My Apologies for Not Posting Sooner

And this still isn't the update I've been meaning to make. I want to take the time to write about my labor and delivery and time in the hospital and what's happened since then, etc. (Maybe I'll post in bursts?) Because really, what better place to record these huge life events then here on my blog? Besides, I know some of you are interested in hearing about my experience from my perspective.

In the meantime, I found this neat quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that really means a lot to me these days.

"The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility [parenthood] is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you. He knows that your giving birth to a child does not immediately propel you into the circle of the omniscient. If you and your husband will strive to love God and live the gospel yourselves; if you will plead for that guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit promised to the faithful; if you will go to the temple to both make and claim the promises of the most sacred covenants a woman or man can make in this world; if you will show others, including your children, the same caring, compassionate, forgiving heart you want heaven to show you; if you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do."



It still is a pretty tall order, but that's why we have friends and family and the gospel and neighbors etc. to help us out when we need it.

Also--

My boys are adorable.

My New Mixing Bowls

I know this is really silly, but yesterday, when Tyler and I went to WalMart, I got some new glass mixing bowls.

And I am SO excited about them. I mean really really excited.

They're nothing special. Just glass. Oven, freezer, and microwave safe. (Pretty typical.)

But I keep trying to think of excuses to use them. (I used the smallest one twice today in making dinner!)

My previous mixing bowls are wonderful. I love them. And I will definitely continue to use them. (They are too handy to just be set aside.) But they are partially metal. And partially rubber. And partially plastic. So no oven or microwave use. And while handy, they aren't the prettiest for serving meals. Or snacks.

But these new ones will make a much nicer presentation. And I can microwave them.

(So here's to hoping I don't break any of them anytime soon!)

 [Insert artsy picture of new mixing bowls here.]

Or check them out on the WalMart website. (For less than $10! I really feel like I just won a prize.)

If you ever have some extra baked potatoes lying around

then you should really check out this potato soup recipe from allrecipes.com. (Which is my go-to recipe site.)

Here's the thing. I love potato soup. It's probably my favorite kind of soup. And there are so many varieties of potato soups.

And another thing. In my experience, it's pretty hard to mess up a soup. (Well, your typical soups.) So, you can adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. Or add things. Or substitute things. Or leave things out. And the soup will still be delicious.

But anyway, the recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 bacon strips, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup half-and-half cream
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Minced fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set bacon aside. Saute onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, cream and hot pepper sauce; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with bacon, cheese and parsley.

Confession: I did not have any baked potatoes lying around. So I cooked my potatoes in the chicken broth (and left the skins on them). Also, I made extra bacon and added it to the soup while the soup was cooking (because that's how Tyler likes it).  And also because I love bacon--especially turkey bacon. And I left out the parsley--because I'm not a huge parsley fan.

See what I mean about soups being customizable? Besides. For those of you not living in Utah and experiencing gorgeous weather, you can avoid heating up your oven (and the rest of your house) and still have incredibly good potato soup.

Anyway. Bottom line: try this soup out. You'll be glad you did.