Miracle Tubes

Graham has had a rough road battling ear infection, after ear infection, after ear infection.

His first infection was when he was 6 weeks old, and he has pretty much stayed on an antibiotic for months. We decided to put tubes in his ears, and what a difference it has made!

For the month leading up to his little surgery, Graham refused anything to eat other than formula and yogurt.

Four hours after we got home, he was eating chicken fingers, french fries, and manicotti.

I have my happy little boy back! (except this week with the addition of a couple of new teeth)

Molly's Milestones

Nick was able to introduce Molly to two "big-girl" things this week...

1. Her first late night Gibson Donut.

AND

2. Her first encounter with a Nintendo 64.

Costumes

With all that was going on in October, there was very little blogging going on. But, I didn't want to completely skip over these two adorable little costumes. Both Molly and Graham have now been chickens for Halloween. And as for Molly, I personally think she is just the sweetest little thing.

A Child's Ten Commandments to Parents

I read this on a friend's blog this morning, and I wanted to share it with my friends, too.

A Child’s Ten Commandments to Parents, by Dr. Kevin Leman

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely: don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little such a short time—please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember you can criticizethe things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.

8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

January Meal Making Party

Both January Parties are now full

2012 is just around the corner! We have an exciting menu to help you start the new year off with delicious and healthy dinners for you and your family.

Join us either Tuesday, January 3rd or Thursday, January 5th at 6:30

Please mentioned preferred date when emailing your RSVP

and you will leave with 8 meals to feed a family of 4 plus a dessert. (But if it's just you and one other, simply divide many of the meals before you freeze them, or have plenty of leftovers for the next day).

Menu for the Month...

Cheese Manicotti with Meat Sauce

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Burritos

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Orange Zing Grilled Chicken

Asian Pork Chops**

Elegant Chicken with Gravy

Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix

Special New Friend Incentive this month: Invite and bring someone new with you, and we will give you a FREE Nana's Apple Cake Mix!

**can sub chicken for pork- advise with RSVP

______________________________

Where? Anna's House

*********

How Much? $140 **- cash or check payable to Anna Pearson or Rose Kelly

-want the meals, but can't attend? For $150 we will do the work, and you can pick up your meals the next day.

**Note: this is a slight increase due to recent increases in food prices

Please RSVP with your date preference by Sunday, December 11th to

comecookwithus@gmail.com

What to bring?

a cooler and $140

Weekly Meal Plan

As soon as I finish one meal party, my wheels start spinning. Time to deciding what will be on the next months menu. This usually involves 2 weeks of cooking up a storm...

Here we go...

Monday: Cheese Manicotti with meat sauce and garlic bread

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken and steamed broccoli

Wednesday: Creamy Broccoli Chicken over rice

Thursday: Orange Zing Grilled Chicken and mashed potatoes

Weekly Meal Plan and a great rice dish

Well, this week's meal plan should be easy since Thursday we celebrate with the Kellys and Friday we will spend with the Pearsons eating our weight in good food.

Due to lots of cooking and baking for our Thanksgiving meals, plus an unbelievable amount or prep time for our upcoming meal parties, dinners this week will be EASY!

Monday: PF Changs frozen beef and broccoli meal (Nick picked it up at Kroger last night- we'll see if it is any good)

Tuesday: Breakfast: sausage, biscuits, and scrambled eggs.

Wednesday: Merlot Chicken and Rice (this was on the menu for last week, but never made it to our table- still in the freezer, which means no effort involved)

The following recipes is one of my favorite rice dishes. Perfect with a roast! Nick is not a huge fan but I don't understand why. I think it is wonderful with very minimal work.

Rice Casserole

2 cans beef consume

2 cans beef broth/bullion

2 cups rice

2 sticks butter

Melt butter in oven, pour 2 soups in and spread rice around.

Bake @ 350 for 45 minutes