Nachos

makes: 8 servings
cooking time: 1 hr
ideal slow cooker size: 4qt

1lb ground beef
1/4c diced onions
1/4c diced green peppers
1 pint taco sauce
1 can refriend beans
10 3/4oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 envelope dry taco seasoning
salt to taste
2c velveeta or chedder cheese
tortilla chips
lettuce
chopped tomatoes
sour cream

1. Brown ground beef, onions, and green peppers in saucepan. Drain.
2. Combine all ingredients except tortilla chips, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream in slow cooker.
3. Cover. Cook on high 1hr, stirring occasionally until cheese is fully melted.
4. Pour into serving bowl and serve immediately with chips, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream, or turn to low to keep warm and serve from cooker.

I took this to work and served it for the boys since it was so yummy. I didn't have the green peppers and substituted cream of chicken for the cream of mushroom. This was a crowd pleaser at work and at home. Enjoy!

Writer's Tea and more . . . .

Last Friday, the 4th graders' had their Writer's Tea. They have been writing stories/poems all year and have published their own book. They share in small groups and share their stories. Well, in Eli's case-he shares a sampling since he LOVES to write and has so many stories/poems. The budding author!

You can't have a party w/o refreshements. Cake, lemonade, and mints! Yum! Here are some of Eli's fav stories!

Here are some of Noah's artwork.

And here are some from Lucas.

Eli and his best bud. Well, more to come. Field day is today, but the way it was raining yesterday-I hope the activities don't get cancelled. Have a good day-stay dry!

R.O.A.D.

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In the first video- Eli is doing his chapter dance that he had been working on all year. In the second video is of a game where they stand in lines and then are given a theme that they are dancing like. So, Eli's friend is dancing "like a super model", then Eli danced "like a cowboy", the his friend is dancing "like a jellyfish", finally his 3rd grade teacher was dancing "like the world's worst dancer dancing like they they are the worlds best dancer". I couldn't resist that! And the 3rd video is zombies and robots dancing.

Eli's strings concert

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Okay, so I am way behind on updates but stick w/me while I catch up on our busy weeks. Eli did a great job. I know that it is a little tricky for him since he is a lefty but he has to play the cello right handed. He made me proud!

Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day and say a very special thank you to my Mom. Mom, I love you! You are an amazing woman. When I was growing up, I never doubted that you could do any and everything. And because of that- I never doubted that I could do anything. You taught me that God had a special purpose for me. You instilled in me a deep root of family, a love for baking, gardening ( well not the weeding part, I still hate to weed!), reading and so much more. I so appreciate all that you do for me and my boys but for everyone else in the family, too. I know that if any of us need you - You will be there. You make me feel loved and special each and everyday! You helped me through some of the darkest days of my life. And when I look back through my life- even if things weren't good between us- I am proud that you are my Mom. I can not thank you enough. But know that I am so very thankful for you and I love you.

I hope everyone has a great day and takes the time to remember their mother. And for those that don't have a mom here on earth-I will say a special pray for you. Happy Mother's day!

Robots and more . . . .

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I was able to go on a field trip w/Noah and Eli last week. We went to a technical center for the district. The robotic teams for the local highschool were showing off their current robots. The teams designed a robot to play soccer and they got extra points for their robot being able to do a pull up. This team's robot was the only one that had been able to successfully perform it during the competion. After seeing the robots, the kids were able to see different inventions, science projects, and other projects that other kids from the district had worked on. It was a fun afternoon.

Chicken Corn Soup

makes: 4-6 servings
cooking time: 8-9hours

2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 ribs of celery, chopped
2 medium potatoes, cubed
1 tsp mixed dry herbs
1/3c tomato sauce
12 oz can cream-style corn
14oz whole kernel corn
3 c chicken stock
1/4c chopped italian parsley
1 tsp salt
1/4tsp pepper

1. Combine all ingredients except parsley, salt, and pepper in slow cooker.
2. Cover. Cook on low 8-9hrs or until chicken is tender.
3. Add parsley, salt and pepper 30min before serving.

This wasn't my fav, but I think w/some adjusting-it could be better! But the boys said they liked it.

Finally!

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I have been trying since last week to update the blog w/this video from Noah's concert. His fav song was Blue Note Rock, so Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Tovo!

Today is Tovi's Birthday! But we celebrated yesterday since I have to work tonight. A coworker gave me a good idea to help him celebrate. So, we took him to Petco so he could pick out some new toys. And he took his job very seriously. Tovi loves toys, I mean really loves toys. He is forever surrounding himself w/every last one of his toys. I assumed he would take any toy offered to him. But the boys were delighted that he wouldn't and he actually choose some toys and ignored others. And then it was back home to a birthday feast of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, steam veggies (can you tell who picked that out :) ) and birthday cake for Tovi. I also got a video of the boys eating dog treats which I will be saving to embarrass the boys w/later.
Tovi always loves going in the car w/us.

Not the yellow or the blue one. Tovi wanted the green one!

Yeah another squeaky toy!

Chef Lucas quickly finished his homework and then helped w/ Tovi's cake. Tovi doesn't usually get regular food. Well, except the occasional taste of peanut butter. But that doesn't count. The boys were really set on making him a cake and we found a good recipe.

Noah turned his nose up at the carrots. I guess he didn't fully read the recipe!

Tovi was loving his new toys while we were baking.

The boys wanted to give Tovi the WHOLE cake, but I thought a slice would be just enough.

I don't think Tovi was as excited about us singing Happy Birthday as he was about the food in his bowl.

Yummy!

Noah was the only one who tried the cake. Well, I took a taste. Noah was not impressed w/the icing. I guess he expected my famous frosting. The cake was pretty good. But I had to agree w/Noah about the icing. Tovi however licked his bowl clean. Have a good weekend!

Busy, busy, busy....

The boys and I have been very busy this last week. With the beautiful weather, we have been outside as much as possible. Last week, we hung out w/the new baby and cousins too! Next week is busy w/school activities. I can't believe it is nearly summer! Time flies!
Tovi gets a little worn out and likes to chill in his bed!

The boys had a half day tues, so we took Tovi to the park. We picked up a couple extra kids during our nature walk.

Tovi hates to sit on the sidelines.

Let our nature walk begin. Tovi was ecstatic to be on the move!

A little play time before our walk!

The boys like playing cops and robbers at the town.

The younger boys outweigh the older boys.

Lucas needed a break from all his running.

Crazy boys!

Eli was swinging super high and wanted his pic taken.Can you guess where base is for the game of tag?

Eli and Scott were surprised that they are perfectly balanced!

Lucas is waiting to help Trevor at the top of the slide.

Trevor daring to climb up the ladder.

The boys enjoyed going down the slide w/Ty. But it didn't take long before Ty went down the slide by himself.

The girls got together and made invitations for the baby shower. It was a process, but they turned out great!

Had to cuddle our cute little girl!

Lucas enjoyed riding Jordan's bike even though it was a little big.

The boys enjoyed playing at the school park by Andrew's house.

The boys liked the teeter toters since they don't have them at their school park.

Hope your having a good week and staying dry. The rain has fallen upon us. I know the plants need it, but I hate mowing-so I could have done w/o it!

The boys meet their newest cousin . . . .

The boys and I went to Andrew and Jen's house for dinner and babytime! The boys were great holding their cousin and playing w/their older cousin's toys. But we won't tell Jordan and Scott that! The boys were not to happy to hear that they weren't going back to visit Victoria w/me tomorrow. They will be in school and I will be a baby hog!

Victoria appears to like to be held the same way I would hold Noah. She fell fast asleep.

Victoria begged for an outfit change into her new fav shirt from her favorite Aunt. And she LOVED laying on her new blanket made by that fav Aunt. [sorry Jules ;)] I look forward to going and hanging out w/Jen and the baby tomorrow while the boys are at school!