Because I have to

Hey guys, I am not going to lie, I am kinda bored with the thought of blogging but I feel the need to do it because it is kinda a journal of my life in some ways. I honestly thought I would have a little more time on my hands to come up with fun blogs and pictures. It turns out that these stay at home moms do a lot of work. Maybe now that the holidays are over and we are headed into some cold days, I will make more time.

Anyway, Christmas was good this year, I would say one of the better Christmas's I have had ever. What was the difference, you ask? Less gifts, more just enjoying my family and all the fun Christmas traditions. I kept hearing so many people say "I have so much to do, I have not even started shopping yet.......". My response was "mmm, I'm done!" That is right, got a few little things for Hutchy, even found some on craigslist. Did one homemade gift for Brett along with some shirts and well Abe.... he got lots of wrapping paper and tape. I was blessed to get some wonderful gifts from others and my kids have all kinds of fun things to play with from grandparents but it would have been just as much fun with an even more simple Christmas.

I think my top 5 things about this Christmas were:

- Christmas Eve with the family. We missed the Christmas eve service because of poor planning on my part and ended up going to Jimmy Johns for dinner and being the only people there. We then went home, got the kids in the bath and turned on the fireplace. it was not as we planned at all but kinda magical to all be together at home. The boys smelled so good and were so warm and snuggly, I loved it!

- Watching Hutch get so excited for each gift. I kinda thought it would be overload for him but he did great and I felt like he was so thankful for each thing.

- Snuggling with my sweet Abe in his jammies on Christmas morning. I often want to be more like Abram, I love his childlike heart, life is so simple for this little guy. Oh those cheeks!!!

- Watching my family members snarf down several dozens of cookies I made. I love cooking when others enjoy it so much. I am not sure how many total peanut butter balls I made but they were a hit!!! I love standard white trash cookies like that. Forget my Martha Stewart cookbook when I have Better Homes and Gardens!!!

- Making homemade scarfs for a couple of my family members. I made them from Brett's old undershirts and some Rit dye. I was pretty pleased with how they turned out. Talk about being thrifty!!

Well, there you have it. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and if you wished it would have been a little more relaxing. Don't spend so much money and time shopping for all those people because you feel like you have to. Don't go to the mall, just find fun things in your own home to share with others.

halloween sucess

Now that I am a stay at home mom, I have set some standards for myself. Besides keeping a semi clean house, hot meal on the table almost every night and doing at least one load of laundry a day. I have made it a goal to hand make my kids costumes until they beg me for one of those cheap and nasty ones from Wally World.

I saw the idea for this scuba costume last year when I was making Hutch's costume and just held on to the idea until this year. I don't want to brag but I do think it was one of the best costumes I saw (that comment was for you Clark E.)

Anyway, I wished Abe's costume would have turned out a little better. He looked really cute but so cute that he was called a cute little chubby girl all night. He can't help it, it is just a pretty boy!!!

no words just so cute!!!!

My friend Kim took some family pictures and so far this might be my favorite. Not sure what he is doing with his little lips but it is adorable. He melts my heart every time I look into those deep blue eyes!!!

A shout out: Kim (RICK!!!), you rock. These pictures turned out so cute, I can't wait to let the framing begin!!!

Hutchisms

Well, I am about a month into being a full time stay at home mom and I am loving it so far. I think one of my favorite things about staying home is obviously getting to hang out with Hutch more and really get to know him better. It has been a challenge to deal with this little squirt at times but it has also been so fun to really see him start to have his own personality.

This past weekend we went out to a farm to pick out a few pumpkins. Hutch and I took a hay rack ride out to the pumpkin patch and on the way pasted a soybean field that had not yet been harvested. I heard one of the Dad's tell his kid that that field was edamame and I just rolled my eyes. I asked Hutch what kind of beans they were and he replies "soybeans, mom!" Ahhh, duhhh Johnson county Dad who has been in the city a little too long!!!

I loved it that my son knew what they were and is a true farm boy at heart. I can't get the kid to sit still for much longer than 5 min, but somehow he managed to ride in the combine with my Dad for almost 7 straight hours a few weeks ago.

Anyway, on to my story. I asked Hutch to pick a pumpkin to take home. I kept pointing ones out that were perfect in shape and would say "Hutch, look at this one, it is perfect isn't it?" His response was "No Mom, it is not right, put it down". I kept trying to get him to pick one since the tractor was getting ready to take off. I just put on a big smile and acted really excited when I saw another pumpkin that was perfect and kept saying "Oh, Hutch, that is it, look how great that pumpkin is". His response was still "Mom, no no, not that one, put it down". I finally started to walk back to the tractor in hopes he would just forget about it and follow me but just then he said "this one!!!"

Can you tell which one he picked?

I love my Mr. Hutch Wiese. He keeps me on my feet.

Oh, one last sorry, Last night I needed to use the ladies room and Hutch walks in the bathroom and I say "Hutch, Mommy needs some privacy". His response was "I can't Mom, we don't have anymore". Smart kid, he is right, mommy does not have any privacy left :)

Stay at home mom

I am sure no one will even reads this post since I have not blogged in three months and everyone thinks I have quit. I have been a little crazy running around with my head cut off. Turns out, I kinda stink at having two kids, working outside the home full time,trying to keep a house, maintain healthy friendships and oh, yes, be a good wife.

After a hundred conversations, looking over the budget a million times and praying about it. We have decided that I will quit my job in late September. This is an exciting but scary time for us.

Exciting that I will get to spend more time with my sweet boys, not pay for child care anymore (which was way more than our mortgage) and just having a few less things on my mind. I am excited to watch my kids grow and help mold them into the wonderful people I know they can be. I am excited to be thrifty, find great deals on craigslist and share my finds with all of you. I can't wait to get my house back in order and just feel good about going on a long walk by myself. No guilt here!

Scary because we are going to one income with me working a few side things on the side to bring in a little income. Being a stay at home mom is also SO HARD!!! I thought a stay at home mom's had the life of just hanging out in sweat pants, going to the pool all day, watching day time tv and just kissing on kids all day. Over maternity leave, I found out that staying home with two kids is the hardest job I have ever had, hands down!!!

Hope you are all ready for play dates, I am going to need you all so I don't go crazy!!!

Back to work

Well, so sorry I have not blogged for three months. I was either too busy watching Toy Story for the hundredth time with Hutch, squeezing Abe's cheeks until they are purple or hanging out with my new stay at home mom friends. Maternity leave was amazing and I cherished every minute of every day. It was a ton of work (way more work than I have ever done in my life) but I absolutely loved it. Turns out I really like my kids!



It has been hard to be apart from by boys all day but some pictures that my friend took just came to me by email and it is making me melt. Thanks Kim for making my day!

Introducing our new little man

Sorry I have taken a week to post about the new little addition to our family. I am so obsessed with him, I can't put him down to write a blog about it.

One week from today (Jan. 31st) our second son was born at 6:22pm weighing in at 6 lbs 15oz. and 18 3/4 inches long.

I don't like telling long birthing stories on hour to hour details so here is basic outline of how it all went down, a month earlier than expected:

9am: I went to hospital in the morning after I dropped Hutch off at daycare on my way to work because I just had not been feeling good and I had a little spotting the night before. Thought I might be dehydrated and just went to make sure everything was ok.

9:30: Started all kinds of tests to see why I was not feeling good and found out my Bilirubin count was high (I guess that means something not great with your liver). I was told it might be nothing but they wanted to observe me for a few hours but no need to have my husband come to hospital.

11:30: Did a sonogram on my liver, bladder and kidneys, took more blood and started me on fluids.

1:00pm: Told me they wanted to keep me for 24 hours to observe since they were not finding out why my Bilirubin was high. I was also starting to have some contractions around this time that felt like more than braxton Hicks. Doc checked me and I was at a 3.5 centimeters.

2:00pm: 4.5 centimeters dilated and I was told I was in labor.

2:01pm: Freaked out completely because I was not ready to have this baby. I had one of my biggest events of the year in a week (The event is tomorrow and I am praying for my staff that it all goes great, Good luck team!!) I didn't not have a chance to tell the nurses my birth plan, I didn't have the bag packed, diapers at home. NOTHING WAS READY!!! So, the crying began.

2:30pm: Texted brett to hurry because I needed my coach since contractions were getting harder at this point.

2:40pm: Brett arrived to save me!!!

4:30pm: Contractions got really hard and I started to doubt if I had the energy to do this since I had felt sick for the last month. I also only had a bowl of cereal that morning and they would not let me eat all day.

6:13pm: I told Brett if I was not at a 7 centimeters when the Doc. checked me next I was going to get an epidural because I was hooked up to monitors, I could not move about and get in some more comfortable positions to labor in. Again cried a bit because I wanted to be laboring in my own way.

6:14pm: Doc checked me and I was a 7, no an 8, Ohh, she broke my water, I was a 9 and I yelled "I need to push now, now, now, now." Brett says "Hey, she wants to push, she said she needs to push". I hear doctors and nurses say "hold on Vikkie, don't push, don't push". My response: screw this, I am pushing and so I began! Good thing the doc and nurses got me set up in one minute because 6 pushes later, Abram Reo Wiese was born. (Reo is my grandfathers brother. Never knew uncle Reo but I just thought that name was pretty cool).

I know he was born a month early but he was ready to come out and so was I. I instantly felt like a million bucks the minute he came out and I have since then. I LOVE NOT BEING PREGGERS!!!! It is a small price to pay but Abe made me work for him. Hutch was a breeze to be preggers with compared to Hutch. The NICU team was there to to take Abe if needed but he got denied within minutes of being born. He was healthy and perfect!!!!!

Here are just a few pics:

This is baby Abe with Uncle Abram, my brother.

Taking a nap at 5 days old.

Hanging with Dad.

Thanks all for your prayers, emails, cards, facebook messages and meals. We have the best friends, family and co-workers in the world!!!!

P.s. I will post soon of the boys together. Hutchy is the best big brother and is so sweet with Abe. He is at the farm this week with Papa Tractor and Grandma Joce and having the time of his life. I guess my Dad even got him to poop on the potty. Hey, he might be potty trained when I get him back, not to shabby. Two kids in diapers is going to kill our bank account so I am all for Hutchy getting potty trained :)

Happy Ho Ho Ho to me!

This year Santa (aka Papa Strahm) brought me a power washer for Christmas. I know, I know, it may seem crazy but I am sure it is going to be my new favorite thing. I am not sure if it is just this pregnancy or what but I have had the need to clean. That doesn't mean that am always cleaning but I can't seem to get things clean enough and I am constantly thinking about how to get rid of every germ in my house.

Early this fall we borrowed a power washer to do our deck before we stained it and I kinda fell in love with the idea of blowing water out of a hose going like 50 miles per hour. I started using the power washer to wash down the outside of my house, garage doors and gutters. I even blew the leaves out of the flower beds with it and watered my plants at the same time. When my Dad asked for some ideas for Christmas gifts I really had no ideas for him. Being preggers, no clothes sounded fun, I am not really into electronics and I have everything I can think that I really need. AHHH, except a power washer!!!! My Dad got a really good one and I can't wait to blow the winter off of everything once spring gets here.







My Top Ten things I want to power wash first:

- My whole driveway


- House and gutters


- You can add a cleaning solution in the hose so I am going to wash all the outsides of my windows


- The inside of my garage


- Might wash the cars from time to time although I do love Rainbow Wash so we will have to see about that. This power washer is also super powerful so I will have to make sure I have the delicate nozzle on for this project.


- Cleaning out Hutch's pool after it has been out all summer


- Washing under Brett's mower before putting it away for winter next year


- Power washing the grill


- Washing out my garbage cans


- We have a little back patio area that gets really dirty and it is hard to sweep up, this will be the perfect solution.





I would love more ideas if any of you had them. If you are ever in need of a power washer, give me a call. I am more than happy to spread the love :) (only if I get to help do it, that is).

The broom elfs are taking orders

Hey everyone,
just wanted to let you know that I will be putting in another big order for Fuller Brush products before the holidays. Let me know if you would like to make an order. I would be happy to chat with you one on one to let you know the products I have tried and love.

You can also click here to order online!! My account number that you will want to be sure to enter is 1033562.

Just a couple new products that I just got and love: The Kitchen Broom and the window cleaner!!!

Love,
Your Fuller Brush Lady!

the first chop

Last Friday night Brett decided it was time for Hutch to get a trim. Hutch did not have a ton of hair but he was getting some long pieces by his ears and had a sweet curl in the back. I called it a curl, Brett called it a mullet. I decided if Hutch was going to get a haircut, I wanted him to go to a older barber shop where an old guy who was a little intimidating would cut it. None of this sport clips or kiddy hair shops that cater to 2 year olds. I wanted my son to buck up and do it like a man!!! So, I went on a search and found a barber shop not far from our house that was pretty old school. I even noticed these guys using Suave hairspray on other gentlemen getting a trim. NICE!!!

Hutch did great and he looks like such a grown up now. I have to admit, Brett gave him a cookie to keep him occupied while the barber was using the trimmers. I can't blame him, those things are a little scary so close to your ears.

It was a great experience overall exempt for when we went to pay. $16 !!!!! Holy cow!!!!!! I am thinking Hutchy will have to get his hair cut in Sabetha for now on or go see Papa Wiese. I am way to cheap to be paying over $3 for a 2 year olds hair cut.

Here is an after picture of Hutch reading on the toliet. What a man!!!

hello, I am the fuller brush lady!

Although, I love event planning, I have always had a secret love for sales and negotiating (ok, maybe the negotiating part is not so secret). I have been told by several people that I missed my calling in sales but never really knew what to do with that information. A few months back I was approached by someone selling jewelry, one selling purses and one selling make up all in the same month. I just can't get excited about these type of products. It may be because I am too practical and really want something I don't want to feel guilty about buying something that I really don't need. I got to thinking, "What would I spend money on?" my answer: a great quality broom, a new scrub brush for that hard to clean shower, cleaning products!!!!

After months of researching, I found a company called The Fuller Brush Company and right away loved the products and the prices. I guess this company has been around for over 100 years but I had not heard of it. If you know me at all, you know that I would only sell something that I personally love. Having a clean house is another passion of mine and I was getting frustrated with my brooms, cleaning brushes and cleaning products so thought it was time to try this out. Don't get me wrong, I still love comet, bleach and ammonia. I often want to mix them all together to clean but thought that might not be a good idea if I want this baby to be born with no birth defects.


The Fuller Brush Company has so many great products that are 100 % guaranteed and I can't wait to keep trying them. Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email if you would like to see a catalog. Have to share this product today: the broom below is a great one and is on sale right now. $20 for a great broom that sweeps up even sugar!!!!!!

Sweet Blue Bird

So I debated and debated on what Hutch should be this year for Halloween. Someone had mentioned to have him be Peter Pan with green tights on and I loved the idea. I was not so crazy about him being Peter Pan but I could not get the thought of Hutch in little tights out of my head. So, the research began, what outfits REQUIRE tights? I know, I know, my son may hate me for this when he is older but I could not help myself. After looking on several websites I found this sweet little blue bird costume on Martha Stewarts website.

The directions were terrible but I think it turned out pretty cute. Hutch loved wearing his tights and I am even trying to think what I could dress him in next year that will require another color of tights. Hopefully I can get away with doing homemade costumes for a really long time. It was fun to make and I love it that is was different than everyone else costumes.

There are many more picture and a couple sweet videos of him if you click on the slide show to the left of this post. Oh sweet blue bird!!!!

A few special Thanks: Tammy, thanks for the super cute hat that you made. It turned out so cute, Hutch wore it all night and even to daycare this morning. Andrea, thanks for letting me work on this at your house and for overseeing this little craft!!!

Guest Post by Dad Strahm: Life's Not The Breath You Take...

Life brings things your way every day, that sometimes your not sure your ready for, or maybe it is just something that your not ready to hear yet. They can be sad or hurtful things, they can even be great things. Fifteen years ago,I had given very little thought to what life would be like without my own Father, but then life brought that news that he had taken his last breath, and honestly, I don't think anybody was ready for that except him, it was news that I was not ready for, but again,something that I could not change. Life went on....and Dad became a memory in my heart forever. I maybe had an unfair advantage over my other four siblings in that I farmed with Dad everyday, so we visioned things together, built things together, worked together to bring those things about, but perhaps what I remember most, are the times at the end of a hard day or a moment in which we stopped to catch our breath, we would sit down,and Dad would share something with me about the past, his experiences, a family story, a life lesson, maybe even a song he learned as a child, and perhaps his favorite topic......geneology, and a "result there of".

Five years ago, I was given the news for the first time......"Dad, your going to be a Grandpa!" Again, looking back, I am not sure that was news I was quite ready for. Ooooo, that sounds so old! I remember selfishly thinking, "Hey, I just got these kids raised up and out of the house, and now I'm going to have more little ones running around? Where is that time to myself?" But then, that is not how it is. Grandchildren are thee absolute greatest!!! Life issued another another blow, by not even getting to hold little Jentry before she went to be with Jesus. But today, there is Jude, Hutch and Libby, and two more in the making....Good Times! Each moment with them is soooo cherished. This past week, Jocelyne and I were privileged to take Hutch to the American Royal, then off to the PRCA Rodeo followed by a "Little Texas" concert. I am pretty sure that Mommy was a little hesitant when I told her over the phone that the rodeo didn't start till 7:30, and we may not be home till 10:00 or later, anyway, I could sense her rolling those big blue eyes, thinking "What is he thinking, does he know what he is in for?" Hutch hits the hay at 8:00 pm.....except for when he is with Grandpa Strahm, (alias PaPa-tractor).

What joy, though, to walk hand in hand, with such a little man. Life takes on a new perspective when we live in such a "hustle bustle" world, and then we suddenly slow down to the pace of a two-year old's footsteps. Ahhhhhhh....it feels so good! Hutch enjoyed everything, from sitting atop a life size bronze sculpture of a quarter horse, to feeding young goats, being face to face with a market hog, feeling the soft coat of show cattle, getting behind the wheel of a new pickup, or playing on a horse hay feeder. Then, the rodeo, just the mere size of Kemper Arena caught his breath. So we walked step by step, down and down, to row three....great seats!!!! Yes, the rodeo was good, fireworks, laser light show, all the cowboy events, and even Papas-tractor in the arena. But by far the best part......holding little Hutch on my lap for nearly three hours. I don't know how many times I caught myself just looking at his beautiful hair, and caressing his shoulders and legs, and wandering what will become of him someday......what will his dreams be? Could we share he same dreams since we share the same genes? What will be his God given gifts? Will he like sports and be very athletic like his Dad? Will he like to grow things like his Grandpa Strahm? Will he be a great cook and manager like his Grandpa Wiese? What will he name his children someday? Crazy how all this stuff went through my head while he was completely consumed by the busyness of the rodeo.

I have been spending most of my time in a combine these last two months, and in so, listening to the radio each day...."county" of course, and one of my favorite songs today is performed by George Strait called "The Breath You Take" and the chorus goes like this...."Life's not the breath you take,
Breathing in and out,
That gets you through the day,
Ain't what it's all about,
Ya just might miss the point,
Tryin' to win the race'
Life's not the breath you take,
But the moments that take your breath away.
Thanks Dad and Mom Wiese for letting us have Hutch for a day, and thanks Hutch, for taking my breath away.............again!

Love you all,
Papa tractor
















"I think I could do that.....I take that gray filley with the two white socks "
















"If I give this pig my cracker, will you buy me a cowboy belt?"

















"If you put a ball bearing under this horse feeder, it would be a great merry-go-round"

Dad: Such a beautiful blog post!! Thank you for investing time in my son, he adores you and you are his hero these days!! :) Love your daughter, Vikkie Jan.

Day at the races

Last week my friend at work had a couple extra tickets to the Nascar Races and was so kind to give them to me. I have been wanting to go to the races to help inspire me for my event that is held at the speedway but I am also always up for an adventure. When I was given these tickets, I thought of my Dad right away. I later found out that, my husband,who may spend more money on his hair cuts than I do (not that it would be that difficult to do since I have not had a hair cut in 17 months), only dresses from banana republic and refuses to drink Bud light, wanted to go too. Who would have known Brett had a little need for speed in him?? :) Anyway, Brett graciously agreed that he would spend a fun filled day with Hutch so I could take my Dad and it could be a great Daddy/Daughter day.

We had a great time!!

Happy Birthday Dad and thanks for coming up and spending the day with me!!! Nascar fan for life baby!!!!!!

Diagnosis: Bad Parenting

Ok everyone,

some of you may know that over the last few years I have tried to become a bit more educated on what I am putting in my mouth. The good news, after learning what I am about to share, is that I think I have only had chicken nuggets less than a handful of times in my lifetime. I also want to take the time to give a shout out to my mother for not feeding me this crap all the time. Thank you for the fresh veggies from the garden and Dad, thanks for rarely feeding us hot dogs but feeding us farm fresh pork chops, steaks and hamburgers. Get ready:

"Say hello to mechanically separated chicken.

It’s what all fast-food chicken is made from—things like chicken nuggets and patties. Also, the processed frozen chicken in the stores is made from it.
Basically, the entire chicken is smashed and pressed through a sieve—bones, eyes, guts, and all. it comes out looking like this.
There’s more: because it’s crawling with bacteria, it will be washed with ammonia, soaked in it, actually. Then, because it tastes gross, it will be reflavored artificially. Then, because it is weirdly pink, it will be dyed with artificial color.
But, hey, at least it tastes good, right? High five, America! "

After reading this article I just had to stop and think about how many kids I see eating these chicken nuggets from McDonald's all the time and I now need to vent. Ok, Ok parents, I will give you a free pass if you have fed these to your children in the past. Yet, if you have read this article and still just can't find time to pack some carrot sticks, an apple and a healthy sandwich for your kid. I am diagnosing this as bad parenting!!!! I know we can't always control how our kids act in the super market or what they do at daycare but you can control what they eat. It is disgusting, no excuses!!!

The End

Welcome to the fam

This past weekend we traveled to one of my new favorite small towns in KS to celebrate as my youngest Brother, Abram, got married to the most wonderful gal. I have loved Misty from the very start! In fact, I have told Abram several times that if he messes this up, I am keeping her and sending him on his way. I am thrilled to officially have her as a sister and as an aunt to Hutchy.

Misty was the most beautiful bride and we had such a great time with family and just being good ole Downs, KS.

Besides the beautiful wedding, here are some the the best parts about the weekend:

- My Dad rented this hunting lodge in Down, KS for the weekend and it was off the hook wonderful. We had plenty of space, a full kitchen, Big screen TV, pool table, big bathrooms and so many animal mounts that my kid thought we were at the zoo. Seeing my sisters, kissing on my niece while eating Grandma's cookies and quick breads, what is not to love. It was just perfect for a large group of people to hang out and we loved it.

- Putting flowers together with my mom and sisters. I am never surprised at what a great team we are when we get on a project. My mom is so organized and a wonderful teacher. The flowers were beautiful and it was so fun to just help out, talk and laugh together.

- Hutchy with his papa. Ok, Hutch has this obsession with Papa Strahm that I can not tame. He says his name constantly when he sees tractors or when he sees a picture of my Dad and it is just so cute. Hutch can take a little time to warm up to some people but he has a sweet spot for my dad and instantly reaches for him when he sees him even if it has been a whole month since the last time he saw him. There is just something about see my son with my Dad that melts my heart. Hutch usually calls for mama and daddy when he is sad and needs us or when he wants something and he has now added "papa" to the list.

- Friday Night Lights!! That is right, we went to a Friday night game in Down, KS and it was great. Free tailgate with BBQ that was so good and just wonderful small town folks. Oh man, I love small towns. Brett may not believe yet but at some point, I will get back to a small town. It is just a matter of time.

Congrats Abe and Misty, Love you both so much.

Arrived!!

The baby bump has arrived!!!!

everyone poops

Yes, this is true, everyone poops but not everyone makes it such"an event". Hutch likes to save his up for a day or so and then it becomes a real challenge for him. This past week after he woke up from a nap, I walked in to find this:
















He seriously grew a tail over his two hour nap. The sad thing is that I am pretty sure he started this as he was falling asleep so he had this lump sitting in there for over two hours. I went to change Hutch after he woke up and based on the look on his face, I am guessing he was not quite finished with his #2.

Needless to say, Hutch has been taking it easy on the carbs and been eating some more veggies and probiotic yogurt.

Thanks for the laugh Hutchy boy!!!

Worth every penny

The breakdown of my last few months:

8 packs of Ginger Nausea Gum: $56
4 gallons of mint chip ice-cream: $16
26 sonic fresh lime slushes: $65
70 flushes after throwing up: $ 140
Throwing up on the street while driving: Absolutely free

Having baby Wiese # 2: Priceless

We will be welcoming a baby March 5, 2011

Tuna Casserole

Back when I was dating Brett, I would have him over to my apartment and fix him some serious farm meals (Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes/ gravy, pork chops, cheesy biscuits, etc.). I guess I thought Brett was going to like anything and everything I cooked because I grew up always seeing my Dad love everything my Mom cooked. So, I was so excited to fix Tuna Casserole for Brett after we got married, who does not love a hot casserole!!! Brett liked Tuna so I figured, where could I go wrong?? I made this casserole about 3 months after being married and Brett informed me that he hated casseroles and has never been a fan. I WAS SHOCKED!!!! What??? I grew up on casseroles!!! "What are you saying Brett, you are not going to eat casseroles??" Well, here we are, almost 8 years later and I have maybe made maybe two casseroles since. Last week I decided that Tuna Casserole sounded really good and Brett was working late a lot so I just thought maybe I could get the other man in my house to like it.

Hutch did not let me down. After having two bowls of it, he said "all done" as he waved his hands. What a sweet boy!!!

In case, you want to give it a try:

Cook a package of elbow macaroni (I did a little less than one package) and boil them just enough to be soft, they cook more later so you don't want them fully done. Then drain.

Then add to the macaroni:

A little less than half a brick of Velveeta in small cubes
1 can of drained sliced mushrooms
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
4 celery sticks cut up
2 chopped green onions
2 drained cans of tuna
I added a bit of milk

Then you bake that at 300 for 20 or 30 min. Then break a couple handfuls of pringles over the top and bake for another 5-10 min. until the chips are golden brown. AHHH, enjoy!! We always loved it with a side of peas and cottage cheese.