Snail Trails...

Do you know what the worst thing is about toddler cold snooky noses?

(I mean, the worst thing after having to watch your child suffer.)

It is the snail trails of snot left all over your clothing. Just a quick exam in the mirror shows I have a snail trail on my shoulder (from giving my frustrated toddler a cozy hug), my sleeve, and on the side of my shirt.

I've had this shirt on for an HOUR.

ONE HOUR.

So, if you happen to randomly drop by my house (which I don't recommend unless you want to come down with our plague or be forced into manual housework) please excuse my appearance and the snail trails.

A

Es Muy Delicioso...

A cute friend of mine asked me for a recipe a good 6 weeks or so ago, so here we go! Sorry for the delay Sarah...

Crock pot Taco Soup

-One pound ground beef or some chicken
-One can kidney beans (drained)
-One can corn (drained)
-One can pinto beans (drained)
-One large can (28oz) diced tomatoes
-One dinky can diced green chilies
-Taco seasoning
-Toppings...

1. Brown the ground beef and put in crock pot. OR, if using chicken, boil chicken until done, shred with 2 forks and put in crock pot. Not sure how to shred chicken? Spear chicken piece with one fork and attack it with the other in a clawing motion to shred it. Still not clear? I'm not sure I know how to help you...

2. Add the large can of undrained diced tomatoes, the dinky can of undrained diced green chilies, and the drained cans of pinto beans, corn and kidney beans.

3. Throw some taco seasoning in the mix until it tastes good. Maybe add a dash of black pepper, some salsa or some hot sauce if you're feeling gourmet or you like some kick to your food.

3. Cook on high a few hours or low a bunch of hours.

4. Serve with cut up avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

Some people prefer to put all the "toppings" in the bottom of the bowl, spoon the soup on top of the whole mess and eat it just like soup. Me? I put the toppings on the top (where they belong!)and scoop up my soup with tortilla chips.

My method DOES require hoarding of the tortilla chip bag to ensure you have enough proper scoop-worthy tortilla chips, but oh well.

Most of my dinner mates forgive me by the end of the meal. I DO offer to share at least once during consumption and if they don't jump at the chance, who do they have to blame!?

I do have to acknowledge that this super yummy recipe was shared by my friend Tay who was kind and gracious to cook this lovely dish up for our family during a trying time.

This soup is easy, pleasing to the stomach, and makes great leftovers, so while you're at it, make it a double batch and enjoy it for a few more days. OR...bring some to me!

A

Buzz Buzz Buzz...

Mama's been busy sewing...again. I spent the week before the 31st working on a cute bee costume for Bubbalu. I had major frustration and at one point almost cut off Bubbalu's air supply by over stuffing his costume. However, we prevailed and he turned out pretty cute.

The plan for the evening? Swing by the grandparents then hang out at the church harvest festival.

In the car on the way to Grandpa and Grandma's house:



Oooh, Grandma has LOTS of candy! See my scary stinger? Watch out! I might get you if you make me cranky!



Later, at the festival:

Hey, I can play this game, I LOVE water! Too bad Daddy wouldn't let me swim in it though. I got kinda mad when he made me get out of the pool. What can I say? The duckies looked lonely.



Hmmm, how do we play this game? Oh, this bean bag gets tossed into the scary red mouth?



How bout I just drop it in? Do I still get candy?



Please give me candy?



Hee hee hee, they still gave me candy!



After awhile Bubbalu got kinda tired and subtly let us know he was ready to go:



Yeah! I'm a free bee! Get it? A freebie? Oh I am SO funny!



A