Stephen's 13th Birthday

We celebrated Stephens 13th Birthday on Wednesday, December 2nd.  It was a school day, and work day, so not much celebrating.

But we did have cake.

chocolate cake.

 And 13 candles, and maybe a wish or two.

We did have a small party for him at the bowling alley with two of his friends, Nico and Alex on Friday. I think they had fun.  We did.  

It is hard to believe that my youngest is 13.  I know that we all have to go through this...but I am feeling really old.

We have two great kids.  And, now both are teenagers.  It's not as bad as everyone talks about. 

Shepherd's Pie

Meat and Potatoes.

Really, comfort food.

Ground beef 2 pounds

2 medium onions chopped

3 cloves of garlic chopped

2 carrots chopped

1 small can tomato paste

1 cup ketchup

1 beef bullion

1/2 cup hot water

black pepper

Worcestershire sauce - to taste (I use 1 tablespoon)

1 large can of green beans

Mashed potatoes

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Brown the hamburger, onions, garlic and carrots. Drain.

Mix together the ketchup, paste, beef bullion and water. Add the sauce to the beef mixture.  Season with black pepper (to taste).  Pour into a 9 x 13 pan.

Top with the green beans.

Top the green beans with the mashed potatoes (okay, I have to confessed. I used Ore-Ida Steam and Mash - these were great - two packages of the russett potatoes).

Make sure that the edges are sealed with the potatoes (adds to the yum factor).  Sprinkle some sharp cheddar.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly.

Serve immediately.

Yummy - really.

Serve with a salad or nothing at all.

Tomatoes, Part Two

Yes, it is November, and NOW I have tomato blossoms.

YES!

And, some of these.

I will keep you posted.

ha.

Fall

I love fall, but not in Florida. The trees don't turn. Weather really never gets cool, and if it does, it doesn't stay that way.

But, I bring a little of in. Gourds. They show the colors of fall.

My bowl of Fall.

October Breast Cancer Awareness

Friends.

1 in 8 will get breast cancer. I believe we already had ours...many of ours actually.

Beth, Gretchen, Dana, Sandie. That's four - we are done.

Shana is a consultant for Longaberger. She participated in a Horizon of Hope (breast cancer) awareness fund raiser.




Gerber Daises were Beth's favorite flower. Pink. Mine too.



They raised $1,300 for a cure. This will become an annual event. I liked being with friends on this one.

Remember to do your exams, and get a mammogram!