Out of the mouth of my 3 1/2 yr. old babe...

Andrew: Mommy I am 3!

Mommy: Yep you're 3! Actually, buddy your 3 1/2!!

Andrew: I getting bigger?

Mommy: Yep you're getting so big. You will be 4 before we know it!

Andrew: (pulling up his t-shirt) Look Momma...my boobs are getting bigger too!!!

Mommy: Uh well...uh...(insert LOL)!

Seven Quick Takes Friday...

I hope you're not getting tired of my Friday formula post. Some Fridays are harder than other to come up with seven quick posts.

Here goes...

1. I stayed up later than usual last night...really enjoying a quiet house. I am tired this morning, but it was worth it...NO REGRETS!

2. Remember this?

Well, it now looks like this! Thanks Dad! And the fix was less than $20!

3. I love Craigslist! Especially when I buy something, use it and then re-sell it when I am done with it and MAKE A PROFIT! We sold our futon bed this week for $300. We bought it 3 years ago for $300! We are putting the money towards new beds for Andrew and Brendan. In fact, later today someone is coming by to buy 2 other items I had posted. Another $55 in my pocket and less clutter in my house!

4. We had our last softball ball game on Wednesday night! Yea! Now we only have 6 baseball games to go, hopefully. (not sure about all-stars yet). I am secretly hoping that doesn't work out (shhhhh). We need to be done with the sports for a while. We are going to try one sports camp this summer, but I think that will be all. We don't really have a lot of extra money, and I just don't want to do it. Andrew and Brendan have had their fill of attending practices and games for a while. Fall sports will start before we know it anyway and we will right back in the craziness of the soccer season!

5. We are all going to the Sacramento RiverCats game tonight (our minor league baseball team). Alexander and Matthew's school choir was invited to sing the National Anthem. Also, the 4th grade will be playing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" on the recorders for the 7th inning stretch! The have been practicing acting very hard for tonight. It should be a lot of fun. The school has over 300 seats reserved. Looking forward to just hanging out watching some baseball....and chasing after Brendan of course. I will post pictures over the weekend.

6. If someone would have told me on my wedding day that I would have five kids, I would have thought they were crazy. But, life happens, and God has blessed us with five healthy and wonderful children. And we are DONE! But.....I can't help myself from gazing longingly at the newborns I keep seeing everywhere. I feel like they are taunting me! Life is crazy right now and there are days that I feel like I have lost my true self in motherhood, but in the end, our children, and their children will bring us great joy (I pray). It's a deeply personal decision on how large or small you want your family to be, but I envy the girls who don't chronically live with baby fever. I have a feeling I will till I have grandkids.

7. It’s almost June, school will be out soon and it is my plan to train my kids in proper behavior while Mommy gets some exercise! I need to be able to get quick bits of exercise in while they are home this summer. The new gym we belong to does not have childcare for the bigger kids. I am trying to decide if I can trust the boys and Catherine at home alone while I go for work out!

I have looked into a "Mama Boot Camp" and I am considering starting up. It is held at different times throughout the week, , including Saturdays. It lasts for 16-weeks. It’s held outdoors, rain or shine. I need something new and different to get me back on the exercise wagon!

That's it! Have a blessed weekend!

Crushed by Parental Paperwork...

You know what my most hated parent chore is???

No, it's not laundry. OR cooking 3 meals a day. OR scrubbing the kitchen floor.

It's something so little. Really. But something that I am doing EVERYDAY this time of year.

AND I HATE IT.

What is IT?

Filling out forms and handling the "parental paperwork...

Medical forms.
School forms.
Sports forms.
Camp forms.

Church forms.
Field Trip Permission Slips.

It adds up to a lot of paperwork. That doesn't even take into account my own personal papers. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to stay on top of the never-ending influx of health forms, permission slips, report cards, sign-up sheets, camp forms, registrations, family histories, and emergency contact sheets. And those are just the forms I have to complete and return.

Then there are the read-only materials, the read-and-file materials, the read-and-act-upon materials and the what-in-the-hell-am-I-supposed-to-do-with-this materials. You've got your newsletters, your flyers, your invitations, your reminder sheets and your save-the-dates. And don't forget or misplace the calendars and class lists and team rosters and schedules. Clearly, the promise of a paperless society is nothing but cruel joke.

What I hate most?

ANYTHING that makes me have to write birthdays, and address's, and who would you call in case of emergency names!

WHY?

1. Every time I do this I'm thinking WHY??? Why do they need all this information? Why do you need my emergency contact's address? What would you need to mail them? (I'm thinking it has more to do with money collection?) One jillion phone numbers? Please...just call me at home...chances are I'm there! And didn't I just fill this out last year? Can't you just make a copy? I have no idea what my husband's work address is...it's one of the high schools in Elk Grove. Can I just write that?

2. The second factor that I despise most and which interferes with efficient paper handling is that many of these materials want me to return them with checks — you know, actual money — for fees, deposits and dues. I don't know about you, but our family does quite a bit of financial juggling, so I can't always afford to write a check for monies that aren't technically due for a month or more.

AND last, but for sure not least...

3. x 5!!! My hand! My poor brain!!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

A lot of people have paid the ultimate price for the freedom of our country.

Thank you to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for us.

Thank you to all the families who have had to sacrifice time with a family member so that they could defend this nation.

On this day we honor those who have fallen and those who continue to stand in honor.

God Bless the U.S.A!!

Seven Quick Takes Friday

THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!!!

Take 1:

1. My Mom and Dad are coming for a visit this weekend. No big plans...just hanging out, swimming and BBQing. In fact, because it is Memorial Day Weekend there are no baseball or softball games--YAY! They needed to get a visit in before they leave on their next travel adventure...Greece and Ireland for 3 weeks.

Take 2:
These two are becoming the best of friends and great playmates (well, most of the time)

Take 3:
I think that this year's American Idol finale (and results show) was the best EVER. It was thoroughly entertaining. Even with Bikini Girl and Tatiyana, both of whom I could have done without. Congratulations Kris Allen!!

Take 4:
I just caught wind of this great web-site called SpellingCity.com. I am most defiantly going to use it this summer for the kids to keep up on their spelling practice. I love straightforward sites like this. The site is focused; it does one thing - and it does it VERY well...SPELLING and it's FREE! I am going to come up with weekly spelling lists for the kids. All they will have to do is enter the words into the site and then they can play games with the words and take practice tests and final tests. I figure this way, their "limited" computer time will be well spent.

Take 5:
I have been thinking about putting my blog to "private". For those of you who may not know what that means, you would only be able to access my blog with my permission. I have my reasons, but mainly for the privacy of my children and their safety. Don't get me wrong, I like to share my ups and downs with my life with others and find it interesting when someone stumbles across my blog to read something that we both share an interest with. But sometimes is weirds me out to think random people are knowing such personal things about my family. I will keep you posted on my decision. If and when I decide and you are a reader that would want to keep reading, you will have to leave your email address in the comment area so I can send you an invite to view my blog. I'll let you know.

Take 6:
I just heard that that Old Navy is selling their flip-flops for $1 tomorrow? I just got some, but not for that cheap. They had a 3 or more for $1.65 each deal. Think I might need to head over there tomorrow and check out the selection.

Take 7:
Last Friday Matthew and Alexander had their end-of-the year choir performance at school. Their school tied the performance into our end-of-the year "Family Night". The theme was 50's, so most of songs were from that time period. They boys did great and were two of the more animated and engaged of the group. Here are a few shots from the night...

Mr. Cool and Mr. Cool

Sing it boys!

Matthew and Alexander with Mrs. Seffen's (Zander's teacher)..LOVE HER!

Cutting the rug with Mrs. Seffen's to the song "Summer Nights" from the movie Greece...

Andrew with our school mascot "HUSKY"

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Summer Break: Preparation Is The Key

School is almost out and I have mixed emotions...

I CAN'T WAIT TO:

1. Not pack lunches anymore.
2. Not yell, "Mrs. G IS HERE!" while everyone makes mad dash out the door.
3. Not help with homework, with my numb, fuzzy, exhausted, after-dinner brain.
4. Not worry the night before if I have done enough laundry to be sure everyone has clean clothes for the next day.
5. Not be on a regimented bed-time, morning-time schedule.

BUT STILL: I must have a strategic plan. Or I'll be overrun by the masses and end up crabby, exhausted, and annoyed.

SO, this month, I need to come up with a game plan: some basic rules, a loose schedule, activities I will "pay for, reading lists and some summer chores...along with FUN.

Last summer we spent part of almost everyday doing "school-work" to keep those brains fresh. I will definitely be putting that into practice again this summer.
I know that Andrew needs to practice getting ready for pre-school, so we will be working some more on his letters, numbers, colors and shapes.
I know that Catherine is going to need to be busy (or we just may kill each other). She needs to keep up on her reading and practice her writing. I know she likes projects so I will have to come up with some ideas. I will put her in swim lessons to practice strokes and techniques.
Alexander and Matthew, well I need to search high and low for some good books for them in the off hours because getting them to read just for pleasure...well, that's a tough one. They also need to have "breaks" from Catherine, because after too much time together, they clash constantly.
Brendan...well, the daily schedule will revolve around his nap, and I need to get that set in stone.

In addition, the four oldest are signed up for 1 week of Vacation Bible School. We have 3 day camping trip planned in July. Maybe a weekend trip to Burney Falls with some college friends and their families and a long weekend in Tahoe right before school starts in August.

One rule I AM STRICTLY ENFORCING is LIMITED TV,COMPUTER, and Wii TIME!! I have not come up with what 'LIMITED" means yet, but mark my word...LIMITED!! (I will be limiting my computer/TV use to when the kids are in bed).

I find that cut and dry rules work so much better for me. No arguing, begging, cajoling, wearing-mom-down-by-constant-badgering, fighting among siblings for channels, fighting among siblings because I-was-here-first.

I am just up for a good old-fashioned lemonade, bare feet, PB & J, bike-riding, book reading, hamburger grilling, LOW KEY summer.
Those are my plans, I'm sticking to them!

Way Back "When"esday...

Pregnancy Edition...

September 20, 1998.. 5 days before I delivered Alexander and Matthew (2 months early). Not looking too comfortable in this picture, as I was suffering from a severe ALL OVER BODY ITCH at that very moment (which ended up being one of the reasons I went into pre-term labor). I have next to NO pictures of me being pregnant this time, as I figured I had weeks left to go.


September 10, 2001 (one day before 9/11 and 3 days before Catherine Claire was born. I could never have imagined the emotion that I would go through over the following 24-72 hours following this picture being taken...so many lows and so many highs...but just RAW EMOTION! It was an emotional time to be having a baby!

September 18, 2005... 1 day before I delivered Andrew John. At the time this picture was taken, I was feeling good. I was just hoping I wouldn't be overdue by too long because we were quickly approaching September 25th and I didn't want to have 3 kids with the same birthday (it's hard enough having 4 in the same month, just 2 weeks apart).

August 2, 2007...the morning I went in to be induced. Brendan Sawyer was born that afternoon. At the time this picture was taken, I was so nervous, as i had never been induced. EASY CHEEZY!! Checked in, got the epidural, waited to hit 10 cm. and 1 1/2 pushes later...he was out. If I think about it too much, it makes me want another one (but then I remember they turn into toddlers and the feeling fades VERY FAST!)

(Side note: Obviously I am NOT pregnant in these photos (below). You see, after I wrote up this whole post, I went to upload/scan photos and I realized (after the fact) that all of my pictures from my pregnancy with Brendan are on my old DEAD computer. BUMMER, I never even backed them up, developed them or anything! Sooooo, here are a couple pictures from shortly after Brendan's birth...one just a few hours after and the other is a picture of Catherine, Brendan and I, the day after I had him...just about to go home! Eventually I will (hopefully) get my old pics off of my old computer and upload the picture I was referring to) Technology...gotta love it!!!

Little Games I Play!

Okay so I must admit that sometimes being a mom gets a little mundane. Cook, laundry, taxi service, clean, cook, laundry, taxi service, clean, cook, laundry, taxi service, clean. You get the idea. Yea I suppose that every once in awhile I get to throw in a volunteering at my kids school or maybe even a trip to the doctors office, but all in all I do the same things over and over and over and over.

So to keep things exciting at my house I like to play little games. The games keep me on my toes and sometimes even involve math so I can actually use my brain.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. How many of my kids will forget their lunch this week?
2. How many candy/snack food wrappers will be in my kids pockets when I do laundry?
3. How many times will I be asked what is for dinner? (You would think that with 5 kids & 1 husband 6 times would be the most but you would be wrong)!(ok, so Brendan can't ask yet, but don't worry the others make up for it!)
4. How many times will I have to yell politely remind my kids to do their homework?
5. How much garbage can be piled on top of an already filled garbage can without it all falling on the floor? (Okay this is more my kids game but it is fun to watch them try to break any standing records)
6. How many empty boxes of cereal can be in the pantry at one given time?
7. How much money will I make doing laundry? (Sometimes it is something more than a penny -- sometimes it is even paper money!)
8. How many days can the garbage cans stay on the street before I yell politely remind whoever's job it is to bring them up and then just do it myself?
9. How many of my husbands socks will I find on the floor today? (Love you honey!!)
10. How much clean laundry will I find in the dirty clothes basket and how much dirty laundry will I find their drawers?

So feel free to borrow any of these game ideas or tweak them to fit your life. Like I said, these games just help me keep life a little more interesting. Don't be jealous!

What Endearing Habits!

Just posting these pictures so that one day I'll laugh at them.
Because I'm not laughing now.
How many times do I have to say....
pick it up, put it back,
leave it the way you found it?
So far it's been:
435,783,001.
Do you think they'll ever get it?

Confirmed!

Yesterday I had the honor of being a Confirmation Sponsor for a family friend. I was so humbled that Brittney chose me as her Sponsor. I take the honor seriously and I will do my best to always show her how I value my faith and I pray that she finds trust in knowing that I am someone who will care about her and her faith development

It was such an awesome celebration. A church filled with so many young people alive in their faith. The Bishop was present, along with our Priests and Deacons. As Brittney and I approached the alter with the other candidates and their sponsors, I thought to myself that this was her first sacrament where her parents didn't carry her or walk along side her. She walked forward on her own, supported by me as her sponsor, into the beginning of her adult faith journey. The symbolism of that moment truly struck me - Brittney’s preparation and personal convictions had led her to that altar and to the special graces of Confirmation. As she was being Confirmed, I placed my hand on her shoulder and said my own prayers for the path that lies ahead for her and her fellow classmates.

It was a beautiful day and the Spirit was most defiantly present! Congratulations Brittney!

Seven Quick Takes Friday...

Happy Friday! Here are some tidbits/thoughts from my week...

-1-

I watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy. I just don't know what to say about it. All I can say for sure (especially without spoiling it for anyone who hasn't watched it) is that I was shocked when I figured out who "John Doe" was just moments before Meredith uttered his name. I promptly gasped and burst into tears. It's going to be a long wait for the new season.Sure, I have a lot more I could say about the episode, but I won't. Because, well, this is quick takes, and I'm still feeling emotional about the whole thing anyway.

-2-

One more TV comment...Am I the only one who finds that screechy thing Adam Lambert does annoying? He really can sing, and he certainly has stage presence, and I’m sure he’s a very nice person, but I just don’t care for that Axel Rose thing. The only performance he did that I enjoyed was the one where he didn’t scream. I’m for Kris Allen, though at this stage it doesn’t really matter; it seems like the people who don’t make it all the way to number one (Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson) do just as well (or better) as the ones who do . For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, I’m referring to American Idol.

-3-

Though I'm not so sure I'm ready to keep my kids busy all summer, I am definitely ready to take a break from being the Homework Nazi. Man, is that getting old! Of course I'll probably turn into the some other kid of nagging Nazi, but they'd be shocked if the nagging ended cold turkey, right?

-4-

This weekend is the graduation for Notre Dame, where the Catholic university will honor our president with a degree and the opportunity to give a commencement speech. Needless to say, I'm deeply disappointed that they've decided to honor him in this way. President Obama is the most stridently pro-abortion president ever, and for a Catholic college to give him an honorary degree does damage to our Church. It implies that we don't mind so much that he's so in favor of abortion. It makes me sad.

-5-

I unfortunately heard of two unexpected deaths of young mothers this week (friends of friends). I knew neither woman, but it still saddened me all the same. The details of their individual circumstances are not important. But hearing of their sudden deaths has been quite a wake-up call for me. I haven been trying to change my focus, being sure that I am living my life with no regrets...immersing myself in motherhood, loving my husband and kissing my kids every single day and letting all those I care for know that I love them!

-6-

Our parish pastor is retiring at the end of June. Father Michael Dillon has been at our parish for 28 years and to say he has a "following" is an understatement. I am filled up with tears just typing this. In fact, including this in my "Quick Takes" post is just not fair to him. I will most definitely dedicate an entire post to him in the near future. We just found out that we'll be getting a new pastor in July. I don't know him (not that it makes much difference). His name is Fr. Stanley Poltorak and he is presently pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Truckee, CA. Change is part of life and one thing I do know is that our parish is going to be greatly effected by this change. But perhaps the biggest change is in store for Fr. Dillon...he retires after 28 years as our esteemed pastor and 48 years as a priest! WOW!

-7-

Softball season is almost over--YEA!! (oh, I didn't say that). Catherine has had fun this season. She pitched her first game this week and did really well. I didn't have my camera with me, so I don't have any pitching pictures to share. But, here are a few from her game last Saturday. GO CATHERINE!

So that's where I am as this week draws to a close. Have a great weekend!

A Square Peg in a Round Hole..

I guess Brendan couldn't find a baseball.

When he wants to play ball, he will find a way!

This was such a hoot to watch.

He spent about 10 minutes trying and trying to get the football to balance.

(plenty of time for me to grab my camera).

Once he got it, he immediately grabbed the bat.

PLAY BALL!!

"I think I can, I think I can!"

"YESSSS!"

"Batter UP!"

"Strike One!"

HOME RUN!!
(or would that be a touchdown???)

Way Back "When"esday...

The "I can't believe they were ever that small " Edition...

September 1998

Alexander

Matthew

Visiting with Alexander

First time holding both boys together...what a feeling that was!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!

You have filled my life with so much love and joy! You are in my thoughts today and I am wishing you a very blessed day.

I am so lucky to have you as my mom.

You are a wonderful mom and I love you for always and forever!

Seven Quick Takes Friday...

It's Friday already! Time for a peak into my week/thoughts...

-1-

I'm excited to do some yardwork this weekend (in between First Communions, baseball and softball)! In my dreams, I fancy myself as a master gardener, enjoying a gorgeous yard with just the right balance of shade and greens and colorful flowers. I'm a long, long way from that. But each year I do one or two little things that I hope moves me in that direction

-2-

The minute we sit down to the table for dinner, Brendan (21 months) immediately grabs for hands to hold in preparation for our pre-meal prayers. I love that! He is also attempting to bless himself which is pretty cute too!

-3-

I am not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I have the honor and privilege of being a Confirmation Sponsor to a lovely young girl, Brittney. She comes from a great family that we know through school, church and our neighborhood. I think she was completely surprised at my reaction when she asked me. I was so excited and it took her a bit off guard. Really, what an honor for me! Her confirmation is in a couple weeks. I pray that God brings me her much joy and that the Holy Spirit touches her life.

-4-

School is out in just over a month! YEA!!

-5-

GO CELTICS!!!

-6-

Allergies---UGHHH! Wind, Wind...GO AWAY!

-7-

The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.

- Saint Therese of Lisieux

Happy Mother's Day weekend to all the wonderful Mom's I know!

Thanks for reading!

Mom vs. Housekeeper vs. Who am I ?

So now that my little Brendan is almost two, he demands much more Mommy time, which means much less ME time for this Mommy. As time speeds by at an eerily fast pace, any stolen minute or second that he is napping or sleeping must be used for the greater good. But how much can one really get done in an hour, hour and a half tops of toddler napping (with another toddler running around who refuses to nap)? It involves some serious choices. Hmmm...should I mop the kitchen floor that has been neglected since...well, hmmm? Let's just say, it's not a pretty, or unsticky sight.
Or should I work on figuring out what I want to do when I grow up (or at least what I can do to make some money)? Has it really been almost two years since I left my oh so glamorous waitress job? By the time I figure all of this out, Brendan will probably be potty training his own kids.
Or...should I just take it easy, watch some Oprah, curl up with a good book, talk with an old friend on the phone, or should I vent about it and thus waste what little time I have left because too much of it was thinking how to spend it, and write a new blog post?
Hmmm...

Way Back "When"esday...

"Will this girl ever grow any hair?"

Edition...

My Godson's/Nephew's First Holy Communion...

We had such a wonderful weekend. My nephew (and our Godson) Nicholas received his First Holy Communion. It was such a beautiful day...well, not the weather so much, but rather the event!

Nicholas looked so handsome and proud. He was chosen as one of the speakers and did a FANTASTIC job. He stood at the ambo, spoke clearly and confidently! The mass was beautiful with some very nice touches from the priest. He gave an excellent homily directed specifically towards the children, but the message resonated even with the adults!!

Kristen and Sonny put on a great after party with delicious food and drinks. As always, my sister and Sonny pull everything together and make all the preparations look effortless!

This was a special day for Nicholas. Mike and I are so proud of our nephew and Godson! He is a very deep little boy who seemed to be quite aware of the beautiful sacrament he received! We love you Nicholas!

How To Prevent Getting The Swine Flu...

My friend Laurie sent this to me. Matthew saw the e-mail and said, "Couldn't you see Brendan doing this?"

"7 Quick Takes Friday"

Man these weeks do fly by! How can it possibly be May 1st? I haven't done my "Quick Takes Friday" in a while. Thought I would give it a shot today.

-1-

What an exciting 1st round NBA playoffs it has been. Actually, I am just referring to the Celtics vs. Bulls because I have not been keeping up on the other teams So, Game 7 is coming up and back in Bean Town!! YEA!! Game 6 had 3 overtimes, the fourth game in this series that has ended in OTs. Even I can admit, the games just can't get much better.

-2-

I will be attending a friends wedding this weekend. Aside from the availability of alcohol and the obvious absence of my kids, I’m not overly excited. This type of thing requires way too much effort going in: buying a gift, finding babysitter (well, not really..we decided Mike would stay home), thinking of an outfit - laundering the outfit - applying superhuman willpower not to buy a new outfit, all this and the whole showering-shaving-make-up thing.

And for a stay-at-home mommy like me, it requires the additional prep of researching and readying myself for adult conversation - or "cocktail talk". I’m a smart girl but somehow I don’t think my fluent Spanish (“C’mon Vominos…”) or shape knowledge will impress the other guests with whom I’ll be mingling. So, in an effort to not look like a complete moron in adult company, I’ve been brushing up on current events. So, this week I’ve put aside the US Weekly in favor of Newsweek.

-3-

Andrew has a thing for sports, especially baseball. He can spend every afternoon in the backyard "butterflying" wiffle balls. He no longer allows us to pitch to him, because he learned he might miss the ball and not get the desired home run. He hits nearly every ball when he pitches to himself and then insists that I yell, "Home run!" and cheer wildly for him.

-4-

My nephew/Godson (Nicholas) will receive is First Holy Communion tomorrow. We will head down to my sister's home in the East Bay tomorrow morning. Nicholas is a awesome kid and our family is so happy to be celebrating this special occasion with him! God Bless you Nicholas!!

-5-

Baseball and softball season are in full swing! We are spending almost 6/7 days at the ball park (between games and practices). Which is fun but makes life hectic. Matthew and Alexander are really enjoying AAA this season and doing well...getting good hits and fielding/pitching/catching well. Catherine is still learning the softball ropes and has been practicing her pitching almost everyday. She hope to make her pitching debut very soon.

-6-

You knew I’d get around to it. Swine flu. What more can be said than has already been rehashed on the news? Well, here’s my take on it. Thirty four thousand people die every year from the regular flu; one hundred have died from the swine flu and of those, only one in the United States who was a baby from Mexico. So. Which flu should we fear?
Pass the Purell please!

-7-

Is Joe Biden for real? Just wondering.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Outstanding!!

Just in time for summer...delicious!! Made it for dinner last night and my family LOVED IT! This is going to be my 2009 Summer Salad. Invite me over...I'll bring it!

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta Vinaigrette

(from Cooking Light 2009)

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups salad and about 1 tablespoon cheese)

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta; about 8 ounces)
2 cups bagged prewashed baby spinach, chopped
1/2 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves
3 tablespoons chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped pitted kalamata olives
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (6-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
3/4 cup (3 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled and divided

Preparation
Cook the orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain; rinse with cold water. Combine orzo, spinach, and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl.
Drain artichokes, reserving marinade. Coarsely chop artichokes, and add artichokes, reserved marinade, and 1/2 cup feta cheese to orzo mixture, tossing gently to coat. Sprinkle each serving with remaining feta cheese

ENJOY!!