Robin's Nest

Rebecca's Preschool Graduation

2010-05-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

Last night Rebecca graduated from preschool. I remember two years ago taking her to preschool for the first time. I can't believe she will start kindergarten in a few months. Rebecca had a wonderful teacher (Ms Teressa) and I hope she will continue teaching so Benjamin can also go to her preschool. Rebecca worked hard memorizing her part and had a fun time with her friends.

Rebecca getting ready for the Smart Cookie Preschool Presentation

A little nervous
Benjamin came to support his sister

Daddy arrived just in time

We've learned so much, and had such fun

Showing what we know.

Now it's time to say goodbye
We hope you've liked out show

Rebecca saying her part.

Rebecca graduation walk.

Receiving her diploma Rebecca the graduate!!! take one take two Rebecca and her friend Jess. Grandma Dansie, Rebecca, Daddy and Benjamin Rebecca and Ms Teressa

Rebecca has learned so much during her two years in preschool and I know her teacher has worked very hard with her. It will be sad not seeing Ms Teresa twice a week for preschool but we are happy that we get to see her at church on Sunday.

2009 Thanksgiving

2010-01-31T08:40:00.000-08:00

(I am really behind)

Thanksgiving, in 2009, found us moving the remainder of our possessions into our new house. Chad and I are really excited to have bought this house and it fits our family perfectly. The kids get their own rooms and lots of play area. The backyard is fenced in and I can't wait for the snow to melt and they can go out and play. (Right now the snow is covering our brown grass.) When spring comes I am excited to plant some flowers and fix the yard up.

Benjamin's 2nd Birthday

2010-01-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

For Benjamin's 2nd Birthday (11/16/09) we decided to go to Chuk e Cheese-were a kid can be a kid. It had been a crazy day and week so we were excited to sit down and play together as a family.

Benjamin was excited for some yummy pizza

Let's try this again...How do you like that pizza?

The kids got the keys to the carBenjamin's favorite...future ATV driver

Silly Kids
Benjamin liked the trains he got from his sister. Ready for his construction job with his new crane.

Eating a cupcake is serious business

Finally...A picture of Rebecca and Chuck e Cheese

A Day Off

2009-11-08T19:59:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday Chad did not have to go to work. It was a beautiful day so we first headed off to the park. The kids loved being pushed in the swings, sliding on the slides and running around. Time with Dad it was great.After the park and some errands we were off to the Bean Museum in Provo. I love how kid friendly this museum is. While we were walking around they made an announcement that a tiger head and a lion head would be available to touch. The kids loved it.

"Can I feed my brother to the lion or tiger?"

"Check Please"
This bear was huge. I couldn't get a full body picture of him.
Benjamin loved touching everything he could and Rebecca kept looking for a panda bear (they don't have one. She was very disappointed.)

Dip Sauce Soup

2009-10-27T03:24:00.000-07:00

My friend Rachel passed on this recipe and I tried it out last night...and.it.is.sooooo.good!!! Rebecca and Benjamin loved it. I gave Rebecca some soup and while I was getting some for Benjamin and me she proceeded to put some sour cream and cheese in her soup. When I sat down she showed me what I was supposed to do and even helped me with the cheese. She then proceeded to "dip" her tortilla chip in the soup and eat it like a dip. She said "mmmmm good dip mom" and named in dip sauce soup.

On to the recipe. Rachel told me how I can make this soup in the crockpot instead of on the stove top. Following is the stove top directions and then after I will tell you how I did it in the crockpot.

Enchilada Soup

saute:
1/2 c. chopped onions
1/4 c. chopped green peppers
1 clove minced garlic

add:
1 can of chicken broth
1 can of beef broth
1 quart tomatoes
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
Bring to a boil and simmer 30 minutes.

add:
3 chicken breasts cooked and shredded
1 can of corn (drained)
1 can of black beans (rinsed)
1 small can of mild enchilada sauce

Bring to a boil and serve. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, crushed tostito chips, and chopped avocado.

The crockpot way is very easy. In the crockpot put in 3 frozen chicken breast. Add the rest of the ingredients. Put the lid on. Turn on low. Six hours later, in the crockpot, shred the chicken with 2 forks and put the lid back on. Now the soup is ready for whenever you are ready to eat.

I hope you enjoy this soup. It is supposed to snow Tuesday and Wednesday so this is a good soup to have around for leftovers.

Trouble Is A Brewing

2009-10-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

Benjamin and Kayman are buddies. Benjamin always gets really excited when I tell him that Kayman is coming over to play. The two boys are just a few weeks apart so they always seem to be on the same page.

How much trouble can we get into with this? Little Angels for now.

We might be able to hide over here?

I hope they stay friends for a long time.

Two New Purchases

2009-10-18T13:53:00.001-07:00

Tuesday night I was taking dishes out of the drying rack (yes I don't have dish washer) and there was a shift in weight distribution and the lid to my crockpot fell to the floor. It shattered on the floor, no gluing it back together. I decided that in the coming days I would have to make a trip to DI and try and find a replacement. Wednesday morning I started to brown beef to make chili (it was a cold and rainy day and chili is so good on a cold, rainy day). I finally remember one problem my crockpot no longer has a lid. I packed the kids in the car and off to Walmart we go. I purchased this crockpot for $25. I wanted to spend $20 but this one has a 7 qt capacity and is oval so I thought an extra $5 wasn't bad. The chili got to cook all day and it was delish.

Saturday morning I was vacuuming up some spilled cereal and the normal morning cleaning when my vacuum quit, just stopped working. Chad tried to fix it. He kept asking me what I was doing when it stopped, my only answer was vacuuming. I checked online and we decided to buy a new vacuum. Also at Walmart I purchased this vacuum for $39. It had wonderful reviews. So far it works great. Very lightweight only problem is the cord isn't as long as my other one. (A side note to this story is that when Chad's dad came to pick us up for dinner we pulled the broken vacuum out, he plugged it in, it works. Just over heated. Now we have two vacuums. Maybe we will need two vacuums soon.)

This is sometimes the only excitement I have during a week.

A Zoo Trip

2009-10-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful Saturday. Chad did not have to work. Off to the zoo we go.

Mama and baby orangutan

Chad, Benjamin and Rebecca (being sassy)
Gorilla
Rebecca and Benjamin measuring up
Mama Elephant and new baby
Chad and Benjamin

I can't get enough of this baby elephant

This is the first time I have seen the Rhino's moving. Whenever we come they are hiding.
Black Bears were moving around also.
Should be through her in...no I think we should keep her.

The Zebras
Rebecca and the Tigers

A Benjamin smile
The new carousel

Chad wanted to see the new baby elephant...check

I wanted to see the baby giraffe...check

Rebecca wanted to see the zebras...check

Benjamin wanted to see the monkeys...check

A fun day together as a family...double check

Rebecca turns 4

2009-07-31T19:21:00.001-07:00

Rebecca turned 4 last Monday. I am so excited to have a 4 year old (see above picture taken on her birthday at the zoo). Rebecca started out small but she has turned into a spitfire. Chad and I are so happy she is part of our family and Benjamin loves having her as a big sister.

4 things about Rebecca:
1~Rebecca loves making new friends and playing with her friends.
2~Rebecca loves playing dress up
3~Rebecca is really good a gymnastics
4~Rebecca gives the best hugs and kisses

2009-07-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

At the splash park yesterday I had two fun comments from opk (other people's kids).

Child 1~Where are your kids? (I am waiting for her to come down the slide so I can help Benjamin down)

Me~My son is right behind you and my daughter is playing right over their.

Child 1~Why do you have a boy?

Me~(Deciding not to give her the facts of life talk) Because that is what heavenly father gave me.

Child 2~What are your children names?

Me~Rebecca and Benjamin.

Child 2~Mine is (I can't remember what he said) my sisters name is Lucy or we call her ornery.

I am starting to wonder what my kids are saying. Hopefully they are not talking to strangers.

Dance Recital take 2

2009-06-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Where is part 1? Is was raining so hard that day that I didn't dare take my camera out. Here are a few pictures from Rebecca's dance recital.

Pre-rain photos. Piggy Wiggly~Tap Dance Rebecca is 4th from the left. (Yes it rained this time also.) Baby Ballerina~Ballet Dance Rebecca is at the end.

Treehouse Museum

2009-06-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Rebecca, Benjamin and I took to the road and traveled to Ogden to go to the Treehouse Museum. It was a free admission day so I thought it was worth the gas money. It was worth that and more. We spent HOURS at this museum. The kids had so much fun. I don't think the picture do it justice because I was having fun also that I wasn't thinking about taking pictures. I also didn't get a picture of all the crafts Rebecca did. This is worth the drive or if you are passing by Ogden and you need a break. The admission price is normally $5 for kids and $4 for adults. Not bad for what you get.

The first room we went to was the train room which Rebecca and Benjamin had a lot fun in. Making new friends.

Rebecca crawling out of the train tunnel. The kids could make it any way they wanted to.
Farmers market and Grandma's Reading Chair
Trying to take a picture on Grandma's Reading Chair...take 1.
take 2
In almost every section they had dress up clothes for the kids to play and pretend in.
Another tea party for Benjamin.
In the corner of the school house.

Benjamin loved this bridge.Water art.
Where are you going?

There you are!!!
Little Red Ridding Hood
Benjamin finding the stuffed animals.
Ring of fun.

One of the art rooms.
Doll House Room
Benjamin excited about the doll house room.
Benjamin's favorite place.

We spent a lot of time building towers.Music Room. making music

The Aquarium

2009-06-04T15:09:00.001-07:00

I took Rebecca and Benjamin to the Aquarium today. They love to run around and look at all the different fishes, play on the boat and try to touch the sting ray's.
Yes, this is my walker Benjamin. He can now turn around and take off in another direction. FUN!!!

This is the type of poses I get from Rebecca now. Such a cutie. I see a handsome guy in this mirror.

I tried to take a picture of Rebecca looking at the jelly fish as they turned pink.

Trying to touch the sting rays.

Reading time (Benjamin got up and got his milk.)

Rebecca and Benjamin loved to play around the coral reef and aquariums. I had to carry Benjamin away from running in and out of the reefs. He could have stayed there all day. They have a new South American hall.

We had a blast. Rebecca and Benjamin loved to look at the different fishes and I loved how they ran around and got tired.

Yellow Brick Road

2009-05-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

This is the first quilt I finished. The pattern in yellow brick road and I made it for my niece Abby (Heidi's daughter). Chad helped me tie the quilt with embroidery thread. I think it turned out really cute. I hope she enjoys it for a long time.

I also made this rag quilt for Abby. Heidi bought the fabric and I put it all together.

Chad makes a good model doesn't he.

First Quilt

2009-05-28T18:56:00.001-07:00

This is the first quilt I pieced together but not the first quilt I ever finished. I pieced it together a few years ago and had it quilted. I just finally did the binding on the quilt to have it compltetly down. Why took so long? Binding actually scares me. I think mostly because half of the binding process is hand sewing and I am not a strong hand sewer. So here is the final product.I have the quilt now on display in my living room on my new quilt rack that I got at a yard sale for $2. Yes $2 what a steal.

Free Smoothie

2009-05-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

Free Smoothies at Orange Julius on June 19th. Click here for your coupon.

Swimming

2009-05-26T12:24:00.001-07:00

This was Rebecca's and Benjamins first swimming time for this summer (this actually happened a few weeks ago but as always I am behind.) Rebecca and Benjamin had so much fun. Yes, Benjamin is very white.

Last Day of Preschool

2009-05-26T12:12:00.001-07:00

Today was Rebecca's last day of Preschool. I am amazed at how much she has learned since starting last September. The other day I was unloading her back pack and I found a worksheet she had done at school and she had written her name at the top. Now one of the c's was an e but I knew what she meant. I had to take some pictures on her last day and compare it to her first day. Next September will come around quick and she will start another year of preschool but we will have fun playing and reviewing during the summer.

Love that Chair

2009-04-29T12:11:00.001-07:00

Benjamin loves his chair. Sometimes I find him in his chair just sitting and smiling. Sometimes I find him in his sisters chair and he is smiling even bigger. Yes he doesn't have any pants on but it was the end of the day.Find a book to read.

Ballet Observation Day

2009-04-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Once a semester, Rebecca's ballet class has an observation day. My batteries ran out during the class but I still got some great shots. My friend continued to take some pictures so stay posted for more (I know you can't wait).

You have to stretch properly before you start.

This is what happens when I come to class.

More Stretching
Concentrate

Rebecca twirling

Rebecca and her friend Jess

My precious daughters ballet feet

More to come...

Tulip Festival 2009

2009-04-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Rebecca, Benjamin and I went to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point today with Chad's mom. We had a wonderful time walking around and admiring all the beautiful flowers. At the gardens they plant over 250,000 bulbs and then dig them up each year. You can buy the bulbs at a sale at the end of May. My tulips haven't blossomed yet so I am very jealous. We spent 3 1/2 hours walking around, enjoying the flowers, playing in the children's garden and having a picnic. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Rebecca smelling the daffodils.Rebecca and Benjamin

Benjamin trying to get away from his sister.

Rebecca rolling down the hill. Rebecca rolling over Benjamin Benjamin isn't sure what to do Rebecca smelling the tulips

Walking with Grandma The Italian Gardens

Benjamin enjoying the flowers.

The Children's Garden (Benjamin's favorite part).

Making Music

Building with Wood...Benjamin cried when he had to leave...takes after his Dad and PopPop

Metal Caterpillar to climb in (we had to let Benjamin take a wooden block to keep him happy)Rocks to run on

A Lighthouse to explore

A Waterfall to enjoy.

Easter Egg Hunts

2009-04-14T06:22:00.001-07:00

Chad and I took Rebecca and Benjamin to two Easter Egg hunts the day before Easter. IFA (Intermountain Farmers Association) and Herriman City. IFA had eggs hidden throughout the store and you were allowed to get 5 eggs each. Some eggs contained slips for free, ducks, chicks or bunnies. Luckily we only got eggs with candy in them. After we got our allotted eggs we walked around the store looking at the animals and gardening supplies.

Next we hit the Herriman City Easter Egg hunt. They have fields sectioned off for specific age groups. The wind was really blowing and we waited patiently for the siren to ring. Rebecca thought the object was to run as fast as she could to the center and twirl around. She was so fun to watch. She finally realized that she needed to start picking up items off the ground.

Can you find Rebecca in the sea of kids?

Happy Green Day!!!

2009-03-19T20:35:00.001-07:00

Sorry this is a little late. I had a hard time getting my card reader to work. We had a fun day filled with green. We spent part of the day at the park enjoying the green trees and grass (well the grass will be green in the summer.) Here are some highlights:

Hill Aerospace Museum

2009-03-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

Rebecca, Benjamin and I went to the Hill Aerospace Museum with my parents a few weeks ago. This museum is just south of Ogden. The museum is free which makes up for the gas you pay for the drive up. But it is still so worth the drive up. The museum has a great website to give you driving information and a background about the museum. http://www.hill.af.mil/library/museum/index.asp There is a lot inside and out. There is enough room inside that your kids can guide themselves and you can still see them. Here are a few pictures from our trip:

A dress made from a parachute

Benjamin ready to go

Rebecca has to get in the picture also Rebecca in front of the time line Rebecca and Pop-pop Benjamin Happy face Benjamin Rebecca under the radio tower

I can't believe how many guns were on this plane Shoot Bier Atomic Bomb Replica Women Mechanics Rebecca listening to some code, future code breaker My mom's favorite exhibit Just Benjamin's size There is a good size exhibit on Women in Aviation

I don't have any pictures of the planes outside but this is a worthwhile trip.

This is why I have a daughter.

2009-03-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

Rebecca came out of her dance class today holding her recital costume. I couldn't wait to see her try it on. The drive home I was deciding how I would do her hair. As Rebecca would say WooHoo.

Birthday Surprise!

2009-03-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

The last week and a half have been stressful and busy but that is for a future blog entry. This past Saturday I left with Benjamin to have his nose deep suctioned out and when we got back we had a wonderful surprise. My brother, Spencer from Thailand, was sitting in our kitchen. (He was in Seattle for business meetings and took the hour and half flight over to visit.) It was so fun to sit down and talk with him. We even talked with his wife Chrissy over Skype. These were the only pictures I got. Our cousin Andrea joined us for some Chinese takeout and we had a lot of fun talking. It was a wonderful surprise and evening.

Go Utes

2009-02-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

Chad got us tickets to go to a University of Utah Gymnastics meet. Chad's parents, the kids and I drove up to Salt Lake and met Chad at one of our favorite eatery: The Bakery.

Everything is delicious at The Bakery but especially the desserts. We all enjoyed some soup and rolls. But the company was the best.Can we have some dessert daddy? Pllleeeaaassseee!

Rebecca got some mini eclairs. She shared with Benjamin.

Chad and I shared a type of Napoleon. I couldn't get my camera out fast enough to take a picture before we both finished it up. More eclairs. The University of Utah gymnastics team is ranked #1. They were competing against Michigan.

Vault

Bars

Go Utes Benjamin enjoyed clapping and doing the wave. Beam

Next generation Utah fans

Floor Routine

It was all amazing.

Pictures for Bill's Fan Club

2009-02-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

My sister sent out this email yesterday and it reminded me of some pictures I had taken a few years ago (before I had a blog) but now I know what to do with them. This is the email:

Dear friends and family and fun club members of Bill - Bill is going to kill me but look below at the e-mail he got from the training director at (his work). They did a survey after the training sessions and look at one of the comments! He-he! Of course I know he's cute!

Bill Fan Club President (after Matthew, that is),
Heidi

Subject
Someone has a crush on Bill Benjaminsen...
So I am going through the comments from the NTM Survey and I run across this comment. Not sure how this helps me to improve training...but perhaps we should have Bill B teach all our sessions!!

19. Bill Benjaminsen is so cute!

Valentine Pictures

2009-02-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

I tried to get a cute valentine photo of the kiddos before Rebecca had school this morning but no luck. Maybe another day.

Benjamin Walking

2009-02-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

Benjamin is learning to walk and he loves his push walker that is an hand me down from his Aunt Kristy (plus Rebecca used it when she was learning to walk.) He is learning how to turn it when he gets to a wall instead of stopping, getting down and bum scooting to his final destination. Last night we added some weight to his walker for some strength training. Wrestler in training.

Rebecca's turn.

Applesauce

2009-02-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Rebecca has been begging me to make applesauce with her. She really likes Syd the Science Kid and they make applesauce in one of its episodes.

Peeling the apples.

Don't eat to many.

Mash! Mash! Mash! Mash! Mash!
Happy Dance afterwards.
Rebecca had a lot of fun. I didn't take a very long time. We had a wonderful dessert for Family Home Evening.

Applesauce

6 cups apples-peeled, cored and chopped

3/4 cup water

1/8 t ground cinnamon

1/8 t ground gloves

1/2 cup white sugar

In a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, water, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in sugar, and simmer 5 more minutes.

Happy New Year

2009-01-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year. The year of the ox. Enjoy some Chinese food today.

General Tsao's Chicken
3/4 cup canned chicken broth, reduced-sodium
2 T cornstarch
2 T sugar
2 T low-sodium soy sauce
1 T white wine vinegar
1/2 t ground ginger
2 t peanut oil
2 medium scallion(s), chopped
2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
1/2 t red pepper flakes, or 1 dried chili pepper, minced
1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cup cooked white rice, kept hot

In a medium bowl, whisk together broth, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar and ginger; set aside
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallions, garlic and pepper and cook 2 minutes. Add chicken and cook until browned all over, about 5 minutes
Add reserved sauce and simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes.
Serve chicken and sauce over rice. Yields about 1 cup of chicken and sauce and 1/2 cup of rice per serving. 2 servings.

Enjoy

Dance Class

2009-01-25T18:27:00.000-08:00

Rebecca started taking a ballet/tap dance class (actually 3 wks ago but this was the first time I was able to take pictures.) Rebecca has two friends in the class and another friend in the class before so their performance will be on the same day. We have a few things to work on but she is really enjoying it and comes home dancing every time.

In class-ballet
tap
The token Benjamin picture.

Gymnastics Performance

2009-01-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

Rebecca had her last class of gymnastics today. Rebecca and her class have been working hard on a routine that they would present to all the parents and guests. Rebecca has really enjoyed gymnastics. She has taken lessons now for 1 1/2 years. We have decided to put her in a dance class but I am sure she will be back taking gymnastics classes soon.

Before class poise.

Being introduced.

The class was split in half and took turns performing on the balance beam and uneven bar.

Rebecca's teacher had taught her a special way to get on the beam. Everyone else used the stairs.DismountBar Routine
I love the tongue hanging out.

Floor Routine Coming up for her award.
One last Ta-Daa
Grandpa Dansie came to watch Rebecca perform.

Baked Ziti

2008-12-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

This is the first dinner I made for Chad when we were dating. All the memories. He still likes it and I still like making it. Instead of making one large pan you can divide the Ziti between two dishes and either give one away or put it in the freezer for up to 2 months. (See make-ahead directions below.)

6 cups Ziti, uncooked
3 cups Spaghetti Sauce, divided
1-3/4 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 egg
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 375 F. Cook pasta according to package directions for 9 minutes; drain. In large bowl, stir together hot past, 1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In 13x9x2-inch baking dish, spoon past mixture; top with remaining 1-1/2 cups sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese; cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

MAKE-AHEAD DIRECTIONS: Prepare recipe as directed, but do not bake. Cover with plastic wrap, then foil. Refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze up to 2 months. Thaw frozen version in refrigerator overnight. Remove plastic wrap; replace foil. Bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to baking time.

Book Review: Austenland by Shannon Hale

2008-12-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

I received this book as a Christmas gift. I finished it a couple of nights ago. This book is really funny starting with the dedication: "For Colin Firth You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends." The humor continues throughout the book. The main character, appropriately named Jane, compares all men to Mr Darcy and has been disappointed each time. Jane is given an opportunity to live in the Jane Austen era for 3 weeks. This book is very funny, an easy read and keeps you interested to the end.

White Christmas

2008-12-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

The weather during the days preceding Christmas was snow and it was no exception on Christmas. Chad spent a lot of the morning and afternoon shoveling. We were not sure if we would be able to drive our driveway hill to get to his parents house. After finishing breakfast and opening our presents Chad's uncle, Rodney, came with the farm tractor and pushed away the snow so we could easily get out.

Chad shoveling out the cars and dog.Some added color to my wreath.
Rodney cleaning our driveway.

Christmas Eve with Santa

2008-12-26T06:51:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve at Chad's parents house. We had a wonderful dinner with ham, potatoes, fruits and vegetables. Afterwards we reenacted the Nativity scene and Rebecca picked out everyone's parts. Rebecca was Mary. Benjamin was Baby Jesus. Chad was Joseph. Grandpa was a Shepherd. Grandma was a Wisewomen. I was the Star. Benjamin enjoyed this all because he could go around in just his white onesie. Right before we got started Chad's brother Mike and his family called so Rebecca (as Mary) entertained us by serving tea. Then Rebecca heard some bells outside and rushed to the door to see Santa Claus. She wouldn't sit on his lap but enjoyed the presents he brought. Benjamin sat on Santa's lap, looked around a few times and then started to cry. Santa brought them matching Christmas PJ's to wear that night (and other nights.) We continued on with a Dansie tradition of fishing. Everyone fished from the couch for a present. The kids loved their cars and we enjoyed the rest of the evening of playing games, watching Christmas moves, eating good food and laughing. Rebecca fell asleep before we got home.

Orange-Cranburry Pull-Apart

2008-12-24T14:40:00.000-08:00

I make these for Christmas morning. Enjoy!!

24 Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold
1 small box non-instant vanilla pudding
1/2 cup sugar
1 orange rind, grated
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Cut rolls in half. Mix pudding, sugar, and orange rind together. Dip rolls in butter and then in pudding mixture. Arrange, alternately with dried cranberries, in large sprayed bundt pan. Pour any leftover butter and pudding mixture over rolls. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until double or even with the top of the pan. (I usually put them in a cold oven overnight.) Remove wrap and bake at 350 F 30-35 minutes.

Cover with foil last 15 minutes of baking. Immediately after baking, invert onto a serving platter. Combine powdered sugar, butter and orange juice. Mix well. Drizzle over pull-aparts.

Hot Chocolate Mix

2008-12-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

This is a great hot chocolate mix that you can save for yourself or package it up for friends. The secret is the mini chocolate chips which melt when you combine with boiling water. Enjoy!!

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/8 teaspoon salt

Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you're ready to package it. Makes about 4 cups of mix.

Temple Square 2008

2008-12-22T07:39:00.000-08:00

Friday night we decided to go to Temple Square in Salt Lake. But first we had to go to our favorite spot, The Bakery. Chad met us there after work for some hot soup, bread, salads and sandwiches. We couldn't leave without a treat from the huge selection of desserts. We had gotten a large amount of snow the day before and that day so there wasn't a lot of people at Temple Square for a Friday night. Here are a few pictures from that night.

Rebecca and Benjamin before we put their snow pants on.

Rebecca enjoying the snow.
The nativity outside the visitor center. It was special to hear President Hinckley's voice at the end.

Grandma and Benjamin
Grandma, Grandpa, Rebecca and Benjamin

Grandpa started a snow ball fight with Rebecca and we all joined in. Everyone had a lot of fun. We enjoyed being together at Temple Square and feeling the spirit of Christmas.

Gardner Village Christmas 2008

2008-12-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

I love Gardner Village. It always has great holiday decorations, fun shops to look around and dream and a fun bakery to get a treat at. For Christmas they had their elves on display and this is what we found.

Rebecca is learning how to pose.
Reminded me of Rebecca and her gymnastics.

Yes, Benjamin came along for the ride.

The naughty or nice list.

Rebecca had to keep telling me that she was on the nice list.

Santa's workshop.

Sweet Tooth.My kind of elves, busy sowing.
Fell asleep with all the excitement.

Chili

2008-12-09T15:44:00.000-08:00

Now that it is getting cooler I have started making Chili. Everyone has a favorite recipe. This is the one I have been using lately:

2 pounds ground beef

2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained (or one can of kidney and one can of black)

2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

2 medium onions, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Red pepper flakes to taste

Ground Cumin to taste

Shredded Cheddar cheese

In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add the next eleven ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4 hours. Garnish individual servings with cheese if desired.

I also like to add sour cream and Fritos. I have also used this same recipe in a large pot if I don't have time for the slow cooker.

What is your favorite Chili recipe?

Festival of Trees 2008

2008-12-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

I have never been to the festival of trees before and when my mother in law suggested going I jumped at the opportunity. This is a huge fundraiser for Primary Childrens Hospital were Chad works. In a huge expo hall people donate decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread house etc. They are then sold to the public, some go for tens of thousands. Here are a FEW of my favorites.

Rebecca's favorites

Benjamin's favorites

For my friend Laura: Adoption A Circle of Love

Kids Area

Watching a performance on one of two stages

Getting a Manicure

Face Decorating

Making Reindeer Hat

Show off your stuff

Other Craft Projects

Bubble Magic

Benjamin and Grandpa waited patiently

melts ON your mouth, not in you hands

2008-12-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

M&M's anyone

Book Find

2008-11-19T06:49:00.000-08:00

I found a great book that has helped us during the cold, snowy, rainy days. Cut-Paper Play by Sandi Henry. I got my copy at the library (I guess I will have to return it sometime.) Each activity is labeled Level 1-3. You usually only need construction paper, scissors, and tape/glue.

Rebecca and her frogs.

It gave us an opportunity to talk about frogs. Even though Rebecca still think frogs eat pretzels.

Benjamin helped also.

Do you have a book that has given you ideas for crafts? I would love to find new books and ideas.

Benjamin's First Birthday Party!

2008-11-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

Benjamin had his first birthday party this past Sunday. It was a wonderful day (except for the throwing up at the beginning of the day.) We had Chad's parents over for dinner. We had wonderful food, good conversation and fun with the kids.

Benjamin's 1st Birthday Cake

Not so much fun with the dinner, where is the cake and ice cream.

Three generations of Dansie Boys.

Finally cake!!

Don't touch the candle.

I blew out the candle myself.
Daddy is so proud of me.

It is so much easier to eat when the cake and ice cream are on the tray itself.

Just a little bite.

The plate is good to.

Look mommy how dirty I am.
After a quick both time to open presents. Maybe my sister will help me.
Now I have my own car to chase my sister around with.
Gooooooo Utes.
A perfect life sitting in a dump truck with cars in both hands.
We had a lot of fun. Benjamin and Rebecca are enjoying Benj's new toys.

My VIP Girl

2008-11-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

Rebecca was the VIP in her Preschool last week. I made a poster displaying how wonderful she is which hung in the classroom all week. Rebecca also got to be the teachers helper during that week. Rebecca brought a treat to share with her class.

My Baby Turned 1

2008-11-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

How is it possible that a whole year has gone by. It seems like Benjamin was born yesterday. Chad and I were very excited to have him join our family. He has been all boy from the beginning. Chad is very excited to have another helper. Rebecca truly loves him (besides some bits of jealousy). I can tell they are going to be best buds for a very long time. Benjamin has been my cuddle bug, always giving me the best hugs.

Benjamin Chad Dansie -November 16, 2007

What happens when you have a big sister.

Benjamin always has a smile.

Male vs Female...Trucks vs Barbies

I'm one!!!

We love you Benjamin and you have brought a lot of joy into our lives.

Halloween Time

2008-11-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

I know that Halloween was a week ago but here are our pictures. Rebecca totally understood the trick or treat concept this year. She ran from house to house. Chad was not able to meet up with us until 7 pm but the kids and I had went out at 5:30. We trick or treated for another 30 minutes with Chad (even with a little rain drizzle). Afterwards we went to Grandma and Grandpa's for some more treats. We had a fun night. We ran into some friends and Rebecca was able to go door to door with friends

Benjamin the frog prince and Rebecca the fairy princess.

The only smile I got from Benjamin wearing his hat.

My wings are failing.

Let me show you were your eyes are supposed to go.

A kiss from a princess will turn you into a prince again.

Look What Benjamin Found

2008-10-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

I heard some rustling in the living room and found that Benjamin had gotten into my diaper bag. I will admit that it took me a little longer to check on him because when I did this is what he had found...

The whole lolly fits in my mouth

Everything sticks to my hands.

Please don't take this away from me

2008-10-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Chad was snuggling up with the kids this morning. I thought it was a perfect reflection of the great relationship Chad has with his kids.

He finally had to tell me that this was not a fashion shoot.

Halloween Party #1

2008-10-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Chad's parents took us to a Halloween party given by their ward. Rebecca knew a few people from preschool plus her teach was there. She had fun going from room to room and eating hot dogs with grandma and grandpa.

Fairy Princess Rebecca

You could make your own goody bag

Benjamin wasn't your happiest frog prince

Rebecca loved the face painting

Halloween Cookies

2008-10-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

Rebecca got to make some halloween cookies with her friends Sydney and Jessica. Their mom, Stephanie, had a great recipe for frosting that you just swirl around with your fingers. The girls had a fun time and Benjamin got to spend time with his buddy Kaymen.

Rolling out the dough

Jessica and Rebecca cutting out the halloween cookies!!

Sydney, Jessica and Rebecca getting out the decorations.

Finding the perfect color combination.

Taste tester. Yum!! Yum!!

Napkin please. That was fun. Next cookie

Rebecca's First Field Trip

2008-10-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Rebecca's preschool this week did a segment on City and Country. I got to be a chaperon (am I that old). The class went to a farm to check out country life. A whole 2 minute drive later we were at the farm. The whole experience was put together really well.

Sydney, Gentry, and Rebecca (my group of girls)

Feeding and petting the chickens

Feeding and petting the goats.

Getting the carrots to feed the horse and donkey.

Feeding the donkey.

Rebecca riding a Rosie the horse.

It was a fun outing. They had a dog, Jesse, that just didn't understand why the goats and chickens were in the same pen. The kids got to see were the chickens laid their eggs and got to touch a freshly laid egg. They also got the feed and pet some sheep. Everyone had fun we just had to keep the kids from standing behind the horse.

Gardner Village Halloween 2008

2008-10-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Rebecca, Benjamin and I went to Gardner Village last week with grandam (aka Lolly). I have been so excited to see the witches. They always do a wonderful job decorating. This year they added painted wooden pumpkins which are beautiful. I would love to decorate my yard like this for any holiday.

Rebecca loved touching all the pumpkins. Some were decorated with ribbons. A wonderful touch.

Benjamin was all smiles the whole time.

A witch with chasing cat and mice under her skirt.

Rebecca in front of the pond were you can feed the ducks. Of course Rebecca had to climb on the wall.

Benjamin wasn't afraid of sitting on the hay.

Rebecca's favorite. She kept describing the witch that flew into the silo.

I wish for an adorable, wonderful daughter. I got it!!

Rebecca in front of the twirling witches. We had a lot of fun.

Kid Friendly Halloween Outing

2008-10-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

The family of one of Chad's coworkers puts on a Hunted House for kids. Here are the details.

*Saturday, October 11th

*12 E. Wilson Ave (5590 South State) in Murray

*Dusk (around 7:30)-9:30

*Free but they request a bag of wrapped candy to share

*Dress Warm it's outside

Proper Attire to Feed a Cat

2008-10-10T09:33:00.001-07:00

No wonder the cats name is princess.

Tagged

2008-10-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

This is my first time being tagged since I have started my blog. With a tear in my eye here goes:

8 TV shows I love to watch
Biggest Loser
Law and Order
Good Morning America
So You Think You Can Dance
Ugly Betty
NCIS
Rosemary and Thyme
Matlock

8 places I love to eat
Chipotle
Olive Garden
Cheesecake Factory
Wingers
Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant
DJ's
Cafe Rio
Madeline

8 things that happened yesterday (It was a very uneventful day)
Took Rebecca to preschool
Talked with mortgage brokers
Talked with bank mortgage lenders
Talked with Real Estate agent
Did 5 loads of laundry
Saved Benjamin from his sister
Talked with my Brother on the phone
Snuggled with the kids

8 things I look forward to
Buying a house
Chad finishing school
Benjamin turning one
Talking to friends on the phone
Being at the park with friends
Chad not having any classes next week
My next girls night outing
Having the kids fall pictures taken next month

8 things I love about Fall
The beautiful leaves
Watching the mountains fill up with snow
Watching Rebecca run around outside with friends
Cool air blowing through the house
Pulling out the kids winter clothes
Having picnics outside
Halloween
Thanksgiving

8 things on my wish list
Traveling back east
Traveling to see my brother in Thailand
Chad taking me to Russia
Traveling to Europe
Having my house sparkling clean
Losing all my baby weight
Double Oven
Bungee Jumping (after I complete wish #6)

8 people I'm tagging (I think everyone has been tagged)
Lisa
Heidi
Chrissy
Hilarie
Corinne
Ellen
Vikki
Mom

What to do with the furniture in your yard

2008-10-08T16:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered "What am I going to do with that extra stove and tub I have sitting in my front yard?" Well here are the answers to your decorating problems. Spruce them up with seasonal decorations and no one ever think you are white trash again.

What did she just say?

2008-10-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

Rebecca has said and done some really cute things lately. Her vocabulary is really increasing and her personality is really signing through.

Yesterday I spied her using an end table and lamp for a makeshift library checkout stand. Sounds a all. She got her car and tried to transport all the books home (harder then it looks in real life ;)

Chad and I like to get soda refills. I usually get to run in and get the soda for us and this time I had some money for the drinks. Chad was teasing me about me buying the drinks (like it doesn't all come from the same account.) I came out and told Chad that he had to go in and pay for his drink. He replied that the kids would have to go in and work for his drink. Rebecca's reply, wake up baby.

The other day, again Chad was teasing me and I might have been teasing him back. He responded "you must be right, sweetie." Rebecca joined in with "right, sweetie."

Spaghetti Squash with Sausage and Apples

2008-10-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite fall dish. I have to stop myself from eating the whole pan but it makes great leftovers.

1 Spaghetti squash (whatever size fits your family)
Sausage (I use the Jimmy Dean reduced fat 12 oz but the regular sausage is a bigger size)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1 T butter

Cut spaghetti squash, remove seeds and microwave for 10-20 minutes depending on size. You can do this in the morning and let it cool off. Using a fork remove the "spaghetti" and place in a baking dish. Over medium heat, brown and crumple sausage. Add brown sugar and stir to coat sausage. Add apples. Combine sausage mixture to spaghetti squash in baking dish. Sprinkle extra brown sugar optional. Dot with butter. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove cover for last 5 minutes.

Enjoy!!

Book Review

2008-09-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Check out this book review from my sister-in-law, Corinne, for the book An Exact Replica of a Figment of my Imagination. You can also enter to win a copy of this book. You can also check out her blog but don't be jealous of my super cute niece and nephews. Good Luck!

Scalloped Potatoes

2008-09-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

This recipe is really yummy. Makes great leftovers and can be made in the morning and baked in the evening.

5 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (this is when a mandolin comes in handy)
3 T butter or margarine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2 T mayonnaise
3/4 t salt
1/8 t pepper
Paprika

In a greased 2-1/2-qt baking dish, layer potatoes. In a saucepan, melt the butter; stir in four until smooth. Gradually add broth, mayonnaise, salt and pepper; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thick and bubbly. Pour over potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours or until tender. Or set aside and bake later.

The best 93 cents I have ever spent.

2008-09-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Chad and I couldn't decide what to do last night (Friday). The Salt Lake Valley is getting ready for Halloween. I heard an ad for discount tickets to Thanksgiving Points Cornbelly's corn maze and pumpkin fest. It was good for Friday and Saturday night, tickets 93 cents each. Tickets are normally $10.50! Lets just say I would pay $10.50 for this event but it is even better when you only pay 93 cents. There are a lot of photo op areas already set up. These are the highlights:

* Pumpkin Princess Playground including a inflated castle bouncer, princess carriage and a real pumpkin princess

*Kitty Courtyard which included horse swings, play on trains, tractors and pickup, slides, corn box (with dry corn) play farmer stand and duck races (with rubber duckies).

*Huge Jumping Pillow which had a big and small pillow for all ages and ride on toys.

*Slides everywhere. They had a huge platform that had 5 slides coming off of it. You could get up by the stairs or the web wall.

*Petal Kart Raceway.

*The corn maze was for all the Archie fans you know "Utah's Idol" David Archuleta. There were also smaller mazes for younger ages. But right next to the corn maze was a huge building full of corn for anyone to play in.

*Big Singing Chicken Show.

All in all it was a really fun evening. Next year I hope we can get in for the same deal.

Benjamin's first pow wow!

2008-09-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

He's a boy we can't call it a play date. The other day a friend let me watch two of her kids while she went to the dentist. Her youngest is the same age as Benjamin. They had a lot of fun playing together or with the same toys. A bucket of cars and boys are happy. Benjamin got to see Kaymen crawl around and get some ideas.

Aquarium

2008-09-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today we woke up to cold, rain, wind and blah. What has happened to our summer. I decided that since we are already "on the way" that after Rebecca's gymnastics class we would go to the aquarium. It is a nice quick indoor activity and somehow we are always their during storytime. They have really nice put together exhibits, a boat for the kids to "drive", sting rays to touch and a fun coral reef play area at the end. As we left to go home we walked outside to sunshine.

Guess Whose Feet

2008-09-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

Can you guess the owner of these feet? Scroll down and I will give you a hint.

This is why HE is such a good Daddy!

Lovely paint job Rebecca.

Creamy Italian Chicken

2008-09-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from a girl who used to sit next to me during spinning class. It is really simple. I was telling my sister about it this summer and she had the same recipe but she does it in the crockpot. Here is both ways. Makes great left overs.

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (I use the 1/3 less fat cream cheese)
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of chicken soup, condensed (I use the Healthy Request condensed soup)
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained and optional

Place chicken in 8 x 14 baking dish or crockpot. Combine together salad dressing, cream cheese, soup and optional mushrooms; pour over chicken. The sauce may look very lumping and you are thinking this will not turn out very good but it will. Cover dish with aluminum foil or place lid on corckpot. Cook at 350 for 45-60 minutes or on high for 4-5 hours, do not cook longer.

Enjoy over rice, noodles or potatoes.

The Bean Museum

2008-09-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

Don't be confused this isn't a museum about beans. The Bean museum is a life science museum on the BYU campus. (Rebecca started to chant go Utes as we drove up!) Rebecca, Benjamin and I went with Chad's parents (Boyd and Lolly). I had always heard of this museum but had never gone. Rebecca has been once before. First of all, FREE!!! (Accept for the gas it takes to drive down to Provo.) This museum is huge. It has every animal from the Antelope to the Zebra. Some animals are from the Hogle Zoo (that have past on after many years of entertaining children.) They have a beautiful exhibit of many butterflies placed together to look like one large butterfly. Everything is so well organized. The museum has some very exotic looking animals. There is a nice atmosphere that invites families. There are actually three levels to explore, we found this out when we took the elevator from the third floor to what we thought was the main floor (or the 1st floor). But the 2nd floor is the main floor so we got to explore the 1st floor that had even more exhibits but is probably used mainlyfor classrooms. Rebecca's favorite part was pushing all the buttons and pushing Benjamin in the stroller. Benjamin's favorite part was playing with the velvet ropes that surrounded the exhibits. After we walked around the museum for a few hours we went to the children's room which had drawers and drawers of blocks and lincoln logs and books for children to explore. Everyone was tired, even grandpa!!

Mani and Pedi by Rebecca

2008-09-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

Last night within 30 minutes of going out with some girlfriends, while nursing Benjamin, Rebecca comes over to me and summons be to lift up my feet. She starts to polish my toes. I wanted to say no because I was leaving soon for a girls night out but knew she really wanted to paint my toes. I let her. No one looks at my toes. Well then she preceded to paint my finger nails. I didn't want to remove the polish in front of Rebecca because she was so proud of herself. I left it on and decided to continue on with my night out and I could look down at my nails and see how much my daughter loves me. (Don't laugh at my small toes.)

Princess Kitty

2008-09-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

We welcomed a new member into our family today. Princess Kitty Dansie. Rebecca is totally and completely in love with her new kitty. I promised her we could go out and play with princess as soon as I got Benjamin to sleep. She happily reminded me as soon as I came out of their room. Benjamin also loves princess. He sees her and puts out his hands to grab her hair. Princess is very patient and lets Rebecca hold and play with her (within reason.) What a happy new addition.

Utah State Fair 2008

2008-09-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening we (myself, Chad, Rebecca, Benjamin, and Chad's parents (Boyd and Lolly)) went to the Utah State Fair. Chad and I were reminiscing about how we had brought Rebecca to the fair 3 years ago when she was only a couple of months old. The State Fair is a lot of fun. We stayed for 4 hours and still didn't see everything. Rebecca, Lolly and I did a hands on craft at the Stampin Up table. Rebecca had fun stamping and punching out circles. Rebecca and Chad danced with the "square dancers" and Boyd dreamed of driving a race car. We got close and personal with pigs, cows, goats, bunnies and pigeons. Rebecca got to feed three goats some animal crackers. Chad and I got to compare out garden produce to the award winning vegetables (we could have gotten best in show.) Lolly and I got to go into the Home Arts building and admire all of the quilts and other homemade items. I picked out my favorite quilt and awed at the difficult binding (which is the scariest part of quilting for me.) The rest of the gang had some required funnel cake and gazed at the tiger exhibit. All in all we had a fun time.

1st Day of Preschool

2008-09-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Today was Rebecca's first day of preschool. She has been soooooo excited to start school. After she got dressed she said, "school now mommy." I told her that I had to get dressed also. She thought for a moment and gave me a look of "well if it is necessary." We made it to her preschool and she ran in without looking back: no hug, no I love you, no goodbye. Benjamin and I got home excited to have some one on one time and he decided he needed to take a nap. When we got home, after picking Rebecca up, Rebecca told me "I was a good girl, mommy." She is such a good girl. I am glad she loves school so far.

Madam Secretary

2008-09-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we had a primary activity. Chad helped out at a eagle scout project so I "got" to take the kids with me to the activity. Rebecca had a lot of fun. She loves playing with older kids. Rebecca made a new friend. I asked her what the little girls name was, Rebecca told me Abby (that is her cousins name).

Two of a kind

2008-09-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

Rebecca and Benjamin just love each other very much. I am sure this will not always be the case. The other day I caught some precious pictures of the two.
Same Smirk

A blanket Chad's Aunt Margee made for Benjamin.

First Homework Completed

2008-08-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

Last week Rebecca and I met with her preschool teacher. Mrs Teresa gave Rebecca homework to turn in on her first day next Tuesday. I didn't want Rebecca to get in the habit of doing her homework the night before so we completed the assignment yesterday. I am very proud of her. She is very excited to start school. I don't think it will be that easy for me. This is the first time that during her gymnastic class that I am not with her and I get all chocked up looking at her through the window. Benjamin's benefit is more one on one time with his mommy.

Creamy Black Bean Salsa Chicken

2008-08-28T02:35:00.000-07:00

2 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup salsa
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
1 package taco seasoning*
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated cheese

Place chicken in greased slow cooker. Pour broth, salsa, corn, beans and taco seasoning over chicken. Cover and cook on low heat 6-8 hours or on high heat 3-4 hours. Remove chicken with slotted spoon and place on serving dish. Stir sour cream and cheese into sauce in slow cooker, then pour over chicken. Makes 3-5 servings.

I served this with green beans (from our garden yum), spanish rice and toasted tortillas with melted cheese on top.

*I forgot to buy and thought I had some taco seasoning but I didn't. I made my own by combining chili powder, garlic salt, cumin and ground coriander seed.

Here We Go

2008-08-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

I have succumbed to peer pressure and started a blog. I am not sure what I am doing. I want to show my family and Chad's family our family. I am hoping I can share ideas, recipes and fun with everyone out there in "internet" land.