Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas!
















The kids slept in (Alex was up at 7:45 and we woke Rachel at 8!), opened presents with Grammy & Pepere. Alex loved his Night Vision Goggles and Lego set from Grandpa & Auntie Lyn. Rachel (check out the cute braids courtesy of Emily!) was really excited to get Pixos and a Cupcake Maker from Grammy & Pepere. Then we headed to Darren & Veronica's to celebrate with the family and enjoyed an awesome meal prepared by Matt. It was a great time. Can't wait for New Year's up the Mountains!

Christmas Eve!







Here's some snapshots of Christmas Eve.

Bunch of Christma Posts


I've been really busy, and I'm sure all of you have been too! Here's what's been going on around Christmas.


One of our Becotte family Christmas traditions is watching White Christmas. Well, this year 3 out of 4 of us fell asleep while watching. Probably didn't help that we watched from bed. After the movie was over Allen took a picture. As you can see Alex is using my butt as a pillow, Rachel is using my legs and Bigs, the cat, is using Rachel as a pillow.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Christmas Overload!

As most of you know I've been running the YMCA Christmas Toy Drive for about 6 years now. I really enjoy it but also dread it. It is a TON of work and seems to become more work every year. This year we have about 350 kids on the list for presents. Thanks to all the very generous donors we are fulfilling the list 100%. I am still sorting, wrapping and delivering today. Hopefully to be done by the time I go home today so tomorrow I can actually do my work. I complain but wouldn't trade it in for anything.

Thank you to everyone who donated, wrapped, delivered, solicited gifts etc. We couldn't do it without you!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Weekly Meal Plan

We did a good job sticking to the meal plan last week. I think we changed Friday but that was about it.

Sunday-Shake & Bake Pork Chops, noodles & broccoli

Monday-Crock Pot Chicken Chop Suey

Tuesday-BLT's

Wednesday-Baked Chicken, potatoes & veggies

Thursday-Grilled Chicken, rice & veggies

Friday-Hamburger Helper (Alex's Christmas Concert!!!!)

See how this week goes!

Zings!

If you read the blog you know I like to give props to area businesses that I love. Well I have two that I totally have to diss. Major zings here. Avoid at all costs.

Methuen Family Diner-Sorry Dad this may hurt you but after a trip there this weekend and the way we as well as other diners (we never actually ate walked out before we were even seated) we will not go back. The waitresses as well as the hostess were just plain mean to everyone who they came in contact with. One in particular snapped at my father in law. There was no need for the way they were acting, especially with how busy that restaurant was because of the power outage. They should have been excited for all the business.

McDonald's-With the power outage we went out Saturday mainly to stay warm. McDonald's on Route 28 was open, packed to the gills. We went in to grab a late breakfast, waited in the line that snaked through the whole restaurant. Got about 10 people from the counter and the menu automatically flipped form breakfast to lunch-it was 10:30. Now you would think because of the circumstances and the amount of families standing there trying to get their kids a hot breakfast they would say it's okay we'll still serve breakfast. Nope lunch only. It was 10:30 in the morning I don't want lunch at 10:30.

So those are my zings! Dine at your own risk, you have been warned!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Props!

I like local businesses. I believe in doing my business, when possible, with local companies, family owned restaurants etc. rather than putting money into the pocket of big companies. Sometimes you can't avoid it. I mean come on why wouldn't you shop at places like Wal-Mart and Target. It has to be hard running a family owned business especially in this economy. So I like to give props to the places I love to help bring more business to them. Then we can all keep enjoying them.

Mann's-You have to swing by and try their country lunch (M-F 10-2). They usually have a selection of about 6 items, all around $6. Freshly made and delicious. I had a stuffed acorn squash there about a month ago that I am still thinking about.

Mi Mexican Lindo-Hands down best Mexican place around. Food is awesome, and the drinks! A pitcher of house Margarita (Sauza brand) $19.00. Can't beat that. We were there last weekend and I ordered a new kind of margarita, just a glass in case you were wondering. I didn't care for it, so they gave me a different one at no charge.

Tripoli's-Best pizza in the world. I think the place has been open since the 50's and they probably haven't changed a thing. Why mess with perfection?

I highly recommend any of the above places. Swing by and give them a try.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Weekly Meal Plan

So I am following Jenn's lead and posting my weekly meal plan. I've been doing a meal plan for week for a couple of months now. It helps with grocery shopping. I have a better grasp of what's on hand at the house and I don't buy stuff I don't need.

Sunday-Pork Chops, Rice & Broccoli

Monday-Steak/Veggie Stir Fry & Rice

Tuesday-Grilled Chicken, Noodles & Veggie (Allen will be thrilled to BBQ outside!)

Wednesday-Zatarans Jambalaya w/kielbasa & Green Beans

Thursday-Pasta w/meat sauce & bread

Friday-Soup & Sandwiches

Saturday-Punt Night. Very Busy weekend so what ever we grab before we head out.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Merry Christmas


We got a real tree this year, yeah! The house smells awesome and we had a blast decorating it.

Shy Kitty


Bigs, aka Mr. Bigglesworth, is proving to be a bit camera shy. We need him to hang out with Johnny Cash and see how it's done.

Fashionistas


This is what happens when you elt your 6 & 4 year olds dress themselves.


Alex is sporting sweatpants with a zip up sweater. Rachel, cargo pants, a dress and cowboy boots. Oh and yes she did her own hair.