A home full of young adults is known to warm a parent’s heart, and the Harris-Young family just so happens to have two homes to fill with love.
“We have a blended family, which we divide between Anniston and Auburn,” said Tracy Harris. “During the week when we have kids, we are in our respective towns, and we are all together on the weekends. Then my husband and I are together when we don’t have kids at all.”
Braxton and Tracy have been married for nearly five years. Their children are McKinnon (Young), age 22, and a Senior at Clemson University, majoring in architecture; Graham (Young), age 20, and a sophomore at Auburn University, majoring in Civil Engineering; Elliot (Young), age 18, and a senior this year at Auburn High School. Last but not least is Anne Marie (Harris), a senior this year at Donoho School in Anniston.
“Football season can be a little heated since my husband is an Alabama graduate, I am an Auburn graduate, my daughter is a Clemson fan, Graham and Elliott are both Auburn fans, and my stepdaughter Anne Marie has been an Alabama fan,” Tracy shared. “Anne Marie has decided to attend Auburn next year, so not sure where she’ll land on Saturdays in the fall.”
Having all four of their children together doesn’t happen often enough as they are growing into their own. When they do all have an opportunity to gather together, it truly warms this momma’s heart.
“Having my kids all together brings me the most joy in this season,” Tracy exclaimed. “They finally enjoy each other’s company and appreciate having a home-cooked meal. Nothing brings me more happiness than seeing them all laughing and getting along.”
The Harris family loves to be active outside and to travel. You can find them spending the summer on Lake Martin.
“We love to travel as a family and have a trip planned over New Year’s Eve to Los Cabo,” Tracy shared. “Then we have a big catamaran trip to the British Virgin Islands in May to celebrate the three upcoming graduations.”
With three seniors in one home, reminiscing on the past is inevitable. This month’s recipe was a favorite for Tracy’s kids while they were growing up.
“This was a staple recipe when my kids were little because it was one dish and was super easy to prepare. I would add the kid’s favorite green bean recipe, and cleanup would be minimal. It was one of the few dishes all the kids liked, so it was a win-win for everyone involved,” Tracy reminisced. “The recipe was given to me by my childhood best friend’s mom, who recently passed away. She, like me, didn’t particularly like to cook, so she always had the best-tasting yet easiest recipes!”
Even now, this recipe is the most requested meal when all the young adults gather for a good home-cooked meal.
“I have some encouragement to young parents with picky eaters,” said Tracy. “Hang in there and know that they will outgrow their pickiness. My kids were so picky, but their pallets expanded once they went to college.”
Weeknight Pork Chops and Rice
Ingredients:
- 4-6 bone-in pork chops (usually called breakfast chops)
- 1 stick butter
- 1 can of beef consume soup
- 1 can French Onion Soup
- 2 cups of uncooked white rice
Instructions:
- Melt butter and pour into a 9×13 glass baking dish.
- Pour in rice and stir.
- Add pork chops on top.
- Pour soups on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
Our Favorite Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 can green beans; do not drain
- ½ Tablespoon of Vegetable Oil
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1 beef bouillon cube
Directions:
1. Add ingredients to pot and cover with water.
2. Boil 20-ish minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced.
Stir and serve hot.
