TTT

Its Tuesday..... and I have a couple recipes to share in a moment.

The Aldrich family is alive and well here in sunny Southern California.  

Garth is working, working, working.  He leaves in the morning before the rest of the house is up and isn't home most days until at least 6:30 pm.  He has duty this weekend and then is gone the next week for an exercise.  We are feeling a bit "daddy/hubby" deprived, but try our best to understand.  Please pray for him and his job.  And more important than that - pray he will not worry about tomorrow or 5 yrs from now or 10 yrs, etc.  He is robbed of his joy for today worrying about if things will be alright tomorrow.  We love him and appreciate his hard work and dedication for us and to us.  We love you Garth!!

Our Dylan is a busy little guy.  He is doing great in 1st grade.  He is working on money in math and continues to excel in his reading and writing (such a shocker).  He has his Open House at school this Thursday.  We are looking forward to attending and seeing some of his work.  There will be a project displayed of the kids writing from the first day of school and one from recently.  I have been told by his teacher/friend that Dylan's is the best one.  I'm sure the difference will be amazing.  He has started weekly practice for a little choir at church for Memorial Day weekend.  The kids will sing a few "God and country" songs for the services.  He wanted to do it and Garth and I figure he needs to know a couple of these songs to further emphasize our "We love our God and our Country" influences.  Dylan told his teacher that he  enjoyed the choir because he likes to be a star on stage.  (I will not even try to expound on that statement.)  He also begins flag football practice tomorrow.  He is on the Vikings team.  We got him some football cleats over the weekend.  He is beside himself to get out on that field and play him some football.  (Too bad he is 7 and only 50 lbs.  God put some meat on those little bones.)  I'll post pictures and video when I have it.

Jaydon, Jaydon, Jaydon.  He is our little lovable firecracker.  What a character this one is!!  He is all about Star Wars, monster trucks, motorcycles, superheroes, and Nacho Libre.  He loves playing with friends, going to the park and having a good, cold popsicle.  Lately he has really been into the Bibleman DVD's.  These movies are so corny they are almost painful to watch, but the boys love them and they have a good message.  So Jaydon goes around saying - Jesus is my rock, my shield, my salvation.  It is pretty funny.  Especially because he normally says it when he is displeased with you.  

Now to some recipes - 

Santa Fe Rice Pilaf with Chicken

2T olive oil

1 small onion, chopped fine

1 c uncooked brown rice

2 1/2 c hot broth - I used vegetable 

1 t cumin

1/2 t oregano

1 can green chilies

shredded cooked chicken

Heat olive oil in sauce pan and saute onion until soft.  Add in the uncooked rice and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until rice is nicely coated and turns a golden brown.  Add spices and stir to coat.  Slowly stir in broth.  Add green chilies and chicken.  Bring to a boil.  Cover and reduce heat to low.  Simmer about 45 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is soft.

We really enjoyed this meal.  You can change the ingredients to your liking - use bell peppers instead of chilies, add different spices.  Use what works for you and your family.  Also, wait and make this when you have leftover chicken.  I made this with my leftovers from the agave lime chicken.  It is a great way to use those leftovers in the fridge.

Sloppy Joes

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, finely chopped - I have used both red and green

1 c ketchup

1 T mustard

1 T apple cider vinegar

1 T maple syrup

Brown beef with onion and peppers.  Add the following ingredients until heated through.

This is so easy and a healthy alternative to the sloppy joe mixes at the grocery store.  I serve it on my homemade wheat bread with cheese grilled in our panini press.  Make some sweet potato fries/chips and a salad and serve with some watermelon and you have a fun meal for a hot summer day.

We hope this finds you and yours well.

Many blessings.