Dragon Cake…
We had lots of fun at Chandler’s birthday party. It was soooo loud in McDonalds though. I could hardly hear myself think at times. All his friends came, and he was so excited. He got lots of cool things, so I think he was pretty happy. The main attraction though was the cake I made:
Not much going on here, tomorrow we are going to swim at a friends. We have meet the teacher night tomorrow night. So that will be fun to see there new teachers. And they start school in just a few days. I know I will cry when I drop off Chandler. Who knows maybe I will be okay. But I am bringing tissue just in case.
Side note. I watched High School Musical ONE and TWO with the kids…. LOVE that show. So well done. I am hooked, I hope they come out with one more. 
Chandler
Dear Chandler,
I will never forget the day that we went to the hospital to have you. I will never forget when the doctor put you in my arms for the very first time. You snuggled right up into my arms. And then watching daddy hold you, and look at you with such joy on his face.
And now you are 5. The years have flown by. I remember people telling me to cherish the years because they go before your eyes, and they were so right. I cherish everyday that I have with you. You are becoming such a big boy. You have such a big heart. You are always so positive about everything. Your energy is contagious. Your laughter puts a big smile on my face. Your inquisitive mind is just one reflection of who God made you to be. Your sense of humor is just like mine. And I know as you get older we are going to have some great laughs. Your gentleness with everything around you is so amazing.
I dont know what you will be when you are bigger, but I do know that God has his hand on your life. And however he uses you, it will be awesome.
You have brought such joy to our home. The love that you have for your brothers, and little sister (even when you don’t get your way)…well it just makes me proud.
In just one week you will begin yet another chapter in your life…Kindergarten. It makes me cry to think about it still. I know you are going to do great, but is just means that you are growing up. I can’t wait to pick you up after your first day of school and see how it all went, and listen to your detailed stories. You really are detailed in everything you do, and very expressive in how you explain things.
I hope you know how much mom and dad really love you. We love you just the way you are. We are so proud of you. I know I have said this before, but the greatest thing in life is to know Jesus. My prayer for you will have a very personal relationship with HIM.
I love you Chandler with all of my heart.
Happy 5th Birthday m sweet baby!
Love,
Mom and Dad
Pasta Dish to Die For:
This recipe is actually called: Shells with Crispy Pancetta and Spinach. I watched Giada make this the other night and was salivating because it made me sooo hungry. Anyways, this was another one of those recipes that was just sooo good. It cost me about 20 dollars to buy all the ingrediants. Not too bad, a little more than what I would like to spend on a meal for at home but well worth it. Even Kaitlyn ate her whole shell, spinach and everything. Here is the recipe:
Shells:
1 (12-ounce) package jumbo shells pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound thick-cut pancetta, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 pounds frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta
1 cup grated asiago cheese
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup cream
2 cups grated asiago cheese, plus 1/4 cup
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
For the shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.
Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Remove the pancetta from the pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl. Add the spinach, ricotta cheese, asiago cheese, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir to combine. Stuff the shells with about 2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture each and place the stuffed shells in a large, buttered baking dish.
For the sauce:
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to very low and add the 2 cups asiago cheese, parsley, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is dissolved. Pour the sauce over the shells. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup asiago cheese. Bake until golden on top, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
NOTE: I think it would be really good to add some tomato to the filling. But was very good also just the way it was!!! This dish was just as good as any Macaroni Grill dinner….seriousely!!!
Today me and the kids went to IKEA for lunch and then I checked the kids in to the play area while I shopped. Got to love that place. We bought crickets for the lizard. Went to Tom Thumb….can you tell I just had a way exciting day!!! Tomorrow I am going to waxahachie to visit my sister with the kids. Fun stuff…
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