Recipe sharing

So I thought I would share a recipe that is one of our go-to casseroles. We love this recipe and it gets gobbled up super fast. Maybe you will enjoy it as well.

Mexican Casserole

-shredded cheese (I use Colby/Monterrey jack)
-chicken (1-1 1/2 breast depending on how much meat you like)
-salsa (pick your favorite)
-taco seasoning
-rice (1cup uncooked)
-black beans (1 can)
-velveta (1/2 a package)
-cream of onion soup (1 can)

Rice prep- I have a rice cooker and all I do is set it up like normal and add a large spoonful of salsa and voila, Spanish rice
Chicken prep- I cook my chicken on the stove in a mixture of salsa and taco seasoning (I like the low sodium kind and only use 1/2 a packet) the salsa keeps the chicken moist and I just shred it up with a fork when I am done
Bean prep - heat on the stove in a pot. Simple really 
Everything else- melt velveta and mix in Cream of onion and whatever is left of the salsa. It will look disgusting. 

Now layer everything up in a 9x13 pan. I usually go rice, soup mix, beans and chicken, but however you like it is fine. I do try to put either beans or soup mix next to the rice to keep it from getting dry. Then top with your shredded cheese and throw in the oven at 350 until everything is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Maybe 20 min max. I'm not sure to be honest. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or in a tortilla for that matter. Enjoy!!

-Cas

Easter

To write an extraordinary piece about the amazing gift that Christ has given us could never fully explain the vast love of the Lord. Although I often struggle with feeling like I'm not enough, He chose the path that led to the cross. We are so broken, yet He meets us exactly where we are. In the midst of the lowest point, He is there. I wish I could keep this close in my heart everyday and be filled with his confidence and joy, but I will always fall short and have to keep trying. But here again at Easter, I will try again in earnest to live in love and joy, filled with the Spirit, learning the truth and growing in the grace of my Savior. Today is the day we celebrate the greatest victory!

"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

Romans 5:8

Even though I didn't get to see my family (except Duane of course), We did spend time with members of our small group family and spent some time hiding and hunting eggs for some little rascals. What a joy to see such excited kiddos!

Thanks to Brian for all the awesome pics! What an entertaining evening :)

-Cas

Good and Bad consequences

Wowza. What a crazy packed weekend. I can't even imagine spending more time in the car and getting to see more amazing people this weekend. It was packed with incredible people and it makes me feel both awesome and sad because we just can't see everyone in such a short time :( Here's the rundown.

Friday morning. I get off work and we rush to get on the road asap. This means taking Meah to her second favorite place, the kennel for boarding. To say she is not a good car rider isn't doing her any justice. She loves the car. The car does not love her (i.e. lets just experiment and see how many times I can make Meah sick). I got Duane to take a quick video of just how excited Meah gets when we turn into the parking lot at the vet. Please enjoy crazy pup-monkey noises.

So we embarked on a seven and a half hour journey to Greenwood, SC. Duane had been recruited by our good friend Brandon Henson to play at DNOW that weekend. It is always awesome to see Brandon, Tabor and Asher and see how Asher is growing and learning. That combined with watching middle and high school students learn and worship about God would have been awesome enough, but there was more to come. Saturday, after the morning sessions, we packed up in the car again and took the one and a half hour ride to Augusta, GA. 

Jordan and Hollie

This time was very near and dear to me of course because Hollie, Jordan and Isaac, my wonderful family that lives way-far-away in Texas were in town this weekend. It is always wonderful to spend time with all three of them in any way shape or form. This was no exception. Isaac was his usually awesome, easy-going, fun self. He is still loving the outdoors and balls in all shapes and sizes, and becoming more mobile and communicative every day. Many hours were spent playing Killer Bunnies, a crazy competitive effort to claim the magic carrot and have some awesome bunnies. Of course, I also enjoy time with my parents and grandparents during our short visit to Augusta. But wait! There was still one more stop along the way before we headed home to Nashville. 

Grammy and Isaac

Sunday afternoon we left Augusta, after barely staying over 24 hours and headed to Statesboro. I can't say I ever thought I would miss Statesboro, and maybe it's just the people who are there, but I felt an amazing sense of relief when we pulled into town. We got to see some of our Compassion Family (The Huxford's and the Clifton's of course) and little Aubrey stole my heart with her beautiful long lashes and sweet demeanor. Duane and I spent the majority of our time with Crystal. I don't know what I would do without this amazing woman in my life. Everyone needs a friendship like that. It was well worth the extra hours spent in the car just to sit around at her house, play Carcasonne and catch up. If only Garrett could have been there so Duane could've had some guy bonding time too!! We miss them both so much!! I believe every friendship we may ever have from now until the end of our days will be measured up to them and I am not sure it can be beat. 

Stats: 

Total Car time: 18 Hours

Time in Greenwood: 20 Hours

Time in Augusta: 27 Hours

Time in Statesboro: 20 Hours

whew I'm tired. 

-Cas

Oh I totally forgot the bad consequences. Duane and I left our veggies and herbs outside while we were gone. I'm pretty sure they are dead now. Sad day.