Precious Preston

Our sweet "baby" turned three on January 10th and we had a fabulous party at the local fire station. Preston loves anything with wheels, especially if they light up and make noises. So, friends, family, cake, ice cream, presents, fire trucks....what else could a little boy ask for. Well, a lot evidentally! He broke down in tears after everyone had a turn "driving" the truck. Come to find out, he thought they were going to let him REALLY drive. He wanted them to hand over the keys, close the truck door, and open the garage door. Needless to say, he was extremely disappointed when he realized that was not going to happen. The sweet fire fighter handled it beautifully and made him a deal he couldn't resist. When he gets his driver's license, he can come back and they will talk about it. Good answer!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa

This is a yummy recipe that our entire family loves. It is also super easy and healthy!!!

Pork:
2 tsp canola oil
2 pork tenderloins (about 3/4 lb each)
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 tsp salt

Pineapple Salsa:
1 can (at least 8 oz) pineapple tidbits, reserve juice
4 med. green onions, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 T chopped fresh or 2 tsp dried mint leaves
1/2 tsp grated lime peel
2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp salt

1. Heat grill*. Rub 1 tsp oil onto each pork tenderloin; sprinkle with peppers and 1/2 tsp salt.
2. Carefully brush grill rack with oil. Place pork on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 20 to 30 minutes, turning 3 times, until pork has slight blush of pink in center and meat thermometer inserted in center reads 160 degrees.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix salsa ingredients. Cut pork into 1/2 inch slices. Serve with salsa.

*If you prefer to not grill, you can broil. Prepare pork as directed in step 1; place on rack in broiler pan. Broil with tops 4-5 inches from heat using times in recipe as a guide, turning 4 to 5 times, until pork has slight blush of pink in center and meat thermometer inserted in center reads 160 degrees. Continue as directed in step 3

*We like to eat with steamed veggies and rice. I usually get a package of the chicken flavored rice (frozen) in the steamer bags and mix it with some plain white rice.

*I use the reserved pineapple juice in two ways:
add some to the salsa to make it juicier or store left over pork in a baggie with the juice (makes it more moist the next day when rewarmed)

Just One Year Ago

This is a picture of my three boys that was taken just a year ago. It is so fun to look back and see how much they have grown - physically, emotionally, developmentally. They are such a blessing!

Preston and I spent part of the morning outside painting pictures of the beautiful Fall leaves. It was so nice to have this one-on-one time with him and savor his sweet personality. He is extremely vocal and creative!

Florida