Saturday Morning Scene - "Picture People Fail!"

Linking up with Katie at Loves of Life this morning (a rough morning) with our Saturday Morning Scene.

Before we ventured out, we hung about the house with our little Superman. Why the costume? Well, babies must have some sort of super powers to handle all of that teething. Plus, the mommies and daddies need a smile too in order to carry on with cranky kiddos. The costume + The Sheriff's favorite toy = Win! 

Today's agenda: Get all gussied up (check!), journey through mall wearing color coordinated outfits and carrying two stuffed bunnies and extra baby outfits (check!), find out your 11:30 appointment with Picture People won't really go down until sometime after 12:00 (CHECK!).

I know that some of you guys have had success with Picture People, and they offer great deals. But today they are the targets for my frustration arrows. I called to schedule an appointment a while back and was told not to do it the weekend before Easter because they'd be swamped. Fine, I thought. I'd just do it the weekend after. No problem.

We arrive. Problem. We arrive about five minutes early but are told there are a few sessions ahead of us. So you mean when "walk-ins" strolled in, you didn't consider that we would be arriving for our scheduled session? Or did you just simply overbook?
Another customer seeking a photo of her all pink and diamond clad chihuahua and matching four-year-old (which all matched her blue tooth) was taking up a nice chunk of time trying unsuccessfully to convince either to sit in front of the camera.

Then we are told a camera broke so one "studio" was out of commission. It would be "just a few minutes." Wait, your business revolves around working cameras; it's Saturday morning; you don't have an extra hanging around?
About how many I asked. Oh, about twenty. It was just too much as we knew it would be longer than that, and with a baby cutting one year molars, it wasn't the ideal picture snapping Saturday. Call me the poster child of impatience, but from this day on I will find photography friends that I don't mind paying higher prices to. Or perhaps try to take The Sheriff during the week. A family photo Saturday is not on the schedule any time soon!

So we took it to the house for some quick backyard shots. Remember that teething baby mentioned above? Well, he let me get a few shots with Daddy, but between the wind, the sun, and my already flustered state, we didn't get many of him and me. Check out the crazy wind shot of the two of us though! :)


The day improved. I got a pedicure and did the grocery shopping for the week while my wonderful hubs kept an eye on Wyatt. Looking forward to a peaceful Sunday tomorrow! (Sorry for the rant!)

 

Big Ten!

Dear Sheriff,
This last month has been so wonderful. We love watching you not only explore your world but also find comfort in your own home. You are intense passionate like your Daddy, and I love this about you! I cannot wait to hear what you have to say about your toys, your teeth, your bed, your Momma and Daddy, your backyard, everything! And if you wanted to give us just one little word right now, that would be ok too!

If I had to guess... you'll be an engineer of some sort! When you play you seem to seek to understand just how that music is coming out of your toy or how those bubbles are coming out of that little wand. You might have even managed to score a bit of his OCD (I say it like it's a good thing!) because you like to tamper with my habit of not allowing a flat surface to go uncluttered. :)If you can reach the surface, I can be sure that you will knock off whatever I've got on there. Have you and Daddy been working on this secretly when I teach CCE? I'm suspicious.

You're happiest when...you get to clap. It still seems to be your favorite thing. Opportunities for clapping include: hearing people get excited on television (during a game perhaps), at the end of a song (you know it's the end and the appropriate response), when Daddy gets homes, when you wake up, whenever you hear "good job," "yea!," "you did it!" for whatever reason.

I have to pick a second "You're happiest when..." moment because for a while I had to hide the toy below. It was too high maintenance, but at this point you've figured it out completely. Not only can you turn it on, but you can chase the balls that fly out, put them back in, and even pick up the toy itself when you knock it over trying to pull up on it. Good job my friend!

You taught me...that a good afternoon becomes a great afternoon when you add  bubbles, balls, and an outdoor swing!

Your belly loves..Cheese! Shredded, on a sandwich, or combined with tiny pasta, it's all good to you.

You're still working on...speaking! Can a girl get a Momma already! Just kidding. Unless you're gonna do it!

The photo that represents you...Look at those teeth! And you're outside! And in the water!
There is probably a bird or airplane in the sky too. You love looking for both.

One of your feats...You are a throwing/rolling all-star! You love balls and are figuring out exactly what to do with them.
Another Momma favorite--picking out the puppy and duck in your books. So smart, little one!

What I want you to know.. We love that you love books, and I hope that we can continue to foster this. Your favorites? Well, there's always Brown Bear, but you've recently taken to Ten Little Rubber Ducks to your go-to selection. Others include a touch-and-feel farm animal book, Goodnight Moon (only the colored pages really), and your "church collection" which includes a book about the saints (St Anthony is in there!), one about a little snowflake (not so fitting for TX, I know), and The Hungry Caterpillar. I'm trying to introduce others, but if you are in a true "reading" mood, I better pick one that you recognize! We read before your naps and often at other times during the day as well. You are one heck of a page turner!
You know your mom is an English teacher when your Easter basket is full of books. I threw in a couple of balls and a new t-shirt for fun, but mostly, just books. You're building quite the collection. Next year I promise I'll fill it with yummy goodies and other fun toys.


If all else fails...sing "Apples and Bananas." This classic works like a charm when changing diapers and eating.

New to you...the front windows and really understanding what "go outside" means. I simply love the boy in you (even if that means our afternoons typically negate my showering).
You've mastered four tricks: waving bye bye, "head tilting," waving both arms in the arm to signify great excitement, and waving to someone across the room. Can I brag any more about you?!


A favorite day...was such a silly day! While you were swinging I decided to work on waving with you as I walked around the patio table. This seems to be funny in itself as you always smile a bit, but you really cracked up when I began dancing and jumping around. Good thing our backyard has a fence! But, I will do anything to hear that belly laugh of yours and I got just that (and a good workout too!)

Your jams are..."If you're happy and you know it," "Itsy Bitsy Spider," and "Where is Thumbkin?" are hits around here. Man, we need to start listening to more radio kid!


My heart melted when...you confuse fish and kiss (I think). We make fish faces together and you often lean in for a kiss as well.

Today's your actual 10 months, and I'm actually on time! There's no Piglet picture yet. Another day, another post. Sit tight and hold your skirts. It's coming!

Tuesdays At the Table -- Tilapia

Happy Easter everyone! Just listening (finally) to Carrie's "How Great Thou Art" and reflecting back on some wonderful moments spent with our family this past weekend. We are all so blessed, and even in the rough patches, there is someone walking us (maybe carrying us) through.

But we did try a yummy new tilapia recipe before we left! Linking up with All the Small Stuff this morning to share what I actually found via Happiness is...!

Giada's Broiled Tilapia with Mustard Chive Sauce is quick, healthy, and tasty! I've never cooked tilapia this way, but the method worked great for a flavorful and moist dish. I did find that the first night the sauce was a bit sweeter with the agave, but after sitting overnight, it turned out much better. I also took the sauce out of the icebox to get to room temp the second night. Pair with microwaveable steamed veggies and Zea's Corn Grits, and you've got yourself dinner!

Ingredients

Fish:

• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• 4 (5 to 6-ounce) tilapia fillets
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons agave nectar or honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the fish: Preheat a broiler (I used low.). Spray a small baking sheet or glass baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray. Set aside. (I even used alum. foil for easy clean up.)

Drizzle the tilapia fillets on both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the fillets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and broil until cooked through and the flesh flakes easily with a fork, about 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

For the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, agave nectar, and mustard until smooth. Whisk in the lemon juice and chives. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Transfer the tilapia to a serving platter and drizzle with the sauce. 

Tuesdays At The Table -- Spinach and Brie Chicken with Orzo

Linking up with All the Small Stuff and can't wait to check out what's on the other tables!

Please forgive the horrible photography! There is a 9 month hold cruising around here, and then there is dinner. Any picture at all is something!

This recipe is a perfect quick and easy, and yummy of course, weeknight supper. What I might have to tell you, my friends, just between us ok?, is when in doubt, add more.....

CHEESE!

For this recipe I only a chicken thighs so used those instead of breasts, but I would definitely put PLENTY of brie in each roll-up. As you can see, I put plenty of spinach. Yes Popeye, Jillian Michaels,  and Dr. Oz would be proud, BUT, go ahead and treat yourself (and your bones) to the extra calcium.

The orzo was quite nice. I didn't have any tomatoes but had a container of pico de gallo (the real stuff, not anything like salsa), and it turned out just fine. The jalapeno flavor didn't really complement the parsley very well, but it worked out ok.

Spinach-and-Brie Chicken With Orzo From Everyday Food

Ingredients
Coarse salt and ground pepper
8 thin chicken cutlets (1 1/2 pounds total)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 package (10 ounces) frozen leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 8 slices
1 cup orzo
2 plum tomatoes, cored and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Set a large saucepan of salted water to boil. Heat broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat.
2. Place chicken on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Dividing evenly, spread one side of each cutlet with mustard; top with spinach, then cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Starting at short end, roll chicken up tightly, and arrange, seam side down, on sheet.
3. Season rolled chicken with salt and pepper. Broil, without turning, until tops are lightly browned and chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook orzo in boiling water until al dente. Drain well; return to pot.
5. Add tomatoes, parsley, butter, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Serve stuffed chicken with orzo.

 

Sunday Sit-Downs

First, we sat down to this:

Yes, that's a helluva lotta ribs. Not my plate!

Joy of Cooking's Ribs + Zea Corn Grits = Must take a walk after dinner because you ate too much!

This meal was fantastic. Yes, there was a side salad, but let's be honest. Most of that was left in our bowls because we filled up on the real goods.

I've never been to Zea's but have heard fantastic things from my brother whose praise for these grits had me truly intrigued (our my word of the night by the way). Use this recipe straight from their site and then hop (in the spirit of Easter) over here for the ribs.

Ingredients:
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
¼ stick butter
1 cup golden corn
1 cup yellow grits ( not instant)
Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. To grill corn, shuck off husk. Lightly butter corn cob and grill over charcoal or open fire until slightly blackened.
2. Cool corn and cut kernels from cob with sharp knife.
3. Bring chicken broth to a boil. Add heavy cream and return to boil.
4. Slowly whisk in the grits and then the corn.
5. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook 5 to 6 minutes.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions.


Then we sat down for the Game of Thrones premier on HBO which I was only a bit hesitant about only because Cowboy told me I wasn't going to like it as it's a bit Lord of the Rings-ish. Ok, noted.

But my problem with Lord of the Rings is how stinking long it is. I informed him that I can watch this series in delicious hour chunks instead of a 3+ movie.

I'm not particularly adept at movie/book reviews, most probably because I lose myself in them and let my brain go to mush and just get absorbed instead of thinking too much. I'm a terrible book club contributor, and it's "work" for me to teach English sometimes.  If you want something more put-together, try this review courtesy of Cowboy. 

The show itself hooked me right away (although literally quite gory to begin) with its drama, mystery (who are these White Walkers and what is the Wall?), and load of characters. While a little confusing to follow, I kept my mouth shut (you're welcome Cowboy), and Episode 1 was clear enough in its exposition to intrigue (yes again!) with a number and variety of characters and plots.

If you get truly upset about mistreatment of female characters, this isn't the show for you. It's a men run all, do all, make all, take all kind of show, but I believe well done in its execution as it draws sympathy for the women stuck in a time and place obviously different than our own. (And it's fiction. Come on.)

But there are cute puppies... :)


Are any of you watching?

Saturday Morning Scene "Eggstravaganza!"

I just realized that I haven't given Katie at Loves of Life a shout out for linking up on Saturdays (and I'm also one of the last ones to ever link up). I guess I busy myself on the weekends when there is an extra set of hands for playing with The Sheriff.

So this morning (well, early afternoon ok) we made our way to the city's Easter egg celebration. We had four, yes FOUR, possible Easter egg hunts/parties scheduled for today, so we packed our bags to meet Wyatt's friend Kailey (and her lovely parentals) for a fun play date complete with awkward holding Easter bunny and talks of the eggs having special adult treats for us.

And they're off!

Mine! All mine!

Let's see how many I can contaminate--wait, they said I can only take 6

Kailey's all "Dude, they're just eggs. You can't even have the candy."

Double Fistin'

Teething or what!

And finally, who needs a cute picture for longevity of our first Easter, when you can have this gem? I love his face!

I'm baaa-aack

I couldn't do it, couldn't last until the weekend. Thursday usually begins my weekend anyway, well sometimes Wednesday. What does that mean? Well, mostly that I don't mind putting on the Today Show for a few minutes in the morning while playing with the little guy. Lame, I know.

How was the week? Well, I didn't find myself teaching any new spiritual heights, but I learned that I am really bad at making myself stop to pray, meditate, listen, relax. I guess I use technology to do that, and I'm thinking God doesn't typically use those channels! Well, unless you consider that silly facebook question "If you love God, click like"a conversation with our Father.

So I kept myself busy, too busy, but I'm grateful that the week made me aware (again) of my inability to find quiet time, and I hope to make some changes.

What I did do was this:

Monday--cleaned my jewelry and baked delicious muffins for The Sheriff. The house smelled fantastic that afternoon, and this Momma ate them hot straight out of the oven. Did he think they were so delicious? Ummmm..... no. He isn't into much and I'm trying what seems like everything. Mommas of picky eaters help me out here! (I'll blog recipes from the week in a bit. Right now I'll just bore you with the rest of my week.)

On Tuesday I set out for another culinary adventure (for baby of course and recipe to follow), but more importantly, discovered my little water baby! (and unfortunately ended up with a terrible sunburn---Momma not baby. He was well protected with Ann's SPF 100 on top of Momma's SPF 55.)

This is a bit like the bath

But much more fun to splash!

And there's my ball

I think I shall go get it

I can't tell you much about Wednesday. I was supposed to write all of these things down, but that went out of the door as well. I did visit some HCHS friends with Wyatt and discovered his love for floral dresses that some of the seniors were wearing. Guess Momma needs to get on the fashion train!

Thursday began with me emailing (the one thing I didn't give up) the hubs that when he got home ended my technology free week, and actually, I didn't even wait that long. 5:00 began my weekend! During Holy Week next week I would really like to take some quiet time to pray and sit with God and not only step back from the computer but from all of life's busy-ness. I'm one of those people that likes a guide, book, devotional to follow, but that in itself is still "doing" something. I will seek the quiet and let myself just be.

BUT
before I go, I'd like to leave you with this Cowboy gem:

Me: Thanks for the help (getting the griddle out last weekend)
Cowboy: (without missing a beat) All you had to say was Oh Toodles.

Ciao For the Week

While I'm not one to talk too much about what I gave up for Lent, our priest posed a common penance of giving up electronic entertainment for a week. What!?!?!

Well, we're on board! I'm a little nervous about this and will be checking email as it's how I stay in touch with a great deal of family.  But what about my Google Reader? It's going to be insane when I get back!

I am looking forward to the time spent thinking and praying about my relationship with Jesus. The Gospel today about Mary, Martha, and Lazarus just got me thinking about how close I really am (am not) with Jesus. If he were alive, would we be friends? 

The Gospel reads, "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Laz'arus" 

I know Jesus loves me as God the Father loves me, but am I taking the time to seek Him, to know Him, to love Him? Relationships take two. What am I giving? This week I hope to seek a bit more, learn a bit more, give a bit more, and in turn, learn to love a bit more.

See y'all next week, and I look forward to letting you know how God worked in my life while putting aside those distractions for a bit!

Saturday Morning Scene - "My Porch and My Mamie Jewels"

My mom, The Sheriff's Mamie Jewels, is in town visiting and we enjoyed Cowboy's yummy breakfast and some quality playtime on the porch. You gotta love some take it easy Saturday mornings! Our only missing picture is one of the coffee!

Sorry the pic came after it was half eaten, but gluten free with soy milk AND yummy!

This little piggy went to market

New toy! 123456789 10!

Friday Five (Picture heavy)

The Sheriff is slow to wake this morning, and I'm letting him sleep in. For all my love of schedules, if he gets off and wants to sleep past 7 or so, go ahead kid. I slept in a bit too. To be fair, he was up several times last night. Something's going on with "the routine" and his eating, so we need to get that figured out to avoid bottles at midnight. Now that I've bored you with those baby nuggets, let's hope I can entertain you further with the five things I'm thinking about right now. 

1. This week has been a busy one with my little social baby (or social Momma) and an activity every day. The highlights--play group at the park (where I realized I want to make him some baby muffins--see #2), meeting a blog friend  and her sweet kiddos (too many kids I suppose to realize that we both blog and neither took pictures! We didn't even photograph the "highlight" of the visit--Nicole meets red velvet cake balls), and a trip to The Children's Museum. And now the pics:

First stop--Big Ballin' in the pit. I have got to make one of these at home.

The excitement is palpable (sarcasm, but he really was in heaven)

Oh the germs. Mini panic attack

 And then we found this gem (which some older boy kept taking)

I got it back Momma.

Then we found some interesting wall toys that Daddy would be proud of.

 Our friend Liam showed us the giant Lite Bright (I know how to spell light, but I think the toy is spelled this way. Maybe I'm wrong.)

But really eating the sticks was much more fun.

 The boys found another cool ball with little balls inside that went crazy when you bounced it. It got The Sheriff through the tunnel.

Add caption

It made him so happy!

Momma, I really don't want to share this ball

 Then we found the purple one again

 And  in between we played in this truck with Charlie who apparently was not happy about sharing. He didn't cry about it and was happy to let Wyatt sit next to him it seemed. Pictures reveal the truth I see! Poor Charlie! (And he had a little British accent. Running through my head the entire time - "Charlie you bit me. That really hurt Charlie."

2. One more pic for you. This is for you Zerlein because it came out funny, and by funny I mean cross-eyed. Here's to raising babies and worrying about everything those doctors put on our plates. Document THAT on your computer!

3. This weekend I hope to make some baby finger food items. He's being a real challenge about eating, and I don't know if it's his age/boredom/wanting to play/stomach issues -- I have no clue. He loves Puffs and Gerber Cheetos, but a man cannot live on that now can he. So we will make some muffins, some sort of sandwich cut up, and even try some avocado/banana ice cream. Success, hopefully, and recipes to follow.

4. Just got an email from Oprah--yea Oprah, she knows me. Kidding of course, but I'm on her book club email list, NOT because I read all of her stuff, but she has books to watch for and it gives me good ideas of what's out there quickly.
Anyway, the subject line--105 titles to add to your reading wish list now.
Really Oprah? Or Oprah's staff? 105. How about 5?

5. I'm really praying about Psalm 127:3. I am so very grateful for The Sheriff. He truly is amazing, and he brings such joy to our lives, but he's teaching me as well. He's teaching me patience and love and humility. And he's only 9 months. This is the small stuff. There will be bad grades; there will be mistakes; there will be an emergency room visit when he, let's say, tries to kick a football with skates on. It's all part of the journey, and we are so blessed to be on the ride with him. Being honest, I love him more than anyway, but "it ain't easy!"

Lagniappe. Conversation of Late:
Me: If I take Wyatt in the stroller to feed the ducks by the church, will be he ok?
Cowboy: They're ducks not dragons!

Friday Fun (On Thursday. But I have a Minute)

Thanks again to  My Life in the Men's Room for this blog idea. 

TODAY:

Outside my window... the grass is green; the sun is shining; the breeze is blowing; let's have a picnic!

I am wondering... why I don't watch Ellen more often and if Cowboy is going to want to have a date night to see Scre4m.

I am watching... Ellen!

I am wearing... my newest mom shorts. Thank you "7 inch" Old Navy classics! I don't care. They are comfy, and I can crawl around with Wyatt in public (meaning the front yard I suppose) without feeling like I'm giving a show. Combine mom shorts with a short sleeve polo and Wyatt will think he's at summer camp when he wakes up with a counselor and not a momma.

I am loving... The Biggest Loser. Want to know a secret? I usually eat a bowl of ice cream while watching the first hour and end up doing some sort of workout the second. Guilt!

I appreciate... my mom driving up this weekend to visit. 

From the kitchen...Wyatt's Parrain is coming to visit, and you can't have a LA boy come to TX without treating him to some Mexican deliciousness. Lupe Tortilla, here we come!

One of my favorite things... Sweet Tart Jelly Beans for Easter. (Hint Cowboy)

I am grateful...For Cowboy instilling a tiny sense of direction in me when heading downtown. I'll get it one day in full.

I am thinking about... how we'll adjust The Sheriff's eating as he gets more into solids/baby food. (And now the bird noises coming from the fireplace. Are they in there?)

What I dreamed this week ... I actually don't remember. I have had trouble falling asleep so my REM sleep has been pretty hard.

I am praying...for myself. Selfish? Maybe. But I need patience now, and I don't think this need is going to lessen as we all grow up, so let's fix it now! Or is God even saying--be patient. I'll fix you!

Shrimp... is making fabulous grunts now among his shrieks, and he's always panted, but now he makes himself do it on purpose. Fun. 

What I realized... I need to go to bed earlier a couple nights a week.


Planning for the weekend.. Mamie Jewels will be in town for so much fun! I'm sure there will be a trip to the fabric store and some attempts at gluten free desserts. Bring on the party! :)



A picture thought I am sharing... SWEET SWEET SPRING

The dish mentioned here finally gets a pic.

Nanny, this is my fav!

On Your Way to Ten, but Here's Nine (Months!)

Dear Sheriff,
I wish that I had thought of this, say, nine months ago,but here we are. Your birthday was technically days ago, but don't worry, I made sure to have ice cream to celebrate on the correct day.
 I might go back and complete the first eight months of your life because I have everything documented in your baby book. We'll see what the time brings right? So take good naps in the next few days!

We'll have the nitty gritty (and by that I mean your height/weight, etc.) already documented, so I wanted to share some of the tiny moments with you that we will remember forever.

If I had to guess... you'll be an ENT doc. You love noses!

Your happiest when... chasing balls around on the tile AND playing on the garage sale gem--Your very own "Baby Grand!"

You taught me... that sometimes I'm most loving in the middle of the night. (Thanks double ear infections)

Your belly loves... PUFFS (but what kid doesn't?), but otherwise, you seem to really enjoy foods in the orange family (and by orange I mean color not citrus), except peaches and carrots do not please your palate.

You're still working on... realizing that once you have pulled up on something, it's not a free for all. Boink!

The photo that represents you... This will be the hardest to choose each month, but I"ll try. Your Daddy gets some great shots on the iphone, but this is what I've got. You LOVE swinging and our trips to the park and are such a happy boy!

One of your feats... You are the most supportive friend at your Little Gym class. You clap for everyone. I love that about you, sweet boy.

What I want you to know... You have blessed your parents beyond appreciation with your great sleeping habits.


If all else fails... Shake your rattle! or go outside and play.

New to you... clapping on demand and "Patty cake" clapping. Daddy also taught you this cool trick where he turns his head to the side and so do you. You two crack me up!


A favorite day... Driving down TO Louisiana. You were quite the road trip buddy and so well behaved. You even kept me patient when those teenagers just HAD to park right now to us while I was trying to give you a bottle with the door open.

Your jams are... "Day-O" and "Say hey" (still) and you are also liking that old classic "Itsy Bitsy Spider."


My heart melted when... laid your sweet head down on Daddy's shoulder while you were listening to some music before bed.

Meat Pies and Polenta Fries

It's Butler vs. UConn tonight, and honestly, I don't really care who wins. To pick a side, I'm choosing Butler since it will make the My Life in the Men's Room gang's day/week/maybe year.  So, let's go boys.

In other news though, I took an oldie but goodie from my mom's kitchen and combined it with a new take on a side item, and it turns out--another culinary win!

Meat Pies (adapted from Julie's Kitchen!)
Ingredients
1 lb ground meat
1 pack crescent rolls
1 packet onion soup mix
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Water


Brown ground meat (drain most of fat) and stir in 1/4 - 1/2 cup water and onion soup mix. Simmer until liquid dissolved.

Open cheese. You would think this would not need to be a step. Turns out "improved" package still needs improving. (Preheat oven at this point to 375 or whatever your crescent rolls tell you to do.)

 It also turns out that they must not make crescent rolls like they used to. Mom's instructions were to break apart the triangles and stretch the dough out evenly. Stretching with my hands = dough breaking. So I used a roller. That sort of worked, but I was too hesitant to break more dough or flatten it so much that it stuck to the board. So I just made do

Assemble pies. Mom said to put some meat in the center with cheese and pull the sides up. Here's what I managed while The Sheriff sat for a few in the jumper.

Some of them worked well and came out like this:

Others weren't so lucky

Bake according to crescent roll directions. 

Polenta Fries (courtesy of One Hungry Mama) 

*I've been dying to try these, and they were worth it. But, add plenty salt!)

Ingredients:
Ground polenta
Salt
Yum-Yums --grated cheese perhaps
EVOO

Cook ground polenta according to package.

 Spread out on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for about an hour. I have it divided because right side was plain (to let The Sheriff taste) and the left had grated cheese and black pepper.

And here the pictures end. Well at least the step-by-step. After refrigerating, use a plastic knife and cut into fries. Coat all sides of each fry and place on a lightly greased pan. Cook in a preheated 450 degree oven for about 25 minutes. I love a crispy texture but I think I will have to make them a bit softer for Sheriff next time. He tried them but the crispy outside made me nervous as it didn't dissolve well in his mouth. I might not even coat his with EVOO next time.

One more pic! Sorry it's not food porn quality. Time crunch people!

 Enjoy! (and don't forget the ketchup!)