job searching in st. cloud, mn

        Lots of driving.

        Lots of playing.

        Some sleep.

        Lots of fun!

        We love Hannah!

quick, easy and tasty taco soup

TACO SOUP

(recipe from rachel)

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning

15 oz can black-eyed peas

15 oz can black beans

15 oz can chili beans in chili sauce/gravy

15 oz can garbanzo beans (chick peas)

14 1/2 oz can Mexican style stewed tomatoes (or tomatoes with jalapenos)

11 oz can whole corn with sweet peppers (or Mexican corn)

-Brown ground beef

-Combine all beans and tomatoes in crock pot with taco seasoning mix (do not drain beans or corn).

-Add ground beef

-Cover and heat 

  6-8 hours on low

  3-4 hours on high

-Top with cheese and sour cream

emma and the mail carrier

Emma made a birthday card for Jesus last week.  She said it didn't matter that it was late (gets that from me I'm afraid) because she couldn't send it anyway.  I asked why she couldn't send it-she looked at me as if I were joking and said, "Because our mailman didn't die yet.  Silly mommy!"

the thaw- it's 40 today!

gymnastics

The smiles don't leave their faces until we leave the gym.  

Do you love the big, white underwear?!!

"what do moms do all day?"

Read this.

 

we're sick of this COLD weather!

*He's actually crying because he doesn't want to go inside.

princess emma

127 minutes before Princess Caroline's birthday party today.  

when it -20 outside we make our own indoor fun

They pimped their new scooter.

Do you see a 2nd face?

How about those socks and sandals?!

It's a little dry in our house.

what's so funny?

my new niece

Meet Elsa Beth (after me) Rydberg.  She was born December 8th at a healthy 8lbs 12 oz.  Big brother Anders is very proud of his new sister.

silly sayings

Emma and I were quizzing Josiah on the functions of different body parts.  We started with ears, then mouth and eyes.  When we got to nose Josiah was stuck so I let Emma give the answer.  

"They're for holding boogers Josiah."

misc christmas pictures

Emma's preschool Christmas program.  She started throwing up about 2 hours later.  After seeing these pictures, I'm so glad it didn't happen on stage!  Thanks for the pictures Jaci!

Opening presents from the Crowder clan in Maryland.  Emma's next

 comment was, "What is it?"

Christmas Eve hot chocolate

we need an intervention!

to: josiah from: emma

Josiah likes to wear Emma's pink "cow boots" around the house.  Since they're pink and not his, Emma got Josiah a pair of his own for Christmas.  We wrapped the box today while he was napping. 

translation:

top line- heart shape and josiah

bottom line- emma

p.s.  we got him black boots.  i hope he still likes them.