Disney World Family Fun

We had such a great time in Disney World. The kids got to meet some of there favorite characters at a special dinner we went to with Chef Mickey. We had two days in Disney World and hit our favorites spots Epcot Center and Magic Kingdom. We have found that Fall and early Spring are the best times to go. We had no lines and little crowds. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner in Epcot Center at Chefs De France. Another highlight was the fireworks show in Magic Kingdom. I wish that we lived a little closer.

My crafty Hero

This is my darling friend Jeni! She is my crafting hero!!! We met in Germany and became kindred friends. We only got to live close to each other for a year before she moved back to the States. There is something about Jeni that draws you in. She taught me all about stamping and embossing. She loves running, sewing  and cooking. She also makes the best caramels ever!!! She showed me how to add touches here and there to make a house a home. She also has inspired me be a better mom and wife. Her husband has deployed four times since her kids were little and still she smiles and gives so much to everyone she meets. We now live 8 hours apart. I have had the pleasure of getting to see there family 3 times in the last year. Our kids are the same age and enjoy each others company too. I don't know what more I could ask for in a friend.

Halloween and yummy soup

We had such a fun Halloween. The kids had fun going to a Harvest party and trick-or-treating. Anna was a sunflower and Jonathan was Anakin Skywalker. I made this yummy soup for dinner and wanted to share the recipe. I hope you enjoy too.

Tom Ka Kai (Chicken Coconut and Mushroom Soup)
Prep Time 15 Minutes
Cook Time 20 Minutes Servings 8 Difficulty Easy
Ingredients
•2 whole Chicken Breast, Cut In Chunks
•1 whole Onion, Chopped
•6 cups Water
•1 cup Chopped Shiitake Mushrooms (regular Mushrooms Work, Too)

•14 ounces Canned Coconut Milk
•1 Tablespoon Red, Yellow, Or Green Curry Paste
•2 Tablespoons Fish Sauce Or Soy Sauce
•¼ cups Sugar
•1 piece Lime Wedges
•½ teaspoons Red Chili Flakes
•2 whole Tomatoes, Cut In Wedges
•¼ cups Fresh Basil, Chopped
chili oil for top
Preparation Instructions
In a large sauce pan, cook the chicken in a little bit of oil until done, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the remaining ingredients except for the tomatoes and basil. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and basil and cook until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning. I like mine a bit sweeter, so I add about 1/4 cup more of sugar. If it needs more salt, add a little more fish sauce. This is a strong ingredient so be gentle with it. If you like it a bit more spicy, add a little more red chili flakes.
This is a really uniaue soup, but it is good!