Well Hello! It's been awhile!!

I'm back!!!! Not that I have many readers.....I hope the few that I have missed me though:-)

Wow....so much has changed in the past few months!! I think I'll just make a list for a quick update.

1. For starters.....I now reside in TEXAS!! WAHOOOO!!!! To say that I'm loving it, is an understatement!

2. I have a job (THANK GOODNESS).....Uncle Sam is NOT very forgiving when it comes to repayment! I work in a small town in east Texas and it's wonderful. I love the demographic I serve and it's nice to actually get paid (it's been a LONG time since that has happened!!).

3. The kids started a Christian school on January 11th....sad day for me but....they are LOviNG IT!! They only go three days a week for 5 hours a day so it's a nice break from mom and dad.

4. Lilli celebrated her SECOND Birthday!! My little girl is soo sweet!! I just love her with every once of my heart:-)

I made this cake!!

5. Kyle's in school at the University of Texas (at Dallas) and he's doing GreAT!!

I'm a bit jealous because he has natural brains!! He's majoring in Political Science/International Security. Who knows where that will lead him....maybe he'll be the governor of Texas one day:-)

Well....there's tons more but instead of trying to catch up, I think I'll just start blogging regularly again!!

Here's a few pictures of my SwEEt FAMILY!!!!

Family Pictures 2009!!

Travis and Heather Taylor are A-MAZ-ING!! We had a blast posing for them....did I say posing? I meant chasing Lilli in every direction possible....and they were still able to get some amazing photos! Thanks to Travis for being hilarious and getting Lilli to smile (which seriously is a TRUE challenge) and Heather for guaranteeing no "prom Pics"....you guys are awesome!! We can't wait to hang out in Illinois!

It's official....

My MoNkEy....is PoTTy TraIneD!!!!

The Best Soup Recipe. Ever!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I've been chasing a good chicken tortilla soup recipe for years now! I have finally perfected it (after many failed attempts) and it's SO DARN GOOD, I have to share it with others!!


Ingredients:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (shredded)
1 can sweet corn
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
15 oz. Swanson Chicken Broth
2 1/2 TBS minced garlic
2 1/2 TBS Chili Seasoning (I like the McCormick)
1 tsp Cumin
1 TBS Lime Juice
1 TBS Olive Oil

Saute the olive oil and minced garlic for about a minute and then add....EVERYTHING!! No need to drain the corn or tomatoes....the juices make it even better! You can add more or less chicken broth depending on the consistancy you want it. Bring to boil and let it simmer for at least an hour. Serve with 2% shredded cheese, lowfat sour cream and saltines.

This is an easy, yummy, HEALTHY meal for the whole family!! My kids absolutely LOVED it....even Mr. Picky Mason! Kyle said it was a hit as well!! I'll definitely add this to my 20 rotating meals that I prepare over and over again! (I'm always looking for good recipe's by the way!)

ENJOY!!

Hilarious quotes from my sweet hubby!

So this is what I hear while folding the clothes yesterday afternoon.

Kyle: Come on buddy lets go pee-pee
Mason: Okay daddy
Kyle: Okay, now take out your pee-pee

(a few seconds pass....)
Kyle: NO MASON, not my pee-pee, yours!
Mason: Oh, sowwy daddy

HAHAHAHAHA....this just cracks me up everytime I think about it!

Mason is SOOOO CLOSE to being potty trained!! We're SO EXCITED!!!!

Two movies and a whole lot of EXCITEMENT!!

It's JUNE....that means one month closer to.....

HARRY POTTER and the Half Blood Prince

***************AND*******************

NEW MOON

Here are the trailors....just so all you book lovers can share my excitement!!

July 17, 2009 - Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince



I'm so excited!! I remember reading the sixth book when I first moved to Oregon. My house was in disarray as we were moving in and I couldn't put it down!!

November 20, 2009 - New Moon



I CAN'T WAIT!! Stephenie Meyer is a genius!!

Introducing: Dr. Lindsey Alexander

It's been a long haul....I'm ready to spend the next few months with my munchkins and enjoy tons of books that are not even remotely eyeball related!! Then it'll be off to Texas for work! (unfortunately the loans are calling!).

It's been long but SO MUCH FUN!! Putting aside the sleepless nights, long hours of studying, and STRESS....I've had the time of my life! I gave birth to my two sweet babies and I've met people who have changed my life! Thank you to all those who helped me along the way!!!! One in particular deserves to be mentioned on here.....not only did she keep my hair in check, but she coached me through BOTH my labors, watched (and helped raise!) my children and was ALWAYS there for me to cry/laugh/hug/be silly with!! Michelle Lambson you're the best!! I just love you and your family to pieces!

Yay for Graduation!!