Back to the Future

I feel a bit like I'm traveling back in time for at least a few minutes every day, as is to be expected when you're living in your childhood home as an adult. My dad was very generous and left behind a set of furniture in the basement. Yes, the furniture on which I spent way to much time making out with my boyfriend (sorry, mom, if you're reading this!). But, it's all good as we are now married and have two wonderful children. Now this furniture, big and blue with poofy armrests (all very '90s) is the perfect worn, comfy furniture for our playroom.


With this furniture inheritance came a set of coffee tables and end tables that are currently sitting in our storage room (and two very ugly blue lamps I'll post on later). What shall I do with this coffee table? It's in excellent condition but it's just not my taste. I like simple, Pottery Barn-esque decor on a dollar-store budget.

Thoughts?

I'm Back!

Okay, so I've been MIA for a while now. What can I say? I've spent too much time reading blogs as of late than writing! Guilty!

Anyway, here's some food for thought--or for your tastebuds!
I am obsessed with quesadillas. I think it's something about the warmer weather that makes me want to go for the spicy, simple foods. And, I just love the endless variations of food in a browned tortilla.
Today's lunch was a barbecue chicken quesadilla (chicken, refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, and homemade barbecue sauce). I ate the first half before I could restrain myself enough to take a picture.

My "Mexican" flavoring for my chicken is simple. But, sorry, I don't measure. I merely sprinkle some cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper on the 1lb chopped chicken breasts, saute in olive oil with about 1/4 cup chopped onion, and voila!

After the chicken is prepared, I melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat and then throw on the tortilla and top it with shredded cheese, refried beans, chicken, avocado, salsa or whatever else sounds good! Today I used barbecue sauce instead of salsa and it was fab!

Quesadillas are a great way to dispose of leftovers. Keep tortillas on hand and the possibilities are endless!

My Favorite Homemade Barbecue Sauce (courtesy of my friend Ashley's very talented husband!)
In a small sauce pan combine:
1Tbs olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
1 small chopped onion
Cook until translucent (4 or 5 minutes) then...
Add
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup molasses (found in Meijer cereal aisle since we couldn't find it)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Bourbon
Simmer for 10 minutes to burn off alcohol.

The Big Day; by Logan

I'm so excited!
I'm 1!

Almost Done

My baby had his first haircut today. On the eve of his first birthday (Happy Birthday, Logan!), we decided to make him endure twenty minutes (give or take) of torture. And, I must throw out an apology not to Logan, but to the poor unsuspecting man whose quiet time at the barber shop we totally ruined. To the wonderful, extremely patient man who gave Logan his first trim--you are a saint. You gave him a nice cut and responded to his tears with nothing but kind words and understanding.

Logan, welcome to the world of being one! I promise there is so much fun in store for you (after those vaccinations at the pediatrician, of course). We love you, little man!

Oh Dear!

We've had a heck of a week around here (colds, fevers, diaper rash that will make you cringe, etc), but one of my best friend's has had worse.

Her 2 year old had a fence gate fall on him and break his leg. He had to have surgery and will now be in a spica cast for at least a month. This is a cast that goes from the nipple level, down his broken leg to the toes, and to the knee of his non-broken leg to stabilize the broken one. In other words, no movement on his own.

She also has a nursing 4mth old and an almost four-year-old who have been passed around to friends because her husband has a herniated disc and a piece broken off that is pushing on his sciatic nerve. Plus, he's up for tenure and supposed to be observed soon for his college teaching job. He's the income for the family. He's also due for a surgical consult this upcoming week.

So when you think things can't get any worse, consider having an invalid husband, a nursing baby, a kid in a body cast, and a preschooler running around the house.

Gives a bit of perspective, doesn't it?

Huh?

What do you mean I look like my daddy?

The Playhouse Rules

And so it has begun. I think I'm going to dig out a copy of The Berenstein Bears No Girls Allowed. Anna told me this morning, "No babies allowed!" in the playhouse. She even said, "There's a sign," which, of course there isn't. I wouldn't be surprised if one showed up soon. So much for the constant admonishments to share.

Good thing they actually play together pretty well in spite of the rhetoric.