Super Noob:
family

Well, I am. So it should be no surprise that I have been sitting on these awards. I have recently been given a few new awards and I'm plumb tickled (I don't really say plumb tickled in case you were wondering, it just came out, and I am leaving it). Nicole of the Young Mama Blog gifted me with these two awards, and Heidi at From 3 to 5 also gave me the Sweet Award a while back:

With the Happy 101 and the Lemonade Stand, there are instructions to list things about yourself. I did that here. Please be sure to go show Nicole and Heidi some support and visit their blog. We all like a little lovin'. If you are a follower who is new to my blog as of January, then I am giving you both of these awards. I appreciate you!

Shell from Things I Can't Say blessed me with the Kreativ Blogger Award. Thank you, Shell. If you haven't checked her out yet, please do so...and tell her I said hi! This award stipulates that I share 7 new things and then pass it on to (7) other bloggers. As for 7 things about me: 1. My favorite veggie is the artichoke. 2. I used to pray for small boobs when I was young (what?) 3. I once pooped my pants when I was 7 and couldn't climb down from the tree I was in fast enough to make it to the bathroom (I'm digging deep here). 4. I love the smell of new car tires...like in the store, I generally don't make a habit of sniffing the tires on the actual vehicle. 5. I love a good oatmeal stout. 6. I am currently pondering whether we need a new an addition to our family (yikes). 7. I blush super easily. As in...a cute boy says hello and my face immediately flushes an obvious shade of red.
I am passing this award to Melis at The Zoo Keeper's Diary, not only is she creative, but she writes so stinkin' well. Her posts are always a pleasure to read. I know it says 7, but...please cut me a break, there are some crazy numbers going on with these things, and I really want to get the post done, and the awards passed to others.

This Beautiful Blogger Award was given to me by Becky of In the Trenches, Shandal at My Life in 3D Again, please go give them some love. And, ladies, thanks for thinking of me! You're the best. This one has the very same rules as the one above. So re-read it if you feel you are being jipped. I am going to pass this one on to Sonora at Twinfinity..I am a very big fan of hers, and Allison at Life of a Tater Tot Mom...she's so down to earth, you feel like you are reading an old friend's thoughts.

The circle of friends award was given to me by Shandal at My Life in 3D since I am a fellow P90Xer...and yes, Shandal...you are a great support where that is concerned, so thank you so much. I think the BEST thing about this award is that there are no rules. NONE. But I want to pass it on anyway. So I am giving this one to Drea at Peanut Butter Jelly Days, Heidi at From 3 to 5, Shell at Things I Can't Say, Melis at The Zoo Keeper's Diary, Becky at In the Trenches, Kate at Kate's Life, Liz at Harmony Song, Keely at MannLand5, Amanda at Outnumbered by Testosterone, Nicole at A New Normal, Sonora at Twinfinity and Just a Mom at Mommy Molecules. I think you are all wonderful, and you most always make me laugh, smile or cry!

Finally, this Best Blog Award was bestowed upon me by Shelly at Picture Perfect Embossing. Once again, if I can kindly ask you to go visit her blog and show her some support, I would be so grateful. Thank you Shelly, for giving me this fun award. Now, with it I am supposed to pass it on to 15 (gulp) other bloggers! Holy cow. Um, yeah, I just can't make time for all those links, so here's the deal...

I am going to do my own version of what others have done. Instead of saying, if you are a follower, or if you are reading this, etc...I am going to say, if your blog is less than 6 months old, then scoop this one up! There you have it.

We went up to spend Easter with my family in Phoenix this year. I just love being around lots of family for any holiday. It's what make it so special for me. Fortunately I have a husband who is willing to go along with my whims :)

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day...

Playing in Grandma Rosie's and Big Papa's (great grandparents) backyard. This yard is a kid's paradise!

A little hunting, of course...not to mention, far more candy than they will ever eat. Seriously, we still had Easter candy from last year!

Colton and Munashe with the bubbles. Colton always looks forward to seeing his cousin.

Look at that her make the connection! That's my girl!!
We'll see you next year, Easter Bunny!
Shannon

Julie at The Peanut Gallery...exit here, who has wiggled her way securely into my heart, has awarded me with the Honest Scrap award. Thank you, friend. Since I began blogging, this was probably the one and only award I hoped to receive but never did...until now, of course. Now that I've got it (and I am really excited to finally have this one), I am hanging up the old "award" hat. I think they are fun, and I love it when others think of me...but at the risk of sounding like a major ingrate, I can't find the time to do the posts for them anymore. All the crazy linking, standing on your head, picking your nose, winking your left eye, and singing the Star Spangled Banner all at the same time is just a bit much for me.

So with this one I have to list 10 honest things about me. Honest? Darn it...there has to be a catch, right? I kid. I'm nothing if not honest. Anyway, here goes:

1. When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor. As I got older, I didn't want to do the school. As I got even older, I regreted not doing the school. Unfortunately, in college I didn't have the foresight which would have enabled me to see beyond my days of bars and boys. Seriously, I wasn't all that bad...pretty mild in comparison to many. In any case, I am quite happy to be where I am today. Can't imagine what my life would be otherwise.

2. I have eaten some really strange things in my life. As a child in particular. Among those things are dog food and fish food. Don't even ask.

3. I once peed in a flower bed in a public place. Again, don't ask.

4. My favorite number is 13, and my favorite colors are blue and yellow. In fact, our wedding colors were blue and yellow! Love, love, love it.

5. The one place in the world to which I want to travel over any other, is Russia. I am hugely fascinated with their culture. I would even like to learn the language. I actually know a few words and phrases. When I was fresh out of college and living in Dever, Co. I met some people from Russia. They became good friends, and thus my desire to learn more about their culture was spawned. Kak Dela?

6. I am currently struggling over whether or not we should change my blog tag line to "eight" little feet. Leaning toward keeping it six.

7. I cry at commercials. I never used to do that. I used to pick on my mom because she does it. Then I had kids, and my hormones went haywire, and never worked themselves back to their original state. Sigh. Now I am as sentimental as they come.

8. The blogs I love reading the most are those that write about "real" things. Things like their struggles in day to day life. The joy over their family, kids, etc. Humor over things to which we can all relate, and those that have great photography.

9. Like Julie said...I love music. I agree with her so much. A song can bring you back to a place in time quicker than anything else. I can instantly feel how I felt then, smell things I smelled then. It's amazing. Led Zepplin is one group in particular that brings back a lot of memories that are near and dear to my heart.

10. With me, what you see is what you get. Sometimes that's great, and sometimes it's not. My husband often accuses me of lacking the "filter" that others have which enables them to say things nicely. He says I can be abrasive. To his credit, he is not the only person who has said this about me. I'm perfectly okay with it. Better, I think, that you know where you stand with me. There is no wondering over what's going on in my head. Well, that last part may not be true. I mean, come on...how can you not wonder what goes on inside the head of someone who eats dog food and pees in public flower beds?

Now, I am going to pass along my last award.

The Empress at Good Day Regular People is, without question, an amazing writer. She has her heart in her blog, and I never feel bad about having spent some time "with her." If you haven't, you should go check her out and be sure to tell her I sent you!

Heide at From 3 to 5 is such a fun person. She's funny. I feel like I "get her." What I like most about her is the feeling that she doesn't put on aires. She is who she is, and is a joy because of it.

Three more...hang with me.

Kate, at Kate's Life. I love her heart. She is just an honest to goodness "real" person. I think she radiates warmth, and I like the way she shows genuine care for others.

Melis at The Zookeeper's Diary. She was one of my first favorites. Still is. When she sits down to "put it out there," she really does. Again, she is full of heart and honest, and has moved me to tears several times.

Finally, last but not least.

Sonora at Twinfinity. Sonora was on the verge of giving up blogging when I found her. I think she actually found me first, but I am so happy she did. And I am even happier she decided to stick with the crazy thing. I enjoy reading her posts which are riddled with funny and endearing stories.

Please, if I passed this to you, don't feel obligated to do anything with it. Chuck it if it pleases you, but I chose you because I honestly think you deserve it.

Th th th th th th, that's all folks!

The first week of June we took our annual Lake Powell trip. My family has been going there since long before I was born…so it’s a bit of a tradition. As a kid, one of my favorite things about going was that every year we would have some crazy stories to tell. Nothing crazy happened this year, and the adult in me is thankful.

Here are just a few of the pictures from our trip.

These two were taken from the house boat as we motored up the lake.

First day on the house boat, and my graceful daughter already has a battle wound. Face meets storage bin.

Have I mentioned that Colton is a lover. Proof positive right here. Smooching a waterdog.

The water was cool, but refreshing. Usually it’s way too cold when we go to really enjoy any type of swim.

My brother always has the best ideas. Lawn chair in the lake. Beer in the hand. Who needs anything else?

These last few are pictures from inside our little cove.

For all you breastfeeding moms, or soon to be breastfeeding moms, or friends of breastfeeding moms...this one is for you! Cami from Covers by Camilla has offered a free nursing cover to one of my lucky readers. Cami is a sponsor a local swap that's this Saturday the 27th. Be sure to check out http://www.fraserfields.blogspot.com/ for more details.
I have to say, I have a nursing cover that was given to me by my mother in law and I love it. It is not your ordinary little cover that you just drape over baby. It is just like Cami's, and I couldn't have done without it.

Each nursing cover is sewn by Cami personally and includes the following features:

• lightweight cotton fabric keeps you and your baby cool
• rounded boning in neckline allows eye contact between you and your baby
• adjustable neck strap held securely in place with D-rings so your baby can't pull the cover down
• pocket in right corner to store nursing pads or other small items
• wash cloth in left corner for wiping up small messes
• generous size accomodates big babies and provides full coverage for you

Optional Entries:
Follow my blog through the google follower widgit...comment

Head to my Blog Frog community and start/participate in a discussion for two entries...comment twice

Tweet with a link to this post for one entry...comment

Blog about it with a link for one entry...comment

Oh yes...and I feel compelled to mention that if you have been here for previous giveaways, there is often a little twist. I'll keep you in suspense over what that may be!

That's it. The contest will start now, and end Thursday of next week (March 4th). Good luck!

I was not compensated in any way shape or form for this giveaway. I am hosting this item because I believe in its usefulness and want to support a fellow mother in her efforts to earn extra income for her family.

Last week...Monday to be precise...we took a little jaunt to Sedona. Not just any day trip...a most auspicious occasion. We were going to meet some very special people. One person, in particular for me. Several months ago, she and I began commenting on each other's blogs...she had no clue about the email response thing, so I gave her a little schooling. Then, we began to email each other almost daily, and sometimes multiple times a day. Through our interactions a friendship emerged. We'd joke about stalking each other all the time, and finally I bit the bullet and said we should try to meet in person some time. Well, could you imagine my surprise when she said she and her family were actually coming here?!? Do you know who I am talking about? Hint: nuts. Peanuts to be precise.

Does she look familiar to you? Well, to those that read her blog, she will. To others, you will think I am off my rocker (pft, that's nothing new). Yes, this is Julie of The Peanut Gallery...exit here.
Again, if you read her blog, you will know that her family just took a trip to our neck of the woods. Of course, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to finally meet her in person. The funny thing is, I have felt for some time now like I already know her. By that I mean, I feel like we have been friends for years. There is a realness and an honesty to her that, unfortunately, you don't find all that often. Or at least not as often as I wish. On some level, Julie and I have connected and formed a real friendship. I have blogging to thank for that. Without it, I never would have met her. That ...I simply couldn't imagine.

With our men behind the lenses, we set out to document our encounter. This is one of the first photos we took. The next one had Julie making bunny ears over my head. Maybe she has a copy and will be gracious enough to share it. I, however, will not.

Our girls realized that this was a day like no other, and that it was cause for a real celebration. So...there was dancing in the streets. Come on every guy grab a girl...

All the children (at least those not passed out on the sidewalk ) got along famously. The Desert Dwellers, and The Peanut Gallery were all fast friends. We spent the afternoon frolicking, eating ice cream, causing near attacks in the hearts of shop owners and generally soaking up all we could of each other in a very short amount of time.

S-Girl is the sweetest little girl ever. Truly. All of Julie's children are warm, open, and intelligent. Given Julie's recent toilet incident, you may have misgivings about her parenting...but rest assured, these kids are loved beyond measure, and it shows.

The littlest ones were just worn out.

Yet, they were troopers nonetheless.

Before we barely had a chance to say hello, we were already saying goodbye. Julie may be none too pleased with me for posting this photo. But I happen to love it. She is every bit as fun in person as she seems to be on her blog. Her nature is friendly, open, honest and just plain old hilarious! She is infectious, and I am afraid I have caught the "Julie bug." She's a vibrant, beautiful woman, and I am blessed to call her friend.

Contest Update:
It's not too late to win a blog makeover... read about it here. Heidi from 3 to 5 has five points! Mindi of Part of Me has two points, and Elizabeth of Our Journey Through Life has two points. The contest ends January 1st. I can't wait for one of you lucky ones to be able to work with Jenna at Bloggy Blog Designz. Start getting your new blog look ideas together ;)

I wish I could say I am done with my Christmas shopping, alas it is not to be. I still have a couple last things to get, but I am super close. Fortunately I have wrapped as I have gone, so that part is not looming.

We did take our gifts to the family we adopted (through the Salvation Army) on Sunday. I hope they wait until Christmas to open them, and I hope they like what they received. Seeing the look on the eight year old's face made everything worth it. She looked so happy to be toting the gifts into to her house from my car. Before leaving, she gave me the biggest hug and it struck me that she is a complete stranger... that I will, more than likely, never see her again. But I touched her life. What a blessing for me.

My father and my son. For so long I looked to my dad for guidance, reassurance, support, a firm hand and a loving heart. I still do actually. Now, along with my husband, I aim to provide all of these things to my own children. To this little man in my dad’s arms.

I pray that together my husband and I are able to help him become the kind of man anyone would be proud to know. A man like my dad. A man like my husband’s dad. Strong, patient, intelligent, wise, loving, and a bit salty. Hard worker, a dedicated family man, and supportive husband. Then one day, a father. A father willing to sacrifice for the good of his own children. Willing to put his dreams on hold in order to put his little ones’ first.

Yes…that is exactly the sort of man I hope he becomes one day. Fortunately he has some amazing examples before him.

My father in law, my husband and Colton. What a threesome. Looking at Andy’s dad’s silly face in this photo brings a huge smile to my face. This picture says so much. It reminds me of one more very important aspect of a person’s character…and that is humor. This man has amazing humor! I adore him, and feel so very lucky that my children have been blessed with two very fine grandfathers.

Everyone says that Addyson looks just like me. She does look like me, but there is a lot of Andy in her face too.

Colton on the other hand...looks just like his mama.

These are some photos of me, Colton and my dad. The first is Colton, then me…about the same age. The last two, are my Dad then me, several months apart. (Oh, and that is my own mama holding me in the last one...so young...just 20 years old). I think there is a very strong resemblance down this line. I suppose this explains why everyone on my dad’s side tells me that Colton looks just like my dad.

I promise Andy had something to do with it!

A little girl’s daddy can do no wrong. When the little girl becomes a teenager, her daddy can almost do no right. When that same girl becomes a woman, she is able to see him for the man he is. The man he always has been. Unwavering in his love for her. Unshakeable in his commitment to her and the rest of the family. Unbending in his values, and undeterred when instilling those same values in his children.

For my dad and me things have been no different. As a very young girl, I adored him. As a slightly older girl, I adored him still…but it was mixed with a healthy heaping of rebellion. Now, as an adult, I adore him…but more than that, I admire him. He’s sentimental, but not mushy. He’s strong, faithful, compassionate, intelligent, stubborn as an ox, and committed to family in a way that makes me proud.

This is my dad…

…and I will always be his little girl.

But not in the form of another human. Nope...this addition will be of the canine variety. After much deliberation, and some extensive research, we've settled on this breed...
The Irish Water Spaniel.

He doesn't shed as much as most breeds, produces less dander, and is an overall nice family dog. Of course, there are zero breeders in Arizona...so it will require some travel in order to get him. Them's the breaks I guess. Better than nine months of getting fat followed up by a c-section. Or is it?

Lake Powell that is. My family has been doing an annual lake trip there since well before I was born. So we are headed out tomorrow. I have a few posts scheduled (like Mom N' Me Monday for example), and a wonderful woman has agreed to do my Tuesday post for me! Many of you know and love her already...but please be sure to stop by and say hello to her.

You Know You're a Mom When-sDAZE is all scheduled to post eventhough I won't be here. I will be sure to come check out all who link up once I return. So, please...come join in! So many of you write the most hilarious things ;)

On a side note...I plan to be better versed in Photoshop when I return. I bought a book yesterday, and already I am impressed with it! We'll see. If there are any wonderful tips that are easy enough for me to share, I will. I'm sure some of them will translate to Elements as well.

Have a great week!

I planned to do a post with some more meat behind it for this, but I find myself short on time this morning. Ian over at The Daily Dose of Reality is spearheading an endeavor meant to help a little girl (16 months old) with cancer. Neuroblastoma to be exact. I'm sure many of you read the story of Layla Grace, and to be honest...I'm not sure I could handle another one like that.

So, that's why I am asking you to just take a moment to go over and read this post. See if you feel compelled to help in any way. Childhood illness (and let's not sugarcoat it), cancer just suck! I can't imagine the brave face that mother has to wear while fear grips her heart like a vice. And the very simple truth is that I pray with all my heart that I never have to know it first hand. Unfortunately, this family does...but I think that lending a hand (even a little one, even a word of encouragement or a prayer, or a post about her) will help them pull through.

Hey, Keely…don’t count me out yet! I know it’s late, but I thought I’d jump in with Keely’s Getting to Know You Sunday. You still can too. I know she’ll have ya. Just answer the following questions and link up.

1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is...?
My wedding dress. Does it count if it’s actually preserved in a box? It’s still in my closet. Second to that would be my breast pump. Yep…I’m all about the glam.

2. Have you ever played a team sport?
Of course! Softball, swimming and track. I’m a firm believer in team sports, and will encourage all of my kids to join one as well.

3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be?
A dragonfly. Not just any dragonfly...a blue and yellow one. So colorful, and they can fly ;)

4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned? (thanks Ian )
Any place is bad. But the shoulders have got to be the most painful with the need for a bra and all.

5. Are you happy?
Mostly, yes. I certainly have my days though.

6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them?
Not that I pay attention to. Unless you are talking about lol and stuff like that. In that case, all of those, most of the time. There are some people who use them (like Rose from We Live in a Zoo), and it doesn’t bother me in the least. Not sure what that’s all about. I guess because when she uses them…it’s actually in a place that I could really imagine her laughing out loud.

7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere?
I don’t love where I live, and I could probably live anywhere. IF…it weren’t for my family. I really like being close to them, so it would be hard for me to live elsewhere for that reason.

8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full?
None. Maybe that’s the problem.
I’d love to see your answers too. Be sure to link up, or just leave a few right here.

***Don't forget to head here to participate and win some Reefs***

Today, Liz from a Bell a Bean and a Chicago Dog has agreed to share a recipe with us all. Liz is great fun, so if you haven’t met her…go say hello!

Here is her recipe:

I love one-pot dinners. So easy to make and easy to clean up.
I always seem to accumulate partial containers of food in my fridge or freezer, and I like to put them to good use in a meal if I can.
That's exactly what I was able to do with my most recent one-pot meal, which I named Pseudo-Paella.
I knew I had a half lb of frozen shrimp and a 1/4 bag of frozen peas on hand. Craig had bought smoked turkey sausage that he intended use, but never did. And I always have an onion. So I bought a box of Zatarain's Yellow Rice at the store to use in my Pseudo-Paella dish.
I cooked the rice according to directions on the box. Once I poured the rice into the boiling water, I started chopping my onions. Those went in first, followed by the smoked sausage.

I waited until the the last 4 or 5 minutes to add the defrosted shrimp and frozen peas (corn would work, too). Shrimp takes to no time to cook, and the peas will get mushy if cooked too long.
When it was done, it looked yummy and tasted yummy, too. The dish was a hit with the whole family.

Thank you, Liz for sharing such a great recipe! Looks delicious.

The following are pictures from Colton’s baptism. He was not a happy camper…but I was. He and his sister were both baptized before I was. In fact, my own baptism took place the following month. My sweet little babe was wearing a gown that has been worn by every baby born into my husband’s family on his father’s side dating as far back as my husband’s great grandmother. The gown was handmade and has an interchangeable ribbon that gets threaded through depending on the sex of the baby.

See the blue ribbon under my arm? Pink when it’s a girl. The gown is so old and so beautiful. More than just the look of it, but the tradition it holds. Too bad it was a little on the small side for me, so…sadly I had to wear something else.
Please be sure to go link up with Julie at The Peanut Gallery…exit here. Rumor has it, she is in my neck of the woods :)

Tomorrow I am doing a photo session for a friend. Well, "friend" isn't really the term I should use. I am doing a photo shoot for Drew's (my stepson) mom with her boyfriend, his three boys and Drew. Strange? Probably seems so...but we are amicable enough, and I am looking forward to the practice. However, I am nervous! Big time. I've done one actual practice session for another friend after she had her baby. The pictures turned out well, but a baby is easy. Shooting a family of six is something of which I have zero experience.

Fortunately, I am doing it for free (my payment is simply the experience). I also have made it clear that I am no professional. She is still eager to have me do this. It was actually her request.

I have some fun ideas for some of the pictures, but could use some tips for more. If you have any suggestions for fun/unique photo ideas, I would love to see them. Any additional tips would be great too.

I'll be sure to post some photos from the session. Cross your fingers for me!

Well, it was bound to happen, I suppose. I have not dedicated much time at all in the past several months to posting on this blog. Is it any wonder with all the endeavors I seem to pile on?

Writing is certainly an outlet which I enjoy immensely, so I am not giving it up entirely. I am simply shifting focus.
I have dived head long into photography, and of my free time, it occupies about 90%. Part of this will be a blog centered around my journey in the photography world.

All are welcome to come and join me as I wander (sometimes aimlessly) down this path. You'll find my blog here.

For all of my family and friends (all like 3 of you!) who like to read about the every day happenings, I will still be updating on our life there as well. So please...be sure to bookmark the new site address!

For the rest of you I've "met" along the way, I certainly would like to hear from you on the new blog, but I won't have a "follow" widget, because frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn! :)

So, for the last time...signing off as

Looking for some new ideas to feed the family? Tasty Tuesday may be just the thing for you. I love to cook, and love even more to cook for other people. Since I can’t have you all over to eat one of my meals, this is a close second. This week, I’m cooking up some shredded chicken tacos. These are another of my family’s favorites…and pretty easy to make.
Ingredients:
Premade Corn Taco Shells (I like Stand N’ Stuff) about 12 shells
1lb boneless/skinless chicken breast (can use thigh meat as well)
Worcestershire Sauce (to taste, approx. 2-3 tablespoons)
Chili Powder (to taste, approx. 2-3 tablespoons)
Sea salt (or regular salt, to taste)
1/4 Cup plus 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2-3 Roma tomatoes (diced to top tacos)
Iceberg lettuce (shredded to top tacos)
2 Cups Shredded cheddar cheese
Any condiments you like…i.e., sour cream, salsa, guacamole.Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a large pot, boil chicken breasts (uncut) until no longer pink. Remove chicken from water and cool until able to handle. Using two forks, hold one piece of chicken with one fork, and use the other fork to rake over the meat towards you in order to shred. Repeat process until all chicken is shredded. Set aside.

In a large skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, onion and garlic and sauté until tender over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, and the remaining olive oil. Stir well to coat. Add chili powder and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well. Add a dash or so of salt. Taste it. If you want a little more spice, add chili powder. If you want it a bit more savory/sweet add more Worcestershire sauce. Or both! Once the chicken is to your liking remove it from heat.
Place your taco shells on a cookie sheet. I prepare mine with foil made into rivulets to provide a sort of stand for the shells. Then fill each shell with some of the chicken mixture, and top with shredded cheddar cheese (to your liking). Place tacos in preheated oven until cheese is melted, and shells are just lightly toasted.

Remove from oven, and serve! Load with your favorite condiments and toppings, and enjoy. We like having our tacos with refried beans (you can use black), and rice.

There you have it. Oh, and if you are like me, and trying to “be good,” then you can turn your serving into a salad like I do. Just save some of your chicken mixture for that (chances are you will have extra anyway).

Enjoy! We always do. Oh, and if you have a lot of extra chicken left over, it makes great quesadillas for lunch later in the week.

Okay...It's been long enough since I have posted a legitimate recipe on Tuesday, and I know how many of you rely on me to feed your family (I have self importance issues). So I'm back with a recipe I invented out of necessity one night. If you are seeking something healthy, seek somewhere else. If you are seeking something cheesy and oh so yummy, look no further. I bring you a lasagna style casserole. Except it's not really lasagna. It's, well, just read on...

Mamma's Casserole

Ingredients:
1Pkg Chicken (approx. 1lb boneless breast or thigh)
1 Bag whole wheat wide egg noodles
1 bag frozen chopped spinach (thawed...is that an oxymoron?)
1 8oz package of cream cheese
1/2 yellow onion (minced)
2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
36oz of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 1/2-2 Cups cheddar cheese
1 1/2 Cups fresh grated parmesan (not canned)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13X9 baking dish with nonstick spray, set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, and set aside.

Saute onion and garlic in a medium pan til soft. Add thawed spinach and cook through. Add cream cheese, mix well and keep warm.

Cube raw chicken, and saute(use non stick spray or a bit of olive oil) in a large pan until no longer pink. Add spaghetti sauce.

Now, for the layering. You can layer them any way you'd like...but here's how I did it.

Layer 1/3 chicken mixture then top with 1/2 of the noodles. Layer additional 1/3 chicken mixture again. Top with all of the spinach/cream cheese. Layer all of the parmesan cheese. Top with remaining noodles, remaining chicken mixture. Top with cheddar cheese.

Bake until heated through, then broil at 550 degrees til slightly browned at edges and bubbly.

Serve it with whatever you want! Steamed broccoli, or asparagus are great. Again, this is an invention so it has only ever been taste tested by our family, but it was a major hit with everyone. If you like cheesy, and tasty, then give it a try. Wish I had pictures for you...maybe one of you can make it and get some photos for me. Hey, figured it was worth a shot ;)