olive garden soups

the past two weeks i've made 2 of Olive Gardens soups (copy cat recipes) for supper.
Both turned out awesome!

We usually order the soups instead of salad when we go out to Olive Garden because we love their soups so much.

Here are the recipes.

Minestrone (Asah's favorite)

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup minced white onion (about 1 small onion)
1/2 cup chopped zucchini
1/2 cup frozen cut italian green beans
1/4 cup minced celery (about 1/2 stalk)
4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
4 cups vegetable broth (Swanson is good *note: Do not use chicken broth!*)
2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained
2 (15 ounce) cans small white beans or great northern beans, drained
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup carrot, julienned or shredded
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups hot water
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup small shell pasta


1. Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot.
2. Saute onion, celery, garlic, green beans, and zucchini in the oil for 5 minutes or until onions begin to turn translucent.
3. Add vegetable broth to pot, plus drained tomatoes, beans, carrot, hot water, and spices.
4. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add spinach leaves and pasta and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until desired consistency.
6. Makes about eight 1 1/2 cup servings.

Zuppa Toscana (my favorite!)

1 lb ground Italian sausage
1½ tsp crushed red peppers
1 large diced white onion
4 Tbsp bacon pieces
2 tsp garlic puree
10 cups water
5 cubes of chicken bouillon
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes
¼ of a bunch of kale (I substitute spinach)

1. Sauté Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.
2. In the same pan, sauté bacon, onions and garlic over low-medium heat for approximately 15 minutes or until the onions are soft.
3. Add chicken bouillon and water to the pot and heat until it starts to boil.
4. Add the sliced potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.
5. Add the heavy cream and just cook until thoroughly heated.
6. Stir in the sausage and the kale, let all heat through and serve. Delicious!

da boys

here are some long overdue pics of the boys. we are deep into the Spring Semester of "school" for Jordan and therapies. Looking into ABA in Baton Rouge as well. Lots of stuff going on and our lives are super busy but we're super blessed to have all of these services. Many have commented that they can tell a huge difference in Jordan. And that makes it all worth it!

Here's a peek into our week:

M-Special Instruction from his Teacher
Tu-Special Instruction and Speech at SLU
We-OFF
Th-OT and Speech at SLU
Fr-Special Instruction and Speech from School System

That's a lot of work for our almost 4 year old! I'm super proud of him and everything he's accomplishing. I'll post some pics of his drawings and art soon.

love to all!

tonights dinner

wanted something fancy and special. this did the trick. SUPER affordable and not too much time involved either. enjoy!

LEMON ROSEMARY CHICKEN
(from "All You" Magazine")

1 lemon
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 4-lb. whole chicken, rinsed and patted dry
Salt and pepper

Preparation
1. Halve lemon and place inside cavity of chicken along with rosemary, garlic and 2 Tbsp. butter. Fold wings under chicken and tie legs together with string. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

2. Place chicken, breast side up, on a small rack inside slow cooker. Cook on high until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thigh registers 180ºF, 4 to 4 1/2 hours.

3. Preheat broiler to high. Melt remaining 1 Tbsp. butter. Transfer chicken, breast side up, to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush chicken with melted butter and broil to brown skin, 2 to 3 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes on a cutting board before carving and serving.

SMASHED RED POTATOES W/ GARLIC

•2 pounds small red potatoes
•4 cloves garlic, peeled, sliced
•1 teaspoon salt
•3 tablespoons butter
•1/4 to 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
•Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:
Scrub potatoes and cut into small chunks. Put potatoes and the sliced garlic in a medium saucepan; cover with water and add salt. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and drain well. Pour into a bowl and mash with the butter and milk or half-and-half. Add salt and pepper to taste. (I also added a little garlic salt)
Serves 4 to 6.

GREEN BEANS W/ FETA AND DILL
(From Athenos Feta Cheese packaging)
These were my favorite and I'll be making them again. And again!

2 lbs fresh green beans
1/2 c Italian Dressing
1/4 c crumbled Feta Cheese
Dill
Salt and Pepper

Boil green beans about 7-8 minutes until tender-crisp.
Tooss with remaining ingredients.

So, there ya go. Dinner is served! Enjoy!

fridays

on fridays i work in the parking lot booth...and sometimes i have help :)

by the numbers

my boys have always been massive; this past dr's appt was no exception.

here's where they are #'s wise these days:

Jordan, age 3 years 9 months: 45lbs; 4 oz and 41 1/2 inches (Off the chart for weight and 90% for height)
Jaxon, age 17 months: 30 lbs; 12 oz and 34 1/2 inches (95% for weight and off the chart for height)

the docs and nurses are always amazed at these big boys!

Chicken Tacos (in the crockpot!)

we tried this last week and LOVED it! definitely on the regular rotation now...and this is super versatile...and simple.

Easy Chicken taco Meat:

3-4 large frozen chicken breasts (or several frozen breast tenders, or thawed chicken works fine too!)
1 can rotel OR small jar salsa
1 pkt taco seasoning

Cook on low 8-10 hrs. Could be less depending on crockpot.
Shred chicken well with two forks. Drain off "extra" liquid.

Enjoy your tacos! Great with shredded cheese, sour cream, etc.

And for the leftovers-these are great ideas i found on a recipe site:

• Use leftover chicken to make tortilla soup. Combine chicken taco meat with 32 ounces of chicken broth, 1 can of mild Ro-Tel tomatoes, 1 can of corn or 1 1/2 cups of frozen corn, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 2 tablespoons of chopped, fresh cilantro. Simmer for 15 minutes and serve with crumbled tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Could also add black beans to this.

• Try this chicken to fill enchiladas or quesadillas or top a taco salad or make super-quick and healthy nachos by layering tortilla chips, black beans, chicken, salsa, onions (green or diced purple), cheddar cheese, sour cream and guacamole.

• Add this chicken to beans and, if you like, rice and use it for burritos.

• Use the salsa water that's leftover in the crockpot to make rice with. You can make about 2 cups of rice to have as a side dish or put on your tacos

just 'cause

spiderman undies, daddy's tennis shoes and both phones. why not?

after bath hair do


apologies for lack of pics and posts lately. Year End has got me sucked in. Problem wont be resolved until 01.31! Until then, enjoy these :)
Much to post and it will come soon, I promise!

Cheese-Garlic Biscuits

Just made these today and forgot how delicious they were so I thought I'd share this simple recipe. They are fashioned after Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay biscuits. I'd rate them pretty close to the real things!

Enjoy!

3 c self rising flour

2 1/4 c milk

2 c grated cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 stick butter (melted)

-Mix all ingredients together and pour into greased muffin pan.

Bake @ 375 for 15-20 min until a little brown on top.

Brush with melted butter/garlic salt mixture as soon as they come out of oven.

I had two for lunch today and can't wait to serve them with dinner tonight!

make your own oatmeal bath

since we've been battling the tummy bug here at the Hudgins house, J&J have also battled diaper rash. I used to buy the Aveeno Oatmeal bath soak (about $6-8!) when we had this problem, but found out how to make my own today. Wanted to share it! Also great for:

chicken pox
shingles
poison ivy, oak or sumac
nettles
dry skin
insect bites or stings
eczema
diaper rash
anal itching
sunburn
windburn

CLICK HERE

spoon-fed

jax "got" the spoon this week. fun watching him feed himself. he still needs help turning it right every now and then but i'm super proud of my boy! now he can "eat, eat, eat" faster. (Eat, eat, eat!)=his new favorite phrase.

two adorable dawgs

even though we live in the land of the Tigers; we are and always will be Dawgs. I happened to dress them alike one day in their gear and got a couple good pics.

placemats

i'm not very "crafty" but i thought these were fun. i bought some craft foam and used scrapbook paper for the backround. put their pictures and a Scripture that i pray for them.
they are covered with clear contact paper and wipe off great.
i figure i'd be replacing them often but they were simple to make and i think they'll like it if they're changed up every now and then. you could do "learning" ones with the Alphabet, Numbers, etc.

brrrrrrrrrr

when it "warmed" into the low 40's yesterday i took the boys outside for a much needed play break (for them and for me).



there are not many pics of J because he preferred to play in the van rather than in the cold. smart kid.


this is my new favorite of him.

seasons

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven....
(Ecc 3:1)


when i took this picture of the boys playing yesterday i didnt realize how much it was similar to one taken early in the summer. when i look at these i cant help but be amazed at where we were then and where we are now. early summer was scary; unknown...full of heartache and wondering how we were going to deal with what we'd been given. the new year brings excitement. we are where we need to be. J starts "school" next Monday. A teacher in our home giving him specialized instruction. Speech and OT start next week too. In February we'll start "group speech" at Southeastern. These can only bring about positive changes. We have a plan; it's moving into action. There are still days that feel much like the ones in the early summer. J's transition back home after this last GA trip was hard. Lots of meltdowns and frustration on his part. Lots of wondering what to do on our part. Some days I feel so lost. But most days feel good...we will figure this thing out; what J needs...and do the best we can for him, with God's help. Thanks for the prayers. We'll be sure to let you know how it's all going!

Wilder's World

Gram and Pop took the boys to Wilders World to start our Christmas Festivities. We had a BALL! Jordan didnt really "get into it" until the end...when I had to force him up the dark tunnel to get to the slide. I pick and choose with him, but sometimes I just feel the need to give him the push he needs to know he can succeed and have fun in the process. The way up was difficult..but once he knew he could do it and was no longer fearful it made for an incredible last hour of fun. He would slide, and slide and slide again. Even Gram got in on the fun :)

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Unfortunately, I didnt get many pictures while in Omega/Tifton. I'm hoping others got some good ones on their cameras and will send them to me!!!! (Hint, Hint)

Cracker Barrel

is our favorite road stop.

ring around the Rosie

it's hard to describe these pictures. i think i'll try; and see if i can do it justice. this was day #4 of our weeklong trip to GA. Jordan was doing extremely well with all the transitions and we were already super proud of him. As we moved from place to place, with many new faces and sounds he would usually self-soothe by saying "it's okay, it's okay, it's okay" or "it's not scary, not scary" over and over as we entered a different place, then he was okay.
When Daniel and Alida arrived at the farm they were all excited to see each other and I got to watch him do something I'd never seen. Daniel and Alida started dancing around in a circle and J joined in. No big deal for any other kid but for us, Huge. Monumental. And he enjoyed himself. He was laughing, and having fun, and even initiating the play to continue. I was speechless. And I think if I tried to talk I wouldve cried. It was great. I'm so thankful. It was one of my favorite moments and a true Christmas gift. It is moments like this when i think to myself, "Yes, everything IS going to be alright". And it was.

visions of sugarplums.........

Asah's sister Sara came in and found J eating the gumdrops this way off the gumdrop tree. Inventive!

Christmas snuggles

Jax loves to "love" stuffed animals. He found the perfect spot for it at Mom's house.



he also got great cuddle time at Papis house. I think they both enjoyed this.......

farm fun

one morning on "the farm leg" of the trip Asah and his family were at a funeral so the boys and i played outside. it rained a lot the first part of the trip so i found them some boots and we had some fun. the puppy is Ann's Christmas present. Her name is Sophie.

Breakfast With Santa

Northshore Families Helping Families hosted a Breakfast with Santa at the Maritime Museum in Madisonville. Both boys had a blast and like Asah noticed, Jordan seems to "let his hair down" at these events when he's with kids just like him. They both loved seeing Santa, checking out the firetruck, and eating sweets. So thankful to the wonderful people at NFHF, and hope to one day be able to give back for all they've done for us.

jax always seems to find the food first. got doughnuts?

Santa was great; doughnuts were better. Still hanging onto it even while meeting Santa.

and; another doughnut.

J meets the big guy.

he really liked him.

Santa arrives in a Saints hat! Only in Louisiana :)

tweedle dee and tweedle dum.

pouty jax

naptime, sad jax

getting some love from mommy (mommy made the Blog!!!!)

i love the colors in this one. and the subject ;)

"hello there Santa!"

future fireman?

jordan and santa

a special ornament on our tree this year

i'm so thankful to be part of a group of "online friends" of Moms who've been together now for over 4 years. Back in 2005 most of us found ourselves on a webpage called Babycenter and "met" through the website. Many of us met in person in 2007 in Ohio. Click here for pictures of that fun time! We've been through much together in those years, and for a few Christmases we exchanged gifts. This year we did an ornament exchange and this precious gift was sent to us. It is a beautiful reminder of all we've been through this year...and a hopeful reminder of what is to come, and the possibilities. It means so much to us and we are so appreciative of it! Thank you Tamara, Merry Christmas!

the jigsaw puzzle design reflects the mystery and complexity of Autism.
the different colors and shapes represent the diversity of people and families living with this disorder.
the brightness of the colors symbolize hope – hope through research and increasing awareness....

got services?

after a long, drawn out 6 month struggle, this kid does!

after the IEP today I came home, fed the boys and got them down for naps, then passed out for a nap myself. A close the door, get under my covers in bed, nap. It's been so long since I've been able to do that. Everything came together today and I believe we came up with a great plan for Jordan.

He'll receive one on one teaching twice a week from his new favorite teacher, Ms. Tilley :) She came by the house yesterday to drop off the draft of the IEP and Jordan instantly connected with her. It was wonderful. He talked about his "teacher Ms. Tilley" the rest of the afternoon and today.

He'll also have Speech and OT in our home during the week. The plan is to integrate him into a classroom by his 4th birthday (April) so that he can begin to learn to socialize with his peers. He'll probably only go 2-3 x a week for small amounts of time until he is comfortable there.

We will also continue Speech at Southeastern University. All this makes for one BUSY schedule but I'm hoping since most of it is in home that it will not be too hectic.

After hearing everyone out I decided not to push for a classroom setting until they feel he's ready. I'd hate to just throw him into that without being fully prepared.

So, that's where we're at. And I dont want to think about another Evaluation, IEP, etc for a very long time. So I think after this post we'll just enjoy Christmas and spend time with our families and friends. Can't wait for that. Thanks for the prayers.

life update.

It's been awhile since I've updated on "life".
There is much to tell.
The biggest meeting to date in regards to Jordan's Education is coming up on Thursday. I've been studying for it as I would a final exam. I have reviewed all the Evaluations with a fine tooth comb. I hope and pray we're ready for this IEP. For those who have never walked through the Special Education System, I'll explain. I had definitely never heard of any of this until we were met with J's diagnosis back in July.
An IEP is an "Individualized Education Plan" and is created for students who receive Special Education Services.
After an Evaluation, the team gathers to create an Education Plan for the student. Things like what services will be offered, how often, School Placement, etc are decided.
I already know that J will be recommended for Speech,OT, and Special Instruction. The things that are up for grabs are where? how often?, etc.
We've been told all along that because Jordan is 3 he will not be allowed in a classroom setting. That all of his services would be provided in our home. Great! Some people respond....but nope, that's not what I want. A classroom setting is ideal and what he needs to encourage social skills and add structure. I have "heard" that there are 3 year olds in our parish in the classroom. Sometimes I think I've been told otherwise because it isnt the "easy" option. Adaptations must be made. School days/schedules altered. But that's what we are going for. I've been meeting with an Advocate who is a gift from God who assures me we'll get J in a classroom. Hopefully for January. This would be huge.
He will be 4 soon. I've been trying since July to get him services. I feel like precious time has been wasted, and I feel like I couldve done more.
Seeing the evaluations on paper were like opening a wound. That was beginning to heal. Reading about your child statistically in light of "neurotypical" children is enough to make your head spin. It's enough to make you hurt and angry all over again. But God is so good...and I was reminded this week from James that He "gives us MORE grace". Not just the grace that I think I need...but a greater grace. Which is what I really need. To make it through this IEP. To intelligently discuss my childs Educational Future with Professionals, because while they are good at what they do, no one knows what Jordan better than mommy and daddy. And no one could be a better Advocate for him......
Please pray with us for Thursday. I'll gladly update.
I'm bringing Brownies, and a picture of our sweet son. I figure they should know who they are talking about rather than seeing some #'s on a paper :)

Monday Morning Smackdown

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