Gratitude and thanks...

Well, I figured it was time for a positive, uplifting post... I have a lot to be thankful for. Here's the short list.....
1 - my kids. I keep saying it and saying it, but it never stops being true. I LOVE my kids... they bring me more "joy" every single day of my life and I am proud to call them mine. We had a parent/teacher night last week and I got to meet their teachers. Michael's teacher couldn't say enough about him... and I quote,"I love that kid! He's so fun to have in the class, he pays attention, he volunteers and helps out all the time and he's always making me laugh! I couldn't love him more... he's been a pleasure to have and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year!" How could I be more proud??? That's my boy! Isabella's teacher said, "she is never without a smile on her face! She is a lovely girl and all the kids in the class want to sit by her, be her friend and play with her. She doesn't complain, she tries her hardest and she is so polite!" I'm pretty sure the other parents were wondering who that crazy lady dancing down the hall was! :) They're the greatest kids... I'm a blessed mama. I am honored God chose me for you!
2 - my friends. I don't know where I'd be without the support, love and encouragement of the few, but truly precious friends in my life. Old and new, I wouldn't be where I am today without any of you (and I hope you know who you are!). I value the wisdom, the advice, the support, the prayer and the love. I'm a blessed woman. I am honored to know you and call you friends.
3 - COLLEGE! Haha, now this may seem funny, but I am SO grateful to be able to attend college, fully sponsored, and be in a program I absolutely LOVE. It has given me something to look forward to, something to apply myself to and has given me a renewed confidence in my abilities to learn and in who I am as a person. Had I not been injured, I would not have this opportunity - God works everything together for good... this is proof. I'm SO excited and pray that I make the most of what I've been given.

This, hands down, has been one of the worst years of my life. Even so, I've been able to look back and see where God has been with me and how He continues to provide for me and my family. The storm's not over... on some levels, it has barely begun, but I will continue to face upward, keep my eyes on Him who sustains me and pray He gives me the strength to be the woman I'm called to be, the mother I need to be and be the friend I hope to be.

This is for Holly... :)

Ok ladies... I'm posting a recipe... it's my favorite chicken recipe and it's incredibly easy to make.

Oven baked Parmesan Chicken

1/4 cup butter or margarine (I have also used Olive oil, in a pinch!)
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (most times I make it now, I omit the flour and use 1 cup of parm)
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
6 chicken breasts (I've never tried it with bone in chicken, mostly boneless, skinless)
1/3 cup of milk

Heat your oven to 400 degree. In a 3x9 baking pan, melt the butter in the oven (5 minutes or so - obviously you don't have to heat the oil, it's already liquid). Meanwhile, combine all the other ingredients, minus the chicken and the milk - a bowl or a pie plate will work for this. Dip the chicken in the milk and then coat with the parmesan mixture. Dip the chicken in the butter; place breast side up in pan. (You want to make sure both sides are dipped in the butter... makes for crispy, yummy cheese crust!)
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until chicken is fork tender and golden brown...

I usually serve with steamed veggies and potatoes, but you could easily put a marinara sauce on it and serve with pasta or rice. However you like it. :)

Enjoy!