Monday, December 20, 2010

Southwestern White Chili

This was a hit at Emma Jane's birthday. It is so quick and easy, and people always go back for 2nds!



Southwestern White Chili





2 tbsp. Zesty Italian dressing

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces

1 small onion, chopped

2 (15 oz) cans white beans (I used Bush's Great Northern Beans)

1 (14.5 oz ) can fat-free reduced sodium chicken broth

1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies, undrained

1 tsp. ground cumin

Toppings: shredded cheese, cilantro, tortilla chips

Heat the dressing in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion, and saute until the chicken is cooked. Stir in beans, broth, chilies, cumin, and bring to a boil. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.

Serve over tortilla chips and top with cheese and cilantro.

Ta-dah!!! Yummy dinner in no time at all! :)

Monday, December 6, 2010

I Believe it was My Great Grandfather who said, "Your Bladder is Behind Your Eyes"

Okay... These pregnancy hormones are turning me into a total sap. Examples below.

1. Clark went to work today--a totally normal occurrance. As he was backing out of the driveway, I got teary and thought of all the wonderful ways he took care of me this weekend and what a fabulous daddy he is and how blessed Emma and I are to have him, etc. etc. etc., and I got all teary. I told Emma, "Let's pray for Daddy," and I led Emma in a choked up prayer about her wonderful daddy.

P.S.: He is coming home today... normal time... I'm just crazy.

2. As Emma Jane was eating her vegetable soup for lunch, she decided to be brave and try the carrots and potatoes, normally completely avoided. She said, "YUM! Like it!" and kept eating them, and my eyes got all watery, and I thought I was going to cry because I was so proud.

?!?!?! It was carrots. Really, Katelyn?

3. Naptime arrived. I took Em upstairs and was going to read to her, but she asked for her paci, and she said, "Mommy, rock you?" Normally she just lies down and falls asleep on her own for her naps, but I couldn't resist. My eyes again began to water, and I said, "Of course Mommy will rock you!" She fell asleep within two minutes, but I just kept rocking her and thinking about the fact that I only have 4 more months of just Emma and Mommy time. I know I'm going to like this little squirmy boy living inside of me right now, but I already love Emma Jane SO much. It is hard to fathom loving another equally. Ugh. I'm getting weepy just typing about it!

If I hadn't just finished a stomach bug, I would be scarfing down double stuffed oreos and telling these hormones to suck it up. But, alas, a tender tummy calls for Jello and a day of surrendering to watery eyes. Maybe I can watch Beauty and the Beast and just get all the tears out in one fail swoop.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Messy House, Warm Hearts

Note to self: Never try to force a strong-willed, nearly 2 year old to take a nap when she is really not very tired. Inevitably, frustration will ensue.

Our house feels like it's closing in on me as I am between seasons decorating-wise... I have the tubs out from my fall decor. I keep finding pumpkins and leaves in places I had forgotten about, so I have to keep tossing them in the giant tupperware container. I also have my Christmas tubs out since I have begun to decorate for my favorite time of the year. The mantle is mostly decorated, I have the Nativity up, our 10 foot tree is in place, but the rest of the happy holiday goodness is hidden under red lids in my den, playroom, and closet. I may claim tonight as a "get'er done" kind of night...

Emma has been incredibly cuddly today. She has started leaning against me periodically and just saying, "Miss you." Heart melts. Of course I missed her, too, while I was making my coffee, folding clothes, or starting another load of wash! It makes me really stop and try to give her the attention her little heart craves and deserves. Emma has a friend over this afternoon (they are both napping now-- I'm not just ignoring them to type...), so when they wake up, we are going to make tri-bead ornaments (or so that's the plan). I want to give them both a lot of love and attention... I mean, what could I really be doing that's more important? Getting stuff out of the red Christmas tubs? Nah. We will just go to a room that is not yet closing in on me and ignore the mess until little hearts are sleeping this evening. Thank you, God, that you have given me the privilege of being hugged and missed by a curly-headed two year old.