A sad story…

So you see, I am in love with B.L.T’s.  I don’t do any thing fancy.  Just straight up bacon, lettuce, tomato, and some mayo.  Ahhh, my mouth begins to water.

 

However, there has been some turmoil that has upset this summer romance of mine.  The perpetrator…nitrites.  Yes, yes, we should ALL do a better job of watching the intake of those little nasties.  Haha, especially us mommas.  I laugh all the time with friends about how much better our kids eat than ourselves because WE CARE.  That is convicting too.  But, with baby on board, I have the “better line of thinking” in my mind much more frequently when it pertains to what I put in my mouth.  SOOOO, am I willing to give up bacon?  (Sheepishly)…no.  But, don’t you see…I love it!  The smell of bacon cooking (since being pregnant) I could seriously bottle up and have as a candle burning (insert all of your gags here).

 

Yes – I did cut off that fat…I think fat on meat is g.r.o.s.s. 

BUT, I began noticing something as of late.  A cause and effect if you will.  If I eat my precious BLT’s = I get a headache.  NOOOOOOO.  Alas, I have bid ado to my summertime love.  Oh, summer of 2011…just you wait.  I will be investing in the hopefully bumper crop of lettuce and tomatoes.

Guess what…

Our family is growing!

Baby Wallace will be arriving sometime around February 11, 2011.  We’re pretty excited!!!!!

The Abi Diet – Roasted Tomato Angel Hair

Another keeper of a veggie dinner.  It is interesting how many of my “abi diet” meals are pasta…hmmm.  Oh well, not going to be worrying about that one, on with the pasta!  Thanks to delightful Elaine for the recipe!

One of my most favorite summer foods – the delicious and perfect tomato.  And Lord knows I could eat garlic on practically everything.  Add some EVOO and balsamic vinegar, and that is the making of some mighty goodness.

Oslo usually hangs out in the kitchen if there are cans being opened – in hopes of one of those cans being tuna.  No cans this evening, but he was just enthralled the whole time.

Recipe to follow…

Fresh mozzarella truly makes everything better

A peak into our meals…a little pink pig plate sandwiched in between. 

*I halved the recipe – still enough for leftovers for a family of 2 1/2 eaters!

2ish pounds red cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup EVOO

3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
red pepper flakes to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn*
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano leaves
1 pound angel hair pasta (or whatever you like)
2 tablespoons EVOO
8 ounces whole-milk ricotta salata**
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

*You could probably throw in some fresh spinach too. I bet that would be yummy. (Elaine’s recommendation – I didn’t have any fresh spinach, but I agree with her assessment!)

**I couldn't find this cheese, so I used fresh mozzarella.

Preheat to 350 degrees. In a large, glass baking dish, toss the tomatoes with the oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Roast until the tomatoes are tender, stirring occasionally, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the basil and oregano. Stir well.

Journey down 281

Last weekend we loaded up the car and embarked on abi’s longest car ride to date – 5 hours!  I know, I know, not even a real road trip – but we were proud of her!!  She was just amazing.  Even joined in a game of “hey cow” when she didn’t consider it too loud.  We were off to the long overdue visit to the Potter’s casa and some relaxin’ San Antonio style.

Oh, yummy.  Breakfast tacos.  They were gooooood.

Guadalupe River State Park – yes, please.  Had an awesome time hanging out in the river, enjoying the shade in some kind people’s chairs (yes, they knew we were using them!), and enjoying beauty and friends!

Due to the general nature of cameras and water not mixing, after these pictures we dropped off the cameras back on dry land and headed into the river!  Abi loved it!  The current was semi-strong so she had to sit on our lap, but we killed a good hour or so just sitting in the river talking, laughing, skipping stones, and seeing who had the best aim with pebbles (I believe I came in last place, which is a real shame fest for Rochester Adams softball).

Driving home we stopped at a great restaurant on the Colorado River.  I love our family.

(pensive/tired abi and naked baby…abi allows none of her babies to have clothes on anymore, it’s strange)

Because sometimes you just need to do a little ring around the rosy!!

Summer Catch-up - The Rose/Whitenton Part

Ahhh, friends.  Life just seems so full when we’re surrounded by these people.  We love them and are so sad that neither family lives in dallas anymore.  BUT, we’re thankful that everyone is within a 3 hour drive – not plane ride.  So, here’s to life around the dinner table!

Hehe…Rachel really could get it to spin!

If you would like a glimpse into what makes my heart happy…

Please see below