Try It Tuesday

This is one of my favorite recipes. My kids LOVE it, too. Justin, on the other hand, usually requests meat to go with it, but the rest of us can fill up on just the casserole.

Mixed Grain Casserole

aka Go for the Grains

1 can black beans (15 ounces), rinsed and drained
1 cup sliced carrots (thinly)
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup pearl barley
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup bulgur
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Combine all ingredients except cheese in baking dish. Cover. Bake 50-60 minutes on 350, stirring once halfway through baking time. Sprinkle with cheese.

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

Happy Birthday to one handsome guy! My dad is such a great grandpa. My kids absolutely love to spend time with him, and he's always full of good stories and laughs. And he's now just as old as my mom. We hope you have a great birthday, dad, and get an extra piece of German chocolate cake.

Happy Birthday!!

Jackson Hole

On Saturday, we decided to take a little trip to Jackson with some of our friends, the Bruderers, the Cannons, the Daws and the Montanos. We started off the day riding the gondolas to the top of the mountain and having lunch.

Riding the gondola:

Anna, Allie, and Ellie; Ogden and Amber; Amber and Ellie; Justin

After our lunch and gondola ride, we headed to the Alpine slide. The kids had so much fun and the girls got to experience a chairlift without having to go skiing.

Justin and Anna, Amber and Ogden

Ellie got (or had) to ride by herself. She just loved it!

After the slide, we headed to town for some ice cream and a little shopping. Justin was in heaven when he realized they have an Eddie Bauer. Needless to say, we came home with a couple plaid shirts (shocking, I know).

The whole gang hanging out.

I think the people there were shocked to see all of our kids. They made some not so friendly comments, except for the Chinese tourists, they kept taking pictures of us. In all, we had 13 kids and two pregnant ladies.

After the shootout, Anna was dying to meet who she called "the cowgirls." I didn't want to tell her what these girls really were, so we just grabbed a picture with one of them.

We had a fun time. Thanks guys for the fun trip and thanks, Angie, for planning the whole thing!

Chubby Smiles

Happy Birthday to two beautiful girls

Today, my sister-in-law, Melissa, turns 28. Melissa is such a sweet aunt and so much fun to be with. She also looks like she could be Ellie's mother. We hope you have a great day and that all your boys spoil their princess rotten.

Happy Birthday, Melissa!!

Today is also my mom's birthday. I won't give away her age, but it's older than she looks. My mom is the most amazing person with so much energy. She makes me tired just watching her. My kids have loved living so close to her and sure miss her this week while she's in North Carolina. We hope you're having a great time, mom, and enjoying that new granddaughter. We love you!! Happy Birthday!!

Alex is a Teenager

Yesterday, our beautiful niece, Alex, turned 13! I can't believe it. She was just tiny when I first met her. Alex is an amazing girl who loves soccer and is like a second mother in the Hollingsworth home. I think we all hope we have our own Alex someday. We hope you had a great day, Alex. Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Gabby!

Our sweet little niece, Gabrielle, turns the big 3 today! Gabby is such a sweet little girl. She's kind and quiet, and I've never even seen her get upset like some little three year olds I know (I won't mention any names). We hope you have a great day, Gabby!

Happy Birthday!!