Recipe: Spinach & Chicken Pasta Casserole
I wanted to use up some pasta so I made up this delicious casserole for the crew. Everyone enjoyed it. It was a less messy and dryer than some of the other casseroles I have made in the past but the family gave it a thumbs up. When I made the recipe I only put in 4 oz of Cream Cheese, I think it would taste a little better with the whole package to help give it a more creamy consistency. I used whole wheat penne pasta since that is what we had on hand but you could really use any type.
- 8 oz Pasta (regular or whole wheat)
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts, diced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Minced Garlic
- 1/2 cup Mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen Spinach (or you can use canned drained spinach)
- 1/4 cup White Grape Juice
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. While pasta is cooking heat up olive oil in a skillet and add the chicken. Preheat the oven to 350. Brown the chicken and add the garlic and mushrooms. Add the salt, spinach, and white grape juice and cook for 3 minutes. Mix the pasta in with the chicken mixture, add the cream cheese and stir thoroughly. Pour into a lightly greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the casserole and bake for 20 minutes.
Starting the pasta
Cooking the chicken
Adding in the spinach
Mixing the noodles and cream cheese in with the chicken & Spinach
Topping with mozzarella cheese then putting it into oven to bake
Fresh & Healthy: Our Garden – Cherry Tomato, Zucchini, Summer Squash and Green Beans!
Our first pick from our garden…..a red cherry tomato!
We are super excited to seeing the fresh vegetables growing in our garden again! So far we haven’t had to water too much because we have been getting so much rain, now we need to get a little sun to help balance things out. Our first produce was ready to be picked the first day of June, one little cherry tomato! Since then we have noticed more veggies starting to pop up. We got our garden planted late this year with all the traveling, but we are hoping that it will be a fruitful year. We split the “first” produce of the year but cutting up the cherry tomato and putting it in a meal for the whole family to enjoy.
Zucchini, 2 for 1 Summer Squash, and a handful of Green Beans
We have started to slowly see the fruits of our labor in the garden this year. It seemed to take longer with us plant much later but we hope to have plenty to share with others. We have picked lettuce a few times for salads but since it is usually at dinner time when I busy prepping for the meal I have been forgetting to take a picture to share.
What are you eating out of your garden this week?
Creative Kids: Lego Fun
Karlie’s Lego Rocket
One of the best parts about legos is that pretty much all kids enjoy playing with them…..boys…..girls……toddlers (with the bigger legos) all the way up to grown ups. It’s one of those toys you can have in the house and pretty much any kid (or kid at heart) will have fun playing with and building cool items. Even though the girls are twins they have very different tastes when it comes to what they like which isn’t a problem when it comes to legos because they have all kinds of sets, styles, colors, and more. I love watching the girls sit down, follow the directions and put the legos pieces together until they create a master piece.
Brina’s Log Cabin
Above are just two of the ones they have done over the past few months. Karlie did the rocket one and Brina did the log cabin. The neat part is the first time or two they put together their lego creations when they were younger we had to help almost every step of the way. As they continue to put together different ones we have to help less and sometimes they’ll completely surprise us with a new design which is fun too. I think learning to follow directions, using creativity, and skills are just a few benefits of playing with legos. I have found the legos can keep our girls entertained for quite a long time too! Do your kids enjoy playing with legos? What was one of their recent creations?
Travel & Vacation: Charleston Trip
Had to stop on one of the road trips because someone was getting car sick…..Daddy taking her for a walk to get some fresh air. Poor kiddo!
She hasn’t gotten car sick for quite awhile, but on one of our trips recently she started getting queasy. Stopping for a little bit of fresh air for a few minutes seemed to do the trick.
Found a cool tree house on Daniel’s Island, great place to play and have a picnic!
Karlie having fun
Hanging out at the turtle park
Pool time! Karlie holding her breath under the water!
Brina hanging out under water
Is it me or does the road seem to end in the sky? Actually this is one of our favorite bridges near Daniel’s Island.
Looking at the beautiful sunset from the bridge
Karlie enjoying her blue rock candy treat
Brina with a bright pink tongue
Brina having fun
Karlie splashing around
Brina swimming under water
Giving us game directions
Karlie lining up her knee board
Karlie spinning and having fun
Brina’s ready to spin
Brina having fun in the pool
Brina going for the diving stick
Karlie sitting at the edge of the pool chatting away
Having fun in the pool
Brina flying through the air
Playing with Daddy in the pool
Silly Karlie
Brina shark is after me
Karlie has a knack for losing teeth when we are traveling….once in an airport on a trip and this one at the hotel in Charleston (after eating an apple)
Brina zooming down the slide
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Fresh & Healthy: Fun Snacks for the Kids
Delicious Smiley face snack
The girls always enjoy it when we put together snacks. It is super fun to surprise them with a treat. As summer break quickly approaches I know there will be plenty of opportunities to bring them some sweet snacks. Tomorrow is the girls last day of school and I am super excited to spend more time with them over the summer! Here are the items I included in this snack:
- Fresh Clementines Slices
- Fresh Grapefruit Slices
- Slice of Summer Sausage
- Ritz Crackers
- Cheese Slices
- Pepperoni Slices
- 2 Car Shaped Marshmallows
- 1 M&M
- Cashews or Pecans
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of June 13 – 19, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Ground Beef – $1.99 lb
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – $1.69
T Bone, New York Stripe, or Ribeye Grilling Steaks – $6.99
Assorted Pork Chops – $1.69
Fairgrounds Hot Dogs (12 oz) – $0.79
Boston Butt – $1.69 lb
Chicken Drumsticks & Thighs – $0.99 lb
Hickory Springs Bacon (12 oz) – $1.99
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more. Here are a few of the specials they have going on with the Pick 5 for $19.99 this week (each item approximately $3.99):
Fridge and Freezer
World’s Fair Ice Cream (56 oz) – $1.99
Eggs (dozen) – $0.99
Mantia’s Pizza (20 – 21 oz) – $1.99
Produce
Head Lettuce – $0.79
Vine Ripened Tomatoes – $0.69
Cabbage – $0.25 lb
Cucumbers – $0.29 each
Green Peppers – $0.39 each
Yellow Onions (3 pounds) – $0.99
Whole Seedless Watermelon – $3.99
Potatoes (8 pounds) – $2.29
Assorted Apples – $0.99 lb
Grocery
Crystal Drinking Water (24 pack) – $1.99
Save A Lot Soft Drinks (12 pack – 12 oz cans) – $1.99
Duke’s Mayonnaise (32 oz) – $2.99
O Day’s Mac n’ Cheese – $0.39
Ginger Evans Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99
Ginger Evans Flour (5 pounds) – $1.69
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends. For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
Bath Time Fun with H2Goo Gelli Baff
Mom it feels like applesauce…. It was pretty funny watching the girls reaction to the H2Goo.
I was able to get Gelli Baff from ThinkGeek with a coupon as a gift for the girls. They had a blast playing in the water and Gelli Baff. It has the consistency of applesauce and jello. I got the hot pink color for the girls.
Bathtub full of clean water ready to add the H2Goo and the kids
Pouring the magic H2Goo into the tub. It will soak up 400 times its weight which turns the water into a colorful and gooey gel. The girls wouldn’t get into the “goo” until it was mixed because they were a little unsure of what was going to happen.
Scooping it up in the cup. The H2Goo will not stain the kids, tub or towels. When the kids were done playing all you had to do was add the dissolver powder and the goo converted back into regular pink bath water before draining.
Hot Pink bath fun! The girls had a blast splashing around and playing with the gelli bath. It turned the water to hot pink gelatin. You can see it on the legs. The H2Goo is safe, non-toxic and makes the skin softer.
Two sets of twizzle toes peeking out! This was probably the longest bath the girls have ever taken (and they have taken some really long ones)!
Pouring it into Daddy’s hand. This stuff was so fascinating that even Jake and I had to check it out. It was definitely a fun consistency.
Pouring it on her leg. They loved scooping it up on a cup and watching it slowly slide down their legs, arms or bathtub.
It comes out kind of clumpy because it is thicker so it was fun stirring and pouring.
I was able to get this from Think Geek below are more Gelli Baff details (also known as H2Goo or Squishy Baff Bath it has several names).
Product Specifications
- For Ages 5 and Up
- Turns bath water into colorful gel for a tub full of fun
- Special powder soaks up 400 times its weight
- Won’t clog pipes, stain fixtures, linens, or kids
- Safe and non-toxic – actually softens skin!
- Includes 1 packet of goo, 1 packet of dissolver
- One packet treats up to 20 gallons of water!
- Choose: Red, Pink, Blue, or Green Goo
- Packing might read Squishy Baff Bath Kit but it is the same as H2Goo
Song: “This Life” by MercyMe
This is a great reminder of what our life should look like to others “this life was meant to shine.” Our life on this earth is not forever so we need to make the most of each day. May we continually look for ways we can make a positive impact on the lives of others. Love this phrase – “Every moment is a chance to let your light break through”!
This is not my home
(this is not my space)
This is not my style
(this is not my place)Can’t get comfortable
(cant get settled in)
Simply don’t belong
(cant get used to this)But I’m here right now
(I can hear you say)
Make the most of Me
(this wont go to waste)
If I’m out of my mind
(yeah its all for Christ)
If I’m making sense
(then get it right)Every moment is a chance
To let your light break throughThis life (oh oh oh oh)
This life was meant to shineWhat’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
This is the girls last week of school so we are getting excited about summer break! Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Penne Pasta Casserole, Caesar Salad
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Sesame Teriyaki, Asian Noodles
- Wednesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Brina & Karlie’s Night to Cook Dinner
- Thursday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Garden Vegetable Soup, French Bread
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
The girls were wrapping up their last full week of school so we had a lot of extra activities now we just need to get through the next few days and it will be summer break! It was hard to get everything done last week with all the year end activities therefore I am hoping to catch up this week. We have a lot of really great activities planned for this summer. It will be fun to travel a little and catch up with some family and friends too.
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
Connect with each family member at least once a day- Prep for Summer Break – I got their summer reading wall put up now need to finalize all the other little details
- Read at least one book to the girls every day – didn’t get a chance on Monday night it was packed full with KOH, 1 John Ministry – Homeless Dinner, Girls 1st Grade Program and Swimming Lessons
- Listen to the girls read at least one book to me or Jake every day – we missed Monday night but otherwise did well
Attend the Girls First Grade ProgramSpend some extra time catching up with family and friendsSwimming Lessons for the Kids- Confirm the Schedule / Flights for upcoming Family Reunion – schedules confirmed just need to get flights arranged
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – getting closer
- Update my goals – didn’t get to it this past week
- Finish reading Am I Messing Up My Kids by Lysa TerKeurst – I keep leaving the book in random places so getting behind
Finish The Hunger Games by Susan Collins (recommended by several friends)– while the book captivated my attention I have a lot of mixed feelings about the book…..
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu & Schedule planned out for the week- Spend 30 minutes every day picking up & cleaning the house – had a couple days I let it go with all the activities going on this past week
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- 1o minutes a day Cleaning / Organizing my desk – I ended the week with a stack of papers that need my attention
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchEmail the updated praises, prayer requests, and schedule to our Community GroupFeed & Serve Homeless – 1 John Ministry
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – so close but went over by $1.76
- Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses – getting closer
- Put aside cash for upcoming trips – on hold momentarily
- Save money for 1 year of Jake’s College Classes – working on it
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Connect with each family member at least once a day
- Final Prep for Summer Break
- Read at least one book to the girls every day
- Listen to the girls read at least one book to me or Jake every day
- Spend some extra time catching up with family and friends
- Confirm the Schedule / Flights for upcoming Family Reunion
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
- Update my goals
- Finish reading Am I Messing Up My Kids by Lysa TerKeurst
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu & Schedule planned out for the week
- Spend 30 minutes every day picking up & cleaning the house
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- 1o minutes a day Cleaning / Organizing my desk
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Email the updated schedule to our Community Group
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses
- Save money for upcoming trips
- Put cash aside for 1 year of Jake’s College Classes
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results
