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 Chili1 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!
I love this kid!
Digging for sharks teeth.
Found one!
I am so thrilled that he and Chris are able to share this weekend together and try so many new things. I know Ethan is going to be talking about it for weeks to come.
This was a rainy day playing in the fellowship hall. They were singing and dancing to "Put your bean bag on your......."
And this one was singing the pretzel song.
They have a different theme each week - this week was bugs!
And they will change out the classroom supplies according to what they are talking about that week.
Music class
Poetry
He learned about the rainforest last week and has been telling me all about it this morning. All four layers, what animals and plants live in each layer. I was very impressed!
This picture shows off his new "hair cut" very well.
He can swing himself now! Very exciting for him.
White tank tops and overalls - really? I *think* he is being funny, but I also wouldn't put it past him.
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.
My dad took me fishing a lot as a child and I have several good memories of he and I together laughing over the little brim fish we would catch.
It is kind of a right of passage, I believe. Although, my children were guaranteed a fish since it was a trout farm. I recall sitting for very long periods of time at a lake or by the creek waiting for fish. Not to mention digging for my own worms and baiting my own hook. I would say trout farm and corn kernals is getting off easy.
What's that splashing around?
Why, that would be the fish that Owen caught.
However, he quickly decided fishing was not for him. He was acutely aware of the hook in the fishes mouth and the subsequent passing away of the fish so he and Aunt Jan decided to sit on the dock and just watch.
Ethan, on the other hand, loved learning how to cast, how to watch the bobber and then how to reel the line in.
And he got pretty good at it.
We ended up with four fish that we had cleaned and brought home to eat.
Pretty gross, ey?
Eliza kept an eye on our bucket for us. Yes, the fish were flopping around in the bucket (like a fish out of water, so to speak) and the bucket would tip around. She just kept looking at it like "what in the world???"
Even if he didn't like the fishing part, I think he still had a good time. It was a beautiful day to be outside and a learning experience if nothing else. Thanks Uncle Alvin for making memories with my sweet boys.
Yes, this is a bit early, but we like to start the egg hunt training as early as possible. Call it practice for the big day. 
The boys are master egg hunters by now. They should be, I think there training began when they were about 2 years old.
And her training is going well, too.
She has learned to open the eggs because most likely there will be chocolate inside.
She has learned to stay on her brothers heels because surely they know where all the "good eggs" are hidden.
Who says St. Patrick's Day is too early to start? Certainly, not us.
