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Washing Cars With Boys

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 11 August, 2014 No comment

Michael tries to partake in father son time after work while Cooper loves to be outside and be daddy’s little clone. Today in particular, father son time turned from washing cars with daddy to solely washing daddy.

“Whoops!”

Michael pausing to catch his breath and figure out what just happened.

“Seriously, what just happened?!”

The fun in the sun car washing experience was the perfect idea on a hot day with the house doors locked. It’s funny that these “activities” take place right after the floor gets mopped. Wet grass is no bueno on mopped floors. That’d drive anyone batty. So I locked them out! :)

Cooper soaked just as much as daddy but can’t keep his shorts up!

Ready- Aim- FIRE!!!

SOAKED!!!

This was quite the experience to watch unfold before my very own eyes while listening to the commentary take place. Cooper using his vast vocabulary trying to piece together sentences that make no sense while Michael tries to explain to Cooper to point the hose at the car while getting sprayed directly in the face. Laughter partakes on both ends. Michael proceeds to walk closer to take the hose from Cooper while getting soaked yet again. The laughter eggs Cooper on just leaving for a wet, sloppy mess.

Pretty funny if you ask me….

How To: Keep Your Bacon From Shrinking

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 10 August, 2014 No comment

“Bacon Bacon Whose Got The Bacon?” Are you looking for your bacon? Did you cook a pound of little piggies only to be left with 1/4 pound? Does your bacon disappear in the oven and shrivel up to nothingness? Are you scrounging around wondering what just happened?

How does that work? Prior to cooking, you gaze at the longest slice of bacon known to man and you simply could not wait to get your hands on that little piggy. Post cooking that little piggy, you find yourself questioning your piggy and where it ran off to.

For years I have cooked bacon and felt like all that remained was a pile of grease with a couple crispy crumbs. Is there a bacon cure? Can this puzzle be solved? Is the mystery thief losing this bacon battle?

Never again will you wonder where your bacon thief came from and why he ate 90% of your delicious bacon.

No more bacon thief.

How to:

Lay bacon on a foil lined baking sheet or broiler pan.

Douse your bacon with water using a squirt bottle. Literally douse it. This will help keep your bacon in tacked and will help keep the grease from shriveling up your bacon-ater.

Bake at 450 for 10-12 minutes**

**Note: If you like your bacon crispy, turn the broiler on and broil for 1-2 minutes after baking for 10 minutes.

You will be so happy to see that all your money is saved when you go to eat your bacon; half the package wont be missing.

“Move over bacon something meatier’s coming in!”

And that my friends, is your cure to shriveled up bacon!

Movies in the Park- The Sequel

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 9 August, 2014 No comment

Despicable Me 2. That was the chosen movie for Friday movies in the park last week. I have yet to seen the first tale and to be honest, did not even see this one. Little Cooper was so rambunctious that by the time the movie started and we all began to settle in, Cooper did not. He wanted to play til morning came.

This little wild man kept the evening bright and exciting. But come 15 minutes into the movie, Cooper is refusing to whisper and fake laughing to follow the flow of the crowd. When his little laughs were so loud and persistent, we knew it was our cue to leave. It was adorable but than we found ourselves laughing, probably annoying everyone around us. We became that annoying family.

We packed a picnic and the dinner menu was Chicken Taquitos.

While we ate, Cooper played! Off he’d go pushing his truck through the mud and the muck trying to conquer the world. It was almost as if Road Runner was on our hands with his fast paced feet racing under him with nothing to hold him back. Where he was off to was beyond me, but he would go- stop – and off again he’d run. Parking his truck up against a tree, running to the sidewalk only to stop and glance back giving us a smile, reassured that we were still watching him.

“What out, here I come!”

We bring a couple of his favorite toys and let him go crazy with no walls to hold him back.

Break time-

He’d come running back for a bite to eat and daddy would dance around with his little jammies on his head making Cooper laugh hysterically. I on the other hand would dart a look of disgust. Michael thought he was so funny because Cooper would laugh and continue to laugh asking for “one more.” I knew I needed to steer clear as much as possible to make the moment end, hoping onlookers were distracted by something else. The problem with my husband…he knows when to keep at it. If I get embarrassed or disgusted, he will persist to make me even more uncomfortable. Any of you who know my husband, know that he has no fear of what others think of him; a great quality but an embarrassing one for me. :)

So gross… I mean…funny?

Chill-axing with daddy!

Mommy was chop liver tonight. Cooper was so excited to spend time with daddy and I gladly watched while I considered this my “break” of the day. :) Sweet boys!

Watching the movie screen get set up.

Taking lessons from Daddy. I’m not sure what it was for, but they had fun!

Play time begins-

“I’m not too young to wrestle with daddy!”

Little Cooper giggling beyond belief wondering if we can find him under the blanket.

“Can you find me if I hide under here?”

Daddy being discovered under the blanket. Cooper was so excited to play hide and seek. This little boy MELTS my heart!

I found daddy!

I love this man… I’m happy he’s mine and can enjoy amazing moments like these together.

He really is a little monkey…Cooper that is! Although I think he gets it from daddy!

This is a sneaky little face :)

We would laugh at Cooper and his sneaky little smirks on his face….what was he up to in that little head of his?!

Such a beautiful night

All in all, the night was beautiful and extremely fun. Cooper had a blast and was thoroughly worn out and ready for bed by the time we got home….(sigh)…perfect night with the family.

Red Enchiladas With Caramelized Onions

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 8 August, 2014 No comment

These enchiladas were by far an easy meal for a hot summer day with very little heat required. My sister came over for a summer swim in our pool, coffee talk, and mani/pedi time. We had a great day with wonderful laughs and good conversation. The kids played well together, and as always wear one another out.

Every time I cook with my sister around, a funny conversation takes place. She hates to cook. Seriously hates to cook. Her idea of a meal, is to have a smoothie, cereal, salad, or already prepared meal that someone else cooked. She loves to come over and enjoy the good stuff because she isn’t the one who made it. She loves my homemade goodies and meals as she knows I make most things from scratch.

I even sent her home with my cake pops last time she was here as I knew she would love them, but would never make them herself. I get the funniest messages from her while she is eating them in the confines of her own home. Oh how I love my sister, she’s funny in every way.

Today while she was here, I wanted to prep our dinner. In doing so this allows more time with my son and niece to prep while they are napping.

Ingredients:

3 cups chicken, rotisserie works best on a hot day
1 onion, diced
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 can olives, sliced
1 tbsp sugar
3 cups mozzarella cheese
1 jar enchilada sauce (I used Trader Joe’s brand, I love the flavor)
6-8 tortillas

Cook chicken and set aside. Begin to saute the onions in a skillet over medium heat. Once they start to become a little tender, add in the sugar to caramelize the onions.

Stir in mushrooms and cook slightly, just until tender. Add in chopped olives and cooked chicken.

Add in 1 cup cheese and half the jar of enchilada sauce. Split mixture up between 6-8 tortillas. Roll up and place in a greased 8×8 baking dish. Spread remainder of the enchilada sauce on top and sprinkle with remainder cheese.

Refrigerate until needed or freeze. If freezing, cook directly from freezer adding a few additional minutes, 10-15 depending on oven. Do not let thaw before cooking.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and cook for 20-25 minutes (not frozen). Serve with homemade chips or fresh garden salad.

I believe caramelizing the onions and slightly tenderizing the mushrooms makes this meal very unique and full of flavor.

Drink of Choice

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 7 August, 2014 No comment

During these HOT summer days I always have to have coffee when I wake up in the morning, and even though it may be hot out, I still need my cup of hot coffee every morning. Come the afternoon though, I’m begging for an iced coffee. 4-Bucks has become the name of Starbucks in our household. Every drink no matter what it is, comes with a high cost. Surprisingly even iced coffee has a price tag with it that adds up on a regular basis. We LOVE iced coffee and since I drink it every day, I had to start making it myself. Cheaper and actually, really good!

The weekends are our favorite time to go on morning walks and get coffee and pastries. This has become our “thing” as husband and wife. We love our coffee but we love our walks, conversations and yummy pastries to go with it. I come from a family (parents and sisters) who also live on coffee. Our motto is: Coffee is not a drug, it’s a vitamin. And boy do we believe that’s true. Even my son got into my iced coffee a couple times when I misplaced it not realizing he would actually drink it. And that little man himself, sucked it right down. Crazy.

So, now that you have gazed at the picture for a few minutes, don’t you think it’s time to go make your own cup of excitement?

Ingredients:

2 cups brewed coffee**
Cream
Honey (Sugar)

It’s pretty simple and delicious. We often serve ours just after it brews (as you would an americano) while still hot. First, pour a little coffee into your cup, just enough to melt the honey. Than add ice to the top of your cup and pour coffee over ice. Leave a little room for cream and viola, you have the perfect iced coffee.

** The key is to make the coffee stronger by adding 2 cups water to 2 heaping scoops coffee grinds. Once the coffee is brewed you can serve immediately over a full cup of ice to cool it down or simply refrigerate for later. Sometimes I make a large pot and keep it in the fridge throughout the week. The ratio for coffee is 1 large scoop to 1 cup water.

Insecurity and Doubt

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 6 August, 2014 No comment

Have you ever had a moment where you quickly judged a stranger and immediately found yourself not liking them? You have no basis for this, but you tend to quickly judge someone for their fashion, or lack there of. Or quickly call someone a jerk because they cut you off in traffic. Maybe this person was at the park with their kids and let their child steal a toy from yours. Do you find yourself judging the “unlovable?”

I completely found myself in the midst of my own insecurity while judging this gal at Starbucks earlier this week with my son. I found myself to be a frumpy ol’ housewife with no sense of fashion. This gal mind you, was on a lunch break in a skirt and heels while I on the other hand was having a cleaning day at home with workout clothes and tennis shoes. No need to get all dressed up to clean the house and weed my garden right? But in the same breath, I thought to myself how I must go home and shower immediately and get all dressed up to feel better about myself. But for what? I wasn’t going anywhere that day and this gal would not ever see me again. So why was I having these thoughts creep into my mind making me believe I am less of a person because I am in workout clothes and not all done up?

Insecurity chose to take root for a few minutes and I let it. The thoughts distracted me from my son while we were on a mommy-son date getting treats together and watching all the cars, trucks and motorcycles speed by. My thoughts were not on him and what he was excited about while eating his little treat and speaking with his vast vocabulary. My poor baby was not the main priority until I finally realized my thoughts were not on heavenly things but on worldly distractions; comparing what I thought to be, my self-worth.

How often do you find yourself daydreaming of things that are not reality? Be sure to not let those things become a priority in your mind “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) I’ve been reading 2 Corinthians this past week and while it’s easy to let our thoughts travel around, I realized that we are warned over and over to keep our eyes on Christ. This warning comes multiple times as a clear reminder that we are easily distracted from the bigger purpose.

Today, my purpose was not a purpose of discouragement, comparison, doubt or worthlessness but a purpose of things God has prepared for me on a daily basis. It took going down this rabbit trail to be reminded of what my purpose really was, rather then the lies I was choosing to believe. God has created a beautiful world around me full of life, His life. Yet I choose to believe a lie, a lie that if I allowed to take root, would lead to destruction.

Things I need to be reminded of: God has laid before me a beautiful scenery in my own backyard. A beautiful son filling my heart with joy. A husband and best friend whom I love dearly and share my life with. A home filled with comfort and joy. And most of all, Christ has filled me with His love and I simply choose on a minute by minute basis to receive it. And this my friends is our hope; Christ knows every step of the journey until we go home, home to heaven.

Moment of Truth: Christ calls us not to judge. We were not granted the sword to cut down and destroy but we often do so leaving our souls bared to those around us. They will often know what we are against rather than what we are for when we choose to pick up our sword of defense. I partook in this destructive action today and was left feeling sad and more so embarrassed. I judged a heart I know nothing about and all due to my own insecurity. Lord, keep my heart pure and my motives for You alone.

1-2-3 Barf

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 5 August, 2014 No comment

Easy as 1-2-3. My poor little man got his first bout of the stomach flu this morning. 2 separate play-dates lined up, both at water parks, fun in the sun and yummy snacks and a blanket. We were in it for the long haul. All packed up with goodies, lunch and toys and off to the park we go. About two miles down the road and on the freeway, my little man lets out a 5 second cry and off with the projectile vomit while I immediately pull the car to the side of the road. Not sure what to do, I offer him a little water and back home we quickly return.

“Bye-bye! Wes?” he muttered through tears and uncertainty. Poor boy couldn’t understand that he was sick and needed to rest on the couch with his Mommy. A stinky car needed cleaning. A car seat that was just washed yesterday needed to be returned to the washing machine. A little boy doused in his own chunky vomit needed to be hosed off, a blanket filled with the remainder needed immediate attention. My little boy was covered from head to toe.

He released his blanket for the first time allowing me to wash it while he repeatedly uttered “tink, tink” otherwise known as stink. He was beginning to understand his blanket carried the chunky smell that was so terribly potent while giving me a chance to wash this sucker without a meltdown.

Covering the couch in our park blanket to avoid any further mess, we got to rest on the couch while sipping some ginger ale and watching Cars the movie. He sat very well, but would get bouts of pain and point to his tummy. Refusing to nap, I tried to get him to rest on the couch and as that proceeded to fail, I scooped him up to walk outside and admire the few remaining blueberries on the tree for a hopeful distraction. This distraction worked only for a moment as he wanted to walk himself back inside and “BAM,” he fell to the ground busting open his big toe from tripping on who knows what. Sobbing hysterically I scooped him back up while blood showered my shorts and shirt; leaving me not only smelling of vomit but now covered in blood.

(Sorry it’s a little blurry. Very difficult to take with a sobbing child)

I finally got the band-aid on which was a nightmare in and of itself as he only knows them from our frequent visits to the hospital. Finally, the task was accomplished and my little man stoped crying. Had he not stopped crying, I feared another round of vomit would take place.

Finally, I coax him into a nap. Sweet baby needed to rest. Meanwhile, I needed to clean the car. I feel terrible for my poor boy, but oh how terrible a smell especially when baking in the sun for a couple hours while I tried to man the house, so-to-speak. While walking around aimlessly trying to figure out where to even begin, I gazed upon the interior of the car to find projectile vomit resting upon my iced coffee and water. Woo-hoo for me. I pulled the mats out and began to wash them clean while I Lysol-ed what used to be in liquid form, but now crusted upon the leather. Washing the car seat, wiping down the chunks matted in places I didn’t know existed and vacuuming the remainder. Finally….mission accomplished. Every thing was clean…so I hope.

He is still resting as we speak. So….I truly hope this bout of whatever he has is through. Hoping for no further messes but a bed and a tiny body longing to be cleaned upon his awakening. I have high hopes that he will drink fluid to keep from our usual dehydration. I have thankfulness in my heart that we aren’t managing all of this in the middle of the night. I am sustained as-of-this-moment.

Moment of Truth: It’s easy as 1-2-3 and the mess came forth. But it’s never as easy as 1-2-3 to clean up what has been done.

Layered Crispy Chicken Taco Bake

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 5 August, 2014 No comment

While up visiting my parents, this was one of the amazing meals we got to enjoy with everyone. My mom is a great cook and she is where I learned everything I know. She adds passion and love to her cooking, giving everything a wonderful taste filled with delight.

This meal was wonderful and we served it with our delicious Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake for dessert.

Ingredients:

2 cups sour cream
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 tbsp smoked tabasco
1 tsp seasoning salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
Green onions
3 cups shredded cheese
1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
6 large tortillas

In a small bowl, mix sour cream and all seasonings together. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a skillet, fry tortillas in vegetable oil or EVOO until lightly toasted.

Lay to rest on a paper towel.

Cook chicken until thoroughly cooked and season to your preference. While cooking chop green onions.

Allow chicken to cool and chop into small pieces.

In a greased springform pan, layer tortilla, sour cream mixture, chicken, green onions and cheese. Repeat with tortilla and continue same pattern with ingredients ending with cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted.

Top with sour cream and additional green onions.

This meal was served with homemade chips and salad.

You will not only be full from dinner but when served with Strawberry Cookie Cake for dessert, you will want to take a nap almost immediately.

Creamy Potatoes

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 4 August, 2014 No comment

This past couple weeks has been so unbearably hot. So hot that the thought of cooking is not appealing whatsoever. I’ve decided to do as much on the grill as possible without having the same meals repeated. Not the easiest but can happen with creativity. These potatoes came from the grill and landed in my mouth with a great big smile upon my face.

I can’t express to you the great joy of hanging out with my family and sitting on the back porch enjoying so good food and even more, great family time. And this my friends, has been what our summer is all about.

Ingredients:

1 lb red potatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 bushels of green onions
Salt & Pepper
Garlic Salt
Parsley
EVOO
3/4 cup ranch

Like Father like son. They are twins in every aspect.

Dice potatoes and onions. Season with a generous amount of salt, pepper, garlic salt and parsley.

Add in green onions.

Top with EVOO and ranch dressing.

Mix together and compile onto a foil lined vegetable grill basket (or place foil directly onto grill).

Grill for about 15-20 minutes until tender but still has a bite.

This is great with any main dish. Tonight we had this with Applewood Sausage.

Grilled Romaine Hearts

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 3 August, 2014 No comment

This is a great twist on your typical salads. If you are like us, we tend to eat salad on a “too” regular basis. We love our greens and love salads, especially as my garden is growing really great toppings for a nice crisp summer salad. And though salad is great, we like to switch things up a bit now and again too.

Now this is a salad that made me very excited and was really easy to grill. I buy romaine from Costco for $3 for 6 romaines. I made this the other night for the family and my husband preferred to eat it as is, rather than add all the yummy goodness once grilled. Both ways are really good but my way was a little less healthy but too delicious to deny. :)

Ingredients:

1 Romaine heart, sliced in half
1/2 lemon
Fresh cracked pepper
Sea Salt
Garlic Salt
EVOO
Dressing of choice (optional)
Glazed praline nuts (optional)

Wash and slice romaine in half lengthwise.

On a plate, or grill basket, place romaine to keep from falling apart while seasoning.

Season with salt, pepper and garlic salt.

Cut lemon in half and squeeze throughout both romaines.

Now you are ready to grill.

Place face down on the grill for 2-3 minutes. Once lightly golden, remove with tongs.

Eat as is! My husband prefers it as is but tonight I wanted a smidgen of blue cheese dressing and glazed praline nuts. My way was less healthy, but DEFINITELY not worth arguing about. :)