mollyhousemouse

I follow this philosophy. Cook once, eat twice (or more). I'll cook a family size package of boneless skinless chicken breasts, simply baked in the oven with salt and pepper, or boiled gently on the stove top with salt, pepper, maybe a bay leaf. Then we'll have chicken that can be sliced in a chicken taco, added to some ramen noodles with some frozen vegetables for a stir fry. For meatless meals, try 2 pounds of pinto beans, in a large crockpot. Season well with just salt and pepper. Cook low and slow, portion into zip top freezer bags. Now you have beans for a bean and cheese burrito, beans and rice, add some diced tomatoes and southwestern seasoning, for a meatless chili. One good tip to make this work, is to have a "menu." Not that you HAVE to eat what you put on each day, but this will ensure that you have shopped for all the items that are needed. You'll be less inclined to grab one of those microwave meals if you know you have precooked chicken or precooked beans ready to go.

These are wonderful ideas for herbs. Thank you!

Why not the name of the blog post that inspired it all? Food Bytes?

Bravo tim! It's so much easier and healthier to do it yourself. It's why I spend so much time on Sunday's prepping for the week. It's also a great family bonding event. Menu planning, list making, shopping, I'll take one or two of the kids with me. Then cooking dinner together gives us all a chance to wind down and be together. So much better physically and mentally than relying on prepared foods. Thanks for the conversation!

Well, hell. What about all those people at the party? How are they going to spin what those people saw? But, but, but Colin didn't want that for Devon? Will Colin be able to move past this? He'll have to accept that HE didn't do it TO Devon. sheesh......the wait will be difficult!

Thank you JayT for these words. I've shed tears for and with some of the people I've met here. I've shared my story, and not been judged. This IS a family, and I am DAMN glad you are all in my life.

So, I'm really enjoying this take on vampire stories. But it didn't start that way. I read the first chapter shortly after it came out, and I said, Oh another vamp story.... And didn't go back. So this afternoon, I needed to read something, work was insufferable, and I saw 12 chapters. Hmmm, there must be something to this. Oh My Word! I read the WHOLE thing today. Thank you very much for sharing this with us.

My deepest condolences on your loss. My husband and I have been together 30 years, and I cannot begin to imagine what you are feeling. You're in my prayers.

I am so happy for you and your family! Goblin, being not quite 2, will grow into the roll of Big Brother. Keep the conversation simple, give him a baby of his own to nurture. Whether it's a baby doll, or a stuffed bear (or dog, lamb, sheep) With all the love in your house, y'all will do fine!

Aww, hon. I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it resolves soon.

Hey there JayT. How's the insomnia? Has it started to pass yet? Have you been able to rest? I hope it's better

There were many years when it was too expensive. What we always said was, "That's not in the budget right now. But let's make a note that's it's what you want." The kids are now pros at looking at alternative places to get what they want if it's a "thing." And they aren't shy about asking other questions. Yeah, I've seen a bunch of that "Wait..I can say NO?" Stunning, isn't it?

I always tell my kids that the answer is always "No," unless you ask. You can't get it if you don't ask for it. This is a really good, important one.

Insomnia does suck. And the longer it goes on, the longer you worry about it, the worse it gets. I found that buying (don't laugh) a Baby Einstein Lullaby DVD for the bedroom helped. A. Lot! Something about the soft music, gentle pictures, soft lighting worked to help me sleep. Good luck!

Just FYI Carlos. We let her go. The other girls dad decided he'd better go, just in case. She got home at 12:45! She hasn't stopped talking about it since she woke up (very late) this morning! I'm glad she got to go.

"Adulting" happens at different ages. No one said that it has to happen at 18, or 21. 40 is a good age (I remember it well.) Don't ever move from that address! It's a great place to be!

Congratulations, JayT! Someone there must think you are doing a great job! And all those "adult things" are small steps into a new world. It always makes me happy to see good people getting recognized!

First off, so jealous that you have the new Mass Effect game. Number One Son and I play that! It's on our list to get soon. That duck walk was hilarious! Second, thanks again for all you have done. It's a massive undertaking, and to do it while holding down a "real world" job and a life, borders on the heroic! So for now, I'm just going to be patient, look around the new site, and read my stories. Thanks again!

tim...Ripley sounds like he was a wonderful friend! I understand about them accepting unconditionally. When Son 2, H, was struggling to read, and having to go to tutorials everyday, he wouldn't read aloud. Then came Jesse. Jesse laid on the floor with H while he struggled with reading. Jesse made it all better. I know that Ripley did that for you. Thank you for being brave enough to share your heart with us.

Oh Hudson! Well done! Very, well done! I wanted more, but this was enough, if that makes sense.

First....love the tie in with Spencer and Scott Hill! Love On The Rocks is among my favorite stories! Second....sometimes it's hard to remember that CJ is the same age as my twins, 16/17. I know that CJ's world is very different from "real life" but he is so much more mature than any of the twins' friends. I know that Owen is older, but I'm not sure I'd feel as comfortable as Brett and Cesar do with him travelling like he does. Heck, I'm having a hard time with Daughter going to see Panic At The Disco with her friends! I do love the interaction with Ritchie. And I love Liz. She's a wonderful addition to this marvelous "made" family. Thanks, Carlos, for sharing them with us.

tim..... First of love the way you write! It's so smooth, I can hear your voice! This line: " I'd swoon if it wasn't so unmanly. " I giggled such that the dog lifted his head to look at me like I had lost what was left of my sanity! I'll be looking for an update on whether or not the Pot method cut down on the gas issue (good luck with that )

You are so good at these little vignettes. Thanks for sharing!

Very film noir! I liked it a lot! Not that I'm all for a sweet HEA, but this was a great change of pace. So, to whomever wrote it, thanks. I really enjoyed it.

Love comes in so many different flavors, doesn't it? Thank you for this wonderful story!