“For the past two years, this time of the year has been dedicated to Mardi Gras court activities,” Vanessa Jones shared about her daughters. “Savannah (13) and Miley (12) are Heiress and Princess of a 2025 Mardi Gras Court this season. They enjoy reigning and attending balls, coronation, and parades.”
Mardi Gras is a favorite season for these Jones girls. The hustle and bustle are fun for them, and all the activities involve all of their family members.
“Family brings us the most joy during this season and in every season,” shared Vanessa. “We have a very close-knit family, and we attend most events together. We look forward to being together, their camaraderie and support.”
Vanessa is a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and works as a clinical provider for the Veteran Administration in Mobile. She loves nursing and caring for underserved populations.
Along with her passion for serving others, Vanessa values education, exposure, culture, and networking. She works diligently to instill these values into her daughters, as well.
Her girls attend Denton Magnet School and are very active in service and mentoring organizations, including the Mobile Chapter of Jack and Jill, 100 Black Men’s Epic Academy, Denton Cheer, National Junior Honor Society, Denton News, Denton Yearbook, Denton Ambassador’s, ACES, Robotics, History Club and Christian Club. Savannah will also be competing in the 2025 Miss Juneteenth Pageant.
“The core values I love and try to foster in my children are for first loving and serving Jesus Christ in everything they do, then giving back to the community and making a legacy for themselves,” Vanessa said. “They love being involved and doing all of the things.”
Despite their full schedules, the Joneses are still able to eat a meal together around the kitchen table most nights.
“Dinner time is a time where we spend together preparing meals and talking about our day and upcoming plans and events,” Vanessa shared. “We cook together, and the girls take turns prepping the table and drinks.”
Vanessa decided to share a favorite seasonal meal with MBP readers this month. She calls it The Jones Mardi Gras Pasta, and it is her own copycat recipe for a favorite pasta dish from a seafood restaurant she has eaten at in Louisiana.
“I chose this recipe because we love Mardi Gras, and it is a quick and easy meal. It can be made from start to finish in about 20 minutes,” she said.
At the close of the Mardi Gras season, Vanessa and her family turn their attention toward Easter and the resurrection celebration of Jesus. They truly look forward to Spring and all the beautiful, blooming flowers and more daylight to enjoy.
The Jones Mardi Gras Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. of penne pasta
- 12 ounces of Andouille Sausage
- 1 lb. of chicken
- 1 tsp of butter
- 1/4 of a yellow, green, and red bell pepper
- 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tsp of minced garlic
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- ½ cup of milk
- ½ cup of chicken stock
- Garnish with green onion or parsley
Directions:
1) Boil your penne pasta to al dente; drain and set aside.
2) While pasta is cooking, sauté 12 ounces of andouille sausage and set aside. Using the same pan, sauté chicken and set aside.
3) Next, make the sauce in the same pan the sausage and chicken were cooked in. Melt butter and cream cheese together in the pan.
4) Add bell pepper, Rotel, Cajun seasoning, Black pepper, 2 tsp of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of chicken stock.
5) Add pasta in and let the flavors marry together.
6) Garnish with green onion or parsley.
Author: Gabriele Jones
Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.
