May 20, 2009
From the Editor:
Spring has come in full bloom to our corner of the world, and the past month has been great to us. We've really enjoyed the warmer weather. It has been magical to watch the world wake slowly from the winter sleep - seeing everything new and growing.
I love to watch how my children grow too. It seems that I begin to notice how much bigger they are at this time of year - the bulky winter clothes come off and I can really see how much longer their legs have gotten! It amazes me to see how the "baby fat" has really come off my "big kids" - even Brennan, who will soon be four, is slimming down into a sturdy child. No more chubby baby rolls for him! And of course I love watching my Galen grow as he plumps up with more baby rolls. It continues to amaze me how fast little ones grow and how much we need to treasue each stage, and enjoy each moment of awakening as they grow.
We enjoyed a visit from my dad at the end of April. He wasn't able to come up with my mom after Galen was born so this was the first time he'd met Galen. He was able to stay for 3 days and we all really loved that! I also made my grandmother's famous chocolate cake as an "early birthday present" for my dad - it was a big hit. Sometimes, it's worth it make a treat that's completely "not good for you." Grandmama's chocolate cake for a birthday was one of those occasions - it brought back many treasured memories for both me and my dad :)
~Kristen
Featured Articles
I've gotten several birth story submissions in the past month - here are the new ones!
Galen's 5 Month EC update: my regular monthly update on how elimination communication is going with my baby.
Learning New Skills and Gaining Knowledge While Mothering: Ever wondered how you can continue to grow and gain knowledge while mothering? I've found a good technique for absorbing information that I've shared with you.
Why I Own a Website: I decided to write a bit more on just why I love owning Natural Birth and Baby Care :)
Featured Recipe
All-Around Best Chili
This has become one of my favorite recipes because it stretches for several meals - or it's great for a potluck or when you have friends over. It freezes nicely! I have reduced the amount of meat in the recipe before and it still comes out pretty hearty - you can experiment with what your family budget allows.
Makes 12 servings
- 4 pounds ground beef
- 4 medium onions diced
- 2 cups green peppers chopped
- 2 4-ounce cans chopped green chilies
- 2 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes with juice
- 1 pound bag pinto beans soak overnight
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup kidney beans soaked overnight (1 can kidney beans can be substituted)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
Pick over the beans and soak them in plenty of water overnight.
Cook the ground beef, onions, and green peppers together. Put the (soaked) beans, water, tomatoes, ground beef mix, garlic, chili powder, and cumin into a big pot or crockpot and boil it until the beans are soft. This will take several hours. If using dry beans wait and add the salt until after beans are soft.
Add water as it cooks if needed.
If using already cooked beans adjust water level down a bit.
I was lucky to stumble upon this recipe at The Bean Bible.com!
Featured Links
- The Frugal Coupon Mom: It doesn't matter how much money you're making - money saved is still a good thing. I've really been enjoying the "heads up" on great deals Frugal Coupon Mom gives!
Did you enjoy this newsletter? Send it along to a friend! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions! Have a great month :D
Thanks,
Kristen, Editor