on the table....vegetable chili

When it is negative 25 degrees outside (with the wind chill) it's a good day for chili!  I learned how to make this chili from my older sister.  She came to my house when I was pregnant with bean number one and we made a giant pot.  This chili freezes fantastically so there is always some in the freezer.

Veggie Chili...

~2 cans of black beans

~2 cans of kidney beans

~1 bag of frozen corn

~2 red peppers

~2 green peppers

~3 green onions 

~1 small yellow onion

~2 jalapeños

~chili powder

~a pound and a half of ground turkey (or you can use beef)

~45 oz of caned diced tomatoes

~45 oz of canned tomato puree 

The first thing I do is pour all of the tomatoes in a big pot.  Next I slice up all the veggies (except the yellow onion) and heat the corn up in the microwave.  Make sure when you're chopping those jalapeños that you don't get any seeds in the mix!  Dump all the veggies in with your tomatoes and don't forget the beans.  Then slice up your yellow onion.  Add some olive oil to your pan and throw in your onions.  When the onions are looking a little colorful add your meat and season with chili powder.  Last pour your meat into the pot.  Cook your chili on low for 3-4 hours and there you have it!  

My sister, as some of you may know, is a photographer.  Her ability to capture the essence and beauty of the world around her is quite extraordinary.  

SCOUT PHOTOGRAPHY~Elizabeth Guzaldo

Can you tell I'm proud of her!?!  

And with the brutal cold outside today I reworked the mantle after taking all the Christmas decorations down.  I left the vintage candle sticks but added some jars of pinecones and some old books.

And then came a bit of lounging in the kitchen.  The beans love to cook with me so this a typical scene.

 End of the night fire with cookies and all is good. 

Stay warm friends and a happy week to you!  

reflecting...

I forgot how much I love November.  The air has turned cold and the skies are that deep gray that only autumn can share.  The nights come quickly as we get ready for dinner.  One of the best parts of my day is sitting and eating as a family.  The baking has been steady as birthday treats and school snacks are to be made.  I now have time to reflect on how wonderful October was.  The seeds I planted in my Pop's garden produced some amazing pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.  The beans had fun going to Gram and Gramps' house to choose their pumpkins for carving.  The firetruck cake that I was nervous to make came out just fine and my son was proud of it.  Little art projects for the season have been filling up the walls and my beans are all one year older.  That little fairy up there won't be so little next year so I hug and carry her extra tight right now.

Happy November Friends

A Collection...

Just a collection of all the bits and bobs happening in these parts!

The pit is almost finished!  The water issues in this space have been plenty.  We are just elated to be close to the finish line. 

We discovered once we started digging that the pipes for drainage under the slab were all broken.  One main pipe was wrapped in siding from our house which would explain some things!!!

We recycled some of the concrete to make the steps and walkway.  This space now connects to the upper area off the kitchen and was reduced in size to be used as a small sitting area.

My wonderful husband wheeled 12 yards of dirt back here to fill in this massive pit the day before my daughter's birthday party.   Do you see all of the new space for plants!?!  

Off the kitchen is where I had some of my veggies. 

Now we have a deck for a table.

Big bean is now 5!

For her party I wanted some color for the center of the table so I filled a vase with water and water balloons.  A fun and bright display!

 Apple picking and baking this weekend.  

Cortland apples

Mom's Apple Crisp...

Cut-6 large apples into small pieces
Mix-with 1/2 cup sugar and one tsp cinnamon
Spread into 9 by 13 glass baking dish

For the crumble
Mix-6 tbs of softened butter with 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt
Sprinkle on top of the apples

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes

raspberries are coming in

a happy pot of asters from my mom

I went with simple planters this year for the front porch.  Pumpkins and sticks!  

The simple things are the sweetest things!
Wishing everyone a lovely new week!

number five...a trip to the mountains

So we checked off number five from our summer list.  A trip to the mountains with the beans.  We just got home from Wyoming and it was an adventure!  Can it really be called anything less when traveling with three children under the age of five!  I think the trick to traveling with kids is looking for those magical moments and realizing that being on a vacation doesn't mean you won't have melt downs, whining and tired kids.  

So with the expect nothing and appreciate everything approach (my new life mantra!)  we had an outstanding trip!   Targhee Fest is a music festival that was introduced to us by my family who journeyed out last year.  They had such a wonderful time we decided to head out with them this time around.  A small festival with kid friendly activities.  Craft cabin, swimming, horseback riding, euro jumping, and the great outdoors!    

{so much wildlife and this lady hanging by the side of the road}

{my bean and her cousin front row for the show}

 {playing with rocks}

{the guys tent}

{simple combination....lady's mantle, catmint, poppies, and creeping jenny}

{an awesome dad taking his beans for a hike}

{some of my family kicking back}

It was worth the trip!

Happy making, baking, and growing this week folks!