Honorable Mention

Yesterday, we had a ward chili cook off. Seth wanted to do something a little different, so yesterday morning we found a recipe for Sweet Italian Chili, I headed to the store for some fresh ingredients and that night we took Honorable Mention. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs 95% lean ground beef
3/4 cup chopped bell peppers
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup chopped onions
3/4 cup thinly sliced celery
2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans , drained
1 (16 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
2 cups water
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons dried sweet basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (Or the real stuff)
1 dash ground cloves
1 dash baking soda
Directions
1. Brown ground beef in a dutch oven.
2. Drain and return to pan.
3. Add bell pepper, parsley, onion and celery.
4. Saute until onion is clear, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Enjoy!

The Big Day!

So, I've been taking a break from the blogging world, or at least posting to my blog. I have been busy working on and almost finishing my last class needed to graduate from BYU! Once my last midterm has been graded, my final will be sent to the U of I and upon completion I will be ready to graduate. I am so excited! I can finally put a diploma in the diploma holder I received when I walked at BYU three and a half years ago...
Graduation is scheduled for April 24th, also our wedding anniversary.

I am so excited!!!

I am going to reward myself by starting my own business. I hope to start a design business, first with vinyl lettering and then hopefully, wedding flowers and possibly cakes. I have been doing some research lately and hope to get started in the next couple of months. I had to get through my class and potty training Weston before I could do anything with my business ideas.

George and Nemo

Weston's nursery leader was kind enough to bring live fish to nursery a couple of weeks ago. Thinking we were going home with fish crackers, I told her yes when she asked if we wanted to take some fish home. George is still alive and well. Nemo lasted three days and took a little swim to the tune of Amazing Grace performed by Seth. Weston did really well with the loss and whenever George stops swimming he says, "Let's flush him!"

We can see grass!!!

A couple of weeks ago, we received quite a bit of snow. The University actually cancelled classes for two days, a very rare event. Weston loved the snow!!! It has since melted and the roads are starting to clear. Weston is excited to see the grass again. I told him that when we can see the grass, he can ride his scooter outside!!!

Rock On!

We decided to thank Weston for his healthy contribution to our tax return by getting him this sweet guitar. He has wanted one every since his cousin Aimee got one for Christmas. He has since worn down the batteries and we can't seem to find new ones...

Weston's Imagination

Weston has turned into a little boy lately and is no longer a toddler. He has quite the imagination and I love waiting to see what he will come up with next. He loves to hang on things and pretend he is a monkey.