Thanksgiving 2015

Thanksgiving in Rosemary Beach

After leaving Montgomery and Auburn, we went down to Rosemary Beach for the York 2nd Annual Thanksgiving beach trip.  We had a great time!  (and, we saw my side of the family as well, since several of my uncles have homes at the beach and so the whole crew came down)

We flew kites, played in the sand, and yes, it was warm enough for bathing suits!

First time to have his face painted

YaYa with Jackson & Ellie

The kids love Uncle Les

Fun couples night out with Ashley and Les

30A Turkey Trot

Aunt Margaret & Jackson

Fun fun fun times had by all!

October/ November 2015

I debated giving up the blog.  But then I decided that I can, and will, eventually catch up. I love having these memories in one place.  So, backing WAY up to October/ November 2015...

In October, the Roosevelts came to Charlotte.  In case you haven't heard of this band (but who hasn't, I talk about them all the time??), they are awesome, and one of the band members just happens to be my baby brother :)  Check them out here.

So fun to have Steve and Claire join us (they are basically like family)

My kids love their Uncle JJ

and "Uncle" James

the whole band stayed with us

Halloween

cutest little Auburn fans around

Then, a trip to Auburn in November.

 

We loved taking our kids to Auburn en route to the beach

mascara applied to her lips

their first taste of cotton candy; thus, the blue tongues

We love to see my grandparents in Montgomery.  I love that my kids love their Meemaw and Papaw

At the kids' well check-ups, Jackson weighed 42 lb, 43.75 inches tall.
Ellie weighed 34.8 lb, 38 inches tall.

Funny sayings:

Ellie: referenced the back of her neck as her "back forehead"

Jackson, listening to a kids' worship CD, said "This is making God dance!"

Young Living

 

 Friends, I just had to share this quick info about my new favorite Young Living Essential Oils!  We have had a Fall full of sickness, colds, viruses, and the like, and I am a pretty desperate young mama trying to keep my kiddos well. So, check out Young Living Essential Oils, their amazing starter kit with diffuser, and their awesome oils (my personal faves are Stress Away, Tranquil--for sleep, Peace & Calming, Lavender, Thieves--antiviral).  Also, there is an amazing promo for the next couple of days.  Check it out here:

http://www.four-eighteen.com/2015/04/essentials.html

And the biggest kicker of it all...my very very very skeptical husband has now started approaching me with statements like, "Hey, where is that oil that calms you down/destresses you," or "What oil do you have for an upset tummy."  Yall, HE BELIEVES now that these work.  Makes me one happy mama and wife. :)

 

Fall Soups

White Chicken Chili

pic courtesy of myrecipes.com

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 medium onion, chopped

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

2 (15 1/2 oz) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained

1 (14 1/2) oz can chicken broth

1 tsp salt

1 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup whipping cream

1) In a large saucepan, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic powder in vegetable oil until chicken is no longer pink.

2) Then add beans, chilies, chicken broth, and seasonings.

3). Bring to a boil.

4) Reduce heat and simmer (uncovered) for 30 minutes.

5) Slowly stir in sour cream and whipping cream and serve immediately.

*I did not add the sour cream but instead added a dollop I each bowl upon serving. This is an easy and delicious soup. Would be great with a crusty bread.

Serves: 5

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

3 cups chicken broth.     (I recently substituted with vegetable broth and think it tasted better)

2 cups chopped onion (1 large onion)

2 tsp minced garlic

1 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (I used dried and reduced amount)

1 tsp curry powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp black pepper

3 cups cubed, peeled butternut squash (2 lbs)

2 cups peeled, diced apples (2 medium)

Mix all together in a slow cooker; LOW for 8 hours. Then place in food processor to make the soup smooth (or use the awesome immersion blender that my brother gave me for Christmas. Get one...so worth it and makes the clean up easier).

Add a healthy dollop of goat cheese and this soup is perfection.

*if you want to save time, buy the pre sliced butternut squash. SO worth it for time saving.

Off to get children to bed but I'll add more soups later. Had to share two of my favorites to get you started.