What's for Dinner? Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach

This recipe is actually a result of my own experimentation in the kitchen! I am a huge recipe follower, so this is a big deal for me! I just went with the philosophy that if I mixed together ingredients that I like, I would like the dish that resulted! That's what happened, so I thought I would share!
You can tweak this as you like! (The picture was sort of an afterthought, so what we actually ate had a lot more spinach and tomatoes visible. I love the contrast of the green spinach against the orange sauce!) Anytime I cook a pasta dish, I like to serve a green vegetable- peas were what we had this time!

Ingredients

1 pkg. pasta (I used bowtie pasta)
2 big handfuls fresh spinach leaves
1 1/2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tsp. white cooking wine
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Tomato Sauce (I use Hunt's canned tomato sauce)
Alfredo Sauce
Salt
Shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Cook pasta in salted water and set aside.

Sautee onions and garlic in the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When they start to get tender, add the cooking wine and stir.

Add the chopped tomatoes and sautee. After about 2 minutes, toss in two big handfuls of fresh spinach leaves (it will look like a lot, but it will cook down!) Place the lid on the skillet for 3 minutes. The steam will help the spinach cook down. Stir.

Add about 1 1/2 6 oz. cans of tomato sauce and stir. Then, add approximately 1/4 of a cup of alfredo sauce and stir.  Cook until the sauce gets hot (about 5 minutes). Serve over pasta and sprinkle parmesan cheese on  top!

Enjoy! This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Perseverance

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1: 2-4


It is astonishing to me that the last time I posted on our blog was on October 5th! Nearly a month later I wonder where the time went! To say that October was a busy month only captures part of it. To be completely honest, this past month has given us the opportunity to persevere through trials, like James 1 so wonderfully puts it. At one point, both of us were sick and both cars were broken down. In addition, our AC Unit needed a refill of frion (which was much more than we had in our budget!) so we rode out the last few 80+ degree Autumn Days sleeping in our guest room in a bed that is much smaller than we're accustomed to. At work, I've had something going on every minute and Austin has been adjusting to working under new leadership at his company (which has been great- but still an adjustment!). I feel like I've come home in the evenings a little more tired than normal, then I would be hard on myself for not having dinner on the table or the chores done. I think all of these things we've been facing are great examples of the everyday trials everyone faces. They are not disastrous or life-changing, but the enemy can use them to wear us down and cause us to get frustrated more easily, worry about things, and put tension in our marriages. If we let enough of these "little things" go unheeded, they can turn into big problems!

The good news about all of this is that the same circumstances that the enemy wants to use to tear us down, the Lord wants to use to make us more like Him! We have the choice! It is such a great comfort to me that we choose how to react to our circumstances- our circumstances don't control us! However, the decision to pursue Christ in our everyday trials is rarely the easy thing to do. It requires selflessness, giving up control of our lives, getting outside what is comfortable, and actively loving others with the love of Jesus.

Something I've come to realize in a more real way through these circumstances is that when my heart is not right and I am not relying on the Lord for my joy, strength and provision, it affects everything else, especially my marriage. At the end of the day, no matter how much money we have in the bank, what car I drive, how big our house is, what clothes I wear, and even the wonderful blessings of a great job, awesome friends and family, and a loving husband- none of it can satisfy my soul. The Lord must be in the center of my life- for He alone is the source of all good things! When I try to do things on my own and take control of my own life (which as a person who loves plans is a daily temptation!), it always falls short! I am so thankful that I serve a gracious God who is more patient with me than I could ever deserve. I am so thankful He sent His only Son to die on a cross for my sins, and by raising to life on third day provided salvation to all who would believe! His love is immeasurable and truly amazing!

When I dwell on the Lord, my circumstances are put into the right perspective. A passage of scripture that I read often (because I need the reminder!) is Matthew 6:25-34. It is such an encouragement through the everyday trials of life and helps provide the fuel to persevere.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do no so or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or What shall we drink?" or "What shall wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Showered with Blessings!

As I shared in the previous post, I really love Fall! Besides all the beautiful leaves, fun traditions, delicious treats and everything pumpkin, Fall now reminds me of the joy and anticipation leading up to my wedding.

Just for fun, I thought I would take a stroll down memory lane, as it was almost exactly two years ago that my amazing friends and family threw some wonderful parties in celebration of my upcoming marriage to Austin! I had always wondered why parties surrounding a wedding were called "showers", and now I know its because I felt "showered with blessings!" The generosity and excitement that was shared by my friends and family during this special time is something I truly treasure.

So, here is an official thank you to everyone who, through these showers, made me feel like such a special bride-to-be! :-)

I owe most of these photos to my mother-in-law and sister-in-law (I borrowed a bunch of them from facebook! Thanks, Carol and Arica!). If you are about to plan a bridal shower or simply like to entertain, maybe these ideas will be helpful! If not, just enjoy looking at the pictures!

Paducah Showers:

Bridal Tea

October 9, 2010

At the Home of Jean Gross (also hosted by choir ladies and dear friends, Sarah, Donna, Roxie, Karen and Brenda)

Isn't this gorgeous?!

Beautiful table! Stunning!

The hostesses even ordered these lovely napkins with our monogram! We still have some of these!

Gift table! Love the umbrellas!

This room belongs in a magazine! I felt so blessed to have a party here!

Three generations: Grandmommy, Mom and Me. Don't we look alike? :-) 

Bridal Shower

October 10, 2010

At Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Hosted by my aunts: Aunt Sherry, Aunt Gina and Aunt Joan

Since Austin and I met at Chick-fil-A, my sweet aunts thought it would be only appropriate to give me a Chick-fil-A themed bridal shower! It was so cute and I loved it! 

So cute! I wonder who helped them out with getting Chick fil A stuff? :-)

The delicious Chick-fil-A spread! Yum!

I love the picture on the cake (and I just noticed the two cows holding hands... awww!) Before we cut into it, the cake said, "May I refresh your beverage?", which was the first thing I ever said to Austin.

The gift table! Woohoo!

My groom came to this shower! It was fun opening gifts together!

My favorite picture of my and my mom! We didn't even plan the blue!

Me with the hostesses! These women are so amazing!

Atlanta Showers:

Bridal Shower

October 16, 2010

The Davenport Home

Hosted by: Mary Davenport, Catie Davenport (Thompson), Donna Babb and Angie Lancaster

Me with the lovely hostesses at the beautiful fall table!

Amidst the festivities!

Pretty pink bow! On the last of three cake domes I received  at that party! :-)

Bachelorette Party/Lingerie Shower

October 16, 2010

Hosted by my AMAZING college friends: Becca Sims (at her lovely home), Cassidy Jordan, Pamela Lane, Carter Chambliss (Fawcett), Emily Ray (Swader), Lelia Shipp (Wendel)

This basket was packed with goodies! This began the black and pink color scheme!

Loved the gift display!

Wonderful spread of food! 

Please notice the leopard plates! (and the chocolate fountain at the end of the buffet!! )

Loved the glasses! They were plastic, so no dish washing and they put a strawberry on the  rim of each one!

haha!

I love everyone is this picture! What a fun night! :-) 

Thanks for stopping by! I only hope that I will be as great a hostess as these ladies were for me!

Fall with the Wards

Perhaps it is because we had such a hot summer, but whatever the reason, I am so glad that Fall is here! It is so refreshing to feel a cool breeze, see the leaves changing colors and to enjoy crisp Autumn evenings.

Fall in the Ward household is in full swing! Last weekend, my dad came to visit for Union's family weekend. As always, we had a great time! One of the highlights of his visit was going to the Green Acres Pumpkin Patch! I hadn't been to a pumpkin patch since we lived in Virginia!

Here are some highlights from our time there:

We arrived! I love the barn in the back!

Our first visit to the pumpkin patch together!

Pumpkins!

Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors

Group photo!

After a successful visit to the Pumpkin Patch, we went home and had a family favorite, Chicken Divan! Right after dinner, we went to Union to see the fireworks show, and caught about the second half of it in the PAC Parking Lot :-)

Beautiful!

We came home to a warm, homemade apple pie! Austin's grandmother and aunt brought us fresh green apples from Alabama, so we had the perfect reason to bake a pie! There's just something about apple pie and fall that goes hand in hand!

It was gone by the next day!

Also, I'm so excited about our fall wreath and pumpkins at our door! I love coming home to our little house.

Our front doorstep. This was the only angle that wouldn't catch my shadow!

We bought this wreath pre-made at Hobby Lobby and my mom added the checked ribbon. Love it!

Our three adorable pumpkins! We're still trying to figure out how we want to carve them :-) 

One thing we've already had to celebrate Fall is homemade pumpkin bread! I'm planning to make a second batch later this week and will include the recipe! 

I think it is appropriate to finish out this Fall post with two of my favorite fallish pictures from the past! Enjoy!

In the leaf pile with Donna Maye in our backyard in Georgia, 2008

Happy Fall, y'all!!!

Such a cute sign! At the Peanut Festival in Dothan, AL in 2008

What's for Dinner?: Taco Soup

I owe this recipe to my wonderful friend, Jessie Mayfield. It has become one of our family favorites and is so easy! You can either make it in the crock pot (I think its better this way!) or on the stove. I like to serve it with sharp cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. So yummy!!!! This recipe makes tons of soup! It is perfect for having company and tastes even better the next day! It also freezes well.

Ingredients:

1 can pinto beans (drained)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 6 oz. can tomato sauce
1 can rotel diced tomatoes (I like "mild")
1 onion, chopped
1 bag frozen corn
1 packet taco seasoning (I like McCormick and Schmick's)
1 packet ranch dressing mix (I like Hidden Valley)
1 lb. ground beef (optional)
Water


Preparation Instructions:

Brown the ground beef and drain. Place in the crock pot. Add all the other ingredients and mix. Add water until you get desired consistency (I put in about a cup).

Cook in a soup pot on the stove for about 45 minutes or cook on low heat in the crock pot all day. Perfect for when I come home from work!

Sprinkle cheese on top and serve with tortilla chips.


Cost: $ 0.94 per serving

Ground Beef Round (15% fat): $4.89
Bush's pinto beans: $ 1.13
Hunt's diced tomatoes: $ 1.09
Hunt's tomato sauce: $ 0.60
McCormick and Schmick's mild taco seasoning: $ 1.00
Hidden Valley ranch mix: $ 1.75
1 onion: $1.38
1 can Rotel tomatoes: $ 1.15
1 small bag frozen corn: $1.00
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: $2.00
Tortilla Chips: $1.00

Makes about 18 servings

Life Update

Before we get any further, we're not expecting! :-) I feel like every time I say I want to share some news, people get really excited and that's the question that follows- haha! Although Austin and I are looking forward to that wonderful time in our lives, we are enjoying our current season of life!

Our little house on this beautiful second day of Fall!

I have not done a good job at updating the blog recently. I feel like August 1st was yesterday and we're already mostly through September! So goes the life that is regulated by the academic calendar! Here are some updates from our lives!

Jobs:

Last week was GO Week at Union, which is one of the busiest weeks for our office! There were so many awesome events, from chapel speakers from the IMB and NAMB, to sessions about adoption and the gospel and the marketplace, and "Missions Late Night" about the persecuted church. On top of all of that, the early bird deadline for GO Trip Applications was on Wednesday. Tomorrow is the official deadline! I can't wait to see how the Lord puts together the different teams and will use so many students in His kingdom work over J-term, Spring Break and the Summer.

Austin is still working for Health Connect America in Martin. It is technically part time (this is determined by the number of clients- 8 is considered full-time), so he is trying to figure out what the best option is at this point. His supervisor is about to resign, so that may change some things in the office. We know that the Lord will provide for our needs in His timing.


Church:

A few weeks ago, we became members at First Baptist Church Humboldt! The Lord is at work there- it is such a loving, genuine body of believers. It has felt like our home church for a long time. We've joined the choir (it's been several years since either of us were in choir!) and we've begun working on Christmas music. This is the first church that Austin and I have been apart of as a married couple and the Lord has already been so gracious to us! The week after we joined, a newlywed Sunday school class began. The teachers are Tommy and Debbie Smith, who Mary lived with over the summer. They are such a godly, hilarious couple! We are so thankful that they are our teachers and that we will be able to glean wisdom from them. The timing is also really cool for us since we haven't been able to be involved in a Sunday school class since we've been married (due to Austin's security job).


Exercise:

Mary and I have still been exercising together at Union. Things have been so busy between Rush activities for Mary and GO Week for me. We haven't been as consistent as we would like. It's just a day at a time, though!


Food:

I promise there will be more "What's for Dinner" posts soon! I've been trying out some new recipes and have some posts ready for next week :-)


House Projects:

We're in the process of cleaning out closets, including setting up a place for all my crafting supplies! Pictures to come soon! I'm also super excited about pulling out my Fall decorations, especially my wreath!


What we've been learning:

The past few months, we have been learning reliance on the Lord as our provider in a big way, especially financially. It's not a comfortable place to be, but this experience is teaching us the importance of accepting situations as they are, doing our best to get through it and taking it a day at a time.


Looking ahead:

We're excited to announce that we will be co-leading the GO Trip to Honduras this Spring Break along with our friends, Joey and Katie Hale! I couldn't be happier to be going back to Orphanage Emmanuel and having Austin come this time too! We can't wait to meet the students who will be serving alongside us.


More posts to come soon! Happy Fall!

What's for Dinner?: Chicken Fried Rice

This is the Southern Living recipe for fried rice and it is excellent! This is not the healthiest recipe I will share, but its a lot healthier (and definitely less greasy!) than fried rice from a restaurant. So, when Austin and I get a craving for Asian food, this is our go-to recipe! I like serving this with steamed broccoli. 


Ingredients

3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup chopped cooked meat (you can use chicken, beef or shrimp- if you use chicken, it will be about 1 large, boneless, skinless chicken breast)
3 cups cooked rice (you can use white or brown rice)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder


Preparation Instructions

Cook meat in a small skillet and set aside. Cook rice, measure out three cups and set aside.

Heat 1 Tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat 1-2 minutes. Add eggs and gently stir 1 minute or until softly scrambled. Remove eggs from skillet and chop.

Heat remaining 2 Tablespoons of oil in skillet. Add onion and stir fry for 3 minutes. Add chopped, cooked meat and stir fry 2 minutes.

Add rice, soy sauce and garlic powder. Stir fry 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in egg.

Serve immediately.