Just call me Betty

Crocker, that is.

Yes, with Bill in NC, I have had to up the ante in the kitchen.  By "up the ante," I mean learn how to cook more than peanut butter toast (use of toaster counts since its a small appliance) and pour cereal.  Yes, I have been blessed with a hubby that cooks and grocery shops (I do the clean up).  Yes, I have been feeding our younger one since day one, well technically in utero and previously had an ultimatum to learn to cook once Owen was done nursing (ha ha, look at me now).  Yes, I have learned to make a grilled cheese sandwich, order turkey at the deli counter, run my coffee maker, make Annie's organic mac and cheese shells, steam veggies and so much more.  Yes, I still hate strongly dislike cooking after all these weeks. Yes, this picture brought back some ugly memories of me slaving away in the kitchen (and man, was I big with Carter).  

Presentation does count, well at least it looks prettier.  I have also had to be creative with Carter since his comfort foods of milk and bananas were wreaking havoc on his tummy.  Mini sandwiches are a hit - wheat saltine, slice of cheese, and turkey - with steamed broccoli.  He has also tried a ton of new foods with our "on the go" lifestyle of running errands and getting kicked out of the house for showings...some of those include actually eating a hamburger or slushie (big hit) or dino chicken nuggets with Matthew.  Some days it is just heating up a CPK margarita frozen pizza or ravioli, though other days I go beyond and make my own baby food for Owen (left picture is peas and carrots - healthy at least). No, I will not cook meat or seafood. Thankfully, the Collums have fed us both probably once or twice a week when we are in town.

Any help in the kitchen comes in many ways - copiously studying a package's directions as I triple check my steps, internet searching, phone calls for help and even getting instructions via text from Bill:

those are excellent asparagus directions if you are interested

Of course, Carter has gotten the hang of cookie decorating and tasting, especially dunking it in milk. The bottom shot shows him "guarding" the cookies from (an asleep) Owen while they cooled off. He went and got his chair and books while he waited.  He's always been a helper in the kitchen for Bill and loves any chance to stir or pour (and get a lick).

Bon appetite...I can't wait for Bill to get here Friday so that I can hang up my apron for a few days!

PS - just read this save money at the grocery store article - it's quick and good