Friday, February 18, 2011

TGIF

TGWH (Thank God we're healthy)
TGIW (Thank God it's warm...75 to be exact)
TGIS (Thank God it's sunny)
and last but not least...
TGIF  (Thank God it's Friday!)

{I pulled into my parking space at preschool, turned around to tell them something, and saw these two monkeys holding hands. so glad I had my little camera in my purse...makes all the fighting worth it}

Thursday, February 17, 2011

happy

Sometimes Matthew thinks I am nuts because it takes very, very little to make me pretty happy. For instance, he brought home a bag of chocolates last week and I was over the moon (it was unexpected and completely thoughtful). When Dunkin' Donuts gave me a large coffee for the price of a small and told me it was their mistake, I was delighted. Dunkin' Donuts makes me happy. Period. Other things I really love are seeing the girls having such fun together.
 It was my wish from the beginning that they would have strong sibling bonds and little glimpses like these into their world give me hope that my wish is coming true. 


Kid art work makes me completely giddy and the latest installment that came home from preschool the other day made me happy. I think Emma Kate nailed it on the head....that IS Sam! This is going into a frame and will never leave. 
I am happy when our Netflix DVDs come in the mail (we are on a Big Love kick right now and I will be in mourning when the series is over). Clean, organized houses and folded laundry make me happy (doing the work to get there doesn't). Flavored coffee creamer, stacks of coupons at the register, clean children, new recipes that turn out, Hershey Kisses with cherry cordial liquid inside, fabric softener, getting new make-up, clorox wipes, and coffee dates with friends also makes me very, very happy (did I mention Dunkin' Donuts really does it for me?). What makes you happy? 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Cheeseburger Soup for Soup-a-Palooza

Come join Soup-a-Palooza at TidyMom and Dine and Dish sponsored by Bush’s BeansHip HostessPillsbury and Westminster Crackers” 

My entry for the Soup-a-Palooza is a recipe adapted from Matthew's family, Cheeseburger Soup. When we got married, the ladies in Matthew's family made a WONDERFUL cookbook for us and we rate almost every recipe a '10', this one included (Julie just started her own blog with all of her family's favorite recipes) We LOVE it (yes, all 5 of us!). It makes enough for us to eat two dinners in a row, which I especially love.  

Caroline was kind enough to help me in the kitchen. 
Ingridients:
(you know I love Pioneer Woman and that love makes me want to call this picture my "cast of characters")
1/2 pound ground chuck
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon dried basil
4 tablespoons butter, divided

3 cups chicken broth
4 cups diced, peeled potatoes
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 pound Velveeta
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup sour cream (if 1/2 cup makes you happy, do it)
1.  Brown your beef


 2. Once beef is cooked, drain it and return it to the pan. Add your veggies and saute until they become almost tender.

 3. Stir it up
 4. Add your basil, salt, pepper, and if you didn't have an onion (like me) you can add some onion powder.
 5. stir it up
 6. add broth
 7. stir it up
 8. and potatoes
 9. bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, put a lid on it and let simmer until potatoes are tender (10-12 minutes) 
meanwhile, get your roux on 
 10. in a small saucepan, melt your butter and add your flour. whisk.
 11. cook until bubbly and the color darkens a bit
 add your milk and whisk
 cook until thickend, about two minutes.
 12. add your thickened milk mixture to your soup
 13. once your soup is thicker and warmed through, add your cheese.
 14. when you are ready to serve, turn heat off, look adorable, and add your sour cream.
enjoy!


although before Matthew's family I had never seen this recipe, when I told Kristen (from dine and dish) the title of the soup I was using, she asked if it was anything like this. Not only that, but she is from Kansas too!

My Funny Valentine

I had so many intentions for this Valentine's Day. The kids are really into holidays and get so excited about all the little things. I intended on writing a sappy post about my Valentine Matthew and how grateful I am that he IS my Valentine. I intended on making sugar cookies that look like giant conversation hearts (made them last year and LOVED them). I also intended on making red velvet cupcakes for after dinner. I wanted to have a nice, clean house for when Matthew got home from work. I had hoped to have a wonderful evening with my four favorite people, but you know what they say, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. I have a sinus infection and was lucky that I had the energy to brush my teeth. Red velvet cupcakes didn't happen. A nice, clean house didn't happen. Laundry, an empty dishwasher, and sugar cookies didn't happen. 










but a nice evening with my four favorite people still happend!
While the kids were away with Doc and M this weekend, Matthew and I played cupid by getting a few treats for the kids. After dinner, baths, and a picking up toys, we gave the kids their treats along with the cards from Gigi and Gramps (thanks guys! the kids are ready to go to Target!).  Love those sweet, smiling faces. 

Sunday, February 13, 2011

A Friend Indeed

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to land a job teaching at a wonderful school where I met some great people. One of my dearest friends, Katharine, was right across the hall. She was cute and spunky, enthusiastic and fashionable. Sever years later, she still is. I am thrilled that we are on the motherhood journey together and now (finally!) she has begun the blogging journey (everything is better when done with a friend!). She just got started but already she has set up a pretty cute place to hang out...go for a visit!

Friday, February 11, 2011

normal

this is a snapshot of what normal looks like in our home






and I love it

good snow

there is a BIG difference between GOOD snow and BAD snow...yesterday we had GOOD snow.
 it didn't delay or cancel preschool
 it lightly coated everything with a slight dusting and looked beautiful as it fell
 got the kids excited
 didn't make a mess on the roads or cause any accidents (that I am aware of)
and was gone by noon
THAT is GOOD snow