School is in session!

For our home, this school year is going to be a year of changes and experimenting.

After much thought and prayer, (and many family meetings!) I've decided to homeschool Cooper this year.  No huge expectations, other than to capture the joy of learning. 

I live with 3 amazing gentlemen.  Extraordinary souls, truly.

Cooper is Cooper.  There is only one like him that I've ever known.  And we were blessed with the gift of having him.  He needs routine, just like any child.  He needs adventure and outlets for creativity.  He needs the opportunity to lead and socialize.  He needs to ask a million questions a day.  He needs to be in God's word daily.

I need your prayers.  I pray that I can lead this little man and be the teacher he needs me to be.

I am excited!
I am thankful for the opportunity.
Most of all, I am overwhelmed at the awesome responsibility.  This mom gig is incredible, right? 

We started our "school year" Monday.  He loves it.  He asks every morning what time school is going to start!  I pray he stays excited.

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!

Love & Laughter,
abby

Monday Meal

I love to be in my kitchen!  I love to pour ingredients together with some love and see what happens.  Most of the time, my family approves. 
I don't measure so much... I "wing-it".  Bear with me.  That's the great thing about cooking, try it and if it's not "right", add more. 
I also try to eat as organically as we can afford to around here.  I can tell you everything in this recipe except the green chilis and the cilantro is organic, even the spices.  Better for you, better for the environment.  I'm not perfect, but when I can afford to, I buy organic.

Here's what's in the slow-cooker today:

White Chicken Chili (my version)

You will need:

~ white beans (I use about half a bag for my family of 4), soaked overnight
~ shredded or cubed chicken (I use the leftovers from a meal earlier in the week)
~2 cans green chilis
~vegetable variety (today's has carrots and corn)
~1 box chicken broth
~fresh cilantro (a good handful), chopped fine
~cumin (about a good palm full)
~cayenne pepper (just a smidge)
~onion powder (a few shakes)
~garlic powder (a few shakes)
~salt and pepper

Throw it all in and let it cook on low for 5 or more hours.  Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, cheese and even sour cream, if you're into that!  It's soooooo good!

Love & Laughter,
abby

I'm still here...

I disappeared for a while, didn't I?

Well, I'm going to blame pregnancy, 2 wild boys, and not enough energy!

I am starting to feel much better.  14 weeks down, too many to go, but we are starting to live again around here.  When the mommy doesn't feel well, it takes a little bit more to keep the house going.

We did make time for a vacation recently.  Here's a few photos from Colorado and more.

Love & Laughter,
abby