Mom, a dishwasher and a shower!

Crazy title, I know. But, let me tell you the story of the week that my mom didn't rest! It was certainly no vacation for her. My mom visited for a week and a half and pretty much worked every day she was here.

Projects we accomplished ( I say "we" loosely!):

1. Sanded/stripped dresser and drawers
2. Fixed drain stop in bathroom
3. Took apart dishwasher, discovered potential leak problem, cleaned hard water deposits, repaired leak problem, put door back together, FIXED DISHWASHER!!!
4. Primed dresser
5. Cooked a few meals
6. Watch girls on more than one occasion
7. Ironed a TON of shirts
8. Painted dresser, several coats
9. Cleaned out kitchen trash can and cabinet
10. Attempted to be affectionate with the cat (a real feat if you know my cat).
11. Using steel wool, antiqued the dresser
12. Helped to arrange baby's room
13. Assisted Rachel with baby shower
14. Moved dresser upstairs with Arthur
15. Removed a panel of sheet rock that I managed to dislodge from the attic. Yep, it fell through to the garage.
16. Enjoy time with the girls.

I am SURE that I am forgetting something. But, I am SO grateful for the help that she was while she was here. It was needed and definitely appreciated!

So, Mom. Thank you! Words cannot express!

Alright, now for the shower. My friend Rachel put together a baby shower for me (with the help of my mom and my sister). Rachel has been a part of most of the showers that have been given for me. There was lots of yummy food. For those of you interested in the recipes, I have put them at the end of this posting.

We played a Baby shower memory game that was associated with candy. It was funny. See the squares on the poster board? When someone selected a match, they won a piece of candy. Some of the words to match were: Jessica, Arthur, Babysitter, Hospital Bills, Baby Bump, Breast Feeding, Contractions...

If you matched the word "Arthur" you won a candy bar called Big Hunk!
If you matched the word "Jessica" you won a box of Hot Tamales!
If you matched the word  "Hospital Bills" you won a 100Grand bar!
If you matched the word "Babysitter" you won a pack of Lifesavers!
If you matched the word "Baby Bump" you won a pack of Jelly Belly jelly beans!
If you matched the word "Breast Feeding" you won a  Milkyway bar!

You get the point...it was fun to anticipate what candy Rachel associated with each term.

Another game involved candy as well. Rachel gave everyone a list of candy terms. The group was put into teams. Using as many candy terms as possible, they had to give me tips and advice for being a mom/wife.

Here's what my wonderful friends came up with:

1. Don't be short with Daddy; he's working hard for a PayDay to provide Good and Plenty.
2. Tell your Big Hunk not Snicker at your Chunky GoodnPlenty or your Whatchamacalit!
3. Don't forget to give Red Hot Kisses to your Sugar Daddy.
4. Your Mounds will feel Big Red (they'll be Whoppers) and will make your Sugar Baby big and Chunky.
5. To keep your Big Hunk from the Hot Tamales, use plenty of Kisses and a Bit O Honey. Be sure to use a Whatchamacalit or you will have more Sugar Babies and a Tootsie Roll. You might get a few Snickers, too.

That's just a few...

A beautiful and yummy cake.

Recipes from my mom:
Tater Tot Casserole
(can be assembled night before. Tater tots won't be quite as crispy but still tastes good.)

2 lbs tater tots (crispy crowns)

1 lb ground sausage (I used turkey)

3c shredded cheddar

2c. milk

4 eggs

Salt & pepper to taste.

Precook crispy crowns in oven for about 10 mins. Set aside.

Brown meat and spread in bottom of 9x13" casserole.

Layer cheese on top of sausage.

Spread tater tots over cheese.

In lg bowl mix together eggs, milk, salt & pepper.

Pour over everything. (Can be stored in fridge at this point or baked.)

Bake for appx 35-40 mins @ 375

Cool and let set for 5-10mins before serving.



FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE
1lb loaf of French Bread

8oz Cream Cheese

1/2 c. sugar (divided)

3/4 tsp vanilla

1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional)

5 eggs

2 c. milk

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp melted butter.

Maple syrup

Cut bread into small cubes. Spread 1/2 the bread in bottom of 9x13" casserole (it will look like it's not going to be big enough, but it is)

Melt cream cheese with 1/2 c. milk and half of the sugar and pour over the bread (it won't completely cover the bread).

Sprinkle chopped nuts over that.

Spread rest of bread crumbs over that and lightly press down.

Beat remaining sugar, eggs, milk, cinnamon, butter and vanilla together in bowl and pour over bread cubes. Drizzle about 1/2 cup of syrup over that. Cover and place in fridge overnight.

Bake at 350 for appx 30 mins. Drizzle more syrup over and serve.
 
Here are some other pictures from the shower:
 

 Here's Rachel!

You know, I'm not sure why I took a picture with each guest. I had originally wanted a group shot but my friend Chris left before we could get one. So, what do a bunch of mommies do instead....a picture with each guest before they leave. It reminded me of all of the little birthday parties I have been to lately. Funny!