Speaking of babies...

We have 2 and 3 more are due any day now.

Aaron, Montana, and I eat lots of eggs. I mean lots. We have talked about having chickens for a long time, but for those of you who know us, know that we TALK about alot of things. Well my friend, Lea, helped put a stop to our talking, by giving us chicken eggs to hatch plus 2 other chicks. She brought our 2 chicks on Monday, and we are anxiously awaiting the hatching of our 3 other chicks. I have a fear that the 3 eggs are not going to hatch at all and we will only have Judy and Apple (named by our sweet 5 yr old friend).

We will keep you posted on the hatching of the other 3, yet to be named. And here's the other thing...should we really be naming these chicks?? We are new to ALL of this. Much is to be learned in this process!!

Welcome Bloom Oliver

One week ago Bloom Oliver was born to my sister, Emily and her husband Heath. He was a whopping 5 lbs 14 oz and 20 inches long. He just a little peanut and so wonderful. This quote inspired Bloom's name:

"I hope you will go out and let stories happen to you, and that you will work them, water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom,
till you yourself burst into bloom."

We are so glad you're here, Bloom.

Day One

Let the potty training begin. I'm officially sick of diapers and Montana has shown interest in the past (let's hope I didn't miss the window!) and there are a couple of other signs, like a dry diaper after nap. We went to Target this morning and bought princess pull-ups and princess underwear (her choice, not mine) and also an Elmo potty/sticker chart. I told Montana that once she gets 10 stickers on the chart she can pick something out at the store and has already asked 3 or 4 times in the last 30 minutes if she can have a dress and I've said 3 0r 4 times in the last 30 minutes that she can have a dress once she goes potty 1o times.
I'm not really sure what I'm doing, but here we go. I swore that I would never potty train with candy, but here I am, attempting to potty train with M&Ms AND stickers. Who knew it could be so fun to go to the bathroom?
Any words of wisdom on potty training you would care to share??
Let the pottying begin!

Red Lentil Coconut Curry Recipe

Every Monday night we have a potluck/biblestudy at our house. I make a pot of soup and everyone brings something to share. This week I made this soup and it was a hit. It was so good that I had to share. The recipe is from the cookbook Simply in Season.

Red Lentil Curry Coconut

If time allows, place can of coconut milk in freezer 20 minutes before starting to cook. Open can and remove solidified coconut butter from the top to use in sauteing.

1 large onion (minced)
In large soup pot saute in coconut butter or 1 T oil over medium-high heat until transparent but not browned.

1 T garlic (minced)
1 T ginger root - peeled and minced (I used 1/2 tsp-ish of ground ginger)
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp each - ground turmeric, ground cumin, pepper
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2-3 bay leaves
Add and reduce head to medium-low. Cook and stir constantly for 3 minutes; do not let spices and onion brown.

13.5 oz can of coconut milk
1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
1 cup tomato sauce
Add and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often.

2 cups dried red lentils (rinsed)
5 cups water
In a saucepan cook for 15 minutes. Add, with liquid, to soup pot.

1 medium head cauliflower (cut into 1 1/2 inch florets)
1 large sweet potato (peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes)
1/4 head cabbage (cut in 1 1/2 inch chunks)
1-2 cups peas (optional)
Add to soup pot and cook over medium heat just until tender. If using peas, add at the end of cooking time.
Serve over brown rice with toppings (optional): Indian chutneys and pickles, fresh diced pears, roasted sunflower seeds, plain yogurt.

So yummy!! Enjoy!

Emily and Heath Visit

But you wouldn't really know since most of the pictures are of Montana! We had amazing weather and such a good time. It made me miss my sis even more, though. She better have that baby soon, so I can go to Wyoming and see her and the baby (oh and Heath too, of course!). Love you guys so much!!!