Boo!

My Tinker Bell and Optimus Prime had a fabulous time trick-or-treating this year!

Chicken Lasagna with Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Chicken Lasagna with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:
4 cups finely chopped cooked chicken (Rotisserie Chicken works great!)
2 (8oz) containers of chive and onion cream cheese
1 (10oz) package frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained
1 tsp seasoned pepper
3/4 tsp garlic salt
9 no boil lasagna noodles
1 cup shredded Italian 5 cheese blend
Roasted red pepper sauce (see below)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Stir together first 5 ingredients


Layer a lightly greased 11x7 baking dish with one third of sauce, 3 noodles, one third of chicken mixture, and one third of cheese. Repeat layers twice. Place baking dish on a baking sheet.Bake covered at 350 for 50-55 minutes uncover and bake 15 more minutes.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers drained
1 (16oz) jar creamy alfredo sauce
1 3oz package shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides.

Ella Grace, 16 months

16 months old! Time is going by so quickly. You learned to twirl in circles this month and you love to dance. You love Big Bird and purses. When I sing "patty-cake" you roll your hands to "roll the dough" and laugh each and every time. New words this month include Papa, Poppy and bark. You are obsessed with dogs and try to ride Jack whenever the opportunity presents itself. Your favorite foods are waffles, avacados and cheese. Your bravery knows no bounds and you love to climb into the chair to sit at the table with Jack-Jack. I love you big girl!

A to Z of Me

A. Age: 32
B. Bed Size: King
C. Chore you hate: Folding laundry
D. Dogs: Jake our small 105 lb lovable yellow lab
E. Essential start to your day: Hugs and Kisses from the fire fighter, J & E
F. Favorite Color: I love grey
G. Gold or Silver: Both
H. Height: Somewhere over 5'7".
I. Instruments you play: Wooded spoons and pots. I played the flute, but never went to Band Camp
J. Job Title: Mommy. Wife. Website Marketing Manager.
K. Kids: Jack Ryan and Ella Grace
L. Live: Texas by way of Chicago, Il (my heart belongs to the Midwest)
M. Mother's Name: Mary Beth
N. Nicknames: Kate, babe, dudz, Coco
O. Overnight hospital stays: Yes- thanks to c-sections
P. Pet Peeves: Wet towels on the floor. Dirty dishes in the sink. Lies.
Q. Quote from a Movie: “You’re killin’ me smalls”. The Sandlot
R. Right handed or Left handed: Right. My left hand is a bit slow.
S. Siblings: Younger sister, Amy
T. Time to wake up: When the kids do- 7 am
U. Underwear: Comfortable and solid colors
V. Vegetables you hate: Beets. Yuck!
W. What makes you run late: Typically the kids.
X. X-rays you have: Teeth. Lungs.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Pasta Bolognese and Spice cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
Z. Zoo animals: Otters. Hilarious.

Avengers Assemble!

Our big boy is four years old! We had an awesome day celebrating his birthday with lots of family and friends! The party was at the Little Gym in McKinney- guests dined on cupcakes and ice cream! Jack had a wonderful time! Happy 4th Birthday Jack Ryan!

Happy Birthday Jack Ryan!

Dear Jack,

I can't believe you are turning four years old tomorrow! I was flooded with a wide range of emotions as we sat at Red Lobster with the family (Grammie, Poppy, Uncle Josh, Daddy, Ella, you and me)---a pre-celebration of sorts. Four years ago today, I too was sitting in Red Lobster with Daddy, Uncle Josh and Clint waiting to hear if the hospital would have room for me to begin the first phase of induction. That night nothing but excitement and anticipation filled the air. It's funny because watching you tonight, I felt the exact same thing!

Your are growing so big so fast. Your little mind is a sponge and you are truly coming into you own. The past few years have been a beautiful journey and I eagerly anticipate the years to come. You are sensitive, thoughtful, funny, smart, logical and clean (no messy hands for you)! Your soul is one of the kindest I know and I feel so very blessed to be your mom.When dinner was over we piled into the car. As I fastened your seatbelt you whispered "Mommy your beautiful and I love you". My heart melted. I can't wait too see what's next!


Love you Buddy!

Pumpkin Fun

For the past few years we've made the trip to the Dallas Arboretum to take pictures and search for the perfect pumpkin. In the past we've been able to dress up Jack in his Halloween costume to take pictures among the pumpkins, but this year and last it was just too warm. 

We headed out early on Saturday morning in hopes of beating the crowds....no such luck! It's a popular place! There were so many parents just like us trying to coax smiles out of their overly tired children. Ella didn't like the big pumpkins at all! She made horrible faces and cried out for "mama" every time I tried to put her on the pumpkin for the perfect picture! Maybe she'll do better next year!