Green Bean Caprese Salad

This year for our Easter dinner we decided to keep things low key. We had delicious ham sandwiches on fresh rolls and an abundance of yummy salad sides. I decided to try a new creation- green bean caprese salad. I am pretty sure it has probably been done before but this is the way I made it. I thought it was yummy and the girls at work agreed- I took leftovers to work on Monday. This definitely qualifies as a 'better the next day' recipe. Since several of you have asked for the recipe here it is:

About a pound of steamed green beans- use fresh or frozen

3/4 a pint of cherry tomatoes cut in half

4 oz mozzarella cheese cut in to bite size pieces

2-3 fresh basil leaves chopped

Dressing:

1/4Cup olive oil

1/4 Cup balsamic vinegar- you can use less but I LOVE vinegar

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients together. Let sit at least and hour. And Enjoy!

A Few Things Learned

I love Easter! I love celebrating our Lord's resurrection. I enjoy watching the kids have fun, however the sugar seems to put a damper on the day. So here are a couple things I learned this year. Maybe these will help you.

1. Invite the Easter Bunny to stop by your house a day early. (Thanks to Ty and Tammy for this great idea!) That way Sunday morning will be only the normal crazy and not extra crazy.

2. Give yourself enough time to take a few pictures before church. Don't count on a 2-year-old and 4-year-old to stay put together. Inevitably a diaper explosion WILL happen and someone will give your other child a cupcake with bright pink icing.

3. Don't expect your children to have their best behavior at your sis-in-law's mom's house when they have been over loaded with sugar.

4. Four Easter egg hunts are probably too many.

5. Spend as much time possible focusing on the REAL meaning of Easter because it is easy for everyone to loose site of what it is all about.

Hiding the cupcake stain

Our crazy crew with Nay Nay and Pap Pap

My handsome boy

My sweet boy- not in his clothes!

Happy Birthday Clara!

It is hard to believe my sweet little Clara is already 4! These past four years have flown by. Here are a few things you may like to know about our girl:

1. She has the gift of exaltation- she gives the best, heart felt compliments.

2. She is ALL GIRL! Dresses, bows, jewelry, heels, etc.

3. She loves to sing and dance.

4. She has a big voice for such a tiny body- you never doubt what she is thinking!

5. She is in love with strawberries right now- she has commissioned me to make a strawberry cake to celebrate her special day.

6. She loves people- it seems she never meets a stranger.

7. She is one passionate girl- she knows what she wants!

8. She adores her brothers but tries to boss them around constantly.

I love you Clara! I look forward to watching you continue to grow. I know the Lord has big plans for you! Happy Birthday to my Peanut!