WEEKEND ROUNDUP...

FRIDAY

Dustin was still out of town on Friday, so Michael and I had a "date night" of our own. We went to the mini-carnival at the mall. We rode the Marry-Go-Round, the big Slide, played in the bouncer, and played the "Pick a Duck" games! Michael won a stuffed Teddybear and a blow-up bat all by himself. We had fun, but there wasn't much else that he could ride, so we left and went home to fix supper.

SATURDAY

Saturday morning, Dustin and I took Michael out to Little River Days. First, we met up with Dustin mom, Tammy and his little brother, Drew. Michael was so excited to see them. We ate a few snacks and then went off to play. First up, the petting zoo. Michael favorite animal for this week is a DUCK, so he was very excited to see two of them. He really loved seeing all the animals. He even got head butted by one of the billygoats! He was fine, but he didn't like it too much! He even rode the pony (after Aunt Penny got there...he wouldn't ride for Mommy or Daddy!)

After we left, we went to a graduation party for Dustin's cousin Chase. WHOO-HOO! CONGRATS CHASE!!! Everything looked great and I think veryone really had a good time. We ended up staying a little longer than everyone else. Michael's cousin's Allison and Garrett were there and the kids had a great time playing together. Michael and Allison had fun jumping in the bouncer together, while all three had a great time playing with the ball pit and bubbles! Garrett didn't seem to be to happy with the bouncer, but really liked the balls and playing in the rocks!

SUNDAY

Michael always plays well with other kids, his age, older, younger, either way...he just loves to be with people. He goes to nursey while Dustin and I attend Sunday school and then the regular service. I think he has taken to one specific little girl in his class. Her name is Morgan. She is the youngest daughter of our friends, Josh and Danielle. She's a very cute little girl, but she's just as "spunky" as Michael is. I know why he likes playing with her. They have very similar attitudes. I think we are going to have to invite Morgan and her big sister to come over and play with us sometime!

ROUND UP

Anyways, a very busy weekend. We had a fun weekend, but still, very busy! I will post pictures as soon as possible. Hope everyone has a great week!

Mother's Day...Just a little late posting!

I was posting my recipe and linking to Terri's blog when I realized that I hadn't posted anything about my Mother's Day weekend. My Mom came over Friday night and wanted to have Michael spend the night with her and my step-Dad. So, we packed his bags and Michael went to play at Paw and Nannu's house Friday night and most of Saturday. I figured I sleep in since that's something I NEVER DO. I wanted to get up around 9 or so, clean the house, and pick up Michael. Well, I didn't wake up until Dustin WOKE me up at 12:30 that afternoon!!! I got a shower, and went to get Michael...that's it. It turned out to be really nice though. Michael is Paw's big buddy. They get up, go to Anthony's (my step-Dad's) moms house for breakfast, play outside, then ride the cat rug around the house and deer "hunt" off the back porch! Michael skinned his knees outside playing, but was fine. We went to see my Dad and my uncles at "the shop" just down the road from my mom's house before we headed back to town. Michael made my Dad put him up on the tractors and made my uncle help him chase the bunny rabbit and play pool.

If all of that weren't good enough, Dustin took Michael to "make" my gift Saturday night. they came home COVERED in blue paint! Dustin gave me my gift and card early because he couldn't seem to explain what they were doing with blue paint on the clothes in in their hair! Dustin had bought me a shirt that said "Best Mom....Hands Down" and had painted Michael's hands and placed them on the shirt. It didn't go to smoothly, as he is only 16 1/2 months old...but it was BEAUTIFUL! I wore my shirt proudly to church on Sunday. All of the mothers in my Sunday School class was praising Dustin for the extra effort to make such a thoughtful home made gift. And you know... I think they were right. I have been blessed with so much. I have a very thoughtful, loving husband, and a loving, comical little boy. My Mom told me the first day she met Dustin that I would marry him. We were only 16 at the time. I laughed and asked why she'd say something like that...she smiled and told me she could tell by the way he look at me that he was in love with me and that's all that mattered. She's right. With my boys...nothing else matters. "...and the greatest is LOVE."

EASY RECIPE THURSDAYS ARE BACK!!!

For the second week in a row, I am adding a recipe to Terri's "Easy Recipe Thursdays" collection. Click HERE to see Terri's blog and other great EASY RECIPES!!

This week...I'm making Crock pot Tenderloin & Garlic Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

Tenderloin
(Kroger's always seems to have the best tenderloin cuts at the best prices...about $7 for a good size cut).
1 bottle Kraft Honey BBQ sauce
1/2 Cup water

For the "rub"...
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tbs. Cinnamon
salt
pepper
garlic powder

Garlic Potatoes

About 5-6 large potatoes, washed & sliced
1/2 cup butter
salt
pepper
garlic powder
parsley flakes
1/2 cup water

DIRECTIONS:

First, prepare the dry pork rub by mixing all the indredients togther in a large bowl.
Sprinkle over one side of the tenderloin and rub in pressing down. Rotate the tenderloin until all sides are covered, adding any left over rub to the top portion of the meat. (This can be done a day in advance & let the meat marinate if desired). Tenderloin should pull apart with fork when done. Cut or pull apart sections to serve. Save leftovers for tenderloin & cheese sandwiches the next night! Serves 4 for 2 days!!!

Pour 1/2 cup water into crock pot. Add tenderloin. Pour about 3/4 bottle BBQ sauce over tenderloin. Cook for approximately 4-6 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.

For the potatoes...
Place sliced potatoes in a 13 X 9 " pan. Season with salt, pepper, parsely flakes, and plenty of garlic powder. (I've never measured how much, just season to your own taste). Pour about a 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of pan. Add butter by tsp. in various spots over the potatoes. Cook at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. "Mix" potatoes about 1/2 way through cooking. Serves 4

This recipe sounds like alot, but it really isn't much work and you cannot possibly mess it up! It always turns out wonderful! The best part is, the tenderloin is plenty to serve for 2 nights! It makes for great sandwiches. Just add cheese and bread-pop in the microwave about 30 seconds! Hope you enjoy!!!

Ah...Spring is finally here!

I always enjoy the seasons changing, but I think winter to spring is my favorite. I love seeing all the changes that go on in the world around us as we transition into another season. I guess it's a good thing I live in Kentucky. You know what they say...if you don't like the weather here, stay a few minutes and it'll change!

I think Michael really has enjoyed Spring so far too. He LOVES to play outside. He slides, climbs, chases the dog, rides in his wagon, and rides his four-wheeler. We're working learning how to ride the tricycle. He definitely has the concept down, but his short little legs won't quite reach the petals when they're fully extended. Anyways, here are a few pictures from the past few days of our family enjoying the beautiful weather.

Get ready...

Get set...

Let Go...

SLIDE!!!!

Nice landing!

Chasing the Doggie "Sneaking" on Cowboy

YUK!!! Doggie kisses! Gross!

Doggie hugs are MUCH better!!

Learning to blow dandelions...

You have to blow OUT...not IN!!!
Yukky, a mouth full of dandelion fuzz!
The reason I'm going to die of a heart attack!

EASY RECIPE THURSDAYS!!!

Terri has come up with a very unique way for busy moms to share some of their favorite EASY recipes. To find more recipes and learn how all the fun works, visit Terri's blog at http://www.lifewithtlc.blogspot.com/.

Here is my first "Easy Recipe"!!!

Chicken & Cheese Quesadias

Ingredients:

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 large bag of shredded Mexican style or Cheddar cheese
10 large FLOUR tortillas (or 20 small)
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning
Montreal Steak Seasoning (for a little extra spice)
2 tbs. butter or margarine
salsa

Optional Ingredients:

1/4 cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
black olives

Directions:

1) Put butter in large skillet over medium to medium high heat.

2) Add diced chicken breast, taco seasoning, steak seasoning, and optionals if desired.

3) Cook chicken and ingredients until chicken is white throughout and shred easily when pulled with fork.

4) Remove chicken from stove top, drain.

5) Using two forks, shred chicken.

6) Layout tortillas on a baking sheet. Add chicken, cheese, and salsa if desired.

7) Top with a second tortilla and cheese.

8) Bake at 350 for about 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and tortillas are slightly browned around edges.

9) Slice pizza style, serve with salsa and ENJOY!!!

This recipe only takes about 20-30 minutes from start to finish and can be altered to accommodate any taste. Serves 5!

Remember, there's lots more recipes at www.lifewithtlc.blogspot.com!