Italian chicken and vegetables with cheesy au gratin potatoes

Sorry that I have been so far behind ! The beginning if a semester makes me a little panicked and crazy, and u trends to over stress and be scatter brained.. But now I am back!

so in penance I will be playing catch up over the weekend :-)

Tonight we do a simple and quick dish. Italian chicken and vegetables and cheesy potatoes. This is super good and super easy for a busy night.

Boneless skinless chicken breast lightly boiled in water and italian dressing(whatever kind you gave on hand our the packet kind works too). Just make sure it's super diluted... Cook it together for a few minutes turning your breasts twice... Then take the chicken and place it in a casserole dish lightly sprayed. Throw in some yummy veggies of your choice. I had done fresh cauliflower, brocoli and carrots from a snack I had while studying today so I threw those in (and I supplemented with some extra frozen brocoli because thats what my kids LOVE) and then sprinkle some parmesan cheese and pour the juice if dressing and water over the whole thing. Cook for about thirty minutes at 375°

Then I had some potatoes I sliced while the chicken was cooking. Make some white sauce, add some cheddar when it's complete and suite till it's thoroughly melted. Cover and place in oven for thirty minutes. Uncover when you remove the chicken from the oven, and sprinkle some cheese, salt and pepper over your taters. Let cook until cheese is melted. Scrumptious dinner in a breeze! * make sure you check that the potatoes are cooked through before adding the cheese, let cook a little more if they aren't. A quick cheat is to boil them for about ten to fifteen minutes while preparing the chicken and then putting it together!

Healthy and yummy dinner!!
I forgot to take a picture before serving the kids, sorry!

Eight things to do with your kids

Lunch date! Make your kids feel special by taking the time every now and then to spend some time one on one... Today my daughter had a playdate, so my son and I went out to our favorie pizzeria and got a slice... $3 bucks each isn't too bad, and then we are headed to the park to play! Thats a well spent couple of hours if you ask me!

My boy got a big slice of cheese pizza. I,on the other hand, splurged... And got my guilty pleasure of italian food.. Bocce balls. Seriously, these are on my to five must eat before you die to have a full life list. You haven't truly lived until you've had  Bocce Balls followed by a canoli!

Bocce Ball-
Meatball
Mozzarella
Marinara

All surrounded by homemade dough and baked to golden brown... And then smothered in marinara or served with it on the side! (alfredo is good with them too)

Homemade spaghetti sauce

I love cooking from scratch... I just gate the mess. I truly believe you can taste the difference and it makes A TON of difference with the outcome when you love what you are doing. My favourite spaghetti sauce is my own. I don't measure anything though.... So I do not ever make it exactly the same two times.

Tonight I made  a homemade version of ptarmigan chicken. I did my homemade sauce, spaghetti noodles, and chicken; served with a salad. The sauce is:
Tomato sauce
Stewed tomatoes
Fresh cut tomatoes
Cut black olives
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Oregano
Marjoram
Garlic
Garlic salt
Onion
Onion salt
Thyme
Rosemary
Basil

Sugar is the key, if you forget it then the sauce just tastes off. This us the problem most people have doing it on their own. The great thing about my sauce, it's good in ten minutes, but it gets better the longer you cook it, do it works for a quick meal or a normal meal.

I didn't want greasy chicken, so, instead of doing the normal I opted out for a healthier pan seared chicken breast, cut into smaller pieces to make it easier for the kiddos. I served this with spaghetti noodles and a salad.

I forgot to take a pix of the whole meal because we ate so late..but here is my sauce! (This sauce also works great fire spaghetti or any pasta and just add some cooked hamburger our italian sausage to the pan while it simmers)

Nine Things To Do With Your Kids!

Ah... it is once again that time of year when I think I might die from stress, nerves and frustration! I try as hard as I may to be a good wife and mother still, but heavens! Back to School!! My kids get uber excited and uber cranky... it's a conundrum: the excitement of a new year and new class, getting back to see all the friends you haven't gotten to over the summer, shopping for clothes and supplies (cringe). Then there is the no more sleeping in, the no more lazy days with video games, ice cream cones and swimming pools! There is now bedtime, homework, and TESTS! YIKES!

Luckily for this momma, my kids LOVE school. They love recess (obviously), but they also adore reading and writing and even the challenge of learning new things. This incorporates my # 9 idea!! Your local library. It's a wonderful place to explore, learn and use your imagination. Ours is AMAZING! It even has these great grassy areas fabulous for a picnic on a warm day.







 

















We are spoiled with an amazing library. It has drive thru return when you don't have time, and if you don't have the ability to get there and don't want late fees you can renew over the phone or on the internet. It also has a fantastic play area with full kid sized chess/checkers board, a great story time, and some other really cool features. The child's area take up the ENTIRE 2nd floor, and it's great. It's also a wonderful source for information, relaxation and community resources. It's even won a few awards for being the bomb :)

So, onto my point I guess! The library is a great place to hang out with your little ones. There is a little something for everyone, it has A/C on a hot day (like it is here), and the best part? It motivates kids to get away from video games and tv, it motivates and encourages kids to interact with each other and you, along with making reading super fun! Our library even has board games you can check out and play there. You can also check out storytime bags and daycare bags, which are great lesson resources for young kids. And the greatest part of a library?? THEY ARE FREE! No charge and it is the best thing to motivate little brains and get them active, and the only time you have to pay is when you lose a book or forget to turn it back in. Ours even has a superb summer reading program, where the kids won ice cream, tacos, got free books and a kids meal to chick-fil-a among other prizes. Check out what yours has going on!


This weeks must read list for us?
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?
The Walking Dead Graphic Novels (NOT FOR KIDS)
Rapunzel
Dr. Seuss Easy Readers-(our library has them marked by reading level so you can work on the skill with your kiddos)
and last but not least, my guilty pleasure at the moment- Dexter is Delicious

Whoops!

I missed a day.. I was ssssooooo busy yesterday I didn't have time to post... watch out later today for two more posts!! Happy Friday!

Ten Fun and Free (or budget-friendly) Things To Do With Your Kids!

This is a ten part posting, starting today, august 22nd.

We all have go to things that we like to do with our children. My family definitely has our "normal" fun things. We love to go outside to play, and we also love just relaxing. So... The next few days will have something for every person or families taste!

Today was a crazy day... It was my second day of the semester and needless to say, I was a bit worn out. Today was a homework and spending time with the kids day (up until I had class in the afternoon). The laziness was fantastic...which is what led to day #1.

WE LOVE POPCORN! We even have two different kinds of poppers plus two or three different kinds of microwave popcorn.  I dont know about you, but my kids love to help in the kitchen. So, we made some cheesy homemade popcorn and tang today. And what goes great with popcorn? Jammies and a movie! So today while daddy was at work we settled in front of the tv with a healthy snack of homemade popcorn, and rented The Lorax. That doesn't have to be done, we have a large selection of others too, but $3 for a movie and pj party with my kids seems reasonable to me!

And to tie the afternoon up we made corn dogs and french fries, and then went outside and played with a remote control car for a while! Successful day overall I think. To be continued with another adventure tomorrow!

Back to School and Kids Books

So, today was the first day of my last semester of my Associates Degree. My kids don't head back for one more week. Therefore, my fabulous husband took the time off when I am in class this week to help out. He's amazing!

I am going into education, and am doing 30 practicum hours this semester. I think it will be fabulous preparation for student teaching, and I love any chance to work with kids. With this in mind, I may just be nuts! I can't believe how many credits I am taking and how much work is entailed in this. I have five online courses and three on campus courses going on. The amount of reading, homework and posts that I will be responsible for this semester is a bit overwhelming. I am responsible for posting 1-2 times a day five days a week for my various online classes this semester. I must be a little crazy to do this! I am super excited to read the books for my Children's Literature class though! It's nice to find ways to incorporate my family into my school and life outside the home. We are even reading my son's favorite book: "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie". This made me think...
what's my favorite kids book? When I was a kid I loved to read, and I read ALOT. So, my favorite book was a bit different than most kids of my age... In elementary my favorite books were "The Hobbit", "Anne of Greene Gables" and "The Wind in The Willows".
        

We are reading The Chronicles of Narnia in our house right now. Which got me curious, what does everyone else read with their kids? Any favorite books out there? Comment if you would like to share!

Needless to say, this semester is going to be a bit nuts! I am excited for it though, I really want to be a teacher. I also am striving to be the best mom I can and devote my time to my kids. I am really blessed in that I am able to try and meet my goals and not sacrifice my family. The only times I am in class is the time my kids are also at school. I have to take some time away to do homework but overall I am able to still be the mom I want to be, with alot of stress added onto that!! It's all worth it so my kids never have to be in anyone else's care though. I'm off to play mousetrap and do some laundry. Cheers!

Cristina

Cox Crayon Creations

Today we are making crayon meltings. We were looking for something fun to do, and since we have so many crayons that have melted a bit do to a coloring mishap in the sun, today seemed like a great day!
Step 1. Get out some crayons

Step 2. Remove the paper from your crayons
  

Step 3. Shave your crayons. Kids can do this with a dull knife or a sharpener. Adults can do this with a sharp knife, although it goes alot quicker with a sharpener.



 Step 4. Put all your piles of shavings together. ( We kind of organized by color )

 Step 5. Get out your paper. I would personally recommend using construction or cardstock paper. It being thicker will help it to hold up better to the heat and melting. We used construction paper, my kids like it because they have lots of variation on colors in a pack of construction paper.



 Step 6. Pick out your piece of paper and create a center line by creasing the paper down the middle, or folding it in half.

 Step 7. Set up the iron and start heating it.

 Step 8. Place crayon shavings on ONE SIDE only of the fold line in a specific pattern or just random, whatever looks good. The first one I did was specific, all the others were just done however!

 Step 9. Fold the paper back over, being careful not to move around and messing up the shavings. Take out some wax paper and tear a piece off that's just a little bigger than your folded paper.


 Step 10. Hold onto the paper with one hand and iron over the paper with the other. Make sure to evenly get it ironed and melted or the picture will not be evenly melted.


 Step 11. Pull the paper off and carefully unfold.

       
 *If you only do one side it will not be melted evenly.


To make sure it is done evenly, after your melt one side, take the wax paper off, flip your folded paper over and place wax paper over the top and melt again.

 Step 12. Unfold again and you'll see the finished picture. It will be hot and wet for a minute, allow to dry before hanging up.


Do it again and again! It's fun.... As you can see below, my kids had alot of fun... maybe a bit too much!!


 



This was fun, and my kids had the best afternoon ever. It was also a great way to spend the last little bit before school starts, especially since I go back tomorrow and they go back next week.

 

Potato and Hamburger Gratin

So.... for my first blog, DINNER! Do you ever just have one of those days that you feel like some good comfort food? As a member of our family, and pretty much anyone else we are related to, this list must include cheesiness! We love cheese in our house, and at the moment we have a fridge that has swiss, three kinds of string cheese, a block of sharp cheddar, sharp and medium cheddar, pepper jack and provolone... oh and cheddar slices. And if you want to count it we also have cottage and cream cheese too.

Needless to say, we love cheese. We also love potatoes and pasta. For tonight, I wanted something easy and comfortable. It does take about two hours to make, but it's so worth it. Especially when you consider it is all from good food and none of the preservative crammed junk that's in so many casseroles these days! So, tonight we made this potato gratin casserole. All you need to do for this is:

 1. brown some hamburger with a little salt and pepper.
 2. While the hamburger is cooking, peel about 4-8 potatoes.
 3. Once the potatoes are peeled slice up into thin slices.
 4. Spray a 9x13 casserole pan and layer 1/2 potato slices in it.
 5. Top with hamburger and add a little salt and pepper and about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
 6. Top with the rest of your slices of potato.
 7. After you are all set in the pan, brown 5 tbsp of margarine or butter. Lowfat? You can also use olive oil if you want, but it changes the taste.
 8. Once all the butter has melted add about 1/4-1 cup of chopped up onions. The amount depends on  your taste.
 9. After the onion has been nicely cooked add about 3-5 tbsp of flour and cook until mixed well and bubbly.
 10. Remove from heat and add 2 tsp of thyme.
 11. Add 3 cups milk and put back on heat. Stir constantly until bubbling. CONTINUE to stir until it has been boiling for a minute.
 12. Remove from heat and add 2 1/2 cups of cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted.
 13. Pour sauce over the top of potatoes. Lightly salt and pepper.
 14. Put pan in the oven for 45 minutes at 375.
 15. Remove from oven and sprinkle an additional cup of cheese, paprika and bread crumbs.
 16. Take out after evenly lightly browned or about 15 minutes.
 17. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

This is awesome with mushrooms added into it as well! Serve with veggies or a light salad. (we had toasted green beans) This is also great because I have an eight and a six year old and they will eat it till it's gone and then ask for more, which is hard to accomplish in our house. I have about 10 go to dishes that accomplish this.