Audrey's Chalk Art

Audrey took Art Appreciation this summer at college and one of her assignments was to create a chalk art drawing. It had to be a silhouette of something or someone, and then it had to have designs within the silhouette. I think we were watching NCIS reruns when she was gaining the inspiration for her artwork. Wonderful job!

Semper Fidelis is Latin for "Always Faithful" or "Always Loyal". The motto of the United States Marine Corps.

Back Door Remodel

John offered to replace our back door (after much hinting on my part). It was a family affair to have one person hold the door on the inside, one hold on the outside, while John made sure it was level and did the actual installation. I like the new look!

Chicken Pesto Sandwiches

These sandwiches were terrific! Definitely use real mayo, no subbing with Miracle Whip or reduced fat....

CHICKEN PESTO SANDWICHES (Zupas Copycat Recipe)

Chicken Mixture:
1 chicken breast, cooked, cubed
1 roasted red pepper (used from jar), sliced into small cubes
1/2 c. slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup pesto
1 cup real mayonnaise
In a bowl mix together chicken breast, roasted red pepper, slivered almonds, basil pesto and mayo until combined.

4 "firm" rolls, sliced in half - broil in oven so they are warm and crispy.
1 large tomato, stem removed, sliced
4 slices muenster cheese

Assemble your sandwich - chicken mixture, cheese, tomato.

Arlington Fly In

John and his brother Steve & Ralph went to the Arlington Fly-In over 7/12-7/14 weekend. They drove over and then met up with their other brother, Robert. They packed sleeping bags and tents. I did not get any pictures from them - I'm not sure they took any. When I asked John to tell me what to put on the blog he said to just write "What happens on a bro weekend.....". So that's all we get : )

Movie: Brave

While John was enjoying a weekend with his brothers, Audrey & I went downtown to see the movie "Brave". We went with Angela H and her 3 boys and 1 of her daughters. Her youngest son was not only a crack-up with his comments, but also very well behaved. I think he just turned 3. He was so excited about things (even the dump truck we passed on the way downtown), but stated his excitement in full & polite sentences. He was quieter in the movie than some adults we've gone with. We'd go see a movie with Nathan again. 

We enjoyed the movie and then headed to Azteca for a late lunch. Fun time!

Bye K-6

Mom's Birthday

Worked out plans with Michelle to have dinner and dessert for mom's birthday. I made a batch of patriotic red velvet cupcakes with homemade blue cream cheese frosting. Michelle handled the hot dogs and chips.

Mom opening her present from us. This is the one we had purchased on our Canada road trip.

Evidently purple was the color scheme for the party - I missed the memo!!

4th of July

John and Audrey met up at Shaune's for target shooting in the morning. They had a good time and then headed back home to help put on the final touches for our potluck items.

Picnic at mom's was at noon. We brought the smoked ham pasta salad and some cherry tarts.

This was a real tasty dish that one of Mom's friends brought. My favorite potluck item.

ITALIAN HAMBURGER CASSEROLE
1 & 1/2 lb ground beef
2 jars prepared spaghetti sauce (24 oz each)
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper

10 oz package fine egg noodles - cooked according to directions on package. Drain.
2 cups sour cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
Green onions, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large skillet brown ground beef; drain. Stir in tomato sauce & spices. Heat to boiling and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

With a hand mixer combine cream cheese and sour cream. Stir in green onions.

In 9x13x2 inch pan place cooked noodles, cover with cream cheese mixture then meat sauce. Top all with mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly (45min to 1 hour).

Smoked Ham and Veggie Pasta Salad

Made this for the 4th of July picnic at mom's house.

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SMOKED HAM AND VEGGIE PASTA SALAD
1 pound box bowtie pasta
1-2 cups smoked ham, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen peas, thawed slightly
1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1-2 cups grape tomatoes
1 cup prepared Buttermilk Ranch dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain in colander & rinse with cold water until cooled. Put pasta in large bowl and add remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

New Furnace

Before we left on our road trip we got a couple of quotes to fix or replace our furnace. We were pleased with one of the quotes and scheduled the install upon our return. This is our new furnace. And an extra perk? There was an energy savings rebate that they applied to our electric/gas account.