Chicken Fajita Casserole

Perfect for football weekends!

This is a simple and easy meal to make that lasts for about 3 meals between Matt and I.  We love to eat this on football game days.  As a blogger, I found this recipe on another blog and knew we had to try it.  Tonight is our second time making it and I have to admit, it's still yummy!!

Here is what you need:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, orange or green), sliced
• 1 16-ounce bag tortilla chips
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 2 12-ounce jars salsa verde or tomatillo salsa
• 3/4 cup sour cream (low fat or regular)
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 9X13 cooking dish/pan
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• We prepared everything a head of time.  
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• Cut up and sauté the onion and peppers (we used red, yellow, and green bell peppers).
• Boil 2-3 chicken breasts.  Shred and season it (we used salt, pepper, and all season salt).
• Mix together 24 ounces of salsa and 3/4 cup of sour cream.
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• Once everything has been prepared, you start to layer!!
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• First Layer:

Sorry, I didn't take a picture when it was full!  But you get the picture.  Layer this on the bottom of the cooking dish/pan

Second Layer:

Add half of the onion and pepper on top of the tortilla chips.

Third Layer:

Add shredded chicken on top of that.  This was 1 chicken breast shredded.  I shredded the other chicken breast for when we repeat this step again.

Fourth Layer:

OOPS!  I forgot to take a picture :)  Shredded cheddar cheese is the next layer.  

Fifth Layer:

Add half of your salsa mix.

Repeat those steps and use up the rest of your ingredients.  After you add your "second" fifth layer of salsa mix, add more cheese!

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.  Uncover and cook for another 20 minutes or until it looks golden brown.

Delicious!  Enjoy! :)

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• XOXO
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Blind Faith

I just recently got back in contact with an old friend and it has been amazing.  The most amazing part to it is how we are strengthening each other's faith.  She asked if we could be study buddies and ever since we started studying the Bible together, I've come to understand my faith more.

How crazy is that?

I sat down to read the next passage that was chosen last night.  We first started off with Luke 17:1-19:27 which was an overall message of having a child-like faith.  Children trust parents/adults without hesitation, but do we trust God like that?

Not nearly enough.

After we came to understand this passage, my friend asked me what we should read next.  This is where I feel my "blind faith" came into play.  I had a strong feeling that we should start reading Revelation.  (Note: I really don't know the Bible well enough, but when you allow God to talk to you, you become to understand it more.)

Oddly enough, Revelation almost fed off of the passage we read from Luke, and my "unsure thoughts" with Luke were answered in Revelation!  I became excited as I realized that I was beginning to understand God's Word.  So excited that I had to share with my husband as he was watching his TV show.  

He was excited for me and to see this passion burning within me.  I could barely sleep last night with all the overwhelming thoughts of His word flooding my mind and heart.

I came to realize my faith is much stronger when I understand it better.  That's life in general, right?  Just like in school, you study to understand something more.

After understanding my faith, I started understanding what was wrong with me and what I needed to change.  I have a lot of pride and have a hard time acknowledging my faults, but expect other's to acknowledge theirs.

That's not fair at all.

I feel like I've started over again and I'm getting that seventh or eighth "second" chance to be a better person, a better friend, and a better wife.

What an amazing feeling.  I haven't been able to stop smiling since last night.

I love God and I love understanding Him and my faith even more!

"We love each other, because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

XOXO

Cheesy Vegetable Chowder

This weekend, we got a true feel for fall...it's not going to last though.  It'll be back up to the 80's by Wednesday!  Anyway, when trying to figure out what to cook for dinner on a 50 degree night, it hit me!

Soup!  Something warm and yummy!

Cheesy Vegetable Chowder is the ONLY type of soup I like, especially with vegetables, so I thought I would share the recipe.  My mom made this quite a bit while I lived at home and before I got married, I made a copy of the recipe!   

What you'll need:

1/2 cup chopped onion (we used half of a large white onion)

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 cup celery (we couldn't find any so we left it out, doesn't make a difference!)

3/4 cup carrots, sliced

1 cup cubed potatoes

3 1/2 cup chicken broth (we used 3 cups water and 3 beef bullion cubes)

17 oz canned corn, drained

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

1 tablespoon mustard

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon paprika 

2 cups (8oz) shredded cheddar cheese

Process:

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil.  Then cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.  

While the veggies are simmering, you can make the cheesy mix!

Melt butter in small pot over low heat.  Stir in flour and cook about 1 minute.  Gradually add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly.

This is what it looks like shortly after adding the milk.

Now it's thick and bubbly, ready to add other ingredients.

Stir in the remainder ingredients (mustard, pepper, paprika, cheese).  Cook until cheese melts and then remove from heat.

It should look similar to this!

Once the potatoes in the vegetable mix are tender, stir in the corn and then add and stir in the cheesy mix until thoroughly heated, but don't boil!

Serve and enjoy!!

We made some cornbread muffins to eat along with the chowder!

Delicious!!!

If I had a dying wish and wanted one thing to eat, this would be it!  Sooo good!!

Enjoy!

Have a great week!

XOXO

Speaking Meow?

This post is specifically for some much needed advice on our cat, Cotton.

Here is our story...

As most people know, I'm a stay at home wife trying to get back into school, so you would THINK that our cats get enough attention when they need it.

Throughout the day, I play with both of the cats, their cat feeder feeds them 3 times day, and I give both of them plenty of love.

My husband does the same when he gets home.  A lot of evenings consist of playing with the cats about an hour before their dinner, let them eat, and normally that's a sign to sleep (at least that's what the guy from "My Cat From Hell" said!).

Ever since we moved here to Texas, Cotton has been in desperate need of attention, especially when it's time for us to go to bed.  We used to lay down at night and she would take turns laying on top of us while we pet her for a while.  After she had enough, she would lay at the edge of the bed by my feet.

After a while, those 20 minutes in bed "pets" were not good enough for her and she began to beg for our my attention even more.  She specifically wants MY attention, and she will do anything to get it.

She has woke me up numerous times throughout the night scratching at my face, scratching my feet (and yes, I have bled because of these scratches), and just meows constantly.  

Matt and I discussed we will no longer pet her in bed, hoping that would help.  Did it? 

Nope.

We started closing our bedroom door.  BIG MISTAKE.  Our other cat, Gidget HATES closed doors.

  All doors have to be open (she gets nervous when she doesn't have full control over her area!).  So throughout the night, she would bang and scratch at the door.  

Failed again.

Matt and I have lost so much sleep over this.  It's like having kids.

I could have swore I told Matt I wanted to wait 2 years before kids....hmmm...

Since Gidget made so much noise, we decided to keep the bedroom open, and put a bed in the room.  We hoped we could train Cotton to use the bed.  With Gidget being so territorial, it became HER bed.

Fail.

So, we stuck to not petting Cotton in bed.  She was so frustrated that she couldn't get our attention that she decided to chew through Matt's phone charger chord not once, but TWICE!  

Yes, she chewed right through it.

We are seriously exhausted and unsure of what to do.  Any move we make in bed, she thinks we are awake and is walking all over us, meowing and purring waiting for more pets.

So, all you cat owners/lovers out there, do you have any other advice???  We need help!

Please and Thank You!!!!

Lessons to be Learned

First, don't make fun of how I became inspired tonight, but God always has plans...even if they are weird!  Secondly, this may be a little scattered.  It's just how I'm feeling tonight!

Matt and I sat down and watched the Katy Perry documentary movie tonight.  She went through many obstacles to get to where she is at now.  Even seeing her go through a devastating divorce and how hard it was on her emotionally, she still stuck to her passion and dream, and that was inspiring others through her music.

As you've read in my previous posts, I've been trying to get back into school in hopes to apply for the sonography program to become an ultrasound technician.  This whole process has emotionally and mentally drained me.  

On Wednesday, I was at my wits end with getting back into school.  I got no answers and stated I wanted to give up.  I told my mom and Matt that if I don't get enrolled by Spring that I was done trying.  Still trying to stay positive, I made my experiences into a comedy and laughed about it in a blog post!  

Life is a constant battle.  You can never change what life is, but you can definitely change your attitude about it.

**Yesterday, I came across something that made me realize that there could be worse things in life...major reality check.  I started thanking God for all he has blessed me with.**

After watching this movie tonight, I know I'm supposed to be an ultrasound technician.  And I WON'T give up until I become one.

"For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

One of my favorite verses ever!

I got all excited tonight and was showing Matt different ultrasound images on google images.  I was like a giddy school girl.  

   God has a plan for everything, and He has taught me a lot about patience and trusting Him.  I've gone through all this to LEARN.  To LEARN how to become an individual and independent.  To LEARN how to become confident enough in myself and my abilities in order to no longer experience anxiety and fear about trying something new, like going down to a new school to apply to.

I've always had major self-confidence issues and have always relied on other people to get me where I needed to be.  Some people would call that immature, but I call it being dependent on someone.  That's all I ever knew.

My first plane ride by myself, living by myself for the summer of 2011, experiencing the whole driver's license thing by myself, and getting back into school by myself...  

Those were all in God's plan....

God's plan to teach me how to be independent.

  I've learned through all of this that it is healthier to be an individual and to independently do things yourself; in the end, you become a stronger person.  In the end, you've learned how to trust in God.

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26) 

Have a wonderful weekend.  Know that you can do anything you set your mind to and with the grace of God by your side.

God Bless!

My New Life "The Sitcom" (Part 2: College)

If you haven't read Part 1 of My New Life "The Sitcom", it kind of sets up all the problems I've gone through up until this point.

Warning: It is a little slow at first because I need to set it up.

Anyway, on to Part 2.

Getting back into college.

I started this whole process back in May (10th) when I filled out an application requesting my transcript from Ivy Tech.  I included my credit card information since that was an option and mailed it to Ivy Tech.  As the days follow, I finish working at CCYC and move to Carrollton, Texas.

Week of June 5:

After a month's wait, I still had NOT received my Ivy Tech transcript.  I contact Ivy Tech by email and ask why I hadn't.  

"When did you send it? Did you include a payment?  We can't find it.  I'll email you again with an update."

Did I receive an update?  Nope.  I gave it a couple days before I contacted them again.  I get a response  basically saying, 

"Ms. Collins, we don't have any record of your application.  Since it didn't have a check, they just shredded your application.  You'll have to send another application with another payment."

What?  It had a payment, but since it wasn't a check, you throw it away??  What the heck?  If you aren't even going to look for the credit card information as a form of payment, DON'T HAVE IT AS AN OPTION!!!

Week of June 25th:

I sent out another application requesting my official transcript from Ivy Tech with a check as my payment.

July 5th:

I email Ivy Tech asking if they had received my application.  I got a reply back stating they had and I should be receiving my official transcripts soon. 

Yes!!  Thank you Lord!!

July 7th-July 14th : Out of town in Utah trying to get Matt's house ready to sell.  Oh what a stressful week that was!

Get home from Utah on July 15th and my transcripts are finally here!  

Success!

July 19th: That whole darn process of getting my license in part 1. (hehe!)

July 21st- July 28th: Out of town in Indiana visiting my family.

July 29th:

Emailed El Centro Community College asking questions about the process of registration, what to do to prepare for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, etc.

Here is the process before you can register:

Must have ALL your official transcripts. Check! (or so I thought!)

It is required in the state of Texas to have proof that you have had the Meningitis Vaccination before you can even register.

Attend an information session of the program of your choice.

Of course!  Well, I have my transcripts, now all I need to do is get my vaccination and attend the information session.  No big deal, right?

 Boy was I wrong!!  I started calling health departments getting quotes on how much vaccinations are.  

$175!!!!  Oh my goodness.  That's way too much for a darn vaccination.  Oh, Kroger does it for $125. I doubt the insurance I have now will cover it.  If I want to get registered for Fall 2012, I need to get this done.

**Wound up deciding to wait on the vaccination for our new health insurance to kick in on Sept. 1st.**

Fall 2012 is not an option right now for classes.  Darn it!

Matt found some math for me to study up on while waiting to get back into school (I have to take College Algebra as a prerequisite).  So, I worked on math for most of the month of August, which I got really good at, by the way!

Sept. 1st rolled around and we contacted our insurance company.  

Success!!  We are completely covered for the meningitis vaccination.  I sure am glad I waited to do this.

The next day I called around to different clinics in the area.  

"Hi, do you offer the meningitis vaccination?"

"No, not anymore."

"Hello, do you administer the meningitis vaccination?"

"We are completely out right now."

"Hi, please tell me you have the meningitis vaccination."

"Yes we do!  But it is a fee of $175."

I explain how insurance covers it fully, make an appointment, and get my vaccination.

The night after the vaccination:

Boy my arm hurts.  Why is it numb?  Oh ouch, it's sore.  My arm is having hot flashes now.  Oh burr, now cold surges.  What the heck??  Ouch!!!!

Mind you, it's been almost 2 weeks since I got the vaccination and my arm still hurts!!

Okay, got my official transcripts, got my vaccination form completed, and I applied online in May.  Let's do this!!

Sept. 11th:

I drive 20 minutes to a college near me that is in the DCCCD (this basically means that it's in the same district as the school that offers my program, which makes taking prerequisites closer to home that much easier!)

I get to Brookhaven, walk in the door and wait in line to talk to someone in Admissions.

It's my turn to be waited on.  I give them my student ID number, my transcript and vaccination form.  

Yes, one step closer to being registered for classes.  I might actually get into the flex term courses starting on October 15th!

"Mrs. Pope, you have to have the official transcript from ALL of the colleges you attended.  We still need one from Jefferson Community College.  You can still go talk to an advisor and see if you can't get into any classes for the flex term period."

I make my way to the advising center, get in with an advisor, feeling really confident.

"We can't really help you figure out what classes you need until you get your other transcript in the system.  Once you get your transcript, go back to Admissions, file a degree plan and get a course evaluation."

Failed.

I went out to lunch with Matt, called my mom venting, went home and cleaned, and requested my transcript from JCC.

September 15th:

My official transcript from JCC has arrived!!!

Wow, only took 3 days to get it.  Ivy Tech needs to get it together and learn how to do it that way!  Alright, Monday I'll head back to Brookhaven and turn this in.  Then I can file a degree plan and a course evaluation!  Oh, I can smell how close I am to getting registered!!

September 17th:

Headed back to Brookhaven, turned in my transcript and started filling out my degree plan.

"If you want to take classes here, you have to sign up for Associate of Science not Associate of Applied Science.  But since your degree is specifically Associate of Applied Science for the Sonography program, you'll have to take your classes at El Centro.  I'm sorry."

Failed again.  God, I really just want to give up.  Why is nothing working out?  Why has this whole process been so difficult.  It should not be this hard to get back into school.

After realizing that God has a purpose for everything, I decided to go to El Centro to see if I can find any answers.

September 19th (Today):

I refuse to drive in Texas traffic to downtown Dallas.  They will run you off the road.  So, I take the train instead.

I get on the train this morning at about 9:30am.  I get downtown Dallas around 10:30am.  I head to El Centro and wait in line at the Admissions office to see if I can do a degree plan and course evaluation.

"We don't do that here anymore.  Both of those are done at the advising center now."

Surprise, surprise.  Can't you all ever make anything simple??

I walk over to the advising center, tell them what I need done, and finally get in with an advisor.  I tell her what I need, give her my transcripts.  I couldn't believe what I heard her say,

"We have to wait until your transcripts make their way over to our system, which could take a week or two.  I can go ask my boss to see if your Writing, Reading, and Math class will be exempted from the TSI testing."

As I waited, this is what went through my mind,

If this does not work out today, I'm done.  I'm so tired and worn out from this process.  Plus, my arm still hurts ~rubbing left shoulder~.  Ugh, why do they have to make things so darn complicated here?? First you need this, then you need that.  Oh you can't do this until you do that.  Yada yada yada!  It's not that hard to do people!!

My advisor comes back and informs me that I do not have to take any TSI testing.

Hallelujah!!!

"Course evaluation does take place at Admissions.  Unfortunately you can't get your courses evaluated until you register."

They just sent me over here saying they don't do course evaluation there anymore.  Ah yi yi!  Get it together people and have the same answers please!  I'm tired of getting jerked around.

"You can go to Admissions and see how long the process takes before you can get a course evaluation."

So, I walk back to Admissions, talk to someone about a course evaluation and she tells me,

"The head of admissions can give you an idea of what classes may transfer, but it won't be the official course evaluation.  Sadly, you can't really find that out until you register."

That is it!  I give up.  I'm done.  I can't do this anymore.  How does that make any sense at all?  I have to wait until I register to see what classes transfer?  How is that going to work??

The sitcom ends here.  I get back on the train, vent to my mom once again, go to lunch with Matt, go home and lay out by the pool.

  Do I get back into school and become an ultrasound technician?

That story is non-exsistent right now....

And the waiting continues....

Le sigh.

  

My New Life "The Sitcom" (Part 1: Driver's License)

Some may find this post a little offensive (those who live or are from TX), while others may find it funny.  It's just a way for me to vent and let out my steam in a positive way. :)

Apparently here in Texas, EVERYTHING is always a 4-step (or more) process when all it really needs to be is ONE!!

For example, when I was trying to get my Texas license, it took 4-steps to get my darn drivers license.  I looked on the website, got all my information ready and headed down to DMV one morning (8:15am).  I waited for about 2 hours and when they finally called me back, they tell me...

"Oh, you need to have a Texas registration before you can get your license.  AND before you can get registered, you have to get your vehicle inspected.  Here is the address for the registration place.  Most oil changing places do state inspections.  They have big signs out front.  Since you have this DMV time ticket, you are free to come back whenever and won't have to wait, as long as you come back today."

 I walk out thinking, of course you need to do this and this and this...wait a minute, I don't know my way around here...uh, where is an oil changing place??  Where is the registration place??  Oh dear, I need to get my license so I can fly back to Indiana in two days (my Indiana license still had my maiden name on it and my plane ticket had 'Pope' on it...so it HAD TO HAPPEN THAT DAY!).  

I turn down the road and thankfully to my left I see a MIDAS with a BIG sign saying "STATE INSPECTIONS" across the front of the building.

Praise God!!!

I walk in and the guy was really nice.  He got my car in and of course I passed the inspection. 

 Now onto get my Texas registration.  

Uh, where is the registration place.  Oh yeah it's on the paper the lady at the DMV gave me.  I'll just type it in my GPS and it'll take me there.

......................

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT ADDRESS DOESN'T EXSIST??  Ugh, I guess I'll just have to find it myself.  Stupid GPS.  Why is everything in Texas so stupid?  Okay Kara, focus.  It's off Rosemeade, just go down the road until you get to that street and turn left, right?  Isn't that what the guy at MIDAS said?  I guess I'll find out.

So, I mozy on down the road at 10:30am and find Rosemeade.  

Yes!  I actually found the road without my GPS.  Yup, I'm hot stuff right now.  Uh, what would the building be called for your registration??  This is my first time doing this by myself...hmmm, there is a sign that is pointing to that building out in the middle of nowhere saying "State Rep.".  I'll just turn there and see if that's it.  It would make sense, I think.

(I swear I'm not ditz or stupid.  I've just never learned how to do any of this by myself.)

Welp, to my surprise it was!  Yes!  I walk into the building and feeling so confident that I am one step closer to getting my Texas Drivers License.  I walk up to the window, give the lady my Indiana insurance and vehicle registration.

"Do you have your insurance policy information with you, because your insurance card itself can't give me the information I need to make sure it will cover here in Texas."

Uh lady, I just flippin' moved here from Indiana and the insurance is under my mother and she has all the information in INDIANA!!!!

I reply calmly, "No, I don't.  The policy number on the card isn't enough?"  She shook her head.  She told me if I could get a hold of the insurance company I could have them fax the information she needed.

Failed again.

I walk out, beginning to get discouraged and start driving down the road in tears calling my mom like a kid. "Mom, bleepity, bleepity, bleepity, bleep!"  

**No, I did not cuss that WHOLE time, I just don't remember what  I said!**

I get back to the apartment, clear my mind, turn on my Macbook and search for Safeco.  I found the website and call the number.  I tell them my dilemma and the lady was more than encouraging until she said....

"Mrs. Pope, since your mother lives in Indiana, you need to get on your own individual plan."

Great, more money I don't need to be spending each month.  Didn't Matt say we were going to be on the same insurance plan in September?  I don't have until September.  This will have to do.  Gotta love getting married and things changing like this.

During our 20 minute phone conversation, she got me set up on my own plan, I found out it's over $100 a month, and she put Matt as one of the drivers on my insurance.  Ahh, the sound of success.  I was ready to be on my merry way to print off my temporary copy and head back to the registration place.

Natt Pop.  What on earth??  They couldn't even spell my husband's name right??  You have got to be kidding me.  I spelled it out.  MA-T-T P-O-P-E.  Who is seriously named Natt Pop?

Fail.  

I dialed the number to the insurance company and asked for them to change it.  After 10 minutes, I had it changed.

Success.

Alright Kara, let's go get this stuff done so you can come home and just relax.  Wait, I should probably eat.  Warm up left over pizza, drink a pepsi and go!

(12:30pm) After eating, I print off my temporary insurance ID cards, I head back to the registration place and everything was completed with NO, I repeat NO complications.  I got my license plates and my registration sticker to stick in my windshield.  

Success.

(1pm) I left and started driving back towards the DMV.  I was feeling extremely confident and felt that I didn't have much more to do.  Just get my drivers license.  I walk into the DMV, walk back to the desk, give all my UPDATED information, take my eye exam, smile for my picture, and get my temporary driver's license.

Success.

I go home, planning on laying down for a 30 minute nap since I had been up since 5:30 that morning.  Wound up sleeping 2.5 hours.  Ahh!

Oh no!  It's 4:30 and I told Matt I'd make chicken chili for dinner tonight.  It takes 30 minutes to prepare if not longer, and then an hour to cook, right??  Kara, you got this.  You just did all of today by yourself.  Cooking is a piece of cake, especially this.  You've done it already with Matt before.

Boiled the chicken.  Shred the chicken.  Cut up and saute onion and garlic.  Check!  Add to the pot with chicken in it, along with salsa, chilies, and beans.

Dinner was a....

Success!!

Two days later at 5:30am Matt is driving me down to the DFW airport.  I got in line for security check.  Pulled out my temporary driver's license nervously.  The security guard asked if I had any other form of ID.  I gave him my credit card.  As I bit my nails nervously it was a....

Success!!

Had a great time visiting my mom, sister, and family in Indiana.  As I got home, I got my permanent insurance ID cards in the mail and saw that it was insured under Matt Pope not Kara Pope.

DOH!  Here we go again....

It all turned out fine, they got it changed and have the correct information on who it is insured under.  However, the listed drivers are Kara Pope and wait, you've got to be kidding me??

Natt Pop?!?!?

Oh well!

Part 2 will be the sitcom of me trying to get back into school. I had to write this to set up for that post.  It explains how ever since I moved here, everything has been difficult!  Until then...

Have a great night!! :)