Turkey & Black Bean Chili

This is one of my most-requested recipes. It is flavorful and full of yummy goodness. 

Turkey & Black Bean Chili

1-2 tbsp olive oil 

1 lb ground turkey 

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 c. carrots, chopped 

2 bell peppers, chopped (I like to use different colors)

2 tbsp chili powder 

2 tsp cumin 

1 jar prepared salsa 

14 oz chicken stock

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 

1 tbsp tomato paste 

Sautee onions & veggies in the olive oil until transparent. Add spices and continue sautéing until spices are fragrant, add the meat. When meat has browned, add all other ingredients and simmer about 30-45 minutes. 

Home Cafe

My kids love to pretend that our house is a restaurant when daddy comes home from work. We have chefs, a hostess and waiters all at his service. Makes dinner making and cleaning up a little more fun.

Earth Day Snickerdoodles

It's Earth Day!

 After church, a nap, and a walk over to our favorite park, we decided that we would treat ourselves to some fun baking for earth day. Pinterest had a few ideas that were adorable, but required more food dye than I really care for. The dark blue and green pieced cupcakes, cakes and rice krispie treats were all gorgeous and bold. Our earth cookie snicker doodles are a bit more subtle and less messy. 

I had tried the snicker doodle recipe from my classic Better Homes & Gardens cookbook several times and always came out with these huge, flattened cookies that all ran into each other. Until I found this recipe. And now they turn out every time!! We used a cookie scoop to form the balls and then the kids pressed the colored sugar onto the balls. They were fun and the kids enjoyed making, eating, and sharing these with our neighbors!

Wyatt is 8 Months

It's so hard to peel the little sticker off the sheet to take his monthly photo. I was ok when we were on the first half of the stickers, but they are dwindling down to the last few. Wyatt and I are in state of perfect mommy-baby bliss!! He is the sweetest, cuddliest little thing. He loves to be down on the floor exploring and is very, very curious. Once he grows interested in something he locks in on it. But he is happiest up with mommy. He is smiley and has an infectious giggle. He doesn't nap during the day unless being worn or held. But that's ok. I am not at all concerned about how I can work it out to get this baby down. So I can do my thing. He is my thing. He is my focus. And I am at peace to know that I really did soak it all up. I didn't miss a snuggle, a kiss, a single eyes-lit-up grin. I can't believe this much time has passed. I wish I could put this baby stage in slow motion. Life is just better with a baby.

Wy-Guy stats:

weight: 18.09 lbs

height:

noises: mostly raspberry noises, giggles, and delightful little squeals

newest tricks: doing really well at feeding himself cheerios & puffies, scooting & rolling to get where he wants to go, gives big drooly, open mouth "kisses"

loves: you to sing "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town," Sofie the giraffe, just about anything you put in front go him is amazing! playing peek-a-boo

sleeps: quite a long block at night, only with/on mama during the day

CAUGHT!