Welcome Audrey Lynn!

A lot of you that read this blog know about, or have even met, my wonderful friend Julie. (She was my Matron of Honor). Yesterday, she and Ethan welcomed their third daughter, Audrey Lynn, to their family. She came in at 7 lbs and 19 inches... and looks like such a sweet little girl!

If you want to see pictures, you can check out Julie's blog here:

www.whaleylife.com

I can't wait to go and meet my new friend Audrey... and of course, I can't wait to see her mama, daddy and sisters too!

It was very busy at work today...

A new favorite ~ Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Stew

As you know, winter is coming! And I thought I'd share a new favorite ONE POT meal... gotta love those! ; )

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Stew

Mix together in your crock pot:

1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can corn (drained) or frozen works too... just eyeball it.
2 cans diced tomatoes with chilies (or plain works if you are a wimp)
1 8oz can tomato sauce
1 small onion chopped
1 packet taco seasoning

Add two chicken breasts (I smoosh them down into the stew until they are covered)

Cook on High about 4 to 5 hours (an hour longer if chicken is frozen)
or Cook on Low around 8 hours

About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, remove chicken, shred it and put it back in.

Serves 10 moderate portions, 14 conservative portions.

Serve with tortilla chips, cheese and sour cream!

Mmmm... my tummy is growling.

Just in case you forgot what we looked like...

So, I know it's been a really long time since I've blogged. I have no excuse. Really, I've just been lazy. I don't have anything exciting to share... so I just thought I'd post this lovely picture of us at Sunriver. Aren't we cute? We had a great time again this year. We did lots of walking, a little biking, and tons of swimming at the heated indoor pool. It as actually very warm during the days... but the nights sure cooled off over there! We ate a lot, we played a lot, and we laughed a lot too. Thanks family, for such a fun week!

Here's our newest Sunriver Photo:

I'm already looking forward to next year!

Summer? What summer?

On the heals of our nieces and nephews heading back to school today, and some starting school today for the very first time (Yeah Mitchell!!!) we have spent some time reflecting on this oh so fast, very quick, can't believe it's over summer. Where did it go? Between working in the yard, hauling debris to the debris place, trips to Home Depot, a trip to Montana, having our house painted, going to the beach, having some fun and what seems like never ending house cleaning, the last few months have just zipped by. Is it seriously September? I don't buy it. Nope. I won't believe it. However, this past labor day weekend just always seems to bring a change in mind set. Summer is over. That may be leftover from my school days. But I've been out of school for a long, long time. So really it just this... We just had the LAST three day weekend until Thanksgiving!!! That is always such a long stretch. Do I really have to work five days a week until then?

NO!!! Want to know why? Because next weeks starts our annual Sunriver family trip. And I am oh so excited. We will be bike riding, walking, eating, sleeping, game playing, eating, talking, eating, napping, swimming, eating, reading, playing tennis, eating, laughing, loving and did I mention eating? I believe it will be my third trip, my second as an official family member, and I look forward to it more every year! Although, I know no one looks forward to it more than Lynn. He starts talking about next year before we've even finished this year! : ) Thanks Lynn, for sharing this wonderful vacation with us. It is as much a blessing to us as it is to you.

This photo is from the first year I went (2006). I know that because I was much skinnier then, and you can't see Addison... she's hiding in Jenny's tummy. ; ) Oh yeah, and there wasn't a ring on my left hand... although I hoped and prayed for one every night as Jeff and I went out for our evening walk. It worked out okay, I only had to wait three more months.

And one last thing... you have never, I mean never, seen so much food in one place at one time. We could get snowed in for several winters and still come out chubby on the other end! ; )

Here's to Sunriver... 7 days and counting!

New Friend!

Just so everyone knows how hard Jeff works at the office...

Meet our new friend.

(The "bubble" says Hello!)

: )

I love my husband. No one makes me laugh like he does!

A rare find

You may not have had the pleasure of meeting my friend Margaret, but that she is.... my friend. She has been my co-worker, desk-mate, back-up, confidant, crossword puzzle helper, coupon sharer, recipe suggester, fellow recycler, bargain hunter, advice giver and many, many more things I can't think of right now. But the bottom line is this... she is a gem. She is a rare find. One of those people that you just like, from the minute you meet her. She is kind, she is caring, she is accepting and she is genuine to the core. She has a good sense of humor and it takes a lot to make her mad. She is patient, she is a wonderful mother and a sensitive wife. She gives good hugs. And she has tolerated sitting little more than five feet away from me for the last couple years. We have shared many, many laughs. We have shared some sorrows. And lots, and lots of crossword puzzles.

We have a lot in common, and at the same time are fabulously different. I think we have made a great team! It breaks my heart that she is moving to North Carolina in October. She has been a source of encouragement and strength for me more than once, and I don't know what I am going to do without her! Thankfully we don't have to say goodbye yet, but that time will come soon. And I just want her to know what a great friend she is and how much she means to me. She is a blessing from God. Truly.

Meg... I am going to miss you. Hot Pocket!