Maiden Voyage

The oven made it's maiden voyage this week.  It made such a satisfying "whoosh" sound as it turned on. It preheated in lightening speed all the while telling me how hot it was getting....awesome.  

 So I kinda thought that the first thing that I would cook in my new little gem would be a little more glamorous--but what do you do?  If it cooks in the microwave or oven we've eaten it in the last few weeks.  I have had more hotdogs that I even want to admit- although I will admit that I like hotdogs-with mustard and relish....yum, but I am getting tired of them.

 I have no idea how people can eat this kind of food all the time- it is SO expensive! and a little icky.  I think it will be awhile before I buy another "pre-made" food.

 Here is my pan!  yeah, would have worked a little better on an actual pan.  Some of the juice spilled off and I quickly grabbed a towel to wipe the pristine bottom of the oven.

 I have been so wrapped up in taking pictures of the things that we have been working on, I nearly forgot to take a picture of how we have been living.  Here is our dining room table.

 Our "counter"

Our pantry/cupboards. Nice and cozy.  So, we have been eating out a lot and yesterday was Taylor's birthday we usually have a "special" dinner at home, but obviously that is not an option at the moment!  He decided that the Golden Corral (buffet like chuck-a-rama) is where he wanted to go- which was fine since we had free coupons from the library.  Wow.  That is a whole institution in and of itself.  Dave saw a woman who ate an entire plate of rice krispie treats for her "appetizer".  The dude sitting by us had a mountain of brown foods- shrimp, eggrolls, fried chicken, hush puppies etc all fried foods all COVERED in cheese sauce!  Talk about experiencing America!  That was better people watching than all the state fairs I have been to combined!  

The kids also learned a valuable lesson- even though all the food-- especially desserts-- are there, doesn't mean you should eat them!  After not finishing her ice cream, Grace said..."I need to go for a run."  To which Taylor replied "I know, right?  Mom, can you drop us off at the end of our street so that we can run home?"  So you CAN have too much of a good thing and that too much can be found at the Golden Corral.....which seriously?? corral?  for a restaurant?  that is nearly as bad as naming your clothing store the "Dress BARN"