Off-topic

This isn't going to be a post about food, which I know is not the norm.  This post is going to be about my kids. I've been a mom for almost 18 years now (WOW!), and I'm still learning.  I am in no way an expert in parenting, nor will I ever be.  As parents we have tried to instill good manners and values in our children, and in return they are very respectful toward us.

We do not kowtow to their every whim, nor are we entirely focused on being their "friends."  Our children are well taken care of, yet not spoiled.  They all know how to speak with adults, and enjoy being treated with respect by adults in return.

Yes, we have our issues.  We don't always agree about things, but we can communicate and come to a mutual agreement to resolve conflicts.  All in all I'd say we were doing a pretty good job at this parenting gig.  I'm happy with it.

Here are some other things about my kids that make me happy:

• they love to go to church, especially the teenagers!
• they (generally) get along with each other, EVEN the teenagers!
• they are good eaters, and will try pretty much anything.  Except for Jack.  He is not a good eater, but he's 2.  Typical.
• they are all very excited to see whomever walks in the door, be it Mom, Dad, or their siblings.  
• they are not afraid to say "I love you," even in front of their friends - even the teenagers!

Vince is a voracious reader, and usually has 3 books in hand at all times.  He also has a great passion to write.  His new nightly ritual is to read the Book of Mormon with his little sister.  LOVE that.  Oh, and he is going to baptize her in July.  This child does, however, still make me want to pull my hair out at times.  But he has a good head on his shoulders, and is maturing every day.  He will do great things in his life.


Carly is the best at taking care of things that need to be done.  I'm a busy woman, and I admit that sometimes I don't wipe the counter down, or put everything in its place.  Carly sees things that need to be done and does them without being asked.  I love this girl.  She is my rock.  The Lord must love me, because if he didn't, he would have sent me an awful teenage girl (like some I know), but instead I have Carly.  Sometimes I wonder if I really deserve having her as my daughter, considering what an AWFUL teenager I was (sorry Mom and Dad).

Isabelle - ah, Isabelle.  Such a sweetheart.  Such drama.  Such emotion.  We are in trouble when this one is a teenager.  Belle is our princess, or rather plays princess at every possible opportunity.  She is all girl.  She doesn't like to clean her room.  She has such a sweet spirit, and loves to have her big brother read with her.  She is enjoying her piano lessons, and is excited to be baptized this year.  She is a little love-bug.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E, aka. Jack.  Oh my.  Just as Isabelle is all girl, Jack is 100% boy.  Bumps, bruises, scars, slivers, dirt and sticks.  He growls, he makes car noises, runs, jumps, and plays until he drops.  Or until I drop - he may keep going after I am unconscious.  He cuddles on his time, and his time only.  Sometimes I think he is the devil in disguise, but then I stop and remember that he is a 2-year-old boy.  Then I take a chill pill.  Literally.  I can't wait until he is old enough to be in some type of sport, if only to burn off some of that energy, and so I can have some time to sit down.

I can go on and on about my kids.  Yes, I'm bragging.  Yes I'm a proud parent.  Yes, I love them.

Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile - sick kid off and on, work, life.  You know.  The usual excuse.  Anywho, I have had zero motivation towards cooking lately, so today I have decided that it is past time to sit down and do some menu planning.  We've got a lot going on during the week, so the more advance planning I can do, the better.  I'm going to gravitate towards fast and easy, or no-brainers like the crockpot.  This one is more on the side of the fast and easy, so perhaps it may get added to the list of repeats.  If it is any good.

Balsamic Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yields 6-8 servings

1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini

1 pound  skinned and boned chicken breasts

1 1/2  cup  Newman’s Own Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing, divided

1 teaspoons  Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 cups firmly packed fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 1/2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes)

1/2  cup yellow bell pepper, diced

Place chicken in a zip-lock bag and pour 1 cup of balsamic vinaigrette in bag with chicken.  Marinate for at least 2 hour, but best if marinated overnight.  Take chicken out of zip-lock bag and discard marinade.

In a grill pan, grill chicken breasts, about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until cooked through.  Place yellow bell pepper slices in grill pan and grill about 2 minutes on each side.  Once cooled, dice chicken up in small bites.

Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing and mustard in a small bowl.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Transfer pasta to a large bowl and drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Let cool 10 minutes.

Toss together pasta, chicken, balsamic mixture, spinach, and remaining 3 ingredients in a large bowl.  Serve immediately, or, if desired, cover and chill 1 hour before serving.