Saturday, August 27, 2011

Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe... Enjoy!

I adapted my recipe below from one the wonderful Pioneer Woman shares on her blog! You can click her name to go to her version of White Chili!

Creamy White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
1 lbs Chicken Breasts or Tenders
1 lg Onion
4 cloves Garlic
1 can Green Chilis (whole)
1 pkg Baby Bella Mushrooms
4 tbsp Butter
3 tbsp Olive Oil
4 cans Goya brand Great Northern Beans
6 cups Chicken Stock
1 Jalapeno
2 tbsp Ground Cumin
2 tbsp Chili Powder
1 tbsp Cayanne Pepper
1 cup Whole Milk
2 tbsp Masa (Corn Flour)
1 cup Monteray Jack Cheese (Shredded)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Get your chicken boiling, for approximately 20 minutes or until easily shreddable. While your chicken is boiling chop up large onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Chop green chilis into chunks. In a large pot, add in butter and olive oil, over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, mushrooms and green chilis to the pot to simmer. Now add the beans to the onion mixture (I drain and rinse my beans before adding). Add 6 cups of chicken stock to the bean and onion mixture and stir it all together. Cut jalapeno down the center (lengthwise) and take each half and thinly slice, add to the pot. Now add in chili powder, ground cumin, cayanne pepper, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on medium heat for 45 minutes. Add in shredded chicken, cover and simmer for another 45 minutes on medium heat. In a small mixing bowl, mix the masa and whole milk, whisk together and let sit for 2 minutes. Add milk mixture into the chili and stir, simmer for another 10 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of monteray jack cheese. Grab a soup bowl and sprinkle the bottem of the bowl with shredded monteray jack cheese, ladel in White Chicken Chili. Top off with a dollap of sour cream and enjoy!

(Recipe freezes well!)


Riding out the Hurricane with Chili Recipes

The Hurricane is here! I still have power... for now. I spent most of the morning/afternoon in the kitchen cooking! I figured if i have to stay inside all day because of the weather and I am in the mood to cook, why not! I ended up making a yummy pot of hearty beef chili and a yummy pot of creamy white chicken chili! I ate a bowl of the white chili for dinner and froze the rest in ball freezer jars for days when I don't feel like cooking. I froze 5 jars of white chili and 7 jars of beef chili! Thats quite a few meals for little ol' me! I did lose power for maybe an hour or so around 4pm today. I wasn't prepared... so I went to the local wal-mart to see if they had any flashlights... they were wiped out... all but this little head light contraption. I bought it! When I returned home, my power was back on! :)

My family in North Carolina isn't faring as well as I am though. My mom has been without power since around 8am. She is there by herself, which makes me sad, wish I was there with her! She watched two trees fall down on our horse pen, at least one across the fence, she doesn't think the horses will try and escape because it fell along the wooded area so they won't be able to see what they are getting into... lets hope they stay in! 

I hope everyone else on the East Coast isn't doing too bad in the storm! Leonidas and I are sending out our best wishes to everyone!

My Chili recipes will follow in another post!


Friday, August 26, 2011

Friday MilSpouse Fill In


Woohoo for another Friday!! I linked up with Wife of a Sailor for the MilSpouse Friday Fill In, go on over and answer the questions and add your link so we can all get to know you too!

1.The first thing I think of when I get up in the morning is I wonder if Hubs got online while I was asleep or if he is online right now... gotta check FB on my phone!

2.Lately, I’ve been craving Anything and everything that I can get my hands on because I will be having jaw surgery in the next few months that will result in my jaw being wired shut therefore, I won't be able to enjoy the yummy foods that I would like for at least 6 weeks,


3.Whenever anyone says the word Sassy, it reminds me of my childhood because that was one of my nicknames as a child.

4.The happiest word I know is Homecoming, but it's still a long way off :(.

5.My spouse may hate it, but I absolutely love Dancing!!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and stay dry if you are in Irene's path!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

*WARNING* You WILL cry but I had to blog it! Touching story of a Heros "Best Friend"

**WARNING: Readers you will cry reading this post and the article that it originated from**



So I was laying here in bed, having just finished posting my song for "What's YOUR Song" Thursday link up. I was perusing FB and saw a post that caught my attention "Dog mourns at casket of fallen Navy SEAL". Immediately after opening the article and seeing the picture I started crying. I am not sure that it has ever been documented at least that I have seen of the affect of the loss of a person on their Furry companion. Reading the article just broke my heart, I remember how Leonidas acted after hubby transferred last October. He knew somthing was going on but just couldn't understand it. I am pretty sure that is why he is such a cuddlebug, maybe because he doesn't want to be left behind again. I can't wait to see his reaction when he finally sees his daddy after a full year apart! I know he will remember the mister's scent! He will know that it's time to play again because he used to only play with Daddy and he would just cuddle with Mommy. If this article touches you like it touched me, please share it!

Rest In Peace 1st Class Petty Officer Jon Tumilson, A True American Hero! I pray that you look over your Furry friend Hawkeye and help him find comfort in the wake of your untimely death.

MSNBC
RIP 1st Class Petty Officer Jon Tumilson
1976 - 2011

Wha'ts YOUR Song?




It's time for the Thursday "What's YOUR Song" link up again! Go ahead over to Goodnight Moon and join in! This week has been pretty crazy with an earthquake at the beginning of the week and now a hurricane expected over the weekend. So my song this week pays tribute to the latter... plus I am always a fan of rocking out to some 80s tunes!


I hope the hurricane doesn't rock us too much this weekend though we could all use it's rain!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Missed the Earthquake Thanks to the Orthodontist!

Whew! What a crazy day it has been! I finally had an orthodontist appointment today after two months of not having one because of my old orthodontist PCSing. I showed up an hour early because I got the time of my appointment wrong. I think that was just God looking out for me a little bit. Why do you ask? Because if I had been in my office at my desk when the Earthquake occurred, I probably would have had a heartattack. Mostly everyone that knows me knows that I have a huge fear of being stationed in the DC area in the event of another terrorist attack and that is exactly what I am sure I would have thought it was! But instead I had just left my orthodontist appointment in Bethesda, MD. I was driving and attempting to call my mom and my boss at work to let them know of the information that I had received at my appointment about surgery timing. But my phone wouldn't call out. I figured it was just my phone being stupid so I turned it off and restarted it... still nothing. I looked on FB and everyone and their brother were posting about an Earthquake... in NoVA! I didn't feel a thing driving in my jeep! Thank Goodness! I was lucky enough to be able to talk to my hubby on FB while all of that was going on! Him being from the West Coast reassured me that even if I were home to feel any aftershocks that everything would be ok... I love him :). The news is on now and just reported that the Washington Monument in DC will remain closed because there is a visible crack in the top of the monument! Wow! The videos that I have seen of the Earthquake is shocking!! Looks like the area that I work in was hit pretty hard. My work was evacuated and I guess a pipe busted in the building due to the quake. Just unbelievable! So thankful that there have been no serious injuries!

On another note... so happy to have finally been able to go to the Orthodontist. I have been set back a little because I was unable to make an appointment for the last two months, surgery has been pushed out for a few more months... just lovely! Surgery and recovery will probably keep me from enjoying yummy Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Still not knowing when Hubby's R&R is, I have a feeling that recovery will probably put a damper on that too :( just my luck! I have the greatest Hubby though, he reassured me that either way he just wants to spend time with me... even if I can't really talk due to having my jaw wired shut! I am sure he will enjoy some nice peace and quiet during R&R if that is the case lol every man's dream right? lol ;)

Monday, August 22, 2011

No Place Like Home and Random Rambles

I had an absolutley amazing weekend at home in North Carolina! I always love going home and being with my family. On Saturday I was able to hang out with one of my very best friend's Kim! We used to live in the same apartment complex in Alexandria, VA. Her hubby got transferred to KY so we hadn't seen each other in probably about a year. They just got transferred to NC which makes me sooo very happy! I go home to NC quite often and now I get to see her when I go home! I am so very thankful to be able to see her while the hubby is deployed, she is someone that I can tell anything to. I am very lucky to have her as my friend!

Hanging out with my mom and stepdad is always an amazing time too! I love my family!!

On Sunday, I woke up and let Leonidas outside. My parents were out back in the barn so I started walking out there, still a little groggy, I had maybe been up for 7 minutes. Leonidas and my moms dog Tipper are both probably around 50lbs each. They started running back up towards me and the house, this is where my morning went south. I became the target point for an impromptu game of chicken between Leo and Tipper... let me just say, neither one of them were chicken! They both came running at me full force, one hitting each leg. I went flying, not sure exactly how or where I landed, but it was painful. My mom saw the whole thing and said my flipflops flew about 20 feet. I landed in the gravel somehow... I think I started to turn when I realized they were headed straight for me, luckily I think that is why I walked away instead of having two broken legs! I have a pretty gnarley bruise on my lower back/upper part of my butt cheek, I will save you the horror of pictures lol. I am pretty exhausted today and every bone in my body is sore!

On another note, when I make the 4 hour drive home to NC or back to VA, I love to listen to audio books on my Ipod. I download from http://www.audible.com/! On the way to NC on Friday I finished "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. What a great book! It's told in the point of view of the family dog Enzo! I definitley recommend it! Especially if you are a dog lover! On the way back to VA last night I started listening to "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. I have heard all good reviews of the book and movie, so far it lives up to those reviews :).

Are you currently reading any good books?


Friday, August 19, 2011

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In


HAPPY FRIDAY!!! Link up with Wife of a Sailor for the MilSpouse Friday Fill-In! I can't wait to see everyone's answers! I hope everyone has a great weekend! Another work week down for those of us going through a deployment!

1.My spouse and I rarely agree on who loves and misses who more, but always agree on the fact that we have the greatest pup in the entire world... he's perfect.


2.If I could use one word to sum up the way I feel right now, it would be lazy... I have been dragging my feet to get myself ready and out the door for work... see I am even online posting in my blog when I should be putting on my boots.

3.One of the things my spouse does that grosses me out is hubby dips... plain and simple.

4.My readers may think I’m crazy for doing this, but I really love to bake and give it all away at work other than tasting one tiny little bite.

5.Frankly, my dear, I don’t feel like wearing anything other than sweats and a natural face while my hubby is deployed!



Thursday, August 18, 2011

What's YOUR Song?





It's that time again! Hah I say that every week don't I? Anywho, I linked up with Goodnight Moon for What's YOUR Song? Again this week I chose a country song... you have to understand where I am from, country music takes me back there! Especially THIS song! It reminds me sooo much of home in North Carolina! AND what better week to have it as my song when I will be going home soon! Sooo excited! On another note, Jake Owen is pretty easy on the eyes too :).






Sunday, August 14, 2011

Day Six - Five Foods

Today is day six in the 10 Day YOU Challenge... I am going to highlight five of my favorite foods! They are in no particular order as usual!

5. Authentic Cheese Enchiladas! Mmm I can taste them now!

4. My momma's yummy country style steak and mashed potatoes!

3. My Aunt Allyson's homemade chicken salad! There is no chicken salad like homemade chicken salad in NC!

2. Birthday cake... I love birthday cake!

1. Some yummy pepperoni pizza!

These were all a little random, because I couldn't really think of what to put.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Day Five - Six Places

So yesterday I didn't get to post because I worked like usual and then I volunteered at the Pre-Season Opener of the Redskins -vs- the Steelers with the Boy Scouts. It was a VERY long day so today has been mostly catching up and resting! Yesterday in the 10 Day YOU Challenge was supposed to be Six Places... so that is my post today.

6. Scotland... I absolutley LOVE the Scottish accent as well as pictures that I have seen of Scotland. It looks so lush and green. Not to mention, my favorite actor is Scottish... Gerard Butler **swoon**.




5. Ireland... another location where the accents are rather enticing. Plus my sexy Hubby has some Irish in him! I would love to go to Ireland and explore with him!




4. New York... I have to throw this one in because I am always harassing my Hubby and giving him a pouty face saying how he never takes me anywhere... lol. He isn't the biggest fan of crowds... and when exactly do I want to go to New York? During the Holidays! I want to go during Christmas to be able to see the Tree at Rockefeller Center.




3. Hawaii... this is another must have on this list because Hawaii will most likely be the next place I live with my Husband when he returns from the dirtbox! We got married in Hawaii and it will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart!


This is Baby Makapu'u Beach... 11MAR11.


2. I think I would like to visit Montana in the Winter. My mom and stepdad went to Bozeman, Montana on their honeymoon in April of this year and from the pictures, it looked beautiful!




1. Finally, Bora Bora! Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to honeymoon in Bora Bora! It's so beautiful in pictures! I want to stay for at least 5 days in one of those cute little bungalow's out over the water! My Hubby says he will take me there... one day! :)






Thursday, August 11, 2011

Day Four - Seven Wants

I have been pretty good at keeping up with the 10 Day Challenge of YOU. Today is Day Four - Seven Wants... (Again... in no particular order)

7. I WANT to live with my Hubby!!

6. I WANT to get accepted to a nursing school after my enlistment ends!

5. I WANT to have children with my sweet Hubby who will make a wonderful Daddy!

4. I WANT to have a ranch! Somewhere I could have all the dogs I wanted, as well as horses (yes, even though I am allergic to their dander... that's what allegra and benadryl are made for!)

3. I WANT to stay in the USCG Reserves when my enlistment ends... at least until I get my nursing degree, then I am thinking of Airforce Reserves!

2. I WANT another puppy dog... Leonidas should have a little sister :).

1. I WANT my Hubby to come home safe and sound from Afghanistan. For that matter I would like for all the deployed troops to come home safely!

What's YOUR Song?


It's that time again!! Time to link up with Goodnight Moon for What's YOUR Song.  Today I decided to choose two songs. The first I dedicate to my wonderful Hubby. We have been married for 5 months today! He has been deployed for 4 of those months :(. We will get through this though baby! So my first song is an old country song by Tanya Tucker, "Like Two Sparrows in a Hurricane"


The second video that I am posting is a funny one that I saw on my friend Jane's facebook page... I am a new Glee fan so I loved it!


It's nice to see the guys and gals deployed having a tiny bit of fun so far away from their families.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Day Three - Eight Fears

So today is day three in the 10 Day Challenge of You. Day three hightlights eight of my fears... These are in no particular order!

8. I fear house fires! Especially living in a Townhouse that is connected to 6 other townhouses... so even if it isn't my house that starts the fire, somthing could go wrong in my neighbors house and still catch my house.


7. Getting into a car wreck! Being in a big city, this scares me tremedously! I am a small town girl and these drivers up here don't care one bit where you are going or what and who you have in your car! They will cut you off and flip you the bird at the same time! My road rage has severly increased up here. I can't wait to go to a new place where hopefully I won't have to deal with so many crazy drivers and so much traffic!


6. Somthing happening to my family with me being so far away... I am very close with my whole family!

This picture is missing quite a few people... I say we need to do some family photos!



5. My sweet Leonidas getting sick or injured! I would pay ANY amount of money to do anything to help my sweet healthy boy! He wasn't so healthy when we first got him and I don't ever want to see him in that shape again!


Who couldn't fall in love with this sweet boy?


4. Getting in trouble for any reason whatsoever! I have always been a paranoid person when it comes to this, I have a fear of getting in trouble. I don't understand how people can put themselves in position to get in trouble over and over again, especially at work! If I ever had to get masted and lose rank I think I would just DIE!

From a 2nd Class Petty Officer

To a 3rd Class Petty Officer

To NO collar device! YIKES!


3. The idea of not being able to concieve when my Husband and I are ready to try having a baby. I have read so many other wonderful ladies blogs that are going through this right now. My heart goes out to them! I pray that they will each recieve the joy of becoming pregnant and having a healthy baby soon!!



2. Being in the Washington, DC area during another attack on the United States. With so many military bases and significant monuments and buildings in the area, it scares me a little living here and knowing that terrorists are constantly plotting against the US.



1. My number one and largest fear is my wonderful, sweet, amazing, sexy Husband not coming home safe from the war.


I love you baby! You are my everything!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Day 2 - Nine Loves

These are my nine LOVES for the 10 Day Challenge, day 2. They are in no specific order.

9. True Blood! I just can't get enough of it! I think there is far too many months in between the seasons!

8. Sleep! I love to sleep, just ask my husband! He hates that I take so many naps, especially while he is deployed, he worries about me... which brings me to number 7...

7. The most amazing husband in the world! He takes amazing care of my and I am the luckiest girl in the world to have him!

6. My puppers Leonidas. He is my furbaby, my four-legged child! I would do anything for him!

5. My wonderful family! I come from a rather large family, 3 sisters and 3 brothers as well as 1 brother in law!  My family as well as my husband's family pretty much rocks!

4. Reading, I really love to escape into a good book!

3. My friends! They are just an extension to my family!

2. North Carolina! I am a Carolina girl and I always love going home!

1. GOD!


Monday, August 8, 2011

10 Day YOU Challenge


So not too long ago I attempted a 30 day picture challenge on facebook and failed pretty miserably lol. I saw this neat challenge on Liz's blog The Optimistic Army Wife. She found it on another blog who found it on another and the list goes on and on :).  So today I am starting with 10 secrets...

10. My husband's first deployment... I calculated that I slept approximately 3 months of the 7 month deployment away... sad, I know!

09. I am NOT a very good housewife. I have never been the one to keep a constantly clean house. My house right now is pretty horrible!

08. When I was younger I was a girly girl, I have changed quite a bit as I grew. I don't mind getting dirty as much as I did when I was younger and that amazes my mother!

07. My husband and I have a few baby names picked out for when we decide to try and have a baby, we are going to keep those pretty quiet until that time comes though.

06. I cried LOTS in bootcamp... it was a very miserable time for me that I look back on now and laugh about. I think my Company Commanders just enjoyed picking on me.

05. In the Coast Guard, you don't have to qualify with a weapon... however you have to still attempt it in bootcamp, and if you don't qualify, they definitley get on your case about it. Who has two thumbs and shot a big fat ZERO her first attempt at qualifying in bootcamp? THIS GIRL!

04. My furbaby is my child! He is spoiled plain rotten and definitley a mama's boy!

03. I constantly give my hubby a hard-time about being from Cali. Hey, I am a Carolina girl, the South is the only way. In all fairness, he is constantly telling me the West Coast is the Best Coast... yeah right!

02. Before my hubby and I met, I always wanted to name my first son Liam... I never realized that my future husband would go by the name Liam.

01. Hmm... I guess my biggest secret that I have ALWAYS been embarassed about is that I sucked my thumb when I went to sleep until early 2010. I had been doing it since I was around 3 years old and could never break it. Thanks to surgery to widen my palate and having a metal mechanism in the roof of my mouth for months and months, I was able to finally break the habit and havn't had the urge since. (Yes, if you calculate that, I was 22 before I kicked the habit and Yes, I am expecting for you all to laugh at this secret!
 : P)

Thursday, August 4, 2011

What's YOUR Song?




I have been missing in action for a little while, but I am back and on what better day than a Thursday! It's that time again... time to link up with Goodnight Moon for Thursday's What's YOUR Song?

When I work out I tend to listen to rock music... especially on my way to the gym because it gets me ready. So a few weeks ago I was on my way to the gym listening to a local rock station and I heard the song "Sail" by AWOLNATION. It's different and I really liked it so I chose it as my song this week. Enjoy!


I just love all of the instruments... the video is a little weird though.