Weekend Rewind!

A packed out weekend for the books!

Caroline's Biggest Fan Shirt by Pearce Reed Designs

Most notably, Caroline started soccer shots! We have been so excited for our very first soccer season. I set my expectations pretty low in terms of Caroline's participation and was pleasantly surprised that she actually cared more about the game than just collecting the cones on the field. Don't get me wrong, she definitely had fun kicking cones over, stacking them on her feet, wearing them on her head, running across the field to the other team's games, and more. But I was shocked that she wasn't there just for the sticker and was really in to following her coaches directions.

 

Meanwhile Thomas refused to hang out on the sidelines and sprinted into the game every opportunity he could find. So we pretty much are getting a buy one get one free out of this year's soccer registration.

 

Cheering for a fun first soccer "game."

Afterwards we went to IHOP at Caroline's request.

Saturday night we had an epic mamas night out! For Valentine's Day, Matt and three other husbands planned a surprise evening out for us. They ironed out the date, reservation and all the details over their weekly trivia night. On V-Day we each got a card announcing our surprise. It was a solid gift.

We had dinner at Dogwood Southern Table, one of my favorite restaurants. We started with four appetizers and several rounds of cocktails before ordering our entrees. The food was incredible, per usual.

The boys instructed us not to rush home and we took those orders very seriously. So after dinner we walked next door to Corkbuzz, a swanky wine bar, for a few bottles of sauvignon blanc.

And closed the place down. It was seriously the most fun night out with my mama friends and we all agreed our husbands won "husbands of the year" awards for being so thoughtful.

On Sunday morning we attended a petting zoo birthday party and then relaxed the rest of the day.

Quick Update!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much for your sweet emails and comments on my update about dad. I can't even describe how comforting your words have been. Just knowing there are so many readers praying for dad is truly amazing.

As an update, dad had his outpatient biopsy surgery done yesterday and we are awaiting the results of those tests. He begins radiation on Monday for his bones. We leave for Florida next Friday and I'm so anxious to spend some time with him. It's going to be a lot on him this coming week with radiation and more chem so I hope he's feeling well while we're there.


In a fun update, we have an awesome weekend lined up which I am really looking forward to. Caroline has her FIRST soccer game tomorrow! I am unbelievably excited to watch her run around with all her friends in a cute little orange jersey.

Tomorrow night Matt and three other husbands surprised me and my girlfriends with a mama's night out! They even made reservations for us for dinner!

Happy weekend!!

Baked Spaghetti || Easy {Freezer} Meal to Bring to Others

On Sunday I made a double batch of my favorite baked spaghetti recipe to bring to a few mamas that could use a night off from cooking. I love this recipe because it is easy to make in large batches, is super delicious and toddler approved. This dish is also freezer friendly, so if the recipient is stocked on food it can easily be frozen for later.

Baked Spaghetti

Ingredients

1 16 oz package spaghetti

1 26 oz jar spaghetti sauce

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

2 eggs

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

5 tablespoons butter, melted

2 cups ricotta cheese

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture and toss to coat. Place half of the spaghetti mixture in a large greased baking dish. Top with half of the ricotta cheese, sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Yields two 9" pans.

Print recipe for Baked Spaghetti.

Don't laugh. Okay, you can laugh. But seriously, the easiest way I've found to combine the noodles with the mixture is to throw it all in my stand mixer. This is so much easier than stirring by hand to coat the noodles and the attachment cuts up the pasta into much smaller noodles which makes it easier for serving.

Time to layer! I use 9" disposable pans so there are no dishes to wash and return afterwards.

A layer of ricotta.

A light layer of sauce. Then repeat layers!

Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Don't forget to include reheating instructions! I used my Carolina Charm recipe cards on my last batch of baked spaghetti! My friend McKinsey had these made for me! Love them!