Le Chateau Boulton

After what feels like eons, we are finally getting new carpet in our bedrooms today and, because my home is pretty much a non-functional disaster zone, Cody and I spent the night at Katelyn and Matt's house. My husband, on the other hand, stayed home to deal with everything, sleeping on a mattress in the living room amidst boxes and bags and books and pool floaties. No worries. Don and I have been watching American Ninja Warrior, so I'm sure he practiced some cool moves making his way around. :)

Anyhow...I wanted to share what I found prepared for us when I walked into my daughter and son-in-law's guest room. 

I'm sorry the photos are so blurry. I had to take them with my old Samsung phone from, oh...I don't know...approximately 2005? Had I known the kids were going to do something soooo adorable, I would have brought my camera!

Then, I walked into the guest bathroom and saw these things on the counter...

Just before going to bed, I spotted a giant Kit Kat on Cody's pillow...

...and a yummy variety of chocolates for me.

I also found a questionnaire on the night stand.

So, of course I had to fill it out.

I think Don and I are going to be okay in this great circle of life. We have some really terrific kids! 

Francie's Meatballs

Francie, a friend of mine, shared this recipe with me many years ago and it has become a family favorite. The only thing I do differently is use brown sugar instead of white. (Those of you who read my blog regularly know of my love affair with brown sugar.)

Francie's Meatballs

2 pounds extra-lean ground beef

1/2 c. soda crackers, crushed (about 15)

2 eggs

2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 small onion, finely grated

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and form into egg size balls. Place in large baking dish.

Sauce

Mix the following and pour over meatballs:

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3 tablespoons vinegar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups ketchup

1 1/2 cups water

Cover with foil and bake 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.

Here are links to some other recipes that include my favorite ingredient...brown sugar!

Brown Sugar Zucchini Bread  

Brown Sugar Banana Bread  

Caramel Popcorn  

Gingerbread Cookies