Top Three

Top three movies to see during the holidays:

"In America"
This is a passionate, simple story about a family who moves from their home in Ireland in hopes of finding a better life in America (they end up in Hell's Kitchen). It's a tear jerker--one that will really make you appreciate how blessed we are. And how precious life is. And that it is possible to run out of tears. If you have already seen it, watch it again.

"One Day in September"
This is hands down the best documentary I've ever seen. It's about the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany. It covers the story of the Palestinian terrorists taking the Israeli athletes hostage. Michael Douglas narrates, and there is great music (who doesn't love a little Led Zeppelin?).

"Pieces of April"
You'll have to trust me on this one. I know, I know. Katie Holmes? But I promise--this is way before the whole Tom-Kat nonsense. April is a black sheep who invites her estranged family (most importantly, her dying mother--who is awful) to her apartment for Thanksgiving dinner. You will be glad you watched it. Really.

Thanksgiving

Kevin Carter received the pulitzer prize in 1994 for this photo which was first published in the New York Times. The picture depicts a Sudanese girl who collapsed on her way to a feeding center during the Sudan famine.

This image has not left my mind since the first time I saw it. I have thought about it a lot during the last few days, especially. I hope that tomorrow, as I surround myself with family, food, and warmth, I take a moment to truly thank God. I have so much to be grateful for.

Happy birthday, Alex!

I told Izzy and Dylan to sing for you and blow kisses when they were done. I also told Dylan to smile. Happy birthday!

Chicken, Pasta, and Chickpea Stew

This recipe is easy (I mean really easy), Luke-approved (which means it's really good), and good for you! We had it at Mike and Lori's cabin, and then I made it for dinner club. The recipe and nutritional information can be found here, but I've typed it in this post for convenience.

Chicken, Pasta, and Chickpea Stew (from Cooking Light)

Cooking Spray
1 C thinly sliced celery
3/4 C diced carrot
1/2 C chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 C chicken broth
3 C basic marinara
1 C canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
3/4 C ditalini (very short, tube-shaped macaroni)
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
8 oz. chicken, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
6 T shaved parmesan cheese

Heat a pan over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Add celery, carrot, and onion. Cook 12 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add broth and next 4 ingredients (through pepper); bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Add chicken (raw) to pan and cook for 3 minutes or until chicken is done. Sprinkle with cheese to serve.
This makes six 1 1/2 C servings, each only 237 calories. Let me know if you try this one--it is a keeper!

Have You Seen Me?

Grass!

Luke finished his project yesterday--we finally have a front yard! He did a really great job. Thanks to everyone who helped. John, we appreciate your help with the sprinklers, and thanks to Fred and Jake for helping lay sod yesterday. Also, a big thanks to my awesome friend Amy who brought pizza and homemade cookies yesterday--what a lifesaver!

Green River

We just got the pictures of Luke's river trip back yesterday. The scouts went on an 80 mile run down Desolation Canyon this summer. They saw black hawk helicopters fly through the canyon, as well as bears on the banks and naked hippies bathing in the river (something a few of the scouts will never forget)! I think all the boys had a great time, and I'm pretty sure Luke wants to be a river guide when he grows up.