Happy Blogoversary To Me!!

I can't believe today is my 3-year blogging anniversary! I am amazed at all the Lord has brought me through from the time I started this journey until now. This blog began as a sort of therapy as I emerged from what was an 18-month journey from the depths of postpartum depression, anxiety, and (at the beginning) psychosis which included two hospitalizations. I truly have so much for which to be thankful!

This blog was my therapy on my journey to being a healthy mom for this little guy. I never even knew what a blog was until after reaching out and joining a MOPS group one of the moms sent me a link to hers, Neener Girl and Family. Thank you Renee! My blog started out as a daily journal to chronicle my victories, and it evolved from there.

Here I am in the beginning of my 18-mo. postpartum "sickness" journey;

I can remember distinctly the depths of despair I was feeling with the overwhelming

 thought that there was no way I could capably raise this child.

And in this picture, finally emerging from it victoriously, and experiencing some of the first true joys of motherhood as I took my then 20-mo-old on his first sledding excursion.

 And here is the now 4-1/2-yr-old face of this sweet little boy 

that is the greatest gift the Lord has ever bestowed upon me.

Boo at the Zoo 2012 with my little SuperHero

I am so thankful for all of you who stop here. You have blessed me in more ways than you know!

As always,
Thank you for visiting!

Cheesy Chicken & Kale Casserole

We have a new recipe that will be added into our rotation ... this delicious chicken casserole with kale, rice and mushrooms. I found it on the blog Peas and Crayons while I was searching for yummy kale recipes. A few of my modifications were the addition of chicken, using a coconut oil/olive oil/butter blend when she used butter alone and not using red pepper flakes.

Over the past several months, one of my favorite snacks has been Kale Chips. I love to eat them warm and fresh from the oven. They are SO good. Since I've enjoyed them so much, I decided to try kale in other dishes like omelets and now this casserole. I think I'm ready to replace my spinach dishes with kale since it is so tasty sauteed and mixed in.

Let me know if you try it!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups dry rice (I used a mixture of Jasmati and long grain) cooked
• 3 to 4 good-sized chicken breasts quartered and dredged in flour
• 1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth
• Good-sized bunch of Kale, torn up into little pieces
• Container of fresh sliced mushrooms
• 2-3 T of butter/olive oil/coconut oil mixture
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 T garlic powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

Instructions:

• Cook rice until done.
• Saute kale and mushrooms in the butter/olive oil/coconut oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
• Brown the dredged chicken on both sides. Once browned, add chicken broth and simmer on medium high heat for about 20 minutes.
• Once chicken is done, mix in the rice, kale/mushroom mixture along with the cottage cheese, garlic powder and half the Parmesan cheese. 
• Transfer mixture to a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Turn on broiler and broil for 5 minutes until top is browned. Be careful top doesn't burn!
• Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting!

More To Come .... Soon!

I've returned from my extended family time over Christmas and getting a new post prepared ... 

I'm taking some time to reflect on my vision and goals for the New Year and hope to post about it soon.

Blessings to you!

Thanks for visiting!