Seriously Cool Giveaway

John Deere Mom has an awesome giveaway going on -
but I'm going to win so don't bother! :)

A favorite

This is the absolute BEST tator tot casserole EVER! Brody and I both love it, and I've made it for a few guests before and it's always a hit. Super easy and super delicious!

The original recipe for this came from eithe Kraft Food and Family or All You magazine. I don't remember which, but I've been making it on the regular for at least 2 years now.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups milk
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese *
6 oz. cooked, cubed ham
1 bag frozen veggies *
1 bag frozen tator tots

*I usually use monterey jack, or a mix of that and cheddar. I also usually use a country blend of veggies, with broccoli, carrots, etc. in it. This time I actually used a stir fry mix with asparagus and mushrooms in it. It was heavenly. I think the original receipe called for cheddar and a bag of corn.

Spray a large baking dish with cooking spray and preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Whisk together the milk and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
Add 1 cup of cheese and ham. Mix.
Add veggies and tator tots. Mix well and pour into baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown (and not cold in the middle).

Seriously, this is the best out of the freezer meal that everyone will love!

I love coupons

Yesterday was just one of those days while shopping that everything went my way.  I have become a huge coupon cutter.  I have become obsessed to the point that when I want to buy anything, I search the net first looking for a coupon.  

First, Brody turns 4 next month.  So I have decided to buy him a Leapster 2 for his birthday.  I am still not sure how much he'll be able to use it right away (ages are 4-8, so hopefully he picks it up pretty quick.)  I found a $10 off coupon for this, and was headed to Target, because I also had a 15% off entire purchase coupon to use.  It was supposed to ring up at $59 before the coupon, but it RUNG UP WRONG! AT $40 INSTEAD! So, I ended up getting it way cheaper than I thought.  

I also went to Card and Party Outlet to look for invites and stuff, again with my 15% coupon.  He said he wanted Spiderman.  But while looking I noticed on the end aisle all the IRONMAN stuff on clearance.  So IRONMAN it is!  He is way cooler anyways.  Hopefully finding a cake won't be a hassle now.  And the rest of his birthday present is easy now too, he told me he wants a Ironman costume so he can really BE Ironman.  They sell those at walmart, so winner winner chicken dinner.

Then off the Kohls, with another 15% off coupon.  Plus, I got in on the early bird bonus buys.  I ended up getting a nike outfit, a 3 piece pajama set, 2 pairs of shorts, a pair of windpants, 2 tshirts, a polo shirt,  and a pair of shoes all for Brody, plus a super cute pair each of white Apt. 9 capris and jean shorts, and two shirts for me!  Plus a few household items/gifts all for $136. PLUS I earned $30 in Kohls cash (which means I have to go shopping again next weekend; :)

Then I went to walmart for a few essentials, and ended up saving $16.75 in coupon savings.  

I'd say it was a pretty good day of shopping!  And I don't even have any pictures to share ~ I think this is the only picture I have taken all week!

Another Weekend Wedding

My best friend since grade school got married this weekend! It was a beautiful, fabulous time. Everything went smoothly, and on time. It rained, but we had cute hot pink umbrellas, so we didn't really care. The groom is a weatherman, and at the ceremony he got a lot of grief about how beautiful it was all week, until the day of wedding came around and it rained ALL DAY!! But the bride was smiling.

Here we are doing the finishing touches. Zoey, the cute little flower girl is giving Aunt Tia a big hug.


and here is the bride and I, right before she walked down the aisle to leave me in singledom!


at the ceremony, me and my Brody monster. He and the flower girl were the same age and were so cute together all night.

and late in the night, tearing it up on the dance floor with the flower girls mom. We both had to go to the wedding dateless. Her man was working and mine was in the field. Go figure! We always have a great time together though, so it was fun.


I feel like I haven't written in so long! Here's a little rundown of what is going on.

I got Brody signed up for preschool. It sort of makes me sad, but excited for him at the same time.

My brother is now "officially" engaged. They have actually been planning the wedding and had the ring bought since last October, but the stone wasn't set yet, and she wasn't wearing the ring, but now she is! Which means, another wedding (but not until June 2010). I should become a professional bridesmaid.

I am pretty sure Brody has a food allergy or reaction to pizza bagels. Everytime he eats them at daycare, he throws up. He doesn't have any other food allergies, and is a really good eater, so this is baffling to me.

Adam knows he has some decisions to make, and soon. He doesn't want me with anyone else, and I don't him either, but he is still so scared to commit. It's ridiculous, because really what is the difference?? It's almost comical to me at this point. he can't stay away and he knows it. He'll listen to his mom eventually. She loves me.
:)

I feel like I need another vacation. Maybe Vegas again, maybe North Carolina to visit Heather? Maybe just the Omaha Zoo?

Easter, in reverse.

These pictures loaded backwards, and I'm too lazy to fix them.  Here's a few of our weekend.  I've been swamped lately and have NO TIME for my computer!  I'm going through blogger and facebook withdraw!

Here's Brody after 2 chocolate bunnies, 4 pixie sticks, 3 peanut butter eggs, and a package of FunDip.  So much for my idea of not much candy, thanks grandma.

Here he is "trying on" the underwear that I said were too big for him.  "See mom, my butt fits!"

Seeing his basket of goodies for the first time.

This is the after shot of his haircut.  Blue tips on his spikey hair!

and this was Saturday morning, before his haircut!

Things I love today.

My new hair color. So fresh and ready for SPRING!


Easter weekend. I can't wait for Brody to hunt for eggs. I usually tend to get carried away for holidays. More fun that way!

The nice weather forecast for the weekend! The Easter egg hunt in the park tomorrow should be really fun!

Lady Gaga. Her CD is amazing.




Adam. I can't stay away.

and COFFEE.

(yes, I know I need a manicure. Next week, for the wedding!)

Easter Eggs