Loving on Levi...

I never posted pics of the newest addition to our family: Levi Valor Holland (my cousin Beth's first son!) He is so precious, and we are excited that Beth, Josh and Levster (as I like to call him) are moving closer to "home"--Charlotte, NC! Here are some pictures from that night when we all saw them. It's been months since I've since Beth, so it was too short...but so much fun! We tried to get a picture of Andrew holding Levi, but he didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea: that idea being that he's ready for kids ;-)

We love you, Levi!!!

Grannie (Mom's mom) holding Levi for the first time

I love this picture of Gavin and Levi!

Yes, we eat EVERY time we get together. Notice the mac and cheese and baked beans. These are Mom and Aunt Susan's specialties, respectively.

Levi and I are actually first cousins, once removed...but I promise it's like he's my nephew.

camo and carhartts

the typical outfit: Carhartt's, camo, and duck boots

I remember my childhood very well. I remember every Saturday --when Dad (and Gavin when he was old enough) would go hunting...all day! Mom and I got stuck with the fun stuff: grocery shopping, cleaning, folding clothes. We had a good time though. We went to the mall's Chick-fil-a a lot! Anyway...

So, for me...it's normal for a guy to hunt. Of course, I was thrilled when I first met Andrew and learned that he "liked" to hunt. "Like" isn't the word. This man loves it....which is fine by me! He even takes his i-pod sometimes and listens to sermons. Can you say multi-tasker??? I married a big time hunter, and I love that about him. I must admit, he could wear the outfit in the above picture every day, and I'd be fine with it!

Got the shot...

Tonight, Andrew and I went to get our flu shots...from none other than one of my favorite places--CVS. We didn't have to wait that long, and I was so good that I got a sticker and a lollipop. Andrew was just ready to get out of there. The nurse kept asking Andrew all these questions, and all he could say was "I'm just hungry."

I do have a small bone to pick with CVS though. So, (long story short) I have gotten into "couponing." I must say, I should have started a long time ago. I think it might be a bit addicting, but that's besides the point. Anyway, they have a book of coupons that are advertised as being available "when you get a flu shot." However, a bunch of web sites say that you can just walk into any CVS and pick one up since it's a "no purchase necessary" thing. Just yesterday, I was in CVS when I asked a salesperson where the free coupon books were. She says promptly, "Oh those are only if you've had a flu shot." Hmmm....

So tonight, after I got the shot, I asked the nurse for my coupon book. Yay! I earned it after all! Negative! "We're fresh out, honey...but, you can go to any CVS and pick one up. You know, you actually don't have to get a flu shot to get one of those??"

Salesperson at CVS yesterday: busted!!!!!

All I said was, "Hmm...I knew it!"

So, for all you couponers...don't believe the lie that you have to get a shot to get the book!

Supposed to share this a long time ago...

There are a few things that you learn (very quickly) when growing up in your home. For me, those were love God, don't disobey, and if you're going to cook something-- do it right! I am not saying that all the Brown-Weeks recipes are perfect, but I always thought so as a kid! Right before Andrew and I got married, I attempted the family recipe for macaroni and cheese (which my Grandmama would refer to as "cheese pie"...with good reason!) He loved it, and I've made it several times since then, so here it is for all you who I've promised I'll send it to.

Ingredients:

1 - 1 1/2 cups of noodles (cooked)

16 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese (I always buy it in blocks and shred my own)

*For a really big mac and cheese, you can shred (4) 8oz. blocks, but (3) 8oz. blocks should be plenty

butter (sticks usually work best here)

1 can carnation milk

3 eggs

salt/pepper

-Butter the bottom and sides of your dish

-Start at the bottom with a layer of shredded cheese

-add some noodles

-add another layer of cheese, then dot with butter, and add a little salt and pepper

-repeat this pattern of layering until you get close to the top of your dish

-on top of the last layer, use salt and pepper and dot with butter

-Beat 3 eggs in a bowl and combine with can of carnation milk

-After mixing well, pour mixture over the macaroni (this can be tricky!). Make Sure to pour a little and give it time to settle before adding more.

-I usually pour until it looks like the liquid is getting close to the top, but if you want your mac and cheese extra soupy...then the milk should come to the top layer. You can always add more milk if necessary.

-Bake uncovered @375 for about 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when it starts bubbling and begins to turn brown on the top.

Secrets to this recipe:

-layer the dish starting and ending with cheese

-always use more cheese than noodles (this is the big time secret!)

-when cooked, don't try to eat it right away...it will need time to set

Have fun!

Good luck!!!!!