Family Favorite!

I received this recipe from a friend of ours almost a year ago,and I can't tell you how many times I have created it for dinner. I must say, it is so delicious. So thank you Tirsa, for our new family favorite! (I have modified it a few times to fit our family - but here is the original recipe)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

4 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded

2 (14.5oz) cans of chicken broth

1 (4oz) can diced green chilies

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chili peppers

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 T fresh lime juice

2 T chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 t. ground cayenne pepper

1/2 t. ground cumin

4 (10in) flour tortillas

1 T. olive oil

Shredded Monteray Jack and Cheddar Cheeses

1. Combine the chicken broth, green chilies, tomato with green chilies, onion and garlic in a large soup pot. Add the shredded chicken. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 - 35 minutes

2. Add the lime juice, cilantro, cayenne and cumin. Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes longer.

3. Cut the tortillas ans 1/2 x 2in. strips. Fry in hot olive oil in skillet until golden brown; drain on paper towels.

4. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with cheese and tortilla strips

Look Who's 40!!

Happy 40th Birthday

Craig!

Wilson's Again

Today was another one of Blake's never ending appointments. He is so used to the routine by now; lab work and blood draws are no big deal, taking 6 pills a day is getting a little old, but he does it anyway because he knows its necessary, and the food restrictions are just becoming the "usual" for the day.

Today we met with Dr. McOmber at Phoenix Childrens Hospital and got a little bit of good news. There are some new studies being done for Blake that show that we may be able to lower the amount of medication he is taking daily! This brought a huge smile to his face. After a year of taking 6 pills a day, as an 11 year old, this is a huge step forward. After his examination, Dr. McOmber also told us that he felt that Blakes liver is not as swollen as previous visits have shown!

We are so blessed to have so many people praying for our son, and to say thank you is a small place to start.

We have been given the clear for 4 months and don't have to go back until February 2011! We will miss seeing the GI team each month, but are so thankful for this new part of the journey.

School Year 2010/2011

Craig II: 15 years old and is a Sophmore at
Red Mountain High School
Blake: 11 years old and is in 6th grade at
Zaharis Elementary

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord,
children a reward from him."
Psalm 127:3

I Wonder

As I look at and read other blogs, I wonder how I can forget so easily to update ours. I can't believe its been a month already. So as the camera downloads from our past activities, know that some posts to this blog are on its way!

Another visit for Wilson!

So, the main thought from Blake's appointment today was...have patience! After reviewing Blake's lab work that had been done over the summer, the doctor feels that he is headed in the right direction, but very, very slowly. The liver function is not where it needs to be; his numbers (the values they follow to determine functioning abilities) are still elevated and there is concern that the liver is still swollen. Another round of blood work was taken at the office, and so now we wait for those results and then the next step (CAT scan, biopsy, etc.). Dr. McOmber is such a caring guy; he took the time to comfort us as Blake and I cried together. It's hard sometimes to think about what Blake is going through - he is such a normal kid, but is still sick. We are thankful for all the prayers today. It brings great comfort at moments like this.

Colorado Vacation Part 1

I took so many pictures during our trip to Colorado, but wanted to share a few with all of you.
-beautiful big storm clouds; yet they seemed to avoid us.
-family: Aunt Stacy, Gma Laurie and Papa, and cousins
-Chrsysler's and Herrman's: kids and moms just like always!! (not pictured- Andy was working and Craig was taking the photo)
-Toy Story 3: Pam and Rachel were Craig's babysitters when the first Toy Story was created!!!

Colorado Vacation Part 2

Here are a few more photos from the trip:
-Vail Pass - chilly, windy and perfect!
-took the boys to see our first apartment in Arvada (sure was cuter back in 1991!)
-stopped by our old house in Denver
-Denver skyline and Blake standing under his street!
-playing cards and dinner at Beau Jo's (favorite pizza place, ever!!)

All At Once

So... we have much to share! There are at least 8+ new posts for you to look at! I went a little crazy with all the things that we wanted to update you with. Some are from the end of the school year (yes, I know school ended in May), some are of the boys and the games they play, there are a few summer activities and our vacation. Enjoy! :)

American Pastime

Baseball continues to run deep in our house. Craig II was able to play in a summer league for Red Mountain High School. He was on the JV team. It was a very short season ( June only), and a very hot season (110' at the last game), but a season that Craig grew from and will take what he learned with him for the next adventure

Lest We Forget

Blake's spring flag football team, the Dolphins, won their age division...again! This team is amazing! They work so hard together and it shows. They encourage and support each other no matter what. Their coach is a quiet force behind it all. It has been a fun experience for Blake. We look forward to the team playing again in the fall (we take the summer off becasue of the heat...it's still 105'+ for the first game!)

Estes Park

As part of our vacation to Colorado, we visited Estes Park. I have always loved this little town. It has become quite the spot for visitors, so it wasn't as small as I remembered. We had fun, non the less. My mom-in-law's (Laurie)parents live in Estes, so it was good to see them too. We made a trek up into Rocky Mountain National Park to see the waterfall and rocks (one of my favorite stops). It was so green and the air was fresh! The boys even made sure to get in some fishing; both Papa and Great-Papa Duff made sure we had fun (thanks Chris for the numerous tangle rescues). Craig II's first catch was....a pine cone! The boys thought it was fun even if the fish really weren't biting.

Colorado Nature

Our "home state" of Colorado has been blessed by God's creation! There were beautiful things to look at all around us. Animals, flowers, rocks, mountains, water, trees and sky. "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." Genesis 1:31a

Civil War

This past school year (5th grade), Blake's class did a research project on the Civil War, and the Underground Railroad. Each student was given the opportunity to learn about the routes the slaves took when they were escaping north. The large photo of the quilt was made by his entire class. Blake is standing by the square he created. Blake's patch was the symbol for the slaves that it was safe to cross the Cincinnati River. Once across the river, a slave was free! The class even presented a small historical play. It was a real treat to see so many students in costume, having fun and learning at the same time! Thanks Ms. G. for a great year!

Hoops Camp II

Once again this summer, Craig II and Blake participated in Champion Hoops Camp (a basketball camp our church hosts; about 150 kids attended this year!) Craig II was able to be one of the coaches for the younger elementary kids, and Blake played on a team in his grade division. Both boys experienced some good life lessons through this camp; win or lose. Melvin Adams, a former Harlem Globetrotter was a huge part of the camp again. All the kids love him; he is great with them and even the grown ups that are in charge try to learn a few things too-even though I still can't play the game - sorry Dad :)

Coors Field!

While on vacation this past week in Colorado, our family went to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies!!! This was such a great time for our family. We saw so much, and learned a lot too (did you know they mow the grass twice on game days, and that the the Denver police have a holding cell under the field for unruly guests?) Both the boys were thoroughly intrigued with all the information and sights. I think Craig II can see himself being a player one day, and so can we!

Toot His Own Horn

This past school year, Blake participated in band. He played the trumpet. He did really well, even though he ended up not being as excited about it at the end. When asked why it wasn't fun anymore, he said "Mom, it's just not as fun as the drums!!" So, we shall see what the new school year brings. We are proud that he hung in there and was able to perform at a few activities and events at school.

Just Another Baseball Game

This would be the result of a line drive down the 3rd base line, right to the left hand.  The initial x-ray doesn't show that anything is broken, but there is to much swelling to confirm that.  So we will get another x-ray later this week to see what the thumb and wrist really look like.   Pain medication at the ER worked well for Craig - what a funny guy! :)

Another Flag, Another Season

Blake has been playing flag football now for 2 years, and loves it! He plays both offense and defense. He was part of the Raiders team this winter (much to the 49'er fan of the family's horror). On March 6th, they won the championship for their age bracket! Score of 60-6 was pretty amazing! Here are a few pictures of the big day, and the big trophy too!

Play Ball!

Craig II has begun his freshman year of baseball at Fremont. He made it through the week of tryouts, being called up to the team on the last day. I can't tell you who was more nervous; parents or player!   Lots of people were praying that day - for however the outcome would unfold. Craig has been playing right field and also as a pinch runner, wearing #5.   We love going to all the games, and seeing the guys work so well together. It is showing, as the team is undefeated! Craig II loves this game, and we are so proud of the player that he is, and the dedication and determination he shows as he pushes forward to be a better player in the years to come.