January Wrap-Up

Posted on by Sarah Marshall

Our household didn’t have too many events going on this month but we had plenty of excitement anyway!!

Brooke cheering on the Vols
Brooke eating her "popcorns"

Brooke and Keith had a Daddy/Daughter date at a Vols Men’s Basketball game. Brooke loved the “popcorns” and had so much fun cheering she passed out on the way home.

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Probably the biggest thing to happen was an addition to our family. The adorable Miss Audrey Nicole was born on January 10th making me an Auntie!!!!

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Two days later, my parents celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary! Look at the beautiful family they created (sans Audrey because, well, she wasn’t here 3 years ago when we took this picture).
2009_06150145

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That same day I started classes for my Early Childhood Ed program. So far I’ve done well but I’m still adjusting to throwing one more thing into my schedule.  I’m happy with my decision to pursue this and hope it works out the way I hope.

Our January was a time for lots of celebration and I’m excited to see what February has in store for us!

Interesting Web Bites

Posted on by Sarah Marshall
This is a LOT of computer monitors
photo credit: Wesley Freyer

I love finding new blogs to follow and discovering interesting content. Here are some highlights of what I read this week…

I’m a sucker for Daddy/Daughter pieces, this one is from my church‘s blog…Fathers Be Good to Your Daughters

I’ve attended some of her webinars and this article has me rethinking how we motivate and use rewards with Brooke….Resisting Rewards: When Treats Turn Sour

I found this interesting as someone who is new to trying to find time for daily Bible reading…When Your Quiet Time Is Not So Quiet

As I was scrolling through her blog on my reader, I found myself saying “I should do that” after every mini resolution she listed….Feeling overwhelmed by New Year’s goals? Make mini-resolutions instead!

What interesting pieces have you read lately?

Easy Chili Recipe

Posted on by Sarah Marshall

I love this chili recipe. It’s thrown together quick enough that I can easily make it on busy weeknight but it also has elements that can be prepared ahead to make it even quicker. It also freezes well!!

Easy Chili Recipe

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 14.5 oz can red kidney beans undrained
  • 1 14.5 oz can black beans undrained
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1.5 tsp garlic salt
  • 0.5 tsp oregano
  • shredded cheese if desired
  • sour cream if desired
  • green onions if desired

Method
 

  1. Brown ground beef (or turkey) and onion in large skillet on medium-high heat for 5 minutes; drain.
  2. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream or green onion, if desired.

Notes

To kick up the heat, use tomatoes with green chiles, or "chili ready" diced tomatoes.