CHEERS

Happy Anniversary, J-B.

No seven year itch on my end!

I love you.

W was gone! I freaked out. I went to check on them before I went to bed and W wasn't in his bed. I looked in his bathroom, our bathroom, my closet and everywhere else that he could possibly be. I tore downstairs in a frenzy to tell J that he was missing. In the back of my mind I knew he had to be there but still, I was wild-eyed and scared, really. We both went back up. I went to his room. I'm not quite sure where J went but W was there. Curled in a ball in his old rocking chair sleeping.


The boy is a sleep walker. It runs in the family. I vaguely remember Uncle RaRa doing this too.


J thinks I am crazy but 2 nights ago I heard something. I was awake but I wasn't. You know how that goes. and then I got up to go to the bathroom and the light was on. I am a bit OCD. I would NEVER leave the light on. I woke J up to ask him if he left the light on. He said no and went back to sleep with no lingering concern. Then I started thinking if it were a ghost. It's possible. Don't tell me it's not.


But last night it all came into focus. The boy is a sleep walker. It runs in the family. I vaguely remember Uncle RaRa doing this too.


So I have been researching it. I found this on http://www.emedicinehealth.com/


"Approximately 15% of chiildren between 4-12 years of age will experience sleepwalking. (I knew it!) Generally sleepwalking behaviors are resolved by late adolescence; however, approximately 10% of all sleepwalkers begin their behaviors as teens. A genetic tendency has been noted." (so he gets it from Uncle RaRa)


I've also read elsewhere that sleepwalkers can do anything from just sitting up in bed to having sex!!!! Great. Something else to worry about during the teen years.

HE BRINGS HOME THE BACON,

I fry it up in a pan!

J travelled all last week for work. By Thursday when a friend asked how I was holding up, my response was "I'm about to crack."

He was supposed to be home Friday, at 5 o'clock. The boys and I shopped for the most scrumptious welcome home meal and by 4 I was prepping. And then, I got the text. I had said when he left that he would't make it home when he was supposed to. Murphy's Law. Weather and maintenance problems made him 3 hours late By that point "TV causes obesity" and "is bad for kids" meant nothing to me. They were logging 4+ hours of overexposure and I didn't care because I was glassy eyed and like I said, about to crack.

But it all turned out well. He got home around 9:00. and supper was deeeelicious.

When planning my menu, I tried to think about him, what he would like to eat. Because, ladies, you know how it goes. All Christmas presents and meals made for your man are centered around what you would really like-consciously or subsconsiouly. I am ready to admit even if you aren't. I chose T-Bone Florentine from Giada's Everyday Italian. Even though I have always watched her make that recipe with drool dripping from the corner of my mouth, it was meat. and I knew he would like it...with potatoes, of course. I found the most disgustingly decadent recipe at Epicurious for croasted Yukon potatoes with Bacon and Cheese. They don't mention Bacon fat in the title but it is prevalent. and I know he is a sucker for a wedge of lettuce with blue cheese dressing. as long as it's not Paul Newman's. That's a topic for another day.

My Baby

I took the boys to the dentist last week. She told me that I needed to stop giving Pman his bottle. He's 3. She said, "I know he's your baby but......." I never considered that I was not letting go of "my baby", until I heard those words.

When W was 2 I sent him to "school" for the first time. Half a day, 3 days a week. I cried in the classroom, sobbed outside of the school gate and hyperventilated all the way home. I felt guilty for the whole year. Alternately, before Master P was even 2 I kicked him out of the house to go to "school" with a smile on my face. I love you, P. I have been thinking about her words a lot and have come to the conclusion that maybe I am holding on to my sweet and adorable baby and subconsciously wishing he would stay that way. I mean, we still give him a bottle. We still let him have his pacifiers in bed, and his "white bed" is a crib.

(When I say "we", I mean '"me. J would have taken away all of that a year ago despite the major meltdowns we would have to endure forever).

He's really not a baby. Out of the blue at dinner tonight he looked across the table at me, smiled, batted his eyelashes and said, "I love you, Mommy."
"I love you too", my heart melted.
"I want to sleep with you tonight!"
"No", without hesitation. We don't do that in this house, never have.

But is that manipulation at its best, or what? He didn't seem like a baby then.

and then on the way to take a shower he asked me if he could "take off my underwear."

If you are speechless so was I!!!!! I didn't say no. I said HELL, NO! And what baby would ask that kind of question? I mean, really. (before you go thinking my child is a perv let me explain that he is really into dressing and undressing himself these days. I think he figured since he has it down pat, he would help me.)

So, obviously I am starting to rethink the bottle and the pacifier and the crib and even more obviously, undressing in front of him because he isn't a baby anymore. But he will always be my baby, right?

Mardi Gras and the big 4-0

The whole city of New Orleans celebrated my 40th birthday this year. and they seemed to be having a fabulous time. For presents I received a whole lot of beads (but had to scream "Throw me somethin' mista!" to get them and I got to see a lot of live music (on the parade route), I have to admit I was a bit bummed when I found out my big 4-0 was during Mardi Gras. Kind of put a crimp in the way I wanted to celebrate but it turned out to be very memorable. J and I spent the actual day downtown whooping it up. (You don't want to see pictures. Not pretty. Or maybe you do but I don't want you to see them). The night before we celebrated with the boys. I will show you those photos. Botox here I come!


When the weekend arrived we started full force going to parades. The boys were both VERY into it this year which made for a fun Mardi Gras. J and I went to one parade without them to celebrate another friends birthday. and while we had a blast it felt like something was missing not having Pman screaming "Throw me somethin', Mista! into this hat!" (he got a fireman's hat from a parade). We went to EVERY parade and drank more Mardi Gras Madrases than you could shake a stick at. All of the parades were great. The floats were beautiful. The bands were at their peak. There is one parade that rolled Monday night that was pretty awful. They were stingy with their throws (unless they recognized someone in the crowd) and I just didn't care for it this year but all and all we were all satisfied.

By the time Mardi Gras day rolled around I was kind of done but I put on my tennies, poured up one last Mardi Gras Madras and took to the streets. When it was all over we had our annual feast of Popeye's fried chicken and topped the night off with a Classic Combo from Reginelli's. We watched "The Pageantry" of the Carnival Balls with a glass of wine in hand that took everything out of me to gag down. But hell, it was Mardi Gras day and the debauchery would soon be over. and thank goodness it is! and their faces could not have said it any better than that.

A shout out to our friends R, J and J for giving W the clown idea. That's what he chose as we were painting faces in the morning.

Everyday Sunday Margaritas

A few years ago a friend shared her Margarita recipe with me. I am super finicky about my Margaritas. I am a true lover of the Mexican concoction but I don't just enjoy every one that hits my lips. I hate mixes and until she shared her recipe I always preferred just fresh squeezed lime to any other mix. So I took her secret and I improved upon it. and Voila! (don't know the spanish word for Voila!) that is how I got my secret easy Margarita recipe. Uncle RaRa calls often for this recipe and a friend also called on Super Bowl Sunday for it and she was actually the one who suggested that I put it here.

Ingredients:
1 small can of Minute Maid Limeade
2 cups of Tequila
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
3 limes, juiced (sometimes 2 depending on how tart you like yours)
1 orange, juiced

Prepare Limeade according to directions.
Add all other ingredients.
Mix and serve over ice
Garnish with a lime wedge.

The limeade is key. I keep a supply in the freezer so I can make a batch at a moments notice. So next time you swing by here.....you can have a Margarita in seconds. Voila!

OH! and the best part is they freeze really well. so if you just feel like one or two you can shove the rest in the freezer for another day.

An early Valentines'

My Valentines day from both J and the boys came early this year.
J surprised me with drinks at La Petite and dinner at Lilette, followed by more drinks at the bar next door. Can't remember the name but needless to say, on Sunday I had a Valentines hangover. William's big Valentines gift to me was one that he didn't even know he was giving. The gift of healthy eating. Say it again? Yes, the gift of healthy eating from a boy who only eats CRAP. He decided yesterday to not have french fries with his chicken fingers and instead have fresh fruit. I did a secret Valentines Day dance in my head. and THEN when we went to Superior Grill he said that he was going to eat his whole quesadilla first before eating his french fries. The boy was good to his word. I am not sure where this change has come from but we are rolling with it.

So I think I will declare this the most productive and best Valentine's Day I have ever had....since I had kids.

100 Day Party

Today is W's 100th day of Pre-K! hence the reason for the 100 day party. It's been quite the buildup. He asks almost every day when the 100th day of school is going to be...and he has been doing it from the beginning of the year. So when he told me they were allowed to bring treats to the party I went into full super mom mode. We spent the weekend blowing up 100 balloons. Btw I think I have developed a latex allergy from blowing them all up. The boys were a HUGE help. As soon as I finished blowing up one, they would hand me another. Couldn't have done it without them. A little shout out to J for blowing up 15 for me without me knowing. So when I thought I had 20 more to go, I only had 5!!!! We spent Sunday afternoon baking the cake. It was a process. I looked on the internet for some handy tips on icing cutouts. I had to freeze each section for 30 minutes, ice it with the "crumb layer", refreeze it for another 30 minutes before my final icing. worked like a charm. Might just be going into the party cake business. I got 15 dollars worth of M&M's in his school colors. Had NO IDEA they would cost that much but by this point I was in too deep. W decorated the final iced "100" with 100 chocolate treats that he counted out. He was very proud as you can see. So if you have any questions about creating a fabulous 100 day cake for your child or need advice on blowing up 100 balloons.....I say, don't do it. Just kidding. It turned out to be a fun project.

I am struggling with several things as a mom lately. I think each issue deserves its own post so I will start with the less disturbing of the two. I am still not sure it is something I should publicize because I don't want to take anything away from W. He is kind and sweet and imaginative and I have to say, quite creative. He composes his own songs. They are funny and loud and rhythmic. Our drive to school in the morning has become a time for singing and scatting and we have a ball. But there is one thing that is grating on my nerves. and that is Monkey. For those of you who do not know Monkey, he is W's best friend. Papa gave him to W as a baby. Monkey is attached to W's hip inside the house. and just recently he has been going to school for nap time. He is dirty and disgusting. But W loves him and well, he loves W. I love Monkey too. I have Snoopy and I believe that all children should have a "Monkey" or "Snoopy". So what is my issue you ask?
Monkey now talks.
and Talking Monkey drives me NUTS! Of course W talks for him but he uses "Monkey's voice" and let me say it again. It drives me NUTS! He wants to play with us and eat with us and read with us. and Monkey talks A LOT! Do you get it? I can barely look at them when Monkey is talking because it grates on my nerves so badly. The only saving grace is that sometimes what Monkey says and does gives me insight into what is going on with W. But I am hoping this is a very very short phase because it's becoming increasingly difficult to respond to Monkey.

Has it been that long!? I've had several inquiries about my status as a blogger in the new year. I wasn't one for the past few months but am feeling a comeback. Slowly but surely.

I have found time management very difficult in the past few months. Trying to juggle working out, my new tennis hobby, running errands and the boys and their after school activities has proved very draining for me. But we have passed many milestones and the boys are BIG! See for yourself.

This was at my niece and goddaughter, Baby J's christening a week ago. Oh and you have yet to meet Baby J, am I right?

She's a beut, ain't she? (Supposedly Uncle RaRa thinks that she is the only pretty baby ever born. I beg to differ because I know mine were pretty but I won't go there. I'll let him have his day). It's nice to have a beautiful baby girl in the family. The dress and bonnet or whatever you call it is a 'family heirloom'. Mimi bought it in Brussels back in ohhhhhh, 1990, before either Uncle RaRa or I were married or even engaged. She jumped the gun a bit, wouldn't you say? Mimi was desperate for grandchildren.

So we now have 3 grandchildren on my side of the family with the addition of Baby J. It's been fun but oh! how I don't miss those early months of mommydom. We are in a good spot, kind of....

So keep a look out for our daily antics. I have a lot to share...tantrums, attitudes, karate, play dates, potty training, oh yeah! hasn't been a dull moment. Or dry one for that matter.

Katrina 5+

Five years ago today I was four days out of the hospital with a c-section and the Little Buddy was 9 days old. We were sitting on the couch watching the weather. I started to freak out and called my dad to tell him that the hurricane was coming and we needed to "get out". We needed to evacuate to North Carolina. He was on the golf course at the time. He hadn't seen an update since the day before and he said that it wasn't a big deal. Then he told us to check into a hotel. I flipped. I think that was the first and only time that I didn't fully accept my dad's advice as law. An hour later he called us back and told us to come on. By the time we got there it was the middle of the night and I gave W formula so I could drink wine. I was exhausted and still recovering from surgery. On Monday after the storm when we realized that we wouldn't be going home we decided to christen W in the Mountain Chapel. Grown men and women were crying for this baby. (and I am crying now). We still see people when we visit to this day who remember W as the Katrina baby.

W wouldn't sleep in his crib for 2 1/2 months. I will never forget the first time he and I came back to our house. He took a nap in his crib and slept like he had never slept before and that was when I knew I was ready to come home.

Hurricane Katrina seems so surreal. It seems like it was 20 years ago that I was living in Baton Rouge, post par tum depressed, with another couple who would turn out to be some of our best friends.

W will never grasp the full extent of what happened to him his first two months of his life. Fortunately he won't remember the mom that I was-crying all of the time but all the while loving him so fiercely.

I was and am lucky to have J as my husband. Patient and thoughtful of not only me and W but of what he needed to do to take care of our family.

We were lucky to have my parents put us up for 4 weeks while J and the firm got settled in BR. I realized this past weekend at the company's anniversary party just how special the firm is. I knew we were lucky to be a part of it but they really have some amazing people who responded in a way that many other companies never did, quickly, efficiently and always thinking of their employees and the future of the company.

Everyone has their story. and so I know that ours could have been much worse but the descriptions of our looted home still play in my mind. I can never remember if I really saw these things or if it's just what J described to me in detail. His whole closet scattered all over our bedroom. Our bed totally torn apart. A cocktail glass on the hallway floor with a bottle of vodka that the looters had left behind. My jewelry box left out open and empty of my grandmother's jewelry. More sentimental than valuable. The busted up back door swinging wildly open.

I remember the first time J brought W and I back to NOLA to visit. It was an inexplicably beautiful fall day. It was cool and sunny. I remember the way the sun shone through the trees.
I do. I remember driving down Magazine Street and eating on paper plates at Theo's pizza. It was the most delicious and happy meal that I had eaten in a long time.

Sighhhhhh! Fiver years later we are looking back and thanking God for bringing us home. Like I said, everyone has their story and I don't think any of us will ever tire of telling our own because it was like the strangest dream you have ever had.

Today W is five years old, starting Pre-K and loving every minute of it. Five years ago I never had time to imagine what this day would be like for him. For a few months we lost our dreams for our children. But now we can start dreaming again.

Dirty Sponges

I have a thing about sponges. Used dry sponges gross me out. I can't take the smell. Then when you wet them they smell worse. AND the stank clings to your hands if you touch the sponge. It's a distinct smell. Do you know it? For so long I thought it was our New Orleans water that gave them this stench. but when I went to visit my parents their sponge smelled the same way. No one else seems to smell this smell except for me. Anyway, I went to Luke last night with Uncle RaRa and Aunt JoJo. The restaurant smelled like those stenchy sponges. and on our way to the back where we were to be seated, the smell just got worse like they were wiping down the place with my old sponges. Yuck. But that was the only thing that bugged me about Luke. It hasn't always been my first choice of restaurants. I have always sat in the front room and it makes me feel like I am in a cheap hotel lobby. But last night we ate in the back, near the kitchen. I loved it! The food as always was delicious and the service if anything was rushed but still good. OMG. I cannot wait to go back and eat one of their onion tartes all by myself. The waiter explained the cooking process to us. They take puffed pastry, bake it lightly then pan saute it, put the brie de meaux (I think it was that) and carmelized onions on top and melt it down. To die for. My mouth is watering as I type.

When we decided to go to Luke I was kind of bummed. I am trying to eat healthy and light but I knew that I would have to have the Croque Madame if I went there. I actually was encouraged to get the chicken over the CM by the waiter. I wasn't disappointed. MMMMMM-MMMMM. We arrived around 6:20 and were home by 8:00. So it was quick and easy and delicious. They just need to bleach their sponges.

I know this is a late post but
Happy Birthday Baby LB!!!! I was so happy to meet you. You are beautiful.

My fans are missing out on this absolutely adorable new baby girl. I can't post a photo because she is not technically mine but oh my, you would just want to eat her up.

Uncle RaRa and Aunt JoJo should have their sweet baby soon and then I will have two new baby girls in my life. and boy will Auntie Ann spoil them rotten.

You are not alone!

W is a nonstop chatterer. This from a child who didn't speak until well past 2. I mean, he goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on...you get my drift. He is a crazy talker. He asks a ton of questions, especially in the car. He is fascinated with the break, ignition, gas pedal, how fast we are going, the green lights, stopping at red lights. But he also just talks. It's almost like he just talking to hear himself talk. I do that every now and then so I am not judging. I mentioned this new phase to J and he said, "I know. I love it!" What a great dad. I do too but sometimes....well, I won't say it.

So this morning I was going through my emails, the ones that I skip over but have to get to at some point. The one from Baby Center said this:

"Ages 4 and 5 are sometimes called the chatterbox years. Talking is how your child gets a handle on the intricacies of the language and also learns, expresses new ideas, and forms social relationships. So be patient if your 5-year-old doesn't ever seem to pause. This is an important and necessary developmental stage-not to mention a fun one. Hearing her every thought expressed is like having a window into her brain!"

I like when I read stuff like this because I know I am not alone.

A Little Bit of a Break

Big sigh of relief! They are both at school and I am feeling good. Pman had his first day on Monday. Can't show you a photo because they broke my camera cord but he sure looked cute. What to do with myself.......Hmmmmm. A good friend said she was feeling empty having both kids in school. Me, not so much. I love them with all of my heart but I am ready for a little bit of a break. And believe you me, it really is a "little bit of a break" because before you know it they are out for conferences, and fall holiday and teacher development day. The list goes on.

But anyone who questions my loyalty as a mom should think twice. This time inspires me to not only be a better person, more fit, more patient and to pursue interests that I haven't had time for in the past 5 years but also and more importantly to be a better mom. After our morning away yesterday I sat on the floor and did a gargantuan puzzle with W. That took us forever but we had fun. Then we sat in the sun porch and read his new library books. It's been awhile since we spent quality time like that. We all played basketball with big tupper ware containers in the hallway. I admit, it started to go down hill about the time we went outside to blow bubbles. But up until then we were all happier and having more fun than we have had in a long time.

So welcome back all you moms who needed just a little bit of a break.

W starts Pre-K

Can you believe it? That five years ago W was born and about to be torn out of his home to live in evacuation mode? and now he is starting Pre-K. My baby.

He had a great day. It could have a lot to do with the fact that Thursdays are always donut day but I think that he just had an all around fun time. I also think that he was as ready to go back to school as I was to have him go back to school. It was a little bittersweet but, golly I was ready. We were all bored and hot sitting around this city with nothing to do. Our pool is now closed during the week. My kids are not huge fans of the monkey room and I am too lazy to take them each and every day somwhere to keep them entertained. Nothing wrong with a little creative boredom, is there? Wrong. It was driving us all crazy.

So off we went for his first day of big boy school, with his big boy backpack, ready for whatever came him way. Here he is. I think I overdid it on the backpack but I didn't want to get the small one and then have him look like a baby to all the other kids. Little did I know that it would be bigger than him.


and good news for all of us. Once school really gets rolling I will have the much desired time that I need to keep up with my fans! Happy schooling everyone.

Pman still takes a pacifier. I go through stages of being aggravated with it and not but more so when he's throwing a tantrum over not having one because he has thrown it somewhere random. Anyway, it happened this afternoon after bath time and it was totally annoying to me at the time. I told him that it didn't matter that he couldn't find it because in a few weeks he was going to have to give his pop pops to Baby J, Uncle RaRa and Aunt JoJo's new baby. He screamed back in aggravation. Then I was getting him dressed and putting on his diaper which made me a bit more aggravated just because I was already annoyed so I added, "and you are going to have to give Baby J your diapers too because she's a baby and you can start pee peeing in the potty."

His response, " I don't like Baby J!"

So there.

I had just gotten out of the shower, was drying off and about to put on my bathing suit for our morning at the pool. W and Pman walked in on cue (it's like a whistle sounds the minute I take off clothes, sit on the toilet or get out of the shower). and W says, "Hey, I like your things that make milk for cows."

I think it's time I stop dressing in front of them. What do you think?

Poopying (v.)

Poopying-I can't find a definition for it but it is certainly an often used word in our house. It's a verb of course and W does a lot of it. But since Pman has approached the two and a half mark, W seems to be doing a lot more "poopying'. Or so we thought. It kind of got out of control. I mean, he was poopying for hours upon hours and then one day I intruded on his privacy. That's a big thing around here. "I need privacy" is a sacred phrase. If you say it, it's taken seriously by anyone and anybody. It's the only thing I can say to get alone time in the shower or the potty. But one day I disregarded his statement. Please forgive me oh, poopy god of privacy, and I walked in only to find W on the closed toilet reading a book. His response was that he needed to get away from "all of Pman's crying."

Amen brother. That one statement completely describes our lives right now. God love him, that Pman, but anything to find a few minutes of peace from him. Even if it's sitting in the lou for half an hour.

On another note...W went to the potty this morning after listening to Pman whine and cry over anything and everything. I think he went in for solace and ended up deciding he had to go. So he was in there for at least 30 minutes. When finally he asked for help, the toilet bowl was full, as usual. Really full. I know, too much information, but he got up and I told him I would flush it and he said, "the flusher is broken". I sighed and thought to myself, you knew the toilet was broken but you just filled her up anyway? and yep, shurnuf, she wouldn't flush. What a great beginning to the day.

I have forgotten

I have to admit I had forgotten about you, blog. Not that I don't love you but my life has become so hectic that I don't have much down time to remember what you gave me when I was a lonely new mom looking for an outlet. and then someone asked where I was and I remembered the good times. So I'm back.

The boys are crazy big and I feel so guilty that most of Pman's life hasn't been documented. Neither on here or in a journal. He will have huge gaps and for that I am sorry. because he is quite the character, still Master P in every since of the word. Kind of crazy, kind of a terror but oh so loveable and cute. I told J last night after he had his way with me by cutting his eyes around at me that he was going to skate through life thinking he is cute and using those cutting eyes and dimples on everyone and everything who gets in his way. J's response was horrifying!!!!!

"Nothing that Marine Officer Boot Camp Training won't cure him of"

I know he says things like that to get a rise out of me. It ain't happenin'.

We've been to the beach since we've last talked. It was a happy trip. Just look how my boys have grown!

Finally!

Aaaah! Finally I have a few hours to myself and what am I doing? sitting at a coffee shop, blogging, reading magazines and researching camps for my kids. I know most of you have been wondering if I fell off the face of the earth. But I didn't. The kids were out of school for what seemed like forever and I am now on a mission to get all schools to go back the Thursday after Mardi Gras. Do they really need another whole week of vacation? I mean, we have Thanksgiving and we have Christmas and now we have almost a day off for Super Bowl and then the Victory parade and then Mardi Gras and THEN, yes, it's still going, we have conference day and a few weeks later Spring Break!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough!

Oh. I also have to apologize for promoting Real World New Orleans. I am obsessed but I don't know what it's like to live next to them so if it's you I am truly sorry. I would be the neighbor ranting and raving at all hours for them to shutup. Yes, I would be "the crazy lady next door". But as I understand it there is "a crazy man next door". I feel for ya, man.

The boys are such big boys now. I don't even know where to begin. They are really so funny and I need to learn to enjoy them every second of the day because this time is fleeting. P is Mister Funny Pman now. He will be the class clown I am afraid and W, well he really does learn something new everyday and I am so proud of him. He is going to "rule the pool" this summer if he keeps up this pace at swimming lessons.

When I get home and don't have some wierdo sitting next to me I will post some photos.

Until then...

Lights are on and the cameras are rollin'

Tonight after Superior Grill I made J drive past the Real World House. I have secretly been watching its progress and it is looking pretty darn good. But tonight! Tonight!!!! The lights are on. Like Christmas!!! and the cameras have got to be rollin'! I mean I knew they had to get the kids in before Mardi Gras. It's only common sense, that they get them settled in the city before the mayhem of Mardi Gras is thrown at them.Which is the reason why I have been casing the joint.

But tonight, every possible light in the house is on. and I wish I were in the Real World number. It's killing me. I missed my time. I have been watching since the very first Real World. So what's it like now, Real World #22? I don't know but this is as close as I am going to come to it and I am so excited. I think an afternoon stroll past the house will become a habit, after nap time. Maybe, just maybe they will invite us in for a drink and a cookie for the kids.

Slow cooker Pulled beef tacos

After another week of viruses swirling around the house I was finally able to cook dinner, other than eggs, last night. I came across a really simple recipe while reading the Living section of the paper. It's so simple I am not even providing you a link to the recipe. But first let me say,
"OMG! Why hasn't anyone told me the joys of cooking with a slow cooker?!?" My crockpot is my hero and will be your hero too if you a. are a stay at home mom sinker deeper and deeper into the depths of the witching hour as you try to placate your cranky and hungry kids and cook supper at the same time or b. if you are a working mom who is just too tired to cook dinner at the end of a long day. Never fear, Nola Mom is here to tell you, if you don't have a crockpot go out right now and buy one.

Okay-the recipe.
Rump Roast Soft Tacos

1 rump roast
1 15 oz. jar of salsa
2 onions, sliced
1/2 of a beer
5 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon oil
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon cumin

Taco toppings (can be prepared ahead)
Guacamole-store bought or fresh
diced tomatoes
diced red onion
shredded cheese
chopped cilantro


Put the oil at the bottom of your crockpot to prevent sticking.
Shove all of the ingredients into the crockpot.
Turn it on high for about 6 hours and then turn down to low until you are ready to eat.
At that point, quickly shred the rump roast in the pot with a fork.

Put meat and onions on a warm tortilla. Then top with preferred taco toppings. Delicious!

I changed a few things in the ingredient list. I wanted to add garlic but forgot and I only used 1 onion and it was still awesome but I think it will be better with the added extras.