Fresh Cream of Broccoli Soup

I got this recipe off of the blog the chronicles of windy ridge two weeks ago and I've made it three times since. The kids made it with me tonight and Carly and Ridge had so much fun cutting up all the veggies. We added zuchini, yellow squash, and carrots and seasoned with a little salt or garlic salt. The kids gave it a 10 out of 10! It's sooo good.

Fresh Cream of Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:
· 4 celery ribs, chopped
· 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
· 1 large onion, chopped
· 5 tablespoons butter
· 2 bunches broccoli, trimmed and coarsely chopped (about 8 cups)
· 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
· 1/2 teaspoon pepper
· 2 tablespoons cornstarch
· 1/4 cup water
· 1 pint heavy whipping cream
Directions:
In a large saucepan, saute celery, onion & garlic in butter until tender. Add the broccoli, broth, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until broccoli is tender. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream; cook 10 minutes longer or until heated through. Yield: 6-8 servings. Of course we double, triple and sometimes quadruple recipes at Windy Ridge. Best enjoyed in front of a crackling fire served with bread*

Grateful.

Sometimes I get so busy doing "things" that I don't venture outside except to take my kids to school. A couple of weeks ago, Sean kept the kids while I went for a little ride by myself. I went to the garden and enjoyed the sunset. It was quiet. It was peaceful. It was beautiful. It was wonderful!

I prefer enjoying things like this with my family, but once in a while it's nice to do it alone and to be able to reflect on life and goals and to chat with my Father. (As a mom, it's easy to let the everyday chatter and commotion get in the way of well needed heavenly meditation. Don't you agree?)

I love being outside. Everytime I am outdoors I am amazed at the world our Father has made for us. It fills that little reservoir that slowly leaks away with the crazy things happening in the world today.

My Dad brought me up appreciating the beauty around me. Do you notice it? I'm so thankful he shared his testimony of the beauty of Creation and our Heavenly Father's love for us.

Tonight I took the opportunity to take the kids out on a walk and to run around the field across the street.

Again, it was wonderful! The sun was shining. The weather was nice. The kiddos were happy. We live in a beautiful place. I'm just grateful.

Cute little Ty again...

Tonight when I put Ty to bed, he said "Mom, can I tell you something? Will you stay with me? I get scared when all of my moms leave the room."

I giggled and asked how many moms he has. He said only me, but he doesn't like it when I walk out the door.

So I stayed and sang and we snuggled for a little while...and eventually he ended up down stairs on my lap again.

I guess all his moms are suckers for little sweeties.