30 minute meal?

So now that all of us have had a lot more sleep, I'm getting back into my groove. Decided to pull out a few of my under-used cookbooks and see if anything peaked my interest. Since evenings typically involve cluster feeding, the witching hour and a mad dash to get Jack fed, bathed and happy- something quick or no-fuss slow cooked would be best.

Ah ha... my old friend Rachael Ray! I LOVE her first cookbook but have barely use the 365: NO REPEATS.

Stumbled upon the recipe for Spanish pork chops in a roasted red pepper sauce with green beans... GAME ON

Time start: 6:50
Time Finished: 7:15.... wait... UNDER 30 MINUTES???

Oh and it turned out really good!

Rachael Ray's Spanish-Style Pork Chops with Chorizo and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Green Beans

Definitely will be taking another look at this book again!

Family Update 5/26

Hi Everyone, its been a LONG time since I blogged... well its been a long time since I've had TIME to blog. Right now both kids are sleeping and this mama is sipping coffee in peace :)

So to catch everyone up to speed...

BIG CAT

Catie is doing great. Sleeping well at night and starting to smile and coo. She is such a little sister. Everytime Jack tries to "hug" her, she has that "moooooooommmmmm he hit me!" sort of cry- you know the trembling lower lip, sad eyes. It shouldn't make smile but it does. 2 month check up went great- except for her peeing all over the baby scale- 11 lbs 8 oz and 23'' so she is in 75th percentile for both- atta girl!

JACK ATTACK

Jack is full speed ahead but is that anything new? His molars are coming in so he has been pretty grumpy the last 2 weeks (yes WEEKS!) He is learning new words all the time and even started singing. You all saw the video of him climbs a ladder at the playground... well he decided to climb the REAL one at home while Ryan was cleaning the gutters... he almost got to the top and I almost had a heart attack.

RYAN

Ryan has been really busy with work the past few weeks. Still loves his 10 minute commute, which gets him home with plenty of time to mow our giant lawn. He has been growing hops for his home brewing and they are really coming along... this whole gardening thing is kind of fun! Looking forward to celebrating his birthday next week. Birthday dinner menu includes chicken kiev and whoopie pies- yum!

MAMA BEAR

I have been coping with the new family dynamic fairly well. It was pretty scary at first but I just figured it out. I just finished a class for second time moms that was a life saver and introduced me to a great group of moms. Finally able to start to hit the gym again- training for a 5K. Did my first last night.. 42 minutes- not exactly great but I'm proud that I finished it. Also will be starting a beginners drawing class in June- never considered myself an artist but what the heck.

ETC
After making yet another awesome banana bread, I've decided to enter the state fair competition. I think I may try a few variations to see if it can be improved. My Grandma Marj knew what she was doing...