My Favorite Things

So...I thought it would be fun to show you my favorite things in my house.  So...let's begin:

My husband's guitar, Tigger...Aaron made this...isn't he talented?  I sure think so....I love having his guitars and music in my house.  This one now has a place on the wall in our office! FUN!

Next on the list, our couch!  It's so cozy and I love that it's denim.  It's starting to look like a faded pair of worn in jeans.  Not sure if that's the look we're going for, but...we sure like it.  But watch out...it's one that will suck you right in.

This Americana quilt that was handmade by my boss, Mary.  She gave it to Aaron and I as a wedding gift.  We love to snuggle up in that on a cold Northwest night!

When you walk in our front door you'll see this sofa table.  I love that I can put all my friends and family on here.....and when friends come they get to see this first off!

This plate says it all!  We make this a motto in our home!  Praise our Lord and Savior!  LOUDLY!  With instruments and voices and hands raised.....He has done so many great things we need to remember this daily!

Yummy Yankee Candles.....ahhh......my love of candles!  The current scent "Mango Peach Salsa"...it's wonderful.  And I have this funny thing about my candles...all the scents have to blend well together.  So...I usually just burn all of the same kind.  Yes...I even burn them on summer evenings...it's cool enough in our house.

Books on my bookshelf....oh, whoopss......OUR bookshelf.  Actually, I can not tell a lie, I have taken over this bookshelf that Aaron made.  Thanks honey!  We are so in need of more bookshelf space, but...we don't have room to put a bigger one!  Yes, I love to read....thanks for that Grandma Rose.  But, more than reading, I love sharing my books with others.  "April's lending library"

Ahhhhh....sweet cherry red Kitchen-Aid mixer!  This was the best wedding present we got!  At least I think so....I can not tell you how many times I've used this in the 4 1/2 years I had it!  You all need one!!

Last, but...certainly not least on this list is my husband, Aaron!  I don't have a picture of just him, but...please know he is my most favorite thing in my house!!  I love you honey!!  More than anything on this list!!  Now, what are the favorite things in your house?  Share them with me!!

Blessings accepted here!

You may have noticed our "donate" button on the right side of our blog.  The cost of our adoption is stretching us in more ways than one, but...financially is the biggest way yet.  As Aaron said we just don't feel right about asking for money.  But...God knows what our need is and if you feel led we would so appreciate your blessing and your prayers.......We have stepped out in faith because we know without a shadow of a doubt that this is what God has called us to do.  Thank you in advance.......xoxoxoxoxo 

What's for dinner tonight?

YUMMMMMMMYYYY!!  This is what was for dinner tonight!  

Tortilla Soup

1/2 cup each diced vegetables: yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper and tomato

1/2 cup roasted green chile, cut into small dice (optional)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying

4 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

2 cups shredded chicken

3 tablespoons cornstarch

Chopped cilantro leaves, as needed

1 tablespoon lime juice

corn tortilla chips

***just a note on the chicken*** we had chicken tacos a few days before and used the left over chicken from that.  Here's how I make that....very easy and delicious!!  I take four frozen chicken breasts and put them in my crock pot.  Add one can mild green chile enchilada sauce and sprinkle in some taco seasoning.  Cook on low for about 8 hours.  You could freeze it if you like for casseroles and this yummy soup!  It's definitely a favorite in our house.

Saute veggies and chile briefly in about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for 3 to 4 minutes.  When veggies are limp, add the broth, garlic and cumin, bring to boil.  Reduce heat, add chicken and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes

To finish the soup, you've got to make some slurry.  This will add just a little body to the soup.  With the cornstarch in a cup-sized container, mix as little cold water as possible to form a thing paste.  Bring the soup back up to a boil; stir with 1 hand and pour the slurry in slowly with the other.  Continue to cook on high heat for a minute, then reduce to low.  The will look cloudy at first but will clear up and thicken slightly.  Remove from heat...add cilantro and lime juice.  

Garnish with fresh avocado slice, sour cream and tortilla chips.  YUM-O!!!

Northwest Washington Fair

Me & my so yummy KING corn dog...oh how I love these things....it's all Joel & Amy's fault!!!

Kaleb really like my corn dog too...in fact, he kept taking bites from me and his Mommy!!

Do you see my enthusiasm?  That is for the goats if you can even believe it!  I've come a long way from being chased by one!  

This year I went to the fair with Joel, Amy & Kaleb.  Aaron isn't too keen on the fair, but...I do really enjoy it.  I love seeing people I wouldn't normally see and eating food that is so yummy, but...so bad for me.  I didn't do too bad this year...my King corn dog and an ice cream cone.  Kaleb did so well and liked looking at all things "truck" and he was more interested in the fans in the animal barns than in the animals...that's a boy for ya!  I think he's going to be a gearhead!  Cars and guitars for him...Aaron can give him some car lessons and his Daddy will take care of the guitar part!  

Good Deal!

Oh the joy of new crayons!!  I remember how I loved getting new crayons at the beginning of the school year.  Yes, I'm a crayon snob...they have to be Crayola or I just don't like them.  So...when my Mom and I were at Target yesterday and I spotted this AMAZING sale I couldn't resist.  For each box of 24 Crayola crayons I paid 22 cents!!  Can you believe that??  They were full price 94 cents.  OH...the large washable ones were $2.99.  I just really wanted to bless the kids at our church.  They crayons are so yucky...especially in the toddler room which I work in every other month.  The large washable ones are for that room!  I can't wait to try them out next month!  I challenge you to think of a small way you can bless your church....and the kids in it!  This didn't cost me much, but...they may help to bring a little lost soul to Jesus!