Weekend Recap

We have had a pretty low key weekend. The weather has turned back cold and wet and although at first I was bummed to see that Spring wasn't ready to settle in and stay awhile, I quickly tweaked my attitude to take advantage of another crock pot meal. I tend to put my crock pot away in the Spring and don't break it out again until Fall. It saddens me really because using my crock pot allows me so much freedom and relaxation with my children when I don't have to stand behind the stove in the evening to cook. So if anyone knows of springy/summery meals that can be cooked in a crock pot, spill it, cause I would love to know.

Meanwhile, tonight we had White Chicken Chili. And it was yummy! Recipe to follow. Nothing speaks cold, wet day like a chili.

Chris has gotten into watching HGTV since his deck remodel started and one of his favorite shows is Holmes on Homes. Well, tonight Chris took it a step further. He decided he needed some work clothes.

White tank tops and overalls - really? I *think* he is being funny, but I also wouldn't put it past him.

The boys had childrens choir tonight and they discussed stage fright. Ms. Melissa and Ms. Millie told the children that if they get on stage and get frightened to just stop and look to the side of the stage at the wooden cross and know that this is for Jesus. It doesn't matter if you forget your lines, it doesn't matter if you forget your song, you are hear to praise Jesus. And to hear Ethan telling me this was just precious. He amazes me every day with the depth of his understanding.

Another example of this was yesterday Chris and I were doing a lot of yard work; mulching, mowing, weeding, etc. Ethan was outside with us the entire time and not just *helping* but seriously chipping in and helping. Like, I could ask him to do something and know that he not only did it, but did it better than what I had asked or anticipated. After we were done we all came inside and I told Chris I really wanted to give him some money for all his help. I typically give the boys stars for their chores and they get so much money after accumulating so many stars. But this just felt different. So I gave him some money and he immediately turned right back around and started talking about how he could give the money elsewhere. I was dumbfounded! Here I am just pleased with all the help he had given us yesterday and wanted to reward him and he turns right around and amazes me even more with his generosity. It was definitely one of those "I am doing something right" moments. Go mom!

One other thing we have been working on is a prayer board. This has been on my heart for awhile because I want to start teaching the boys more about intentional praying rather than rehearsed prayers. So when we were at Aunt Jan's house last weekend she gave me an old mirror that was in her shed and the boys and I have been painting it. And here is our final result.

The black is chalkboard paint so we can write and erase as needed. We have added several names to it already and are putting it to good use each evening at dinner. Ethan will even ask about it at dinner or ask if he can add someone else to it. Owen even mentioned that we might need more space if we fill up this one. Maybe so.

So here we are wrapping up a lazy Sunday, looking forward to a lazy Monday and my last week of track out with Ethan. Here's to a good week ahead!

White Chicken Chili

1 lb chicken breast
2 cans great northern beans
15 ounces frozen corn
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 pack taco seasoning
1 can chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
Frank's Red Hot Sauce
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Place chicken in crock pot (I even put it in frozen) and top with beans and corn.

In a separate bowl, mix taco seasoning, condensed soup and chicken broth then pour over chicken, beans and corn.

Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours (or on high for about 4-5 hours).

Before serving, stir gently to break up chicken then stir in sour cream.

Serve topped with shredded cheese, sour cream and Frank's Red Hot Sauce.

Enjoy! It is yummy!