Chicken Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinagrette

Super quick and yummy dinner idea:

2 Tbsp balsalmic vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
1 Tbsp chopped drained oil packed sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 tsp pepper
1 garlic clove
4 c shredded cooked chicken
1 c chopped tomato
1/2 c grated Asiago cheese
1/4 c thinly sliced basil
6 pitas cut in half
3 c mixed greens

Combine first 5 ingredients in large bowl. Stir in chicken, tomato, cheese, and basil. Line each pita half with 1/4 c greens. Divide chicken mixture evenly among pita halves.

Happy Half Birthday, Lincoln

Happy half birthday little boy.

You are such an angel. You have added so much joy and happiness to our family. Although you are only 6 months, I can sense your sweet spirit. You always have a smile on your face. You light up when I walk into the room and that melts my heart. You entered this world so quickly and have changed our lives forever. God has chosen me and daddy to raise you, guide you and teach you. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to influence your life, teach you about the love of Jesus, teach you how to respect yourself, and to love others.

Your laugh is infectious. And you laugh about everything. When I change your clothes, tickle your neck, run your little legs, and kiss your belly. You can sit for hours, following Gavin around the room, watching him play super heroes or run around. I can’t wait for you two to play together, and learn the love of being a brother.

One of my favorite things about you besides your smile is your feet. You have a death grip with those toes, always moving and playing with them. It's so stinkin' cute!

I waited anxiously for 9 months to hold you and cuddle you, and now you’re here. I have enjoyed every single moment with you. I love you.

Half-way Mark

July 15th.
15th days down, 16 more to go.

Surprisingly, I'm really enjoying my list and have quite a few things done. :)

I have successfully:

2. Worn something out I would usually NEVER wear. Normally, I would never, EVER, wear leggings out in public. I know this may not seem like a big deal, but I'm pretty self conscious about my chicken legs. I was pleasantly surprised that no one pointed or laughed.

4. Cooked 2 new recipes. I made Pork Marsala, and Chicken Pitas with Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette. Both very tasty. :)

7. Give someone a compliment. I didn't realize, but I actually do this quite a bit. I guess it's the encourager in me.

11. Memorized 1 bible verses.
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faitfulness and self-control.

13. Teach my kids a valuable lesson. It's a little hard to teach Lincoln a valuable lesson, but I decided to have Gavin memorize the bible verses with me. I figured reading and memorizing God's word would count as a valuable lesson. We talked about the fruit of the Spirit.
When I asked him what each word meant, this is what he said: "Love means loving people, joy is to be happy, peace is being quiet, patience is waiting your turn, kindness is being nice toward people, goodness is being good- not bad, faithfulness is believing in God, gentleness is being gentle and self-control is controlling your actions." Wow- I'm blessed to have such a smart little boy who loves God's word!

14. Sew a piece of clothing! Yes, I did. I might be ready to conquer the world now. See below.


I sewed the skirt. It's a little hard to see, but it is black with tiny white polka dots, and it has pockets. Don't be jealous of my wonderful modeling skills...

More to follow...

4th of July

I love 4th of July. Some of my greatest memories as a kid is going to Grandpa's house, barbecuing, eating watermelon and watching fireworks. It would be a late night, but the weather was always warm and I especially loved getting to spit watermelon seeds at my sisters. :)
Although this year was quite chilly (55 degrees! and raining), our 4th of July was still very eventful. Gavin made his annual appearance in the Arlington Kiddie Parade, riding his scooter decked out in red, white and blue. The anntenae were his idea. After warming our toes, we headed out to the beach for a barbeque, bonfire, and fireworks. Joe, being the pyro he is, did a great job with the fireworks display. Good times were had by all. Until the next morning, when the kids were super cranky from a late night. Oh well, it was worth it!

Parade photos:

Yes people, it's July 4th, and I'm wearing a blanket. What's wrong with this picture?!?


Here he comes!


Such a happy baby!

Gavin and Aspen


Some sparkler action!

More fireworks pictures to come...

I'm coming back...I promise!

I'm not doing very well posting this month! :( You will be pleased to know that I have been diligently working on my list, and have quite a few done. I will be back blogging (probably tonight) so don't give up on me yet. Linc is sleeping so I need to make Gav lunch, finish the laundry, get some work done, and pick up the house...You know- the usual. The work of a mom is NEVER done. ;) But updating my blog is next in line.

31 Day Challenge

It's the 31-day challenge time! In the month of July, I'm challenging myself to do some things I've always wanted to do. I think it is important to constantly grow and strive to be a better person, so I've put together a list of 20 things (and some of them are purely selfish). I got the idea from another blog I read (Amanda's Favs), and thought it was a great idea. And of course I dragged my sis into it, too! It's no fun if you have to do it alone. ;) I'll be printing my list and keeping it with me all month, and give you an update on August 1st.

1. Plant a garden. (No promises in keeping it alive)
2. Wear something out I would usually NEVER wear.
3. Do a good deed for a stranger.
4. Cook at least 5 new recipes.
5. Write someone a letter.
6. Go on a date (with Joe of course!)
7. Give someone a compliment.
8. Do some type of community service.
9. Visit Aunt Ina.
10. Make someone else dinner.
11. Memorize 5 bible verses.
12. Give something away.
13. Teach my kids a valuable lesson.
14. Sew a piece of clothing.
15. Resist buying a cup of coffee, and save the money instead.
16. Go visit some place new.
17. Do something silly with my kids.
18. Invite someone to church.
19. Put together an emergency kit.
20. Pray for a miracle.