Oh Shell No

Last Friday Night Nathan kept our two kids and my friend Tasha’s two little girls while Tasha and I went to a Relay For Life Bunco Game Fundraiser.  Her daughter E, is 19 months and M is 3 1/2.

The following is a conversation that happened between Tasha and Princess upon our returning home:

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Princess: “Miss Tasha, do you have Macaroni and Cheese at your house?”

Tasha: “Yes, Princess, I just bought some”

Princess: “But, do you have Shells and Cheese?

Tasha: “No, just the regular kind.”

Princess: “Well, you should get the shells and cheese kind because M ate the Hell outta those”

******

It was at that point, that I realized that I am definitely a shoo in for the parent of the year award.

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Madeline Alice Sphor, Heaven’s Newest Angel

maddie
November 11, 2007 – April 7, 2009

I had a post for today about kids and laughter and things they do to embarass you. It has been put on hold.
My darling, strong, beautiful amazing friend Heather has lost her gorgeous, funny, spunky little daughter, Maddie.
I want to write a beautiful post, something amazing, something that will do her proper tribute, but I can’t.
I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face and pieces of my heart shattering for the pain and loss that Heather and Mike must be feeling.
You can see their story here.
Maddie was a preemie and Heather wrote some wonderful things including this post about NICU protocol for friends and family.
Please hug your family, say a prayer of peace and strength for my wonderful friend, Heather, and her family and then go donate to the March of Dimes in Maddie’s name.

Maddie lived from November 11, 2007 – April 7, 2009 and what that little girl did in between those dates, the dash, so to speak.  Is amazing.  She lived fiercely, beautifully and passionately.  Honor her by making the most of your dash, too.

** the amazing heart of the internet has proven once again just how tremendous this community is.  Maddie’s March of Dimes page is overloaded and their blog is having issues keeping up with all the visitors. Give it time and keep re-trying, even if it’s tomorrow. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.


A Healthier Chicken Parmesan

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We love Italian Food and Chicken Parmesan ranks right up there at the top of my favorites list! However, with the breading and oil usually involved it isn’t always the most waistline friendly. This recipe is a full flavor, less fat version and it’s really easy to make! (BONUS)

Healthier Chicken Parmesan
(This makes 2 servings)

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
  • 1 wedge real parmesan cheese, some sliced and some grated
  • 3 Tbsp Italian Seasonings
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil (or your favorite Italian blend)
  • 1/2  C chicken broth
  • Barilla Pasta Plus Thin Spaghetti Noodles
  • 2 Tbsp chopped flat parsley, plus some for garnish
  1. Cut 4 thin slices from the wedge of Parmesan, butterfly the chicken breasts and places 2 slices of cheese in the open center of each breast. Close the chicken breasts and sprinkle each breast with Italian Seasoning.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat add some olive oil and then the chicken and 1/2 of your garlic; cook until the chicken breasts are browned on both sides, about 25 minutes. Remove the chicken breasts and set aside.
  3. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning and more garlic, gradually add in the chicken broth and heat until bubbling, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the chicken breasts back in and heat the chicken thoroughly in the sauce. Lower to a simmer and cover until ready to serve.
  5. Serve the chicken atop your Barilla Pasta Plus Thin Spaghetti Noodles.
  6. Grate fresh parmesan cheese over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

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