Sunday, March 10, 2013

lately

the sky here is just so blue.
the air is crisp and clean, as only country air can be.
I wake up every morning and I'm filled with Christmas morning giddiness.....that view out my window!
I have even got out of bed and peeked out a few times in the middle of the night--the stars live here! I wish you could see them. millions and millions blinking down.
spring is coming, I see it. feel it. smell it.
there is a faint smell of local dairies in the air.....I love a good dairy smell, don't you?
the ground is thawing, mud is squishing.
our house! it's coming along........a bit here....slowly there.
I have my kitchen together, and starting to find my way around.
I've cooked two nights in a row--a miracle! chicken tacos. black bean, bacon, and butternut soup.
the sound of my mixer twisting and turning, made it officially home. chocolate chip cookies out of the oven, straight into happy bellies.
monday morning we will slowly work our way into homeschool. a bit this week, full swing next week. so exciting and just a little bit terrifying at the same time.
this week I will get out and run some more! there are too many trails here and my feet are just begging to get dirty.


I got out my camera this week! another miracle.
a few scenes from around the house
my favorite cookies.
I think I post a picture of these every few months but we just love them so much. want better chocolate chip cookies? move to higher elevation. they are chewier and more crisp.....so good! if that doesn't work for you, add a sprinkle of kosher or sea salt to the top as they come out of the oven.....mmmm..... (recipe here)
we love guacamole
out of limes? try juice from a lemon, an orange, or do like Summer and use apple cider vinegar!
an easy throw-together soup. recipe below.
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comopywww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
Black Bean, Bacon, and Butternut Soup
......something you throw together when it's five o'clock and you didn't plan anything for dinner....

6 strips of bacon
1 small onion, diced
1/2 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups chicken broth
pinch of red pepper flakes
dash of nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
chopped cilantro for garnish

Saute bacon until crisp, remove from pan. 
In bacon drippings saute diced onion and squash until both begin to soften
add red pepper flakes and garlic
salt and pepper to taste, continue to cook veggies
add beans, broth, and nutmeg
bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. crumble bacon and add into pot. simmer until squash is tender (the longer you simmer, the more the flavors can mingle)

top with chopped cilantro and enjoy!

I'm feeling so inspired these days....this new environment combined with spring air is filling my giant head with all kinds of ideas. I've had thoughts of where I wanted to take this blog and changes that needed to take place, and I feel that now is such a good time to make them happen. I have not forgotten about our One by One Project and can't wait to get going on it again with you all. Posts will be sporadic for the next little while as we continue to get settled, but I promise good things to come (think......baby chicks:)

see you soon!

17 comments:

Marie said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the update. I am living vicariously in the country through you. Those stars are gorgeous. I believe you. Love, love, love it! Wish I was your neighbor.

Kayleen Taulanga said...

Love that you took the plunge and moved your family somewhere that makes your souls happy. We are on the same journey, instead of the country we are moving to an island. Long process, but we are almost there and I will be homeschooling once we get there too. I'll be following closely along your HS journey!!

AllAmericanGrl said...

think baby chicks?? omgosh are ya'll gonna be farmers??? haha! :) awesome! can't wait to see what you have in store!

Ashley said...

You sound so happy + excited! Great to hear you're feeling extra inspired. It's always so nice when a wave of inspiration hits. Your new location looks + sounds absolutely lovely, as do those cookies. I bet the littles are really enjoying their new scenery. Good luck with the schooling!

Rachael said...

I love to see the stars at night! That's so great that you get to see them every night where you live.
Glad that your new house is starting to feel like home to you.
And I'm loving your pictures, as always!

Robyn said...

i feel inspir too...to MAKE that yummy soup!

kassidi bridge said...

I'm loving where this is going.

Carey Alina said...

Park city?

summer said...

I am loving where this is going, too!! And loving that you are so blissed out- it's seeping through the screen. Christmas morning, for sure. Also loving your photos, as always. They're so vibrant and smooth. (Still would love to hang one on a wall in my house someday... ??!)

And I'm giddy about seeing my name mentioned on your awesome blog!! THANK YOU! :)

summer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sarah Hull said...

dying of jealously over here and loving every second of your pictures!!! So awesome!!! I seriously can not wait to hear about home schooling! I think that is just the radest thing ever!

Unknown said...

Your blog is beautiful I love the way you write! It brings to mind so many cozy and wonderful memories

Li + Belle said...

I always come back over here and feel at home. It's wonderful to visit your blog and read about you, and see what you experience and what you cook and bake.

merideth said...

i have been joking with my mom that i may just move to midway to be neighbors with her, live a simple-ish country life... and you are making that choice (dream) very enticing.

kylie said...

congrats on the move! how exciting... a dream, really.

cookies are the perfect way to christen a home ! :)
xo

Lacey Parr said...

I can't wait to see more of your cute house in the country! And I want to hear about your adventures in homeschooling! Hope you and your family have peace in the country! I sure wish we could be up there too!

sarah nadine said...

glad i stumbled upon you on IG today...love your feed and your blog!

excited to see the adventures unfold as you walk forward in this new journey.

love, a new friend xo