Chile Verde

I have set a goal for myself to post once a day during the month of November. 

So far, so good. 

We'll see how the next 25 days go. I hope it helps me count my blessings (since everything I've blogged about thus far represents something I'm thankful for) and keeps me from feeling too down about being 1,300 miles apart from my better half. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE to eat, so food is definitely something I'm thankful for. I found this new recipe on My Kitchen Cafe (Seriously, I've got to be Mel's biggest fan but she comes through for me EVERY TIME! Tried and true, baby.) I adapted it slightly and you will find my version below. I served this as pork tacos last night and they were a hit. Your house will smell heavenly, believe me (garlic and onions, mmmm). One of the best things about this recipe is that the left overs can be frozen, so I just have to take them out of the freezer one night after my hubby gets home for a quick and easy meal.

*Disclaimer: This recipe does take a little bit of extra work because you have to brown the pork (which is a big deal for someone like me who despises handling raw meat) and then reduce the sauce, but it is worth it if you are as crazy about Mexican as I am! Trust me on this one! It's delicioso!

Pork Chile Verde

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 pounds boneless pork roast, trimmed of as much fat as possible
Salt and pepper for seasoning roast
2 sweet onions, chopped
5 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
1 (15 oz.) can green enchilada sauce
2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chiles
2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
1 beef bouillon cube
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper

Cut the roast into 5-6 large chunks. Season the pork generously(very generously) with salt and pepper on all sides. In a large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat until it is hot. Add the pork, being careful not to crowd the pot (brown the pork in shifts, if needed). Brown the pork on all sides until golden and well-browned, about 30 seconds to a minute on each side. 

Remove browned pork from pot and place in slow cooker. Add  onion and garlic to pot where pork was browned. Cook for 1-2 minutes until onions are translucent, stirring often. Place the garlic and onions in the slow cooker. Stir in the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. 

Remove the roast. Wait 30 minutes for meat to cool slightly so it's easy to shred. Shred and set aside. Pour the remaining liquid and ingredients from the slow cooker into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil on the stove, and simmer vigorously over medium-low or medium heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning, until the mixture has reduced and thickened considerably. 

Add the shredded pork and sauce back to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the pork with the sauce. Turn on high in order to allow the pork to heat through again. 

Serve with tortillas and desired toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, guacamole, tomatoes, and salsa. It is also great on top of lettuce as part of a salad.

The Word of the Day

The word of the day is brought to you by Isaac.


Lasterday

Lasterday is much more versatile than yesterday because it refers to anything and everything that happened in the past, whether it was 5 minutes ago or 12 months ago. 

I love hearing him say his new word. He's even got Maddie saying it (and sometimes Ryan, too).

I'm going to enjoy these cute little words and phrases that my kids say while they last, because I've been told that before I know it they will be the ones correcting my grammar.

One of a Kind

This past Sunday my mom and I were trying to keep the kids quiet during church. Grandma had Maddie on her lap and the following conversation took place:

Grandma: "Maddie, it's time for the sacrament. Let's be reverent and think about Jesus."

Maddie (in her loudest, most booming Roundy voice): "THANK YOU JESUS!!!!"

I wouldn't be surprised if half of the congregation heard her shout those praises (Still not sure exactly what she was thanking Him for...)

This little girl is one of a kind and I love her so much for it.

7 Months

Davis turned 7 months old last week, and since every month of his life seems to speed by more quickly than the last, I wanted to document a few things about our sweet baby boy:

The best thing about this picture is the look on Davis' face as Isaac makes him laugh. 

• Davis started eating solid foods a little over a month ago and he is eating us out of house and home most days. He will eat just about anything (we have to trick him with peas) but he is absolutely bananas for bananas! He smacks his lips together whenever he eats them. 
• He is a master at blowing raspberries while eating said solid foods, spraying himself and whoever has the honor of feeding him with carrots, peas, green beans, and sweet potatoes (but he never spits the bananas anywhere---too precious to waste I suppose).
• He has mastered rolling around and I will often find him across the room from where I left him and sometimes even under the couch. 
• He loves to splash like a madman in the bathtub and I can't seem to keep him from rolling over in there, either, so I have to be extra vigilant with him around water. 
• Nothing scares him more than Grandpa Mike, and he has been known to burst into a flood of tears at just the sound of his booming voice. Come to think of it, the ONLY thing so far that has really scared him is Grandpa Mike.
• He is a champion fake cougher and he does it all day long.
• He squawks at me every time I take a drink of water to indicate that he wants a drink as well. When I give him one he dribbles it all down the front of his shirt and then squawks for more.
• He is still such a tank that when I carry him around for long periods of time, my arm starts to go numb (I'm guessing he weighs around 21 lbs right now) . 
• No teeth in sight just yet but he drools like a dog and chews on anything and everything he can get his mouth on, including others' noses and chins.
• He is already developing a love for matchbox cars, thanks to his older brother. He will usually start to giggle if Isaac makes the sound of a revving engine while in his presence.
• I can't get enough of his slobbery kisses and death-grip hugs (I seriously need to trim those nails).
• We can't seem to remember what life was like before Big D became a part of our family. We sure do love him! 

I just love it when babies grab their toes like this,
and I love it even more that Becky caught Davis doing it on camera.

I think he looks just like his Grandpa Lynn in this picture. Both of them have a smile that lights up their entire face.

Rock and roll little one! Here is D up on all fours (his latest trick).  

The Race Car, The Explorer, and The Lion

My cute little Lion.

This costume only cost me a $2 (for a black permanent marker)
thanks to Becky and her never-ending resources.

My mom makes a pretty cute witch along side Mags, Ian, and Liv.

This Lion looks like a scaredy-cat.

Dora the Explorer. 

Davis and Liv chillin' before the trunk-or-treat.

Right before trick-or-treating. Ike was a dinosaur that night because it was cold and rainy and  Lightning isn't waterproof.