March 25

Tomorrow is March 25, to me this day now has two meanings. For 23 years, this has been the day I celebrate my birth. It is the day I turn a year older and the day I usually look forward to every year. But now this day has another meaning to me and my family. This year, March 25, marks the two year anniversary of Shane's second return from his deployment to Iraq. Two years ago our family became whole. It is a day that we will always remember and a day that still brings so many emotions. I remember this day like it was yesterday, but at the same time it feels like a dream....

For seven months, one pregnancy, one c-section, and many visits to the hospital, the only thing that kept us going, was looking forward to this day. We lived for the day that my husband would return and meet his son for the first time. I know in the military lifestyle, missing births and childhood memories is normal. Having a parent deployed is an everyday thing that everyone deals with. However, just cause so many people have to deal with it, it doesn't make it any easier. My husband missed the birth of his first child and the first two months of his life. This is time he will never get back and memories he didn't get to be a part of. Two years later, and it still makes us emotional. Although it is something we still deal with, we are grateful for the time we have together now and the new memories and traditions we have created as a whole family. To keep in memory for this day that has so much meaning to us, we did a mini photo shoot. A shoot of just daddy and son. To celebrate their precious relationship and the bond that no one will ever be able to break again. And so I will share some of these:

I also want to take the time to thank all military personal and their families for all the sacrifices they make to ensure the safety and freedom of our country.

Healthier Recipes: Chicken, Cheese & Spinach Manicotti

Ready for a yummy-yum recipe!? I made this recipe for the first time last week and it was delicious! It was only the second time I've attempted at making Manicotti, and I will admit it was a full task but well worth it. I got this recipe here, if you want to take a look.

What you will need:

-1 large chicken breast

-2 cloves garlic 

-1 package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained (10 oz)

-1 container of low fat cottage cheese (16 oz)

-2 egg whites

-1 cup mozzarella cheese

-10 Manicotti shells

-1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce

- 1 tbsp basil

How to make:

Step 1

Pre-heat oven to 350. Boil a large pot of water and add manicotti shells. Cook according to package, about 7 mins. While that cooks, chop up chicken breast into small cubes, and cook in pan until no longer pink. Also chop up the garlic.

Step 2

 Combine chicken, garlic, spinach (thawed and drained), cottage cheese, egg whites, and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (the rest of the cheese will be used on top of the finished manicotti) in large bowl.

Step 3

Spoon mixed ingredients into the manicotti shells. I found it easiest to put all the ingredients into a large baggie, cut a large hole, and squeeze the ingredients into the shells. 

Step 4

Place the shells into a 13x9 baking dish, sprayed with cooking spray or coat the bottom with spaghetti sauce. After adding the stuffed manicotti, coat the top with spaghetti sauce 

  This is what it will look like before baking

Step 5

Bake 20 -25 mins. (recipe says 25-30, but that was too long, the noddles got a little hard) Top with mozzarella cheese, bake an addition 5 mins. and sprinkle with basil.

All finished!

Step 6

Enjoy! :)

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A Southern Fairytale

Healthier Recipes: Breakfast Sandwich

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, so every morning you should start your day off right! Today I am going to give you a great and easy breakfast sandwich that I love.

What you will need:

-Two slices of bread (instead of regular bread, I like to use Arnold Sandwich Thins, 100%  whole wheat. They are only 100 calories and delicious!)

-Two egg whites

-One handful of fresh spinach (I like to cook mine, but you don't have to cook it)

-Two slices of turkey bacon

-One slice of cheese

This recipe is simple, all you have to do is cook the eggs, spinach, and turkey bacon, pile on the bread with cheese, pour a nice glass of orange juice and enjoy :) Let me tell you, with this recipe you will be full and satisfied until lunch!

What's your favorite breakfast meal?

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*Firework*

After a week off of running, yes a whole week, I needed a good upbeat song to get me going. Firework by Katy Perry is a great song to workout to. The beat will get your body moving and the inspirational lyrics will get you believing in yourself. If you haven't already, make sure to add this to your iTunes list!

You can also check out the video here:

Healthier Recipes: Turkey Burritos

Turkey Burritos

If you love Mexican food, you will love this healthier version of burritos! Growing up, my mom made Mexican food almost every night. It wasn't until I grew up that I realized how many calories and how much fat was in each meal. So now that I have my own family, I've tried to use similar recipes but with healthier ingredients. 

What you need for this recipe:

1 lbs of ground turkey (I like to use Jennie-O brand) 

1 can of refried beans (optional, I use Rosarita's no fat, traditional you can also use homemade beans)

1 package of burrito seasoning (any brands works great)

1 package of tortillas

Toppings are all optional, I use:

-Daisy light  sour cream

-Salsa

-Shredded cheese

-Lettuce

-Onion

-Tomatoes

I like to add as much veges to the burrito as possible

How to make it:

Step 1

In large skillet, brown ground turkey and drain.

Step 2

Stir in burrito seasoning and water (seasoning package will give directions on how much, each package is different). Bring water to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 mins. 

Step 3

Heat up beans in another pot and heat tortillas on stove until warm. 

Step 4

Spoon meat and beans in tortillas, add as many toppings as desired, & enjoy!

This is a simple and fun recipe. Children will love adding their own toppings. I like to serve my burritos with salsa and chips. There is always a lot left over, so the next day for lunch or dinner we use all the ingredients to make nachos. It's almost two meals in one! Great deal :)

**Using turkey or chicken instead of beef, cuts down on a lot of fat and grease, without cutting down on taste.

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