Whatcha got cookin.

Today I am doing pork chops, ala crockpot. I am in love with the crockpot - as they say on the "Ronco" commericals - "set it and forget it".

Today's chops are being cooked in a fruit stuffing, complete with apples, cranberries, celery and onion. It smells SOOO good right now.

Last night, we were in Alma. We went to see an old classmate/roommate of Brian's - Bob Gruca play at Alma College. He is a classical guitarist. I honestly had no clue what to expect, but I will say, it was excellent!

If you would like to hear an example, visit his page: http://www.robertgruca.com/

Well, off to get some stuff done while Isaac is napping!

Hope everyone is keeping warm!

For those who thought it sounded good - here's the recipe:

Chops with fruit stuffing

6 boneless pork loin chops
1 tbsp oil
6oz herb stuffing mix
2 celery ribs
1 med tart apple, peeled and chopped
1 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup butter

Brown chops on both sides in oil. Combine remainder of ingredients in bowl.

Place half stuffing in slow cooker. Top with pork and remaining mixture. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until meat reads 160 degrees. (Makes 6 servings)

Adventures in cloth diapers

For a long time, my green, earthy side has regretted not starting Isaac out in cloth diapers. Obviously, there are so many new things for a first time mom, trying to figure out the art of cloth diapers in a disposable world was sort of terrifying.

So today...we made the leap...ok, just a little leap, but one all the same!

I went with my friend Christine to Hopscotch, a terribly cute boutique in GR that is "THE PLACE" for those who want to invest in cloth diapers. (http://www.hopscotchstore.com/) I was shocked to learn how many different options and configurations there are in the cloth world. These "ain't yo momma's cloth diapers". Some of them could be configured in so many ways, I was amazed.

I bought some cloth diapers. I know what you are thinking...white squares with huge pins, noisy rubber pants...oh no...they are SOO different these days!

I chose one of the "mid-grade" styles - simple and easy to use - however, avoiding any pins, Velcro, etc. They are called "AngelDry Diapers" and I bought enough for 4 diapers a day. They have an outer "diaper" with an inner changeabl liner. When we get used to 4 a day...then maybe we will buy a few more. They even had some at the store that are the cloth equivalent of "pull ups"...which was pretty cool too! (that's a while off though!)

My thought is to introduce them on days when we are at home, still using the disposable when we are out and about, at day care, nighttime etc. Allegedly, potty training is easier in cloth diapers...so we shall find out!

Anyways, that's the adventure of the day.... :)

Been a while....

Ok...I know it has been a while since I have blogged...but life has been busy! Last weekend, Brian went away for a boys weekend at our neighbor's cottage, and I had some girlfriends over on Saturday night. Dawn, Courtney and I went shopping during the afternoon - and then Leslie joined us for a delicious pasta, whipped up by Courtney. We finished off the night with wine by a fire.

Then, I got great news that my friends - Glenn and Kathy, had their little girl! Congrats!! WHOO HOO, welcome little Ava! I can't wait to meet her this weekend!

This has been a unique week for me. I was "furloughed" due to lack of work this week. We are a bit slow, and obviously, the part timer is the first to go...but I sure hope nothing huge happens with my projects. I should be off for 4 weeks, as I told them 3 weeks was the min. for me to cancel my daycare. It's been nice being home with Isaac - but man, is he exhausting! Clean house - what? I did get to whip up some meatloaf and potato salad yesterday...and today I am making a hearty black bean soup....Yum. I love cooking when I am home! I have been able to go to the gym twice already this week, which has been awesome!

Today, while on the cross trainer, I could watch the kids playing in the gym. I noticed Isaac was REALLY into the basketballs, and all the sudden, he was being chased by 2 little girls. Poor guy, he couldn't get away from them! I told him on the way home, in about 15 years, he will love being chased by girls. Ha.

Anyways, I will try to upload some pictures later this week. I am off to finish my Shutterfly book of Cancun pictures so I can get it ordered...

Have a great week - and keep warm!

Da-Da needs to push record next time.

So today Becky & I were in the bathroom giving Isaac a bath. We did the normal "Say Ma-Ma". To our pleasure he said it clear as day. Like any good parent with a video camera I ran to get it so we could document this exciting event. We sat there for about 5 minutes and he was so proud of himself that when we told him to say his 3 words, MaMa, DaDa, and Ball, he would say exactly what we asked him to.

He was proud, we were proud.

And then I had the sinking feeling of hearing the tape start recording as I thought I was stopping it...I guess some things are just meant to be private memories rather then YouTube ones.