Guacamole Salsa (from Frosted Bake Shop)

Make yourself a happy little camper and whip this up quickly.  It's AMAZING paired with the Chorizo Chili I just posted and obviously good with chips!

Everything below is copied directly from Frosted bake shop - great food blog, check it out and enjoy!!

I went to a church dinner a couple weeks ago and they made shredded pork with an amazing guacamole salsa over it. I loved it! I was so excited when later in the night they had a class teaching us how to make the same salsa!

It is really easy to make and is healthy also. It is made with all fresh vegetables & herbs ( and a pinch of salt.) It can be made thicker like real guacamole or thinner to make it like a salad dressing - and everywhere in-between. I use it to spread on my turkey sandwiches and it has a bunch of flavor without adding any fat. I keep thinking of all the other ways I can eat this - besides with a spoon!

Guacamole Salsa

1 lb. tomatillos (or more if you want it thinner)

1 jalapeno pepper (or more if you like it spicy)

1/3 bunch cilantro

1 thick slice of onion

1 garlic clove

1 avocado

1 tsp. salt

Peel and wash the tomatillos - they are usually found over by the cilantro & peppers, and have a husk on them. Cut them into quarters and put in the blender. Follow with the jalapeno, cilantro, onion, garlic, avocado & salt. Be sure to put the tomatillos in the bottom of the blender and not the avocado so it doesn't stick to the blade. You might have to help it start by shaking or using a mixer at first. But, once it gets going the juice from the tomatillos will help move the other ingredients around.

That is it! I was told it lasts for about a week in the fridge. I did notice that it thickens up in the fridge, so if you want it thinner grab a couple more tomatillos to mix in again. Super easy and so good!!

Crockpot Chorizo Chili

Crockpot Chorizo Chili

1 lb choizo sausage
1 lb stew beef
1 can (28 oz) diced or whole peeled tomatoes
3 chipolte chiles in adobo sauce
1/2 of a yellow onion, chopped
2 medium zucchini
1 cup celery, chopped
2 tbsp chopped garlic
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried cilantro
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp coriander
1 to 2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup lime juice
chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
lime wedges (optional)

1.  grease crockpot with olive oil (spray, or I use a basting brush to coat the bottom and sides with about 2 tsp to 1 tbsp of olive oil).

2.  in a blender or food processor, blend the canned tomatoes and chilies.

3.  place the chorizo sausage and beef in the bottom of the crock pot.  Add chopped onion, zucchini, celery, and garlic.  spinkle spices over meat and veggies.

4.  pour in tomato and chili mixture.  add 1/2 cup dry red wine.  fill crockpot with beef broth, but don't over fill, it will boil over!

5.  simmer on low setting for 8 hours.  you may stir at the 4 hour mark, but mostly you can just leave it be!

6.  add lime juice 1/2 hour before serving.  garnish with cilantro and lime.

Don't feel that you need to add everything in this recipe to your chili.  If you don't have zucchini on hand, use carrots.  Add green peppers if you have them.  Use the whole onion if you prefer.  Also, don't worry about the cayenne pepper or coriander if you don't have any, but I highly recommend you do not skip the cumin!  You may also substitute ground turkey or ground beef for the stew beef.

Robin's note: I've made this as listed above and personally like to cook and drain the chorizo first as it can get greasy.  Pairs up great with Guacamole Salsa (see post).

This recipe is from the blog: F2F Nutrition

Picture from Pinterest linked to Paleomommy  - she has a very similar recipe, basically minus the zucchini more or less...

Diaper Free in 2013!

Whitley Ann has been showing interest in the potty (and being like her big brother and sister) for a few months now.  We've been talking and trying it here and there, but the past two weeks, SHE'S been pushing it, so I went and got some new panties for her and that was that.  Now, we aren't without our accidents, but those are few and far between - especially compared to the other two.  Guess she was ready!  So proud of her and so proud of Naylor and Lalon that have been great sports in cheering her on and giving her hugs and high fives when she does go.  They can be so sweet together - I've seen it happen!

With all of that said... I think tomorrow I'll work with her on her tissue usage and what's an appropriate amount.  :)

Lalon's First REAL Haircut

Happy Birthday Ava James - you're 4!!  In honor of your special day, we did something that was long overdue... we finally cut Lalon's hair.  I trimmed the 'duck tail' off a few months back and that bought me some time, but we really went for it tonight.  We were both finally ready for it.  I do think all the curls are gone, but maybe with a little humidity they'll show themselves occasionally.  I gave Naylor a cut as well and this was the first time he let me actually cut his hair and not just buzz it.  I was impressed that 1) it doesn't look that bad and 2) he held still the entire time and let me do it.  Whitley Ann was safe this go around... I'm going to try to hold off on her for a little bit until it evens itself out.

Boy, they sure are growing up quickly!

Lalon Hope before: 3 years, 6 months

Naylor riding his bike sans training wheels

This was a spur of the moment try and just a quick video of him going.  He did really great and we're working on no training wheels all the time, although he likes them on so he can "go faster".  :)

This is the outfit he picked for the day too - his fashion statements are unparalleled.

Saturday Parade

We've made a family tradition of the downtown Raleigh St. Patrick's Day parade - this was our 3rd year attending!  We are always joined by our good friends the Swaringens and Blaine's sister Ashley and her family (she and Brian graduated high school together).  This year, we even got the Hughes family to come out for just a little play time as well.  The weather was awesome and the kids loved it as usual.  I'm glad we have so many family friendly things to do in our area - so grateful!!

Click here to view these pictures larger

Sleeping Beauties...

Walked in to check on the girls the other night and found this...

I was a bit surprised because it got quiet faster than usual, so I expected them to both be in their beds, but instead found them all snuggled up with their horses!