Kenzie, the almost a big girl!

Kenzie got a new bed last week. She is doing great, but it took a couple nights and some well placed spiders :) On Wednesday (yet another night I had to be away, this time for mutual) Brandon was having a difficult time getting Kenzie to stay in her bed, sooooo... he went and started rummaging in her closet, grabbed a handful of "spiders" and threw them on the floor and told her not to come out of bed or the spiders will get her... (there wasn't really any spiders real or pretend) This is of her first night - after her parents won the battle of the sleep at 10pm...




Jubilant celebrations the next morning!

I'm Having an Affair . . .

Although I never thought the day would come that those words would come forth from my lips, it's true, dastardly and horribly true... (don't stop reading!!!)

I am an Idaho girl to the core, my heart will always belong there, but I have recently fallen in love, again. North-western Washington has made a play for me. It is trying to steal a place in occupied territory. I cannot tell you the beauty of this area, you know if you have been here. It is beyond compare (with anything I have experienced thus far in my short existence) I love it here.

On one hand you have some of God's art work at it's finest. Puget Sound and it's many beauties, Mount Rainier peaking/peeking out at you in between the clouds, and our newest exploration, Point Defiance Park (the zoo and aquarium are somewhat famous but the park is what should be - and most of it is free which is a price tag I most admire!) After today's adventure, I might have to be dragged from this city kicking and screaming. I am as happy as a bear in the honey pot, now if I could only find a way of transporting all the people from Idaho who are still tugging my heart strings - and the ones in Utah and Texas, life would be perfect!

For my big city loving husband I bring you the other hand... Seattle, as much big city as an Idaho boy can handle and much more! For myself though, I stay far away - unless he is driving ...

As for my title - never you worry, Mr. Bradshaw is so thoroughly adored that my heart - although fickle when the matter of land is in reference, it is not where my Colonel Brandon is concerned!

In case you noticed, not that you could help it, yes I've been reading Austen - with all the joy and fondness my heart can issue. :)

Amazing Spanish Rice (also gluten free!)

I'll have you know, if I post a recipe - you should try it, because it is really good. I may not be the best photog but I is a good cooker :)



(Fancy gourds courtesy of my in-laws)
So here it is, I'd double it though because you will want to eat it for dessert, that is, if everything you typically eat for dessert has been taken away by one wicked doctor, a blood test, genetics and your husband and kids are snacking away on really yummy looking cookies :) ...

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups chicken stock
  
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (we didn't use this as we are not big tomato fans)
  
• 2 teaspoons chili powder, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• parsley to taste (actually I just like the splash of color :) )

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Saute rice, onion, and bell pepper until rice is browned and onions are tender.
2. Stir in water and tomatoes. Add seasonings. Cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Makernoni and Sheesh

Macaroni & cheese is a staple among mothers. For years I fought the dreaded "box" and eventually I caved. I love the stuff - homemade though, the box is one thing I can easily live without! My mom makes the best, it's so simple and yummy. For my Boise friends do a mourning celiac a favor and go downtown to Louisiana Fried Chicken on Broadway, eat it in honor of me :) They make the best mac and cheese I've ever eaten...

So I'm sure you are wondering about this tribute to macaroni and cheese of all things. I've been cravin' the stuff, it had been invading my dreams and keeping me awake - well not really I just really missed it - yes more than cake, more than Brandon's heavenly chocolate chip cookies (he has a magic touch), more than the chocolate chip pumpkin bread and danish almond puff pastries I make this time of year - oh the baking I am missing out on (why couldn't I have found out after Christmas???), but yes I had a hankerin' for mac & cheese, I'm a little different.

I made some. Rice noodles and cornstarch, but I made it and it tasted pretty good. A new celiac friend of mine said that when she keeps her expectations really low, things end up tasting pretty good :) Well, if you've stuck with me this long, now you know - mac n' cheese is edible for non-wheaties ... as long as I make it and it doesn't come from a box :)

One tidbit for ya...

I love this picture - her little finger just up there like she's saying, "Excuse me, if I could make a point?" Or, "One minute mom, Dillon and I are talking!" Just precious...

Umm, did anyone notice it is OCTOBER??? When did that happen??? (uhhh, after September...) I am experiencing some sort of mental difficulty :)

Happy news though, I spent $70.74 and with all my coupons and store deals I saved $65.29. I was as happy as a bear in the honeycomb!!! What a good shopping trip. I am not going to buy deodorant, toothpaste or shampoo & conditioner for a good couple years! :) More happy news, it doesn't get very cold here, we just get to explore in the rain :)