Monday Funday.

I take my camera everywhere.

It doesn't bother me that I'm made fun of 90% of the time.

I have 75,000++ pictures to remind me of my blessings.

I don't want to miss a single moment of documenting my kiddos growth.

And I often harass them and take photos of them in our own home.

All.

The.

Time.

Today was Monday.

I needed to break it up with photos.

What is more cute than kiddos with only underoos and bright white sheets?

These were not easy to capture.

It is getting harder and harder.

There may have been a lot of "too close to the edge of the bed Anna" moments.

and

"watch where your feet are Andrew" reminders.

GULP.

Happy Monday.

Here is to a fun Tues, Wed, Thurs as well!

Harvest.

Total Bliss.

Truly 'the most wonderful time of the year'!

Harvest season is not a holiday for my family.

It is a way of life.

So grateful.

Dear Weekend...

Thank you.

We wish you would last a lot longer.

But thank you.

Cool BEAN!

Pretty much the coolest kid in town?!
Only THREE for a few more week. WHAAAAA!

I hear him pulling out phrases like "what's up with that?!" and "when I was a little boy…"
He puts Lego together at lightening speed (his Dad can't quite keep up) and he can tell you the way a garbage truck and John Deere combine use hydraulics.  Good grief!

Seriously buddy, SLOW DOWN on the maturity thing.

Le sigh!

I love every tiny, skinny, crazy bit of him.  Even when he's a stinker.

Sunday strolling.

The BLUEST of skies I've seen in a very long time.
Fall has arrived (after an epic week of snow… in SEPTEMBER!!)
We took advantage of the sunshine and pathways.

Seriously dramatic skies!

Friday Favorite!

My Dad.
And his some of his grandkids…. (minus Anna who was snoozing).
Healthy, happy, smiling… what else can we ask for.

TGIF!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I have been looking for an easy tortilla soup recipe for a long time.  THIS is the one, FINALLY!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
½ cup chicken or beef broth
2 cups milk
1 medium can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large can diced Tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn
½ cup onion, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 bell pepper, diced small
1 can Enchilada sauce or Homemade Enchilada Sauce (see below)
2 whole chicken breasts
1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack (or cheddar) cheese

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Stir in flour and keep stirring until smooth and bubbly. Watch this closely as it can scorch or clump easily.
3. Remove mixture from heat and add the chicken broth and ½ cup of the milk, a little at a time, stirring continuously to keep smooth.
4. Return to heat and bring sauce to an easy boil while stirring constantly, until it thickens and remove from heat.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce and chicken/beef broth mixture . Gradually whisk in remaining milk until smooth and then set aside.
6. In a large stew pot, combine beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, salt, and bell pepper.
7. Chop chicken breasts into cubes and sauté.  Add to the pot mixture and add sauce.
8. Cover and then cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
9. Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and/or tortilla chips (strips) and serve.
   ** to make this spicy add your own hot sauce or chili peppers** 
   Serve with cornbread (because everything is good with cornbread).  SO YUMMY!
   Thank you to The Idea Room for a version of this recipe! So many amazing cooking ideas on this site, please check it out!!

September 9, 2014

Oh hey WINTER!
Ya big jerk.

Thanks for coming out.
Didn't get the memo you aren't welcome until after Nov 25?!
OBVIOUSLY NOT...

Despite my anger towards the cold season,  little man was pumped.
He wastes no time.  I'll give him points for being productive.

Mess? What mess?

We've introduced so many new foods these past few days.  

She eats well.

She makes messes even better.

Baby girl is a go-getter.  I'm pretty proud of that!

CANNONBALL!!

He has mad skillz like his Dad!

Put a life jacket on the Bean and he will pretty much launch himself into the pool at any angle.  YIKES! (all jumps are supervised).

More important he feels safe and comfy in the water.  Such an important life skill.

Here is a cannonball/roller competition from this morning.
We are loving our time in Kelowna… this 4th annual Family trip is AWESOME!
Like Father like son.

CANNONBALL!!!!!

and repeat...