Orzo Tomato Pasta

This is what I made for Mother's Day dinner. I was on the verge of going out, I really didn't feel like cooking. Luckily this was really fast and easy. 

1 can crushed tomatoes
1/4 white onion
3 cloves of garlic
2 cups orzo pasta
2 chicken breast
Italian bread crumbs
white cooking wine
3 tblsp butter
2 eggs

Preheat over to 400 degrees.

Slice chicken breast in half, dip in egg and coat in bread crumbs. Place on cookie sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes (15 each side).

Put orzo pasta on to boil.

Slice onion, and dice garlic. Cook onions with some cooking spray until they are just getting browned. Add garlic and saute for a few minutes (don't let garlic burn). Add cooking wine and butter. Then add the tomatoes. Let is simmer and bring the heat down to low. Season with salt, pepper and dried oregano to taste.

Once the orzo pasta is done, strain off excess water and dump orzo into the sauce mixture.

The chicken should be done right about now. Slice chicken breast and place on top of pasta. Garnish with some fresh basil or Parmesan cheese.

This was delicious, cheap and easy. What a great combination!

A Moment in My Day

Day 9: A Moment in My Day

mmmmm. 

Some Advice

Day 8: A piece of advice

My piece of advice is something I have to constantly remind myself of and it is...."Don't compare yourself to others." I am completely guilty of this. I struggle sometimes being surrounded by people who are at a completely different stage in life. All the younger couples we live around are in their 30's. They all have a few kids under their belt and own a home. I start feeling like there is something wrong with us since we don't own a home yet, but that's just where we are at in our lives. I just have to put myself in check and remember to count my blessings. Like my mom always says, everything is going great as long has you have a roof over your head and a refrigerator full of food. We have that so I guess we are doing pretty good!

What I do.....

Day 6: What I do?

Well I just quit my job at a garden center. I had worked there before I had Ellie and went back last fall. I  was only working Saturdays, but it was hard being away from Jared and Ellie on the ONE day we have together, so I quit :) During the week I am a wife and mother. Here is the way my day looks:

wake up

feed Ellie & myself

go running

shower while Ellie watches cartoons in the pack n play

run errands or do stuff around the house

feed Ellie lunch

Nap for Ellie

an episode or two of Grey's Anatomy while I work on the computer

crochet merch for my Etsy shop

Play outside with Ellie

DADS HOME

Dinner

bedtime for Ellie

FREEDOM

This is what I do people. This is a vague outline, but this is pretty much my everyday routine. It's not very glamorous but it's mine and I am grateful for it. 

My REAL life friends

Here we go, Day 5! Since I don't have any blogger friends I'll profess my LOVE for my real life friends. I think real life friends are better anyways! I have actually been thinking about this a lot lately, the friendships I have made over the past year. When Jared and I got married and started attending a family ward I felt very out of place. This was my FIRST time in a family ward and it was a transition. I took me 2 years and having a baby to finally truly connect with some ladies and I am so glad I did. I think that there is a bit of a moms club (it's not a bad thing) but it exists. We are all in the same stage of life and can all relate to each others experiences. ANYWHO I am so grateful for my friends. We are moms, we are real, and we like to run. We run every week and clog the rec trail with 3 strollers and 3 dogs. We always wonder what we look like to on comers. I am grateful to have people besides family to look to for advise, comfort and support. I am grateful to know there are people who love Ellie and would care for her just like I do. It is special things when you meet people who you know you will be friends with for the rest of your life. The kind of friends who even if you don't see them or talk to them for months on end, you can pick up right where you left off. I've got those and I am GRATEFUL for it!

Wonderful Words

My friend Katie Ashby is participating in the Blog everyday in May challenge. Although it is May 4th and I skipped the first 3 days I think I'll give this a go.  
Day 4: Favorite Quote

"Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly and definitely that. It is the essence of who we are as women. Motherhood defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits, talents and tendencies our Father gave us."
Sheri Dew

I have posted this quote before on my family blog, but I'll share it here too. This is from the book No One Can Take Your Place by Sheri Dew. She is such an inspirational writer and very uplifting towards women. On hard days, when I feel like crying, when I am so frustrated because Ellie wont eat dinner or she has been whining at my feet all day I think of these words. Our Heavenly Father has given me a great responsibility, which sometimes is overwhelming.  When I doubt myself I remind myself that my Father in heaven has entrusted me with an invaluable gift and he knows I am capable of be a great mom. I am strong, and I am a Mother!

Chinese Chicken Salad

This salad is super healthy and fresh, perfect for a summer night. Not to mention it is beautifully colorful and a show stopper at dinner parties.

Ingredient

1/4 of a head of Red Cabbage

1-1 1/2 heads of Romain Lettuce

2 Carrots 

1 can of Mandarin oranges

3 green onions

1/2 package of noodles (your choice)

2 chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken

Chow Mein Noodles

Put your noodles on to boil. While your noodles are cooking chop cabbage, lettuce and green onions. Grate carrots. I already had left over chicken, but If you don't boil the chicken breast. When the noodles are done, drain and rinse with cool water. Mix into salad once they have cooled. I topped the salad with Mandarin oranges and chow mein noodles. Add the dressing to each individual serving. DO NOT pour over the entire salad, the salad will not keep over night if you do this. 

Dressing

3 Tblsp of Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
6 Tblsp of rice Wine Vinegar
3 Tblsp of Soy Sauce
2 cloves of Garlic Chopped
1 tsp of chopped Ginger (powdered ginger works too)
Pepper to taste

Mix all together in a bowl. Adjust to your taste. You can always add more soy sauce or ginger. Its up to you.