"Eggs in a Basket"

So, while my mom was here over the Summer, she made the kids something for breakfast on a couple occasions that just tickled them pink! Now, Mamaw usually performed breakfast duties while I took my long, hot, much appreciated shower. Something we military wives often wait months and months to have the opportunity to do. (the long part folks, showers are not an option. They're a necessity - GROSS! what were you thinking?!) Let's move on... So this novelty breakfast was somewhat a mystery to me until I decided to have the kids teach me how to make it for them. Which they so thoroughly enjoyed, of course. Don't you remember the feeling you got as a kid when you taught an adult something they didn't already know!? It was SO COOL!

My kids enjoy these for breakfast so much that I figured it important enough to share. So here you go; How to make "Eggs in a Basket"! Compliments of my mom, Cheryl Woods. By way of Xavier, Norris, and Ava. It's one that's sure to win your child's approval.

Step 1: Using a biscuit cutter, or similar object (I just use the lid from my Pam cooking spray) cut circular-shaped holes out of the center of several slices of bread-one at a time. And I assure you, the kids are much obliged to eat the circles, they will not go to waste!

Step 2: Over med-low to med heat, place bread 'basket' into skillet. Crack egg into circle 'hole'. Allow to fry until bottom of egg is showing through completely white, and has cooked through somewhat close to halfway or better. (So as to not lose your egg when you attempt the flip)

Step3: Flip your 'basket' QUICKLY with a spatula. And I mean quickly. If you go too slow, your egg is going to run out all over the bottom of the pan under the bread. I find a very thin, metal spatula works best while inflicting the least 'damage' to egg and basket. But it also means being super-careful not to scratch your teflon pans!

Step4: Allow egg to cook through until you reach desired level of yolk consistency. It took me a few attempts to achieve over-easy and over-medium status, and sometimes we still wind up with a firm yolk if my heat is up too high. (always remember, eating raw or undercooked eggs can result in contraction of Samonella, which can ultimately kill you and your kids. So obviously, don't do that) <----my personal disclaimer, do you like it? haha

Step5: The masterpiece is complete! Relish in the joy of creating happy memories with your children that will last a lifetime as you watch them enjoy eating their very own "Eggs in a Basket".

L to R: Norris, Xavier, and Ava happy as bugs in a rug with the 'coolest breakfast ever'.

Thanks Mom :)

"Oh, about 308 days - so far"

That's 308 out of 365. Can you guess what this fraction represents? If you said "The number of days you've spent taking care of house, raising 3 children, moving across country (in a car!), and basically being Mom, Dad, and everything in between ALL BY YOURSELF", then I commend you. Chances are, you're either a military wife yourself or a very good guesser.

This has been quite the year for the Cadle clan. With Daddy onboard a Precommissioned Unit on the Eastcoast, the kids and I have managed to retain just a tad of sanity in this crazy world. Xavier who is almost 9, has become quite the man of the house. Taking on tasks such as 'doggie-poo collector' of the backyard - without having to be asked. A miracle in and of itself! Norris who just turned 6, probably takes Daddy being away the hardest. For the first two months, almost nightly we had an episode of tears. Oh don't worry about him, he's also very resilient - and the one who most commonly brings me the telephone and says "Can we call Dad?". And then there's Ava Dune, our 4 year old angel-haired diva of a daughter. I never knew so much personality could be packed into such a small package! Ava and I are spending this school year doing Mommy-Daughter days. Next year she'll be the smartest, most well-rounded kid in Kindergarten!

I plan to explore. I plan to take photos. I plan to meet strangers. And walk. And laugh. And ask questions. And eat. And...'blog' it all, of course! What on earth does "BLOG" mean, anyway?! I mean, I obviously know it's exactly what I'm doing right this very minute. But who on Earth came up with the idea of rearranging the letters to one of the 1980's most notorious horror films, and turning it into a worldwide obsession with disclosing our private lives to anyone and everyone who wants to read?!

Ha! The 'Blog Bug' claims its newest victim - ME!