Joyanna First Mexican Rice!

Tonight the kids and I got to spend some quality time just us, so went out to dinner.
Naturally we went to Los Portales (its great!), and Joyanna had her first mexican rice! I know this may not seem like a big deal to alot of people....but as much as my family eats mexican food-- this is a huge deal! Because if you don't eat mexican food in this family....you kinda don't belong. Ok.... so its not that serious, but I am still really glad that she loved it! I didn't get a good picture of her eating, because I was the one feeding her, but this picture was the best. Isn't crazy how big she is getting?!

A Wreath for Baby Korrie!

I made this wreath for my cousin and her new baby

 Korrie Payge 

It was made from all the bows from her baby shower gifts

I took apart the ribbons and re-stapled them into smaller groups.

 Then I hot glued them around the wreath, and re-curled the ribbons that needed it. 

These bows I tied my self.

Congratulations Kaila!! Korrie is simply beautiful!

Halloween Fun!

Jr and Jennifer at Trunk or Treat! 

We went to see Mrs. Shana and Pop before we headed to

 our church's Fall Festival...This is the best pick we got :)

I didn't get very many pictures, but the kids had a blat at the festival and Jennifer came

 home with pink hair lol...(yes it will wash out)...looking forward to next year already.

What We Have Been Up To!

 Well I guess we can start with Jr....He is great!! He loves school and he couldn't be doing any better! 

I am so very proud of him!!

We went to the fair a few weekends ago to watch Aunt Heather show this cow

 and Jr. was brave enough to touch her!

Jennifer.... She is in a big girl bed now, and is sleeping much better....Thank Goodness!

As you can see- she loves it!!

isn't she adorable!!! she is such a big helper with Joyanna during the day! 

she loves her little sister :)

And my sweet Joyanna! She is getting so big...she loves being in the swing at Gammy's house!

 

I told you she was getting big... she is pulling up on everything...

I guess I better get ready for three little mobile ones! lol

And me .....I stay super busy. But I love it!!!

I am helping my very good friend Meghan coach the flagline from my old high school 

and though its kinda stressful....I thoroughly enjoy it!! 

Hope this finds all of you well! Love always, Amanda!

Jr's First Day of Pre-K

Chicken Riggies

I won't take credit for this recipe. It came back with me from New York, so if you enjoy it thank the Yankees ;). That said, it is definitely one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

1 8 oz package of  Rigatoni Pasta

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 jar of spaghetti sauce

1 jar of Alfredo sauce

1 green bell pepper

1 red bell pepper 

1 onion 

1 can of mushrooms

Bring a large pot of slightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente; drain. In a large, deep skillet over medium high heat, saute chicken for 5-7 minutes, until well browned. Add spaghetti sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion and mushrooms. Stir all together and simmer for 40 minutes. Add Alfredo sauce, stir until well blended, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Spoon over hot pasta and Serve.

Now I made a few changes. I only used 3 chicken breasts, and I didn't let it simmer for as long. I just let it come to boil and simmer for about 8-10 minutes each time, and then I mixed the entire batch of sauce with my pasta. However cooking is always about whatever is easiest for you. So make changes where you like and let me know how it turns out!  

Joyanna

Joyanna is sitting up!

Going Back To School

I am going back to college folks. I have officially applied, been accepted, and enrolled for classes! I'm going to be attending Louisiana State University at Alexandria and classes begin on August 10th. 

I'm pretty excited about going back to school, but of course, I'm kind of nervous too. 

The main thing that worries me is time management. I'm so used to being with my kids all day, 

that I know being away from them is going to really bother me. not to mention trying to study, 

write papers, etc. all while trying to do for them all at the same time!! 

However, I know it's really for the best right now.

I need to be able to support the kids, so I need an education......Lets do this thing! 

LOL! That's what I keep chanting to myself. 

God is already in the works. I have an AWESOME advisor who help me get my schedule set-up exactly how i wanted it, and I ended up having several classes with a girl I already know! (Study Partner!) Needless to say the next 3-4 years of my life are probably going to be crazy, but I know God is in control, 

and He is continually blessing me! 

Amanda

The Kid's Birthday Party!

Jr. turns 4!

Jennifer turns 2!

 Jr and Jennifer have their birthday parties together since their birthdays 

are only two days apart, but they don't seem to mind it. 

It was a great day afternoon with bubbles, cake, ice-cream, gifts, water-balloons, and some fun in the pool! 

(be prepared for the crazy amount of pictures)

Victoria's Bridal Shower

I am so sorry to be so behind in my blogging. Life's been kind of crazy around here, 

so I'm filling you in on all the fun. I will posting everyday for the next few days to play catch-up. 

First there is Victoria's Bridal Shower.  Victoria is my younger sister, and she is marrying Ian Vance on August 11th. They are absolutely great together, and I couldn't be happier for them!

I love you Tori Sue! You are such an amazing sister and person! You and Ian are going 

to be so happy together, and I can barely wait for your big day!