Potty training #2 stinks!

By #2, I am referrring to the kid, not poop. And really it's not the kid's fault. It's the circumstances. I mean, when I trained Barrett, we had time. He had my full attention. We could stay home most days until we were at a point where we could make it from point A to B without an accident. Now, with poor #2 who we lovingly call Kyle, we are rushing around all morning trying to get fed and dressed and lunches packed and out the door in time for preschool which is (in our case) 30 minutes away! There is no time for a leisurely sit or two on the potty, much less an accident and the impending clean-up and wardrobe change. And now, it seems we are always on the go, never at home.
When I started potty training #2, I thought it was going to be sooo easy because he had seen his brother do it, he knew the drill, and I have been putting him on the potty every now and then since he was 18 months old. Famous last words. . .

Tips, advice, encouragement, and empathy are welcomed!!

Cilantro Chicken Soup for your Cold Toes

We've all been enjoying this soup this winter. Thought I'd share this recipe because everytime I make it, I get glowing reviews from everyone. I like to make it because it means I don't have to make a separate allergy-free meal for the boys. This recipe contains no wheat, soy, dairy, rice, nuts.

Cilantro chicken and white bean soup

2 15 oz cans great northern beans, drained
4 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp grapeseed oil
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 Tbsp chopped)
1 4 oz can chopped green chiles
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cayenne powder
5 cups diced or shredded chicken (cooked)
½ cup fresh chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Using a blender, blend one drained can of white beans with 1 cup chicken both until smooth.
In a large pot, saute onions, peppers, and garlic in grapeseed oil over medium heat. Add chiles when the onions become transparent.
Add the remaining chicken broth and the rest of the ingredients to the pot except for the beans. Cover and allow to simmer for at least 20 minutes.
Add the blended beans and the whole white beans to the soup and simmer for 15 more minutes.
OPTIONAL: Garnish with monterrey jack and additional green onions

I spy with my little eye...

two happy boys! My mom "Gigi" made this quilt for the boys a while back and I have been meaning to show it. I love it because it's educational and it keeps the boys entertained and warm on long car trips. They love it because it has tractors and dinosaurs and crayons and frogs AND it's a built-in game. I can see these keeping the kids minds growing for years to come as there are so many levels to play I Spy. Sometimes we play "I spy something green" and other times we play "I spy the letter C" or "I spy a fish." Or for sharper little thinkers, "I spy something that flies" etc...they will find there's more than one right answer! (The squares aren't nearly as big as they appear in the car pictures.)

Gigi has more of these fabrics and she can get others too if you would like to buy an "I Spy" quilt for your budding detective. Each quilt is approximately 40" x 40" and is $50. Each one is unique and quilts made for girls would have in place of tools and tractors, fabrics that girls find more interesting. This one has patches that would appeal to girls and boys.