Beef-Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 1 Box of Jumbo Pasta Shells
• 1 lb. Ground Beef
• 1 1/2 cups of Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 Clove of Garlic
• 1 Jar of Spaghetti Sauce

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375*. Cook the pasta as instructed or until al dente. In a large skillet, cook the hamburger meat along with the garlic until well done. Once completely cooked, add in 1 cup of cheese and 1/2 jar of spaghetti sauce. Mix this up and let simmer 10 minutes. 

Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, then take a jumbo shell and stuff with about 1 Tbsp. of the beef mixture into each shell. Spoon the remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells and top with cheese. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Note: This recipe actually makes quite a bit - we usually have leftovers- so I use TWO 9 x 13 casserole dishes to accommodate the entire box of shells and bake at the same time.

Serve with a side of steamed veggies and bread.

Winter Bible Study

HelloMornings Challenge

One of my new habits I wanted to begin again this year was to start my day by getting up earlier than the children so I could use that time reading and participating in a bible study. The Winter Challenge through HelloMornings is now open for registration! What an encouragement this group has been for me. This will be my third time following along. The chosen bible study for this next challenge is Abounding Hope, a 13-week study starting January 28th through April 26th. If you have never tried doing something like this before, now is your chance to see what happens when you give your day to God. I have missed many days in the past, and regretted it, because my day goes so much better when I put in the effort.

Jesus Calling...for Kids

We have found a children's devotional that is easy to keep up with during the busy week. It's filled with a devotion for each day and can be used year after year. My 9-year-old enjoys our reading and reminds me if I forget. We like to do ours before bed, but I noticed a few entries are meant to start the day off. One thing that was a little different from what we've done before is that it is written in first person, as if Jesus were speaking. Overall, it is very easy to understand the message and the verse for the day is short enough for littles. Very cute!

Resolutions?

Every year I have good intentions on making and keeping new habits or routines. I can't say that I've been successful at keeping most, usually failing by February. I have a friend who calls it her "Finish List". That sounds more doable to me! With a new baby in the house my motivation is not that great, but I've decided that for 2013 my goals are:

• Exercise daily. I have 15 post-pregnancy pounds to lose. I've thought of trying the Couch to 5K program.
• Staying on my cleaning schedule. I seem to let myself get sidetracked easily or think that I will have time to do it later in the day, which we all know doesn't happen.
• Starting my day with quiet time. This is so hard for me! I am not a morning person. I love following Inspired To Action and do intend on implementing this at some point in the new year.
• Sort pictures so I can begin scrapbooking again. I am so far behind I don't even want to say how many YEARS.
• Read more. My reading opportunity is usually limited to bedtime and it's difficult to get very far when I'm so tired. 
• Implementing date night! We always have the kids with us and need to learn that it's good to get away alone.

My dear friend has written a post on how to keep our "resolutions" in perspective. As I wake up each day, I need to remember where my source of Life comes from. That alone gives the motivation I desire to keep pursuing the things that mean the most in the coming year.

Year In Pictures

After a year sabbatical, I am returning to the blog. We've had an eventful year, as it always goes, and are more blessed than ever! Here are some highlights in pictures:

         

         

              

         

 

 

 Merry Christmas!