Monday, March 28, 2011

PA State Museum 3/28/11

Scott and I spent the morning at the PA State Museum this past Saturday.  It's right downtown, only about 10 minutes from us.  We had never visited before and I was pleasantly surprised...plenty to see and do, even for a 16 month old and they have a great play area as well.  I'm sure we'll return sometime soon.








This Mastodon skeleton was found in Marshalls Creek PA back in the 60's!  It is impressive because it was discovered in this state but also because it was a true skeleton that was found and not a fossil.  I was just recently put on display at the museum.  There were only 3 bones missing!  Pretty cool that Mastodons and Wooly Mammoths once roamed this area!





of course, we found a choo choo!










Sunday, March 27, 2011

Photo Wall 3/27/11

I've recently moved my black and white photo wall from our staircase to the large wall in our kitchen.  I was at a co-workers house last weekend and she had photos covering her walls and the kitchen was no exception.  I figured why not?  The kitchen is as good a place as any to display some of my favorite family pics.  When people visit, we spend most of the time in there anyway.  I definitely won't be writing a "how-to" post about hanging a photo wall, but I will show some snapshots of my work in progress.  I hung all the frames free handed and didn't measure or really plan at all.  I think that's probably risky on my part and may explain all the holes under the frames (they're hidden, so it's OK).  We still have some colorful advertising models gracing the frames, until I get a few more of my photos printed, but at least I have them spaced out the way I like.  I'm really happy how it is turning out!  Take a look!








Friday, March 25, 2011

Flashback Friday 3/25/11

Me, about 25 years ago!!!!!!  Where has the time gone?

I just love the cereal bowl on my head!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Toddler Painting 3/24/11

Last week we let Scott have some fun with a little paint set my aunt had given him as a gift.  He loved it! 



 Not all the paint ended up on the paper, but that's ok!

 Afterward I took Scott's masterpiece and hung it in his room using a frame that was on it's way out for a yard sale.  I think it looks great and the colors match his bedroom.

Now he can look back years down the road at his toddler talent :)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Gruyere Mac 3/20/11

A week or so ago I made a delicious version of the mac and cheese I typically make but I used Gruyere cheese instead of cheddar.  It turned out great and I wanted to share my recipe.  This recipe is good for two people with some leftovers for lunch tomorrow! 

Ingredients


3 tablespoons salted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half
3 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
ground pepper
1 tablespoon brown mustard
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 lb elbow macaroni

Preheat oven to 400.  Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni.  Boil macaroni until al dente.  Drain the pasta.  In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.  Whisk in flour and continue to stir so that no lumps form.  Gradually whisk in the half and half and mustard until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.  Add the shredded cheese and continue to stir until cheese melts.  Season with ground pepper.  Add the cooked macaroni to a greased, small oven-safe casserole dish and pour cheese mixture over top.

  Be sure to let cheese sauce cover all macaroni (may have to stir a little) Sprinkle with panko bread crumbs and place in oven for about 25 minutes or until top is golden brown.
  Enjoy!


I served this dish with ham and green beans and it was a hit!



Friday, March 18, 2011

Flashback Friday 3/18/11

I'm just remembering a wonderful day,
when I married a wonderful man,
and we started a wonderful life together.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

First Bubble Bath 3/16/11

Scott had his first bubble bath last night.  He typically loves bath time, but was a little concerned when he saw the suds filling his tub.  The uncertainty didn't last too long and before I knew it, he was singing "Row Row Row Your Boat" and splashing to his hearts content.  I just used shampoo to make the bubbles this time, but who knows...maybe I'll splurge on Mr. Bubble next time!