Recipe From The Kitchen..

Freda' s Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This is a recipe that I just had to share. It is one of my favorite breakfast casseroles. I got this recipe from my wonderful mother-in-law, Freda.


Will and Thomas with their mom, Freda.

 Before her passing in 2007, she gave me all her favorite recipes and cookbooks. This is one that she always made for Will and his brother growing up. We have continued to make it in our home and have been known to give this out to our friends who just had little ones...

                                            Recipe:

Serves 6-8                                            Bake 350 degrees: 1 Hour
Preparation: 30 Minutes

1 pound mild, sausage, browned,            1 cup of grated sharp Cheddar cheese

   drained and cooked                             1 teaspoon salt

8 eggs                                                   1 teaspoon pepper

2 cups of milk                                        1 teaspoon dry mustard

6 slices of wheat bread

Here are photos to help you along:

First, cook the sausage until brown. Next, drain the meat and set aside to cool.

 

Layer a 9 x13" pan with wheat bread ( 6 slices)

 

 

 

Mix together 8 eggs, salt, pepper, dry mustard and sausge. Next, pour mixture evenly into the baking dish.

Cover with foil and store in the refigerator over night.

Next morning, bake at 350 for 30 minutes covered with foil then 15 minutes uncovered.

Now serve and enjoy!

Hope your family loved it as much as ours!

Weight Loss Confessions

Well, I must confess that I have not lost any weight, since I joined back to Gold's Gym . When I signed up for a membership I thought that I would lose all my weight immediately. ( Click here for post on joining the gym) 

Well, that didn't happen..what did was my weight gain..Now let me explain...

 Right after, I made my weight loss goal we had a lot of commitments that involved good food and wine. Like my father-in-law's wedding weekend and going to the beach with my parents. So, I gained a little weight both those weeks.  However, now it is time to get serious..

Rocky always motivates me :)

For one week, I have been to the gym 3 times and have walked Lilly twice. I have decided to  completely change my program. Will and I are now going to be on the Weight Watcher Points diet. I did this diet while in college and lost about 15 pounds , so I decided to try it again. I even bought the books to track my points and a weight watcher cookbook. So, I should be losing it in no time :)



Complete 2012 Weight Watcher Essential Books



I hoping this cookbook makes me forget I am on  a diet :/

 The main reason I really like this diet is because you can still eat what you want,
and eat out. Everything is about portion control. It really does amaze me how many points are in my favorite foods,such as Krispy Kreme glaze doughnuts which has
25 points. Well I am only allowed 30,so I don't think it would be wise to eat one!

This sign is my enemy!

Currently, we have 25 days until Will and I are in Clearwater, Florida with Will's company. So the

                                                          heat is on...

                             Weight Loss : Goal 10 Pounds

Things Change...

This week has been a bitter sweet one... It was the first week of school!
 

For the last 6 years, I have had the pleasure of teaching 10th grade World History at one of the best high schools in the state of Virginia. As you know, I have decided to take a break from teaching and to stay-at-home with Harper while selling for my father-in-laws marketing business.



This is the high school where I taught history the last 6 years.

Tuesday morning, when I heard the bus outside I got a little sad... Even though , I would never want to change my situation I just felt emptiness with not being in my classroom with my new students. Teaching was something that I know I will always have a passion for. It is so meaningful to have a career that you see the real benefit when the student succeeds.



Nothing like watching your students graduate

Funny thing, that sadness was quickly diminished when I heard a cry from the nursery and looking up at me is the most beautiful 15 pound, blue eyed girl. It is so amazing how one little person can change your life forever. I really am so blessed that I am the one that gets to stay-at-home with Harper and witness all of her changes.



Trying to crawl

When I found out I was pregnant, Will and I made the decision that I would take a break from teaching to stay-at-home. With us not having family near and Will always traveling for work we decided that was the best choice. I also knew I could not do both jobs great if I had to teach all day l and then come home to be mom for the evening. I am the kind of person that when I commit to the job I have to put 110% into it.  Right now, my top priority is being the best mom for Harper. Maybe one day , when my kids are older I will venture back into teaching..We will see what my future holds :) As for now, I am enjoying every minute I have with her!
 

 

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!!

Its that time of year again...Football Season
 

I love this time of year! Not just for the football but what it brings with it.. greatt food,  drinks and cheering on your favorite team..

Love football season!

As you know , Will and I are die hard Washington Redskin fans. Growing up in the 80s, made it so easy to be a Skins fan because they were the golden days.. You know when they had players such as Art Monk, Jon Riggins and were Super Bowl Champs '82, '87 and '91. Those were good times..

Love to see one of these next January :)

Now days, it is hard being a true Redskin fan...However, Will and I have never stopped cheering on our team. We have even added one more fan..

HTTR

This year, we have a lot of hope in our Skins..We have the #2 Draft Pick... Robert Griffin or RGIII...We are really hoping that he brings our skins back..

Bring HOPE back to the nations capital..

Even though this game does not count it still be fun to watch the challenge between the first two drafts picks, Griffin and Luck.


Luck vs. Griffin in Washington

**Score Update***

Redskins 30- Colts 7

 

Myrtle Beach Days.. Round 2

We decided to finish our summer off the right way...in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach

On Friday August 10, my parents and brother picked Harper and I up for vacation. My town is on the way so my parents decided to pick us up , since Will had to work all week. Even though Harper missed her dad we still had lots of fun with her grandparents and uncle Bryan.

Harper on the way to Myrtle Beach

We all really had a great time on the trip. The photos below captured the best shots of the week..As you can tell our main focus was Harper...

She loved wearing these plastic sunglasses.

Night on the town in Myrtle

Dressed and ready for shopping with Pops and Grammy

Harper posing for the camera..Love her swimsuit and ocean water



Harper on her last night in Myrtle in her Master's dress

 

 

It was a perfect week of sun, sand, good food, wine and company..Here's to summer 2012



Summer Days...

The month of August has been very busy but fun!

 On August 4, Will's dad, Tom married to his girlfriend of two years, Phyllis. We had a great time at the wedding and spending time with both of our families. The wedding weekend began on Thursday evening with my family at a local Japanese restaurant, Kabuki.

We surprised Will with a "Happy Birthday" cupcake. even though it wasnt his big day :)//

 As you can see , we were able to get some professional photos of Harper done at the wedding. She really enjoyed all the attention :)

 

The next week, we experienced one of our firsts with Harper, staying overnight night with her grandparents.  With Will being in North Carolina for work and me travelling to Harrisburg, PA for a sales meeting , my parents were kind enough to watch her for the night.


Sweet Potato Face!

 I admit I had a little breakdown right before I was to leave Harper with my parents. I was not worried whether my parents could handle her, instead it was more me feeling bad about leaving Harper without her mom. ( I know, I think I may be a little attached).  However, my parents quickly said their goodbyes and before I knew it I was fine.  Of course , I did have a little help..

Love Them!

   The next morning, I immediately called my parents to check on Harper. They said that she was great the whole night and they enjoyed their time with her. As for me, I think that I actually slept for a whole 8 hours without waking up once.  I was also able to get a really nice first order from a railroad company. So, I think this first for our family was a good one. 

   I will have to say, that growing up my parents always went away without us kids for a "parents weekend/ week." I now understand as a parent that there are times when you need to just get away with your spouse and or alone and rest up. As a child, I always loved those times with my grandparents and I will always treasure the memories I have with them.

Next ..Myrtle Beach Round 2...

Things I Said I Would Never Do As A Mom

Since , becoming a mom I have caught myself time after time doing things that I thought I would never do , but am totally doing..So, never say never!

Here is what I thought I would never do:

1. Owning a Mini-Van- This was something that I ALWAYS said I would never do. However, that quickly changed when I realized how much stuff a baby needs when traveling. Plus, when we travel we bring Lilly, her crate, and both our golf clubs. The first time we traveled with Harper we had no extra room in my 4runner. So, we decided to explore our options and chose the Toyota Sienna. Hey, do not hate on the minivan until you try it. I promise you will fall in love with the automatic doors/ trunk, sunroof, and 20 inch TV.

2. Making my own baby food- This is something I never thought I would do. See, I am all about buying items to make my life easier and to me I thought this seemed so impractical. I mean, who has time to make baby food :). However, when I received the Baby Bullet as a gift, I realized that it was pretty neat. It is cheap and easy to use. For instance, one whole sweet potato last a week and half and only takes 5 minutes to make. So, I think I am going to keep making my own until it becomes a hassle.

3. Having Harper out past her bedtime-We take Harper everywhere with us. Mostly because we do not live near any of our family and at 5 months I am not comfortable with Harper being watched by some of my old students. So, we have decided to just take her out with us meaning dinner. Normally, she is always sound asleep so she is unaware we are out but I do sometimes get this vibe that others do not approve that we have her out so late (meaning until 10 ). I used to judge those parents and now I completely understand.

4. Taking Harper to fancy restaurants. I always used to say how annoying it is that parents bring their babies to an upscale resturants . However, since having Harper she has been to many of those restaurants where children are not really wanted. The nice thing is that at Harper's age most people do not even notice her , since she is always asleep or quiet.

5. Having Harper sleep in our room (in her co-sleeper).  I always was very opinionated over parents having their children in their room past 1 month. That too changed when I had Harper. I realized that it is not as easy as you think. Personally, I never had a hard time (emotionally) with Harper being moved to her crib it was just me being lazy. It is so much easier to have her in the co-sleeper , so if she needed to be feed all I had to do was turn over and feed her. Now that she is sleeping until early morning hours it is not as hard. She is currently sleeping half in our room and half in her's. Hopefully, when all our summer travels end we will establish a better routine.

6. Leave the house without a shower or putting makeup on. This is something that I NEVER thought I would do. I am not a vain person , but I do like to look decent before leaving the house. Well, that has changed a little. Now days, I catch myself grabbing a baseball cap and my workout clothes to go to  run errands. I sometimes even realize after I have been out all day that I had milk stains on my shirt from where Harper spit up.

7.  Treating a trip to the grocery store like its a night out on the town. Yes, going alone to the store has become something that I have really started to enjoy. Instead of rushing through the aisles I find myself actually reading labels and taking my time.

8. Talk about gas and poop. I was always raised to not say these two words because they were not "lady" like. However, that went out the window the minute I had Harper. Anytime she has an upset stomach everyone is always talking about gas and what not.

I am sure that I will have many more things to add to this list as time goes on but as for now these are the main things I thought I would never do!! Boy was I wrong :)

Midweek Confessions

It seems that with my new job, taking care of Harper, and planning my father-in-law's wedding I have been neglecting this portion of my blog.. So, as you can imagine I have alot of confessions to make up for.

Here is goes...

- My newest pet peeve is people not responding to an event. I am currently planning my father-in-law's wedding and was in charge of the RSVP. I even included a self addressed and stamped envelope for the invitee to respond to . Out of 150 people that Tom and his finance invited we have only received 80 back. I just do not understand why it is so hard for people to check yes or no and place the card in the envelope and mail it back. I guess some people just need a class on how to be proper.

- I am really getting annoyed about other "mother" friends who try to express their own opinions on how to raise a child. Being a teacher, I saw this type of behavior with those "helicopter" parents. I mean I appreciate the advice but sometimes it can be just rude and pushy. My philosophy is " I am not telling you how to raise your child, so don't tell me how raise mine."

- Planning a wedding for my father-in-law has been rather stressful. See, Tom is marrying a lady who has no interest in planning this event,just getting married, so it was left up to me and Tom. Needless to say, this has been rather challenging and I cannot wait for it to come. It is this weekend , so I will let you know how it all goes.

- I have worked out for the last 2 weeks and have not lost 1 pound. I cannot figure out why. I literally do cardio for 45 minutes and weights for 20. I am now starting to think that my eating and drinking habits need to change.

- Since, I am now working from home, working out in the morning, and taking care of Harper, I sometimes do not even shower until 5pm.I know this so disgusting but sometimes that is the only free time I have all day. It is so amazing how hard it is to watch a 6 month old while answering emails and phone calls but I am not going to complain since I am the one able to watch her each day.

- I really want to read " 50 Shades of Grey" when I go on vacation in two weeks. My problem is that I am going with my parents and I do not want them to know I am reading such a naughty book. Maybe, I will buy it and put a book cover on it :)

- I have a business meeting next Tuesday morning in Harrisburg, Pa with a very large customer. I am really nervous because this is going to be the first night that Harper stays with my parents overnight without me or Will. ( Will is also travelling for work in the Carolina's) I know she will do fine since, my mom runs a daycare and preschool each day but I still just worry she may need me..Oh, I need to really let go a little :)

That's all I have until next week...

My Personal Weight Loss Challenge

Well, it has come to this... I have had to join a gym to lose the remainder of my "baby" weight.

Love this!

I have tried the last 5 months to lose weight on my own, but that is just not cutting it. I need more exercise than what I am currently getting to lose it all. During my pregnancy, I gained a total of 30 pounds. I have lost 20 pounds but still need to lose the last 10. For some reason, that last 20 came off  without any effort on my part unless that means eating a cheese-steak, Chick-Fil-A, pizza, and enjoying some sort of alcoholic beverage with dinner.  However, I do walk our Lab every night which is quite a workout but just not enough for me to lose the weight. So, I decided to go and join a Gym.. Gold's Gym..and I love it!

I work out!

 I used to be a member of this gym before we had Lilly. Once, we got her I decided to drop our membership so I could come home from work and walk her. Now that our lives have changed I decided to rejoin. The main factor was that they have a childcare program for when you are working out. The great thing is that one of the girls watching the children is one of my past students who I would recommend to anyone. So, it is a win - win for both Harper and I.

Harper loves watching all the kids

So far , I have worked out at least 4 days a week, since we joined whhich was last week :)... I have also continued to walk Lilly in the evening so that she continues to get her exercise. So, hopefully I am on my way to major weight loss.. We will see!!! I will be sure to keep you updated with my progress..

This is seriously how I feel about my own weight loss :)

Our Last 5 Years..

It really is amazing how much life changes in 5 years , both good and bad. Here is a look back at the main events that happened to Will & I as a couple.

**Warning Photo Overload**

2007

Summer

On May 25, 2007 , we purchased our very first house, which I love. Due to our growing family,  I think that this could change in the next 5 years. When we purchased our home we did not have Lilly or Harper, so our home was just enough space. Now we are going to need a bigger yard and another bedroom. So, we will see what happens.

Our Lovely Home

Fall

In August, I started my first teaching job at Cave Spring High School teaching 10th grade History . This school is one of Virginia's highest ranked schools academically and has a wonderful student body.  It was so much fun to work with great students who made me laugh everyday. Still, when I see my past students it brings a smile to my face because I remember all the memories I made at this wonderful school.

Go Knights!

Winter

The week of Christmas,  Will and I joined his family at The Greenbrier to celebrate the holiday and his mother's birthday. We created so many fond memories while staying at this resort.

My in-laws and I at The Greenbrier celebrating Christmas

2008

Sadly, on January 23, 2008 Will's mom, Freda passed away with cancer. This has been one of the  hardest obstacles we had to deal with as a couple. Will's mother was one of the most beloved women I have ever met. Will is from a small town in Southern Virginia and we often joked that she was this town, since she was  very involved in the community. Recently, we have really felt her presence with the birth of Harper. We just know that she is looking down smiling at us and loving her.

Tom, Freda, Will, Thomas & I at our wedding

Spring

In May, Brandon graduated from Lee University with a Business Administration degree. Currently, he is  employed by Chick-Fil-A Corporate in Atlanta , Ga. My youngest brother Bryan graduated from high school in Northern Virginia and is currently a Senior at Shepherd University majoring in Business Marketing.  Growing up , I was always so close to both my brothers, so this was an emotional but happy time.

Brandon & Bryan

Summer

In July, Will's family and I traveled to Cabo San Lucas.  We had a great time and decided to always have an annual family trip.

Getting ready to go downtown Cabo

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo

Fall

In October, we went to the Homestead Resort in Convington, Virginia for a convention. It was so nice to get away and play golf during the beautiful fall season.

The Homestead Resort Course

Winter

Christmas Time

2009

To celebrate the New Year, Will, Thomas, Tom and I travelled to San Francisco and Napa, Ca. It was a wonderful trip and I hope to travel there again one day.

Golden Gate Bridge

Welcome to Napa!

Beautiful Vineyards..

Happy New Year!

Summer 

In June, we were able to travel with my family to Bermuda. It was so nice to spend a week with my parents and brother Bryan. (Brandon was working for Chick-Fil-A for a summer internship and could not make it)

Bermuda Loving..

Bryan, My father, and Will enjoying our vacation

In July, we went to Myrtle Beach, Sc with Will's family. To celebrate the 4th, we all went to The Dunes Club and had a great time. This is my all time favorite golf course and club in Myrtle Beach.

The Dunes Club, Myrtle Beach

The Dunes Club

Tom, Thomas, & I celebrating the 4th of July

Fall 

In November, Will and I went up to Washington DC and cheered on our team, The Washington Redskins. Sadly, they played the Pittsburgh Steelers and lost the game, but it was still fun.

Go Redskins!

Our Seats

Winter

We spent our second Christmas with my family in Northern Virginia. Our annual tradition is to go to a local hibachi restaurant for Christmas Eve just like the family in the movie Christmas Story.

Merry Christmas!

2010

To start of the New Year, we travelled to Scottsdale, Arizona with Will's brother and dad. It was one of the best trips I have ever been on . From the beautiful scenery, excellent South Western food, gorgeous golf courses, and great times with family it was all unforgettable. 

Sedona, Az

Night View of Scottsdale, Az

For my Valentine's Day gift I got Miss. Lilly. Lilly was our first "child" and has been the best Lab a family can have. She is sweet, protective, loves to play golf, rides the waves in Myrtle Beach, and kisses Harper's feet. Yesterday, Harper actually laughed out loud at Lilly when she was kissing her. In a way, Lilly is the reason why we decided to have a baby.

Lilly's first night home

Loves riding in the 4 Runner

First night in our home

 Spring- Summer

Loves Myrtle Beach, Sc

Loves rolling in the sand

Fall

For Halloween, we both decided to dress up and go to a friends party . I was a 1920s Flapper and Will was a 1930s football player. We really enjoyed our costumes :)

Winter

Merry Christmas!

2011

In February, we decided to celebrate Valentine's Day at The Greenbrier. We had a wonderful weekend wine tasting and gambling in their new casino. These are memories I will forever cherish pre-Harper.

How good do you think I felt after this?

Love The Greenbrier

Spring

For Spring Break, we decided to spend our last one (hopefully without children) in Bermuda. It was  a wonderful vacation where we played golf and were able to just be us.

Ah, Spring Break!

Just the two of us.

Summer

In June, we found our that our prayers had been answered and we were Pregnant! 

It's Positive were having a Baby!

On June 25 , Brandon and Anne got married in a beautiful ceremony in Chattanooga, TN. It was such a gorgeous event filled with so much emotion. We were so happy to add such a sweet person to our family.

2 months pregnant

In July, Will and his good friend Mark played in the J.J. Redick charity golf tournament and by chance they won! So, we were able to meet him and other celebrities. It was a fun night, even though I was the driver :)... Pay back this coming summer!

JJ Redick Tournament Winners!

JJ with Janet and I

In August, we decided to go to Myrtle Beach with my brother Bryan and play some golf. Since, I am not sure how much golf lies in my future it was so nice to get out and play at least 3 times that week.

Playing Grande Dunes

Fall

In October, we went to The Homestead with our friends Mark and Janet. This was one of the last times I was able to play golf before becoming to pregnant. It was a great weekend!

Playing The Old Course and shot a 94...

5 months pregnant

Winter

In December, my mom threw me a beautiful baby shower. It was so nice to share this day with my entire family and close hometown friends.

Only 2 more months to go!

For Christmas, we decided to go to NOVA and spend time with my family. It is always nice to go home.

Merry Christmas!

2012

In January, our friends Mark & Janet threw us a beautiful couples baby shower. We feel so blessed to have such a great group of friends and family who will be a great influence on Harper.

And of course in February , we were blessed with the birth of Harper Nicole..Words cannot describe how much I love this little girl and how much joy she us brought to our lives.

Oh, I could just kiss those checks all day long!

In the next 5 years, I hope that we are blessed with all the joy life has to offer and that when we look back we have as many wonderful memories as I have had so far.