Longest Tantrum Ever!

Ok, so maybe 30 minutes isn't that long of a tantrum to some of you - but for us, it was the longest tantrum ever!  Why you may ask?  I almost forget - but then I remember.  Noah and Andy were outside while Noah rode around in his little car, Andy made him come inside for dinner-and the rest is history.   The funny thing is...about halfway through his tantrum I look over at him and ask Andy, "Did you put those boots on him?" to which he replied "Nope!" haha.  Looks like Noah decided to put on Andy's boots mid tantrum.  It was a pretty comical site!

I know I mentioned the other day about how Noah has been taking his shorts off multiple times a day.  I think its one pair in particular, because they are so easy to slip on and off.  I didn't encourage or help him put them on his head - he was literally running around like this.  He definitely keeps me laughing!

Mushroom Soup!

So I have been a little delinquent in sharing our weekly recipes.  I have been taking pictures and trying new things, I just fail to post them!  So I thought I would share this recipe - because we LOVED it.  If you aren't a fan of mushrooms then you can just skip this post all together...but if you are a fan, read a head.  Trust me - you will love it. 

I have become a HUGE fan of The Pioneer Woman.  Especially all of her recipes.  Let's be honest, that's really the only thing I've looked at.  But everything I've made off of her website has been delish!  And this soup was no exception.  You will have to forgive me for the lousy photo.  I am obviously not a photographer by trade, but I hate making recipes when I don't know what the finished product is supposed to look like! 

You can find the original recipe on The Pioneer Woman's website here - or just read below.

The Mushroom Soup

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 whole Small Carrot, Finely Minced
1 whole Celery Stalk, Finely Minced
1 Tablespoon Garlic, Crushed And Minced
1 pound White Mushrooms, Sliced Thin
4 ounces, fluid Chablis White Wine (*Note I used Chicken Broth in place of the wine)
4 ounces, fluid Tomato Juice
4 ounces, fluid Chicken Broth
1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Grated
1 teaspoon Cornstarch
¼ cups Water
1 pinch Salt And Pepper, to taste

Preparation Instructions
Heat oil, over medium heat, in a large deep pot.


Mince the carrot and celery nice and fine. Too big and the soup will end up chunky. Toss into the pot and allow them to soften while you slice the mushrooms. (Please remember to clean the mushrooms first. You probably already knew that … I’m just sayin’.) Next, add your garlic, right as the carrots and celery start to cook down.  Add the mushrooms to the pot and allow them to reduce and soften. Pour in the Chablis, and let it cook with the mushrooms for a few minutes.

Add the tomato juice, and the chicken broth. Allow it to boil for about 5 minutes before adding the heavy whipping cream, and bring to a soft boil.

Grate Parmesan and add it to the pot. Let this cook for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and blended with the soup. Add the cornstarch to 1/4 cup of water, then pour into the soup.  Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes or so, until thickened. Salt and pepper the soup to your own tastes.

SO YUMMY!  I also made some of these bread sticks to have along with it, they are super simple and quick to make.  It was the perfect combo!

Some of my other favorite Pioneer Woman recipes:
Mini Meatball Sandwiches
Beef and Bean Burritos

New Ride

Noah was gifted this sweet ride from some friends of ours.  Lets just say that we have to hide it sometimes, otherwise he wouldn't get out of it!

He loves anything with a steering wheel.  He also loves anything that is sharp - but we will leave that for another post.  ha.   It also seems that Noah's pants may be a little too big - one second he has them on, and the next second they are on the floor.  He is pretty talented to get them off so quickly!

Let's hope he grows out of this phase quickly!

'I'll Lend You A Child'

I never thought I would say it so soon, but I am eating my words.  I MISS IDAHO! Especially right now.  It's hard being so far away from family, and this week has been a long one.  Almost like 4 weeks rolled into one...

I first want to say THANK you to all of those who offered their thoughts and prayers in behalf of my brother Mike and his wife Megan.  I have a firm testimony in the power of prayer, and that simple gesture means so much to me.  I also want to apologize to any of those who may have called me, to whom I didn't call back.  Sometimes talking about things on the phone can be difficult - but please know that your messages were received and greatly appreciated.   Your thoughts mean so much. 

I have realized that in moments of despair, or tragedy - even if may not be personally your own,  you really gain a sense of love and friendship.  What I mean is...many who don't know my brother or his wife offered their thoughts and prayers.  Friends I haven't spoken to in some time offered theirs as well.  It's amazing how the experience of others can touch you - how your love for someone can almost cause you to feel what they feel..in a small degree.  Please just know of my thanks to you.  I have wonderful friends and family - and I am so grateful. 

I have been thinking a lot this week about the value of life.  Although I never met little Carter personally - he touched my life, and has caused me to really evaluate things that are important to me.  I found this poem earlier this week and thought it shared a special message of how precious a life is....

I'll Lend You A Child

by Edgar Guest

"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine," He said.

For you to love - while he lives

And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years

Or twenty-two or three,

But will you, till I call him back,

Take care or him for Me?

He'll bring his smiles to gladden you,

And should this stay be brief

You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn.

I've looked this world over

In search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crowd

Life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love,

Nor count the labor vain,

Nor hate Me when I come to call to

Take him back again?"

I fancied that I heard then say,

"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,

For all the joy Thy child shall bring,

The risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness,

We'll love him while we may,

And for the happiness we've known

Forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him

Much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that come

And try to understand."

The Lord has a plan for each of us.  Some of our lives will be lengthy, some will be brief.  But regardless - I am very grateful for the things I am learning.  Learning from my own experiences and trials, and also from the experiences and trials of others.  I certainly hope I can live my life, so that when my time comes - I have touched peoples lives the way mine has been touched.

Heavy Heart

Yesterday was awful. Horrible. Heartbreaking. Agonizing.  I hope you will forgive me, for my heart is heavy. Last night we lost a very special member of our family.  My brother Michael and his sweet wife Megan lost their two week old baby boy.  My heart aches for them, and for that sweet baby.  Any prayers in their behalf are so very much appreciated. 

All I can do, is hope and pray for good things to come.
All my love to Mike and Megan. All my prayers, always.

Forgiveness

I am not exactly sure how to introduce or even share my feelings about this video.  I can say that I cried (many tears) through the whole thing.  The message makes me especially grateful for several things - 1) My Savior, Jesus Christ  2) My family and 3) My trials.  I hope it moves you as much as it did me.

A Day In The Life....

The more we live here in the middle of no where, the more I realize how little there is to do.  But we make do and try to entertain ourselves with things like...miniature golf...

It was really hot on Saturday, but we were bored - and decided to take Noah miniature golfing.  Thankfully there wasn't anyone there but us and one other small group.  So we pretty much had the place to ourselves.  Noah wasn't exactly sure what was happening - but I think he enjoyed it! 

Good times.  I am sure we will take this adventure again, when Noah is a little more focused on the game instead of trying to throw his ball in the water.  In case you were wondering, yes...that hat he is wearing is WAY to big for him.  It's one of Andy's old West Point hats but Noah likes wearing it.  Cute?  I think so!

Noah has also been in a 'climb on everything' phase.  Coffee table, kitchen table, toy chest, couch.  He loves it all.  He also loves to sit on the kitchen counter, but of course that only happens when mom or dad are standing by him.  And that can become quite boring for me. 

The other day I caught him in this little pickle.  He wanted to get on one of the kitchen chairs, but non of them were pulled out far enough.  Anyway, he decided he would try climbing on one anyway, and ended up getting himself stuck.

I know it sounds mean that I took pictures, but I did help him out, I promise.  He is resilient - and this little incident certainly hasn't kept him from trying again! 

Noah Loves...

This post is dedicated to just a few of the things Noah loves...

1)  Eating grapes by the handful.  He could seriously live off of them if I would allow it.

2) Throwing snacks on the floor so he can eat them off the floor.  Strange, but true.

3) Playing with silverware...if he had his way it would be the knives - but I kindly give him spoons only. 

4) Carrying his little green chair around.  Everywhere.

5) Dancing.  I have tried numerous times to get his oh-so-sweet dance moves on video.  But apparently he is camera shy. 
6) Pulling everything out of the cupboards...bowls, pitchers, pots, pans, lids, rice, cheese grater, Tupperware, canned food...everything.

7) Unfolding my nicely folded laundry.

8) Stealing the remote from his Dad.

9)  Ripping up tissues.

10)  Hiding in the bathroom.

What a crazy, fun, adventurous, lively, curious, temperamental, hungry, cute, adorable stage!  He keeps me on my toes, and steals all my energy.

* As a side note I want to say CONGRATS to my brother Mike and his wife Megan on the EARLY arrival of their baby boy.  Born this morning after 1am.  2lbs 2oz and only 14 1/2 inches long.  He was about 12 weeks early and we are VERY grateful he is healthy.  We continue to pray for his speedy growth and progress.  We love you guys!

Surprisingly Tasty!

I first saw this recipe on my friend Cari's blog a few months ago.  I have been wanting to try it since then, but kept forgetting about it.  While browsing her recipe blog the other day I ran across it again, and decided this time I was actually going to make it.  Don't be deceived by the ingredients.  We were pleasantly surprised!  These tacos are super tasty, especially with all the fixins!

You can find Cari's original post here...or read below.  Thanks Cari!  We really enjoyed this!

Lentil Tacos

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tea canola oil

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed

1 tea chili powder

1 tea ground cumin

1/2 tea dried oregano

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup salsa

Serve With:

taco shells, tortillas or chips

shredded lettuce

chopped fresh tomato

shredded cheddar cheese

avocado

sour cream

Directions:

In a large nonstick skillet, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender.  Add the lentils, chili powder, cumin and oregano; cook and stir for 1 minute.  Add broth; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.  Uncover, cook for 6-8 minutes or until mixture has thickened.  Mash lentils slightly.

Stir in salsa.  Spoon about 1/4 cup lentil mixture into each taco shell/tortilla.  Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado and sour cream.  Enjoy!

* This was my first experience cooking with lentils.  It was fairly easy, but to be honest I wasn't sure how 'tender' they were supposed to be.  Ours were tender but still had a little bite to them.  They were great though.  Next time I may let them simmer a little longer to get them just a tiny bit softer.  Aside from that minor note, we really enjoyed these (and I just may be having left overs for lunch!).  If you are trying to convince yourself into making them - think about this...lentils are a great source of FIBER and PROTEIN and carry hardly any fat.  That should do it!

Grocery Store Knock-Out

...instead of Beauty School Dropout (in case you didn't catch that).  This week was a great one...but busy at the same time.  We spent a lot of time with friends...dinner, outlet shopping and even a little BBQ.  It was great.  I also took Noah on a grocery shopping trip, which is always an experience (I am sure many of you can relate).    When we were just about finished, with the cart over flowing, Noah decides it would be fun to start throwing frozen vegetables on the floor.  He was having a good time and people were getting a kick out of his laugh.  I played a long for a minute and then decided that I would move the veggies so he couldn't reach them.   Just as I bend down to grab the last bag off the floor he decided to reach for the canned juice concentrate instead.  Now you can imagine, as I am bending over to grab something off the floor a can of juice comes flying at my head.  OUCH!  I would be lying if I said I didn't have to fight back tears.  It was painful and I immediately made it known to Noah that I wasn't happy.  So I wasn't technically 'knocked-out' but wouldn't that have added to the whole experience?  

This weeks festivities??  Noah officially turns 18 months...thats 1 1/2 years old and I can't believe it!  We may just have to have a little celebration for him...but there probably won't be any grocery shopping.