Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Baked Ziti


So I attempted baked ziti for the 1st time the other night and it was a hit so I wanted to share the recipe.  I forgot to take my own picture but it looked similar to the one above.  It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to make from start to finish.  Also, if you don't have a deep 9x13" dish be sure to place a cookie sheet under it in the oven because it will bubble over! It makes ALOT!  Enjoy!

You will need:
1 lb dry ziti or penne pasta
3/4 of an onion, chopped
1 lb lean ground beef
1 1b ground Italian sausage
2 jars of spaghetti sauce
1 tble of oregano
1 tble of basil
Salt and Pepper to taste
16 oz sour cream
6 oz of of provolone cheese, sliced (I used a whole package)
2 cups of shredded mozzarella
2-3 tble of grated parmesan cheese

1st - Preheat your oven to 350.  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, or about 8 minutes, drain.

2nd - In a large skillet, brown beef and sausage.  When almost brown, add your chopped onion and simmer for about 10 min.  Then add your spaghetti sauce, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.  Let simmer for another 15 minutes. 

3rd - Butter a 9x13" baking dish.  Layer as follows...ladle a little bit of the sauce on the very bottom (to help it not stick and to add more flavor to the noodles) then add half of the ziti noodles and then half of the sauce.  Add all of your provolone slices and sour cream over that.  Add the remaining ziti noodles and remaining sauce.  Top with your mozzarella and parmeasan cheese. 

4th - Bake for 30 minutes or until cheeses are melted.

Happy Cooking!



Pink and Green Pumpkin!

Briley decided she wanted a white pumpkin to match her room this year...so here is the beauty she picked out!







A little pink and green paint, ribbon, and flower to top it off...






And there you have it!  A sweet pink and green pumpkin fit for a princess!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Weekend Fun

Saturday Michael's cousin got married so we attended the rehearsal dinner the night before since Michael was a groomsmen. Friday night Briley spent the night with my parents.  We didn't want to take her to the rehearsal only because she doesn't sit still long and we knew it would be way past her bedtime before we got home.  It's a good thing we did because I ended up misplacing my keys so that was a huge ordeal around 11pm Friday night! Not good!  Mommy brain is taking over big time these days! :o)

Anyway Saturday was the wedding.  It was beautiful and Briley did pretty good.  She sat through almost the entire ceremony.  I was so paranoid the whole time because she kept talking.  But what do you? She is a toddler after all...hopefully we didn't upset anyone! During the reception she kept chasing these other kids around.  She calls all children babies, no matter if they are 2, 10, or 18. lol  It's so cute! These kids in particular were about 3 and 6.  And of course she kept wanting to go outside.  She loves to be outside! We were defiantly on our toes the entire time.  We were exhausted by the time we left.  We both took a nap as soon as we got home. ;o)

Sunday we went to church like normal. We work in the nursery for the 1st service and attend the 2nd service.  I made a roast in the crock pot for lunch so we ate and took a long nap while daddy watched football.  That night I tried to clean and pick up the house while Michael and Briley went to his moms house.  It was a semi-hectic start to the weekend, but I am glad it had a relaxing ending.  I don't like being too busy on Sunday's only because Monday is right around the corner and the work week is always so hectic!  Here are a few pictures from the weekend...



At the wedding...


Family pic...Briley looks thrilled! lol


Me and sissy (aka, my sister-in-law)


Notice who came to the wedding with us...ELMO! He hasn't left her side since she got him Friday!


Nana with her grand babies...Reagan and Briley





Having lunch Sunday after church...I caught 2 smiles this weekend on camera! Yeah! :o)






18 Months Old!

 Friday, Briley turned 18 months old!! I have been hyping up her half birthday for a while now so she was excited! I think it's a big deal...most people probably think i'm nuts but i'd probably celebrate every monthly birthday if I could :o)!

Last year she got a few little toys and a new baby einstein movie! We weren't able to really do much because she was ALWAYS sick, thanks to daycare...so glad we don't have to deal with that anymore! I was very upset when we weren't able to take her to the pumpkin patch last year so we decided to  take her this year on her half bday! Maybe we can make it a tradition and go every year on her half bday!  Exciting!  I have also been on the search for a tickle me elmo but no one has it in stock so she picked out a smaller elmo and an elmo book instead!

Here are a few pictures of her last year when she was 6 months old! My how she has grown!  She still looks so much like she did when she was a baby though...I love that! ;o)






And here we are on Friday October 15, 2010 at the pumpkin patch!

I love this picture! It seems impossible these days to get a photo of her looking and smiling in the same shot so I was very pleased after I took this one!  Don't you just love her shirt?!?

Inspecting her pumpkin


Mommy and me!


My daddy is so fun!


Family Pic!


Playing with the baby pumpkins!






Friday, October 15, 2010

Remembering

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.  Though I have never experienced this loss, I am remembering all of those who have.  I know many people, directly and indirectly who have lost their precious babies far too soon.  I am remembering all of you today and think of you very often...


"These are my footprints, 
so perfect and so small. 
These tiny footprints 
never touched the ground at all. 
Not one tiny footprint, 
for now I have wings. 
These tiny footprints were meant 
for other things. 
You will hear my tiny footprints, 
in the patter of the rain. 
Gentle drops like angel's tears, 
of joy and not from pain. 
You will see my tiny footprints, 
in each butterflies' lazy dance. 
I'll let you know I'm with you, 
if you just give me the chance. 
You will see my tiny footprints, 
in the rustle of the leaves. 
I will whisper names into the wind, 
and call each one that grieves. 
Most of all, these tiny footprints, 
are found on Mommy and Daddy's hearts. 
'Cause even though I'm gone now, 
We'll never truly part." 
~Unknown




http://www.october15th.com/





Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Potato Soup

So I have been under the weather the last few days due to the crazy weather (hot, cold, hot, cold), lack of sleep, and trying to juggle too many things at once.  I was really hoping to feel better this morning but that did not happen.  Maybe tomorrow, right?? So yesterday, I decided to make some potato soup since soup is the only thing I feel like eating when I am sick.  This is a  fantastic recipe and very easy! 

Let me just start off by saying I make a HUGE pot of soup so we can have left overs and so we can freeze some for later.  So you may need to tweek the recipe a little to better suit the amount you want to cook.  Also, it takes about 2 hours to make from start to finish.


You will need
15 Potatoes (I use the smaller russett potatoes that come in a 5-10lb bag)
3 Chicken Bullion Cubes
4 Tablespoons of Parsley Flakes
1/2 Cup of Chopped Green Onions
3 Tablespoons of Flour
2 Cups of Milk
Velvetta Cheese (I use a little over 1/2 of a large block)
Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
Bacon

1st - Peel, cut, and cook your potatoes.  While the potatoes are cooking, cook your bacon.  I prefer to bake my bacon for this recipie so it gets a little crispier. Set bacon aside and let cool on paper towels.  Once potatoes are almost done cooking add the chicken bullion cubes and parsley flakes.  Let cook about 5-10 minutes and then add 1/4 cup of your chopped green onions.  Let cook about 10 more minutes. 

2nd - Add flour and milk and reduce heat to medium-low.  Let cook for another 10 minutes.  Start adding chunks of your velvetta. You can add as much or as little as you like.  I would definatly use at least 1/2 a block for this quantity.  I use a little more though :o) To avoid the cheese sticking to the bottom and burning, you need to continuoulsy stir until ALL of the cheese is melted. It will ruin the soup if it starts sticking and burning...trust me, I know from experience! ha!

3rd - Once the cheese is completely melted the soup is done! Let simmer or turn your burner off until ready to serve.  Once you pour your bowl, add some (or alot!) of your shredded cheddar cheese, a few of your chopped green onions, and crumble some bacon on top!  Enjoy!


Monday, October 11, 2010

I Can Only Imagine

I Can Only Imagine - Mercyme

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence,
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing Halelluja,
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes
And I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory,
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence,
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing Halelluja,
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, yeah, yeah, yeah

Surrounded by your glory,
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence,
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing Halelluja,
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeah

I can only imagine, yeah, yeah
I can only imagine, Yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, Ohh yeah
I can only imagine

I can only imagine when all I will do
is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Leslie Joy Evans

Please keep this family in your prayers. I came across this blog on Kelly's Korner several days ago and my heart has been completely broken for them.  I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through.  You can read their story here http://lesliejoyevans.blogspot.com/



Psalm 23


The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Reagan's 1st Birthday


This weekend was my niece's 1st birthday party! I cannot believe she is already one!  Time flies when your having fun, right?!?  Her actual b-day was October 3rd but the party was on the 2nd since there were several of out-of-town guests.  Everything looked great and most importantly everyone had a wonderful time!  ALOT of preparation, time, and thought went into this party to make it extra special for little Reagan.  I thoroughly enjoyed helping plan her 1st birthday and being able to make so many of the decorations!  Despite her being sick, I think she had a great time and she looked extra cute as well ;o) !!! Can't wait to start planning #2!!!  Here are a few photos from the big day!


Her b-day bib and birthday hat


Decor...there were hot pink balls and bubble wands for all the kids to play with! There were so many little ones at the party! (birthday banner made by me!)
Tables...there were actually smaller pink flower balls to go on the tables as well but they kept blowing off so we just used them inside (centerpieces made by me!)

So Cute!

Lots of gifts!

Favor table...her invite and monogram iced sugar cookies! Yum!

Some of the yummy food! (sandwich pics made by me!)

Pretty decor on the food table (made by me!)

Cake table! ("sugar" letters, pots, cake menu, and design made by me!)

These cupcakes were amazing!!!!

Fit for a princess!

Briley enjoying some of the food!

Sweet girl, she was not in a good mood this day at all :o(

Picture banner (made by me!)

Close up...each circle had a photo from each month of her life so everyone could see how much she had changed over the last year!

Birthday girl about to open presents!

I think she found the grass more interesting, lol

I love this picture...her daddy is clapping her hands, so sweet! About to have her smash cake

So pretty!

Unfortunatly we had to go inside after this picture was taken so I didn't get any of her covered in cake :o(.  Briley was throwing the biggest fit and needed a nap! 

We love you Reagan Claire! I hope you enjoyed your special day! Even though you won't remember it, everything was for you!  When you get bigger I hope you will look back at the pictures and feel proud to have such a great mommy and daddy who love you so much!  Happy Birthday big girl!

Showers and Shoes

A few weeks ago I helped host a bridal shower for Michael's cousin's fiance. We decided to try out Flat Iron Grill and we were so glad we did. It was much nicer than any other "shower" type place in town and believe it or not it was cheaper since they do not charge a room fee. Everything went great minus a little confusion with which room we were supposed to be in. Their wedding colors are hot pink, black, and white so those are the colors we used to decorate. We also accented with a damask pattern. I had the privilege of making most of the decor (centerpieces, menus, cupcake toppers, towel cake, and invites) which completely excites me to no end :o) Here are a few pictures from the day...


Tablescape

Menus, Favors, and Placecards

More of the Table

Centerpieces

Cake Table...cupcakes compliments of Gi Gi's in Memphis...Yum Yum!
Precious cupcake Toppers

Towel Cake...sort of hard to see


 
Hostess with the Bride-to-Be





As for the shoes...I bought Briley a sweet pair of squeaker shoes with bows online a few weeks ago. They came in last Thursday and I couldn't wait to go pick her up to try them on her. She actually loves wearing shoes so I thought she would love these...negative. She cried the entire time and acted like she couldn't even walk in them. I tried them on her again that night and she acted the same way...not a good sign especially since she is walking and she doesn't have a choice but to wear shoes now that it's getting colder outside. Hmmm...a fluke? I sure hope so...


Thursday night we went West to help my sister-in-law get ready for my niece's 1st birthday party...separate post to come on that :o)!! There is a great children's shoe store there called Little Feet Boutique...They have every type of shoe for infants, toddlers, and kids, I wish they had something like it here! So I decided to try and take Briley by there Friday to get some more shoes since she only has the one pair of fall/winter shoes that I mentioned in the above post. She literally screamed from the second we walked in to the second we left and I am not exaggerating. I was mortified. She has NEVER acted like that. So I just took the pair we tried on and got out as quick as I could. It was a nightmare and needless to say I started crying the minute I got in the car. Holy Moly. I even had the sales lady take the squeaks out (these were squeak shoes too minus the bows) before she tried any on, thinking she just didn't like the noise and I was defiantly wrong. I tried to get her to put them on again that night and she freaked again.


So Sunday rolls around and I am determined to get these shoes on her feet (minus the squeaks). I put them on her while she was watching Elmo (her fav!). She still didn't like them but she delt with it a little better. Michael and I both acted like we were walking out of the room and she finally stood up and walked to the door where we were standing. She did great the rest of the day, minus kicking them off while we were eating lunch. Later that night I tried the ones with the bows again and she freaked out then. Soooo...i'm really not sure one that. Maybe it's the bows. I'll have to try them again in a few days. She's not feeling well right now (snotty nose, fever, etc) but as soon as she starts feeling better I am going to attempt them again. Cross your fingers and wish me luck!

The infamous shoes from the shoe store...

Smiley Girl

On the move...as always



Who would have thought this sweet little face could throw such a fit?!?