So I had to laugh last night as I tried to make dinner. I was making a new recipe. I’m not sure what the other children were doing but Grace was at the table putting together a puzzle. I multitasked. I was distracted.
I worked on dinner. (made some rice, had Jacob pull leftover chicken off the bones for a casserole)
Then I played with the baby. I brought out his changing table pad and put him on the table with Grace.
I worked on dinner. (rummaged for the canned cream of chicken soup, mayo, and chicken broth).
Then, I played with the baby. I got the IPOD and put on our favorite cd, so we could sing to Seth.
I worked on dinner some more (where IS that curry powder?)
Then, back to the baby I went. Grace and I sang Jingle Bells to him, and a couple other songs.
hmmmmmm, where was I? Oh YES, dinner! (preheated oven, went downstairs to the freezer for some broccoli, mixed everything up. . . )
Jacob was hogging the baby this time, so I took a few pictures of loving big brother.
Back to dinner…..finally it was ready to put in the oven, *whew* boy, that took about three times longer than usual!
Half an hour later and not a moment too soon, Rich came home and found dinner done and waiting to be pulled out of the oven. I was on the couch, nursing Seth, who had had quite enough fun for the time being.
After dinner, I had to grab the camera for one more photo. I had one of those content feelings as the older kids cleaned up the kitchen, and the younger ones danced around. They were all singing to the IPOD and working so happily. My family.
And, that’s my life these days. My brain is tired, from being pulled in so many directions. I wondering now, if that is the reason I had to get up at 1 in the morning to take Tylenol for a terrible throbbing headache?
But, it’s all good. I’m smiling. Really!
Chicken Divan (serves two adults and five children, with a tossed salad on the side).
leftover chicken (about 2 1/2 cups or so)
2 cups broccoli
1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup mayo
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cheddar cheese
3 cups cooked rice (I used 4 cups)
Place cooked rice in the bottoom of a greased casserole dish. Spread with chicken, place broccoli over top. (I didn’t bother cooking the broccoli, I added it frozen and it baked just fine). Mix soup, mayo, curry and broth together and pour over the chicken. Stir everything around slightly. Top with the cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
(YUM!)
Now. I must get busy. Tonight is meat loaf and mashed potatoes. Here we go again. . . . .
~Shanda
Good to be Home 
That IS being distracted in a good way! I love the picture of you busy, family filled kitchen 🙂
I just love your pictures…and Seth is so handsome! (just like your other boys and pretty girl!) I can’t wait to have family dinner (I got married last Saturday!) Your posts just make me happy!
What a wonderful family. I love those nights when you just step back and see.. see how blessed we all are. And baby Seth is filling out rather nicely! He is ADORABLE! Keep up the good work mom!
Sounds like a good casserole and a great day. Glad to hear how wonderful you’re doing.
Ha Ha…after the 6th that doesnt change Shanda!!! If you thought you were multitasking with 5……now you’ll really learn what multitasking is!!!!!!!!!
Have a wonderful day today!
I think it’s so neat the way all of your children are so hands-on with the new baby and everyone helps out. Big families are so cool! You are so blessed.
I love Chicken Divan! I make it all the time for my husband and I! I have burned dinner and dessert being as distracted as you were last night! Take care!
Everything is temporary….and unfortunately even these happy distracted times pass too soon. 🙂
The busy family life picture is great.
Oh my, your little one is growing so fast. I can remember the days when all was distraction around me. I longed for quiet and order then…. Now, the kids are grown and it’s just hubby and me, and guess what….? The whole bunch is still driving me to distraction. I love it. Have a great day and rest when you can.
Thanks for sharing your recipe! Sounds yummy. I love the pictures of Jacob holding Seth. He seems to be so gentle with Seth.
A sweet happy evening. I am so blessed by your description of baby, and family. Seth is rounding out and so super adorable!! I found those big helpers, like Jacob, help keep baby happy. Bet those broccoli lovers enjoyed that casserole
Very sweet distraction indeed! Sorry I haven’t been around, I’ve been sick. Feeling better today. Love and hugs to you, sweet friend!
That is Paula Dean’s Chicken Divan, except w/o the sour cream! I just made it myself last night! lol!
Great minds think alike!
It’s so good to have you sounding so much happier! I love that last picture, with everyone doing their chores — looks like a family merry-go-round!
Earlier today, I had a terrible, throbbing headache too ~ worst I’ve had in a very long time. Glad yours is gone and mine too! Have a wonderful evening ~
Sounds like you’re doing better — Yeah!! Love the pictures — one big happy family!!
I can’t wait to write this recipe down, sounds good & easy:) thanks for sharing it. It sounds like you had a wonderful day.
Seth has such an expresionate face 🙂 The recipe looks good.
Glad you’re doing much better. I’ll have to try the casserole … it looks very good and easy…my kind of dinner!
Looks like a happy place to me!
My Mom makes a recipe similar to that. It is one of my favorites. You have a beautiful family.
Smiling at the last photo..I thought Jacob had gotten a major growth spurt, till I realized that was Rich!And I would find Seth distracting too… HE IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BABY!May God bless and keep you all safe and close to Him.Mary (who’s on Bri’s computer)p.s.I saw your comment on my sister Jenny’s site ABAHM I think you two would so enjoy each others company…you are kindred spirits
Chicken Divan was one of our favorite dinners while growing up and I still make it occasionally. I’m so glad you’re feeling better. You sound like yourself. 🙂 Seth is a lovely distraction. 🙂
Your pictures sure made me smile!!!!! I loved the one of your family pitching in to help.If you ever worry about putting frozen vegetables in a recipe, slit the vegetable sack (or put them in a microwavable container) and zap them in the microwave until the “freeze” is taken from them. Then, dump them into your casserole.Multitasking? Yeah, I’m there with you at times. I stand in front of the garage freezer with the door open wondering, “What was I looking for??? Oh yeah! Toilet paper!”
I don’t know why this did not show up in my subscriptions I would have left a comment sooner! This is such a true description of what it feels like to be a mother! Sometimes my neck hurts at the end of the day from turn so much to all the “Look-it mommy!”
Fun to see the flurry of activity in the kitchen and thinking of all the love and happiness. It was such a tender thing to see big brother with Seth, really touched me. I want that for my kids..to fall in love with a little one.
The one above the kitchen with just Seth is so great, I called Eti over to look at it!
Love the close-up of Seth. . .he’s so beautiful. We too eat Chicken Divan and it’s always a hit, although we have a disagreement about how to say it—I say “Di-van” with a short a, like apple, but Tim (who’s from the North) says, “Di-van” with an a like all. . .one of our many little differences that make life so interesting. 🙂
I’m new to Xanga and found your blog through Resolved2Worship – you have a lovely family and baby Seth is a most beautiful baby! Reminds me of our youngest – she had such big eyes looking up at me as I was feeding her – she earned the endearing name LoveBug. Blessings to you and yours!