Tuscan Turkey Soup

This is a great winter recipe from a local restaurant here in town. Don't let the pumpkin throw you off-- it's delicious! Nice and hearty and easy to make. It's become one of our favorites so I thought I'd share.

Tuscan Turkey Soup
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped celery
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 tbsp. olive oil
2- 14 1/2 oz. cans chicken broth
2 c. cubed cooked turkey (deli sliced about 1/2 inch thick)
1- 15 oz. can solid pack pumpkin
1- 15 oz. can white kidney or cannelloni beans, well rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried basil
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Saute onion, celery and garlic until tender. Stir in the broth and add turkey cubes, pumpkin, beans and seasonings. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let soup reach temperature of 160-170 degrees for best results. Serve with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan.

The Big 3-0

So I'm 4 days in to my 30th year and I'm still alive and kickin! Whew! (wiping sweat from brow) Since Jan 25th landed on a Sunday this year, I decided to celebrate the day before. My parents arrived Saturday morning and my mom and I indulged ourselves in 1 hour massages at a local day spa. I highly recommend the Hot Stone Massage to anyone! That evening we had a celebratory dinner at a new local restaurant. I had the macadamia nut salmon-- delicious! Grandma and Grandpa took Austin home shortly after dinner and I had a super fun night out on the town with some great friends. Thanks to everyone for making my day (or rather the day before) so special! I really do feel blessed to be where I am today at age 30. Older, wiser, more beautiful ;0)...it isn't so bad!

Here I am with my good friends and hubby at one of my favorite little spots, Vino Rosso. From L to R: Tim, Jona, Carrie, Me, Brett, Saige, Corey

Christmas 2008

Wow, the holidays went by so fast! We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We sure did! Here are a few photos of Christmas in Boise.

Austin and Maverick, his trusty monkey!

Erik and Jakob.

Ava with her new purse.

Austin with Grandma.

Grandpa with the kiddos and their kiddos.