Chili season

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White chicken chili

Ingredients:

1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 to 3 breasts), 4 c low-sodium chicken stock, 2 15-ounce cans reduced-sodium white beans, 2 4.5-ounce cans diced green chiles, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 small yellow onion finely diced, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime wedges

Directions:

Place chicken in the bottom of a larger slow cooker. Top with the chicken broth, white beans, green chiles, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken breasts to a plate. Once cool enough to handle, shred and set aside (I like to shred it with a hand blender). Stir in the shredded chicken and cilantro. Portion into bowls and top with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and some shredded cheese.

Crockpot Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs hamburger browned, 2 cans Ro-Tel tomatoes and peppers, 10 ¾ oz cream of onion soup, 1 package dry taco seasoning mix, ¼ c water, 6 Tortillas cut into ½ inch strips, ½ c sour cream, 1 c cheddar cheese shredded

Directions:

Combine beef, Ro-Tel, Cream of Onion soup, taco seasoning and water in crock pot. Cut up tortillas and stir into mix. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours. Spread the sour cream over casserole and sprinkle with cheese. Cover for additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted

Slow cooker chili

Ingredients:

2 lbs lean Ground Beef, (90/10 or 93/7), 1 large onion, diced, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 2 tsp cumin powder, 1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 15 oz black beans, (drained and rinsed), 30 oz kidney beans, two 15oz cans, (drained and rinsed), 30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice, 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice, 30 oz tomato sauce

Directions:

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté beef until it releases fat (4-5 minutes), breaking it up with a spatula. Add onion to the skillet and sauté until tender (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and seasonings: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper. Cook another 30 seconds stirring constantly. Transfer to a 6 Qt slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients into the slow cooker: rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Season to taste if desired and serve warm with shredded cheese and chips.

Comforting one pot chicken chili

2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion, diced, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 lb ground chicken (I used ground bison), 1 tsp cumin, 1 packet taco seasoning, 2/3 c water, 1 10 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chilis, 1 c chicken broth, 1 16 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 c frozen corn, 2 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 2 more minutes. Add ground chicken (or beef) and break up while cooking. If using ground chicken, let it cook until chicken turns white. Mix in cumin, taco seasoning, and water until well combined. Cool down for 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, beans, corn, and salt and pepper. Bring to simmer, cover and reduce the heat to low for about 20 minutes. Load chili in your bowl with your favorite toppings. Eat and enjoy!

Enjoy these family favorite chili type recipes on these cold Minnesota winter nights:)

(Recipes off of Pinterest)

xoxo,

MRS T

Random Questions:)

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Mom life

How has the transition been from one to two children? How do you feel? How has Asher been/acted? How is Asher & Hudson’s relationship?

Right away is was pretty difficult. Over the last few months I feel like I’ve finally (kind of) gotten the hang of things. Now that Asher is in half day pre school twice a week it’s easier to get things done and I’ve been enjoying my alone time with Hudson..like I had when Asher was this young. Asher loves his little brother (most the time). He will hug him and kiss him, although I have to tell him to be careful a lot because Asher will full blown tackle him sometimes lol! Hudson likes to play with Asher’s toys and he does not like when Hudson plays with his things. I have to remind Asher often that Hudson is still a baby and that he has to be very careful and gentle with him!

What are some of your favorite baby products since becoming a mother of two? double stroller, swing, made life easier or what I wish I would have had first time around

The Uppa baby double stroller has been awesome with both boys! Honestly there are not too many things that stands out besides the stroller that you would NEED to have for a second baby. The basics… a walker, bumbo seat, play mat, teethers, etc are all important to have!

What are your tips for traveling with a baby?

Bring lots of snacks, an iPad, window stickers, and download any games/learning apps on your phone or iPad. If your baby still nurses I suggest trying to feed them on takeoff if the timing works out, otherwise I’m a big fans of pacifiers to help soothe. Babies may fall asleep easier with the humming of the plane (Hudson loved it).

Do you want another baby? How many more?

Right now a third child is not really in our talks. I’ve always wanted 3 or 4 kids but two has been a game changer and a lot tougher..and just life in general at the moment. Honestly I forgot how hard the first 3/4 months of newborn life is but now with Hudson being older it’s gotten a little easier (mostly because we are all getting more sleep haha). I think at this stage in our lives and with how crazy and busy life is we plan on waiting to have a third. If we decide to have another baby it wouldn’t be for a couple years (at least as of now:).

Favorite part of being a mom?

So many things. I’ve always wanted to be a mom and am so thankful and grateful God has allowed me to raise two beautiful and loving boys. I love playing sports with them, snuggling with them, wrestling, reading books at bedtime, taking them to the zoo, and other fun activities. I love watching them both grow and seeing them learn new things, and develop their personalities. I love to pray with them and try and talk about God and how lucky we are daily. Staying home with them and getting to see every milestone is amazing and I am lucky I get to do so. Every day is not a breeze, especially with an almost 3 year old and very active baby, and it’s a lot of work (I don’t think I’ve had this many headaches in my life lol) but I wouldn’t change it for the world!!!

Football season

What’s your favorite thing about home Viking’s games?

Bringing the boys to see their dad play is pretty special. Home games are chaotic at times and sometimes I secretly like away games just for the fact that I don’t have to get the kids and myself ready for games and the stress of planning around naps, etc. It’s so special that we have children during this time of life and I hope they remember some of these moments when they are older…and if they don’t that is why I take so many photos haha! Home and away games (well football season in general) brings anxiety and stress to me. This is my husband, yes he’s a professional football player but his safety is number 1 every weekend. If he comes out of a game healthy, that's a win in my book and for most of the other wives/significant others.

How does traveling work for away football games?

Significant others/ wives and other family members have to plan away games by themselves. We can buy tickets through the Vikings for those games but travel, hotel, food, etc are planned by ourselves. I think that is why I don’t go to too many away games (I try to do 2/3 a season) because it’s a lot of planning, and now with two kids it can be more relaxing just staying home to watch the games. Adam/ the team flies back right after games so it’s nice to be home when he get’s home (with pizza ready of course;). However, I do like to be at away games to cheer loud and just in case something happens, such as an injury (praying not) or anything like that. Just to be there and make sure I can see Adam on the sidelines and make sure he is ok in person. On TV they don’t usually show an injured guy a lot so I am frantic when that happens because I want to make sure he’s ok.

Biggest challenge with being in the spotlight and keeping your faith strong?

Ugh so many! I know that the Devil comes after all of us on a daily basis but I feel like he is extremely after me and our family because of the platform we are on. Injuries, temptations, keeping your mind on God and not worldly/football things 24/7 are all acts from the Devil trying to get to us. By staying in God’s word, going to church, praying together as a family, staying down to earth, and not getting wrapped up in this lifestyle all really helps keep us grounded. Football is only a short time and this period of life we are in will end soon. Faith, family, and THEN football comes last. Because in a few short years football might not be around for Adam and our family. So whatever comes after that we will be fine with because we have God and our family and that is the most important thing.

Does Asher ask for Adam a lot when Adam is gone during the season?

Adam isn’t gone as often as people think. Away game weekend’s he is gone Saturday and Sunday! Otherwise most weekdays he’s gone 6am to 5 or so! Asher is starting to understand a bit why daddy travels and that he will be back after his game. It is tough with the unique schedule Adam has because he is around so much for those couple off season months in the Spring compared to during football season. When Adam is home and around during the season, besides being mentally and physically drained, he does an amazing job at playing with the boys and helping out when he can. Asher loves family wrestle nights, which happen most nights at our house:)

Are you close with other wives/families of the team?

Yes! We have met some of our closest friends in the NFL over the years. Through the team and women’s bible study we have met some great people we connect with. Many of us girls also try and get together to watch some of the away games. It’s fun when I can connect with some of the other moms on the team who are going through the same season of life and also know how hard it can be, especially being in the unique position we are all in. We sometime’s have get together’s at someone’s house or meet for playdates. Every year there is a team Halloween party, which is SO fun, and there is also a Vikings holiday party for all the staff and their families. It’s fun to have these events and meet more families and wives on the team who may be new.

Marriage

Favorite date night locations for you and Adam?

We love any sporting event (Twins, Timberwolves), concerts, movies (the Alamo in Woodbury is an awesome theater), bowling/arcades or just a nice peaceful dinner. In Minneapolis we love Murrays for a great steak, Capital Grill, and Rock Bottom Brewery (they have the best nachos). We also love Crave, Redstone, The Tavern Grill, and Wildfire.

Workout

Pre and post workout food? big meal before or snack?

I usually workout 6 times a week around 9/9:30 every morning! As most of you know, working out is a huge passion/stress reliever of mine and I feel so much better and rejuvenated afterwards. Pre workout I usually have a cup of coffee and a energy ball (can be found under recipes) or two, so nothing too heavy. Post workout I have my Isagenix meal replacement shake with includes dynamic fruits and greens, (mocha flavored—you can buy the containers at Lifetime) a banana, ice and almond milk. It’s perfect post workout because the shakes have enough nutrients for my mid morning meal, plus contains a lot of protein, which is great post workout.

Are you from MN like Adam is? How did you guys meet?

I have lived in MN pretty much my whole life. I was born in Appleton, WI and then we lived in Philidelphia for a few years. I grew up in Woodbury so MN is home to me. We met through a mutual friend while I was playing soccer at Iowa State and Adam was playing football at Mankato. We were friends for a few years before dating (I wasn’t into him;). You can read more of our story and how we met/ended up marrying on one of my first blog posts, The Story of MR and MRS T (under family life).

Me time

What do you like to do when Adam is away and the boys are sleeping and you finally have time to yourself?

Eat snacks and watch scary and predictable Lifetime movies in bed lol..(or a Dateline episode, even though I shouldn’t when I’m alone)! Boring, but honestly these are some of my favorite nights when everyone is asleep and Adam is gone…or if Adam’s watching MNF and I don’t want to ;) I am a big homebody. I love some of the events we get to go to but most nights I’d rather be at home with the fam.

Favorite clothing brand?

I have been obsessed with Evereve lately. They have many clothing brands and a variety of prices. I also order clothes online from Nordstrom, Vici Dolls, Revolve, and a lot of my Vikings gear off of Fanatics, Etsy, and Fangirl.

Who is someone you look up to?

My role models growing up were Mia Hamm and Brett Favre. I was a soccer player so I loved the leader and player Mia was. I also thought Brett was one of the best leaders and QB’s ever. I wrote papers on both of them in school:) Now that I am older, I’d have to say I really look up to my mom. She is such a kind, faithful, sweet, and loving person. She stayed at home with all three of us so I give her a lot of props for handling the wife/mom life.

How do you balance the boys, Adam’s career and still make time for yourself?

Being a SAHM can be tough…and yes I know it’s not easy for working moms either! It is mentally/ physically exhausting. What helps me unwind is getting a sitter…or grandma/grandpa to help out once a week or so. Getting away, even for only a couple hours to rejuvenate is so important for us moms/dads. Go for a walk by yourself, get your grocery shopping done in quiet, or treat yourself to a pedicure. It really does help me be a better, more refreshed mom and wife when I am home.

I am always open to questions, so never be afraid to ask. Keeping searching for JOY everyday and spreading your light to others!

xoxox,

MRS T

Maternity/Baby Questions & Fav baby products

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Do you have a baby name picked out yet?

We do!! Just like with Asher, we want to keep this between just Adam and I until after little man is born. You will all find out soon enough:)

Favorite pregnancy foods this second time around?

When I was pregnant with Asher and even after he was born I was obsessed with pull and peel twizzlers (super random I know!). Now I don’t crave candy as much (still crave sour patch once in a while) but I’m more into bagels, pizza… pretty much anything with carbs lol!

Where do you find cute maternity clothes?

Nordstrom, Motherhood Maternity, and Target are my go tos…otherwise just oversized sweatshirts or Adam’s clothes (which are the most comfy;)!

What differences have you noticed between your first and last pregnancy?

I definitely have gotten bigger sooner! It’s also just more tiring because I now have a two year old to chase around all day. With Asher I could nap or relax whenever I wanted and now I find it harder to do!

What is your favorite exercises while pregnant?

I honestly still try and do my pre pregnancy workouts while I’m pregnant. Obviously as you get bigger you have to lessen the weight, use more body weight, and not do sprints as fast etc. With Asher I ran 4 miles up until like 36 weeks. I still am now at 24 weeks but I definitely don’t think I’ll make it that long this time around (which is ok..need to listen to my body). I also sill try and do yoga 1 to 2 times a week. It’s so good for opening up the body and stretching muscles (and relaxing/less straining than lifting weights).

Have you gotten morning sickness with this pregnancy?

I was pretty nauseous for about two weeks during the first trimester. I got sick maybe 2 or 3 times. With Asher I got sick one morning and that was it. I’ve been fortunate both pregnancies not to get too sick like I know some women have. I can’t imagine going through my whole 9 months or even half that of pregnancy being sick every day… especially while you have a two year old to watch (women who do are just plain rockstars)! What I think helped me get through those couple nauseous weeks was to try and go about my day as normal as possible. I had to get out of bed every morning and get Asher ready/do activities with him and I tried to eat regular meals and continue to workout (less intense obviously). I think trying to stay as normal as possible helped me feel better as the day went on.

How do you think Asher will do with baby #2?

I think he will be such a good big brother! He is a good listener for his age and so good at helping mom ad dad. He is so caring, and such a sweet boy. I think it will be really hard for him at first (and hard on all of us adjusting)… especially not getting as much attention from me or Adam. I think he will be kind of confused but I know as baby T #2 gets older they will be best buds and have so much fun together playing with balls, legos, trucks, etc!

Will you get induced so Adam can be at the delivery?

So the plan is for Adam to still be playing in early January (finger crossed)! If for some reason they do not make the playoffs then no I will not be induced and just deliver when the baby is ready to come out. If they are in the playoffs we will most likely try and get induced on his day off the week of my due date (Tuesday). My due date is a Thursday so if I am dilated enough and my cervix is soft enough my doctor will set a date, likely either Monday afternoon or Tuesday…that way Adam can be at the delivery! I’m just praying I don’t go into labor during game day!!!!

I feel like I need to tell a little about my delivery story with Asher since it was mid season that I had him. (Oct. 11th). My due date for him was October 13th. When the football schedule came out Adam and I were both shocked because his due date was during their bye week (how crazy is that!!!). We were both pumped. I had a plan to get induced that Monday instead of on my due date (Thursday) just so that Adam would be around most of the week to help/ get adjusted. I got a call around 5:30am the morning I was to be induced and they said I couldn’t come that day because too many woman were in labor. We were so bummed! Butttt later that day around noon my water broke on it’s own. Guess I was supposed to go in that day after all…and luckily Adam was there for the delivery:)

Did you have anyone else besides Adam in the delivery room when having Asher?

When I initially thought about this I always said I wanted just Adam in the room and for him and I to welcome Asher into the world. As I thought about it more I decided I wanted my mom in the room as well. She has always been a comfort to me and big support. I knew she would help me in the room..especially if I got annoyed with Adam (which I did because he was more worried about watching MNF). Slightly kidding lol…but no Adam did help me a lot but I was also so glad my mom could be there to comfort me as well and she’s been through before so she knows more of what to expect. I also loved it because she got some really cool pictures right when Asher was born of him and of the three of us on her phone…such great memories to look back on!

What's the nursery decor theme for the new baby?

So we are actually switching Asher into the room down the hall and baby #2 will get Ashers room! It is sports themed of course. We are doing this because it will be right across the hall from Adam and I’s room (closer and easier for those nightly feedings). Asher’s room will also be sports themed and the boys will have a conjoined Jack n Jill bath:) I am not very creative when it comes to nursery decorating so sports was the easiest for Adam and I to chose lol! They can chose what theme they want their room to be when they are old enough to decide!

 

Favorite baby products

 It's awesome we are having another boy because honestly we don't need too many new things for baby #2! At the top of the list is a new convertible crib, a double stroller, and some new bottles. Otherwise we already have a playmate, a swing, and I have about 5 boxes of Asher's clothes saved that baby T can wear.

My fav spots to shop for my boys would have to be Target, Adidas (sweatsuits are everything!), Nordstrom (they especially have some cute fall jackets, boots), and also Etsy has some super cute stuff (especially custom Vikings gear-if you want a certain number or style).

Baby carriers

Lillebaby Complete All seasons baby carrier

LILLEbaby Active— 6 in 1 carrier made from performance fabrics, so it feels like comfy workout gear (which is a plus in my book)! It has 7 pockets, including a water bottle storage on the lumbar support and a phone pocket on the shoulder pads

These are the only two carriers I have and love them both. Asher went to Vikings games starting at three weeks old and he slept through the whole game in my Complete all season carrier.

Stroller/ Double stroller: 

BOB Revolution Pro Single Stroller- We got this stroller for Asher and absolutely love it! It’s the only stroller we bought for him and it glides so smoothly. I would highly recommend especially if you like to go for walks, runs, or trips to zoos, etc (lots of storage at the bottom)!

Uppababy Vista Double Stroller - We just got this stroller for the new baby and to use with both boys! I have heard so many great things and am so excited to test it out. (BuyBuyBaby is always handing out those 20 percent off coupons so that’s a plus too:))

(We also have a cheaper and light weight stroller I got off amazon for quick plane/travel trips..it’s kept at my parents for when Asher’s over and they go for walks!)

MISC: 

  • Winter infant car seat cover- JJ Cole Car set cover —So great for infant car seats to help baby stay warm..especially in these MN winters!

  • Snuggle Me Organic— I just got this and am so excited to try with baby boy! I never got the Dockatot with Asher but have heard great things about these types of loungers. And then I found the Snuggle me lounger and was pumped because it is a MN made company (which I love to support) and they are made out of all organic fabrics.

  • This is kind of random but I love the Norwex baby wash clothes. They are so soft and gentle on baby/toddler skin.

  • After going through about 3 baby monitors already, Adam and I can both say that we love the Nest. It’s so nice how it connects right to your phone, iPad etc. It detects motion and notifies you right away. It also shows a great picture and a has good microphone.

A few more items I loved having when Asher was a newborn and that I’ll be using again…

  • Boppy nursing pillow, Boppy lounger, Dr Brown bottles, Lansinoh Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pump Bustier (came in super clutch for hands free pumping…if you’re planning on breastfeeding), and the Fisher-PriceCradle 'n Swing.

Hope this answered some of your questions and maybe even helped some of you moms to be out there! There are just so many products out there for newborns/ moms to be and it can be overwhelming. I try and get as minimum as I can but I’m human and I still like to get recommendation and try new things that other moms have used/liked:) Have a great week everyone!

xoxo,

MRS T