baby's firsts

baby's first blanky! (thanks Meg we love it!)




Baby's frist hike....she's not in the picture but she was there in her sling (thanks kate!)





Baby's first captured smile....so sweet!


and Baby's first Rockstar.....her daddy is so proud!


























































babys first rockstar.....they grow up so fast!

yummy chicken soup!

I tried my hand at creamy chicken and rice soup yesterday....and it was yummy! here is the adapted recipe....


1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup carrots
2 cups uncooked brown rice
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
2 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup margarine
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chopped, cooked chicken meat (i just baked 4 boneless skinless chicken breats with olive oil, salt and pepper)
6 cups milk, divided
salt and pepper to taste



DIRECTIONS
In a large pot over high heat, combine the celery, onions, and carrots with a bit of olive oil and cook for about 5 min. Add rice, bouillon, broth and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes (it took about 45 min) or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine. Slowly add the flour, stirring often, to make a roux. Add 4 cups of milk, 1/2 cup at a time, while constantly stirring. Add this and the chicken to the rice mixture and return the rice mixture to the stovetop over low heat.
If the soup seems too thick, add some or all of the remaining 2 cups of milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste and allow to simmer for at least an hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

i had to add all the milk plus extra broth so next time i'll us half the flour and margerine. But it is delicious! and so nice for a cold day...like today