MMM...You Want to Eat This

For some reason, twice-baked potatoes popped into my head when I was menu planning this past weekend, and so I did what all of us bloggers have learned to do. Move over Google; Pinterest is numero uno in today's world. 


Before I continue I've got to pass along what one of my favorites (EPC) had to say about this dish:

No one turns down a twice-baked potato.

A twice-baked potato is to butter and cheese what Kim Kardashian is to T&A.

An unstoppable delivery system.

Sure, you can put all of the same ingredients on a regular baked potato, but they don’t meld together the same way. You wind up with a lumpy, slightly disappointing mess. But with a twice-baked potato, you can’t tell where the potato ends and the cheese begins. They are one. And that’s totally worth the extra 30 minutes.

And she's so right! I ended up using this recipe for Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes but added a few goodies of my own.  It's definitely worth passing along for a simple, satisfying, and somewhat "cool" meal to prepare on a hot summer afternoon. 


Twice-Baked Potatoes (via Disneyfamily.com) 


Ingredients:

	4 medium russet potatoes
	8 ounces 90%-lean ground beef
	1 cup broccoli florets , finely chopped
	1 cup water
	1 1/2 cup reduced-fat Cheddar cheese , divided
	3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
	1 teaspoon salt
	1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
	3 scallions , sliced 1 Tbsp butter

Recipe Directions:
1. Pierce potatoes all over with a fork. Place in the microwave and cook at 50% power, turning once or twice, until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. (Or, use the "potato setting" on your microwave and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.)

2. Meanwhile, brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Increase heat to high, add broccoli and water to the skillet, cover, and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the broccoli; add to the meat.

3. Carefully cut off the top third of the cooked potatoes; reserve the tops for another use. Scoop the insides out into a medium bowl. Place the potato shells in a small baking dish. Add 1/2 cup Cheddar, sour cream, butter, salt and pepper to the potato insides and mash with a fork or potato masher. Add scallions and the potato mixture to the broccoli and meat; stir to combine.

4. Evenly divide the potato mixture among the potato shells and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

5. Microwave on high until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.

Prepare and stuff potatoes. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Microwave and serve.

Do you see how you can just use the microwave? Brilliant! And now I am going to play around the rest of the Disney Family site that I just discovered typing this post! 

A Thankful 14 Months

Hey Kiddo!

Today is your birthday! Since you aren't a fan of sweets, does that mean we get to have yours instead? Maybe just some ice cream.  Thank you for making us laugh every day. Thank you for being brave, curious, and silly. Thank you for just being you. 

If I had to guess... you will be a veterinarian with all that love of animals you have. And your office will always be organized. If there is a cabinet open, you want to close it. If there is a box without a top, you want to put the top on. It's a trait to be admired little boy. 

You're happiest when... you get to play on "Momma's bed." You love rolling around and singing "5 Little Monkeys" while you bounce sitting down. (I should probably halt this before you start standing and jumping....)

You taught me... that 14-month-old boys do not notice 100 degree weather. Hello walking down the sidewalk and playing with bubbles every afternoon of this record-breaking temperature summer. 

Your belly loves... Apple Jacks! 

You're still working on... "Da Da. " Your usually "Ba Ba" for him has changed a bit to "Ga Ga." We are getting there! 

The photo that represents you... 

One of your feats... signing "thank you," "read," and "swing." Granted, no one else would have any clue what was going on, but you are improving all of the time. Now when you sign "more" you look more closely like the models instead of like clapping. 

What I want you to know.. do your best to always be on time and don't consider anyone's time any less valuable than your own. (That's one's heavy; I know.) 

If all else fails... may you keep your love of vacuuming (or at least a few years into when you can actually manage to work it).  Seriously, the giddiness you show when I break it out is too funny! 

New to you... Tip-toeing! You aren't so much intentional with it, but it's super cute to watch you chase a ball this way. We are working on doing it with purpose. You are also getting really good at the ba-badah of "Love Done Gone." 

A favorite day... I didn't jot down one day as standing out this month, but one evening we went out to see the swans after dinner and were surprised with some sweet ducks. You loved them, and the look on your face was priceless. 

Your jams are... anything by Laurie Berkner Band via "Jack's Big Music Show" (Thanks Nanny for the copy of this CD).
You've also been into "Rock and Roll Freeze Dance," which Momma likes because I get my silly dancing each day. 

My heart melts when... you share your love with our family and friends by hugging (or "loving" them). 

Piglet and Wyatt:

That's a First

Haircut that is. It was time;  it broke my heart; fingers are crossed that his curls grow back. If they do, poor kid won't get a haircut again until he moves out!

So we went from THIS:

That's a serious 5 inch peak there! 

to THIS:

We think he looks quite handsome, and yes a bit more grown up. I'm ok with that though (as long as this means I can teach him to wash dishes and pull weeds)! Kidding, yes. His hair at least needed to be evened out a bit as not much fell out from babyhood, but his "barber" didn't so much listen to my requests but cut first and asked questions afterwards. Thanks Lady.

I love that they put them in a bumbo chair. Sheriff was all "haven't been in one of these in a while."

Although there was a silly video on, I was sure to provide distraction--GOLDFISH!

It didn't last too long though, and he was wondering what was this thing around his neck and what this lady was doing to his hair.

Curls gone, but Momma's still adoring him! The Sheriff...well, he wasn't so sure. 

But he returned to regularly schedule programming soon enough:

There are signs of the curls coming back (maybe they are the ones she realized I did NOT want her to cut) but we'll see!

Saturday Morning Scene

So I think Katie is hunkering down (our fav. overused hurricane term down south), but I just wanted to share what we're up to this Saturday. Some laundry, some grass cutting, some Millionaire Matchmaker, but mostly, some:

Our beauties swim from across the lake to hang out with us. I think they know the holdings of our little red wagon. I always thought that swans honked, sort of like geese, but they actually make this pig snorting sound which W gets quite a kick out of and snorts back. The birdies are a great way to end summer. Wait, summer's not going anyway! I think today's supposed to be one of our hottest yet!

Finding the Joy Friday -- Shaking and Baking

Ah, yes, the weekend is here! It's bizarre reading about Irene heading up the East Coast as it's usually us "hunkering down." Hope everyone stays safe (and manages to sneak in a glass of wine or two.)

I'm linking up with Erin again this week to find some joy! This week JOY is in:

--Discipline! I baked cookies during Sheriff's afternoon nap and didn't eat a single one (not even a taste of the cookie dough). But don't let me fool you; I ate plenty Thursday night. I just like to save my dessert calories for the evening. Don't invite me for afternoon ice cream. I want it before bed!

--The little guy looking like a little man! Now you know me; I am totally keeping him a baby while I can, but how cute is he here?! (Yep, 14 month picture preview.) What a stud!

--More discipline! Hello Jillian Michaels Shred It twice this week and Great Abs Guaranteed every night.

--Reminiscing. W and I watched a couple of videos that Cowboy made a few months ago of all of his "feats" (The Sheriff's, not Cowboy's), and it was such a sweet moment.

-- My summer photobook! I can't wait until this puppy comes in.

--Crafting! I made a little something for a friend's nursery. I can't show you yet because I want the lovely Erin to be surprised. Not to worry, though, I'll give you the details later.


Where's your joy? Go visit Erin and link up!

Telling it on Tuesday

Nope, this won't be a Cowgirl "tells all" post. Just chunking out there what's in the old brain up here, so take it for what it's worth in all its randomness.

* I'm super clumsy and spill ALL THE TIME.  My worst offenses are coffee grinds, grits, and corn. Nothing like sweeping up every single grain from the grout to realize that you just can't get it all without mopping.

* Thoughts of Tuesday night bore me. There is nothing I want to watch on tv, so I guess young girls on MTV having babies will have to suffice. Maybe that's why the show is so popular.

* I have one freaking good kid. I'm like everyone else (at least I hope I'm not alone) in that my patience wears thin, but he's so sweet and so smart.

* I'm using asterisks and not numbers because I alway skip a number (thanks for pointing that out Cowboy). Maybe this way you won't notice.

* I had this CRAZY dream last night. It was the first day of school where I first taught (yes, you old friends of mine made an appearance. And of course by old, I mean, from the past. You aren't "old!"), and I said yes to a job offering. I had NO child care arranged, had NOT told Jacob, and worse of all -- I later found out I'd be floating! Oh I woke up in such a panic and thoughts of pushing The Sheriff on a cart through the high school halls from class to class.

*It's probably time for a Skinny Cow break.

*I need at least one more player for my all-girls fantasy football league. It's a $10 buy-in and a really good excuse to get into the games that you know will be on the tube all Fall long. Email me!

*I think that's it. I had my ice cream (ran and did Great Abs Guaranteed earlier); Teen Mom is boring me; it's time for some reading.

*And one more...I think the Lady Gaga promos on MTV are highly inappropriate. #justsayin

Goodnight y'all!

Fun With Our Phones -- New Neighbors Editon

 I'm linking up with Savanah and Erin again this Monday to introduce you to the swans.

They've been hanging out on our side of the neighborhood lake for the last week or so, and we can't get enough! I guess it's time to give them some names.  Any suggestions?

They do their own thing, mostly, but sometimes they extend their necks and air our their wings, and well, I get a little nervous. I have a weird bird attacking phobia from somewhere deep in my childhood!

And here's the little guy. There's no way he was turning his eyes away from these beauties (and not because he's afraid of them sneaking up on him like a certain mother of his might be). It was all I could do to keep him from charging those feathered friends.

So that's what's been in my phone all week. What about yours? Head over to link up!

Finding the Joy

I'm linking up with  Erin again this Friday with reminders to myself to notice the joy all around me.

So today, I'm Finding the JOY:


*in tuna fish sandwiches Wednesday night and leftover tortilla soup last night. This does not make me SAHM of the year, but I didn't have to cook two nights of the awfully hot week!

*in photo books. They are, first of all, a lifesaver during Mass. W loves looking at pictures of all his friends and family.  And what better way to help him get to know his relatives since we live so far away.

*in enjoying the clean house that I busted my butt for this week to keep up.

*in the growls in my stomach and more so in the fillers in our pantry that will soon settle the noise. We are so blessed.

Be sure to stop by and share what you are finding joy in this Friday.

Toddler Bites -- SPINACH edition

I originally stumbled upon these toddler-pleasing nuggets of awesome (yea, Momma likes them too!) on Cheryl's blo home and am so thankful. These spinach nuggets are easy, healthy, and so kid-friendly. (Well, our little guy does love to eat all things green, so you decide) I don't have any pics, so be sure to visit Cheryl's original post for some good for you food porn! 


Spinach Nuggets
35 mins


Ingredients

16 ounces frozen spinach, cooked drained and chopped if needed

3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1/4 cup flax seed meal (if you don't have these things add 1/4 cup more bread crumbs) or 1/4 cup wheat germ (if you don't have these things add 1/4 cup more bread crumbs)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (you could also try cheddar flavored with sundried tomatoes and basil)

3 eggs

*optional--cooked corn

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375.

2. Lightly coat baking sheet with oil or use a non-stick mini muffin pan

3. Combine all ingredients well.

4. Shape into nuggets or spoon into muffin pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. (Turn nuggets over after 15 minutes).

notes:• Can use Ranch or Ketchup for dipping sauce if desired.

Wait; there's more! Make sure you buy a couple of packs of frozen spinach while grocery shopping and whip up some Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken. This isn't hard; I promise!  (And if you don't have cheddar, use whatever you've got!) 

You've got to eat your spinach! 

Fun With Our Phones Linkup

I'm contemplating a blogging hiatus, you know, some sort of sabbatical to spend a bit more time living life than attempting to chronicle it. But that's neither here nor there for tonight as I promised Savanah in a tweet earlier that I'd link up! So here goes!

(And if you want to play later, use the button above, post the pics you took with your cell phone, and then link up on her original post. Show a fellow Houston blogger some love!)

I've got an older phone, and the camera stinks, but I grab it every now and then to see what it can do. I can't wait until the new iPhones come out so I can get a new one, and by new one I mean, Cowboy gets a new one and I get his hand-me-down. I'm ok with that.

Temporary baby "gate" breached.

Hey hubs, you forgot your breakfast!

A certain Somebody went from a sometimes cute, but often times out of control, head of curly hair...

 to a big boy cut! (Yes, Momma cried, and yes, you will get an entire blog post dedicated to it soon.)

Oh hi handsomes! I love a nighttime snuggly Sheriff, and apparently Cowboy does as well.

Finding the Joy

I'm linking up with a brand new bloggy friend today! Go stop by Erin's blog home; she's got loads of inspiring things to say and who brought my attention to Finding the Joy!

I've been reflecting lots lately on living in the moment, loving the moment, and seeing the absolute joy that God gives us every day in not only the big moments but the small ones as well.

So today, I'm Finding the JOY:


*in sleeping soundly until 7:15. Hard-core, drool left on the pillow, soundly.

*in SYTYCD catch-up during naptime

*in my relationship with my husband. He's always loved me through my weakness

*in realizing just how much I want to be a mom like my mom

*in my good-looking kiddo (Notary -- "How old is she?" Me -- "HE is 13 months." Come on. He's got a pretty face and curls, but BLUE, people. BLUE means boy.)

*in a HOT morning spent with Houston's gridiron greats at Texans training camp

Life doesn't get better

 And finally, WE'RE finding joy in the kindess of strangers. The Sheriff is so thankful (and so is Momma who had a break from occupying him for a while) for his new Steel Blue football.

Be sure to stop by and share what you are finding joy in this Friday.

Meet THIS Momma

I'm thrilled because today, my friends, I'm here:


 I feel so honored to be a part of a group of mamas who support each other, laugh with each other, and share the ups and downs of their lives together. Be sure to stop by today and give Becky some blog love (She's got an adorable 9 month old and some great stories and experiences to share!) and meet the other wonderful women featured in the series.

Looking back I realize that I attached a ton of pics. Sorry guys!  But he's cute right? :)

You Gotta See This!

Ok, that title is a little hyperbole, but despite the fact that I've already got one post out today, I'm here to tell you two things:

A) You Alway Remember Your First....Guest Post that is! I'm super excited to be posting over at Katie's blog today, and you should definitely check it out. There's cheese. And not the dorky kind I often bring you way. Real cheese. You know you want it!

B) It's not just another Monday, but Savanah's fun with our phones Monday! So, of course, you get some cute pics of my kiddo today (as best as my OLD iPhone can grab), and then you can link up your little cute self this morning/afternoon/evening. Get on it!

I'm going to make this quick. There's this little moment called nap time, and while I want to blog and read for its duration, I need to blow dry my hair and clean up around mi casa.

We do lots of playing around here. Sometimes in a grocery cart. What aisle am I on anyway?

 Often times in a wagon outside

You talkin' to me? 

 More playing outside. This time cue bubbles.

 Ahhh! Who is that? She promised us cute kiddo pics. It's just me...pretending I'm a professional soccer player.

And nothing says summer like yummy adult treats and drinking straight from the hosepipe! (That's a water hose for all those not from South LA!)

 Savanah, this linkup makes me smile. I love looking back to see what we've been up to! Go check it all out!

Bookmarked. Starred. Labeled. But Not Made.

Hi, my name is Jenn, and I'm a chronic "I'll make this later" recipe saver! One of my NY resolutions this year is to make a cookbook recipe once a week. I hit a few, and I definitely need to get back on this. But I might need to change it up a bit. It's time to knock out some of the hundreds of recipes that I've digitally cataloged in hopes of getting to at some point.

 I have started a bookmark folder called "Recipe Collection" for those keepers I've stumbled upon. I'm super excited, though, because Meg over at O. is Me introduced me to Tastebook where I can catalog and eventually print a cookbook and additional pages. Project is a-brewin in my head!

So what do I need to cook soon? I promise that in the next 2 weeks (a long time yes, but these things just sometimes get lost in the mix), I will make one recipe I've starred on my GR, one I've bookmarked, one I've pinned, and one I've labeled in my gmail. Pressure! Maybe I should just make some 4 course meal and knock it out in one shot!

Here we go...

Starred -- I'm taking on two in this category. Why? Well, who can have zucchini fries without something to dip these joyous nuggets in? And this Creamy Jalapeno Ranch looks like it's full of awesome!

Bookmarked -- Everyone needs a little dessert here and there. S'mores Cookie Bars it is!

Pinned -- The need for a side will inevitably pop up, so let's carb it up with these ranch potatoes and keep fingers crossed that The Sheriff has inherited his parents' love of all things ranch.

Source: laaloosh.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Labeled -- From my gmail folder for "recipes," I've got this pizza from Pioneer Woman. My girl Shelly rec'd it, so I've got to give it a shot.

And now it's your job to hold me accountable. You don't see a recap in the next two weeks, you contact me and let me know. Deal? Deal.

Saturday Morning Scene -- Here and There

I promise that next week I'll actually link up with Katie in the morning of Saturday MORNING scene, but for this weekend, you get me at night.  Hopefully my mind is clear enough to remember this morning.


Before:

After:

 And apparently I like to make quite silly faces taking pics of myself!



On the way:

I picked up this chair from a friend for The Sheriff AND someone scored tickets for Deep Steel Friday! Are you ready for some football?!?!?!


Your eyes do not deceive. It's Sunday now, but if you feel like it, go link up and then check out what everyone else has been up to.