Making Manicotti's

Well, life has gotten in the way again and it's been months since my last post. Today is the start of our staycation so I'm finding some free time on my hands! Yeah! For the next week no work!

This afternoon I'm in a quiet house (very rare) and enjoying some time cooking...my favorite, Italian manicotti's. This is a family recipe (I'm 1/2 Italian - yes, I didn't get the skin tone!) that I was taught to make by my Mommom (Dad's Mom). I don't get the chance to make it regularly, just on special occasions. The special occasion today - my good friend Jessica just had a baby! Another baby boy for my group of friends. I am so excited and promised her I'd make some food for her freezer. With the new baby to care for she's going to need prepared food that is easy to heat up but keeps her nourished to breastfeed the baby. I'm making a double batch so there will be some leftover for us too! To go along with the manicotti's, I'm making homemade pasta sauce and Italian meatballs. If I have time I'll also be making Gnocchi's tomorrow. I'm getting hungry!

With Jessica's new baby here, it makes me think back to when Evan was born. The time was so exciting and joy filled, and miraculous! It seems like yesterday at times...but Evan is almost 2 1/2 now! And seems like such a big boy already. Where does the time go? I'm enjoying every minute of it though. Today I took Evan to a park, and he meet another little boy who was 3 1/2, and they had such fun playing together. Such little boys...climbing up the slide and then slipping into each other and sliding back down laughing! I'm so glad he gets along so well with other children. By the end of our time there, they were calling each other friends. How easy little kids make friends. Now Evan is thoroughly worn out and taking a long nap...giving me quiet time to make my Italian fare! Boy, it smells delicious!

I'm hoping I'll get to meet little Tristan tomorrow if Jessica is up for visitors at the hospital. Haven't heard all the details on him except he was born sometime before 11am, weighed 6 lbs 15 oz and had a good head of hair! I'm sure it is dark like Tian's. Babies are miracles, and an amazing gift from God. There is no way you can't believe that or feel that when you hold a newborn baby. There has to be more than just us...a higher being, God, who creates. Welcome to the world, Tristan George Chan! Can't wait to give you kisses!

Had to share the photo of the cake I made for Jessica's baby shower last month.

Came out so cute!

Had the baby's name on top with little baby feet.



And a photo of me and Steph (the hosts) with Jessica.