November
Ham And Cheese Rolls
Sunday morning snack for Stephen. Quick and super easy to do. One can of crescent rolls, slices of ham, and shredded cheese.
Press out two pieces of the roll mixture to make a rectangle. Place the ham on top (I used two slices per rectangle).
Shredded some Gruyere cheese.
Place the cheese in the middles (sorry no picture), and roll. Press the seam together, place the roll seam side down on parchment.
Bake at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until dough is cooked through.
Stephen enjoyed them, as did David. These were not for me!
Blessings!
Crock Pot Beef Roast
Cooler weather usually means crock pot roasts and soups for us. David would have pot roast of some sort every day if he could.
Place chopped celery (4 stalks), and then chopped onion (2) layered in the crock pot.
I coated the roast (on both sides) with McCormick Season Salt, and seared in some olive oil.
Place on top of the celery and onion layers. I had added some celery seed, pepper and parsley the top of the layer before laying the beef on top.
Washed and quartered potatoes, and carrots, and layered those on top of the beef.
Cooked on high for 7 hours. I did add a cup of broth, and 1/2 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar (for some brightness).
The beef was moist, tender and full of flavor. David and Stephen enjoyed the most of it for a couple of days (thank goodness).
Blessings!
Happy Halloween
Blessings!!
Pigs in a Blanket
Saturdays are football days, and even with my weight loss surgery I still like to have not so great for me food. Pigs in a Blanket are yummy, little snack bites that are really easy to make. One container of crescent rolls, and a package of lil’ smokies. Roll out the dough, and press the seams together, then cut into smaller strips. Place the sausage in the middle and roll. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until done. 
My plate with some of the ones with not a lot of bread on them. Had to have them with Dijon mustard. David loves his with Ketchup. Satisfied my craving, and on the cool day, something warm.
What are your go to snacks for Fall?
Blessings.
Sunday Thought
“When my alarm goes off hatefully early, I try to console myself with this: No one is going to get to Heaven and say ‘Man, I wish I’d slept more.'” – Beth Moore
I so feel this way since surgery. I feel as though everyday I must be doing something, because for years (yes, years) I wasn’t able to do anything but sit and watch life go by.
Yesterday, David and I participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at our local mall. The walk wasn’t timed or for anything but to bring awareness. Two years ago I would have felt guilt for not being able to participate. Now, grateful I can. Honored to walk for those who have left us too soon. Honored to walk for those who still fight.
Up early…not liking it…but I LOVE it.
Blessings today.
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits
I have been craving shrimp and grits. David and I cleaned out the freezer and pantry over the weekend, and I found the grits I had purchased when we were in Helen, GA.
I cooked the grits per the package instructions and add 1 cup of Gruyere cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. This is a 1/4 cup serving.
I followed food networks recipe for lemon-garlic shrimp. Super simple, and not with a lot of ingredients.
I used ten medium shrimp, salt and pepper, teaspoon of minced garlic, and bottled lemon juice to taste. Added the 1/2 of a scallion, chopped, after plating.
It was tangy, cheesy, and had a nice bite from the garlic. I loved it, and have had it for the next several nights. (I made plenty of grits without the cheese so just fix a new batch of shrimp each time.)
Blessings!
Today…
Today is National Cranky Co-Workers Day, National Black Cat Day, and National Potato Day!
I suggest that the cranky co-workers have some french fries and get a hug from a black cat.
Apparently, we are to “Celebrate the day by letting your co-workers be as cranky as they want! Don’t try to cheer them up at all, and let them wallow in their normal crankiness! Celebrate who they are and that there is really no way you can ultimately change them.” This is per the holiday site.
Really!? I still like my idea of the french fries and cats.
Blessings!!
Carmen’s Thoughts – Joys of Adulthood
The internet hates adulthood (or “adulting”). It means that we are leaving our beloved childhood behind for responsibilities like our own laundry, paying our own bills, and cooking food that doesn’t have the word “instant” on the packaging. But, there are a few things about being an adult that I’ve picked up on so far that are actually kind of awesome.
My family and I have always been close, but we’ve gotten so much closer since we’re all adults now. It would take an act of God to get my brother to answer his phone when I called when he was in high school. Now, he calls me, and we have typically 15 minute conversations. Most of it is about nothing in particular, some of it is general ranting and unsolicited advice-giving. I call my parents (mostly Mom, every day if not more) regularly, and when I ask for their advice, I try to take it instead of rolling my eyes and sighing like I did as a teenager. I’ll admit, they’re right 99% of the time. We can all have actual conversations with each other and enjoy our time together. It’s pretty cool.
Another hidden benefit of “adulting” is seeing the good consequences from your actions. Instead of going out to eat/drink every other day, you spend that money getting groceries to prep meals for the next few days. It takes more time, but my bank account likes it, which makes me happy. Instead of stuffing my face with butterfingers and various forms of Mexican food when I’m stressed, I take a walk outside or do some yoga in my room (exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy – Elle Woods, Legally Blonde).
These things can be done before you become an adult, but from what I’ve noticed in the relatively short time I’ve experienced adulthood, you truly come to appreciate the little things more. The sunny day on my day off? I’m going to the beach because I can do that. I’m excited about something at school or work? I’m going to tell everyone I care about because that rarely happens! I have enough money in my bank account after paying rent and other bills? I can go to that concert with that band I’ve always wanted to see!
Enjoy the good moments, breathe more, stay positive.
Head Shots
This one was taken October 2016.
This one September 2017.
Most days I don’t see the difference in my weight loss especially when I know I have gained weight this past month. These pictures help. I know that I have lost a substantial amount of weight. I know that it wasn’t easy, and I still have a ways to go.
These pictures help me see some accomplishment, and I really did need to see them this week.
Blessings.
mommajerryanns.com 