Sophia's 1st Christmas

 

I absolutely love, love, LOVE Christmas. I didn't know just how much MORE I would love Christmas with a child of my own. She is such a wonderful gift from God, and she truly helped me realize the real meaning of Christmas on an even deeper level this year.

 

 

Sophia enjoyed being able to FaceTime with each set of her grandparents while she opened a few of the gifts that they sent to her. We are very, very blessed to have family who love her so much.

 

 

She absolutely LOVED the clothes that she got. This leopard print dress (which was bought with her first birthday in mind) was such a hit that it got a big squeeze!

 

 

She had lots and lots of kisses and hugs for her new baby. This makes my heart smile... she is going to be an incredible big sister to Bennett!!

 

She has had a lot of fun with her new picnic basket... she gets a bite, then baby gets a bite. It is so fun watching her pretend. I love her imagination!

 

 

This cheesy smile melts my heart into the biggest puddle. What a doll!

 

Two of my favorite people... my little family couldn't be more perfect for me.

 

Sophia got a white Christmas!! What a special treat.

 

The greatest gift of all? The love this family holds for one another. Andrew, Sophia and Bennett bless my life beyond what I could have ever imagined. Each day I am filled with awe at what God has given me. I often tell myself that I do not deserve all of this, but I also do not take a single moment for granted. What a perfect first Christmas as a "new" family. My heart is overflowing!



Oh boy, oh boy!

We're having a boy!! At yesterday's ultrasound, it was very obvious that Bennett Ryan is the newest addition to our family. We are so happy, and we feel so blessed to have a healthy baby boy. As the mother of a sweet girl, many thoughts raced through my head... I thought I'd share them with you.

 

... YAY! I will have a momma's boy!

 

... Oh dear! What do I do with a BOY?!

 

... How are we going to decorate the nursery? Half pink, half BOY?

 

... What do we do about the PINK carseat we registered for? Why weren't we smarter about that?

 

... A BOY!!! We're having a BOY!

 

... This is PERFECT! Sophia needs a brother to even out the playing fields- she's a bit dramatic.

 

... Oh my goodness. We have SO MUCH to teach Bennett about being a true man.

 

... I'm so thankful that Bennett will have such wonderful example of what a "true man" is from his father.

 

... We are BLESSED!!!

 

Many, many more thoughts have flown through my mind over the last 24 hours, but these all came within minutes of finding out who I'm carrying. All joking aside, I am already praying that we are able to teach Bennett how to be a man of integrity. A man of wisdom. A man of God.

 

I hope to instill in him many of the characteristics his dad possesses. I am married to the greatest man I know, and I pray we are able to raise Bennett to be that same kind of man. It's a lot to pray about! Society and families NEED more men of character... so, as a mother, I have already begun to pray for wisdom when it comes to parenting him.

 

When it all comes down to it, I know God will guide us every step of the way as long as we seek His will. I am so excited to welcome Bennett into our home. He is EXACTLY who our family needed.

 

Thank you, Lord! We are blessed.

Spinach and Bacon Quiche

 

This dish was always a favorite of mine growing up. My mom was kind enough to share the recipe with me when I ventured off on my own, and I'm happy to share it with all of you as well!! I hope you love it as much as I always have.

 

Ingredients:

 

1.5 cups milk

4 eggs, beaten

2 cups shredded cheese

10 ounces fresh spinach, steamed and drained

1/2 pound cooked bacon, cut into small pieces

2 deep dish pie crusts

Salt and Pepper to taste

 

Preparation:

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

 

Combine ingredients and fill pie crusts.

 

Bake 40 minutes or until knife comes out clean.

 

Tip from Mom:

 

Cover the edge of the crust with strips of aluminum foil to prevent from burning them.

 

Yum!!

 

 

 

Side note... this dish can be made with virtually any vegetable, meat, or cheese that you desire. Be creative!

 



Pan-Glazed Chicken with Basil

Wow! The recipe was a winner. Each member of my family gave their stamp of approval, so I wanted to share it with all of you!

 

Ingredients:

 

6 skinned, boned chicken breast halves

Salt

Pepper

Garlic Salt

Balsamic Vinegar (I used Rachel Ray's Balsamic Drizzle Balsamic Reduction)

Honey

Basil

 

Preparation:

 

Lightly sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt, vinegar, and garlic salt.

 

 

Place in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle generously with balsamic reduction and honey. Sprinkle lightly with basil. Cook for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.

 

Turn chicken. Drizzle generously with balsamic reduction and honey. Sprinkle lightly with basil. Cook for 5 minutes or until chicken is done.

 

Once chicken is thoroughly cooked, add almond slivers. If you wish, drizzle with balsamic reduction and honey again. Allow almond slivers to simmer in balsamic reduction and honey for no more than 5 minutes.

 

Remove from pan and serve!! The balsamic reduction and honey create a very tasty & rich glaze for the chicken. I served it with my roasted Brussels sprouts... which you can find here. It was a delicious combination. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine did!