It's been a quiet week in Lake Woebegone...and quiet enough in Barefoot Hippie country.
-It was unseasonably warm. We have had some of our hottest days this summer during this week. Crazy! Especially since with the advent of school, we automatically go into sweater, jeans and scarf mode. We want to haul out the soup and casseroles. Today it is a nice and crispy 48 degrees.
-I read this convicting post earlier this week. The Confessions of a Skinny Glutton. I am ashamed to say that it resonated with me. And this post from Amanda has a great quote from Oswald Chambers. It is encouraging me to haul out my copy of Utmost again. But, the post was encouraging on another level is my life right now too.
-I shared my emotions, impressions, and results in regards to my triathlon last Saturday. I also tied in some thoughts from a modern hymn that describes races very eloquently. (here) I also shared my heart about motherhood. I am very thankful for abundant grace.
-I abandoned any ideas of canning tomatoes. They are disgustingly expensive. I know farmers need to make money too, but it isn't worth my time and effort to can my own this year.
-We started our BSF year this week. It is great to be back in the Word to that level. I look forward to discussing what we all are learning. Fun fact...the BFF's older sister is in my group. Kind of cool!
-I attended a class on networking on Tuesday. So, I believe in continually learning new skills and challenging myself on things I am not exactly comfortable with. This was a pretty thorough class on networking. Key thought...it's not about you. It's about the other person. So true. Kind of takes the pressure and narcism out of the equation.
-I am attempting to restore a semblance of order to my house after our paint job. I have some knick-knacks and books out, plus I changed out all our switch plates. Hopefully we can get our new blinds installed this weekend. I am holding off on hanging pics for a while yet. Let the paint cure for a few more weeks before I mar it. One of these days it will all be finished and I will do a reveal post.
-I have been reading a couple novels this past week or so. A new Clive Cussler Fargo Adventure. Another title by the author who wrote Where Did You Go, Bernadette? For fun, I started reading Dr. Doolittle to the kids. I saw the old Rex Harrison movie years and years ago. The book is hilarious. My kids get the humor. Which makes me happy on many levels.
-I was encouraged by a comment left on my choices post...we don't have to be held hostage by our own expectations. How often do I place myself in captivity to my own ideals. Let go...
-I am digging into my cookbooks and magazines and Pinterest for new recipes to try this fall. Crockpot wonders, soups, casseroles...With the overall cooler temps, I am ready to get series about cooking again.
-I brought this casserole to a potluck last week and it generated rave reviews. It carries the flavors of wet burritos without individually rolling up each one. This is a recipe that I have adapted from my mom's arsenal. She makes hers with refried beans, no onion, and a different sauce.
Burrito Casserole
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 15 oz can or 1-1/2 cups of black beans or mexican style chili beans
1 large onion, chopped
3-1/2 cups water
2 envelopes taco seasoning
2 envelopes brown gravy mix.
2 6 ounce cans tomato paste
4 cups grated yellow cheese
1 package of 8" flour tortillas
Sauce:
Whisk water, tomato paste, brown gravy and taco seasoning until smooth.
Meat:
Brown ground beef and onions. Drain grease. Add beans and almost 2 cups of sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Layer:
Pour 1 cup of sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Place 2-3 tortillas on top of sauce,
then half the meat mixture, and 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat tortilla, meat and cheese layers. Top with final layer of tortillas, the remaining sauce and the remaining cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream and a crispy lettuce salad.
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| doesn't that look healthy and delicious! |
Well, that's the news from Lake Wobegon...where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.
Have a very fall-ish September weekend!
