Black Bean Stew

Claire thoroughly enjoyed her first taste of one of our family favorites, Black Bean Stew. Nate's dad brought us a recipe book ("Things to do with Black Bean Stew" by Bill Bradley) with this stew as the base for any number of meals including tacos, enchiladas, frittatas, etc. I kid Nate that I love it because of my being a "Mexicana," well I was born in Mexico and I'm sure my mom ate lots of Mexican food while pregnant. Claire ate it with equal gusto, though she enjoyed playing with the sauce almost as much. I'm not sure why I fed it to her when she was wearing a white outfit... For those of you who are bean fans...here's the recipe:

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, diced

2 carrots, diced

1 red pepper, diced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

2 cups spinach, stems removed

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon oregano

1 Tablespoon chili powder

Dash of Cayenne Pepper

1 large can (29 oz) of black beans, including liquid

1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes

1. Saute onion, garlic, carrots and red pepper in olive oil until carrots just begin to soften.

2. Add mushrooms, spinach and spices, cook until spinach is wilted.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes.

ENJOY!

Easter and Spring Break

It's Monday morning and I'm enjoying the last day of my "Spring Break," which at my school means a long weekend over Easter. I had Friday and today off, and I'm currently blocking out the sounds of my daughter fighting her nap, again. Spring in Montana can mean anything from 50 degree temperatures to snow storms, and we've had a little of both this weekend. Easter morning it was 12 degree when we woke up, but Saturday we went for a hike and had gorgeous, clear weather, not quite warm, but great hiking temps. Today is blustery with a mix of rain/snow, so it's a good day for being cozy inside.

We've enjoyed some fun activities this long weekend. Claire and I went swimming with my mom's group Friday morning, we had a long family hike on Saturday at the Buffalo Jump State Park near our house (the trail climbs up to a huge cliff where Native Americans would herd buffalo to their deaths), Easter morning we went to church, and we had a nice meal at home last night. I have to admit I loved dressing Claire in her Easter/Spring outfits, surprising for someone who has never considered herself a "girly girl." She did look absolutely adorable when she would actually keep her hat on for longer than 10 seconds!

Oh yeah, Nate also did some fishing on Saturday afternoon. He found a channel of the Missouri with some big rainbows...here's one of his trout.

Two of Her Favorite Things

Here's Claire in her latest hangout--on Hem's bed. She loves crawling around his bed and laying on it (which reminds me I should really wash the cover). Her second favorite thing in the picture is her new "toy"--an old cell phone. I got the idea from the Nydams, who actually charge their old phone so it beeps ,and I'd do the same if I could find the charger. We are amazed at how she already understands to put the phone to her ear and talk into it, although after last weekend with Jane and Elis, it seems all babies are already tuned into these devices. Does this mean she'll be asking for her own phone to text her pals when she's in pre-school?

Trip to Denver

Claire and I arrived home yesterday after spending a long weekend in Denver with two dear college girlfriends and their kids. Jane hosted us with her twins
Elsie and Jess while Elisabeth and Simon flew in from Chicago. With four little ones we had some chaos, but we also adventured out for some walks, played at the park, went to the zoo, and even dined at an Indian restaurant (though the kids all behaved themselves, the floor after we left didn't win us any brownie points with the servers). We loved getting to know one anothers' children better and had great long talks after bedtime. After over ten years of friendship, we now get to share the bond of motherhood and explore this new stage of life together. I have lots of pictures, but of course not ONE with all four kids smiling or looking at the camera!



We had to get a bath picture! Having all four in the tub together only lasted for about five minutes though.



















Claire and Elsie in the darling sundress outfits that Jane's mom bought for them.