It is time for Random Recipe Exchange #2. If you did not participate the first time, then it is time for you to get yourself on over to Pam’s awesome blog and play along.  You can click on the link below for information about the recipe exchange.  If you are just too busy to play along this week, make sure you check back so that you can play along the next time. 

This week we are sharing a soup or stew recipe.  I don’t make very many soups (unless you count Campbells soup) or stews, so I am really looking forward to seeing what everyone shares.  I certainly need some recipes in this category.

So, this recipe is basically for the only soup I ever make.  It’s quite delicious and very easy to make. 

Zesty Potato Soup

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups water
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk
4 ounces processed American cheese, cubed
1/3 cup chopped green chiles
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespooon chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, water, onion, garlic, salt and pepper; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. (Do not drain.) Mask potatoes in liquid until almost smooth. Add remaining ingredients; cook and stir until cheese is melted.

Yield: 6 servings.

And, although my soup has never looked quite like this- here is a picture of what it should look like. 

Now head on over to the Random Recipes Headquarters and check out the other participants.

While I have participated in Thankful Thursday on my other blog this is my first time here on this blog.  And, before I never participated very regularly, but I plan to start.  So, here goes my “first” Thankful Thursday.

1.  I am thankful for the great times spent with my family over the holidays.  We were able to see my parents, both of my brothers, and my sister in law.  We don’t get to see my brothers and my sister-in-law very often because they live too far away for frequent visits.  So, it was wonderful to get to see and spend some time with all of them.

2.  I am thankful for the “breaks” I had while my family was here.  Since I am a stay at home mommy (which I LOVE being) I do not ever get a “break.”  So, when my family was here they gave me lots of breaks by taking care of Hailey.  She loved the extra attention and I liked being able to take a shower without worrying she would wake up from her nap while I was in there.

3.  I am thankful for all of the new blogging friends I made in the last year.  I never thought I would say it but I have met some great people through the internet who truly are my friends.  Many days you are the ones who keep me sane by the adult conversation I am able to have with you through comments we leave on each others blogs and through emails.

4.  Now, let’s all pretend that I am not saying what I am about to say because as you mommies know I am surely jinxing myself.  I am thankful that Hailey has been sleeping better at night.  No- she still does not sleep all night and no- she does not stay in her own bed all night.  But, whereas before she was sleeping about 1-2 hours in her own bed before waking up and wanting to come into bed with us she has been staying in her own bed for 3-4 hours.  I am thankful for what I can get!  Now, do not ever mention this again, we do not want Hailey to realize that I have noticed this.

To see more Thankful Thursday participants, visit Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Well, my parents and my brother and sister-in-law left earlier this afternoon after our fun weekend together.  So, here I am, in a house that is much too quiet, smiling at the memories we made.

They arrived on Saturday evening and the fun started right away.  After we went out to dinner we came back here and exchanged our gifts with Matt and Ellie.  We spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing.

Rich’s employer gave him a turkey for Christmas- a 12 pound turkey.  It seemed a little silly to make a 12 pound turkey on Christmas day for just the three of us.  So, we saved it and had it for dinner this Sunday.  I have no idea how to cook a turkey, so my mom did it- and it was delicious.  The fun was when we were preparing it.  The turkey had a mind of it’s own.

Tom, as we reffered to the turkey, did not want to lay down in the roaster pan.  And so- here is Tom dancing and waving to all of you.   

After he was cooked, there was even more fun.  We could not get Tom out of the roaster pan.  It took three of us to get him out and about seventy-four spatulas.  I didn’t get a picture of this happening because I was one of the ones trying to get Tom out of the roasting pan.  I think Ellie got a picture, so if she sends it to me, I will share it with you.  (Could you please send me that picture, Ellie?)

After our lovely turkey dinner, Rich got his new Wii set up and the there was much fun to be had with that. 

Ellie works on her bowling game.

Rich tries for a strike.

Later on we played some games.  As you can see, Ellie and Matt are very excited to play Fact or Crap.

On Monday we had to do a bit of shopping, so here is Hailey all ready to go- modeling her new hat from Aunt Ellie and Uncle Matt.

 Of course, there was more Wii to be played.  Here Matt and Rich enjoy a few rounds of boxing.

 Ellie and Rich had been planning to box each other since Ellie’s arrival on Saturday evening.  It was so much fun to watch. 

 Later on we played some Pictionary, which was also a lot of fun.  (By the way- lest any rumors get started- those are all sparkling juice containers.)

We had lots of fun and lots of laughs at our New Years Eve party.  We missed my brother Mike not being able to be here because of work.  We were able to ring in the New Year with him on the phone though.  After our games, some more laughs and cleaning up all of the food (which probably could have fed more than double the number of people we had here) we crashed into bed. 

This morning Matt made us some yummy pancakes for breakfast. 

My dad took a little snooze on the couch while he waited for breakfast.

By the way, not only did Matt make breakfast- he cleaned up my kitchen afterwards while I layed on the couch and possibly took a little nap.  Thanks Matt!!!  After breakfast there was more Wii playing, more talking, more laughing, more fun and of course, more eating as well. 

Then it was time to say goodbye

Unlce Matt and Aunt Ellie give Hailey a hug goodbye.

I had a great time having everyone here this weekend.  I really was very sad to see them all leave.  I hope they all had as much fun as I did.