Healing Chicken Soup: Paleo and Whole 20 Compliant

Healing Paleo Chicken Soup This easy family­favorite Paleo chicken soup is packed with nutrients and healing herbs that can help prevent and reduce the duration of cold and flu symptoms.: 8-­10 servings

Ingredients 2-­3 lb chicken (I prefer boneless chicken breast, but you can use any chicken) 4 cups organic chicken broth
6 cups water
½ cup onion, chopped
1 tsp fresh ginger
3-­4 cups carrots, chopped
2-­3 cups celery, chopped
6-­8 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 cauliflower
½ Tbsp basil
½ Tbsp parsley
3 Tbsp coconut aminos
2  tsp sea salt, more or less to taste
¼ tsp black pepper, more or less to taste

Instructions
1. Fill a large pot with water. Add the chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. 2. While the chicken is cooking, you can cut up the vegetables. 3. Add the broth and 6 cups of the water the chicken was cooked into a large stock pot. Add the onions, ginger, carrots, celery, garlic, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook, covered, for about 10 minutes. 4. While the broth and vegetables are cooking, cut up the cauliflower and pulse several times in a food processor until it resembles grains of rice. If you don't have a food processor, you can just cut it up into small pieces. 5. Shred the chicken and add the chicken and diced cauliflower to the pot, along with the remaining ingredients:basil, parsley, coconut aminos, sea salt, and pepper. 6. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe by Living Well Mom at http://livingwellmom.com/2016/01/healing­paleo­chicken­soup/

Tomato Beef Soup (Whole 30 Compliant)

I have recently begun a journey into the Whole 30 way of eating. With everything going on in our lives, good nutrition for myself has not been a priority. Well, it finally caught up to me and I decided I needed to do something drastic. I decided to go on the Whole 30 plan which is basically Paleo with zero sugar except fruit and zero ingredients you cannot pronounce. The first few days I kept it simple, meat and veggies. But my pallet requires a bit more to stay satisfied and since we have had some nice cooler evenings, I decided to find some soups. This was the first and man, what a hit! Both Brent and I had giant bowls for dinner and I even refilled my for seconds. This is one of my new favorites, Whole 30 or no!


2 pounds ground beef

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small yellow onion, diced small, about 1 cup

1 bag of baby carrots

6 stalks celery, sliced thin, about 3 cups

6 cups water

(1) 16-ounce can diced tomatoes

(1) 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

(1) 14-ounce tomato sauce (Be sure to read ingredients if you are on Whole 30. I like Newmans)

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Put a bit of olive oil in stock pot and , over medium high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the garlic and onion. When the beef has browned, about 8 minutes, add the carrots, celery, and water to the pot. Increase heat to high and add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover with a lid. Once the soup is boiling, stir, and reduce heat to medium; simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, until the carrots are tender.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt and seasonings  as desired. Allow to come to a rolling boil again after the seasonings are adjusted to get the flavors immersed in the soup. Enjoy!

Elijah: A Four Year Tribute Montage

It has become our family tradition for me to create a birthday tribute for the children every year on their birthday. I do my best to make each one a little different, songs (though some songs have become anthems for my littles and so you will see them year after year) as well as some having quotes, bible verses or even some live action video. With all the changes our family has gone through this past year, it brings tears to my eyes to see how graceful Elijah has handled what life has thrown at him. I see the same sparkle and joy in his eyes that I always have and though there is a little added mischief which makes life a little interesting, that oversized heart of his shines through it all. I hope you enjoy looking back at his first four years as much as I have.

Our Easter Celebration: 2016

This was our first Easter since the transition of our family skyline.  Couple with that the fact that mythree active boys are becoming more and more active with age. So, several of the traditions that I began these past couple of years did not, this year, come to fruition. I do look forward to bringing them back next year, such as our Benjamin's Box tradition and resurrection rolls, hot cross buns and the new idea I had of having a Good Friday seder to honor the last supper. Yes, the twins are a little young to get into some of that. We did however manage to have quite a splendid Easter holiday and observe several traditions that are also important to our family.

Easter Preparations

The night before Easter, after the twins were in bed, I made my usual real food coloring for dying eggs. Red Cabbage for blue (do NOT add vinegar to that one. I forgot that from past years and went through to batches before I remembered). Turmeric for yellow and beets for pink/red. I pealed half and left shells on the other half. Since the coloring is made from food, I like to dye the eggs whites that I will use for deviled eggs. I think you get more enjoyment out of the color. After Elijah went to bed, Brent and I waited up for the Easter bunny and I made candy (and the deviled eggs). I kept it simple this year and just chose three candies, so it was peanut butter eggs, cadbury eggs and honey marshmallows. And just as I finished up, the Easter bunny showed up just in time to sample!

Boiling the pigment our of our food to dye the eggs

Rory is checking out the games that the Easter bunny added to our collection

The candy was a hit. 

The twins each got their own apron so they no longer have to borrow one of Mama's pink ones. 

Easter Dinner and Our Egg Hunt

Because of (theoretical) nap schedules, we decided on a post nap early Easter supper which consisted of ham  provided by my parents, these baked cheesey mashed potatoes, amazing garlic sauteed green beans and deviled eggs. Mmmm. After dinner, it was time for our Easter egg hunt. Instead of candy, we put coins in the eggs and the children enjoy putting their new found wealth in their banks. I did not hide the eggs well enough. I really don't hide them,  I just sort of lay them out in the back yard and he did a better job making it a bit more challenging and fun. It was so cute to see the excitement on their little faces when they would spot one. 

These two ate ham...lots of ham....loads and loads of ham. 

Love this little boy. 

This tiny guy just makes me smile, when he isn't being mischievous. 

Its egg hunting season!

First egg of the day!

The minion eggs were a big hit. I actually found them from last year unused. 

Rory made this face every time he put money in the bank. 

Actually getting to church, a goal we have set for several months made difficult by my work schedule, was a highlight of the day for us. Hearing Elijah comment and ask questions throughout the service, knowing that sponge-like mind of his was getting some of what was going on was special. Being told when we picked up the twins what a pleasure they were in the nursery and how impressed the caretakers were with their manners and sharing just made us beam with pride. Seeing Elijah find an egg and walk over handing it to Rory made me think, Wow, we are doing something right. Watching their tiny faces smile and laugh and enjoy one another and us is always a highlight of every occasion. And even in the midst of chaos and (inevitable) stress, as I look at the three blessings that grace our home and the life I now share with mon anam cara, I think to myself, how did I get so lucky. 

Our Valentine's Sweethearts Are Two: A Twin Update

What a crazy two years it has been since these little blessings came bursting into my life. There have been so many ups and downs and life changes but through it all, the smiles, laughter and cuddles of these two precious beings has made life so much sweeter. Seeing them together and with their big brother is one of my daily joys, especially in the moments when they don't know I'm looking and I see hugs, and sharing and taking turns.

These little ones really are great. And I will not hesitate to share with you the simple fact that twin toddlers, though great, are not easy. Twin babies, for me, were a piece of cake. Though I really have a knack for the newborn and baby stages and feel like I could do about a dozen of those at once with mostly ease. Twin toddlers are a whole different ballgame, and while the joy and fun is plenty, there is no shortage of mischief in our house. And throw in the mix a really smart three and a half year old big brother, things get interesting fast. Though I can honestly say, in this last month, I have seen a bit more calm entering our home.  And they are really developing a great sense of empathy towards one another and their big brother. I see them helping each other, sometimes helping with things I would rather they not be doing, but hey, the thought is there. I see them hugging one another. I see them kisses one another's boo boos....yes sometimes they were the ones that cause the boo boos but there is empathy . I see the three of them becoming friends, best friends, which is one of my greatest wishes. And it is crazy to think that when Elijah was there age, he had two tiny brothers that were just a couple of months old. And I see him continue to adore them just as he did back then. 

Rory's Two Year Update

Baby A came fiercely into the world (my VBAC baby) and that big personality full of laughter and alligator tears shows passion in all he does. Rory is passionate about his Mama. Yup, he's still a mama's boy and I get his biggest hugs. But he adores Elijah and follows him everywhere he goes. He and Elijah are thick as thieves and will play together for hours.  

Ever since I started talking to him about his birthday, "Birdday!" has become one of his favorite words and at the mention of it, he will run up to someone and say "Hap Birdday!". He is learning his colors and knows bits and pieces of his ABC's. He can also count when Patrick leads. This child WANT TO POTTY TRAIN! He is obsessed with trying to go on the potty and will even pretend to wipe. I keep a little potty in the bathroom so they can practice the idea while fully dressed. (My theory on potty training is not to until they can be trusted in a toddler bed so you can night train at the same time. We are not there yet. ) Rory has even started wiping his own bottom when I change his diaper (after I wipe it for real of course). 

Like his big brother (and little brother) he loves Elmo clothing and toys...which kind of cracks me up because we really don't watch much Elmo....at least not compared to how much we watched with Elijah. And the kids usually choose other videos, even when Elmo is offered.  My favorite videos to show all the kids are the preschool prep videos and Rory LOVES the Colors video. He loves to draw and loves his baths though water is the eyes is enough to end bathtime fun for him.  Rory's eczema has greatly improved and he has not had an outbreak for several months. We are able to remain pretty strict with his diet restricting cow dairy and gluten and I think that has been the answer for him. 

Rory is tipping the scales at twenty five pounds eight ounces and though he is a little small for his age, he is the much larger twin and just has this delicious chunky toddler body that you just want to cuddle! 

Rory continues to be sweetly affectionate and will stop playing to come over for a quick hug and a kiss then slither back down the couch and return to what he was doing. It is one of my favorite "Roryisms". He is also (usually) a pleasure to put to bed. I just tell him we are going to go upstairs and normally he will run to the gate, walk up and (try to) climb in his crib. I pick him up and cuddle him for a few minutes, because that's MY favorite part and tuck him in. Most nights he goes to sleep without a word around 6pm and we don't hear form him or Patrick until about 6:30 or 7am.  Yeah, I know, we are lucky. 

Rory loves music. Seriously, this child is ALWAYS dancing. He swings his hips and tilts his head and grabs his hair and just wiggles all over and it leaves us in stitches. His dance moves are legendary I tell you. People come from all over. Brent's mom came all the way from Bellingham, Washington just to see Rory dance. Seriously. We play lots of Celtic and French music for the kids and while they all love it, Rory just gets into it on this whole other level. He almost seems entranced and just gets in this zone. One night we were playing a pipe band on Youtube with heavy drums and all the kids had their own drums to bang on. Rory got this very seriously look on his face and systematically went around to each drum giving it two loud bangs, over and over. Quite. The. Character.  

Rory is a very physical guy and at the playground, will scale any structure that is climbable. He is fearless, like his predecessor, and will jump off of anything, fling his body across the couch and pounce with an eruption of giggles and smiles. 

Like Brent and me, Rory is destined to be a foodie. This child can put away some grub. And will fearlessly try most things. He loves the sushi samples at the grocery store (don't worry, he does not get the raw fish kind) and is obsessed with Brent's sauteed broccoli. He still loves to nurse though now it is more for comfort and cuddling. Cuddling. That is what he does best. I will ask him if he wants me to hold him like a baby and he will nod his head and curl up in fetal position in my arms. And for that instant, I am transported back to that sweet little newborn I held two years ago. 

Patrick's Two Year Update

My baby B. My PJ. My little Pfunk. Oh, how I adore my tiny boy and his sweet little demeanor. Patrick is an old and gentle soul. In his eyes there is much depth and wisdom. He has always been very intentional with his voice and movement and this continues to be true. Though this gentle soul is learning how to stand up for himself. In a house full of really big personalities, Patrick has learned how to be heard. And boy can he be loud nowadays. Heehee. He has learned how to project that tiny little voice of his and you would never know that this was that same itty bitty baby hooked up to machines and tubes, that I could not pick up for four days. He was and continues to be a strong and brave warrior. I remember when he came home from the hospital, for the first month I had to inject his skinny little leg twice a day. He was six and a half pounds. And even the tiniest needle looked huge compared to the itty bitty leg it had to penetrate. He would let out this almost silent cry and I would hold him time and tell him "You are so strong, You are so brave. So so brave". This continues to be true. There is not doubt in my mind this little one will change lives. 

The obsession with Elmo does not end with Rory. Patrick two is quite the Elmo fan. I might even consider him super fan. He has raided the sock drawer and found every Elmo sock we own (all five...cause a sock is missing) and will insist on wearing them over and over again.  He will dig into Elijah's PJ drawer and steal Elmo pajama tops and bring them to me to put on him. Yes. Quite obsessed. Though, again, we don't watch Elmo nearly as often as Elijah did. Patrick's favorite preschool prep video is Numbers and he can count to 14...then he goes back to 8. 

Patrick is also really interested in potty training. He will tell me that when he has a dirty diaper and more than once, I thought he was telling me that and it turned out he was telling me he had to go....because I would change his diaper just as it was occurring. It seems both boys should be pretty quick studies on potty training and I have thought of rearranging some things in their room so I can go ahead and get them day and night trained in a couple months. 

Brent and I decided we would really like the kids to learn (and me to relearn) French and so along with the French music we play, we have some French videos and watch some others on Youtube. (Yes, one of our French videos IS Elmo). Patrick has really taken to the idea of French and, on his own, starting tell us "I'm French". The first time he did this, he had us all in stitches and since then, anytime he hears anything about French he will declare "I'm French". For the record, he's not. But we love this passion that he seems to share with us. 

Patrick used to be a great eater. Nowadays, his interest in a variety of food has diminished a bit. He was my little vegetarian, loving all produce. Now it seems, his food of choice is organic o's and gluten free toast. Though, he will occasionally still nurse, but not as often as his larger half. Though Patrick's eating has slowed down, he is gaining weight a little more than he had been. I NEVER thought this child would hit twenty pounds and he finally did this month! He can still wear some nine months shorts and is just not getting a bit too long for twelve month clothes. I think pants will be a challenge for several years for this guy. 

Patrick has an entourage. No, seriously. My mother gave each boy (when they were first born) these loveys to sleep with. Each has two. Rory has two bunnies and Patrick has two elephants. Patrick loves elephants. As luck would have it, he also loves bunnies. (He has pink fluffy bunny slippers he adores). So while the second lovey  is meant to be a spare, Patrick not only sleeps with but carries around both elephants, one of Rory's bunnies a random stuffed bunny of choice (that one varies). He loves soft and cuddly things and thinks it necessary to bring ALL soft cuddly things with him anywhere he goes, though usually when we leave the house, the excitement of getting to go is distraction enough to leave the entourage behind. 

Patrick loves Brent. He loves me and his brothers of course too but he has this connection with Brent that us explainable and happened right off the bat. When he is hurt or sad, that is who he goes to. He still needs his Mama time and I love my one on one moments with this sweet boy. But I also love to see his adoration "Bent" as he calls him. If we are walking by and Brent is working in the office or doing something in the bedroom and Patrick hears him, he will yell out "Bent" and tell me "I see Bent" "Down". I see kindred spirits in the two of them and an understanding of littleness since Brent started out life as a little guy too. 

I truly think that Patrick has a brilliant mind. He went from saying nothing to full sentence conversations, though he is often soft spoken, he has floored me with his intense vocabulary. Daily, he will say words or phrases that I didn't know he had even heard before. His responses to questions are always appropriate so his understanding far surpasses what I would expect of a child of two. He is amazing little boy. And so brave. 

I just cannot believe my babies are not babies anymore. They are growing (so fast) into these sweet little people that I can see really looking out for one another and the world around them. Yes, there are times they drive each other crazy. And sometimes I intervene. And sometimes I let them try to work it out. But never is there an altercation that isn't almost immediately followed by smiles and hugs or more playing together. The bond that these brothers along with their big brother have together is so special to watch grow and develop. And it melts my heart when they tell one another I love you. Oh, that is one of my favorite things in the world. And my greatest wish. That they love and take care of one another into old age, when their mama is long gone. Happy two years earthside, my sweetheart babies. It is going to be quite an adventure. 

This one needs a caption. I have been known to use trader joes jelly beans as photography bribery. And here, the twins give me away by signing "more"...the only sign they know. Lol. 

Rory and Patrick's Two By Two Noah's Ark Party!

Ever since I found out that I would be a mama to twins, I knew I wanted to incorporate the Two by Two Noah’s ark theme into their second birthday party. When my Valentines Baby’s (Due date 2/14) ended up making their appearance on 2/2, that theme seemed even more appropriate. Though, they will always be my Valentines babies, since their due date was Valentine’s day and our sweet little Patrick came home from the NICU in Valentine’s Day.  That heart theme will likely always be in some way represented in their future birthday celebrations.

THE DÉCOR AND FOOD

I am a bit obsessive when it comes to theme. This year I relaxed a little and was a bit more minimal….well minimal compared to what I usually do.  I think the twins really enjoyed what we did.  I set up the décor after they went to bed the night before and one of the best parts of the day was when the kids came downstairs in the morning and all exclaimed “WOOOOOOWWWWW” at the same time. It’s moments like those that make the work worth while!

Our downstairs was covered in rainbows.
We had our own little “flood” on the wall. And animals, animals everywhere.

We also set up our standard display of baby books, pregnancy journals and past birthday books!

These looked like really easy crafts for me to assemble as décor. They ended up being a little more involved than they looked on the website site so instead of 12, I put together 5 and gave the rest out as favors.

Pairs of animals were frolicking all over the house and were a big hit with the smaller kids!

Yummy snacks for all to enjoy!

The Birthday cupcakes were homemade gluten free rainbow cupcakes! 

I was pretty proud of how these turned out. They were a big hit!

Our hummus lion!

Just a little something to remember our boys connection to Valentine’s day.

Yummy Flood Water punch with souvenir animal cups! 

Rory happily helped himself to berries right after nap while we waited for the first guests to arrive.

Patrick thought that sounded like a good idea too.

THE ROLLER COASTER

One of the highlights of the day was the roller coaster my parents sent all three boys. It was all ready to go the morning of the party and everyone had a blast taking turns flying down the track. Patrick was not into it at first but by the end of the day even he was a little daredevil!

Rory was quite the little coaster

Elijah has been a fan of roller coasters every since his first trip to Disney!

Patrick was not yet feeling it.

Priceless. Just priceless.

THE PARTY

We had a really great turnout for our party. There were lots of friends, family, tons of kiddos and I know all the kids, especially ours, had a blast!

Mama and the birthday boys.

Patrick and Daddy ready to party

Balloons are always a huge hit with our boys.

Carrying on the McLoone family tradition of face licking.

Chow time!

Rory kisses!

I can’t believe that tiny boy is TWO already!

And there is our Rory! Two too!

Elijah showing Jadon and Mama some cool moves.

Thanks Brien and Crystal for making the long drive!

Kiddos kiddos everywhere!

Patrick is really into elephants. He looks like he is ready to do some serious elephant training.

Little PJ was all about getting affection.

Mama and Pfunk.

The only meltdown (that I know of) of the day. Poor little Patrick. I don’t remember the catalyst but our tiny boy decided face down was the way to go.

Mama and Daddy with the birthday boys.

These three little monkeys loved their cupcakes.

Our boys’ BFF, Paddy, was also a fan of the sweet treats!

This may have been cupcake number 2?

Just some of the gang that helped us celebrate!

Still going…..

Two of my favorite ladies….Kristie and sweet baby Audrey.

Such a yummy smile

My Heather never misses a celebration for the boys

Patrick is quite smitten with his Aunt Susie.

Audrey was smitten with the monkey.

I am so grateful for all of the family and friends that joined us in this harmonious birthday celebration. Our family has high hopes for 2016 and this was a great way to kick off the year of family celebrations. Rory and Patrick, you are such special little boys, so individual and yet with many similarities you share with your big brother as well. It was a pleasure to plan this special day for such special boys and to see you enjoy all the people, décor and food. I know you likely won’t remember this particular day but I hope you enjoy the stories and pictures we will share with you from this day. I love you both from here to the moon.