More Fun Times, Family, and Food!

It may be cold outside and the days are short. But the long cold nights make for nice fun warm times indoors with the family! And all the snow well, the kids are making the best of it and Mom is trying to keep things warm by heating up the stove with yummy food on a regular basis!

Curt and Charly keeping themselves entertained during Family Scripture "Study!" Notice the Binky in Charly's mouth? Many of you know she refused to take a Binky at about 4 months old.(about the time she quit sleeping good too) Well now I guess. . . . . .

. . . . .she's making up for lost time! She even had a third one she was trying to get in her mouth but couldn't make it work. It was quite hilarious, she was dancing around and just being a total goof! She knew we thought it was funny so she kept doing it. Of course she still doesn't take a Binky but does chew on them every once in a while cause they make pretty good teethers. And of course are always good for a laugh!

Oh how I treasure our Family Time! Right now we are reading "The Home Ranch" the third book in the Ralph Moody "Little Britches" series! We absolutely LOVE these books! We laugh, we cry, we learn! If you look closely at the picture you will see why I enjoy these times so much. Curt is coloring, Matt is looking at a Math book, Charly is looking at one of her books, and Missy is listening to Dad read! Great Times!

As you know we have had LOTS of snow the past few weeks!

The kids are making the best of it!

The benefits of having a sloped front yard;)

They spent lots of time outside playing and shoveling snow the other day while it was still snowing cause it's actually "warmer" when it's snowing! After all that work and play Mom decided it was definitely a hot coco time!

So I made this!

Rich and Creamy Hot Carob

2 cups rice milk

2 rounded Tablespoons organic raw carob powder (may use more if you want it more "chocolaty")

3 Tablespoons agave nectar or desired sweetener may add more or less depending on how sweet you want it

1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

pinch of salt (optional)

1/2 Tablespoon coconut oil (optional if you want it more rich)

Mix ingredients into a small pot on the stove! Stir till nice and warm do not boil!

Also I plan on making this tonight! It's easy, WARM, comforting, and oh so good!

French Lentil Soup

3 tablespoons extra–virgin olive oil

2 cups chopped onions

1 cup chopped celery stalks plus chopped celery leaves for garnish

1 cup chopped carrots

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups (or more) vegetable broth

1 1/4 cups lentils

1 14 1/2–ounce can diced tomatoes in juice

Balsamic vinegar (optional but I think it's a must)

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium–high heat. Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic; sauté until vegetables begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add 4 cups broth, lentils, and tomatoes with juice and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium–low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, about 35 minutes. With potato masher stir and mash up some of the beans NOT ALL! You may thin soup with more broth or water by 1/4 cupfuls, if too thick. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar, if desired.

Of course I will be doubling it this time because all the other times I have made it there never seems to be enough;)

Just a Thought: . . . .