The best darn Potato Soup I'VE ever eaten...

Baked Potato Soup - Slow Cooker Style



Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup Ingredients:

• 5 pounds russet potatoes, washed but NOT peeled. Diced into 1/2 inch(ish) cubes
• 1 medium/large yellow onion, diced
• 10 cloves of garlic, minced (if you use jarred, it's a 5 teaspoon equivalent)
• 64 ounces (8 cups) chicken stock or broth
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (I use low fat)
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• optional garnishes: crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, green onions

Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup Directions:

1. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, seasoning, and chicken stock to slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 10 hours.
3. Add the softened cream cheese and puree soup with an immersion blender until the cheese is incorporated and about half the soup is blended. (Alternately you could remove half the soup and the cream cheese to an upright blender, then re-incorporate).
4. Stir well, top with your choice of garnishes & enjoy!

P.S. I didn't have a chance to take a picture, before it was devoured.

We're back.....

As you all probably know we had a life changing event in our small little family this year. I have all of this covered and if you don't know you can read everything that happened here Robpowell.org. We consider ourselves very blessed to have Robert still here with us.

Many people have said that they can't possible understand how it feels, what we are going through, what I'M going through. Yes, its a lot. BUT

WE ARE STILL HERE, WE ARE STILL US. DON'T BE AFRAID TO TALK TO US.

I have been told:

"You'll definitely find out who your friends are the first year. Some will leave, some will stay and stick by you."

I couldn't agree more.

There are many people that I don't talk to at all, that I probably talked to on a daily basis. Sad Really. I miss them.

BUT here we are. Robert, Hollie, Caleb, and Sarah back home. We have been home for the last 3 months.

Adjusting, Mourning, Grieving, Laughing, Yelling, Arguing, Loving, Crying

I pray everyday for:

Strength

Wisdom

Strength

Understanding

Strength - Did I mention strength?!?!

This is the HARDEST thing I have ever done in my life.

EVER.

I get keep going everyday for :

My kids, my husband, BECAUSE they can't do this without me. No one else will do it for them. I'm IT!

Yikes, its hard to type that out. So much responsibility, Very big shoulders.

I'm doing it though. Sometimes I don't know how, but then I remember my favorite verse.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

 HE has gotten me this far. and Only him. Thank you God for picking me up, EVERY TIME I fall.

Calebs Birthday Weekend

For Calebs big day We had a park play date for him, with a few of his classmates from school. 

Lots of fun and play time with them. Snack, laughs and sibling love too!

WE LOVE YOU CALEB, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

CLG Wednesdays

Because we have now joined a new CLG (Community Life Group) at our church, we are having a bible study/discussion as well as a meal on Wednesday nights while the kids are at the church having their own activities and meal. We all get home just in time for bedtimes (8p.m.) Which we thought we would never accomplish on a school night, with church activities, and eating. Its all really surreal, but it works, and it really gives us that great fellowship that our family needs and loves during the week.

I have been able to explore recipes thanks to my cook books and my very dependable recipes that my mother and grandmothers have passed down to me. Not to mention several ladies from the church I grew up in. Thank you all for inspiring me and giving me an idea or two. I have combined recipes, and made a few customized to my own tastes.

I'm so excited to have my passion of cooking back. Something that I haven't seen in over a year. I missed making food that people would enjoy, savor and delight in. I create, people eat, everyone is happy!


Tonight, I made some sweets for my littlest sweeties for Valentines day.

Caleb had been drooling over the Chocolate Covered Strawberries that were in the grocery the other day.

I decided to Cut the price and make these for way cheaper than they wanted me to pay for only a 1/2 dozen of these puppies. I think I did them justice, and my little babies will be so eager to gobble them up!

New Recipe Sunday.

Source: bigredkitchen.com via Kendall on Pinterest

Made these Ham and Swiss Sliders for the family today. They are so delicious, quick and easy to make. They are definitely going on the Meal planning list of Recipes.
Thanks   bigredkitchen.com  for the recipe!

Christmas on Short Street

Merry Christmas from Caleb and Sarah!

Christmas 2011

 

Christmas Prep:

Reindeer Food: Check

Santa's Cookies: Check

Jesus Birthday Cake: Check

Bedtime story, Featuring "My Merry Christmas and the real reason for the season" : Check

Tucked tightly in bed: Check

Counting down for Santa's arrival and the celebration of Jesus Birthday! :) The Excitement is almost too much!

Our Christmas Mini-Vacation

We were blessed to be able to take a little mini-vacation this year. We had plenty of relatives lined-up to visit, that's for sure ;)

Our MAIN trip was to my mom and dad's house (Grandma and Paw Paw Howsers) house. But to make it a semi-stressless trip, we asked mimi and papa if we could stay over at their place in Austin and just head out the next morning to Houston. That worked out great because we also got to have the kids Christmas with their Grandparents and AuntB, Uncle G, and their cousins. They even got to spend a little time with their Aunt Tess too! We had a great time and the visit was lots of fun.

 

We got to my moms on Sunday evening, Saw MY Grandparents on Monday, got to catch up with my sister ALL week. I think that was my favorite part :P
Lots of play time with their cousins Drake and Colt for both kids it meant plenty of imagination and plenty of laughs.

There was always good food with My mom and sister around. I dont know why but when I visit, I never end up doing any of the cooking...I would love to help, but its a nice break I suppose. :)

It had been a while since we had all gotten together. Almost 2 years actually. So we enjoyed every minute spent together.

 

On the way home we stopped thru San Antonio to visit Robs other Aunt Jeana, and family.

We got in town around 3 or so, and were greeted by Robs Grandparents, Uncle, and Jeana and Max! :) 

Always so very fun, we relaxed and had dinner later with Laura and William, Robs Cousin and his fiance' 

The next day we were to head home, but not before we got to do a little Santa shopping first. :)

While the kids hung out, played games, and watched movies. We found Sarah asleep when we got back :P.

We left around 4 and returned home late Thursday Evening. Just in time to start our own family traditions.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Saturday with Tess

The kids don't get to see their AuntTess (actually Robs Aunt) very often, but when they do, its always fun for everyone :) They got to get together this morning and I was told they put out tons of "fires" on the playground next door to her house. You see, She lives literally across the street from Calebs school, where he attended Pre-Kinder. They have a huge playground area, gated and safe for anyone that wants to come play on it. And Yes its a school, its going to be gated and safe. :) Just needed to put that in there.
Here are a couple of pics from their wonderful morning with Aunt Tessa. :)

Thanks Aunt Tess, you made their day!

Labor Day weekend, Sarahs School on fire.

Last weekend seemed to be coming up quickly and we really needed the break from school and work. Just to relax do nothing and REST..I was worn out. So was Robert. And yes the kids were SUPER TIRED.

But before we could begin out "do nothing" weekend, Sarah had to outshine the wonderfulness of FRIDAY by having a fire at her school, IN her classrooms bathroom.

I got a call but they didnt leave a voicemail, which upset me. 
I called them back, and they said I needed to come get Sarah, because the school had a fire...WHAT?!? She said it so nonchalantly I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I started panicking and she told me to not hurry and take my time, but I needed to come get her as soon as possible. Well OF COURSE I would hurry, drop everything and rush right over...I get there, fire trucks gone, doors wide open, and moms, dads, and teachers everywhere trying to direct frazzled kids. To me it smelt like a big block party barbecue that decided to relocate inside, no lights, or a/c on. I took Sarah back with me to school where Robert met me to keep her for 2 more hours till I got off. Phew, what a Friday afternoon we all had!

Here they all are "resting" last weekend. Worn out from a busy, crazy Friday. :)

New EVERYTHING

So, this might be a long post due to the fact that, I haven't blogged in almost 2 months. I definitely feel like its time to start over, and start fresh. We have had so many changed happen in the last 2 months, and its been a whirlwind of a ride so far. 

First off, Calebs Kinder year ended great. He got to graduate, cap, gown and all. He got to leave from school that day with his sister, and his Grandparents to go to Sea world :) This time with their cousin Wesley 

This summer was a great one. Sarah went to her 6 weeks of Mother's Day Out, while Caleb has a few VBS's he went to this summer.

We Swam, Went to the Gym, Went to the "Pup-Cake" Store (Cupcake Boutique) on Fridays' as our tradition.

Lots of trips to the park, eating with dad when we could and always the occasional trip to our "favorite store" Target. :)

Before summer, I had applied for several jobs at Calebs School in hopes to get at least an interview. I had already had a job for the fall lined up just in case. I wasn't thinking that anything would become of the jobs that I had applied for.

Well, around June was when I got a phone call. One that the principal had made to me asking if I would like to interview for a secretaries position. Well, I had graciously declined. I had another job obligation to fulfill, so I had told her.

I was so bummed that night, because what I really wanted to say..YES, YES YES!

I guess it was two days later I was working out at the gym and a friend of mine called and asked if the principal had called me about a job. Weird? This friend had gotten a teacher's position at the same school.

Well, she then proceeded to tell me how she felt I needed to be at TLCA too. Basically saying "what are you crazy?! Call her back NOW" :)

So, I call her back and I set up an interview with her for not one but TWO different position with the principal.

Thinking I wouldn't get a call back for an interview time till the next week, I put it in the back of my mind.

I get called in for an interview the NEXT DAY!! Ahhh... 

Well, everything went well, and I ended up interviewing for both jobs in the same meeting.

I got another call the next week, asking me to accept the job. Yes, I'm not a SAHM anymore.

Its sad but that chapter in my life is over I think. I'm working full time now at Caleb's School as a 

Teacher's Aide for all of 1st grade and some of 2nd grade. :)

Very exciting.

The sweetest gift

When I picked up Caleb today from school, I got handed these

They are made of styrofoam egg cartons, paint and toilet paper rolls. 

Prettiest Flowers I have ever received :)

His teacher then informed me that I have another surprise in his folder. I couldn't wait to see what else he had made me. Since, I know they make the cutest things in his class.

This had me rolling. I hope you can read it. Its a small book, thats a question/answer about Calebs Mom, for Mother's Day!

I have to comment on the work question...I work @ his school, and at Sarah's MDO (college) :)

He did a super job!!

We also found out that he passed all of his testing for kindergarten. Sight Words, Math, and TPRI Testing.

Way to go Caleb.

My sweet boy will be Graduating Kindergarten soon and starting 1st grade with the rest of his class.

For those of you that know whats been going on with him this year, knows thats a great accomplishment!

Praise God, He is so Good.

Easter

The kids were out of school for Good Friday and we just hung out and had a pj day. They went to their Grandparents that afternoon while the hubby and I actually had a kidless dinner.

Easter Weekend Was pretty busy. We had so much going on....Easter Fest hosted by Caleb's School was Saturday, Egg Hunt on Sunday followed by a relaxing afternoon. The kids watched movies ALL afternoon :) Couldn't think of anything more relaxing.

Here are a few pictures...

These really weren't for Easter, but from Robert Just because :)

 

Ready to get some eggs!

Just a portion of the eggs that were at the Sports Complex on Saturday. Total there were close to 150,000 eggs.

A couple pictures from Lunch....goofing off :)

Sunday Easter Egg Hunt @ Church....They stocked up on tons of eggs and the worst most exciting part was "de-shelling" them all.....well for mommy anyways! :D

I usually trade out the Valentines Candy for the Easter Candy every year....

The good thing..no more candy till October! Whew :)

Littlebear

YES thats right. This little darling just recently turned 2 and a half years old on the 5th of April. Crazy right?!

I thought so too. It feels like just the other day she was born, or just the other day she was stuffing her face with her first birthday cake. Time flies.

Amazing that in just a little time my youngest will be three....I'm trying to enjoy every moment that we spend together. Shes such a joy to our lives and our family.

Always happy and more or less easy going. Shes becoming more inquisitive and is starting to QUESTION EVERYTHING!!! :) 

Shes like me and wants to be organized, with everything in its place. I catch her wanting to help 

put away the laundry or help me pick up around the house. Hey! it may not be in the right spot but she has the very BEST intentions.

Such a doll baby...and everyday can be a trying day or just a joy, but I wouldn't change that for the world!

Love you, Little Bear 

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY CALEB!!

Rob and I are so excited to celebrate our little Caleb's sixth birthday today.
We'd decided to let him pick where to eat this year, and let the family know, so that they could celebrate too!
{His Powell Grandparents, Great Powell Grandparents, Great Uncle Barron, Aunt B and Uncle G and the Brown Girl Cousins All celebrated with him.}

Hes doing so good in school, and making friends left and right!

We love him so much and we are so proud of him.

Spring Break.....will not break our spirit.

Well I'll start by saying we had so many plans to go on a family vacation this year, but with things that we cannot control, we will be staying home this Spring break, and possibly Memorial Day. THAT, and the crazy, CRAZY Gas Prices!!
I feel guilty for telling people we were coming when in all actuality it didn't work out to our advantage.


So, in saying that, I will add some cute pics of our first couple of days of our "Spring Break @ Home"

We are just having a good time, Me and the kids {while Robert, bless his heart, works :( }

Today is just day #2, and I'll have to say today went ALOT better than Monday did. I know by Friday, they won't want to go back to their normal routine on Monday.

 

More updates of this weeks adventures, later!

Francesca Battistelli - This Is The Stuff

Recap thru pictures

I noticed I hadn't blogged in a while. Sorry for the laziness. Just haven't had the urge to write.

Nevertheless, here are a ton of pics to explain our last few months! Hope everyone is glad to see a new year upon us. I hope it brings everyone joy and happiness.