march 14th please???

i am so so SOOOO ready for a break! actually, i say that, and I'm ok, but i wish March would come sooner so that allen and I can get away. He definitely needs a break...BIG TIME..work isn't going so great for him, but he keeps the absolute best attitude about it. i love him and i respect him for that. he works so hard for judahbug and I, and never complains. he comes home at night and even though he's super tired, he still takes the time out to play with his booger of a son ;) He's pretty awesome and I love him. I think it'll be good for us to have some time away from "life" and just to focus on us for a little bit. I can't wait!!

On a side note, it's raining cats and dogs outside and it's awesome!! i LOVE the rain! especially since we have a metal roof and it's super loud! great for sleeping! :)

here's that recipe!!

yummmmmmm.....(and yes, i stole this from the Pioneer Woman..probably why it's so AMAZING!!!)

Chicken Tortilla Soup





Ingredients

2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1-½ teaspoon Cumin

1 teaspoon Chili Powder

½ teaspoons Garlic Powder

½ teaspoons Salt

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 cup Diced Onion

¼ cups Diced Green Bell Pepper

¼ cups Red Bell Pepper

3 cloves Garlic, Minced

1 can Rotel Tomatoes And Green Chilies

32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Stock

3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste

4 cups Hot Water

2 cans Black Beans, Drained

3 Tablespoons Cornmeal Or Masa

5 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches

Garnishes:

Sour Cream

Diced Avocado

Diced Red Onion

Salsa Or Pico De Gallo

Grated Monterey Jack Cheese

Cilantro

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix.



Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. Set aside.



Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then add the rest of the spice mix. Stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.



Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.



Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water. Pour into the soup, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Check seasonings, adding more if needed—add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.



Ladle into bowls, then top with sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo, and grated cheese, if you have it! (The garnishes really make the soup delicious.)

best dinner EVER..

oh my heavens..i definitely made the BEST dinner ever!! at least to me..it was chicken tortilla soup and it tastes AMAAAAZING!!! and it doesn't hurt that it's really healthy too..always a plus for me..Now i'm sure that allen still likes the baked spaghetti i cooked a few weeks ago better, but i'm more of a "soup" person anyway, so this was right up my alley. and exactly what i (and the baby) was craving. SO GOOD!! (and yes, i know it's pretty sad i am dedicating an entire post to my love of food, namely this yumminess in a bowl, but i am..so get over it.. ;) ) my life somewhat revolves around food lately now that i'm pregnant, whether it be my serious aversion to it, or my love for it. right now i obviously am in a very loving mood towards my food. pathetic. i know. but yes, all that to say..this soup is GREAT and you should try it! i will put the recipe up soon! :)

one more month of winter...

i have to say, i'm so glad january is over!! nothing really exciting happens and it's just cold and blah. but february is finally here!! we get to go visit the family and then judah's going to be TWO!! geez...can't believe it! then, well, there's valentine's day (which allen and i don't really celebrate, but it's an excuse for an extra bag of chocolate in the house), then our 8 year (dating/being together) anniversary! wow..didn't realize there was that much!! oh, and i can't say all that without saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mommy in law...today she is OLD!! haha, just kidding!! ;)

but i have to admit, as glad as i am that february's here, i'm even more ready for march or april....or any kind of warmth outside. right now we are all getting excited about 40 degree weather.........sad....very sad.

right now i just want to be out on the beach soaking up the sun and drinking some good sweet tea....