Home Cookin'
Chicken Parmesan
This is from my brother Pat's staff recipe book he got from his summer working at Quad Graphics like 10yrs. ago. I have no idea how I ended up with it, but this was a yummy recipe! It was fairly easy and good. Chicken Parmesan is one of Tim's staple favorite meals!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
We made this for the first time last January, and it has been a very popular dip. We haven't made it since last April, but decided to bring it over to Festivus. It was a hit, and the best part - we got to take leftovers home!
Social Butterflies
Festivus
The annual Festivus/White Elephant party at Brad & Ellen's. Tim & Garry played foosball. I showed wedding pictures to Erin & "the fairy" Christina. We brought our famous Buffalo Chicken Dip! In the White Elephant, we ended up with a fat stone bird thing and a TV!
Aww...That's Nice!
Tim sent me a dozen roses with white calla lillies (my wedding bouquet)!!!
To "make up" for the extra amount of driving and the early/late working hours he's been having, Tim sent me the flowers on my last day of work before the Holiday break. Everyone at work was jealous/thought Tim was the greatest. Mainly because on the note his reason was "for being the best wife ever!" Tim's awesome!
20-Second T.O.
Car ride home after Festivus
So that's two weeks in a row we got into a fight in the car ride home from the city. It was about drinking - sometimes Tim gets overserved and so I try to *ahem* to him when I think he's nearing his buzzed-to-drunk threshold. Well, he didn't really think he was even close, so resented it. I did finally tell him that it did make me sad that he got drunk at the end of the wedding. I knew he didn't mean to and felt bad, but just something I had to get off my chest. It ended up being too dramatic of a conversation that it needed to be, Tim became very offended and it escalated into a full-out fight. We went to bed without totally resolving. He gave me a kiss in the morning and then I snuck out to make him breakfast in bed. Waffles & sausage. He was still sleeping when I brought it into the bedroom.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
MONTH #1
MoniKitchen
Cousin Tom's Famous Chili (from Family Scrapbook)
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck
1-28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
2-8oz. cans tomato sauce
2-cans kidney beans (1 light, 1 dark)
1 can chili beans
2T chili powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 medium jalapenos
sour cream & cheddar cheese
Directions
In a 5 QT pot, brown meat until crumbly
Drain fat
Add chili powder, salt & pepper
Stir well
Add tomatoes & tomato sauce
Mix well & simmer about 2 minutes
Drain beans & add to pot
Stir well & bring to simmer **do not boil**
Chop jalapenos & add to pot
Cover & simmer 30min
Remove lid & cook 15 more min
Serve in bowls, top with sour cream & cheese
Will You Go Out With Me?
Dinner @ Huggo's
Pretty much all of Hawaii was a "date." But Huggo's on Friday, 11/23 was our planned fancy dinner on our Honeymoon. I had macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi and Tim had swordfish. We started with drinks in the beachfront tiki bar and watched the sunset.
That's Hilarious
Pebbles J. Moose
Tim came up with a new nickname for our cat Pebbles. Pebbles J. Moose! Derived from Bullwinkle J. Moose. So we continued to call her J. Moose and put antlers on her head with our hands and say "Hi, Kids." Ok, so we're a little weird. But you know if you saw it, you'd be laughing too :)
Good Talk
We had a good talk as a result of the "car fight" - but the same issue created the next fight. So, still, communication continues to be our greatest strength and weakness, since we always say what is on our minds and don't hold anything in.
Recap
We began on our wedding day, then straight to Hawaii for the Honeymoon. Our first two weeks of marriage were like a blurry dream. From the wedding not seeing like reality and going by in a flash. "We're doing this." was Tim's quote of the week - but it didn't make those 10 days any more of a reality. We got used to our wedding rings, I started going by Monica O'Neill and we opened joint bank accounts!
Marriage Epiphany
The aforementioned joint bank accounts
Owning a condo together for the past year and a half did bring an element of sharing into the relationship. But our money was still separate so it was a lot of taking turns paying for things. No the joint checking will cover all of that.
It will be easier in the long run, but right now it's a big adjustment to keep up with how much we each need to contribute, etc.
Cousin Tom's Famous Chili (from Family Scrapbook)
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck
1-28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
2-8oz. cans tomato sauce
2-cans kidney beans (1 light, 1 dark)
1 can chili beans
2T chili powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 medium jalapenos
sour cream & cheddar cheese
Directions
In a 5 QT pot, brown meat until crumbly
Drain fat
Add chili powder, salt & pepper
Stir well
Add tomatoes & tomato sauce
Mix well & simmer about 2 minutes
Drain beans & add to pot
Stir well & bring to simmer **do not boil**
Chop jalapenos & add to pot
Cover & simmer 30min
Remove lid & cook 15 more min
Serve in bowls, top with sour cream & cheese
Will You Go Out With Me?
Dinner @ Huggo's
Pretty much all of Hawaii was a "date." But Huggo's on Friday, 11/23 was our planned fancy dinner on our Honeymoon. I had macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi and Tim had swordfish. We started with drinks in the beachfront tiki bar and watched the sunset.
That's Hilarious
Pebbles J. Moose
Tim came up with a new nickname for our cat Pebbles. Pebbles J. Moose! Derived from Bullwinkle J. Moose. So we continued to call her J. Moose and put antlers on her head with our hands and say "Hi, Kids." Ok, so we're a little weird. But you know if you saw it, you'd be laughing too :)
Good Talk
We had a good talk as a result of the "car fight" - but the same issue created the next fight. So, still, communication continues to be our greatest strength and weakness, since we always say what is on our minds and don't hold anything in.
Recap
We began on our wedding day, then straight to Hawaii for the Honeymoon. Our first two weeks of marriage were like a blurry dream. From the wedding not seeing like reality and going by in a flash. "We're doing this." was Tim's quote of the week - but it didn't make those 10 days any more of a reality. We got used to our wedding rings, I started going by Monica O'Neill and we opened joint bank accounts!
Marriage Epiphany
The aforementioned joint bank accounts
Owning a condo together for the past year and a half did bring an element of sharing into the relationship. But our money was still separate so it was a lot of taking turns paying for things. No the joint checking will cover all of that.
It will be easier in the long run, but right now it's a big adjustment to keep up with how much we each need to contribute, etc.
Friday, December 28, 2007
WEEK #4: December 9, 2007 - December 15, 2007
Home Cookin'
Ok, ok. I failed! Sunday we did family stuff and two nights Tim was home so he took care of dinner. :( I'm making up for it in Month #2!
Social Butterflies
Mom Simon visit - Sunday
My mom came down for a random visit. We watched the video montage from the wedding again and looked at Hawaii pictures. I made her grilled cheese and we watched the Packer game.
Nick & Bob's Birthday - Sunday
Following my mom's visit, I went to pick Tim up and we headed over to his mom's house for Nick & Bob's 5th birthday party. They were already done eating, so we picked at leftovers. The boys opened a whole bunch of presents and we looked at Mom G's pictures from the wedding.
Dan & Lorena's Wedding "Reception" - The Hunt Club - Friday
My coworkers had a small wedding - just ceremony at dinner, but wanted to meet friends out afterwards for drinks. We brought Ellen along with us. The happy couple didn't arrive til about 2hrs later, but we had a good time listening to some awesome music and visiting! Ellen randomly knows Dan's sister?!?!
Aww...That's Nice!
Saturday Night
After our out-of-the-ordinary night out in the city, we dialed it down a bit and stayed the night in. We were curly on the couch and watched Claymation Christmas and Garfield Christmas specials.
20- Second T.O.
Friday Night Drive Home
I was very sleepy behind the wheel and when we hit traffic (yes, at 3am - it's chicago!) I asked Tim to talk to me. He was caught off-guard and couldn't think of anything to say off the top of his head so seemed confused. I got very annoyed because I thought it was a simple request. We ended the drive in silence, and continued to argue when we got inside and went to bed angry. We woke up ok until I *had* to bring it up again (yes, I realize this is always a bad move that I need to stop doing!). It escalated to a fight, but then we got it to simmer to a conversation and we both got our side of the argument explained and understood.
LESSON: Skip the yelling and get right to the calm explanation portion of the argument.
Ok, ok. I failed! Sunday we did family stuff and two nights Tim was home so he took care of dinner. :( I'm making up for it in Month #2!
Social Butterflies
Mom Simon visit - Sunday
My mom came down for a random visit. We watched the video montage from the wedding again and looked at Hawaii pictures. I made her grilled cheese and we watched the Packer game.
Nick & Bob's Birthday - Sunday
Following my mom's visit, I went to pick Tim up and we headed over to his mom's house for Nick & Bob's 5th birthday party. They were already done eating, so we picked at leftovers. The boys opened a whole bunch of presents and we looked at Mom G's pictures from the wedding.
Dan & Lorena's Wedding "Reception" - The Hunt Club - Friday
My coworkers had a small wedding - just ceremony at dinner, but wanted to meet friends out afterwards for drinks. We brought Ellen along with us. The happy couple didn't arrive til about 2hrs later, but we had a good time listening to some awesome music and visiting! Ellen randomly knows Dan's sister?!?!
Aww...That's Nice!
Saturday Night
After our out-of-the-ordinary night out in the city, we dialed it down a bit and stayed the night in. We were curly on the couch and watched Claymation Christmas and Garfield Christmas specials.
20- Second T.O.
Friday Night Drive Home
I was very sleepy behind the wheel and when we hit traffic (yes, at 3am - it's chicago!) I asked Tim to talk to me. He was caught off-guard and couldn't think of anything to say off the top of his head so seemed confused. I got very annoyed because I thought it was a simple request. We ended the drive in silence, and continued to argue when we got inside and went to bed angry. We woke up ok until I *had* to bring it up again (yes, I realize this is always a bad move that I need to stop doing!). It escalated to a fight, but then we got it to simmer to a conversation and we both got our side of the argument explained and understood.
LESSON: Skip the yelling and get right to the calm explanation portion of the argument.
Friday, December 14, 2007
WEEK #3: December 2, 2007 - December 8, 2007
Home Cookin'
Cousin Tom's Chili from our Family Recipe Scrapbook (recipe to come!)
~I made the chili on a Sunday night. I wrote the grocery list and went shopping while Tim watched the Bears game. It was easy, delicious and filling! We got two meals out of it!
Social Butterflies
Dinner at Pat & Lorie's - Wednesday
~Lorie made soup & salad. We talked about the wedding and upcoming Christmas Eve. Played with the kids (they had their own mini-dance party in the living room!). We made cut & bake cookies with the kids. Nicolas & Isabella were already used to calling Tim - Uncle Tim!
Thursday Night Football - Bears vs. Redskins - Harry's in Countryside w/Ellen, Anthony and Jen (Monica & Tim)
~After I picked my car up from the shop in Forest Park, we all met up at this sports bar. Talked about wedding stories, chit chat and the usual goofball comments.
Aww...That's Nice!
~We spent Friday night at home listening to Christmas music, cleaning and wrapping Christmas presents...like an old married couple!
20-Second T.O.
~Tuesday night I called Tim to come along to take my car in to the shop the next day. He said "I guess" which I *always* take as his way to say "yes" but make it clear that he doesn't want to and I am forcing him. So when I got home I told him why it makes me upset, at first he didn't understand b/c he didn't think anything of it. His "I guess" was just him saying "of course!" -but that obviously it's not something he's excited about doing. So we had a by-the-book "it makes me feel like this" - "well, i only mean this", etc. It felt almost dorky to have such a structured discussion.
Cousin Tom's Chili from our Family Recipe Scrapbook (recipe to come!)
~I made the chili on a Sunday night. I wrote the grocery list and went shopping while Tim watched the Bears game. It was easy, delicious and filling! We got two meals out of it!
Social Butterflies
Dinner at Pat & Lorie's - Wednesday
~Lorie made soup & salad. We talked about the wedding and upcoming Christmas Eve. Played with the kids (they had their own mini-dance party in the living room!). We made cut & bake cookies with the kids. Nicolas & Isabella were already used to calling Tim - Uncle Tim!
Thursday Night Football - Bears vs. Redskins - Harry's in Countryside w/Ellen, Anthony and Jen (Monica & Tim)
~After I picked my car up from the shop in Forest Park, we all met up at this sports bar. Talked about wedding stories, chit chat and the usual goofball comments.
Aww...That's Nice!
~We spent Friday night at home listening to Christmas music, cleaning and wrapping Christmas presents...like an old married couple!
20-Second T.O.
~Tuesday night I called Tim to come along to take my car in to the shop the next day. He said "I guess" which I *always* take as his way to say "yes" but make it clear that he doesn't want to and I am forcing him. So when I got home I told him why it makes me upset, at first he didn't understand b/c he didn't think anything of it. His "I guess" was just him saying "of course!" -but that obviously it's not something he's excited about doing. So we had a by-the-book "it makes me feel like this" - "well, i only mean this", etc. It felt almost dorky to have such a structured discussion.
WEEK #2: November 25, 2007 - December 1, 2007
Home Cookin'
~Again, we were in Hawaii until the 27th...worn out and tired for the rest of the week. The best we did was pasta and canned sauce :(
Social Butterflies
Thursday Night Football - Packers vs. Cowboys - @ Fox & Hound (Monica & Tim)
~It was just Tim & I, but we ran into his friend Nick and his coworkers so we were able to sit in some better seats than the ones we had squeezed into.
Friday Night - Josh & Tina's (Monica & Tim)
~We came up that night to pick up Colby Jack & Pebbles from my mom's (she catsat while we were in Hawaii) and went over to Josh & Tina's. We watched "Blades of Glory", played with Ethan, Tim & Josh played darts in the basement while Tina & I chatted, and looked at Hawaii pictures!
Saturday - Lorena's Bridal Shower - @ Ashley's (Monica)
~A wine and appetizer party. So yummy! We chatted about our weddings, planning, work gossip and the usual chit-chat!
Aww...That's Nice!
Tim & Josh got Tina & I Taco Bell at midnight
~Around midnight, for no good reason, I got hungry for Taco Bell. Tina, being preggers with Baby Burgle, was on board so the guys went out and brought us back food!
20-Second T.O.
~No difficulties to note!
~Again, we were in Hawaii until the 27th...worn out and tired for the rest of the week. The best we did was pasta and canned sauce :(
Social Butterflies
Thursday Night Football - Packers vs. Cowboys - @ Fox & Hound (Monica & Tim)
~It was just Tim & I, but we ran into his friend Nick and his coworkers so we were able to sit in some better seats than the ones we had squeezed into.
Friday Night - Josh & Tina's (Monica & Tim)
~We came up that night to pick up Colby Jack & Pebbles from my mom's (she catsat while we were in Hawaii) and went over to Josh & Tina's. We watched "Blades of Glory", played with Ethan, Tim & Josh played darts in the basement while Tina & I chatted, and looked at Hawaii pictures!
Saturday - Lorena's Bridal Shower - @ Ashley's (Monica)
~A wine and appetizer party. So yummy! We chatted about our weddings, planning, work gossip and the usual chit-chat!
Aww...That's Nice!
Tim & Josh got Tina & I Taco Bell at midnight
~Around midnight, for no good reason, I got hungry for Taco Bell. Tina, being preggers with Baby Burgle, was on board so the guys went out and brought us back food!
20-Second T.O.
~No difficulties to note!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
WEEK #1 - November 18, 2007 - November 24, 2007
Home Cookin'
None
~I failed at my firt "home cookin'" assignment. But I think I get a 'bye' due to the fact that we were in Hawaii!
Social Butterflies
Gift Opening - Sunday, 11/18
~Again, we were in Hawaii for most of the week, but we did visit, say thanks & goodbye with many friends and family at the gift opening.
Humor
~"Who's Anthony???" (from Wayne's World) at random points throughout the Honeymoon
~Getting drunk at 1pm in the hot tub our first day in Hawaii and yelling at a blue-headed pigeon to have some self-respect (quoting Tracy Morgan on 30 Rock)
~Goofing around with some of my bachelorette party gifts...I'll leave it at that!
Awww....That's Nice!
The O'Neills '07
~We collected white coral rock from a black sand beach so that we could make "grafitti" on the lava rock along the highway to say "The O'Neills '07" and use a picture of this as the cover of our scrapbook!
20-second T.O.
The Last Night
~Plagued by the lack of simple bar & grill places in Waikoloa, we got into a "we can't make a decision" argument as to where to eat. Since it being the end of the week, we were well aware of the end of our cash. We ended up having an overpriced meal - where we ate fast and just got out. We were very blah during the dinner. But we got back to the condo and were just fine.
LESSON: A stupid argument, not personal - just needed to figure it out and let it pass.
None
~I failed at my firt "home cookin'" assignment. But I think I get a 'bye' due to the fact that we were in Hawaii!
Social Butterflies
Gift Opening - Sunday, 11/18
~Again, we were in Hawaii for most of the week, but we did visit, say thanks & goodbye with many friends and family at the gift opening.
Humor
~"Who's Anthony???" (from Wayne's World) at random points throughout the Honeymoon
~Getting drunk at 1pm in the hot tub our first day in Hawaii and yelling at a blue-headed pigeon to have some self-respect (quoting Tracy Morgan on 30 Rock)
~Goofing around with some of my bachelorette party gifts...I'll leave it at that!
Awww....That's Nice!
The O'Neills '07
~We collected white coral rock from a black sand beach so that we could make "grafitti" on the lava rock along the highway to say "The O'Neills '07" and use a picture of this as the cover of our scrapbook!
20-second T.O.
The Last Night
~Plagued by the lack of simple bar & grill places in Waikoloa, we got into a "we can't make a decision" argument as to where to eat. Since it being the end of the week, we were well aware of the end of our cash. We ended up having an overpriced meal - where we ate fast and just got out. We were very blah during the dinner. But we got back to the condo and were just fine.
LESSON: A stupid argument, not personal - just needed to figure it out and let it pass.
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