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!

A Pawty Day || Charlie is 77

Today Charlie turns 11! 

 

It's hard to believe our little fur baby is slowing down (just a teeny bit) and is eating senior dog food these days. But outside of anxiety, allergies and dirty teeth, he is otherwise super healthy and happy. Charlie has seriously been the very best dog to us -- he is protective of his family, very cuddly, has never eaten a shoe or piece of furniture in his life and let's Thomas roll on top of him and pull his tail without complaint.

 

Lucky for me, Charlie came with my marriage to Matt when he was just five years young. Matt got Charlie as a puppy 11 years ago. After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans during Matt's final year of law school at Tulane, Charlie's parents were rescued from St. Charles Avenue. Soon thereafter, Charlie was born on Mardi Gras and he has been partying ever since.  

On Saturday we threw a little pawty for him. And by "pawty" I mean the kids sang happy birthday, gave him a cake, took him for a long walk and played outside all day! Gone are the days of throwing elaborate dog parties, but Charlie still had a terrific day and was utterly exhausted by the end of it.

For the sixth year we surprised Charlie with his favorite peanut butter banana doggy cake from Canine Cafe . He ate the entire thing, including the doily, in two bites.

Afterwards, the kids ate lunch in their play house. Caroline happily played waitress and Thomas happily accepted the service...and then threw his plate on the ground after a few bites. Oh, toddlers (sigh).

Matt also chased the kiddos around the patio making sure no one even thought about removing their helmet.

Then Thomas mowed the yard under Caroline's supervision before both of them collapsed into bed for a THREE HOUR NAP! It's amazing how many mimosas you can drink with your husband on the patio in three hours. After the kiddos woke up we took the party down the street to our friend's house (sorry Charlie).

In typical fashion, I showed up wearing the exact same outfit as Lisa.

And Matt had on the same outfit as John. Even our little guys were wearing the same monogrammed seersucker shorts. Hilarious.

We spent the rest of the afternoon and late into the evening grilling out, drinking beers and mimosas and letting the kids exhaust themselves on the playground and running up and down the hill.

It was a great day!

Previous Birthday Pawties: Charlie Turns Ten Charlie Turns Nine  Charlie Turns Eight  Charlie Turns Seven Charlie Turns Six