Looking for Help

Ok I have a couple of questions. 

I have some gently used clothes that I would like to sell on here.  But I don't know how to set up the pay pal thing...can anyone help???

Also I have these two chairs that I got at a consignment shop and the fabric on the seats is really worn (actually there are giant holes in them) that I need to replace.  So I will be asking for fabric choice advice and if you know anyone in the greater Seattle/Tacoma/Puyallup area that does great upholstery?

Thanks!!!

♥ Ashley

Adoption Update

Well it has been a crazy few weeks here over on the farm.  I have been debating about whether or not to write a post about this...but as I am a teacher I like to share my experiences with others.  Also I would find this to be beneficial for myself so I am sure that it will be for others.

About a month ago, I got a phone call from our agency letting me know that a birth mom (BM) would like to meet us!!!  Hubby and I were ecstatic about this news.  Once we were given the contact information I gave her a call.  We talked for almost an hour and planned to meet up the following weekend in her hometown. We met up with her and while things may have been a little awkward in the beginning, I am sure that is to be expected, our conversation evolved and we became comfortable with each other and had many laughs.  Things ended well at our first meeting and we talked about making plans to meet up again.  A few days following our meeting she had an ultrasound and was able to find out the sex of the baby, she is having a girl!!! Which means that we are having a girl!!  However, this has been making her decision more difficult (which I guess is normal for most BMs when they find out they are having a girl - I totally understand).  Fast forward to this week.  Our BM is really struggling with her decision as to whether or not she wants to adopt.  This is understandable and we totally respect whatever decision she makes, but it is hard.  So now we need to give her some space.  She did say that if she does choose to give her child up for adoption that we would be the couple for her.  Our agency has assured us that there will be a baby for us, this we know, and they will continue to show us.  So we might have a different baby that comes sooner that what we thought.  We are trying to keep our hopes up and our faith and we know that God will provide for us and put us in the best situation for us.

♥ Ashley

[recipe] Chicken Tortilla Soup

Not this past weekend but the one before that I was searching for a soup to make with a bunch of the peppers that I received from Thomas' aunt over Labor Day weekend.  (I cannot believe how long they have lasted in the fridge!!)  I looked in my trusty Better Homes and Gardens cookbook then I remembered that I did this great thing back in April - I went to visit the Pioneer Woman and got her cookbook.  Surely she would have something for me!!  And she did Chicken Tortilla Soup, but of course like just about everything else in my life I had to switch it up and use it more of as a guideline.  It was delicious!!!

Ingredients:

• 1 roasted chicken from the store
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Diced Onion
• 2 Diced Pablano Peppers
• 1 Diced Banana Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• About 15 chopped fresh tomatoes
• 32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Stock
• 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 4 cups Hot Water
• 2 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, Drained
• 3 Tablespoons Cornmeal Or Masa
• 12 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches

Directions:

1. Separate chicken from the bone and shred (I put mine in a Kitchenaide with the paddle attachement)

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, peppers, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then add the spice mix. Stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.

3. Add tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.  Meanwhile in a medium skillet heat vegetable oil on medium heat and fry the tortilla strips (in batches) for about 1-2 minuets and drain on a paper towel sprinkle with salt.

4. Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water. Pour into the soup, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Check seasonings, adding more if needed---add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. I needed to add another T of tomato paste.

5. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.

6. Ladle into bowls, then top with sour cream, sliced avocado, grated cheese, cilantro, and extra tortilla strips (The garnishes really make the soup delicious.)

 

served with a side salad YUM

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays and What I Whipped Up Wednesdays

♥ Ashley

Boo!!!!

 Well it is officially October so I thought I would show off some of my fall and halloween decorations.  I love getting the house ready for each season and upcoming holiday.  (normally I don't like my decorations for halloween to be up longer than my christmas ones but I am just super excited this year!)

 here is my every season tree all ready for halloween.  I love the candy corn garland.  All of the ornaments are from Pier 1 except for the green jewels.  The leaves are from the dollar tree and I made the spiders last year.

 spiders again are from last year, the pumpkin scarecrow I believe is from Pier 1 as is the turkey...I love that turkey.

 Leaf garland is made from the dollar tree.  The wicked blocks are from Wight's and the glitter pumpkins are from the dollar deals in target this year.

 here is my second every season tree...it has a ghost and pumpkin theme.  the ghosts are a garland from the dollar deals at target and the pumpkins are from pier 1 and hallmark.

and finally our entry.  the wreath is made from items found at the dollar tree (I think all in all it cost around $12)  and the little scarecrow guy is from kmart.

I hope you enjoyed my harvest time tour!!

Linked to: Fabulous Fall Linky

♥ Ashley

[recipe] Tomato Soup

 A couple of weeks ago my dad came over for lunch and I made this really good soup.  I got the recipe from a co-worker last year when we participated in "Soup Club".  Soup Club was where you signed up to be a part of the club and we took turns bringing soup, salad and dessert every Friday at work.  This is the Tomato and Grains Soup, I loved it.

The ingredients:

Harvest Grains (from trader joes) 1/2 of the bag cooked according to package directions
2 boxes of the Tomato and Roasted Pepper soup
1 bag of shredded pepper jack cheese
salt and pepper

   

Directions:

Cook the grains according to package directions.  Then add to soup pot and add in both boxes of soup. Bring to a simmer and let heat up.  Add Salt and Pepper if needed (mine needed a lot!)  When its time to serve add in the cheese stir around and let it melt in.

YUM!!!  I served mine with grilled cheese sandys!!

I hope you enjoy this soup as much as I did...I find it something that I crave often!!!

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays

♥ Ashley