This weekend we spent every non-raining moment outside.  It was great - I was able to do quite a bit of yard clean-up while the kids alternated between helping and playing.  It was the first time since they were born that I was able to get some things done without also serving as lead entertainment.  It was refreshing and almost relaxing, if hours of raking can be viewed that way.

For the past few weeks, it seems like I've been unable to cook during the week.  I'm so tired when I get home and from the moment I walk through the door until everyone is sleeping I feel like I'm moving in fast forward.  Our family has been forced to either eat leftovers from the meals I prepared over the weekend, takeout or fast food.  If I were to rate our recent nutritional intake, we would get a B some days, hover around a C most days, and dip to an F on a handful.  This weekend I was able to crank out a few meals and treats in an attempt to boost our GPA.  Here are a few recipes for your review:

The Good
Tomato Vegetable Casserole: Man is this good, and really couldn't be easier.  I omitted the parmesan and the breadcrumbs for our non-dairy crowd and it was still delicious.  My friend Kathy tells me that she's used a wide variety of vegetables in this one and it was good every time.

The Bad
I don't know what my problem is, but seriously I cannot bake.  As if you need proof, I offer you this:

The recipe was titled Banana-Oatmeal Power Cookies but I would title my production "Gotta Use a Pizza Cutter to Slice Up These Thin Bars".  I will admit to a few omissions that could have effected the outcome (no nuts, raisins or cinnamon), but still, they just looked awful.

On the table tonight: Spicy Coconut Noodles (Martin's pick)