January 15, 2009

Happy Birthday Igor!!!

To my sweet little Igor,

Your personality is very happy go lucky and you enjoy reading books and playing quietly. You and your big brother Dima get along very well right now too. When he is gone for awhile and comes home the joy on your face is so sweet.

Your personality seems to be the “follower” and you are taking on your brother Sasha’s grumpy behavior. I am hoping this will be short lived and your happy personality will continue to shine through. I cannot imagine my life without you in it and I am so happy to be your mommy. These past 6 months that I have spent with you have been a joy.

Love,

Mommy

This evening we celebrated Igor’s 2^nd birthday. I made a new pork chop recipe (see end of post) that turned out awesome and we had cupcakes for dessert which the boys thoroughly enjoyed.

When Kelly got out the camera it triggered a tantrum from Sasha.

When I brought out the present Igor raised his hands up and said, “PREEEESENT!” He was so excited!

Papa had to help free the airplane since it is packaged like Ft. Knox.

Igor enjoyed flying it around the room.

We got a package in the mail yesterday and Kelly’s Aunt Carol made the boys blankets When the box was opened and Kelly said what was inside Sasha raised up his hands and started saying, “blankie!” it was the highlight of his night. Thank you Aunt Carol (Cinci)

Chops with Mushroom Gravy

½ cup flour

1 to 2 teaspoons paprika

1 ½ teaspoons salt

¼ pepper

6 to 8 boneless pork loin chops (1 inch thick)

¼ cup butter

1 med. Onion, chopped

½ cup green pepper, chopped

1 can (4 oz) mushrooms, drained

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons lemon juice

In a large resealable bag, combine the first four ingredients. Add pork chops, one at a time; toss to coat. Set remaining flour mixture aside. In a large skillet, sauté chops in butter until golden brown; transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.

In the same skillet, sauté onion, green pepper and mushrooms until tender. Stir in reserved flour mixture; gradually add milk until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in lemon juice. Pour over chops. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until is no longer pink. Serve with potatoes

Yield 6-8 servings

**Note**

This recipe could easily be cooked in the crock-pot. I would cook on low 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

You could substitute beef or chicken instead of pork chops.