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!