Pumpkin Patch












Today, mom flew home via the Charleston airport. On our way home from Charleston we stopped by Boone Hall Farms and visited the pumpkin patch with Noah.

A weekend with Grandma























Rob went to a conference in Atlanta this weekend so Grandma Abbott came into town to be with Noah and I. It's such an incredible feeling to come home to a house that has been magically transformed by a mama's love. She kept Noah while I went to work Thursday and Friday. What a blessing! On Friday evening, we ventured to Ripley's aquarium. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Friends





The Smith's came over for dinner this weekend. Jackson and Noah had a good time entertaining one another.










What's for Dinner on Welcome Street?

Chicken and White Bean Chilli
3-4 cups of cooked chicken (I use a rotisserie chicken from the store to save time!)
4 16 oz. cans of navy beans rinsed and drained
4 4 oz cans of chopped chilies
1 14 oz can of low-sodium fat-free chicken broth
2 Tbsp **Chili Seasoning

1. Stir together in a large pot bring to boil.
2. Cover, reduce heat, simmer and occasionally stir for 15 minutes.
3. Garnish with fat free sour cream if desired.
4. Enjoy!

**Chili Seasoning Mix
(This will keep for several months if you make extra to keep on hand)

3/4 cup chili powder
2 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 Tbsp. dried oregano
2Tbsp dried minced onion
2Tbsp. seasoned salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp dried minced garlic

Stir ingredients together. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Will keep up to 4 months.

Wagon Rides




A wagon ride is always more fun with friends.











Saturday, Beautiful Saturday!




Shopping with mommy. Check out my buggy-bag! Aunt Hayley told mommy to get me one. It is incredible for shopping carts and highchairs.


This morning I went to get Noah from his crib. As soon as I opened his bedroom door, he spit out his pacifier, gave me the biggest smile, and started to clap. What an amazing way to start a Saturday! Daddy headed to the gym this morning and Noah and I went to the Children's Festival at the Dixie Stampede. We saw all of the horses and got to talk to some of the riders. On the way home, we stopped by the Bi-Lo to pick up some groceries. As we were leaving, some firemen were getting into their firetruck. I waved and pointed them out to Noah. They rang the bell on their truck and drove over to us. Noah was very interested until the truck stopped in front of us. Then, he acted unimpressed. The little stinker. I however thought it was great! I enjoy the smallest things in my daily routines now because Noah has made them so much more fun. I see the world through new eyes now - through the eyes of a child.

It is always incredible for me to watch the way people respond to babies. Having a baby in my arms seems to bring out the best in the strangers around me. They open doors, say hello, and smile. What would the world be like if we viewed those around us as "children of God"? Maybe more people would say hello to a stranger, or hold a door open, or simply smile at someone.

God has used this precious child he has given me to show me a glimpse of the love He has for mankind. I cannot describe the love I feel for my baby. Before having Noah, my passion and drive was focused solely on my career and establishing my place in the field of education. Now, I still want to be a teacher who has an impact on this world but know that my legacy will be what kind of mother I am to Noah, what kind of wife I am to my husband, and what glory I will bring to God through the gifts he has given me.

I am so thankful to the God who created me in love. I am more grateful that he has now given me the opportunity to experience the love he feels for me through the love I feel for my child.

What's for Dinner On Welcome Street Tonight?

Slow Cooker Recpie

Roast Pork with Apple Glaze
6 Granny Smith Apples (cored and quartered)
1 4lb pork loin roast trimmed
2 tsp. Mrs. Dash seasoning
1 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup apple juice
3 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. ground ginger

Spray inside of slow cooker with cooking spray. Place apples on the bottom of the cooker. Rub pork with Mrs. Dash seasoning and pepper; place roast on top of apples. Combine apple juice, brown sugar, and ginger and mix well. Pour juice over roast and apples, spreading to coat. Cover and cook on low heat for 10-12 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.

Lazy Saturday




A Saturday with no agenda feels so good. I am having my first cup of coffee this morning as Noah eats his "puffs". He continues to bring so much joy into our lives. Here are a few pictures of my boys :). Have a great Saturday

What's for Dinner on Welcome Street?

As a working mom, I find myself trying to find quick easy recipes in hopes of sharing with others who feel as frazzled after work as I do! I thought I'd put them on my blog in hopes of maybe helping someone else who is looking for a easy recipe.

Taco Soup
1 lb lean ground beef
1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes
1 (1.25 oz) package of mild taco seasoning
1 (15 oz) can of Pinto Beans rinsed and drained
1 cup whole kernel corn
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of sugar (or Splenda)

Optional: Add onions and peppers when browning beef

1. Heat large pot over medium-high and coat with cooking spray.
2. Add beef, cook for three minutes or until meat is thoroughly cooked. Stir frequently.
3.Add seasoning and remaining ingredients to pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, reduce heat and simmer for at least 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.

Top with low fat sour cream

Enjoy

What's for Dinner

Meat Loaf (20 Min Prep time) Bake: 1 Hour 15 minutes Stand: 5 min Serves: 6


1 1/1 lb 80% lean Ground Beef
1 cup milk
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp dried sage leaves (or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1/4 tsp pepper
1 garlic clove finely chopped
1 large egg
3 slices of bread (torn into pieces)
1 sm onion
1/2 cup of ketchup


1. Heat oven at 350 degrees
2. Mix all ingredients except ketchup.
3. Spread mixture in ungreased 8x4 pan.
4. Spread ketchup over top.
5. Bake 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
6. Check with meat thermometer (160 F) after one hour.
7. Drain meatloaf.
8. Let stand 5 minutes before removing from pan.

1 serving 320 calories





Sweet Potato Fries


2 sweet potatoes, washed
2 TBSP of canola oil
Salt, freshly ground pepper


1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise then cut into wedges.
3. Mix in bowl with canola oil. Sprinkle with salt/pepper.
4. Cover cookie sheet with foil and add potato wedges.
5. Bake 15 minutes.
6. Turn fries over and bake another 15 minutes.



Dinner is served.

For our Family...

Today I've decided to move myself, Rob and Noah closer to our family. There will be no moving truck, instead the Edwards are moving online to "Blogger". Greetings from the new Welcome Street that is much closer to you all than the "Welcome Street" we live on in sunny South Carolina. This is general disclaimer that I have terrible spelling and do not have enough time in my day to edit my work. However, I care deeply about our families and want to give them a way to stop by "our house" more often.