Happy Birthday Babes!

Hard to imagine that the babes is already 2 years old!  I wasn't sure I was going to make it after the first couple weeks...But, with lots of support from Coach and other family members here I am today - the mother of a 2 year old!

Toddler with a Tiara

Coach and I met 6 years ago.  We had an interesting courtship.  We were working at the same school and in the same department.  We spent a lot of time together and I thought it would be fun to hangout out side of school.  He had other ideas!  At the time, he was the freshman, junior varsity, and assistant varsity football coach at the school.  Needles to say, he really didn't have a lot of time for hanging out - also, I was working 4 jobs and finishing up my masters.  But, there is always time for love!!

One day on a Wednesday, I was determined to make a move and see about going out on a date.  If I had waited for him to a make a move, I would still be there....waiting!  So, I waited until Friday which was the start of the long Columbus day weekend.  I approached him and said, "We have Monday off, would you like to go to a movie on Sunday?"  He sort of took a step back and looked at me.  I thought to myself, 'well, that was a bad idea.'  Finally he spoke: "Yeah, but it depends on when the Patriots are playing on Sunday."  UMMMMM....I was dumbfounded.  You will go on a date with me, but you have to watch a football game first or after? Hmmmm.... I just looked at him and said, "OK, well I am available at 2pm so let me know."  Then I just ran away and headed for my car.  I had left out a very important step...we didn't exchange numbers!  Well, the weekend ticked away and I worked a couple shifts at the restaurant and wondered if this date would ever materialize.  Low and behold on Sunday, my phone rang and it was a number I didn't recognize. "Hello, Mathy? This is Coach.  The Pats played at noon so do you want to go to the movies tonight?"  I was over joyed and accepted the invitation.  Turns out he got my number from his brothers girlfriend - who also worked with us!  Too cute!!  So, we went to the movies and from there started hanging out more and more and eventually, became an item.  That summer, we moved in together, 2 years later we were married and a year after that the sweet babes!

You know early on in a relationship when you are asking all of those awkward questions like, "Do you want to get married some day, see kids in your future...etc?"  Well, we had that conversation.  I asked Coach if he saw any of that in his future and he said yes.  I took it a step further and asked, "What happens if we have a baby and I go into labor during a Friday night football game?"  Coach looked at me and said, "Well, it's a good thing that your mother doesn't live too far away.  She could be in the room and then I'll take over after the game!"  He claims to have been joking and I am sure he was...but there is a little truth in every joke!  Actually when we had the babes, he was there the whole time and actually missed the first 2 days of football preseason.  When we got home from the hospital, the next morning he was back on the field and that weekend - we were on the side lines cheering him on!

Just the other day I told him that I had set the date with the priest to have the babes baptized.  The date is later in October.  He said, "Ok, thats fine, but just keep in mind that I could be preparing for a playoff game."  Really?  Geez...I mean, I hope that he is, but come on.  All kidding aside, Coach does a great job taking care of his family and being here for us when we need him.  However, sometimes football is like another woman!  You have to make sure things get scheduled around her or Coach won't be there. Sometimes, even if he is there...he isn't...always thinking about those x's and o's.  It's a good thing the season is only 10 weeks and it's a good thing I love him as much as I do!!

Well...today we are on the road against the Golden Bucks.  Headed out in a little bit to spend some time on the lake before the game.  Looking forward to seeing family and friends at our first regular season game...GO RAIDERS!  Come back tomorrow and find out how we did!!

DIY Wednesday

Well I didn't think that I was going to get to anything today because we had our first day of school.  Actually, only the teachers had to report today for day long meetings and organizing of the class rooms.  We will be meeting again tomorrow for the day....The kiddos don't return until Wednesday.  So, the summer will linger with a long weekend and then the grind will be back in full force.

This morning when I was taking this sweet poocher for a walk at 4:45am, I found a empty frame on the side of the road.  Let me back track...yes the dog, whose name is Maggie was actually up at about 4:15 am...Coach will NEVER get up to take her out in the morning, that is my job.  She is really a sweet girl, but 4:15 in the MORNING??!!  I guess if you gotta go, you gotta go.  Luckily, I could get her to stay in bed until about 4:45 and then I gave in and had to get out of the comfort and warmth of my bed and took the sweet girl out side.  I guess it was a good thing that I did, because I found the inspiration for my DIY!!

Maggie...the early riser!

So, I found this frame and took it home.  When we were all finally ready to leave the house...Coach was wondering why I had a ball of twine, nails, a hammer, and of course the frame in my hands!  I feel like stuff like this happens a lot in our house...I am typically always up to something and he doesn't really ever question it anymore!  Better off that he doesn't and just enjoys the final product.

Basically what I created was a simple wall hanging to put important papers, best works, or papers with no names on them.  Here is what the final product looks like:

New wall hanging...Yes that is David on the chalk board!  He is always watching!

It was really very simple...I am sorry that I did not take a close up picture.  I will take another one tomorrow and post it.

SO, here is what you will need:

Twine
Clothes pins
Frame (the frame that I found on the road looks like it might have either had a mirror in it or maybe a print.  The frame was nothing special and actually needed a little TLC...if you can find something cheap at a yard sale you'd be all set.)

The first thing I did was cut a length of twine and tie it to the side of the frame.  Next, I wrapped the twine around the frame a few times.  When the twine felts secure I continued the same steps in a zig-zag pattern.  You really could go with any pattern that you like, but, zig-zag worked for me.  Remember to wrap the twine at least 3 or 4 times around the side of the frame.  If you wanted to use hot glue on the frame and then wrap the twine...you certainly could.  I didn't feel it was necessary...and I didn't bring my hot glue gun to school!  

Here is what the frame and twine looked like before I added the clothes pins.  If you don't want to use clothes pins, you don't have to...maybe paper clips or binder clips - to fit with the school theme - would suit your fancy more!

The last step was adding the clothes pins and hanging it up on the wall!  I was thinking that I was going to have to secure the clothes pins with glue on the twine...but I didn't!  I just pinned them on and it works just fine!  Now I have a spot to hang papers and it just looks a little more interesting!

I guess it wasn't so bad getting out of bed so early this morning to take the poocher for a walk!  I walked right into inspiration!!







In football news...Coach said the kids had a good practice today.  We have one more practice day left before we take it on the road for a true test on Friday against the Golden Bucks.  I am looking forward to going to the game and also getting to visit with my friend Kate and her family at her fabulous camp on the The Jake.

Stay tuned for at least two more posts this week...I'm working on one in my head about what it is like to lose your husbands attention for sport!  Obviously, I will also give you the play by play for the road game on Friday!  Thanks for checking in and checking me out!!

Sunday Funday!

A typical Sunday in our household during football season goes like this: I get up with the baby and get her dressed and ready for the day.  Coach takes her down stairs for breakfast.  I go to 8:30am mass and they have some daddy/daughter bonding time.  When I get home, we go to the grocery store and then I come home and start cooking for the Coaches Meeting.  Once the guys get here, I've lost my Coach and pretty much finish up the laundry, clean, watch the babes, and whatever else needs to get done.  I will say that the guys love the babes, so she hangs with them and "helps" draw up plays.

I am lucky enough to have at least another friend over for Coaches Meeting.  One of the assistant coaches brings his fabulous girl friend.  She loves to pin, and craft, and bake...so we get a long especially well.  This is an example of the difference between the sexes at a Coaches Meeting:

Here are the men...focusing so carefully on next weeks competition by checking out the tape.  During this portion of the event, there is lots of pointing, note taking, and re-living or their own Glory Days..."I would have made that tackle, I could have caught that...."

Here is what we do:

Hahah...ok, not all the time...we sometimes pay attention...but this was just too good!

One of the cool things we've done since we started having the coaches over on Sunday afternoon, is feed them.  This gives me the opportunity to work on some recipes and try some stuff out.  In the fall when it is just a bit cooler, I love to get the crock pot going.  Today might not have been the best day temperature wise to break it out - but I did anyway.  

I made a dish that I've done in the past and it is sort of like a pasta bake or casserole that you make in the crock pot!  I don't have a name for it...maybe you can make some suggestions!

Here is what you will need:

1 lb of ground turkey meat (I use the 93% fat free blend)

1 package of frozen chopped spinach

1 can of pre made pasta sauce (I always have my home made sauce on hand...but there is something about the canned stuff that works better in this recipe....canned sauce - for shame!)

1 lb of uncooked pasta  - I like the medium shells for recipe

Container of Ricotta cheese

Romano Shake cheese 

Shredded Mozzarella 

Italian seasonings

This is what happens when you realize you put everything in the Crock and forgot to take a picture!  Oh well...I am sure you can catch my drift!

Ok, Here's what you do:

Turn on the old Crock Pot and set on low.  Place the ground turkey in the bottom of the Crock.  Use a wooden spoon or spatula to chop up the meat.  I add some seasoning at this point.  I use all your basic Italian friends: basil, oregano, a pinch of crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, and that bottle of Italian Seasonings that has everything that you need!  Next, I put the frozen chopped spinach on top of the meat.  

Now, I am not sure why but my local grocery store did not have Ricotta cheese today.  This makes me very sad.  I don't think it is a specialty item...I'm not sure why they don't have it.  This is the second time I've looked for it and they didn't have it!  So, what to do, what to do?  I bought a container of regular cottage cheese.  I doctored it up with a little bit of garlic salt and some Romano shake cheese.  Mix that well and then pour it over the spinach.  

The coolest part of this meal is that you don't have to pre-cook the pasta.  Just open that box and let 'er rip!  Like I said, I like the medium shells because the cheese gets inside those shells and explodes while you're eating them!  After the pasta is in the pool, open up that can and add it to the mix.  

I set my Crock for 4 hours.  I went back after an hour and stirred everything up.  The meal was done in about 3 hours total.  At this point, mix it up again and if you would like a saucer dish - add another can or half a can of sauce.  About 15 minutes before you are ready to serve, put a nice layer of shredded mozzarella on the top and let it melt!  

Ready to Crock and Roll!!

Again, I know it doesn't look like much...but it is pretty yummy.  I would suggest serving with garlic bread!!

Well, the first Coaches Meeting of the season went really well.  The coaches talked strategy and feel confident going into week 1 of the regular season.  After they left, Coach gave the babes her bath and thanked me for cooking and putting up with the endless football chatter...It doesn't bother me, as long as I can interject my thoughts and ideas.  I am not often right, but I know enough to know what's going on and occasionally I make a good remark...those moments earned me this shirt and I dig in!

Thanks for checking me out...stay tuned for more crafts, recipes, and general commentary on the life of a high school football coach.  We have a busy week coming up with two professional development days and a big road game on Friday.  Should be an interesting week! Stay tuned...

Exhibition...Friday Night Lights!!

Under the Lights....Everything is All Right!

I have to say, even though I am only in the stands for games - I often feel like I am right out there with the kids or on the side lines with the coaches.  I assume the reason for this is because we talk a lot of shop at home and I feel as passionate about what happens on the field as Coach does.  So, when Friday's roll around, it is not uncommon for me to get butterflies in my tummy and be nervous until kick off.

Coach and his assistant coaches will tell you that I am up and down behind the bench, following the ball, more then they are.  I also fill up the water bottles, clean up the bench, and pass out fruit at half time and when a player comes off the field.  I guess that is all because of nervous energy.

I treated myself to a pedi on Thursday...I guess I have spirit toes!  Kirsten, a former student and budding nail tech, did a wonderful job!  She had never had any requests for football laces on a big toe before!! Yes Kate, I am OOC!!

It was a perfect night for a football game!  The field was lined, the lights were on, let's play some ball!! The Raiders came out strong and were able to 'take it to the house' pretty quickly.  The babes really enjoyed her view from the sidelines...

There was a very large crowd for our team...considering it was an exhibition game!  The first half, our first team was really able to dominate.  The Eagles (of Ellsworth) are a first year varsity program.  They have had a team for 3 years.  Actually, this is a lot like our team...we've been a team for 6 years and this is our 2nd varsity season.  I particularly enjoyed the second half when the second team or the 2's got to get out there and play some live action football!  We live in an area that is really new to football.  Basketball has been the number 1 sport for years.  So, some of these kids have never tried it before.  It's great to see them come off the field with big smiles on their faces!

At the end of the night the score board read Raiders 28 - Eagles 13!  A good win and a good time.  The babes was wide awake the whole time.  It was well past her bed time by the time Coach helped us to the car...luckily she passed out on the way home!

Next stop...ROAD SHOW vs. the Golden Bucks!

Thanks for stopping by and checking me out!  Sunday is our first Coaches meeting of the season, I will be posting a really great crock pot recipe!

Preseason...It's a Wrap!

Well, after 2 weeks of double sessions, preseason has finally come to an end.  Thursday was the teams first practice that was not considered a double session.  This means a couple things: 1. Coach will be home more before school starts, 2. Coach will be home for dinner and bath time at night, and finally
3. the REAL season starts NOW!

To end preseason on a good note, Coach and I host the team and their families at our house for a cook out.  We typically supply the burgers, dogs, and buns, and a couple of salads.  Parents bring drinks and desserts and really anything else that they want to!  It is really a great time for the kids to unwind, the parents to mingle, and me to work on my hosting skills!

Here is a pic of the spread...minus the burgers and dogs!  I am not a huge fan of soda at events like this, but every once and awhile, I guess it's ok.

Part of the entertainment that becomes pretty competitive every year at this gathering, is Corn Hole.  Corn Hole is pretty much a "Maine" game.  There are 2 wooden targets, on and angle with holes in them.  The object of the game is to get the corn bags (think - bean bags) into the holes. You play in teams and stand opposite of each other.  The kids love it and they had a tournament...lots of trash talk, but a really good time had by all!

This year for the gathering, I made a cake that Coach really likes.  It is called Upside Down Raspberry Cake.  It is super easy to make and there wasn't any left at the end of the night, so I guess it was a hit!!

Here is what you need:

Yellow or White Box cake mix

3 cups Fresh Raspberries...mashed (frozen would work too, but I've always used fresh!)

6 oz box Raspberry flavored gelatin  (this post is not sponsored by Jello, but I like that they have a 6oz box)

3 cups of mini marshmallows

**Please notice awesome vintage Pyrex bowl in the Pink Gooseberry pattern...I am in love with all that is Pyrex and am building a serious collection!**

Ok, so first thing first...Preheat oven to 350 and wash the raspberries and place them in a measuring put.  I use a potato masher to mash the fresh raspberries until I get 3 cups.

Pour the raspberries in the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan.  I of course used a Pyrex glass baking dish!

Next, open the gelatin and pour it evenly over the raspberries.  Make sure you get a nice even layer of gelatin over the raspberries.

Looks different I know, but this cake is so yummy, you won't really care how it looks!  Now, put the 3 cups of mini marshmallows over the raspberries and gelatin.  These little guys are going disappear once the cake is cooked.

The last step is to prepare the cake as the box directs you to do.  Once it is well mixed, pour it over your marshmallows.  You will have some marshmallows poking out, don't worry about it!  You might want to use a spatula to spread the mix evenly over the marshmallows.

Ok, put that baby in the oven for 30 minuets.  When the 'top" is golden brown and a tooth pick comes out clean, you are ready to roll!

Please disregard the Pumpkin Spice Kisses, garlic, cukes, Tums, and any other clutter that does not belong on one's counter!  

The last step is to run a knife around the edges of the cake and flip it onto a tray of some variety.  Now, I have told you that I am not an expert, my pictures are not flawless, my house is obviously a mess, and sometimes my food doesn't look as perfect as it should...so when you see the final product, and it doesn't look professional...don't worry...IT IS SO DELISH!!

Here are a couple of notes about the cake:

-I've also made this with fresh strawberries.  I used strawberry flavored gelatin.  You can really use any fruit with a flavored gelatin...mix and match!

-This would also be delish with a chocolate cake instead of white or yellow

-Have fun with it!  My babes loves to help mash up the fruit...and this recipe is so easy, I'm sure even Coach could put it together if he had to!

So, the party was a success...we sent the kids home around 7pm and told them to rest up.  Friday would be our first game of the season...even if it is only an exhibition game!!  

Wednesday DIY...

Well, since my walking partner was not available this morning and I am procrastinating heading into school to set up my classroom - I decided to work on a craft that I've been meaning to do for awhile now.  I took your basic mason jar and turned it into a hand soap dispenser for my kitchen and bathroom.  I am having a kitchen upgrade done next week and thought this would be lovely for my kitchen's new look!  I found this idea on Pintrest.  I don't know about you, but I am addicted to Pintrest and I pin a-lot!  But, I often find that I can never make anything look as wonderful as those experts do...so I thought I would give it a go...

First, I gathered all the goods I needed for the craft:
Hammer
Mason Jars...you can really go with any size you like
Nail
Hot glue gun
Liquid soap (I went to the local dollar store and bought a couple of bottles of soap...whatever works for you, will work in the jar!)

Here is all the stuff I used!  Please check out the football themed hammer that Coach received as a gift from his team last year.  He always tells the team, "Be the hammer, not the nail."  Also, disregard the messy state of my dining room/craft room!!

First thing you do is take your mason jar and find the center of the top.  Using the nail and hammer make a series of hole.  This is where you will put the soap dispenser.  

This might be the most time consuming part of the whole craft.  I made three or four holes close to each other and this created one large hole.  You want to make sure the hole is big enough to fit the dispenser all the way to the base! Once you are done making the hole, turn the metal plate over and fold back the metal.

Next, make sure the dispenser (the straw part) fits in the jar...you might need to snip it a little.

Once the straw fits well you will need to hot glue the dispenser to the top of the mason jar.  You really don't need a lot of glue, but you want to make sure that you have enough to secure the dispenser to the top of the jar.  At this point, if you want to, you can also use a little hot glue to secure the metal plate to the ring of the mason jar.  This is not a necessary step, but you might find it easier to refill your jar this way!

So here it is!  The final product...not bad!  The recipe that I saw for this did an extra step of taping up the jar and spray painting the top of the jars white.  I didn't find this necessary...I like the prim and rustic look of the metal of the jars.

Well...I guess it worked out!  These would also look nice at my friend Kate's camp...maybe these will be in her future!

Here is a football update for those of you keeping up:  The team had a scrimmage on Monday and Coach says that they did really well.  After spending yesterday morning reviewing the tape (instead of mowing the yard, loading the dish washer...etc) he said his team is ready for the upcoming season and he feels good about preseason camp!  This friday we have an exhibition game against a new team to the league the Eagles.  Should be a good match up!  Thursday the team will be coming over for an end of preseason camp bbq...I will be posting pictures and recipes from the party!!  (Just as a side note...Coach did make the bed after he watched the tape...not all bad I suppose!)

Thanks for checking me out! Have a great day!  Feel free to follow me on Pintrest!

TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE!

Hello Everyone out there!

My name is Mathy and I am the wife of a high school football coach living in the great State 'O Maine.  I decided to start a blog to share easy recipes, crafts, and my experiences for the toughest 10 weeks of the school year!  Things get hectic around here during the season and I often find myself running the household and taking care of baby by myself....I am also a full time high school teacher.  My plate is full...but I wouldn't change it for anything!  We love football season...practices are every day after school until around 5:30pm and games are either on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons.  Sunday's are  reserved for "coaches meetings" at our house.  There is a lot going on, but I wouldn't want to spend my fall anywhere else then on the sidelines!

Football is a family thing in our home.  Below you'll see out little peanut last season getting ready to run in a touch down.  We are daddy's biggest fans!!

Football season started last week with preseason camp.  A full week of double sessions in the early August heat.  Coach leaves the house at around 1pm and he won't be back until about 9pm.  The baby and I head to school around 5pm to help prepare and serve dinner to the boys as they have a break from their early session.  The baby and I head home, have our own supper, walk the dog, do bath time, bed time, and then mom heads down stairs to straighten up and get ready for the next day.  Doing it all alone is tough, but definitely do-able!

The first recipe I want to share is for really easy burritos....you can mix everything up and cook it well before you're ready to serve...This a quick meal that is super yummy!

Turkey Burritos

1 pound ground Turkey meat
Small Red Onion chopped
Can of Red Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
Can of Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
Can of Corn (drained...I used the store brand of "Southwestern Corn Mix")
Can of Diced Tomatoes with Chilies
1/2 cup Chicken Broth
Taco Seasoning (you can use a home made version or the one in the packet at the grocery store)
2 cups cooked Brown Rice (you can use instant or I use a rice cooker that I love)
Olive Oil
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese...what ever kind you prefer
Lettuce
Salsa
Whole Wheat Tortilla
Any other Burrito fixins' you and your family likes to use

In a large sauté pan, heat Olive Oil and put onion in the pan...cook until it is clear.  Add the ground turkey meat to the pan and break up as it is cooking.  Once meat is fully cooked, add both cans of beans, corn, and tomatoes...mix well.  At this point I use the taco seasoning packet.  Typically, I only use about half of the packet...so, add and TASTE!  If you need some more, feel free to add it!  Slowly add the Chicken Broth...mixing after each addition.  Let the meat mixture cook down.  You really do not want a watery mixture.  Add the Brown Rice to the meat mixture.

At this point, if you are preparing this well before dinner, you can put the mixture in a container and place in the fridge.  Once it is time to eat, you can heat up on the stove or in the microwave.  This whole meal takes about 30 minutes to make.

When you are ready to serve for dinner....place a portion of meat and rice mixture on tortilla and add any fixins you want...sour cream, salsa, cheese, lettuce, olives, etc!

I just made these last night and forgot to take pictures!!  This is something that I am going to have to get used to doing!


There is a scrimmage tonight, so Coach heads out around 1:30 this afternoon and we won't see him until about 10:30 tonight!  Good luck to him and his boys...the baby and I are sitting this one out and spending some time home tonight.

Stay tuned for more posts and picture this week!  Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!