Hashbrown Casserole

We did breakfast for dinner tonight just because we wanted to have hashbrown casserole. We only make it a few times a year, but it has become tradition to have it Christmas morning. It is known by several different names since it's one that you see at various potlucks because it's fairly easy to make and most everyone likes it.

Hashbrown Casserole
1 (30 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes (shredded)
1 can cream of chicken soup

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

16 ounces sour cream

Onion flakes (can use one onion chopped)
Pinch of salt
1-2 sticks of butter or margarine
Corn flakes

Preheat oven 425 degrees.

Coat 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour half of the hash browns into it.

In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, cheese, salt, and remaining hash browns. If using onion flakes*, add those to the mixture. You can also melt some of the butter and add also, but it's just as good without the extra butter. Spread on top of hash browns in dish.

Spread corn flakes all over the soup mixture until well covered. Crush flakes if desired. Melt a stick of butter and pour evenly over corn flakes.

Cover dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Let set a few minutes before serving.

*If you are using a real onion, melt a stick of butter in the skillet over medium heat and sauté onion for 5 minutes. Add this to the soup mixture.

Here is the one we made tonight.

And here's the insides from one of our past casseroles. (Notice the steam coming off the top.)

Remembering the Past in Oklahoma

On Friday, we loaded up the car, picked Mara up from school, got Jack from his school, and then headed up to Tulsa. Since John's grandpa's funeral was going to be in Cleveland, Oklahoma, we figured we would stay in either Tulsa or Stillwater, and Tulsa won out when we got a great deal on Hotwire, com. We actually stayed in the downtown Holiday Inn, just a few blocks away from one of my former employers—the Tulsa World.

Mara was excited to go back to Oklahoma, and this was Jack's first time up there. On our trip, we were able to eat at three of the restaurants that we miss the most since moving to Texas—Goldie's, Eskimo Joe's, and Mazzio's.

Friday, September 24

We loaded up the car, picked the kids up from school, and headed out of town. After getting gas, we were able to drive straight through to Tulsa. Because it was getting late, we decided to grab dinner at Goldie's before checking into the hotel. Those fried pickles, Goldie burgers, and fries were definitely worth the wait.

Saturday, September 25

Before we headed to Cleveland for Grandpa's funeral, we gave Jack his first taste of banana. He seemed to like it pretty well. The weather was great, and the funeral was nice. Despite the circumstances that brought us together, it was good to see some of John's family. And just so everyone knows, I did not plan on my outfit matching Mara's—it just happened that way. :)

Sunday, September 26

We left Tulsa and headed to Stillwater early Sunday morning. We met John's uncle Charlie and his family for lunch at Joe's. After a little bit of shopping, we drove around the OSU campus (first time we had been back since the football stadium was complete), and then headed out to John's uncle Dan and aunt Chris' to visit them and to see John's grandma's house. Mara had a lot of fun playing with their dogs and trampoline. We left Stillwater a little later than we intended, but we still stopped at Mazzio's in Guthrie for dinner. The pizza was just as good as we remembered it. Luckily, the kids had no problem sleeping in the car.

Short Week

This was a short week for us. Both John and I are off Friday so we can head up to Oklahoma when Mara gets out of school on Friday.

Monday, September 20

While Jack had a new car seat for the van, we still needed to get one for John's car. Since Jack's school is on my way to and from work, he doesn't ride in John's car all that much. So, we decided to go with a cheaper alternative that comes highly recommended. I picked it up at Wal-Mart tonight, and now we just need to get it installed in John's car.

Tuesday, September 21

Last night, Mara had to draw two animals and circle the things that were similar to turn in for her homework today. She decided to draw a mommy and baby elephant and circled their ears, trunks, tufted tails, and toes. We were proud of her drawing and even happier that the teacher wrote "Wow!" on it.

Wednesday, September 22

Jack tried apples (actually all natural applesauce) for the first time tonight. I think he liked it, but just like most other foods he's tried, he doesn't open his mouth and beg for more. He still eats some, though. I think he just doesn't want any of the bland, pureed stuff.

Thursday, September 23

Jack was having fun blowing raspberries as we tried to feed him green beans tonight. He had a lot of fun making a mess, but he ate really well. Maybe we need to let him play with his food more in order to get him to eat more.

Happy birthday, John!

Tuesday, September 14

Mara has homework every night Monday through Thursday. Most nights, she either has to draw something or do something verbally. Tonight, she needed to draw something that could be under her bed to show that she understands the word "under." She decided to draw a picture of Doxy under her bed.

Wednesday, September 15

We took some jars of pears to school so Jack can start eating more. That means he now gets to sit in the table with the chairs built in. I think he likes being a big boy now.

Thursday, September 16

I typically lay down with Mara for a few minutes every night. This gives us a chance to catch up with each other and gives us to Mommy & Daughter time. Tonight, Doxy decided she wanted to be where I was laying, so she crawled in between us and effectively pushed me out of Mara's bed. I don't think Mara minded too much.

Friday, September 17

See Friday's posts here and here.

Saturday, September 18

Today we celebrated John's birthday by running a bunch of errands and then going out to eat. (Although I don't think he was celebrating much when we were running about.) While eating Chinese for dinner, Mara managed to drip some sweet and sour sauce that made for a pretty funny sight.  And I think John liked the Star Wars pancake molds that I got for him.

Sunday, September 19

Lori and Lani participated in another skating event today. This time, they were in Arlington. Lani won first place in her group, while Lori came in third in hers. I was able to catch Lori in mid-jump, and I think the expression on her face is priceless. Jack kept himself entertained with an unopened bag of Cheetos while we were there. He loves that crinkling noise.