Chinese Buffet

I officially do not like buffets. Especially Chinese buffets. I had planned to make chicken with asparagus for dinner, but apparently my husband did not want chicken tonight. So, we decided to try this Chinese buffet that is just up the street (3 blocks away). Granted, we didn't go until 7:30, but for a Saturday night, that shouldn't have mattered. The food was cold, the meat was tough, and the desserts were non-existent. Not a fried banana in sight! Only soft-serve ice cream... seriously disappointing.

I enjoyed the idea of a dinner out with my husband, but the food was not any good at all! At least I still had the time with my husband. :) We have found that we can enjoy one another's company and have a nice evening, even if the circumstances (and/or the food) are not up to par. :)

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Last time I went grocery shopping, I bought an extra bunch of bananas so I could plan to make banana bread and/or muffins... we didn't end up eating the first bunch, so I had LOTS of bananas to make muffins with! Today I decided to get busy and use them up... I'm getting close to the end of the batter, and have made 7-dozen muffins! Obviously, Josh and I do NOT need to eat 84+ muffins. I think my co-workers will appreciate me tomorrow!

Brazilian Steak House

In celebration of both my graduation and the new record I set at work, we went to the Brazilian Steak House, Tucano's, for dinner tonight. I was slow to make our reservation, and so we had to choose to eat at either 4:30 or 8:30... we went for 4:30 - it was early, but I hadn't eaten lunch, so I was okay with that.

I've only been to a Brazilian Steak House once before, so I didn't have a lot of experience... the salad bar was fabulous, the meat was scrumptious, and the amount of food was amazing! We were both so incredibly full, it hurt to walk for a while. :)

Happy celebrations! We had a wonderful date night, and are now settling in to snuggle while watching a movie. The date night continues...

I'm a College Graduate!

So today I finished my last assignment and my last discussion board... and now I'm a college graduate! My grades won't actually post until Monday, but I don't have any additional work to do, so I'm celebrating this weekend!

I feel amazing!

Banana Boats

Last night we made banana boats! It brings back many happy memories of nights around the campfire as a kid, but I'd never done it with the kids. It was raining most of yesterday, so we actually prepared them in the oven, but it was fun anyway!

I prepared the bananas, then set out chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, and marshmallows... everyone got to make their own and then wrap them in foil. Ten minutes later, voila! Josh didn't care for his as much, but the kids and I enjoyed our very much. It was a fun, fast, easy and yummy dessert!

Dinner, and Lessons Learned

I had planned for dinner to be a simple affair - burritos. But, I was home a little earlier than planned and decided to be ambitious. So, I made taquitos! I mixed the stuffing (ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and salsa), and then fried the corn tortillas for 15 seconds or so per side. Once fried, I put the stuffing in the middle and rolled them tightly, putting them in a 9x13 pan. Once the pan was filled, I topped them all with a little cheese and baked on 350 for 15 minutes.

While my taquitos were baking, I decided I would make my own chips. :) I cut my corn tortillas in triangles and dropped them in my hot oil already on the stove. I turned them after a few seconds, then took them out - lesson learned (or remembered)... things cooked in oil continue to cook after they are out of the oil! Some of my chips were too done to enjoy (aka, burned!), but most were pretty tasty.

All in all, a really great dinner. And, I'm feeling pretty great about my first attemp with taquitos and chips! Especially for a Wednesday meal. :)

Sister Weekend in Portland

I was lucky enough to be able to spend a wonderful weekend in Portland with my sister, Jenna... I "crashed" her husband's family reunion so I could see my sister and her family! First of all, she is a great mom. It was so fun to see her with Chase! Second of all, Chase is cute. :) And, SO BIG! I couldn't believe how much he had grown in the five weeks since I'd last seen him. What a cute little guy, who took a couple of days to warm up to me, but finally smiled at me on Sunday. :)

We did take a couple of pictures, but they are on my phone. I am not sure how to get them off of my phone and on to my computer. Jenna has some on her camera though, so I'll let her get some posted on her blog. :)

Thanks, Jen, for letting me come and visit you at Wayne's family reunion. It was a wonderful weekend!