Ravioli

We gave Brady ravioli for the first time a few days ago. Wow, was it a big hit. He just gobbled that stuff right up. So, now we always keep a can of it in the pantry for those really busy nights. I know it's not the healthiest stuff, but give him a side of veggies and/or fruit and it's not so bad.


It is probably the messiest meal, but I suppose we'll manage to get past that.

200th Post!

That's right folks. I have now posted 200 times on this lovely, little blog. Isn't that amazing.

Not a long post for this one, but as I contemplate doing another round of marathon cooking this upcoming weekend, I thought I'd pass along the final reviews on the first batch of food. The Texas-Style Lasagna was our favorite meal. It was great, and honestly, I'll probably make it again in the near future. We also really like the upside-down fettuccine bake, which was really just noodles, cheese and then a red sauce with Italian sausage. There were a couple of dishes we did not like, but overall we liked most of the meals. I'm finishing up the Southwestern Egg Casserole and it's fantastic.

So, now I'm thinking about doing it again on Saturday. Another 2 week batch could be done if I find the motivation!!!!!

Book #4 - Eat, Pray, Love

Next up on the reading list is Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. This non-fiction book was a New York Times Bestseller . It's supposedly about a journey of enlightenment for a 30-something woman who leaves her husband and goes on a journey to find God, amongst other things.
I've ready about 1/4 of it so far and I do enjoy the book, although I don't buy all the self-absorbed, spiritual journey stuff the author is doing. Alas, the book is her memoir so it is supposed to be about her and her journey. So, it is what it is. It's an easy read so far and the author can write. I'll keep you updated. Check out the reviews on Amazon if you get bored - some people ADORE the book and others people HATE the book. I'm surprised at the range of emotions the book elicits.

By the way, I checked this book out from the wonderful Manhattan Public Library as well. I love libraries. Tons of resources, and all for FREE!!! If you don't have one, go out and get yourself a library card this weekend!

Book #3 - Total Money Makeover

Book #3 is done. And, I give it a thumbs up. Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey was a good read. His financial philosophy is to pay off your debt. Pay it off, pay it off, pay it off. Here's what you should do, and in this order:
1. Set up a $1,000 emergency fund;
2. Pay off the debt, using the debt snow ball (all debt except for your home mortgage);
3. Finish the emergency fund (save enough to cover 3-6 months of living expense in a very liquid, easily accessible account);
4. Maximize Retirement Investing;
5. College Funding; and
6. Pay off the home mortgage.

Overall, I think his is a great plan and I like it for the most part. There are some things I disagree on, but I think they're pretty minor. The biggest step for most is No. 2 - paying off the debt.

The debt snowball works like this: list all of your debts from smallest to largest. Every single extra cent you can find should go towards the smallest debt. Once that is paid off, roll over all that money to the next smallest and continue on. He advocates this method because as you see things paid off, it motivates you to keep paying off the rest. He also emphasizes that to pay off this debt you will have to make a lot of short-term sacrifice.

I won't ramble any more than that. A great book and I highly recommend it. I don't know what book is next--hopefully I can figure that out in the next day or two.

Big Box

The B-man moved into a forward-facing car seat a couple of months ago. Fortunately for him, the car seat came in a big, huge box and he's had quite the fun time playing in that box.
Notice all his toys in the background? That box is like his own little fort.

I can't capture the image on film, but he just loves to be chased into the box. We chase in there and then close the "doors" on him and he pushes them open and just laughs. It's hilarious, apparently!

Laughing boy

Brady has been quite the happy kiddo lately. He's just full of smiles and laughter.

Too adorable!

Sleeping Boy

I know the real reason everybody reads the blog is for the B-man. And I haven't posted any new pictures of him lately, so I will make up for it! Nothing exciting, but here's how the little man sleeps these days--on his stomach, with blankets nearby. And see that seahorse in the bottom right-hand corner? That's what he throws out of the crib as he's falling asleep or waking up. And not just a gentle toss, but a full-blown, fire away fastball on to the floor. It makes quite the loud noise as it hits the wall or the floor.
And here's a close up of the little fella. I know I say it all the time, but could he be any cuter?