Birthday Girl

Me? It's my birthday?

Ah, yes, I am 3. (See me cute boy? I am smiling at you.)

It is all about me. Isn't it always?

Notice the shirt I bought from an expensive boutique. Oh, wait! I made that shirt! Lucky girl to have a mother that sews for her. I am just carrying on the tradition.

Yes, I Take Pictures of Cookies!

It is Betsy's birthday tomorrow. She will turn 3 years old. I can't believe that I really don't have a baby anymore. So sad yet so wonderful! I don't miss diapers or late night feedings. I love that she can express whatever is on her mind and she does. I love that she has many crazy facial expressions- just like her mother. I love that she requests that I sing Broadway musical songs when I put her to bed- (Tomorrow from Annie is her favorite.)

I don't want to bore you so I will get on with the beginning of my baking extravaganza. I made these sugar cookies for Betsy's birthday celebration at school today. One of the 2 year olds in her class finished his so quickly that I never saw him actually eat it. I guess that was a sign that he liked it- or maybe he does that with his food- inhales it. One classmate said "Hey, these cookies are good!" I enjoyed baking and decorating them. I act like I am doing it all for Betsy but I am fully aware that I am baking for me! It is creative and fun!

Music

Did you notice that I now have music on my blog? Coolio, right. I think so and if you don't, you can mute your computer or you can click on it to make it stop playing. I'm just saying.

What music plays on the soundtrack of your life? My play list grows.

I sat next to a good friend of mine in church today. She has an amazing voice so it is a treat to get to hear her sing. I thought-"it doesn't get much better than sitting in the Lord's house, next to my good friend, AND I get to hear her sing, yes, the Lord IS here. "

It was a good day. Amen.

Crock Pot BBQ

I thought that I should pass this easy meal along to you. Today I made slow cooker BBQ. This is what I did:

I took a chuck roast and seasoned it with garlic powder, salt and pepper. I put it in the crock pot. I dumped some bottled BBQ sauce and some liquid smoke into the crock pot too. I cooked it all day-6 hours or so on high. You can tell when it is getting done- it is tender. I took the meat out and shredded it and then put it back in the crock pot to mix with the sauce. I served the BBQ beef on toasted buns with a side of baked beans and broccoli. I think slaw or a salad would be good but that didn't happen for us.

Nina ate her entire sandwich. My husband liked it. Betsy ate some of it- but she never eats all of anything unless it is a bread product.

There are variations of this recipe all over the web. This one works for me. Try it. You might like it.

Happy Valentine's Day

Love to you all.

Pure, simple, innocent sisterly love.

Isn't it the best?!

This is for My Mom

http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/

This is a blog that I think that you might enjoy. The author is southern and her decorating exemplifies this beautifully. She tends to be a bit bold with the her use of animal prints but I appreciate her daring side- contrasting with her traditional antiques.

Go on now y'all. Check it out.

Chicken, Chorizo and Tortilla Soup

I got this recipe off the Rachel Ray website. It got a lot of good reviews so I thought I would give it a try. Our family gave it a big thumbs up- even the little ones! Who knew!?

Chicken, Chorizo and Tortilla Stoup (Stew-like Soup)
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 4 servings

1 pound chicken tenders
Salt and pepper
3/4 pound chorizo sausage, in packaged meats case near kielbasa
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
6 small red potatoes, diced
1 (15-ounce) can fire roasted chopped tomatoes (recommended: Muir Glen)
1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 quart chicken stock
1 sack red or blue corn tortilla chips
2 cups shredded pepper jack or smoked Cheddar
Suggested garnishes: chopped scallions, chopped cilantro or fresh thyme leaves

Preheat medium soup pot over medium-high heat.

Chop tenders into bite-size pieces. Wash up, then season chicken with salt and pepper. Dice chorizo. Add extra-virgin olive oil and chicken to pot. Lightly brown chicken 2 minutes, then add the chorizo and garlic. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes, then add peppers, onions and potatoes. Cook 5 minutes, then stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, and hot sauce. Add chicken stock and bring soup to a bubble.

Preheat broiler.

Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender 10 to 12 minutes. Ladle soup into shallow bowls and top each bowl with a generous handful of crushed tortillas and cheese. Melt cheese under hot broiler. Garnish with scallions and herbs.

I made some modifications. I used regular potatoes because I didn't have red potatoes. I didn't add the cheese and put it under the broiler. I don't think it needed it and we don't need more cheese in our diet.

Embroidered Pillows

These are pillows that I made for my mother-in-law and for my mom. They were a Christmas gift so I couldn't post them earlier. Then I just got lazy and didn't post them. Lee Anne graciously reminded me that I hadn't posted anything lately so this is my first post to get me caught up! (Yes Lee Anne, I do listen to you- and I know you appreciate someone listening to you!)