Haven't posted in awhile!!

It has been a long while since I last posted; I'd like to do it more often for family and friends. 

Nicholas was born on November 18, 2012. He is so beautiful and we love him to pieces. The week before he was born Nick defended and turned in all necessary paperwork to earn his PhD. It was really crunch time because he wanted to be done before Nicholas arrived. I delivered 12 days early and a couple weeks later the family came together for his graduation at Georgia Tech. We are very proud of him!! Soon after he received a job with InSciTech, which is going really well. Nick stayed with me for 2 of the 3 months after having the baby. It was great! He started his new career and I went back to work in February for 2 months. It was certainly hectic! Nick was traveling 3 hrs daily and I was pumping, getting up all night long, getting Nicholas to and from daycare everyday, and working a 10-11 hr day. We survived, but I did end my time at Piedmont Fayette (I do miss the people).  I am enjoying the extra time with my baby. We then had to clean and pack up the home and listed our home at the end of April. We are living in Canton with my parents and it's going well. I'm thankful that they are letting us stay with them. I will be  resuming work in about a month or so 2-3 days a week. Our house is still on the market so prayers would be appreciated for that and we hope to be able to move forward once the home sells. I love staying home with Nicholas, but am ready to go to work a couple days. He's 7 months and he's our pride and joy! Here are few pictures from our trip to Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega over Memorial Day.  More posts to come in the future!

It's a boy!!!!

6 months. About 3 months to go!!

Anelletti al forno

This is a delicious dish that is a Sicilian tradition. My mom made it last night and it was wonderful. Anello is the Italian word for ring, and this pasta is shaped in little rings.  It's almost like a lasagna, baked in the oven with ground meat, peas, red sauce, and layers of cheese! This dish is one of those traditional dishes that I'll have to pass on to future generations. Let's just say that when I go to my mom's, my WW kind of goes out the window. I have been really craving food and been off track, but tomorrow is a new day! Make it sometime if you can find the pasta in the store. Our family usually buys it in Chicago!
Buon appetito.

Brownie muffins from hungry girl

Marvelous brownie muffins for only 5 pts. It's very simple. Mix one box of devils food cake with a can of pumpkin. Do not add any of the other ingredIents. Mix well, batter will be thick. Evenly distribute batter into a cupcake pan. Makes 12 cupcakes. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minute or until tooth comes out clean when inserted. Enjoy.

Turkey Sausage with peppers and onions

Yummy! Nick and I had this for dinner tonight and it's satisfying and filling for just 5 pts. I promised you the recipe! Here it is :)

Ingredients
5 turkey sausage links (used honeysuckle white from Kroger)
2 green peppers (could use red/yellow)
1/2 large onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 cans diced tomatoes.
1 tsp olive oil
Fresh basil (chopped)
Salt, pepper, oregano to taste

Spray some cooking spray and brown sausage. Set aside. Meanwhile, warm oil in a deeper pan, sautee onions for about 3 min. Mince and add garlic. Stirring as not to burn the garlic. Add peppers. Let simmer, stirring for 6-7 minutes. Add 2 cans of diced tomatoes with a cup of water. Add salt, pepper, oregano, and fresh basil. Add sausage, cover and bring to boil then let simmer on low covered for 20 minutes or until peppers soften and meat is cooked through.

One serving: 1 piece of sausage with a cup of vegetables. You can place in french bread/hoagie type bread, but it will change the point plus value.

Sausage---Go lighter!

All this talk about sausage got me craving some for dinner. I was at the grocery store and picked up some sweet turkey sausage. It's great being from a great family who cooks great food, but it's hard to keep your weight in check. I've been overweight for most of my life, so I joined Weight Watchers late September and have been able to lose about 14 lbs. The holidays were tough, but I'm trying to get back on track and be as strict as I used to. So, tomorrow night is turkey sausage with peppers. I'll probably skip the bread it sits in to save calories, but it tastes as delicious. I've made it before and it's fairly simple! WW+ pts 5
I can post the recipe and pic tomorrow :)

Buon Compleano James! Tanti Bacioni!

My sister Vivian and James opening presents!

My brother Salvatore!

Viv and Russell (Mom & Dad)

Aunt Mina, Papa Tony, Uncle Sal, Mia Pat (James' Nonna)

Papa Tony, Nonna Virginia, Nonna Maria

Zio Ryder, Nona Ellen, Papa Paige, Nana Annette, Papa Jack

Zia Rachele and Uncle Nick and the boys