1st time Minestrone

http://www.laurenslatest.com/minestrone-soup/

I followed this recipe, but instead of a second can of beans, I used mushrooms. I also used 4 cups of chicken broth vs the 4 cups of water and bouillon cubes. I also added powdered garlic and onion :) And large shells instead of wheat pasta. Hope it turns out good!

New School Year

Hard to breathe,
Nerves,
Excitement,
a bit of fear...

A new year of school is about to begin.

Excited to meet new faces,
Happy to meet new ones,

New Challenges,
Old issues,
I can't believe its finally here.

Ready for a new routine,
Sad to leave my summer,
I really don't want to leave my daughter. 

Hard to breathe,
Not sure if I'm ready,
But I'm ready to rise to new challenges.

Everything will be okay,
Just need time to let everything flow into place. 
And if it takes a bit of time,
It's okay,
Rome wasn't built in a day. 

:(

I just found out that my brother and his family will be leaving us for a month so my brother can go do a job in Texas. They will be probably leaving in less than a week! Now, I know my brother and I haven't had the best relationship, but we have really bonded and grown as siblings since we have both gotten married and had children. Now I know what y'all are saying...a month isn't forever and that they will be back in no time...but a month in the times of little ones is a long time! And I've just started bonding with my sister in law, and I'm really gonna miss her too!!!! I'm just kind of sad...I love my brother and my sister in law and my niece and nephew...and I am going to miss them to pieces!!!!!! I wish them the best in their new journey, and hope they make a lot of great memories! 

I love you, John, Megan, Ashton and Harlow...and I wish you the best on this new journey in your lives!!!!

Black Bean and Salsa Chicken in the Crockpot

So, I have a feeling I should have a separate Blog for all my recipes, but since this Blog is about what is in my head, I figure food counts! ;) 

I love the website Six Sisters Stuff...they have so many awesome recipes! Today, I piggybacked off of their Slow Cooker Black Bean and Corn Salsa Chicken Recipe! 

Here is the original recipe from their site:

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/09/slow-cooker-black-bean-and-corn-salsa.html

Here is my piggybacked recipe:

3 Large Chicken Breasts
1 Chopped Onion
4 Chopped Cloves of Garlic
1 Can Corn, drained
1 Can Diced Tomatoes, drained
2 Cans Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1 Cup Salsa
1 Package Taco Seasoning
A dash of water....I contemplated using a small can of tomato sauce, but thought it would make it too watery.
Tortillas (Whichever type you prefer)

I put the chicken on the bottom of the crockpot...I feel it soaks in all the flavor more that way. Then I placed the salsa, beans and veggies over the chicken, and the taco seasoning. I stirred the veggie mix so everything blended together. I put the crockpot on low for 6 hours. After it's all cooked, I take out the chicken and shred it, then put it back in the crockpot and mix it all together.

I usually use flour tortillas, because with the beans, they seem more like burritos than tacos to me. Put the mixture in the tortilla and add whatever topping you like...Sour Cream, Avocado, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, etc.

I have made this before, so I know it's super yummy! If I remember, I will add a picture of my version when it's all done this evening! 

Peace Is Gone

The peace is gone.
I hear the thump of little feet jumping off the bed.
The pitter patter coming down the stairs. 
"Good Morning!"
The blonde 2 foot tall tornado has returned.
"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!"
"I want..."

The toys once picked up,
scattered all over once again.
The constant hunger has returned,
"Snack?"
"I want that one!"
"I want it...I want it! Pleeeeeease!"

The screams and cries,
to the word, "No."
Stomping,
Hitting, 
Screeching. 
Howling.
"I want that one!!!!!"

The constant chasing of the poor dog,
The sounds of preschool shows blaring.
The peace is gone.

But in all the constant turmoil and noise,
I look into her beautiful blue eyes.
See her radiant smile,
framed by a mess of blonde curls...
and I realize
I wouldn't trade her for all the peace in the world.

Especially when I hear the words,
"I love you Mommy,"
followed by a hug and kiss.