Working Bella

This is another post that has been sitting in my blog queue for way too long.  Marvin and Jonathan have been working with Bella a lot this fall.  She is coming along nicely and Jonathan is learning SO much about training.  I am thankful that Marvin is able to pass his knowledge down and share his expertise with both boys.

Bella is a bit of a late starter - due to a variety of factors - but she is now underway and we hope to have her under saddle this winter.

Skies

I just love living out here at Willis Creek Ranch where we can really see the sky.  And what magnificent skies we have had to view these last few weeks!  It seems they are so changeable and magical in the fall.  I am fascinated, and find myself taking way too many photos of the sky.  Of course, none of the photos ever do justice to the real thing.  But, I can't help but keep on trying.  :)

Here are sky pictures taken throughout the month of October.  Each grouping is unique and lovely, I think.

these geese flew through as I was out taking photos...

... seemed just perfect

storm coming in...

the light was so intense on this evening 

Sunday

Hannah joined the choir at church a few weeks ago.  This particular Sunday was her first Sunday to perform with them.  It was great to see her up there and we really loved the song medley they sang.  I was so glad that I decided to record it!!  (you can watch the video at the bottom of this post.)

After church we headed to Kings Buffet for lunch - meeting up with all of these fine folks.

Jonathan, Daddy, Marvin, Melina, Mama, Brenda, Matt,
Matthew, Hannah, Jackson, Anna, Julie, Jonathan

Jonathan and I switched places so I would be in this photo.  

Daddy left his hat at the restaurant so I went back to get it.
This is just such an iconic hat - his Harry S. Truman Stetson.  I love it.  :) 

Chicken Enchilada Soup (IP)

Chicken Enchilada Soup in the Instant Pot
3 - 10 oz.cans of your favorite enchilada sauce  (I used the following... 
          10 oz. can green enchilada sauce, 
          15 oz. can red enchilada sauce,  
          10 oz. can diced tomatoes with lime & cilantro.  
           I also added in ⅓ cup Chipotle Lime Salsa)
12 oz. frozen corn
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
3-4 chicken breasts (frozen is okay)
3 cups chicken broth
1 Tbsp. chili powder
½ Tbsp. ground cumin
¾ Tbsp. Southwest Seasoning from Pampered Chef (optional)

Optional Toppings can include - shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips or strips, corn chips.

Add chicken broth and chicken breasts to Instant Pot, put the lid on and set Vent to Seal.  Cook on either Manual High or Poultry for 15 minutes.  Allow 5 minute natural pressure release, then release any remaining pressure.  Open lid and shred or dice the chicken.

Add remaining ingredients then replace the lid and set Vent to Seal.  Press Soup button and set time to 2 minutes.  This will give just enough time to allow the flavors to mesh and the veggies to cook through.  Do a quick release of pressure then remove lid.

Serve with any toppings you like.  We used shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and multi colored tortilla strips.  This was delicious!

Note - you can use already cooked chicken (I often have some on hand in my freezer).  If this is the case, just put all ingredients in the Instant Pot and cook on Manual High for 4 minutes.  Allow for 5 minute NPR then release any remaining pressure.

soup - plain

soup with toppings- shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, multi colored tortilla strips

Good stuff!

Birthday celebrations

Jonathan has a long history of having multiple days of birthday celebration.  :)  It just seems to work out that way - and we are all glad!!  This year we had 3 separate dinners and all were a wonderful celebration of a fine young man whom we are all proud of.  It was a joy to help Jonathan bring in '18'.

On his actual birthday - Oct. 26 - we carried out Bellacinos for supper.  

Hannah took a photo with me in it.  :)

Daddy, Jonathan, and Mama

The next night we all went out to eat at the Lake restaurant.  Jackson and Brianna were able to join us there.

Hannah, Daddy, Mama, Jonathan,
Marvin, Laura, Brianna, Jackson 

They brought Jonathan a birthday dessert.  :)

It was a surprise to all of us!  :) 

:D

Then finally, we had a family dinner at home on Sunday night.  The birthday 'boy' always gets to choose his favorite meal for dinner.  I think this is about the 10th year in a row (perhaps longer!) that we have had Tina's marinade for beef roast along with all the fixings for either 'boys' birthday supper.  Why fiddle with excellence, right?  And when followed by Grandma Sue's chocolate sheet cake, you pretty much have perfection.  :D

Jackson lighting the candles for Jonathan :)

Not sure what Jackson whispered to him,
but it must have been funny! 

Table looking one direction... Mama, Daddy, Candace, Hannah, Brianna,
Jackson, Julie, Matthew, Marvin, and the back of Jonathan's head.  :)

Table looking the other direction... Julie, Matthew, Marvin, Laura,
Jonathan, Mama, Daddy, Candace, Hannah, and Brianna

I love that Jackson managed to get a selfie/group photo with ALL of us!  :) 

You can always count on Jackson to give an 'interesting' gift...

hahahahaha!

But he and Brianna also got Jonathan a nice watch.

Aaannndd, some colorful socks.  :D  :D  :D 

:D