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YUM- Creamy Chicken Chili

A few months ago I stumbled across this recipe via Pinterest. I may or may not have made it almost weekly since that time because it is just that good. And yes, even the baby approves....

Since Dan and I are trying to limit how much meat we eat, we make this without chicken and serve it over brown rice. It's hearty, healthy, and so very tasty. We like to spice it up by adding extra chili and onion powder.

So, if you are looking for a super easy, cheap, and yummy crock pot meal, this is it. I dare you to make it and try it. You WILL NOT be disappointed!!

 

Noah's First Nine Months

Our boy is growing up way too fast, but when we are old, grey, and have a hard time remembering back to when he was just a little guy, we will have great videos like this.

Whew.

Well, the weekend is over and I must say, I'm just finally getting to sit and have a few minutes at the computer. This past week has felt very full and busy. I always get exhausted after weeks like this, but truly, I loved it....Having business in my life forces me to take full advantage of any and all down time and be intentional about having some quality time with my man and our family. Here is a run down of what we have been up to lately....

- Noah has been taking his first STEPS. Yes, it's true. The little man decided to try to walk, taking steps every day last weekend. I guess he turned 10 months old and decided he had had enough of hanging out on the carpet. This guy is so determined and curious. Now I REALLY cannot take my eyes off him...and, seeing that he is my favorite baby of all time, I just love that. The amount of joy Dan and I felt in that moment was really indescribable. It is so fun to watch a huge milestone happen right in front of your eyes. I may have gotten a little choked up. Just maybe.
- If you read the last post you would know I worked a few hours last week. So that happened.
- I went to a "bridal shower planning meeting" for my bff who gets married in (oh my gosh) just three months!
- My sister-in-law and her husband visited Sat-Sun. We love spending time with them (AND watching Catching Fire). They were super nice and volunteered to watch Noah while Dan and I...
- Got all dressed up and attended a silent auction event. This was really fun...we hung out with friends, ate the most delicious appetizers, and bid on fun stuff. Dan actually had the highest bid on something and he walked away smiling (it may or may not have been cool sports memorabilia :))
- My sister had her final high school musical this weekend. She happened to be the lead in the show, so it was sort of big deal. It was so fun to see her perform! Again, I was crying...feeling so proud of her, not only because of her talents, but the amazing person she has become.
- We enjoyed a fun lunch and dinner with family. Good food and good company...two of my very favorite things.
- Noah got sick. Boo. The poor babe has had some stomach issues the last few days, which is why I'm quickly finishing up this list to take him to the doctor.
- I got to see one of my very best college friends three separate times over one week! It was so fun to have her visit us (she sometimes travels to our area for work) and for me to have a girls weekend with her two weeks ago. I love her and our friendship. I also love manicures, heated blankets, shopping at Anthropologie, and Wawa coffee.
- Dan and I are still enjoying watching this one TV series on Netflix together. We may talk about it every day and have dreams about it at night. Okay, that's just me, but whatever....

So there you have it. Our life lately in list form.

a little work

Last week I saw my very first client. It had been 10 months. To say I felt out of the loop is an understatement. It felt weird. But so good. I put on work pants and heels for goodness sake. I mean, that in and of itself was a huge deal. Just sayin'...

After a lot of discussing and praying, Dan and I decided it would be a great idea for me to work part-part-part time. Did you catch that? Do the math haha. I will help you--I will still get the blessing of being home with Noah every day, but will see clients again for about 5-8 hours a week. It works out perfectly for us, because I am able to schedule them around being at home full-time, so a typical schedule will look like 1-2 evenings/week or every other Friday afternoon/Saturday morning. So far it is feeling like a win-win. I am able to still able to be a stay-at-home mom, while also still getting to challenge myself (in something other than nap schedules and positive discipline!). It doesn't hurt that a few extra bucks a month can help go towards things like vacations and other special family things. 

Working, even if just a handful of hours a week, really helps my mood and keeps me centered. I can feel like I'm still working to better society (outside of my own family) and even help pay for a few things for our family. I know some people may not understand me pursuing a little work outside the home when I don't have to. Believe me, I struggle with this a little, too. It really is just a matter of me feeling useful and fulfilled in something other than being a mom. Yes, being with Noah as much as possible is SO fulfilling and meaningful....Being a parent is the hardest, most amazing job I've ever had! And I find so much purpose and joy in it, but sometimes, I need something else to think about, ya know? It's hard to explain, but I'm sure other stay-at-home moms can relate to this thought process. 

So that's that. Tonight, after Noah gets his dinner and Dan's gets home from work, I'm off to work with a little fella who needs help with compliance, friendship skills, listening, and handling anger. It's not going to be easy juggling these two worlds of mama and counselor, but I'm up for the challenge. :)