option to keep the meat expenses down.
An important aspect of the challenge is having defined goals. Here are mine:
- After replenishing the freezer with the above meats and purchasing a few additional items already on my list, purchase only necessary perishables such as milk, eggs, and produce during January.
- Take lunch to work daily, except for Thursdays when Mr. Mamie and I have a standing lunch date. Use two-fer coupons whenever possible for those lunches!
- Eat a good breakfast daily, using the pancakes, waffles, bread, muffins, etc. (all homemade!) already stashed in the freezer as well as the ginormous supply of cereal in the pantry. Eating a good breakfast cuts down on the snacking, and keeps me from buying junk at Maverik or Judd's.
- Cut back on the soda (Diet Coke and Diet Sprite, in my case) intake - drink water, iced tea, hot tea, hot cocoa, and Crystal Light that we already have on hand. Ration the existing soda supply so that it lasts until February.
I feel pretty confident that we can do this challenge - the toughest thing for me will be to restrain myself from trying new recipes that might require "special" ingredients.
Menus 12/28/09 - 1/3/10
12/28 Mon: Layered Chicken and Black Bean Casserole, Jalapeno Corn Muffins (this is a carry-over from a couple of weeks ago when plans changed).
12/29 Tues: Parmesan Italian Pork Chops, green salad, Swiss Cheese Potatoes (CrockPot), French bread (from the freezer).
12/30 Wed: Italian Beef Sandwiches (CrockPot), green salad. I think we'll actually be making these out of a pork loin roast, as Mr. Mamie reports that he cannot locate a beef roast in the big freezer, and we scored two large pork roasts from GolfDad recently. However, if the grocery store ads that come in the mail tomorrow have any SUPER deals on beef roasts, I might go buy one/some.
12/31 Thurs: CrockPot Honey Mustard Chicken, green salad, cornbread stuffing (from a mix). Niece and Nephew will be here for dinner.
1/1 Fri: Beef and Bean Chimichangas w/ all the fixings. Niece and Nephew will be here for dinner.
1/2 Sat: Ham, Pasta, and Broccoli Casserole - today is GrandmaT's birthday, and this is her request. It's what she usually makes for the Igor Family to eat for dinner on Halloween, as they bop around going to parties and trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. However, it didn't happen this year, so we're having it for her birthday instead. It's a modification of an old magazine recipe - I'll try to get the info posted later this week. This is a great casserole for once-a-month/freezer cooking. We'll also have green salad, Italian Cheese Bread, and an as-yet undetermined birthday cake. Niece and Nephew will be here for dinner.
1/3 Sun: Crockpot BBQ Beans and Polish Sausage, green salad, Oatmeal Dinner Rolls (from the freezer). I have to prepare for the three-day work trip up north, as well as prep lecture materials for a colleague who will cover my university class on Tuesday, so an easy CrockPot dinner is in order! Niece and Nephew will be here for dinner.
I'm engaged in a muffin-baking marathon today! We like to have lots of muffins stashed in the freezer for snacks, quick breakfasts, kid-food for Niece and Nephew, etc. So far I have made Health Nut Blueberry Muffins and Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Muffins. Next up is Pumpkin-Butterscotch Chip Muffins - great combo! Also this week I hope to get to: Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, Whole Wheat Honey Pumpkin Muffins, Spiced Carrot Muffins, Healthy Cranberry-Blueberry Muffins, and Savory Cheese Muffins (these are actually a "dinner muffin," and they're on my menu for next week). For most muffins that call for white flour only, I alter the recipes so that the flour content is at least 1/2 white and 1/2 whole wheat. Today, I'm substituting 1/4 cup wheat germ for 1/4 cup flour as well. I won't do this on the Lemon Poppy Seed or Savory Cheese muffins, though - somehow doesn't seem like it will work very well.
A note about last week: I never got around to posting/sharing a meal plan, but there WAS one, really! We had Taco Mac on Monday, and leftovers from that on Tuesday. Wednesday was Honey-Spice Glazed Pork Chops, which were new to us and quite tasty (served with Stove-Top Stuffing and green salad).
For Christmas Eve dinner on Thursday all the family was over, and we served a Costco red/meat lasagna along with a homemade Cheesy Chicken Lasagna, green salad, and Italian Cheese Bread. We've had and enjoyed the Costco frozen lasagna before, but it was left in the dust by the Cheesy Chicken Lasagna - a HUGE hit! I was very tempted to add spinach to the recipe, but I wanted Brother Igor to try it, and knew he wouldn't if there was green stuff in it. We'll definitely be having the Cheesy Chicken Lasagna again, and I will for sure doctor it up with some frozen spinach and maybe a little ricotta cheese. I made this lasagna with "oven ready" lasagna noodles, and they worked perfectly - definitely an easier way to go than dealing with boiled noodles. For Christmas Eve dessert I made a batch of The Best Birthday Cupcakes with Chocolate Syrup Frosting. I used white cake mix, and decorated the tops with red/white/green sprinkles. Very festive! These cupcakes are fantastic - soooooooo tender and tasty, and the frosting is delicious without being too sweet.
On Christmas Day we all gathered at GolfDad's house, where he made us a wonderful meal of standing prime rib roast, baked potatoes, and Mom's bacon green beans. Mrs. Igor brought dessert (two pies), and Mr. Mamie was in charge of the green salad (as he was the night before) - a huge salad buffet that was a hit on both nights.
Over the weekend we ate leftovers and made homemade pizza.
Also last week I made: Eggnog Cranberry Muffins, Multi-grain Blueberry Pancakes, and Lemon-Blueberry Bread, ALL of which were YUMMY!
Head over to orgjunkie.com for a boatload more weekly meal plans.
Mmmmmm, breakfast!
All breakfast, all the time! Check out Mr. Breakfast for a TON of great breakfast recipes.
Image credit
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Under construction!
We (Mr. Mamie and I) are working on my blog format - I really want to go to three columns! So partdon the dust while we attempt to get the code right, and while I try out a few different backgrounds.
I DO have photos for Project 365, and mitzvahs to post... stay tuned!
I DO have photos for Project 365, and mitzvahs to post... stay tuned!
Six Word Saturday 12/26/09
In sadness, there can be contentment.
Mom's been gone less than two months, but Christmas came anyway. We made it through, and were even something like happy. We are 8 instead of 9, but the 8 love each other enough.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
I am...
You Are Christmas Eve |
 You are a patient person, and you would agree that anticipation is sometimes better than the main event. There's something magical about the night before Christmas - when it feels like anything could happen! You are a somewhat quiet and spiritual person. You need a lot of alone time to process what's going on around you. You are optimistic and idealistic. You can't help but feel like things are going to work out. |
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Mitzvah #23 (12/23/09)
1. I remembered, at 3:30 a.m., that Mr. Mamie had a physical therapy appointment at 7:30 a.m., and accordingly set the alarm for 6:00 a.m. Bah.
2. I only hit the snooze button once, then got up, showered, dried hair, etc. in order to be able to leave shortly after 7:00 a.m. Humbug.
3. I didn't whine about no time to fix hot chocolate at home, and nt time to stop at Maverik on the way into town. Bah.
4. I didn't totally lose it when we pulled into the parking lot of the fancy-schmancy new sports medicine/rehabilitation facility on the hospital campus, only to be greeted by the sight of lotsa water, lotsa utility trucks, and a security guard informing us that due to a water main break in the building, all appointments were canceled for the day. And I REALLY didn't LOSE IT when it was revealed that the reason Mr. Mamie was not aware of this prior to the 16 mile drive into town at 7:00 a.m. was because his cell phone had spent the last 12 hour in the pocket of his other coat, in the garage, at home. HUMBUG!
Instead, we drove over to the new IT building and scoped out my new office, the data center, the conference room, my essentially private bathroom (since I will be the only girl working full time in the building!), and some other stuff. I checked that my own two servers (named "Alta" and "Solitude" by one of my ski-crazy techies) were tucked happily into a rack. I even got my cool little electronic fob thingie that opens the doors and disables the security system (no more alarm keypad - YAY!). Now if the furniture order would just arrive, we could move in.
That's as good as it gets for today.
2. I only hit the snooze button once, then got up, showered, dried hair, etc. in order to be able to leave shortly after 7:00 a.m. Humbug.
3. I didn't whine about no time to fix hot chocolate at home, and nt time to stop at Maverik on the way into town. Bah.
4. I didn't totally lose it when we pulled into the parking lot of the fancy-schmancy new sports medicine/rehabilitation facility on the hospital campus, only to be greeted by the sight of lotsa water, lotsa utility trucks, and a security guard informing us that due to a water main break in the building, all appointments were canceled for the day. And I REALLY didn't LOSE IT when it was revealed that the reason Mr. Mamie was not aware of this prior to the 16 mile drive into town at 7:00 a.m. was because his cell phone had spent the last 12 hour in the pocket of his other coat, in the garage, at home. HUMBUG!
Instead, we drove over to the new IT building and scoped out my new office, the data center, the conference room, my essentially private bathroom (since I will be the only girl working full time in the building!), and some other stuff. I checked that my own two servers (named "Alta" and "Solitude" by one of my ski-crazy techies) were tucked happily into a rack. I even got my cool little electronic fob thingie that opens the doors and disables the security system (no more alarm keypad - YAY!). Now if the furniture order would just arrive, we could move in.
That's as good as it gets for today.
It's not as bad as it sounds...
You Are Scrooge |
 You'll admit it, it's hard for you to get into the holiday spirit at first. You find all the shoppers, holiday music, and mall Santas to be a bit annoying. After a while, your heart begins to melt. You can't help but extend your love to those you need you. You may never love the holidays, but you enjoy making other people happy. And in that, you can find some meaning. |
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Project 365: Day 33 (12/22/09)
Storm on the horizon.
(view to the south from our back yard, 5:00 p.m.)
Mitzvah #22 (12/22/09)
Helped GolfDad clean out his big freezer today... which didn't involve much more than standing there holding a bag while he dropped in chicken, rib eye steaks, Costco meatball bakes, rolls, pound cake and other stuff that he says he's not going to eat. We took home a nice little haul of bonus food, and freed up some space for him. Good for everybody!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Project 365: Day 32 (12/21/09)
Our sweet treat after a day spent supporting the local economy!
(We had one of each flavor, mmmmmmm)
Mitzvah #21 (12/21/09)
Today we did the bulk of our Christmas shopping, which meant trundling from store to store in the MarvMobile on the county's roads, along with what seemed like the major bulk of local population. Mr. Mamie hates driving in such conditions, so (a) I took on the responsibility, which made him happy, and (b) given all the stress and crowding and rushing, I personally made a concerted effort to be extra courteous and generous as I drove. And for this, we were rewarded with excellent parking karma all day long!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Movies, movies, movies...
What we watched TODAY:
Wonderful Life image credit
Jingle image credit
Enchanted image credit
Julie & Julia image credit
Quite a combo!
Wonderful Life image credit
Jingle image credit
Enchanted image credit
Julie & Julia image credit
Project 365: Day 30 (12/19/09)
First day of Christmas vacation:
(Everyone was busy napping, so no one got a picture of MY zzzzzzzzzzz-time!)
(Everyone was busy napping, so no one got a picture of MY zzzzzzzzzzz-time!)
Mitzvah #20 (12/20/09)
Today we "window shopped" for Mr. Mamie's new netbook (that he's getting for Christmas). Electronics departments of four different stores, comparing specs.... REALLY not my idea of a fun afternoon, but it was something he wanted to do before making a final decision. Ironic, since all his real research has been done on the Internet. Nonetheless, it made him happy, so there's my mitzvah!
Mitzvah #19 (12/19/09)
Well, I blew it... I didn't post this yesterday, thus breaking the NaBloPoMo code of conduct. Sigh. Life will go on. Yesterday's mitzvah, such as it was, consisted of having the Igor children over for dinenr and a sleepover so that their parents could have a date-night. Good Auntie, woof! :)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Six Word Saturday 12/19/09
Vacation has begun, so very HAPPY!!!
Click the image above for more Six Word Saturday on Show My Face
Click the image above for more Six Word Saturday on Show My Face
Friday, December 18, 2009
Project 365: Day 29 (12/18/09)
Mongolian Beef and Sesame Noodles
I didn't used to like Chinese food, but in the last few months I cook it my own self at least once per week... see, people grow up!
Mitzvah #18 (12/18/09)
Made dinner for the Mister and GrandmaT, even though I was blah about it... and glad I did, 'cause it was YUMMY!
Making sure we have a good dinner every night, and don't resort to junk or take-out, is a mitzvah I can do every day.
Making sure we have a good dinner every night, and don't resort to junk or take-out, is a mitzvah I can do every day.
Five Question Friday - 12/18/09
Click on the image above for more Five question Friday fun at My Little Life!
Okay, here it is for this week:
1. Which boygroup did you like most in your teens?
None, really... I guess I'd have to say the Bee Gees or Air Supply; do either of those count?
2. Do you do Christmas cards, letters, photos, nuthin', all of the above?
It varies from year to year. This time it was the standard the-photo-IS-the-card, with the Mister & me plus a photo of each of the doggies.
3. If you could meet one celebrity who would it be and why?
Huh, that's a toughie. Probably either President Obama or George Lucas.
4. Favorite thing to cook with (i.e. stainless, non-stick, Dutch oven, microwave, debit card...or, perhaps, a cauldron, etc.)?
Kitchen Aid mixer - it does so much!
5. What is the one thing you wear the most, besides your unmentionables?
1. Which boygroup did you like most in your teens?
None, really... I guess I'd have to say the Bee Gees or Air Supply; do either of those count?
2. Do you do Christmas cards, letters, photos, nuthin', all of the above?
It varies from year to year. This time it was the standard the-photo-IS-the-card, with the Mister & me plus a photo of each of the doggies.
3. If you could meet one celebrity who would it be and why?
Huh, that's a toughie. Probably either President Obama or George Lucas.
4. Favorite thing to cook with (i.e. stainless, non-stick, Dutch oven, microwave, debit card...or, perhaps, a cauldron, etc.)?
Kitchen Aid mixer - it does so much!
5. What is the one thing you wear the most, besides your unmentionables?
I guess my stainless-steel Swiss Army watch. I hate being without a watch (and DON'T tell me to use my cellphone!)
Happy Feet Friday! 12/18/09
Last day before two weeks of winter break! I love being on an academic calendar. Actually, I don't know any other way to live. Anyway, very casual Friday for me... jeans, yay!
And, FESTIVE SOCKS...
...with comfy, slip-on cloggy-type shoes (Sonoma brand from Kohl's):
And, FESTIVE SOCKS...
...with comfy, slip-on cloggy-type shoes (Sonoma brand from Kohl's):
Happy Friday before Christmas!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Project 365: Day 29 (12/17/09)
Mitzvah #17 (12/17/09)
Duhhhhhh, my name is Max and I'm a food-theif!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Project 365: Day 28 (12/16/09)
Mr. Mamie finds the chocolate streak on my face oh-so-hilarious... no fudge for him!
Mitzvah #16 (12/16/09)
Finished making treats and writing cards for colleagues today... long and tiring, my hand is cramped and there's chocolate in all sorts places, and my socks are sticking to the carpet from spilled candy... but it's nice to share. I work with good people, and I'm glad I can let them know that I appreciate them.
Peppermint-Mocha Brownie Bite, anyone?!
Peppermint-Mocha Brownie Bite, anyone?!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Elf or Reindeer?
You Are An Elf |
 You are highly creative and artistic. You are good at working hard. While you love to work, you also love to play. You have a naughty side to you! You love pulling pranks and teasing people. You always seem to be getting into some sort of trouble. People can rely on you to be industrious and responsible... but you're going to have fun while you're getting stuff done. |
Mitzvah #15 (12/15/09)
I gave up making use of the "snooze" feature on my alarm. Now it goes off, and I leap up ('cause it's half-way across the room). I did it for Mr. Mamie. 'Nuff said.
Crockpot Wednesday
Our crockpot meals this week include the following. For LOTS more great crockpot hook-ups, click on the image above to visit Dining With Debbie:
12/15 Tues: Smoked Sausage & Bean Soup (crockpot), green salad, oatmeal rolls (from the freezer). I teach a university class until 8:00, so everybody can serve themselves from the crockpot and toss a roll in the toaster oven whenever they want, and I'll eat when I get home.
12/16 Wed: Slow-cooker Pepper Steak (crockpot), green salad, Never-Mushy Homemade Rice. Mr. Mamie has class until 8:00, so it's another night of serve-yourself from the crockpot.
12/17 Thurs: Chicken Alfredo Stew (crockpot), green salad, Easy Cheesy Rolls. Class again for Mr. Mamie.
12/16 Wed: Slow-cooker Pepper Steak (crockpot), green salad, Never-Mushy Homemade Rice. Mr. Mamie has class until 8:00, so it's another night of serve-yourself from the crockpot.
12/17 Thurs: Chicken Alfredo Stew (crockpot), green salad, Easy Cheesy Rolls. Class again for Mr. Mamie.
12/20 Sun: Root Beer BBQ Pulled Pork on buns (crockpot), green salad, potatoes au gratin. Well, boo! I got the BBQ pork recipe from SOMEONE's blog, but I seem to have forgotten to put the link on the bottom of my recipe page - my bad! I'm going to put the recipe below; if anyone knows where it came from, I sure would like to know!
Barbecue Pork
w/ Root Beer
- 3 lb to 4 lb pork roast
- A 12 oz. cans root beer
- 16oz-18 oz bottle of barbecue sauce
- a little extra root beer
- Place roast in the crock pot. Pour in the root beer. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove roast from crock pot and shred. Dump out liquid from the crock pot.
- Return shredded meat to crock pot. Add bottle of barbecue sauce. Then, add enough root beer to make desired wetness. (This will all depend on how thick your sauce is, I probably add at least 1/4 cup).
- Serve on buns or rolls.
Great Book Giveaway!
Check out the giveaway on FishMama's blog (Life as Mom) for this awesome book by the Owlhaven blogger, Mary. I love both these blogs, and think that this book will be awesome! It's easy to enter the giveaway - just stop by Life as Mom.
Kitchen Tip Tuesday: Towels
My tip today is TOWELS - and lots of 'em! I've been trying to get away from using so many "disposables" in the kitchen, including paper towels and "surface wipes." I have a deep drawer in my kitchen that is just FILLED with all sorts of towels, mostly terry-cloth. Having so many that are easily washable means that I can grab one for spills, messes, wet hands, putting washed fruits and veggie on, whatever! Niece and nephew know exactly where to go when they need a towel (can you say SPILLS - I know, it's the dog's fault!), and they know they can grab as many as they need. Having lots means I don't run out between laundry loads, making me more likely to reach for a re-usable towel rather than a paper towel that will become trash.
Now, go to Tammy's Recipes for lots more kitchen tips!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Mitzvah #14 (12/14/09)
Today I made an exception for one of my graduate students who emailed my to say she would be late to class tomorrow due to a long-scheduled dental appointment. Hey, I have high standards and firm expectations, but even *I* understand dental appointments!
Mom's Tuna Casserole Recipe
Neither Brother Igor nor I like fish. I'll eat tuna salad, but that's about it... except for THIS. THIS is the tuna casserole recipe that our mom made when we were growing up, and we both still like it today (however, Mrs. Igor, Mr. Mamie, and GolfDad are NOT fans). The Igor Children like it, too. To me, this is "comfort food," and it is "MOM." I made a good-sized casserole yesterday so that Igor could take a few containers up north, and so that I could stash some in the freezer for my work lunches.
The recipe follows. DO NOT put in cheese, or peas, or anything else... if you do, it's WON'T be MY MOM'S!
1 can Cream of Celery soup
8-10 oz. milk
2 cans (6 ½ oz.) tuna, drained well
2-3 C. cooked pasta (rotini)
buttered bread crumbs
1. Mix soup and milk in 1 ½ qt. casserole; add tuna and pasta; stir.
2. Bake at 350 for approximately 30 minutes. Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs on top and bake additional 15-20 minutes.
For larger quantities:
3 cans Cream of Celery soup
3 soup cans Milk
4 cans tuna
1 lb. rotini
The recipe follows. DO NOT put in cheese, or peas, or anything else... if you do, it's WON'T be MY MOM'S!
Brother Igor and Wombat (Mom) on my front patio, Memorial Day 2009.
We didn't have Tuna Casserole, but the food was good anyway!
MOM'S TUNA CASSEROLE
1 can Cream of Celery soup
8-10 oz. milk
2 cans (6 ½ oz.) tuna, drained well
2-3 C. cooked pasta (rotini)
buttered bread crumbs
1. Mix soup and milk in 1 ½ qt. casserole; add tuna and pasta; stir.
2. Bake at 350 for approximately 30 minutes. Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs on top and bake additional 15-20 minutes.
For larger quantities:
3 cans Cream of Celery soup
3 soup cans Milk
4 cans tuna
1 lb. rotini
One Word
The challenge is to answer the following questions with only one word. I picked this up at Show My Face.
1. Where is your cell phone?… here
2. Your hair?… obstinate
3. Your mother?… missed
4. Your father?… wandering
5. Your favorite food?… all
6. Your dream last night?… confused
7. Your favorite drink?… dietCoke
8. Your dream/goal?… security
9. What room are you in?… office
10. Your hobby?… blogging
11. Your fear?… loss
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?… secure
13. Where were you last night?… home
14. Something that you aren’t?… finished
15. Muffins?… yummy
16. Wish list item?… flatiron
17. Where did you grow up?… Cali
18. Last thing you did?… talked
19. What are you wearing?… wool
20. Your TV?… essential
21. Your Pets?… loved
22. Friends?… good
23. Your life?… evolving
24. Your mood?… stressed
25. Missing Someone?… Mom
26. Vehicle?… partner
27. Something you're not wearing?…nailpolish
28. Your favorite store?… Amazon
29. Your favorite colour?… purple
30. When was the last time you laughed?… yesterday
31. Last time you cried?… recently
32. Your best friends?… essential
33. One place that I go to over and over?… Internet
34. Facebook?… fabulous
35. Favorite place to eat?… home
1. Where is your cell phone?… here
2. Your hair?… obstinate
3. Your mother?… missed
4. Your father?… wandering
5. Your favorite food?… all
6. Your dream last night?… confused
7. Your favorite drink?… dietCoke
8. Your dream/goal?… security
9. What room are you in?… office
10. Your hobby?… blogging
11. Your fear?… loss
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?… secure
13. Where were you last night?… home
14. Something that you aren’t?… finished
15. Muffins?… yummy
16. Wish list item?… flatiron
17. Where did you grow up?… Cali
18. Last thing you did?… talked
19. What are you wearing?… wool
20. Your TV?… essential
21. Your Pets?… loved
22. Friends?… good
23. Your life?… evolving
24. Your mood?… stressed
25. Missing Someone?… Mom
26. Vehicle?… partner
27. Something you're not wearing?…nailpolish
28. Your favorite store?… Amazon
29. Your favorite colour?… purple
30. When was the last time you laughed?… yesterday
31. Last time you cried?… recently
32. Your best friends?… essential
33. One place that I go to over and over?… Internet
34. Facebook?… fabulous
35. Favorite place to eat?… home
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Mitzvah #13 (12/13/09)
Brother Igor is headed back up north for another week of training. I sent him off with a big ziploc of peanut butter chip cookies (made just for him), three containers of Mom's tuna casserole, and three containers of baked spaghetti. Guess we know what he'll be eating all week!
Menus 12/14/09 - 12/20/09
12/15 Tues: Smoked Sausage & Bean Soup (crockpot), green salad, oatmeal rolls (from the freezer). I teach a university class until 8:00, so everybody can serve themselves from the crockpot and toss a roll in the toaster oven whenever they want, and I'll eat when I get home.
12/16 Wed: Slow-cooker Pepper Steak (crockpot), green salad, Never-Mushy Homemade Rice. Mr. Mamie has class until 8:00, so it's another night of serve-yourself from the crockpot.
12/17 Thurs: Chicken Alfredo Stew (crockpot), green salad, Easy Cheesy Rolls. Class again for Mr. Mamie.
12/18 Fri: Mongolian Beef, Sesame Noodles - a carry-over from a previous week when Niece and Nephew ended up being over and we had tacos instead.
12/19 Sat: Layered Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole, green salad, jalapeno corn muffins.
12/20 Sun: Root Beer BBQ Pulled Pork on buns (crockpot), green salad, potatoes au gratin. Well, boo! I got the BBQ pork recipe from SOMEONE's blog, but I seem to have forgotten to put the link on the bottom of my recipe page - my bad! I'm going to put the recipe below; if anyone knows where it came from, I sure would like to know!
Barbecue Pork
w/ Root Beer
- 3 lb to 4 lb pork roast
- A 12 oz. cans root beer
- 16oz-18 oz bottle of barbecue sauce
- a little extra root beer
- Place roast in the crock pot. Pour in the root beer. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove roast from crock pot and shred. Dump out liquid from the crock pot.
- Return shredded meat to crock pot. Add bottle of barbecue sauce. Then, add enough root beer to make desired wetness. (This will all depend on how thick your sauce is, I probably add at least 1/4 cup).
- Serve on buns or rolls.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Mitzvah #12 (12/12/09)
A Perfect Day
Today we did a mitzvah for each other - no chores, no errands, no homework! Instead, we enjoyed the season and each other. We woke up to snow falling, which was very exciting. We spent an hour in our pajamas, choosing and editing photos for our Christmas card. Once it was uploaded to the Walmartz photo site, we scurried around and got bundled up in warm clothes to head out on a snow photo tour. The doggies were super-excited to go with us, bursting into the garage and leaping into the car.
We started downtown, quickly buying stamps for the Christmas cards, and photographing the sign on the high school with the time and temperature. We then headed east toward Zion, turning north at the Kolob road and began ascending. The higher we got, the snowier it became! We took SO MANY pictures (total for the day = around 400), climbing in and out of the car and tromping around. The dogs were squiggling and panting and having a blast!
When we reached a point where snowmobiles were required to go further, we headed back down the mountain. It was getting to be lunch time, so we stopped at a local market for sandwiches (people), cold wieners (doggies), and gasoline (car). Then we went southwest toward Sand Hollow. It was very foggy and wet, though not as snowy. We did get some good photos of the contrast between red sand and white snow!
After dropping the dogs at home we hurried to The Walmartz and picked up our 70 holiday photo cards - they came out PERFECTLY!
We spent the rest of day in the living room with the lighted Christmas tree, a fire in the fireplace, hot chocolate, snacks, and laptops - editing photos, creating labels, managing mail-merges. THIS is our idea of total GEEK FUN! We watched goofy holiday specials on TV, at yummy left-over Loaded Baked Potato Soup, and generally just enjoyed ourselves.
Laundry, chores, homework... that's for tomorrow. Today was for wintery perfection!
See the slideshow of our snow tour here.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Happy Feet Friday! 12/11/09
The festive socks I wore under my boots to work today.
The comfy shoes I put on as soon as I got home from work, which I then wore to The Walmartz, where I had to go to buy holiday baking supplies. The are black clogs by Simple that I got in Salt Lake a couple of years ago for a STEAL of a price. LOVE THEM! I have two other pairs of black clogs (shhhh, don't say it; I know!) and these are by far the best of the crowd.Mitzvah #11 (12/11/09)
Had the Igor Family over for dinner, and packaged up left-over Baked Spaghetti for Mr. Igor to take up north with him while he is away from home next week. Tomorrow I'll be making Mom's Tuna Casserole for him also (and for me, too, but we're the only ones who love it - what is WRONG with Mr. Mamie and Mrs. Igor). And finally, planning to make Brother Igor some Mom's Peanut Butter Chip cookies for the journey as well.
Five Question Friday - 12/11/09
1. Does Santa wrap the presents he leaves at your house?
Depends on what the present is. If it's big, that's a little harder.
2. When is your "big" Christmas celebration...Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Tell us about it...
Kind of both, so that we can spread the fun and go to multiple houses.
3. Are you big on keeping tradition every year?
To an extent. This year is upside-down, without the Wombat. :(
4. Do colored lights or white lights tickle your fancy?
I like both, but NOT together!
5. Do you decorate outside your house for Christmas?
Depends on what the present is. If it's big, that's a little harder.
2. When is your "big" Christmas celebration...Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Tell us about it...
Kind of both, so that we can spread the fun and go to multiple houses.
3. Are you big on keeping tradition every year?
To an extent. This year is upside-down, without the Wombat. :(
4. Do colored lights or white lights tickle your fancy?
I like both, but NOT together!
5. Do you decorate outside your house for Christmas?
Yes, we have wreaths on the front door and around the lights on either side of the garage door, and lots ofwhite icicle lights on the roof line. I think our decor is quite pretty and classy! We don't have any characters, giant plywood creations, or anything or that sort. I wouldn't mind a couple of lighted deer for the yard... maybe there will be some on sale after the holidays.
See more Five Question Friday at My Little Life!
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