To the Designer of Baby Clothes, Functional pockets? Really? On 0-3 month old clothes? I would understand decorative pockets. What could my Little T (who can barely grab things) possibly put in his pockets? I guess I could use them for a paci or something...
To the Littlest Chef, When I make dinner, I talk to you and explain what I'm doing while you watch from the rocker. I call it "cooking class" and I can't wait for the day when you can really help me bake! I loved being in the kitchen with your Nana while she taught me her passion! Let's not rush things though...you're getting so big already! You moved up to size 2 diapers last week as a 7 week old!
To Last Night's Pop-Up Storm, Boy, were you a surprise! With Weathergirl on midnight shifts this week, I haven't been as apprised of the daily weather outlook. You dumped a boat-load of rain on our area, filling the empty trash can at the curb with 5" of water, sending the full recycle bin down the street (and crashing into the neighbor's car!), causing Handsome Hubby to find an alternate route home (because the street by our house was so flooded), and littering our front and back yards with tree debris... not to mention the water leaking under the front door. My goodness! Praise the Lord that our house was not the one that got the roof blown off... And this was all without a severe thunderstorm warning! Let's not even talk about the change in dinner plans (HH no longer wanted to grill...go figure).
To the Almost-Invisible Handsome Hubby, I'll be honest...we don't get to see you much, but thank you for the incredible time you do spend with us!  We were so excited when you got home at 6:30pm yesterday...you were almost like a normal working dad! Little T immediately notices when you come home. He loves your voice, especially when you sing to him. :)

Food Friday!: Hashbrown Quiche

Food Friday: Hashbrown Quiche

Yet another family favorite for this week's Food Friday, I mean Saturday, post. Growing up, Popmiester would occasionally make quiche on nights when he made dinner. In fact, I remember it as a Popmiester dinner staple (although I do know that Mama Ne' did make it...I just remember it as a "papa meal"...like cream of wheat at breakfast). We always ate it at dinner. Banker Boy even told a flight attendant one time that "quiche is for dinner!" when she suggested she bring it to him for breakfast. He was four. :)

The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it your own. Use your own favorite cheese, meat, and vegetable- mushroom, sausage, and swiss or spinach, bacon, and cheddar. In this case, I used thick slices of deli ham, green bell pepper, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Roughly 16 oz of shredded hashbrowns (half of a 32 oz bag)
6 eggs (you can use some whole eggs and some egg whites if you would prefer)
3 tbps milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp ground mustard (which makes all the difference)
~ 1 cup diced vegetable
~ 1 cup diced meat
~ 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheese 
2 tbsp butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Press thawed (and squeezed out) shredded hashbrowns into a greased pie pan to form a crust. Brush melted butter over hashbrowns. Bake for approximately 15 mins or until edges begin to brown.

While the hashbrown crust bakes, prepare meat and vegetables. Also, beat together eggs, milk, ground mustard, and salt and pepper. When the crust is done baking, reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Then layer the meat, vegetables, and cheese inside the crust. Pour egg mixture over the top.

Bake for 30-35 mins until the egg has completely cooked. Enjoy!

To Motherhood, Sometimes I'm surprised that I only get a shower in every other day, that sometimes I haven't gotten my morning teeth-brushing in until the afternoon, and that sometimes I'm still in my pjs when Handsome Hubby comes home from work (at 7pm!)...and that's all with a mostly happy baby! Even more, I'm surprised by how often I have made it to the grocery store (even if I drop my container of blueberries in the parking lot because I was too worried that Little T was getting upset), how often I have made dinner (far more often than when I was pregnant, even if dinner is slightly overdone because it's just harder to cook with one hand), and how often I have not forgotten to feed Long Dog. I love being a mama...I wouldn't change it for the world...but it is amazing what has now become an accomplishment and what used to be simple tasks have now become daily challenges. Lord, may I always take delight in the little things, holding my Little T even when I have a million other things to do, or singing yet another verse of a children's song. Teach me to make the important things a priority and leave those that aren't for another day. And, Father, I ask that you would bless the sleep that the two of us get, that it would be restful and full of peace, that I may be able to accomplish today all that you would have me do.
To Little T, We went to the grocery store this week and it seemed like you thought it was a whole new world with all the new sights, colors, sounds, and people! It makes a big difference when you are awake. :) It's not as exciting though as when I sing Old McDonald Had a Farm to you... I've never seen so many smiles and I think it is so funny that you like animal noises. P.S. It's crazy how often I call you by Long Dog's name and vice versa. :) I'm sorry...
To the Treadmill, You have sat for nearly two years dusty and in a corner as I have explored other workout options. But, I have brought you back to life! Here's to getting back in shape while the summer heat keeps me from leaving the house.
To the Devoted Dad, I love it that you come home from working such a long day and are such a loving Papa to Little T. He loves it when you sing to him and you are a much better bath-giver than I am. Thank you for all you do for us! You are a wonderful Papa and that makes me love you that much more!

To my Baby Love, You survived your first Golfcart-Land 4th of July experience! It included- but was not limited to- your first golf cart ride (thanks Popmiester for rigging up the car seat on the back!), your first golf cart parade, lots of new sights, lots of new sounds, time in the swimming pool (never too soon to start swimming lessons!), a family grill out (including both sets of your grandparents!), and your first fireworks display! You were the perfect baby. :)
To the Fireworks Display, What happened to the finale? I know it was nothing quite like the flop in San Diego, and we did actually get an almost 20 minute firework show, but I have never seen it just end so abruptly. It's just too bad that I spent so much time telling non-residents of our town how great the finale would be!...
To Weathergirl, The other night it stormed and we all sat out on the screened in porch and watched it rain (once the rain finally came). Thanks for giving Little T his first weather lesson. With your help, I know that he will always find storms fascinating and not scary! Or at least I know that you and Hurricane Hunk can explain everything.
To Handsome Hubby, We missed you while we were away! So glad to be home with our little family of three. I love ever moment with our extended family and wouldn't trade it for the world...but, we need to get this little one into a routine! I'm ready for a full nights sleep...

Food Friday: Grilled Flank Steak with Lime Marinade

Grilled Flank Steak with Lime Marinade

I started maternity leave the week before Little T was born, with a whole 7 days before going to the hospital to deliver. It was my first "retirement" experience. Day 1 passed, day 2 passed...still loving every bit of my time off. I think I spoke with Popmiester on Day 3 and when he asked how it was going, I told him I was bored. :) Ultimately, I started encouraging my passion for cooking and found new recipes to make for dinner. Martha Stewart's website had a slew of recipes in the summer grilling section, and I selected this one to make (on top of a few others...) during that week for dinner. It came together so easily and had such a great flavor, that Handsome Hubby and I have eaten it a few times since then. I highly recommend it! We actually used the leftover steak the next night when we made these Grilled Steak Sandwiches with Goat Cheese and Arugala. Mmmmmmm!

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs flank steak
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium!!)
2 scallions, thinly sliced (honestly, I forgot to buy these when I made it the last time and it was still wonderful!)
2 tbsp minced, peeled fresh ginger (or roughly 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Resealable plastic bag


Preparation

Combine lime juice, soy sauce, scallions, ginger, and red pepper flakes. 

Place steak in the resealable plastic bag and add marinade. Seal bag and place in the refrigerator, flipping the bag occasionally and allow meat to marinate for approximately 1 hour.

Grill on high heat grill, pouring excess marinade over the meat for extra flavor. Grill 6-8 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Turn filet only once. Allow meat to rest approximately 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!!



I would love to hear what you think of my recipes if you end up making them yourself! :)

To my hometown, Way to make it on the list of the nation's top 3 most patriotic cities! I'm so proud! But I can tell you one thing...I know for certain that the other cities don't celebrate with 10,000 decorated golf carts, a golf cart parade, and golf cart traffic jams as far as the eye can see! I'm so excited that Thomas gets to experience his first 4th!!
To Long Dog, The 4th is the one day out of the whole year that you hate the most. If it's any consolation, you will be spending it with the White Dog, Sadie Girl, and Dingo Dog...I hope that makes things a little better...
To my Baby Love, Every time your Papa holds you, without fail (even in your sleep!), you will slowly twist/run your fingers through his arm hair. :) I love this little gesture. And thank you for not insulting me by running your fingers through my arm hair.  (Weight update: 11lbs 6oz at 6 weeks)
To my Dr. Husband, Yesterday you officially started your PGY-2 year of your Surgery Residency. Wahoo!! I know that you were certainly eager to teach the new interns when they started today. I'm so proud of you and I know that you will teach them well. Congrats on one year down, only five more to go...

 

Nothing like puppy ears to tie you over until dinner time... :)

Food Friday!: Kona Inn Banana Bread

Kona Inn Banana Bread

This is one of my favorite childhood recipes (but aren't they all?!?) that my Auntie Jacqueline got from the Kona Inn in Hawaii ...the recipe is dated 8/5/1996 (I love it when a recipe has a history!). I promise that it is one of the best, moistest, irresistible banana breads I have ever tried! This recipe makes two loaves- one for eating now, and one for freezing and eating later (or sharing... I took one loaf to a Mom's Group farewell brunch this past week). Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 cup softened butter
3 large eggs, well beaten
6 ripe bananas, mashed (the more ripe, the better!)
2 1/2 cups cake flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With an electric mixer, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

Add mashed bananas and beaten eggs and mix well.

 
Sift together dry ingredients three times. Blend with banana mixture, but do not over mix.

Pour into loaf pans.

Bake 45 mins to 1 hour (err on the side of 45 mins...you don't want the bread to be too dry!).  Cool in pans 10 mins and then place on cooling rack to completely cool. Enjoy!

To my Baby Love, What an adventure it has been to be home with you! I'm loving getting to know the little person that you are... you sneezed the other day, and milk came out your nose; you are the happiest first thing in the morning; you love the outdoors; you are quite a bit more vocal and I love hearing your little voice; you move your arms in a steady rhythm when you are getting frustrated (your Papa calls it "kneading the dough"); you fall asleep every time we put you in the car; and you smile at me a lot more often now (or is it gas??). I love watching you grow!
To Ann Curry, I cried this morning when you announced that you were leaving the Today Show. When I was a kid, we took a trip to New York City and ran into you just outside of the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza. Despite being in such a hurry, you spoke with us for a little while. It was definitely a highlight of that trip! Ann, you will be fondly remembered as a part of my mornings for a very long time. Best wishes on the next phase of your career! You will be well missed!
To the "Mom's Group" plus those off for the summer... you know who you are :), I have absolutely loved staying at home with Little T and have begun to realize that the Lord has prepared me for motherhood for years. Thank you to you all for all your encouragement as I have started this new career at home. I have loved spending so much time with you all! And my Popmiester thinks its funny that I have such a busy social calendar now that I stay at home! I'm not really home much! :)
To my Walking Shoes, In the last two days, you have traveled roughly 6 miles! Only 94 more to go before August 26th to beat Weathergirl in the 100 mile challenge. And what a challenge it will be in this ridiculous summer heat!! Here's to getting back into pre-baby shape...
To my Sweetheart,  The other day we tried out the new frozen yogurt place near us on a "family date". Of course Little T didn't eat any, but it was so much fun to get out together as a family. I can't wait for all the exciting -and even "normal"- things we will do together as a family in the future. Thanks for being my partner in all of this!

Food Friday!: Baked Brie with Blackberry Preserves

Baked Brie with Blackberry Preserves

As it turns out, you can have every intention of doing something (i.e. Food Friday post on Friday...hence the name), but with a new baby, there are a lot more higher priorities that come up. So, here is Food Friday on a Saturday. :)

The other night, I went to a Ladies Fellowship night that was hosted for our Sunday school class and we were asked to bring an appetizer. When I heard that, I thought: Something easy? Something quick? Something that looks nice but isn't much effort? Baked Brie! My mama would make this when we had people over for various functions. She would serve it with some favorite crackers/wafers and garnish the plate with grapes, which made it look truly beautiful! As you can see from my pictures, I forgot the grapes. :)

Ingredients

1 Puff Pastry sheet (found in the freezer section), thawed
1 wheel of Brie cheese
1/4 cup of your favorite preserves (I used blackberry)
Slivered Almonds, enough to garnish
1 egg, separated to use beaten egg white only

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and lightly grease a cookie sheet (just in case the pastry dough isn't completely sealed, I would recommend a cookie sheet with a lip on each side).

When dough is no longer frozen, gently roll out puff pastry. I don't have a great surface in the kitchen for rolling out dough, so I rolled it out on a lightly floured sheet of wax paper. Once rolled, place brie wheel in the center, leaving the rind on. Then place 1/4 cup of preserves on the top of the cheese wheel.

Bundle the pastry dough up around the cheese wheel (now topped with preserves).

Brush dough with beaten egg white (which will help the dough stick to itself and hold together while also giving the dough a nice golden brown color when finished baking). Finish by sprinkling slivered almonds on the top to garnish.

Place on cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes and serve with your favorite crackers. It's DELISH! I hope you enjoy it!

To my Baby Love, Yesterday you turned 1 month old! Where has the time gone??!  And what a wonderful month it has been. This week has been one of several milestones already: you started sleeping in your own room (very important for this Mama since you are a noisy sleeper); you have started losing your hair (and your Papa says you share the same receding hair line); you slept last night for 5 hours in a row (Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!); according to the scale at home, you weigh about 10.5 lbs; and yesterday, you smiled back at me when I smiled at you (3 words- Melt. My. Heart.). Never in my life did I think it would be this wonderful to be your Mama.
To the Young Married Group Women, Thank you for an incredible time of fellowship last night! What a sweet reminder that we should be taking time each day to be spending with the Lord and in His word, even with the craziness of life with baby! Thank you for your honesty in sharing about your spiritual walk and the struggles you have experienced as a parent. I am so blessed to be apart of such a wonderful community of women! And thank you Handsome Hubby for having some special one-on-one time with Little T so that I could go! Sorry he didn't enjoy it as much as he did... P.S. Check out my Food Friday blog entry (coming soon) for the recipe of the appetizer that I took last night.
To Bessie (the Silver Jeep!), You certainly had an adventure this week! After braking down at a traffic light on Tuesday night, you got a free ride on a tow truck (hopefully a once in a lifetime experience...), and spent two whole nights away from home! :) We are so thankful that you are feeling better and have made a full recovery. Praise the Lord that your "hospital" bills weren't any more than they were!
To Handsome Hubby, Last night you got your new rotation schedule for the next year. I can't believe you're down to your last week of your intern year! Yay for being a PGY-2!! One year down, five more to go... I'm so proud of the doctor you're becoming!