Visit to our local Nursing Home

Way back last St. Patricks Day, our church put on a party at the nursing home nearby. Cameron got up and sang songs and had made some rainbows to give to some of the residents and I still remember how happy he was to make these elderly people smile. Ever since I have wanted to go back and I finally got on it this week. We decided that for our family night on Monday we would dress the kids up in their Halloween costumes and go hand out candy and some little pumpkins Cameron had made to the residents. The Candlands, Porters, and Jensens joined us there and we went door to door meeting the people. I could not believe how fearless Cameron was, he went right up to these peole who looked, spoke and smelled so different without any hesitation. We also sang some little preschool songs that Cameron and his friends had learned which really seemed to brighten the mood. Gavin even tried to chime in on some of the songs. As depressing as it is to see people in this condition, I really felt like we were making their day a little bit better. I was so proud of Cameron, as much as he loves candy, he was anxious to give every last bit of it away and I really think he learned an important lesson- it is better to give than to receive.

It has started to feel a bit more fall-like here although today is is in the 80's again, but for a stretch there it was nice and cool and we could really enjoy that briskness in the air. The kids have just been so happy to be able to play outside. Gavin has become interested in Cameron's battery powered Jeep and the two of them are quite a sight driving up and down the street. Maybe, finally, they are learning how to play together.

As promised, here are some pictures of the ghost luminaries Cameron and I made for our front porch. They really turned out darling and the kids are the first to remind me that it's getting dark and we need to turn them on!

With the weather turning cooler, here is my favorite (and 2 time chili cookoff champion) recipe for chili.

Creamy White Chili

1 pound cubed chicken

1 onion, chopped

1 1/2 garlic powder

1 T oil

2 cans great northern beans

1 can chicken broth

2 cans green chilis

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup whipping cream

In pan, saute chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add beans, broth, chilis and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream and cream.