happy halloween!

A couple of nights ago I mentioned to Brock that I wanted to start a Halloween tradition...something homeade and delicious that we make every year on Halloween.  I remember growing up my friend's mom would always make homeade doughnuts for all of the neighbor kids and they were delicious!  My mom would often make homeade chili or chicken noodle soup and there was a family in our neighborhood that would have a big hot chocolate stand for all of the kids and parents....Saturday night I came home to homeade White Chicken Chili in bread bowls.  I have the best husband ever.  It was the most delicious chili I have ever had!  It will definitely be our Halloween tradition!

Creamy White Chili

Mels Kitchen Cafe



1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon oil
2 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies (if you like less kick, add just one can)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whipping cream



In a large saucepan, saute chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately. This is especially good served with tortilla chips. Makes about 6 servings.
*Brock shredded the chicken because that is how we love it and I think next time I will use half and half instead of whipping cream so it is a little lighter

mr. and mrs.

more to come soon...

Ashlee Raubach Photography

engaged!

Friday night was quite a surprise when a package I expected to have a shirt from Forever 21 in it turned out to be a diamond ring! Surprise!...and a lovely one at that! Exciting times for Brock and I ahead! Can't wait......

delightful find....

I stumbled across this beautiful, old dresser drawer and instantly fell in love. I loved the color, the worn paint and the adorable hardware and key hole. I knew right away what I wanted to do with it....

My laundry closet....yes, just a closet....is my favorite now.

exposed.

Meet Brock.

He is my boyfriend...most of the time.

Brock=studying, studying, studying for FINALS.

.....SOO....I think I'll rearrange, rearrange, rearrange.

I decided to take my cabinet doors off to EXPOSE all my white dishes that I LOVE. {thanks taisj} I've been wanting to paint my boring wood cabinets to lighten up my kitchen but haven't mustered up the courage yet...This is a quick fix for now but it already feels lighter!

happy birthday mom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most amazing woman I know! You are the strongest, most positive, truly amazing woman I know. I look up to you so much. Love you more than anything... hugs and kisses and lots of them on your special day! P.S. To everyone that has been so wonderful...THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your words of encouragement, prayers, flowers, cards, gifts, meals, and last, but not least, company!! Words cannot express the appreciation from me and my family. She came home from the hospital for a third time now earlier this evening and gets to be home for a week before she goes back for another surgery...

Please Pray for my Mom

Many of you know my mom is in the hospital (for those of you that don't, she had to have surgery due to a sickness she has been battling for almost 4 years). It's day 13 now and she is still not well enough to come home. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank you.