Martha is there and is currently trying to talk Aunt B into getting a hotel room across the street.

Will update when I hear more.

The next time I make this recipe, we’ll be having my Deep Dish Mocha Tiramisu for dessert.  Maybe that will be next month’s recipe.  :)

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 14 (8-ounce package) manicotti ***
• 1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta
• 3 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves or 2 tsp dried parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups marinara sauce (I used Prego Traditional)
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

***The filling actually makes more than enough to fill 14 manicotti shells, so I’d cook an extra 4-5 shells.

Directions

Heat a heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, onion, garlic, ground beef and sausage. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until the meat browns and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, and cool.

Brush 1 teaspoon of oil over a large baking sheet. Cook the manicotti in a large pot of boiling salted water until slightly softened, but still very firm to the bite, about 4 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the manicotti from the pot to the oiled baking sheet and cool.

Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, 1 1/2 to 2 cups Italian blend cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and parsley. Stir the cooled meat mixture into the cheese mixture.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Brush the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil over a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish. Fill the manicotti with the cheese-meat mixture. Arrange the stuffed pasta in a single layer in the prepared dish and spoon the remaining sauce over.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of  Italian blend cheese, then the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan over the stuffed pasta. Dot entire dish with the butter pieces. Bake the manicotti uncovered until heated through and the sauce bubbles on the sides of the dish, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the manicotti stand 5 minutes and serve.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 Tbsp. butter, melted

Directions

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.  Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.  Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.  Brown on both sides and serve hot.

We just got a call today that Pete’s Mother – Shirley was transfered to Baptist Medical for a cardio workup. She was having chest pains. She is scheduled for a heart cath Sunday morning at 9.00.

A dear friend of mine from work, Callie Wilson, was transfered to Baptist Medical in critical condition Thursday. Callie is loved by everyone. So in her honor we are rapidly organizing a fundraising walk.  Callie is a 12 year colon cancer survivor and a major participate in the Ashley County Medical Center Relay for Life team. She walks 4 miles each morning before arriving at work by 7:00. Whew – that thought just makes me tired. It is set for April 24th. Alot to do in a short time – but it will be FUN.

Please keep Daddy – Shirley – Callie in your prayers.

Many have asked about Mother, she is doing exceptionally well. I am so proud of her, she is being so strong. I need her to be strong.

I am so blessed to be a small part of this family. My heart and prayers are still with Paul, Vanessa, and Alahna during this time of  recovering.  Each of them are strong in Christ and that is such an encouragement to me.

On one hand I am an only child, but on the other hand I have my extended family that means the world to me.  I may not get to see you often, I may not call (text)  you much, or I may not send you a letter but I want you each to know that Y*O*U are an important part of my life.

So I ask that you pray for Daddy as he faces the unknown during the upcoming days. I ask that you pray for Mother as she cares for Daddy. I ask that you pray for Pete, Whitney and myself to make safe trips to Monroe carrying Mother and Daddy.

My last thought is – What can I do for you?

Hugs to all of you. (HUGS)

Thank you all once again. God blesses us through your support!

“Thank you to everyone for your prayers and love for our family! We are so glad to be home and in our own bed! Alahna visited school after lunch on Friday and was surrounded by the love of all of her friends. She was so excited!! She has mastered the stairs at home now, and for those of you who wonder, she has no crutches or walker or wheelchair. She makes having a full cast look so graceful. We are so proud of her. Alahna’s memory continues to amaze us as it heals. It will be a long recovery for her. School will be a gradual thing. The doctors said for her not to learn anything new for about 5-6 months, so when she does go back to school it will only be one class for a while. She will gradually add another class later and will depend on the support of her friends for notes, etc. We do not anticipate full time classes for the rest of the year. We will see. More updates to come. We love you all.”