Tuesday, October 18

{17} Months


I don't want to start with the usual…"OMG where has the time gone?"…line.  Nope, not going to reflect right now on how fast the last 17 months have zipped by.  I don't want to think about how in just a month you will be 1 & 1/2 or how just 6 months ago you devoured your first cupcake as family and friends celebrated your very first birthday, nope, not going to think on those things.  Instead, I just want to thank you, Zion, for teaching me how to live each moment in the present.

Here you are, my precious, beautiful, funny little girl, making each day more bright, more joyous and more adventurous than I could have ever imagined possible.  There are so many things that you have both Mama & Dada in awe about you: your ever increasing vocabulary, your depth, your spirited nature, your infectious giggle, your determination and will…I can go on and on, and I do.  You are just simply a wonder of creation, in our eyes and in your heavenly Father's eyes as well. 

We are blessed to have been chosen by God to be stewards over your young life, you are our little cupcake treasure.  

Love,
Mama


Let's Connect!

       

Friday, October 14

Weekly Wrap Up


We had a great week!  1. Visited the WTC Site to see the progress, didn't arrange passes in advance so we didn't get into the reflecting pools.  2.  Funny story: after apple picking, Zion just helped herself to an apple off the table…I hear this chomp, chomp and there she is eating an apple like no big deal.  And did you see those pigtail/pom-poms…what is cuter than that really!? 3.  Sleeping beauty…sleep…how you elude me so! 4.  We caught a glimpse of the Occupation…while I am angry at the choices that have brought financial ruin on our country…this post here explains why I am grateful to be the 99%!!!
.

life rearranged
Photobucket


I'm also linking up with Amy at A Good Life, below:







Let's Connect!

       

Thursday, October 13

Recipe of the Week: Mole Chili & Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins


One of the best recipes I have ever discovered…this flavorful aromatic chili is the perfect fall dish to make at home or make for friends.  When the secret ingredient is chocolate, how can you go wrong?  And you know how most chili dishes taste better a few days later?  This one tastes AMAZING and cooks in 20 minutes!  Don't be fooled by the daunting mention of jalapenos, baking them removes their heat!

Mole Chili Recipe:

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 c. chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 garlic clove, minced 
1 14.5oz can of diced tomatoes, undrained
1 c. water
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 oz. semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Reduced fat sour cream (optional)
Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

Directions:
1.  Cook beef in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble.  Drain, if necessary, and return beef to pan.
2.  Add onion and garlic to pan; cook 4 minutes or until tender.  Add tomatoes and remaining ingredients; cover and simmer 7 minutes.
3.  Serve immediately.  Top with sour cream and cilantro, if desired.


Jalapeno Corn Mini Muffins Recipe:

Ingredients:
3/4 c. self-rising cornmeal mix
1/2 c. fat-free buttermilk
2 Tbsp. minced, seeded jalapeno peppers
1 1/2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 large egg
Cooking spray

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 425.  
2.  Lightly spoon self-rising cornmeal mix into measuring cup; level with a knife, and place in a large bowl.
3.  Combine butttermilk, jalapeno peppers, oil and egg in a small bowl.  Pour buttermilk mixture into cornmeal mixture.  Stir just until combined.
4.  Coat 12 miniature muffin cups with cooking spray; spoon batter evenly into cups.  Bake at 425 for 17 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove from pans immediately; serve warm.

Source: Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast Weeknight Meals 2010




Let's Connect! XO, Courtney

       

Wednesday, October 12

Versatile Blogger Love


I looked all over Google to try and find the origin of this blog-chain-letter award, and couldn't find the source.  If anyone knows its history, please let me know!  I wrestled with the idea of doing this post, mostly because I'm not big on chain-anythings, and well, I see this award EVERYWHERE, which unfortunately, slightly lessens its value for me.  But, in the spirit of saying thank you and the opportunity to highlight some of my favorite blogs, I am going to happily oblige, just this once!

I just received this "Versatile Blogger Award" from Pamela ~ a SAHM who loves giveaways and reviewing products.  Thank you Pamela for being so sweet and giving me the free PR!

By accepting this award I've agreed to: 1) publicly thank & link to the blogger who bestowed it upon me, 2) share 7 tidbits about me, and then my favorite part, 3) pass along this award to 15 new blog infatuations.


{Seven} Little Tidbits About Me:

{1} There were only 69 seniors in my graduating class.
{2} I'm living my dream come true: writing, full-time wifey & mama
{3} I want to be living in a big airy beach house in San Diego, CA.
{4} My biological parents have each been married over 3x! {I am not a fan of divorce!}
{5} I have 5 sisters & 5 brothers, plus 6 brother-in-laws and 3 sister-in-laws!
{6} My favorite color is blue ~ any shade of it.
{7} I still believe in true love and fairytales.

{LOVE} These Blogs (Sorry not 15!):

{1} Passionate Homemaking
{2} Everything Espey
{3} The Longs In Italy
{4} April's Promise
{5} My Life
{6} From City Corporate to Suburb Mama
{7} A Cup of Jo



Let's Connect!