As you may have figured out by now, we have left our boys at home from time to time for a few days away. We do this to reset, recharge, and come home as better parents and spouses to each other. It’s something that’s incredibly important to us and a nice change of pace to not begin a conversation with ‘ok so B’s rash is about 73% cleared up but you still need to use a wet paper towel – NO wipes – and BOTH creams….’
And that’s where Mary Beth comes in. We have had the privilege of having her grow with our family. She started off when L was just 3 years old – teetering on that line between toddler and preschooler. We, and L, feel in love hard and we haven’t really been able to let her go since.
We both grew our families since meeting each other. I’ll never forget the day she called to tell me they were adopting Hannah. In 3 weeks. I cried tears of joy, and shared my news of being pregnant with B, and both our hearts swelled. Hannah joined MB in caring for L and he has had the gift of watching her grow from newborn, to baby, to an extra chatty toddler.
B joined us a bit later to bring the crew’s tally up to 3. MB has the art of juggling them perfectly and seems to meet each ones needs before they are even needed. Answering the questions before they are asked. A true gift. As one of L’s dear friends, Olivia, stated to a stranger at the park (love that girl) ‘ that’s my Mary Beth.’ As if she were a universal figure. Like, grandma or best friend. She’s on the right track though – everyone should have one.
When you find your Mary Beth make sure to treat her well. A good place to start is leaving some tasty food around the home. I always try to have a soup or chili on hand, if possible. The other day I had texted her I was making a homemade and healthy(!!!) cheesy chicken pot pie. She wouldn’t need to worry about dinner for herself or her husband (who often stops by) as we’d have plenty of leftovers.
Whoops.
As you can see from the text, and pic, that didn’t exactly happen. M and I pretty much consumed that entire casserole dish. Hey, it’s a true testament to how amazing this recipe is.
Mary Beth? I owe you one!
- Filling
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (or turkey, or ham)
- 2 cups leftover, fresh or frozen vegetables
- Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Biscuit Topping
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- ½ cup grated cheese
- ⅓ cup milk
- Place meat and vegetables in a 9 inch round or 8×8 square baking dish.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter over medium heat, add flour and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly add chicken broth, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally.
- Remove from heat, add salt and pepper to taste and stir in cheese until melted.
- Pour over meat and vegetables. Mix well.
- Stir together all ingredients with a fork until even moistened. Spread thinly over mixture in casserole dish. (Don’t worry if there are gaps, it does not need to be perfectly covered and it will fill out more as it bakes.)
- Bake at 400ºF for 25 minutes or until topping is golden and filling is bubbly.
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Courtney
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OMG, totally making this next week – I think my husband won’t mind the veggies under biscuits and cheese!
Have a great weekend! Glad you had a getaway. 😀
Biz recently posted…Simple Vinaigrette
I love your family friendly, easy to prepare meals. Please stick to writing about food because you are so out if touch. Maybe it’s different in your affluent suburban stay at home mom world, but many of us are struggling with bring two working parents and paying for daycare. A nanny so mommy and daddy can have fun in the sun just doesn’t fit into that plan.
No one begrudges you the life you live but you seem blissfully out if touch with the 99%.
I’m sorry you feel that way and am really happy you enjoy the recipes.
I will continue to write about what is relevant to my life. I haven’t always been a stay at home mom and have too struggled with two working parents and paying for day care. I’ve worked full time – part time – and been home. To say I’m out of touch is hurtful. If you go back to some of my older posts I mention balancing work, childcare, etc.
Also, the most recent trip was a result of a work trip for my husband. He worked almost the entire time we were there.
And lastly, you missed the whole point of the post – and the whole point of the blog, which is cooking for people I love.
I feel like this pretty much sums it up:
http://www.sunnyskyz.com/blog/116/A-Husband-s-Amazing-Response-To-She-s-A-Stay-At-Home-Mom-What-Does-She-DO-All-Day-#.UvEYls2S3p8.facebook
And to quote a line from the article, Willa, “GET YOUR FREAKING HEAD ON STRAIGHT”
Tia @ Gilded TBags recently posted…Boot Camp
Thank you, Tia, for sharing this article – very kind! And I couldn’t agree more. To me being home full time is a (24/7) job that I take very seriously.
Twitter: christielici0us
says:
You know, here’s my thought. Out of touch or not, Courtney has a right to blog about whatever she wants to blog about.
Just like you have a right not to read it if it doesn’t appeal to you.
It’s awfully self-centered and presumptuous for you to come here, to someone else’s blog, and try to tell them what to write about.
Wouldn’t it be easier – and less hurtful to Courtney – if you just quietly click away and go read a blog that you don’t feel is out of touch, rather than make a comment that brings nothing useful to the conversation?
(And btw, Courtney, I KNOW you are not out of touch. I know how hard you work, and that everything you have is deserved. THAT’s what you tell a person when you truly don’t begrudge them the life they live.)
Christina Berry recently posted…Strawberry Valentine Cupcakes
Thank you, Christina. Very kind – I appreciate it!
Courtney- this recipe looks soooo good. Another good one! I love this blog. And to add to the comment above- I feel Courtney is one of the nicest people. Anytime I have sent her a pm she always responds with the kindest things. If she lives a different way than you then so what. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t work hard or has it any easier. With everything going on in the world right now we should be supporting one another. I enjoy hearing about her life and opinions. This is a lovely blog post.
Kristin, thank you so much for your kind words and your support! Let me know if you try out this recipe – it’s soooo delicious!