Our Angel Tree.

Joe and I kind of always knew we wanted to get something rather special and permanent to remember our sweet tWIPs and precious bdub. Tattoos are extraordinarily painful and since I am the largest wussie on planet earth, also completely out of the question.

We had a lot of ideas, but ultimately the idea of something living--that we could see every day--was a requirement. And, as luck would have it, we've got a big ol' lot of sod just waiting for some life and landscaping.

And so, a few weeks ago, we drove on over to a nursery (ironic, no?) and got us a tree. Alex calls it our "angel tree" and I think that's rather appropriate. Here it is:

It's a sugar maple, so it will turn really beautiful vibrant shades of red every fall. I love it for all that it is and all that it stands for. It really is a tree of life.

And so this post isn't all sappy-wappy, here are some obligatory adorable photos from the weekend: a tractor ride at Franklin Cider Mill and trying on Daddy's new glasses.

My, how time flies.

Give the people what they want.

And today, you all want 2 things. 1) Video of the actual fire from yesterday's preview video. And I'm told that it's in the works and will be released soon. Get your popcorn ready.

And B) Everyone wants another recipe. Well, maybe not, but I made this butternut squash soup on Sunday and it's seriously so delicious and perfect for fall. And easy! And cheap! Squash are like 65 cents at Aldi, so hop on that!

You'll need:
- 1/2 of a large sweet onion, chopped (GG would want you to use a Vidalia)
- 5 tablespoons butter (real butter...and if you drop in an extra tablespoon or two I won't tell!)
- 6 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (this is like a medium sized squash...maybe 2 lbs.)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram (No idea what this was before this recipe, but it's a spice. Go figure.)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese (do yourself a favor and DON'T get the reduced fat crap)
- salt, to taste

Then do this:
1. In a large saucepan, saute onions in butter until tender. Add squash, broth, marjoram, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Bring to boil; cook 20 minutes, or until squash is tender.
2. Puree everything in the pot with the cream cheese in a blender or food processor in batches until smooth. Return to saucepan, and heat through. Do not allow to boil.

It's so good. Like, punch-yourself-in-the-face good. Next time I'm going to add some crab or shrimp chunks and some corn to make it like a chow-dah. Let me know if you try it!

Do you call it a teeter-totter or a seesaw?

We call it FUN!

Word association.

Sleeping. PINK Sweatpants.

Makeup. MAC.

Shopping. Target.

Sundays. Football.

Fall. Chili. (Also cider & donuts but that's a story for another day.)

Ahhhh, yes. It's that time of year. The leaves begin to change and I start buying Jiffy Cornbread mix in bulk while my crockpot works overtime on yummy soups and other things that smack of fall, crisp weather and snuggling.

Last night I whipped up my second seasonal batch of award winning white chicken chili. I'm not even bragging, here...it really has won awards! I've topped the charts twice at the annual chili cook-off at work. I may or may not also be the chair of that particular committee...

Anyway, here's the recipe. It's VERY yum. You can play with the chili/cayenne and hot sauce if you're a wussy on the hotness. Enjoy!

White Chicken Chili
Combine over low heat:
1 lb. chicken breast, poached and cut into bite size pieces
2 - 14 oz. cans of chicken broth
1 large glass jar of white navy beans w/ liquid

Meanwhile, sauté:
2 cups finely chopped onions (make your husband do this, as it is a sucky job)
2 tablespoons minced garlic(get a garlic press so your fingers aren't all sticky and stinky)
1 small can of minced green chilies
3 (heaping) teaspoons cumin
2 (level) teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Combine all ingredients and heat to serve. (And obviously, bake some cornbread while you wait!)

Weekend Fun!

I am just LOVING this stage of Alex's little life. I often tell him that he's the coolest person I know - and it's true! Basically, I love just hanging out with him and discovering the world around us. Seeing things through a child's eyes (while very cheesy and poetical) is simply the bees knees.

On Saturday we went to Yates Cider Mill, which dates back to 1863. It's a beautiful mill located on the Clinton River--and the river actually flows over the Yates dam and supplies the headwaters to power the mill. It's a very cool place!

And on Saturday we played outside for a bit at Nana's house.

This is far and away my favorite time of year--the weather is cool enough that you don't sweat your balls off walking outside, but just warm enough that you don't need a full-on Sherpa-lined coat.

In related news, I (read: Joe) discovered my new favorite drinky-drink...warm cider with spiced rum. Uhmm, in how many languages can you say "best, ever?" 'Cause it totally is.

Fall Is In The Air.

And I am love, LOVE, LOVING it.

I wore my first seasonally appropriate turtleneck today.The neck of le turtle is snuggly and glorious and I have at least eleventy of them in my closet. The fluffier, the better. And if they have buttons? Please. I'm sold.

Also? We're going to an apple farm this weekend for cider and copious amounts of donuts. There might even be a hayride in Alex's future if he shapes up and ceases throwing inanimate objects at my face.

In related news of deliciousness, today's Detroit Groupon is for VINO! $25 for $75 worth of liquid nectar. Me? I'm a red girl...preferably the cab or shiraz variety. Oh, and because it's an online store, you can get in on this deal if you live in any of these states. Weeeee!!!

Fall Family Fun.

Last weekend we took our first trip to an orchard as a family. We went to Westview Orchards with some friends that have older children and it was so. much. fun. I can't wait until Alex is bigger and he can run around the pumpkin patch, screaming with delight when he finds the perfect pumpkin for carving. Not that I'm wishing him out of his babyhood, but it's just something fun to look forward to.


Of course he wore his new pumpkin outfit from Grammi and Poppi.



Peek-an-Alex!



I did end up buying a new Bjorn (well, "new" from Craiglist)...and it came in handy that day!



Best. Day. Ever.

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Today marks the first day of the beginning of my favorite part of year. I am a sick, twisted individual and absolutely adore fall and winter. It's standard that I cry on the day of the first snowfall. Same goes for all things Christmas.

But until the snow falls, these are the three things I heart the most:


Watching the leaves change color and fall to the ground in giant piles. Something Michigan does right.



Apple cider and donuts. And caramel apples, too...



Hoodie weather! Go Broncos!

I'm beside myself with glee to take Alex to an apple orchard. We will be the picture of family perfection: riding on a hayride, picking our pumpkins ourselves, going thru the corn maze and ending the day with a large purchase of cider, donuts and apples. I will be wearing a hoodie, natch.