Staycation 2009

Yes, we stayed home for spring break this year. It was actually quite nice not packing up a suitcase, waiting in lines or finding a house/dog sitter. We enjoyed the freedoms of sleeping & eating whenever we wanted, having friends sleep over, and relaxing with a good book or a movie we have been meaning to watch. I did come to a few realizations while on this staycation.....

• Having no schedule for an entire week is really quite liberating & relaxing

• I do enjoy cooking & wish I had more time

• I'm glad we have family dinner together almost every night
  
• We don't really watch that much television when the weather is nice
  
• Car rides are quiet when the kids have ipods
  
• I can read a lot when I am not working

• The Zoo was great even though we were cold all day

• We own too much stuff & don't need it
  
• I have a great husband & kids
  
• We are all looking forward to summer vacation
  

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

I am always trying to find new recipes for my picky eaters. We eat a lot of chicken & it's hard to find creative ways to serve it up. This was recipe was a hit, so I thought I would share.

4 chicken breast halves, skinless & boneless
4 slices of Swiss Cheese
4 slices of thin ham
1 can cream of chicken soup plus 2/3 cup milk
2 cups of fine seasoned stuffing or bread crumbs (not cubes)

Mix soup & milk in a bowl with whisk. Set aside. In a baking dish, sprinkle bottom of dish with about 1 cup of seasoned stuffing. Top with chicken pieces, then ham (I cut mine into 3rds) & then top with Swiss cheese (also cut mine into 3rds) Pour soup mixture over all. Sprinkle rest of seasoned stuffing over top.
Bake at 300* for 1 1/2 hrs . Cover with foil if getting too brown.

We enjoyed this with a salad & crescent rolls. What an easy meal!

Spencer's Birthday

Well, I had almost forgotten to post for Spencer's birthday. I can't believe how much time has past since we had our first child was born. He turned 12 yrs old this year.

Spencer Davis Downing was born on March 11, 1997. He shares his birthday with my mother too. He was such a great little baby & we couldn't believe we were parents. He made it very easy for us.

He was so good & John loved taking him to the race track. He would talk to anyone & was such a good car rider on our trips.

I love this picture. After he got his glasses, they were always hanging off the end of his nose. I think that is when we started calling him "little man". This is one of the bunnies we found in the back yard.

As he got older, he loves to be outside. He enjoys riding his bike, playing with friends & developing his love of sports. How many jerseys can a boy have?

Spencer is a true sports junkie. He can't get enough!

He remembers all the facts he reads & loves to watch games 24/7.

Now instead of just watching sports, he plays. He loves playing football & basketball.

He is crazy about his dog, Wayne. They sleep together & hang out watching

sports. He is a growing & changing boy. He got braces this year, wears contacts & now has an attitude.

Overall, Spencer is a good kid. He has nicknamed himself "Beast" hence why we had to take

this picture at the Beastly Bazaar. He loves his sister & his family, is great with his younger nieces & nephews, and makes us laugh.

He makes the move to jr high school this fall. He plans on trying out for football. It makes me nervous, but he will probably be just fine. He has had a rough year & is looking forward to a great summer of swimming & fun with friends & family.

Spencer, we love you & Hope you had a great birthday!