This afternoon, Jay and I had my in-laws over for a little Mother’s Day brunch. The weather was gorgeous early on, so we decided to let the little man out again to do some exploring.
Can’t you tell how much he loves me here?
Clearly, he just wanted to roam. Did he not know today is Mother’s Day???
While brunch was finishing up in the oven, we all sat out on the back deck and chatted for a bit.
I also sipped on a refreshing iced coffee with skim milk.
As we were sitting outside, the smells from the oven were traveling right through the window, so I was getting pretty anxious to dig in. Thankfully, it was well worth the wait.
Today’s menu included my favorite Egg Strata (which Jay actually prepared),
and a new Baked French Toast Casserole. Oh.my.god.
I decided I wanted to try out a recipe different from my usual French toast, just to switch things up a bit. I ended up coming across a recipe from Paula Deen that sounded absolutely incredible (filled with butter, of course) but I made quite a few modifications to “healthify” it my way. I’ll be sure to share it with you all this week.
I enjoyed a good portion of each, plus ended up going back for a little extra.
I was nervous about venturing away from my usual French toast, but this stuff was on point. Perhaps a new favorite, in fact!
Jay also did quite a good job on the eggs…I’ll tell ya, he’s a jack of all trades!
Jay & his Mom
Once brunch was over, Jay and I headed on over to visit and celebrate with my parents for dinner (in case you’re wondering, yes it’s the same day…it just got chilly, hence the reason for the wardrobe change from hubby).
Dad took care of the entire dinner himself today. Well, almost entirely…I made sure to help out with seasoning the sweet potato fries nice and good before they hit the oven.
But other than that, it was all him! We had some yummy grilled chicken, sweet tater fries, sugar snap peas, and corn. ‘Twas an impressive meal from Dad.
And ‘twas a great day to spend with one very special hot mama.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
Thanks for everything you do for me and for our family.
Thanks for always being there for me.
Thanks for being my shopping partner in crime.
Thanks for helping me see the bright side of things, even when they appear to be their darkest.
Thanks for believing in me, even when I don’t quite believe in myself.
Thanks, for everything. Love ya, Mom!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
What a wonderful day! Happy mother’s day to your beautiful mom!
Farrah says
I made Paula Deen’s french toast casserole on Easter and I agree, it was really good! I can’t wait to see your variations.
Kate Gifford says
Can’t wait for your healthy recipe, I make that french toast all the time but would love a healthier version of it!
Glad you had a nice day!
pat says
Thank you Sweetie, I love you more than you’ll ever know! : )
Stefanie says
Hey Courtney I loove that white shirt & necklace! Where did you get them?!
Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie) says
Everything looks amazing. Happy Mother’s Day to your mommy!!
The egg strata looks amazing!
Caitlin @ Southern Curls & Pearls says
Happy mother’s day to you and your mother! Looks like a fun day.
Btw, I love the picture of you and Jay in front of the house! I think it deserves a cute frame :)
Elena @ GagaForGrapefruit says
oh my gosh! the second i saw the picture of that french toast casserole i KNEW it was paula deen’s! i made it for christmas morning!! SOOO delicious! i can’t wait to see how you healthified it up, because to my knowledge, i remember there was a significant amount of butter in it :) but worth it hahah!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says
Looks like you had a wonderful day – what beautiful mothers you and Jay have! :)
Mandee says
I agree, Moms are the best–I’d be lost without mine!
Sweet potato fries are also the best! Those look great!
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
How beautiful! :D
Khushboo says
what a wonderful day, I’m sure both your moms felt super special…and so they should :)!
Danica says
Sounds like it was a great day! By the way I love your hair in these pictures-beautiful!
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy Living Girl" says
OMG that French Toast looks amazing. I cannot wait for the recipe -I swear one of these days I’ll get around to actually making one of your incredible dishes. Maybe this will be the one ;-) Happy Mother’s Day!
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet says
Bahaha I love how Cody just keeps lookin at the ground in every picture! He just can’t wait to go and explore :)
Your French toast casserole look UNBELIEVABLE! It’s Paula Deen, so it has to be good. I can’t wait to see how you healthify Paula’s recipe!
And it’s awesome that you got to spend the day with both sets of moms!
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says
I seriously want both of those brunch items. They look absolutely delicious and exactly what I love to eat at brunches.
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
Random, but I LOVE your necklace- you just look gorgeous!! You share a smile with your mom :) Glad you had a good mother’s day with your family!
Holly says
Those are some gorgeous looking ladies in your family :)
Christina says
I can’t wait for the french toast recipe!
Caroline says
Your french toast looks absolutely yummmmmmmy, and I also love the outfit, you look gorgeous
Nicole @ Of Cookies and Carrots says
Um, you are GORGEOUS. :) i love that pic of you and your mom, toooo cute! :)
hope your day was amazing :)
EmmaClaire says
Courtney, you have the most beautiful skin I have ever seen! You are flawless, girl!
And that meal looks amazing too! Can’t wait for the French Toast Casserole recipe!
Courtney says
Thank you so much! :)