Instagram {6}

We went to Cossetta's after church last Sunday.  All of you locals MUST go!

Blueberry buttermilk breakfast cake...yum!

The boys working on the porch.

Asparagus from the farmer's market.

Brian planted some poppies in the front.

Weekend plans:

Ian's birthday party

Hair cut for me.

Church.

Lots of rest and relaxation, because next weekend is busy.

What are you guys up to.  I would love to hear.

P.S.

Do any of you have facebook pages?  Let me know, and I will like it.  Young Adventures has a page and I would LOVE it if you liked it! :)

Also last week I started a new series called Saturday Songs.  If you stop by on Saturday you can watch and little video and see the words to a song that we like.

On Sundays I'm still posting a photo and some encouraging words.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

Rachel

Chipotle Chicken Salad Tacos

Mr. Young typically makes these tacos for us.  He has been making this recipe for quite some time and some how or other it hasn't made it on the blog.  I would ask him to write this post up, but he is really busy at work this week.  This is a really simple and easy recipe to put together for a week night meal when you don't have a lot of time or don't want to spend a lot of time preparing dinner.  It is really nice in the summer months too because there really isn't any cooking required. I hope this becomes a family favorite for you too!

xoxo

Rachel

Chipotle Chicken Salad Tacos

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup of olive oil

2 canned chipotle chilies in adobe, finely chopped (add more or less depending on how much heat you like)

1 bag of coleslaw mix (found where the salads are in the produce section)

1 small red onion finely chopped

1 1/2 cups of shredded chicken breast from a rotisserie chicken

1 large ripe avocado cut into small cubes

1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

Warm taco size flour tortillas

1.  In a large bowl mix together the vinegar, olive oil, chipotle chilies, and kosher salt.  Add the coleslaw mix, onion, and chicken.  Toss everything together and let sit for about 15 minutes.  Taste and see if it needs additional salt.

2. If you would like, transfer the salad to another bowl add the avocado and sprinkle on the cheese.  

3.  Bring  the salad to the table with warm tortillas.  Dinner is served!

Source: Rick Bayless, Mexico one Plate at a Time

Thoughts on Mothering

I'm an imperfect Mom, I'm saying this because I'm being real with you. I screw up EVERY SINGLE DAY(ask my children). I'm not just talking about someones lunch not getting made or a field trip form that forgets to go in the back pack (although those things happen enough).  I'm talking about, I don't always listen when I should. I don't always take advantage of those teachable moments, I raise my voice after telling a child to do something for the 10th time.  I lose my patience. I get frustrated. I want to lock the door in the bathroom and hide (but I can't because I don't have a lock on my bathroom door). I'm not a perfect Mom.

Somewhere in all of that imperfection is God's perfect grace.  Somehow in all of our emotional mess God has had his hand on my children and on me and on my husband. Somehow God has cultivated an amazing bond and love that my children share.  It could be age, gender, birth order, but it is more than that. God listens to our prayers, his grace is perfect, and he loves us.

I tell Katie and Ian often to treasure the special gift they have been given. To nurture it to hold on to it.

I will pray for my children.  I will pray that they get an A in that class and I will pray that they don't get hurt playing football at recess.  More important I will pray for their hearts.  I will pray that they will grow closer to God everyday and that they will see him a little bit everyday.  I will pray that their love for one another will grow and mature.

I'm an imperfect Mom, so I pray.

xoxo

Rachel

Choir

Katie had one of her last choir concerts of the year last week. She was hesitant about joining choir and didn't know if it would be too much with swimming but it worked out great.  We're always talking to the kids about having a balanced life and trying new activities. I'm so glad she joined.  She loves to sing and has such a pretty voice.  She has made some good friends in choir and I really think it helps the students to be part of something. She definitely wants to be a part of the choral program next year.
We're so proud of you Katie for trying something different and we can't wait to see you perform next year!
xoxo
Rachel

Blueberry Crisp for Two

Mr. Young refers to Fridays as "our" day.  I always chuckle at this because when I think of "our" day, I imagine walks around the lake or snuggling under a fuzzy blanket and watching a movie.  You get the idea. The reality is he works from home and I work at home.   We do try to have lunch together.

Mr. Young is not a big breakfast eater during the week.  So in an effort to get him to eat breakfast and spend a little more time together on "our" day I decided to make this blueberry crisp inspired from Bread and Wine.

I know you are probably thinking crisp for breakfast? This is a little more of healthy recipe, something you can serve for breakfast or dessert. This recipe comes together really quickly and if you want you could make up the crumb topping the night before.  And you don't need to convince me to have dessert for breakfast.

xoxo

Rachel

Blueberry Crisp for Two

2 cups of frozen blueberries
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/8 cup of pure maple syrup
1/8 cup of canola oil
pinch of kosher salt
Greek yogurt (optional)
honey (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Place the frozen blueberries into a small oven proof container.  Mix together the remaining ingredients and sprinkle on top of the fruit. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Place 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt in each bowl and drizzle with honey.  Place crisp on top and serve warm. Enjoy!
Source: Adapted from Bread and Wine

This recipe shared with Tidy Mom, 

Your mind...

Gungor ~ Beautiful Things

"Beautiful Things"

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

You make me new, You are making me new
You make me new, You are making me new

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

He makes beautiful things friends.  Have a wonderful day!

Instagram {5}

My sister's and Mom took me to brunch to celebrate my birthday (belated).  We went to this cute little Italian restaurant called Scusi, we've been there before...so good.

I dragged my family and a friend and her daughter to body flow with me.  Let's just say none of them will be coming with me agin.  Katie did like doing the bridge.

Weekend plans:

Garden

Have friends over for dinner.

Mr. Young is bringing out the smoker.

Go to the Y.

Maybe watch a movie at home.

What are you guys doing?

Enjoy this long weekend and stay safe!

xoxo

Rachel

Book club

We had a small group this time just five of us (we missed you ladies).

I hosted and choose a salad bar theme.  We started with cashews and stuffed olives.  I provided homemade dressings and different greens.  The ladies brought 3 toppings each.  This was very fun and I think everyone loved it.  Good girl food.  For dessert I made sugar cookies, fruit dip, and had fresh berries.  Then everyone could make their own fruit pizzas.

Then we discussed how we all started the book and none of us finished it...ha!

Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo

Can't wait for next time!

xoxo

Rachel

Culinary School Graduate

We were really happy to be able to attend Uncle Shane's graduation.  Many of his family were there.  It was a quick trip, but we were glad to be part of the celebration.  Congratulations Shane!  We are very proud of you!!

xoxo

Rachel

Citizenship Award

We're so proud of you Ian and we love you very much!

For spiritual encouragement check out Proverbs 31 ministries.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

xoxo

Rachel

Instagram week {4}

{1} Our luggage tags to the "Happiest place on Earth" came.

{2} Strawberry, skim milk, spinach, chia seed, cottage cheese smoothie.

{3} Our first trip to the ice cream shop.

{4} Our first trip to the garden center.

{5} Menu for the week.

{6} Oj, banana, mango, cottage cheese, spinach, chia seed, raw honey smoothie.

{7} Road trip to Iowa.

Weekend Plans:

Book Club at my home...super excited!!

School Carnival

Iron Man #3

Sleepover with a friend.

Church

Brunch with my Mom and sisters.

What are you guys up to this weekend?  Have a great one!

xoxo

Rachel

Mexican Charred - Corn Dog

Before we get to this delicious recipe...a poem.

FAMILY

My family is the best

And does not rest

We have lots of fun

While eating hot dogs with buns

Mom likes to bake

We love what she makes

We like to eat strudel

And also noodles - Ian 

We actually don't eat a lot of hot dogs, but when we do I like to get the good ones from the butcher shop.

Sometimes in the summer when it is just waaay too hot and the last thing you want to do is cook dinner.  Hot dogs can be a good option and it's kind of fun to add some unique toppings.
If you're looking for a way to jazz up your hots give this a try.

Mexican Charred - Corn Dog

2 cups of corn ( I use frozen, thawed)

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 green onions sliced

Salt and Pepper

2 tablespoons light mayonnaise

2 teaspoons lime

4 grilled hot dogs

4 buns

 Crumbled feta cheese

Chili powder

1. Cook corn in a dry skillet until brown.  Add the olive oil and the white parts of the green onions cook until tender.  Season with salt and pepper.

2. Stir the mayonnaise and lime together.

3. Place the hot dogs in the buns add the corn mixture and drizzle lightly with the lime mayo. Sprinkle on feta and chili powder.

Source: Martha Stewart

This recipe shared with Walking on Sunshine recipes and Foodie Friends Friday

The Poem Book of the Greatest Poems in History

Ian came home with a book of poems.  They are pretty funny, and I will be sharing some of that funniness with you guys.

"Mom is small

And not very tall

She is very fun

But slow when she runs" - Ian Young

Truth.

xoxo

Rachel

Mother's day

We had a nice quiet Mother's day this year.  We had just got back from a friend's graduation in Iowa on Saturday evening.  I knew everyone would be a little on the tired side, so I had suggested something laid back in advance.

We went to church.  The sermons are always so up lifting.

Lunch here.

A few hours of rest and relaxing.

Pizza delivered from here.

A short walk around the neighborhood (it was a little cool).

We watched a couple of episodes of this show.  Do you remember this one?  When I was a kid I thought that car was the coolest!  I was so excited when I saw it on netflix.

I hope you all had a lovely day!

xoxo

Rachel

Turkey sloppy joes

A few weeks back I had planned on making turkey sloppy joes for dinner. As I was about to get dinner ready I realized that I was short on buns...shoot!!  I didn't have time to make buns or run to the store, so I had to think quick.  I came up with these cute little open faced sandwiches that turned out great!  The next time you find yourself short on buns or you just want to shake up your sloppy joe recipe give this a try. I bet your family will love them!
xoxo
Rachel

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Recipe for Turkey Sloppy Joes

4 Buns

1/2 cup Grated cheddar cheese

Spicy pickled peppers, peppadews, jalapeños, banana peppers (optional)

1. Cut the buns in half and toast them in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes.

2. Divide the sloppy joe mixture among the buns.

3. Place a few peppers on top of the sloppy joes if you are going to use them.

4. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese and place in a 350 degree oven until melted.

Happy Mother's Day

Have a wonderful Mother's day celebrating you and all that you do for your family!

xoxo

Rachel

The week in instagram {3}

{1}  Two "love" ducks came to visit.

{2} Veggie quesadilla

{3} It's been so nice out, Katie has been doing her homework on the front porch.

{4} BBQ/ranch salad

{5} Lighter poppy seed chicken

{6} Asian spaghetti

{7} This weeks menu

Old -Fashioned Banana Bread

Here is another recipe from the archives.

This is the first banana bread recipe I tried, and despite the others that I have made I always come back to this one. This is my Mom's recipe. I'm not sure where or who she got it from, but it is the one she always made and the one I fell in love with. Sure you can add chocolate chips or nuts to it, but I like it without any distractions. Make sure you have all of your ingredients at room temperature, before mixing.This recipe is easily doubled, and I frequently do just that. Freeze the extra loaf or give it away to a friend, she'll thank you for it.

Old -Fashioned Banana Bread

3/4 cup butter 

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup mashed bananas

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup buttermilk or *sour milk

Heat the oven to 350. Combine the butter and sugar mix well. Blend in the bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Sift together the flour, soda, and salt. Add alternating to the creamed mixture with the buttermilk. Blend until well combined. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 50-70 minutes depending on how large your pan is and how hot your oven runs. Check with a skewer, and it should come clean. I usually tent my pan with foil about half way to keep it from getting too brown.

*sour milk: In a measure cup put 1 tbsp. vinegar and a little less than a 1 tsp. vanilla fill with milk to 1/2 cup.

Source: Kay V. (My Mom)
This recipe shared with Foodie Friends Friday and Walking on Sunshine Recipes

Tyler and his bike

We had another get together with my family a couple of weeks ago to welcome back my parents a second time.  

After my parents were back here for a few week's, my 95 year old Amachi passed away.  They flew back for the funeral and stayed another month.

I had really good intentions of taking a lot of photos, but this is the only one I took.

I wanted to post it though because I love how happy my nephew is with his bike.  My sister and her husband found it last year at a garage sale and it is in perfect condition!  Normally these bikes are very expensive, so it was extra special blessing that they found it.

Love you Tyler!

xoxo

Rachel
P.S.
Need some encouragement as a Mom of children at home check this out.  It's really good!
Are you a parent of adult children you can listen to some encouraging words here
.

Cinco De Mayo 2013

Pink Grapefruit "Margaritas"from Martha Stewart.  Wow, these were incredible!  They were like slushies.  I can't wait to try these with other juices.

Dinner: Mr. Young's guacamole, chips, fajata's.

We took a little walk around the neighborhood and saw all sorts of signs of spring.

Unfried ice cream...so, so good.  Recipe coming soon.

Hope you get some sunshine were ever you are this week!

xoxo

Rachel

Instagram week #2 {mostly}

{1} Our cute kids.

{2} Turkey burgers on the grill.

{3} The most adorable watering can.

{4} Brian teaching Ian how to grill.

{5} It was so beautiful this past weekend I got behind on the folding.

{6} Weekly Menu

{7} Mr. Young made me a bird's nest.

{8} Gardening

{9}Early morning walks.

{10} Smoothies, smoothies, smoothies.

{11} The best pound cake.  I made a mocha trifle with it.

{12} Grilled steak salad.

{13} Red & Navy.

{14}  Mr. Young brought out the smoker (ribs, almonds, salmon).

{15}  More and more like his Dad.

{16} It snowed again, but it didn't stay here...thank goodness!

{17} Fun date with the Buckman's.

{18} The End.

Not too much for weekend plans.  The forecast is predicting rain all weekend.

Attending a dinner in support of missionary work in India.

Church

A litte Cinco De Mayo party for the four of us.

What are your plans for the weekend? I'd love to hear!

xoxo

Rachel