Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Crockpot Mondays

Mondays nights are our swimming lesson nights, so we typically don't have time to prepare anything for dinner. These have become our crockpot nights which has made it a lot easier on us these days. I made this one yesterday and it is definitely a keeper! The whole family enjoyed it. We hope you enjoy it too!

Crockpot Shepherd's Pie

3 cups leftover mashed potatoes (I used the instant since I was short on time and didn't have any leftover--I recommend the brand that's ingredients are just potatoes and butter--no additives like the others)
1 lb. ground turkey or beef (I used turkey)
2 cloves garlic, chopped (I minced, since it was easier)
2 cups frozen veggies (I used peas and corn, but you could use anything)
1 medium onion, chopped finely
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (and a bit more for garnish)
1 cup water
2 cups shredded cheddar

Brown meat and onion on stove and drain any fat. Toss meat with spices and garlic before placing in the crockpot.

Spray inside of crockpot with cooking spray. Put meat in crockpot and stir in frozen veggies, and a cup of water. Add two cups of cheese on top. Press the mashed potatoes down on top of the cheese and meat. Sprinkle with a bit of paprika.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hrs or high for 3 hrs, then remove lid and cook on high for 30 minutes to release the condensation and allow the potatoes to brown a bit on top.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

13 and 14 months old




Greyson's 14 month old birthday is today! We skipped posting for the 13th month, so here are some of the new things Greyson is doing:

* Greyson is talking a ton! He says: Mama, Dada, ball, meow (or ow--just tonight Mike was reading "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" to him, and after he was done reading to him, Greyson opened the book to the cat page and says "Meow"--it was so cute!!!!), bye bye, hi, bat, eyes, mouth, apple, baby, night-night, down (this is his favorite--he says it even when he wants up--we are working on the word up)
* Greyson loves to shake his head no
* He follows directions quite well (when he wants to)
* He loves giving kisses
* Greyson loves playing hide and seek
* He loves to give high fives
* He has a very healthy appetite
* Greyson can point to his belly button, mouth, and eyes when asked where they are. He can also say the words to go along with them (although belly button sounds more like "be be butn")
* Greyson is such a delightful boy! He has always been an easy going child and continues to be. I think he definitely has a lot of Mike in him in that respect!!!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins

A couple of weekends ago, we visited a pumpkin patch in Elgin. Greyson had tons of fun, despite the heat!














Riviera Maya without child

In late September, Mike and I took a trip to Mexico without our little man. It was much more difficult leaving him than we had imagined! He stayed with my mom (Grandmother) a few days, and with Mike's parents (Grandma and Grandpa) a few days. Apparently, he was great for them and even learned a few new tricks like saying, "E-I-E-I-O". Our vacation was wonderful! The resort was awesome! Not to mention the sleeping in! Thanks so much Grandmother, Grandma and Grandpa! Here are a few pics from our amazing trip:

El Dorado Royale Resort

Mike and me at the beach

A night out in Playa del Carmen











Road Trip

In September we went down to San Antonio to visit Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandmother. We also celebrated our friend Jason's 30th birthday. Happy Birthday Jason!

I love this picture of Greyson! He loves Grandpa's old pedal cars and is definitely ALL boy!

We are back!!!

Its been a while, so check out all of our latest posts to get up-to-date!