I can no longer call this weekly entry ‘Seven Quick Takes’ because I consistently lack the brain power to actually think of seven things to ramble about. However, that does not stop me from trying. So here are this week’s quick takes.
1
So doing a full load of laundry from hamper to drawers lasted about two days! I am back to living out of a basket. I just couldn’t keep up with getting the clothes to the drawers so there you have it.
2
Natalie received a robe from a friend of mine whose daughter outgrew it. She loves it! She said to me the other night. “Mom, do I look like a karate girl? Hi-Ya!”
3
If you have seen my brain, please let me know! The other night I was making dinner and had it timed to the minute. I remembered putting the frozen broccoli in the microwave (it was in one of those steamer bags – got it on sale for under a dollar!!) knowing I had to cook it with seven minutes left on the potatoes. When the time came, I pushed the 6-minute cook button. As I set up to begin plating the food, I opened the microwave and it was empty. I looked around the kitchen to see if I had already pulled the broccoli out. No broccoli. I almost called to the girls to see if they had taken it, but then stopped myself. Why in the world would a five and three year old take piping hot broccoli out of the microwave? And how could they have done it safely? There had to be another answer. Then I remembered – I put the broccoli back in the freezer because I didn’t want it to start thawing while waiting for the six minute mark.
So yes, for six minutes I cooked absolutely NOTHING! I would’ve laughed if it wasn’t so sad. Instead I waited another six minutes for the broccoli to steam. Ugh!
4
Henry got the girls the game “TROUBLE” for Christmas. Natalie is the perfect age for it. We play every night during dinner and she is getting good at thinking out some strategy. She wins a lot so she really likes the game. Ainsley is content to be on someone’s team which usually consists of her eating her dinner and saying things like, “Mom, get Natalie. Okay?” Every once and awhile she’ll try to pop the die but isn’t strong enough. So, I layer my hand on top of hers and we say ‘teamwork’ while popping the die together. The other night she branched out to being on Natalie’s team. They made some great play – can’t remember what right now – but she walked around the table, punched fists with Natalie and said, “Together we can make a difference”. It’s some tagline from a show they watch on television. If you have young kids and don’t have the game… get it. It’s cheap. It’s fun. It’s TROUBLE.
5
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. I feel like I no longer live in the mid-Atlantic region, but somehow was dropped somewhere up north. We’ve had at least three snow falls this winter with one measuring over 18″ and are expected to get up to 2 feet (I said feet!) this weekend. I think it’s time for me to invest in winter boots. 🙂 I heard someone say we’ve already gotten more snow this year than the last three years combined. Yikes!
6
Since Ryan’s homecoming I have been cooking a lot more (without the assistance of my crock pot). I am also baking. I’ve made homemade cookies, bread, cakes, cupcake bites, and brownies. I’m also making real sides again like parmesan potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, and roasted cabbage-bacon-and-potato bake. Yum! It’s like I’m making up for lost time.
What is your obsession lately?
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (10)
I would have to say my obsession would be trying to stay warm without breaking the bank!!
My other obsession would be cleaning. I am getting stir crazy getting snowed in.
I would love to cook more, but with my all-day sickness I can’t even make it through the grocery store. Really, I am serious. Don’t think I can lose anymore weight without going on meds again. Not that I am complaining I am so thankful I am pregnant.
Well , just think if we are all iced over maybe we can jump on our sleds and sled down to Va! Stay warm!
PS- I know where your brain is , it’s with mine on a tropical island, staying warm and waiting to come back when it is 70. O yeah our in-shape bodies are there too. 😉
Kelly K
We got the Trouble game last year as well, and my almost-4 year old loves it. It’s funny, when he pops a number that will cause someone to be sent ‘home’, he’ll look up and say Uh oh, there’s going to be trouble! He loves it!
I’d love to have the recipe for the parmesan potatos! My kids will eat anything that I put parmesan cheese on…and I mean anything. Beans, noodles, bread, chicken, you name it!
The roasted cabbage-bacon-and-potato bake sound de-lish. Could you pass me the recipe some time?
Stephanie
Leighann I have played TROUBLE with my kids and grandkids for years and years…it is fun. But I know it is sometimes hard for little ones to pop the dice bubble.
And my little granddaughters always put the little playing pieces on their fingers like they are wearing fake fingernails! Ha!
I am glad that you are having time to cook now that Ryan is home. And I just wrote a poem about Wicked Winter Weather that you need to read! Hope on over for a quicl visit.
Luv ya!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
Can you post the recipie for the roasted cabbage-bacon-and-potato bake or email it to me at lbethc75@hotmail(DOT)com? Thanks!! My sisters and I LOVED playing TROUBLE when we were younger. The classics never get old!
My Obsession for now is “Downsizing” getting ready for our next military move this summer. We will be going across country and I dont want to be dragging junk with us (the military moves us) since this may be our last tour I would just like it to be lighter.
Thanks for the Trouble game idea, thats fantastic. We just bought the game “Would you rather” the kids think its funny just to hear the questions…
Okay, by request, here is the link to Emeril Lagasse’s cabbage and potato bake. I play with the amounts a little – half a potato per person. I leave the skin on. Also, if you are using canned broth, one can should suffice. This takes a bit of cooking time so remember to start it. 🙂 I’ve forgotten before and then been disappointed.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/cabbage-and-potato-bake-recipe/index.html
Oh and for parmesan potatoes (I never promised they were good for you!):
Melt 2 T of butter
Slice 4 or so med-large potatoes (enough to layer in a pie plate)
Mix the melted butter, sliced potatoes, and 1/2 c. parm in a bowl
Layer that mixture in a buttered pie pan
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
Enjoy!
Love the Trouble idea. I think my girls will be Way into that. You need to list the recipe for the cabbage, bacon, pot. bake. I’m intrigued…
I loved the picture of Natalie, so cute.
Haha the microwave thing is reverse of what mom usually does. (leaving stuff in the microwave and forgetting about it).
I cannot believe you guys have gotten so much snow! It’s insane. Vancouver is actually struggle with the whole snow thing (is what I’ve heard) and have to truck snow in from other places or something like that.
I’m so glad you guys play trouble- that is so fun and Natalie and Ainsley will always remember that.
love ya mucho.
Please, oh please. Your recipe for cabbage, bacon, potato casserole. Making my mouth water just thinking about it.