Menu Monday Link Up + Praise

First, I can't post anything without telling you that today was my moms LAST RADIATION TREATMENT!!! All glory to God! We are so very thankful. We can not thank each of you enough for all your thoughts and prayers during this long journey!

As for Menu Monday, this week is somewhat lacking. We were out of town over the weekend and came up with our menu on the fly. Also, I saw this on a few other blogs and thought it was a neat way to post our menu so I hopped on the bandwagon. Wednesday, Brian has a softball game so leftovers it will be! Saturday we are walking in Race for the Cure in honor of my mom and then I have a wedding shower to attend of Brian and Mason will be on their own for dinner.

Don't forgot to link up with Rachel from In No Simple Language for Menu Monday!

What's on your menu this week?

Wordless Wednesday: My Heart. My Soul. My Everything.

Menu Monday Link Up

It's time for our weekly Menu Monday link up with Rachel from In No Simple Language.

Monday: Bratwursts, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans.

Tuesday: Hellmann's Parmesan Crusted Chicken via pinterest, sweet potato fries

Source: cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com via Lynsey on Pinterest

Wednesday: Twice Baked Potatoes, Tomato Basil Soup 

Thursday: Tuna/Mahi Mahi Burgers, Fruit Salad

 Friday: Pizza and Fresh Salad from our garden

 Saturday: Out to eat

 Sunday: Fend for yourself/Leftovers

So not the most exciting menu for the week but sometimes it's nice to take a break from trying a new recipe each night.

Hope you will join in and link up with Rachel for Menu Monday!

Recipe: Italian Sausage Rigatoni

After mentioning this dish on one of our Menu Monday meal plans, I had several people ask about the recipe. I thought I'd post it so anyone else that might be interested can have it. It's not a complex recipe by any means.

• 1 package (19oz) Johnsonville Italian Mild Sausage Links
• 1 jar (24oz) Classico Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce
• 1 package (1 lb.) rigatoni pasta
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large sweet red pepper, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped

1. Cook sausage links according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil until hot. Add garlic; saute for 30 seconds or until golden. Add red peppers; saute for 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Cut sausage into 1/4-inch coin slices; add to skillet. Stir in Classico Pasta Sauce; heat through. Add pasta; toss to combine. Sprinkle with parsley.
4. Serve warm.

Serves: 6

Menu Monday Link Up + Giveaway Winner

Another Monday, Another Menu Monday! Be sure to link up with Rachel from In No Simple Language for this weeks menu plans.

Several of you commented last week about Brian's surprise meal for Sunday. It turned out to be grilled chicken with grilled red potatoes/squash/green pepper medley and let me tell you, it was delicious. I love grilled food but since I don't trust myself around the grill, we usually only have them on nights Brian is home in time to man the grill. This was a treat and very healthy!

Now for this week's menu.. we have several evening obligations this week so some night might be hit or miss. 

Monday: Cheesy Biscuits, Grits, Waffles (for Mason). We ended up not having this last week. 

Source: picky-palate.com via Lynsey on Pinterest

Tuesday: Chicken & Black Bean Green Enchilada Rice Bake via Picky Palate

Photo Credit: Picky Palate

Wednesday: Pesto Orecchiette With Chicken Sausage - Thanks to Rachel for this idea!

Photo Credit: Real Simple

Thursday: Turkey Dogs with Sweet Potato Fries

Friday: Pizza Night

Saturday: Grilled Pork Chops, Salad (from our own garden!), Vegetable Medley

Sunday: Leftovers

What's on your menu this week? Did you try any new recipes last week that you have now added to your rotation?

Now for the winner of the Bloom Giveaway.....

Congratulations Maria! Look for an email from me today! And thank you for everyone who entered.

Easter 2012

This Easter we decided to go to early mass (7:30a) as we knew it would be our best shot at Mason making it through the service well behaved and getting a seat in the "cry room". Thankfully we arrived early enough that our usual spot was open. Mason ended up being so well behaved, I was proud of him.

I didn't manage to get a family picture of us this Easter, which I regret but oh well. The most important thing to me was that we attended church as a family and truly took in the real meaning of Easter. Establishing these values into Mason from an early age is something that is really important to Brian and I and I think we have done a wonderful job thus far.

Excuse the hair, this is post nap. Just waking up. And refusing to let go of paci. 

After Mass we went to my parents house to hang out until it was time for Easter lunch. If you know Mason, you know he doesn't sleep well away from home. So when nap time rolled around, we decided our best bet at a decent nap would be for me to cuddle with him in my parents bed. Thankfully this worked out perfectly and we both enjoyed an hour long nap. Trust me, I wasn't complaining! 

After nap time was over, we feasted on a delicious Easter lunch with my family and grandparents. We had a great meal along with great company and it was truly just perfect! 

Next came opening Easter baskets, followed by an Easter egg hunt and the much dreaded Easter egg dying. I've learned I'm a little too OCD when it comes to dying Easter eggs but since Mason wasn't old enough last year to do them, I knew I wanted to do them this year with him. Our only fail: I forgot to take a picture of the end result of all the eggs. Total Mom Fail.

Perhaps my favorite activity was the Easter Egg Hunt. I was curious how Mason would do. I figured he would find one egg and be satisfied and forget about the rest. However, I was greatly surprised when he hunted and found ALL the eggs and placed them in his bucket. The funniest part happened when Brian decided to hide eggs for me to find. Let's just say Mason didn't really understand the concept of hiding the eggs because as soon as Brian hid one for me, Mason followed right behind him and picked it up. 

We had a wonderful Easter surrounded by those that we love and cherish so very much. We hope that you had a wonderful Easter as well!

Happy First Birthday, Max!

A year ago today, at 9:42 am, my best friend became a mother to the precious, Maxwell Lewis. It's hard to believe that it's already been a year since Colleen and Keith welcomed Max into the world. 

Watching Colleen become a mother and grow into this role so naturally has been an amazing thing. She is a full time working mom that does so with such ease. I truly admire how hard she works at her corporate job as well as her "job" of mom to Max. I'm so proud of you, Sulls!

Max, it has been a pleasure watching you grow. I can only hope and pray you and Mason are as good of friends as Colleen & I. It's clear to see how this precious little guy can steal your heart the second he lays eyes on you!

We love you so much and can not wait to see you Saturday for your big party! Happy First Birthday Max!!!

Bloom Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all those who entered!

I have long been a follower of Kelle Hampton and her amazing blog, Enjoying the Small Things. Kelle, a mother of 2 amazing girls, has a way with words. She is real. She is honest. She doesn't hold back. The love and joy that fills her home can easy been seen and felt through her pictures. 

One of her most "real" moments came when her second daughter, Nella, was born and it was discovered she had Down syndrome. The thoughts and feelings she so openly shared in this post brought tears to my eyes. Since then, I have been hooked.

Kelle recently released her memoir, Bloom. As soon as I heard she was writing a book, I knew I had to buy it. Sure I could download it on the kindle but I wanted a real copy. From the website: "Bloom is an inspiring and heartfelt memoir that celebrates the beauty found in the unexpected, the strength of a mother’s love, and, ultimately, the amazing power of perspective."

If you would like to find out more about Bloom, head here to read a description of this beautiful book. 

Now comes to fun part. When I went to Target to pick up my own personal copy of the book, I decided to 
also pick up a second copy to give away to one of my wonderful readers! This is a gorgeous, colorful hardback copy of Bloom.


To Enter:
1. Become a follower of my blog through Google Friends Connect and leave me a comment letting me know you did so. 


2. Just for fun leave me a comment telling me your favorite summer activity. 

Giveaway closes Sunday, April 15 at 8:00pm EST and Winner will be announced Monday, April 16th. 


Be sure to watch Kelle on the Today Show with Hoda & Kathie Lee tomorrow (Wednesday 4/11), where she will be talking about Bloom. 

Kelle Hampton has no idea who I am. I was not compensated for this giveaway. I bought both copies of this book with my own money and just wanted to share the love with my readers. 

Menu Monday Link Up

It's Monday! Time for Menu Monday! Be sure to link up with Rachel from In No Simple Language.

From last week, I highly recommend the Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. Lately Mason has been refusing Chicken but he surprised us and ate this! He even asked for more. 

Also, thank you for all the pork chop recipes. I can't wait to try a few out and see which one is a winner with Brian. 

This weeks menu consist of:

Monday: Baked Spaghetti Casserole - My friend Sarah's recipe with garlic bread

Tuesday: Balsamic Chicken (South Beach Diet recipe), Corn on the cob, side salad

Wednesday: Breakfast night... Cheesy Biscuits, Grits and waffles for Mason

Source: picky-palate.com via Lynsey on Pinterest

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Frozen Lasagna 

Saturday: Fend for yourself

Sunday: Brian's surprise. 

This week is a busy week for us as Brian has his first softball game of the season on Wednesday evening, Mason has swim lessons on Thursday evening and Saturday we have a First birthday party in Raleigh. Brian decided he would surprise Mason and I with a meal on Sunday so I can't wait to see what it is!

This week doesn't consist of any new recipes to try so this should be a fairly easy meal week. Looking forward to trying a few new ones next week though!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Happy Easter!

Easter Pictures

We didn't make it to the mall this Easter to have Mason's picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Truth be told, after he freak out with Santa, I was sure it would be another crying fit with the Easter Bunny. Plus, throw in the fact that our mall Easter Bunny is a little freaky looking and it is absolutely ridiculous that they charge $21 for a picture.

So we made the best of it and set up camp in our front yard for a few pictures to grace the Easter card this year. It isn't the easiest thing in the world to be 30 weeks pregnant, chasing after a 19 month old active toddler in an attempt to get a decent picture but I do think I was able to get a few decent shots. I promise one day I will really learn all the ins and outs of our camera and take better pictures. One day.

It's hard to believe this was Mason last Easter...

And this is our big boy now..

Of course, what's a photo shoot without a few outtakes?

Pointing out an airplane in the sky

If you're happy and you know it..

I'm over this mom, see you later!

We are thankful the beautiful weather held off long enough for a few Easter pictures!

Wordless Wednesday: Masons School Picture

18 months old - toddler room

Mason: 16-18 Months

We just recently had Mason's 18 month well visit, albeit late, so I finally have his stats to post! Even though he turned 19 months on March 31, I still wanted to get these posted for our sake.

For the monthly pictures we have moved from the brown glider to Mason's favorite spot, his PBK chair.

Official 18 Month Stats: 34 Inches, 25.4 pounds, 19 inch head. 

He grew 2 inches from his 15 month well visit to his 18 month well visit, as well as gaining roughly two pounds. We have a tall and skinny toddler boy on our hands. Not surprising, considering Brian is tall and skinny. 

He is wearing mostly 2T clothes and size 6 shoe. 

He growing so dang fast and learning new things each day. This is such a fun, yet demanding/frustrating at times, stage but I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

Menu Monday Link Up

It's Menu Monday! Be sure to link up with Rachel from In No Simple Language!

First, the Mexican Stuffed Shells were amazing! And we actually had them for leftovers one night as well.

On the menu this week....

Monday: Chicken and Cheese Crescents (I use my mom's recipe but here is a similar one), vegetable

Tuesday: Baked Potato and  Tomato Basil Soup

Wednesday: Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken served over Rice

Source: sixsistersstuff.com via Lynsey on Pinterest

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Pizza Night.

Saturday: Stir fry (we ended up not having it last week)

Sunday: Easter Dinner at my parents

Now I need help friends.. One of Brian's favorite things is pork chops. Any good recipes? I feel like a bad wife because I never make them for him so I'm in search of a good recipe!