September Madness

Here we are for another pictureless post. I forgot my camera at Mom and Dad's house over a week ago. We were home briefly for my Uncle Gary and Aunt Laurie's wedding reception. It was nice to see everyone and catch up. They threw a great party! Congratulation Gary and Laurie...here's to many years of happiness!

In other news...September has been a crazy busy.

• School is in full swing and so we have busy getting back in the habits of reading every night, spelling lists and getting to bed early. That is slowly getting easier with the day getting shorter but 8 seems to come too early for the girls.
  
• I am slowly getting accustomed to my routine of school/motherhood/wife/housekeeper. The transition from summer to work seems to take me a month or two. Whenever I get testy, Brandon politely reminds me that it is like this every year. Thank goodness he is so patient!!! :) No shocker here but I can be a little high strung every once and a while!
  
• Matthew is busy playing trucks, tractors, football and watching the combines in the field. A new favorite pastime. He is talking non-stop and repeats everything. When I call the dog stupid...here come Matthew "stupid dog". Oops.
• The girls are busy with soccer and having a great time. 3 weeks left.
  They have also started Girl Scouts this year. If any one is in need of cookies in the Spring, I know where they may be able to get some!
• Brandon has been busy working and helping me get kids where they need to go.
• I went to the craft show at the fairgrounds last weekend...fabulous. I found some great trinkets for me and a couple other very cool finds I can't talk about...Christmas is coming you know! The girls went with me and had a great time. Madie loved to touch EVERYTHING. I think my phrase of the day was, "look, don't touch!" Future shoppers they are!

Goodnight all!

Spicy Black Bean Soup

We tried a new recipe last weekend. It was spicy, hearty, filling and cheap! It even passed the refined palate of Mark and Betsy! Enjoy on a cool afternoon while watching the big game.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

1 large red onion, chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cans (15oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
3-1/2 cups vegetable broth (I used chicken)
1 can (14-1/2 oz) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, undrained
1 can (4oz) chopped green chilies
1/3 cup sherry or additional broth
2 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro

In dutch oven, saute onion and peppers in oil until tender. Add garlic, cook 1 minute longer.
Stir in the beans, broth, tomatoes and chopped green chilies. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered for 25 minutes. Add sherry and cilantro, cook 5 minutes longer.
Remove from heat, cool slightly. Place half of the soup in a blender; cover and process until pureed. Return to the pan and heat through. Top each serving with sour cream and cheddar cheese.

Goal!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

It was another exciting, fun-filled weekend. I just wish they didn't have to end so quickly.

Yesterday we enjoyed the big intra-state rivalry with Uncle Mark and the boys.

The kids had a ball, I got a little shopping done and our favorite team lost miserably.

Overall it was a great day. Thanks Uncle Mark and Aunt Betsy!

This morning we got ready for church. It was casual day as it was the kick-off for fall this morning.

Here are the munchkins all ready to go...

Madie had on her cheesy smile. When I asked her to get rid of it...it got worse so this will have to do!

Soccer officially started this weekend also. It was a gorgeous day to watch a game!

Madie had a great time today. This is her first year playing. She was a little timid...

Emma back in action as well. She had a very good game and scored two goals!

I admit it...

I bribe my children...sometimes. Take this morning, it was time for Matthew's haircut. He HATES having his hair cut. We now have daddy use the clippers to make it less traumatic. Worked the first time, every time since...not so much. Today I tried a new tactic. Bribery. Good old fashioned jelly beans. Worked like magic. He sat quiet as a church mouse munching on Jelly Belly's. Note to self: next hair cut, must have Jelly Belly's on hand!

We even managed a couple smiles!!

Love this boy! He is growing up so fast!

Yesterday we all traveled north for a birthday party. Grandpa R. turned 65. We decided that only comes around once so a party was in order. Brett, Heather and Dylan + us traveled to Great Grandma R.'s house where we found our unsuspecting target! We brought lunch, cake, and balloons and voila! A party!

Grandpa was little surprised and interrogated the girls. They both knew and kept the secret! Way to go girls!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!