Much needed fun day!

In the Staudt home we are experiencing sleepless nights. Kaden is still screaming 2-3 times per night! I told myself that I could not bear to let him scream. Two weeks ago we planned to go on a Disneyland trip. My sisters & cousin were able to join us. Praise the Lord!! They helped SO much! Matt & I were able to ride Star Tours (twice), plus many more. We had a blast by 7pm Kaden was fast asleep. When we looked back at our day out favorite part was being able to ride the "big" rides and have some alone time. Our least favorite part was the long lines (many people from out of state enjoying their spring break). We will need help once again, any takers?

Would you like gel?

Today was a great day. I was so happy to have 3 hours all to myself. My hubby & son trekked into Riverside and I stayed home. My goal was to have some quiet time and enjoy a pedicure and manicure. I have heard about a gel that helps your manicure to last long. I am very impressed by the look of my french manicure and my manicurist is very detailed so I loved sitting in the massage chair for over an hour. At your next manicure try out the gel and you will be impressed, no cracked nails!

Monday Madness

I really should not call it madness but at this point in time I am at a loss for words. Kaden has been screaming 3-4 times a night for 9 days straight. He goes to bed at 7:30pm perfect, no issues. Doesn't fuss or stir. Then 11 or midnight rolls around and he is screaming! Matt and I do a tag team approach to this situation. I know I should be handling all of it because he works early & comes home late (working 12 hour shifts takes a toll). I finally called the pediatrician's office & spoke to the nurse. She assured me that he was teething but this time it is his molars (we think). Kaden doesn't just cut one tooth at a time, it is more like 2 or 3 in one shot. We shall see in a few weeks if something makes an appearance. We are running on little sleep, energy, patience... Prayers will be greatly appreciated!

Travels in Paradise

I know that I am posting two blogs in one day but I am very behind in my blog posts. I should see how many I can post in one day. Just kidding! I never blogged about our trip to Paradise... Cancun! Here are a few photos to catch a glimpse of the fun.

We were all exhausted!

Loving the white sand & beautiful blue water in January

Self portrait of the three of us

82 degree weather called for endless tanning

Our 8 day trip was not long enough, we will return sometime this year. The hotel remembered us from our last visit which was September 2008. So much has changed for us in the last 4 years. Matt and I were thankful for the beautiful white sand. When hurricane Wilma hit in summer 2007 most of the sand was gone. Mexico's tourism & officials spent millions of dollars to add sand to the beaches. Kaden loved the trip, we think he enjoyed the food the most. The next time we visit we will have a very mobile little boy!

Tasty Thursday!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Every Thursday I have been making a new recipe. I need to post more often on my blog. Be on the look out for Tasty Thursdays. I never knew tortilla soup could be so easy! If you are reading this and it is early morning head out to the grocery store for this recipe and dinner will be ready in 7 hours (seems like a long time but just throwing everything together and that is it!)

Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I always look & see which grocery store has them on sale)
2 cans Ro-Tel (I used original flavor- you can find this in the canned tomato isle)
1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 can kidney beans, rinsed & drained
1 can corn rinsed & drained
2 cans low sodium chicken broth
1 onion chopped
2 cups water
1 tablespoon garlic powder*
1 tablespoon chile powder*
1 tablespoon ground cumin*
1 tablespoon dried cilantro*

Tortilla chips or tortilla strips (I used tri-colored tortilla strips from Fresh & Easy)
Sour cream
Avocado
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (I used Mexican blend)
*Instead of these spices, you could include a packet of Taco seasoning if you prefer* (I used the spices)

Put chopped onion, rinsed & drained beans, Ro-Tel, rinsed & drained corn, chicken broth, water, and spices in Crock Pot and stir to mix. Put chicken breasts on top of mixture and make sure they are at least partly submerged in liquid. Cook on high 6-7 hours or low 8-9 hours. Before serving remove the chicken breasts from soup and shred, if needed, sometimes they fall apart but sometimes they need some help. I flaked mine with a fork. Return chicken to Crock Pot, stir to combine.

Ladle soup, top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, avocado, and tortilla strips. Enjoy!!

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup