Taco soup - everyone should have this recipe
I just mentioned on Facebook that I'm making taco soup. Honestly, everyone should make this, especially on cold, rainy days. You can tweak the recipe to your taste - add different types of beans or sausages, or make a meatless version.Be prepared to share the recipe.Taco Soup 2 lbs ground beef or sausage (I did just one pound the last time and added an extra can of beans)1-2 envelopes taco seasoning (use whatever "strength" you prefer) 1 pkg dry ranch dressing mix (do NOT use low-fat) 2 cans Mexican-style stewed tomatoes 1 can green chilis 2 cans of black beans, pinto beans or one of each 1 1/2 cups frozen corn

A prayer for mothers
When I was pregnant, I had this prayer/mantra that I would repeat to myself all of the time: Dear God – please let this baby be healthy, safe and normal. And if not, please let me be the parent this baby needs.I never felt quite right praying for a healthy, safe, normal baby. Who was I to ask for the easy route? Besides, I knew many people whose children deviated from the healthy, safe and normal route, yet those folks felt no less blessed than the ones whose kids were deemed healthy and normal by medicine and society. Hence, the second part of my prayer. If God was going to choose to send me a child with special needs, then I hoped he would give me th

Maternal mind changers
Last night, I attended the annual back-to-school night at Emily's elementary school. The assistant principal, who looked to be about 24 years old, went over the attendance policy with us. He stressed the importance of attending school regularly, and went over the school's policy for calling in sick kids or taking a planned absence."Those of you who are planning to go to Disney World, well, shame on you," he deadpanned.Cue nervous laughter from the parents, especially the ones who like to go to DW in November."I'm just kidding," said the young 'un in the tie. "I just wish you had been my parents."No kidding. I wish I h