A Light Spin on Shepard’s Pie

When I am trying to figure out what to make for dinner, I think about what meat I have in my freezer; usually chicken, beef or ground turkey. I probably have about 10-15 “go-to” recipes I make but when I have either exhausted them or am missing half of the ingredients, I look to my good old friend (The Internet) to help me with some home-cooked inspiration. I say inspiration because I honestly rarely ever follow a recipe word for word (or ingredient for ingredient). I find something that looks appealing, use the main ingredients that I have and just throw in whatever else I can find in my cupboard.

I go grocery shopping about every two weeks so you can imagine that meal making at the end of those two weeks is a bit grim. I have to pull out all of the stops. Last week was one of those weeks and I found a recipe on skinnytaste.com for a light (meaning healthier) Shepard’s Pie that looked amazing. So, I made a few (lots) of changes and it turned out extremely delicious… that is why I am sharing it with you. You have to make it (my version). I also believe that my version might be a tad healthier. WooHoo!

——————————————————————————————————————–

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am going to call this one JANET’S SHEPARD PIE! So original.

Serving: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1lb Lean Ground Turkey
  • 4 Russett Potatoes
  • Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese (a handful  is good enough)
  • 1/2 Small Yellow Onion
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
  • Dried Rosemary
  • Olive Oil
  • Montreal Chicken Seasoning

Directions:

Place potatoes on microwave safe plate. Slice a line on the top of each potato. Microwave for 10 minutes or until fully cooked.

Preheat oven to 400.

Coat bottom of saute pan with 1 tsp of Olive Oil and brown your meat. While meat is cooking,  season with pepper, rosemary, Montreal seasoning and balsamic dressing (I would add just enough dressing to moisten it up). When finished, remove from heat, drain fat (if any) and set aside.

Dice your 1/2 onion and throw into a small saute pan. Add a dash of olive oil and saute on medium heat until tender. Add to meat mixture.

When Potatoes are finished cooking, remove skin and cut them into cubes (you should be able to easily peel off the skin).

Layer meat mixture into an 8×8 baking dish and top with potatoes. Sprinkle top of potatoes with salt and cheese.

Place in oven for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted on top.

Serve with a side of string beans or vegetable medley. Frozen… not canned. Yuck!

 

 

Sorry Charlie

I haven’t been writing because I haven’t felt like it. And I’ve been really bust getting ready for my life that is going to change (again).

I would really like to lay in bed all day and have a lot of money to remodel both of my babies rooms. Yeah, those are the two things consuming my mind lately.

Poof.

And here is my jazzed up 20 Week Belly Photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know, I’m so creative.

Goodbye.

I have a few confessions to make.

You may know that I struggle with guilt. I mostly struggle in the sense that I feel bad about something that really isn’t “that” important  (like having to miss a family function) or guilt related to my role as wife and mother (“I’m not doing a good job. A “good wife” would do ___”).

There are however, a few things that I would like to confess that I have done (or not done) in my past that haunts my thoughts sometimes. Possibly talking about them to the public would make me feel better? Nah. It is really because I felt like writing and the topic popped up into my head. But who knows, maybe some good will come out of it. The good will probably be that my readers were entertained for a minute and that is good enough for me.  =0P

1. When I was 15 I got my hair highlighted at a professional salon. That was the only time I have ever colored my hair. I only tipped the stylist $3-$5 (don’t remember the exact number but I’m leaning more towards $3). I know. I didn’t know any better. No one ever told me how much you are supposed to tip those people. I was getting my hair cut at Great Clips at the time so I just figured all services were covered under the same blanket.  I feel really bad. If I knew who the guy was I would go back and give him more money.

2. Along the same line… When my friends and I were in HS but not old enough to drive, we would sneak out of my parents house in the middle of the night and take Taxi’s to our other friends houses. We knew exactly how much the fare would cost to particular places so we scrounged up all of our pennies and quarters and jumped in the Taxi without a second thought. I’m pretty sure we never once tipped our driver. Who knew?! Again, I feel really bad because that is how those people make their money and they were stuck driving our cheap young butts around who didn’t know any better. (Sorry Mom! I’m pretty sure I have told you about this since then.)

3. I have serious guilt issues related to friends I had growing up that I thought I was “good friends” with but thinking back, I realize I wasn’t really a good friend at all. I thought I was, but most of the time I was just thinking of myself instead of being there for the people who really needed me. If I have offended you in this way I would really like the opportunity to apologize so please let me know. There are a few specific people and instances that I can think of but I am sure there are more…

4. One time, I told a friend I lost her really expensive Abercrombie sweater because I liked it and I didn’t want to give it back. I know, really terrible. I did actually lose it but when I found it I never told her. Another time I borrowed a shirt from another friend and accidentally ripped it so I told her I lost it because I didn’t want her to get mad. I am not sure how confessing to ripping it is worse than losing it but in my mind it was. I am really sorry to the two of you for doing this. We don’t talk anymore but if you happen to read this and you think this was you… it probably wasn’t. lol. I’m sorry!

5. I used to steal money out of my parents coin jar to buy ice cream from Mr. Softy. Yumm. I love me some Mr. Softy. (Sorry again, guys.)

 

I guess I feel a little better. I would feel even better if I had never done these things. Oh well. You live, you learn right?

And for the record, rule of thumb for tipping is %20 of your total bill. You’re welcome.

Baby #2: It’s a Boy!

Or as Ryan likes to announce: “It has a penis!”

I can’t believe it. I’m nervous. I was nervous to find out and now I’m nervous to know. It is like everything is new again. If he were a she I would feel more prepared because I already know what to expect and I already have everything for a girl. Now I need… boy stuff.

Ryan is thrilled. I am thrilled for Ryan. What do I do with a boy? Ryan likes to remind me that now I know how he felt when we had Lucy. It is kind of scary!

Lucy at first kept correcting us when we told her it was a boy- she said girl. If we said brother, she said sister. After a day or two of working with her I think she is starting to understand a little bit (as much as a two-year old can) and is a tiny bit excited to meet her new brother.  I think it has also helped that we have picked out his name so now we can all refer to the baby by his name which makes it a little more real, instead of just calling it “it” or baby.

What is his name you ask?

Abram (Abe-rum) Ryan Price

I know you don’t like it. This is what you are probably thinking:

  • What?! Are you Jewish?
  • Abram? So, you are going to call him Abe?
  • What about this name… I really like that name…

 It is ok. You will like it eventually.

What is the story behind the name? Why did we choose this one?

Well, honestly, it first came about when I was in High School. I watched Real World Road Rules and there was a contestant named Abram. He was a strong competitor, good looking and I thought he had a unique name. I liked it. When I proposed it to Ryan a way down the road, he thought it was a strong name and good for an athlete (lol).

When I started going to church I realized that Abram was also a biblical name. Interesting. Who was Abram in the Bible? Abram is Abraham. You can read all about it and why God changed his name in Genesis 12-17. This is not why we picked it, it just turns out that it happened to be in the Bible.

As you may remember, part of the reason we loved Lucy’s name so much was because of its meaning. Lucy means Light. We wanted her to be a light to our lives, a light to those around her, a light to a room and a light to the world. So far, she has been that person. She brings so much joy and “light” to all of those who know her (except maybe her cousin Mae who she likes to push around… sorry Mae!). I can only hope that Abram, which means “Leader of Nations” or “High Father”, will also be an example of or a portrait of what his name means. A leader. I hope so. I hope (and pray) that he will be a strong leader in his family, with his friends, in his profession… in all that he does. Not a leader that is “all mighty and powerful” but one that leads graciously, thinks outside the box, doesn’t fear what people think about him and stands firm in what he believes.

_______

How are you developing, Abram?

19 Weeks

Well first thing is that I am able to feel you kicking more and more. Instead of being reminded that I am pregnant by thinking ” Ugh, I am feeling sick”,  I am thinking “Awe, I can feel him move!”. Such a more positive outlook!

I am not sleeping very well but I know that is God’s way of preparing us for the lack of sleep to come when you are born.

The Sonographer commented that you have a big round belly. I guess you are getting all of that food you are making me crave. Broccoli please?!

The only other big or special thing is that you might be able to hear me now. Get used to it boy! I like to talk and sing and I do it alllll dayyyy longggg. You’re welcome!

________

I found a pair of maternity Capri’s on clearance for $2.98. Jackpot!

to tell the truth?

 That is the predicament I am faced with when people ask my opinion on a topic.

Do I tell them the truth and give them my opinion…. or just tell them what I think they really want to hear?

If someone asks my opinion I assume that they really want to know what I am thinking… that is why they are asking right?

I have a debate in my head whenever someone asks for my opinion. It is hardest when I really don’t like something. “Do I tell them what I really think? Do I try to make you feel good about yourself? Are you really asking because you want to know or are you looking for a compliment?”

Want an example? Sometimes if I don’t like something will answer a question with a question: “Do you like my new hair cut?” “Do you like your new hair cut?”. Or maybe I will come out and say “Do you really want to know my opinion?”. I really don’t want to hurt anyones feelings, but I also don’t want to lie to them.

I also feel like I don’t to give people a false opinion of themselves. How do you think all those people end up on American Idol? Because people can’t tell them the truth. They should really know before they make fools of themselves on national TV. Rest assure everyone… I will not let that happen to you!

My Aunt just asked me my opinion on a paint color that has taken her one year to pick out. I said: “I don’t think I should give you my opinion or my advice because it has taken you so long to finally make a decision.” That is honest right? She did tell me she did actually want my opinion. So I told her. I said that I did like the color she picked but if it were me I would pick this color or that color for these reasons… but I do like the color you picked. I know that I could have and probably should have spared her the extra stress by just saying “I love it. I think it is perfect.” but I just couldn’t, she asked my opinion!

Just more random things that I get to think about all day.

 

Trying to Get to The Library

Storytime at the Library: Thursday- 9:30 AM

My Plan

8:00 am feed children breakfast. Get Lucy dressed. Get Eli Dressed. Children play while Janet gets dressed. Double check purse for diapers, waters and snacks. Get Lucy’s Jacket on. Get Eli’s Jacket on. Send children to the front door. Put Janet’s jacket on. Let Lucy out, let Eli out and Janet follows. Lucy climbs into car and climbs into her seat. Put Eli in his seat and buckle, then buckle Lucy. Pull out of driveway. 9:20 on our way to Library.

What Happened

8:00 am ate breakfast. Changed Lucy’s clothes, changed Eli’s clothes. Eli’s out of diapers… no big deal… “Lucy, can you get Mommy one of your diapers for Eli?… Thank you Lucy! No! Don’t wipe your face with the wipe I have to use to wipe Eli’s butt… can you get me another one please? Nevermind, I’ll just fold it in half.” Children run off to go play in living room. Lucy says: “Janet!” I walk into living room… Lucy is naked. Put Lucy’s clothes back on. Go to my room to get dressed. Where are my pants? My pants are in the dryer. Go downstairs, children follow me. Children play in basement, Janet gets dressed. First pair too tight. Second pair fits.  Janet goes downstairs to get children. Lucy is naked (again) and Eli pooped. It is 9:14. Put Lucy’s clothes back on. “Lucy, do not take your clothes off, we are going to the Library.” Take children upstairs to change Eli’s diaper. Changed. Lucy’s shoes are off. “Lucy, do not take your shoes off, we have to go to the Library!” Lucy says: “No Library!” Fine. Eli and I will go to Library together by ourselves. Eli’s Jacket is on. Lucy’s shoes back on. Janet’s jacket on. Where is Lucy? Hiding under the dining room table. Walk to the front door and shake keys. Lucy comes running. Lucy’s jacket on. Send Lucy outside. Send Eli outside. Janet walks out. Lucy crawls down steps, Eli crawls down steps. I pick up Eli and make Lucy walk. Lucy climbs in car and in seat, put Eli in car. Eli asks for a bottle “No Eli, I don’t have a bottle for you right now, we will eat a snack after the Library”. The word snack reminds Lucy that she wants a snack. “Snack! Mommy, I have snack? Snack peeze?” “I will give you a snack when Mommy gets into the car.” Mommy gets in car. Lucy gets snack. Eli wants snack: “Snack, Danet. Eli snack”. “Lucy, can you share your snack with Eli? (Lucy gives Eli a pc of her snack) Thank you Lucy for being a good friend and sharing your snack with Eli.” Lucy: “Mommy, I have water now?” “Crap. I forgot your water Luc… sorry”. It is 9:32.

All I have to say is that I love Ice Cream.

=)

 

i have a staring problem

Guilty.

If you know me, you know this about me. If you don’t know me, you have probably noticed this about me.

For a long time I actually didn’t notice that this was an issue I have. It wasn’t until a friend of mine confronted me about it that I realized “you’re right! I do-do that!”.

Why do I do this?

Well, I like to think that I am observant. I actually am really observant but I guess that is only because I stare at people. I am usually staring because I see something interesting- an outfit, a conversation between two people who seem passionate and I’m trying to figure out what it is about, something flashy, something unique/different/interesting.

Sometimes this causes problems.

I have now become friends with two people who have recently told me that I am intimidating and they thought I hated them. They both said that I was always glaring at them.

Recently I got caught staring at someone. This is what was going through my head: Hm. They look interesting. I wonder where they are from. I would like to ask them but how do I randomly start talking to them without sounding awkward. Before I had time to come up with an answer I was busted and forced to open my mouth because I didn’t want them to think I was being rude. This is what I said: “Oh. I didn’t mean to stare. I just thought you guys looked interesting and I was wondering if I could ask you some questions.” Ummm. Idiot. (Talking to strangers is another problem I have. I don’t think it is a problem but my friends do.)

Honestly though, I think what is really happening is that I am just a big thinker (not to be confused with deep thinker) and day dreamer . There are times that I could possibly be looking at something or someone and  totally be in “Outer Space” and have no clue that I am staring because I am stuck in my head.

So, for those of you who have fallen victim to my eye balls… I apologize. I don’t hate you. I am not judging you. I might be checking you out. I probably am being nosey. I most likely have no clue that I have or am doing it.

Glad we got that straight.