A toast to a few of my favorite moms…

In the 7 years I’ve been involved in blogging, I’ve met some AMAZING women – women who have blazed paths for the rest of us, women who have created amazing works of art through their writing, or photographs, and women who seemingly “do it all” and do it with grace, humor, and have made an unforgettable impression on me:

Rachel is the definition of a southern belle – as beautiful as she is down-to-earth, she’s the person you want for your neighbor, your sister, your best friend. Funny, sassy, and the slightest bit naughty, she is the mom who bakes fabulous birthday cakes, coaches the kids kickball team, and finishes the day with an icy cold beer. She is goodness personified…

Casey is the epitome of wearing your heart on your sleeve. She has a power like no one else to make you laugh, cry, or all of the above, all with her words and images. She makes beautiful babies, has an incredible faith, and her smile lights up a room. She’s the mom you want to be more like, who can find the joy and humor in the most challenging situations…

Alli is strength, sass and charm – she sets her mind to something and it is done. She is the mom to 5 (FIVE!) boys, and is the person I look to for assurance that I’m on the right path with my own boys. She is the mom who is always prepared, always ready for a challenge, always there with an open ear…

And so to these women, I raise my glass and say thank you – for inspiring me, for enouraging me to be a better mother, and most of all for being my friends. I hope you have an amazing Mother’s Day.

This post was inspired by Concannon Vineyards - they sent me a couple bottles to try and asked me to tell them about my favorite moms. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and I was honored to share with you a few (among MANY) of the amazing moms I have been priviledged to meet in the last 7 years.

photo credits respective of the links included

 

Mexican Chicken Casserole

This is a re-post of a recipe I created a few years ago – its gotten a lot more mileage since then thenks to pinterest, and the awesome picture my friend Ali took when she tried it…enjoy!

This is one of my family’s favorite dishes~and my most asked-for recipe…

Mexican Chicken Casserole

Photo, courtesy the lovely Ali (now blogging at Jam hands)

Mexican Chicken Casserole
Serves 4-6

Pre-heat oven to 350-f degrees.

In a mixing bowl, combine:

2 Cups Shredded Cooked Chicken
1 Cup Shredded Cheese ( I use a cheddar/jack combo)
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1/2 Cup milk
1/2 Cup sour cream
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (canned tomatoes with jalepenos-mild)
1/2 packet taco seasoning (or more- to taste)

In a greased 2 qt baking dish, put a layer of crushed doritos (about 2 cups), then a layer of the chicken mixture. Repeat once more, ending with a layer of chicken mixture. Top with more shredded cheese, cover, and bake for 30-35 minutes, till bubbling hot.

You can add other items to this, depending on your preferences, like olives, green chiles, onions, etc…The chicken mixture would also make a great enchilada or burrito filling!

Enjoy!

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