Bath and Body Works

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Keeton Birthdays

When Adam and I first set out upon this wonderful journey of parenting, I was completely against combined birthdays. Of course, we only had 1 child at the time and the thought of combining my little prince's birthday with another sibling was just unacceptable. 6 children later-2 born within a day of each other in February (yes Jen, Emery and sweet Luke share a bday), 1 in June, and 3 in late August/September-the time to combine has come.



In the past couple of years, we have started the combining by having Easton and Emery's party together, and Weston and Abby also shared this past year. Sutton's birthday is in June so he didn't get to share with anyone.



Keeton birthdays are a big deal. We are blessed with tons of family and lots of friends that we love like family. We have been told multiple times "Just invite family to the birthdays". That works fine for some but it doesn't really help us. We have a huge family (I have 2 sisters, Adam has 1 sister, we have 5 nieces and nephews, 12 Aunts and Uncles, multiple cousins, grandparents, etc) that live right here and although the Harless side of the family isn't too big, Adam and I have friends that we consider right up there with family.



To make the kids actual birthday special, we always do a special birthday dinner and homemade cake with just us. Then, the weekend of their birthday, we take them to a special restaurant of their choice-it is always Red Lobster. We don't really do presents because we want the kids to appreciate their family and friends just getting together to celebrate their birthday. If we find a gift that we think they would like, it has to be something that all of the kids will enjoy or play with. Easton got a John Deere ride on one year, Weston got a train table, Sutton got a climber thing, and Emery really hasn't gotten a big gift yet. This year may be her year and she may get a dollhouse. Even though the boys won't enjoy it, Abby and Avery will love it.

So, now to pick a theme for the combined party in September. The boys want Superhero's and the girls want Princesses or Pink Kitty (which is Em and Abby speak for HELLO KITTY-the very best cartoon character of all time).

White Chicken Chili

OK it should really be called red, white, and green chili but it is super yummy.

1 chicken shredded (normally I bake 1 but tonight I got a smoked one from Food City for only 3.99)
1 onion chopped
2 tablespoons of garlic
2 cans of tomatoes (tonight I used tomatoes with jalepenos)
8 cans of white beans (or a mixture of red, white, and black-whatever you like)
1 chopped chili in adobo sauce (optional-it adds a little heat but a ton of smokey flavor)
2 boxes of chicken broth
1 packet of white chicken chili seasoning
1 pack of frozen chopped spinach

First, I defrost the spinach and wring it out. In a giant pot, I sautee and garlic and onions in a little olive oil and add the spinach. Let that cook until the onion is soft. Then, I drain 6 of the cans of beans. I add the chicken, drained cans of beans, 2 full cans of beans, chicken broth, tomatoes, chili in adobo, and the seasoning packet. Simmer on low for an hour or so. If it is too thin, I take a cup or so out and run it through the food processor to puree it and then add it back to the pot.

This freezes beautifully and I make batches and freeze for a quick lunch. I serve it with a cheese quesadilla for the kids to dip into it.