The long awaited post and some good food

I am back! Really I wasn't gone to far, but as my mom would say, "I am busier than a one handed paper hanger." :o) As most of you know we are expecting our first grand baby and the kids needed to find a larger place to live before the baby came. Brandie is in her 28th week and moving was not easy. She has a very sweet husband who did his best to make her comfortable, but Brandie is very independent and wanted so badly to help. This is where mom and dad stepped in. We were helping paint, clean, and doing some slight construction on their new house they rented for the past week. Usually we spent about 10 to 12 hours a day helping and they finally got to move this past weekend. It will take time to get all settled, but at least they are in. They rented a big 3 bedroom home. It is really nice and the rent is good for the area. I am sure Brandie will post pics on her blog once she has Internet so I will let her surprise everyone.

Also, DH and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary. I told DH we will never forget this one as we painted the kids kitchen and ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. :o) No worries, being together is what really counts. Brandie and Micah had flowers delivered to me at work last Monday (yes we were married on St. Patricks Day). They came and I teared up, but when I read the card below I sobbed. What do you expect from a first time grandma. Look at what the card says, Grand baby! I totally agree that I am a sap, I can't deny it.

My flowers are a week old and they still look perfect. I just love them and the vase!

Thank you kids and grand baby!

Everyone remember our new addition to the family, Abby? Lets just say her and Kellie are getting along splendidly. We just love her. :o)

They cuddle all the time and Kellie tries to be the momma. Always cleaning and taking care of Abby. Look how big Abby has gotten! She is 8 months old and she weighs 12 lbs and is sleek and long like a black panther.

Spring is in the air and DH and I started planting the garden a month or so ago. Sorry everyone if you are still under snow, but here in San Diego our weather is almost summer like. Here is our first radishes of the season. They are so sweet!

For those of you who remember our garden from last year can see how DH expanded it this year. You can see our 3 types of lettuce and spinach in this picture. Along the bottom you can't see (cuz my camera died) we have dwarf sweet peas that are almost ready to begin climbing the fence. :o)

Who love Brussels sprouts? We do! I have to be careful or Brandie will take the lot. No not really, but she loves them as much as I do. As you can see I made sure to plant enough for both of us. DH and her hubby don't like them. Yeepee, more for us!! 9 plants in all.

Yes, peanut butter and jelly have been a mainstay while helping the kids, but I did have time on Easter Sunday to make some Cream of Broccoli Soup. I got the recipe from Vegan Dad. He has a great site, check it out. I did add some of BRYANNA'S HOMEMADE VEGAN "CHICKEN-STYLE" BROTH POWDER and some extra garlic, but other wise kept the recipe the same. I think next time I will cook the veggies in "no chicken broth" for extra flavor. No CREAM here and it is velvety smooth. A quick spin in the blender and there you go! Thanks, VEGAN DAD!

One dad I did get a decent breakfast. Tofu scramble burritos, pink grapefruit and a bit of hashbrowns. I just love tofu scramble. This version has spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, bell pepper (red and green) and BRYANNA'S DELICIOUS HOMEMADE TOFU SCRAMBLER MIX , which I always have on hand.

Here is a favorite of Brandie's. Bryanna's Chicken Cutlets from the Everyday Dish DVD. Simple wrap of seitan chicken patties, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and a tiny bit of vegan mayo.

That's all for now folks. Thanks for stopping by and reading this very long post!

Hugs to all!!!

Smokey Refried Bean Soup by Susan

Hi Everyone! I am so sorry I have been away from my blog for about 2 weeks. It has been a very busy time. We had a huge party at church and it took some time to help work out details and decorations. Then a week later I was asked to give a talk at church, which took the rest of my week preparing. Public speaking is not my favorite thing to do. The good news is that everyone enjoyed the party and my talk is over. I have to say that Susan saved the day, well actually the week with her Smokey Refried Bean Soup. This soup is quick, easy, and tastes fantastic. I did cook mine a bit longer to have it thicken up a bit. I also used "no chicken broth" and 1/2 tsp. of the chipotle chili powder, and topped it with a quick tomato salsa and cool avocado. What a meal, oh wait a few meals! Thank you Susan, you saved me.