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!

It is rough when you are #3...........

Better protect yourself!

A sunny day calls for a treat!

Here is something fun! I love italian ice. Here is a fun way to try it if you haven't--- and cheep! Groupon is offering a $12 gift card for $6!

http://www.groupon.com/columbia/?utm_campaign=rita-s-columbia&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter

Never want to forget.........

Monday nights are often a little crazy in our house. I work and Mark has soccer to coach and then goes to play basketball with the guys- which I completely support. This past Monday however the kids were not being cooperative and I am sure that I was not in the best mood. I felt like I was fighting three wild monkeys! It seemed no one wanted to listen or obey. So by 8:30 everyone was finally in bed and I was plum worn out. After working all day I can not wait to wash the germs away and it seemed that was never going to happen. When I finally got to get into the shower, I was greeted by some familiar faces lined up perfectly in a row.

I know I laughed out loud. The Lord reminded me how these days are slipping by so fast. I don't want to take time with my precious kiddos for granted. It is funny how a couple of frogs, Elmo, and the bad Spiderman can remind you of those things.

My Big Boy

Happy Birthday to Benton!

I can not believe Benton is turning 6 today! It feels like just yesterday I gained 60 lbs and then spent 12 hours in labor. Okay, so I indulged a bit too much on Migg's french fries and sweet tea!
Little did I know how our lives were about to change! He has brought so much joy to our lives over these last six years. Benton loves Jesus, is a serious thinker, is thoughtful and loving and is a great big brother. I know that the Lord has wonderful plans for him. Happy Birthday to my precious boy!

This was almost a month before he was born- you can only imagine!

Just minutes after his arrival 8lbs 2oz 23 1/2 inches long.

What a beautiful boy!

I love this boy!

Super Bowl Dinner

Tonight we spent a quiet evening watching the Super Bowl- just the two of us. Well, thanks to DVR and an early bed time for the kiddos! I wanted to have something special for us so I made a yummy recipe from my sister-in-law Michele. Many of the ingredients were on sale at Publix this week- an added bonus. Check out her blog for the recipe- and other great ideas on clean eating among other things!

http://wholetothecore.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/publix-value-meal-chicken-verde-enchiladas/

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I take credit for this wonderful soup :) I found a crockpot recipe years ago and changed it to our liking. Every time I make this dish I do it a little different, but this is the basic recipe. This is Mark's favorite! Hope you enjoy it too.

4 Chicken breast- cooked and shredded (cook frozen chicken in the crockpot covered with 2 cups salsa for 4 1/2 hours on low- shreds perfectly)

2 Table spoons butter/margarine

1/2 onion diced

2 garlic cloves minced

2 large cans diced tomatoes not drained

2 cans chicken broth

1 can cream of chicken soup- undiluted

1 cup salsa

1 tsp cumin

cilantro

sour cream

shredded cheese

In a large pot melt butter. Heat garlic and onion on medium/high heat until onion is translucent. Add next 4 ingredients. Add chicken. Finally add cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 10minutes. Use remaining ingredients for garnish. Makes a good amount- great for company.