Crock-Pot Recipe #2

Chicken-Tortilla Soup

2 skinned and boned chicken breast cubed (i just cut up a pack of chicken tenderloins)

1 (10 oz.) package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed

1 large onion chopped

2 garlic cloves, pressed (i used 3 because i love garlic)

2 (14 oz.) cans chicken broth

1 (10 3/4 oz.) can tomato puree

1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (i used rotel)

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 bay leaf

4 (5 1/2 inch) corn tortillas

Garnish: fresh cilantro

Combine first 13 ingredients in a 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH 6 hours. Remove and discard by leaf. Cut tortillas into 1/4 inch wide strips; place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 5 minutes. Stir strips and bake 5 more minutes or until crisp. Serve with soup!

This is a great soup! Next time I make this and there will definitely be a next time because this now Dave's favorite new soup I will had a can of black beans (drained). We topped with it with cheese but next time I will be sure to have some reduced fat sour cream on hand. This recipe gets 5 out 5 stars.

Next week watch out for: Thai-Style Ribs and Chicken Lasagna Florentine

Fall-oh how I love thee.

Hello everyone in the blog-o-sphere...yes I am still alive and kickin'. I just get so wrapped up in reading everyone else's blogs I neglect my own. That is going to change because my husband has presented me with a little challenge so I think it will be fun to blog it out.

In celebration of the fall season I kicked dinner off last night with a easy crock-pot meal- Bacon-Wrapped Apple BBQ Chicken. My lovely husband dared me to try to cook crock-pot meals for the whole fall season... so that is what I am going to do. I figured I could post the recipes here and you could try them too.

Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken

• Wrap 4 chicken breast each with 2 pieces of bacon.
• Mix together 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, juice of one lemon, and 2 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and grated.
• Pour mixture over chicken in crock-pot and cook for 8 hours on low.

When I cook this again (because it was awesome) I would cut the cooking time down to 7 hours- the chicken was a little dry for my liking. It is full of flavor and a perfect start the fall season. I'd give this recipe 4 out of 5 stars! Try it today and let me know what you think!

TERRIBLE!

I fail miserably each time I try this blogging thing.  Its been over 3 months since I blogged last.  Its all seems like a blur.  Lots has happened- we celebrated our one year anniversary, we attended a family reunion, my baby sister got engaged, I turned 28, was laid off from my job, now I sit aimless in a nice little coffee shop in the wonderful downtown of Travelers Rest.  They have iced coffee for less that $2.  I love it.  

I have officially diagnoised myself as being plagued with the curse of always finding jobs that lead to dead ends.  Its terrible!  I'm currently in search for a career- not a job- at 28 I think I am due my career.  I do have high hopes that a certain job I interviewed 3 times for will come through hopefully I will know by August 5.  In the mean time I am working on a business idea I have had for some time now...guess we will see what happens.  

YAHOO for warmer weather and I am not the only one excited about it...

The boys are happy spring has sprung. It means long walks at night, riding in the back of the truck, frisbee in the front yard, and sleeping in the sun on the deck.

Easter Weekend

Friday was yucky and rainy...ALL day. The gloom was a great reminder of what this day in history meant. I did meet my sister and mom at the mall in search of a Easter dress. As funny as it sounds my mom still buys us girls new dresses every year (this might be considered normal if we weren't all over the age of 21). I love her for it...its just another great example of my mothers giving heart. The storms (terrible thunder and lighting and wind and their were even tornado warning and sightings) came in around 7pm. I finally got scared enough that I locked the dogs in the kitchen and head over to my neighbor's house that I have never met and found their home number on the internet to call and see if I could come over. It was fun. The are in their seventies and we chatted and listened to the weather radio. I got some great gardening tips from them and the lady is going to help me with canning my pickles this summer! I love neighbors! Around 10 I decided I should go check on the dogs but before I left the neighbors talked me into coming back to spend the night since they were calling for more storms throughout the night. They were so sweet. Naturally, the dogs had no clue what was going on when I left them again at 10:30pm and they were so glad to see me Saturday morning.

Saturday I spent the day we some good friends of ours in Hendersonville. Dave had to work on a house but met us for lunch at Papas and Beer. That place has the absolute best Mexican food. Our friends are from California and said it was the most authentic they had eaten her in the Carolinas. Saturday night Dave and I went to the Travelers Rest Speedway with another couple and to say the least it was quality redneck entertainment.

Sunday morning we went to my parents for church and lunch. It was wonderful to celebrate Easter with family. After lunch and a nap of course we heading back home...I think our dogs have missed us this weekend we have been very busy and on the go. I think Diesel and Zeus are both in need of cuddle time. :) I am going to post some pictures from the weekend later tonight.

My Husband...the dog trainer

Imagine this scene:

One day I come home from work and as I walk up on the back deck I hear something that sounds like a fire siren mixed with dog howling coming from inside the house. Interesting I thought to myself. As I walk in my husband is laid out on the couch with Diesel standing on his legs. When I asked what was going on Dave replied, "I'm teaching Diesel to howl." Oh boy-this should be good I thought after several demonstrations I caught this little piece on video. My favorite part is how is actually leans his head back. He is still learning to perfect his howling skills and takes a weekly class with his instructor Dave.

wow...i'm a good blogger.

not so much. i have decided i have a disorder and i am working on a name for it. it involves not being able to write blogs but definitely reading others. i don't think i am cut out for the blog world. i've said before most of the blogs i read are friends from college (who have super cute kids to write about) or blogs on politics and opinions (like my friend TimTipper). i could write a blog about my life but i wouldn't want to bore everyone to tears. :) i could write about my dogs everyday (which i have seriously considered). i could right about current events and such but i am not that great of a writer. oh they topics to consider.

ok drum roll please. i am going to start writing about my dogs. they are like my kids and trust me i have plenty of funny stories to tell...i might even rename my blog.

ok tash this all your fault if you get tired of reading about the dogs...you asked for more! :)

10 things I love about my husband...

I still giggle every time i say that...husband. Here are 10 things I love about David Lee Smith:

-we have fun together-it doesn't matter if its just doing the dishes or taking a vacation- we enjoy it!
-he is creative. he made me this awesome mirror for christmas.
-he is giving. every year dave gives this guy he met through the fire department that is definitely living in poverty a new coat. this past year it was his brand new oobe jacket.
-even though he swears he hate kids-he just says that to make our moms mad-he loves them and is good with them
-i love his eyes....and arms.
-he doesn't mind doing the dishes or fold the laundry.
-he is a very hard worker.
-he has taught me how to be a "saver".
-he is adventurous.
-he loves me just the way i am.

I'm alive...

I like a blog idea a college-friend did on her blog so here it goes. In honor of the upcoming Valentine's holiday here are 10 random things I love:

-I absolutely love clean sheets. I would wash my sheets every day if I had the time.
-I love icecream- especially the kind were they swirl it all together (my fav-sugar free vanilla with brownie pieces and cookie dough).
-I love the feeling of finishing a to do list-it makes me feel so accomplished.
-I love my Diesel dog-I'm going to write a children's book about him someday and we are going to travel together to promote it.
-I love TIVO!
-I love coffee-ground fresh in the morning with chocolate eclair creamer. I use to be a Starbucks junkie (sometimes 2 a day)-but went through intense rehab (my husband telling me I was spending to much money on coffee each month) and now I only have it has a treat about once a month...if that.
-I love my house. Dave and I are so blessed to live where we do and we worked hard on our house to get it where it is- for me going home at the end of the day is like going to my own personal little oasis.
-I love scrapbooking- I once even thought about starting a little business where I would make other people scrapbooks- all they would have to do is send me their pictures and I would take care of the rest.
-I love day-light savings time--come on March 8!
-I love my small group- we have the best time on Monday nights!

2009 already!?!

I can't believe it! Looking back there is so much that has happened this year...

Bought a house.
Dave's parents come visit.
Started a new job.
Got engaged.
Went to the Bahamas.
Got laid off from new job.
Got married.
Remodeled the house.
Started a new job.
Celebrated by 27th birthday.
My sister got married.
Went to the Fiddler's Convention.
Celebrated Dave's 35th birthday.
Dave's entire family comes for Thanksgiving.
We go to the Grove Park Inn to celebrate being married for 6 months.
We celebrate Christmas together on Christmas Eve morning the travel to my parents...then Atlanta to visit with Dave's family.

2008 had it shares of highs and lows. I am so thankful for everything God has done for us! We are so blessed.

Looking forward to 2009 here are few highlights we are looking forward to-

Skiing at Beech Mtn.
Becoming debt free.
Grosser Family reunion at Lake Lure.
BJ Ben (Dave's little brother) gets married in Orlando.
At some point in time this year we are going on a real vacation- somewhere tropical and all-inclusive.
Dave becoming a relief driver at the FD.
Loosing 10lbs.

OH the things to get excited about! Hope you have a wonderful 2009!

cool giveway

check out http://simplemom.net/ for a cool giveway...

2 weeks...

Its been that long since my last post. Mainly because I get so wrapped up in stalking other peoples blogs that I forget to write on my on. I think it is probably easier for people with children to blog...they always seem to have more to say.

The past two weekends have been pretty busy. November 7-9 I went on a women's retreat with Forestville Baptist Church. I somehow got roped into running the computer/sound equipment. :o) It was a great retreat-in-a-box that Beth Moore does called "Loving Well." Beth Moore is hysterical and such an awesome communicator. I got the chance to get to know some of the girls better from Forestville. It was a good girl time!

This past weekend (Friday-Saturday) my mom and sister came to Greenville and we shopped both days! It was a fun time. Its a new shopping tradition my mom wants to start with us girls...unfortunately Amy had to work so she couldn't be there for the inaugural year.

Dave and I have been working really hard on a couple of projects for around the house. Trying to get the place in tip top shape before his WHOLE family comes up for Thanksgiving next week.

I am soooo excited that I should have my wedding album by next Tuesday.

That's all I have for now...until next time...

Glad it is OVER!

I couldn't be more thankful that this election season is over. I know for the majority of the people in America they have very strong opinions about either McCain or Obama. I don't mind saying that I voted for McCain. BUT I would also like to say I personally have nothing against the color of Obama's skin. I have had several people accuse me of being racist. That isn't it at all, I think it is wonderful that in my lifetime we will have a black president. I didn't vote for Obama because his CHANGE isn't the type of change I feel like America needs. Honestly, we it came down to it I feel like I voted for the lesser of two evils. And I am a proud ONE ISSUE voter. Even it Obama believed in all the right things but still supports abortion of any type I can't in good conscience vote for him. ABORTION = MURDER. Regardless of his views, I will be praying for him has he leads this country...thankful we live in a democracy were he isn't the only one that gets the say-so.

Off my soap box...

I've been pretty busy this week and realized I hadn't blogged since last Wednesday. Once I get the pictures downloaded I will have to post all the fun things we did this past weekend. Friday night we went to a haunted corn maize. It was sooo much fun! We were lost in it for almost 2 hours and I literally almost peed in my pants!

Saturday- Dave got up early to go on a morning hunt. He came home with a 6 point buck! Our freezer is going to be FULL! We went to the Art Bomb for their open studios and then went to the mall for a pretzel and shoe shopping. Dave bought me 2 new pairs of shoes!!

Sunday I went to my parent's church (since Dave was at the FD). It was good to eat my mama's cooking and see my grandparents.

This weekend is going to be so busy too! I am going on a women's retreat with Forestville Baptist Church. I better get to work...I'll post pictures later!

Wordless Wednesday

Weekend Recap

Not that anyone cares about what happened to me moment by moment but nevertheless I am going to post a few details from my weekend...

Friday morning I got up at early (6:30--this might be considered normal for some people but I don't work Fridays, so I should sleep in). I wanted to have breakfast ready for Dave when he got home from the FD. I made flat pancakes (this is his mom's recipe and we love them), turkey bacon and fruit salad. It was yummy.

Flat Pancakes

6 eggs
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup 2% milk
1/2 Cup flour
1/4 tsp. Salt
1-1/2 TBS sugar

Combine in blender. Pour out on Hot griddle that has been generously sprayed
with PAM. Enjoy!

After breakfast I went to have my hair trimmed and highlighted (which was very overdue). I went home to see Dave off on his Weekend Boy Adventure at Durhamtown Plantation. I went to my favorite little place for a pedi/mani...I know I am bad...I was due a little pampering.

Friday night was Jose and Lindy's rehearsal dinner.

It was at Brookwood Church and Jose's mom and aunts had prepared a wonderful Costa Rican dinner. I had a lot of fun catching up with friends and reminiscing about our old theme parties...

Friday night Mellissa and Tina (our friend from Ireland) spent the night with me. We had so much fun! Saturday morning we woke up late and went to Waffle House for breakfast- then back to the house to get ready for the wedding festivities. Jose and Lindy could not have asked for better weather. It was absolutely wonderful outside and the Brookwood Church amphitheater is the perfect place for an outdoor wedding. After the ceremony (which was conducted in English and Spanish) we all headed to Soby's for the most amazing wedding reception ever.

(notice the ring bearer-i think he needed to potty)

After another sleep over that included soaking our very tired feet...Sunday we went to Sky Top Apple Orchard. We took Diesel along for the fun.

After a very eventful weekend I came home to a sleeping husband who was exhausted from his weekend. We went to the grocery store and got a stuff for grilled cheese and soup and rent a movie. I cooked dinner and we were on the couch watching the movie...of course I was asleep half through the movie.

Pumpkins!

Wednesday night Dave and I carved pumpkins. It was so much fun- I hadn't done that in years. We had a contest to see who made the best pumpkin- why don't you vote? Dave is at the FD tonight and leaves in the morning for a "guy trip." I will be busy all weekend with Jose and Lindy's wedding. It's going to be an exciting time!

Fall = Hunting Season

For a fall surprise I got Dave a tree climber deer stand. It is pretty neat how it works- but I am not good at! Dave took me to the hunting club he joined this past weekend. It was pretty neat...I saw one deer. We are planning on going camping there in the next few weeks.

Wordless Wednesday

Mondays...

The most dreaded day of the week for most! Though it always seems the world has fallen apart at work over the weekend I am just thankful I only have 3 days left in the week! WoooWhoo!

This is going to be a super busy week so I will go ahead an apologize in advance if I don't post again until next Monday. Dave will be at the FD Tuesday and Thursday of this week and then he leaves Friday morning on a weekend trip with some of his guy friends. My friend Lindy gets married this weekend so there are all sort of wedding festivities to be had! Weddings are great but this year I have had my fill so I will be glad when they are over for the year. Next year we already have two weddings going on...one of those being Dave's younger brother Ben's wedding.



Tonight we have Bible study...then I have got to fold laundry when I get home. Clean laundry is exploding out of my laundry room! If I don't get to it tonight the clean and the dirty will get all jumbled together.

Happy Monday!

you gotta love a clean house!

i hate cleaning the house...but love it when its done! since dave is at the FD today i spent the day cleaning...well that is after i got out of bed at 11. lazy i know! thursday night dave and i went to my parents to spend the night and we hung out there most of friday. friday night we went to a wedding shower for friends of ours. this has definitely been the year of weddings for our group of friends. oh and we got the copyright release on our wedding pictures...that was exciting and so much fun to go through. here are a couple of my favorites...