Ignore the Evil Emperor Zurg on the counter.
Also ignore the muddy color of the walls. I've painted them TWICE trying to get the color right. First it was chewed grape bubblicious purple, now it's faded chewed grape bubblicious purple. Neither is flattering in that bathroom. I'm starting over next week...
You may notice that while my stomach goes FORWARD my bum gains equally in the BACKWARD department. I feel like a giant, walking letter S.
...about Sophie's potty progress (because I know you were. Don't lie. You think about it all the time.), let me just say that when I picked her up from the gym daycare (YES, the GYM! I go so that I can watch The Price is Right. Not really, but I've never watched that show before and now find myself staring at it during workouts...so weird), she said, "Mommy! Potty!" And I said, "do you need to go potty, Soph?" And the daycare worker said, "No. She just went a couple minutes ago."
Yeah. That's right.
And now that I've put that in writing she will probably have no less than 36 accidents today, just to spite me.
Girls are a whole different ball of wax, I tell you.
I miss my easter candy. I just do. I know it's good that it's gone. I know that it's good that our next "candy" holiday is months and months away. But I really love having an excuse to have seasonal candy in the house. I'm lame like that.
But chances are you are, too. Maybe a little? Yes?
Nothing good to post. After dismantling the kids' easter eggs and sorting the candy into piles (yes, still writing about candy), I told Chase to hide the candy from me. I've had too much and sugar makes babies BIG. At least this is what my friends who have endured gestational diabetes tell me. And I tend to believe them. So anywho, my babies are big all on their own. I don't need a baby inflated by sugar. So I told the man to take it. Take all of it! Far away!
He hid it in his closet. I know because I found it two days later with not much trying.
He also hid the Halloween candy there.
So when Chase got home yesterday and saw a suspicious looking wrapper sitting next to me he was right to question. But he didn't mention that he was MOVING the hidden candy!
But he did.
And I am sad.
This is a package of my favorite Easter candy (excepting Cadbury Creme Eggs, naturally). I purchased it yesterday.
Have you noticed that it's empty?
Yeah, that's right. 30 hours later the bag is empty.
However, in my defense...
yeah. I got nothing.
That pack of Chicks and Rabbits was TASTY! Mmmmmmm hmmmmmm.
This is the new residence of those Chicks and Rabbits.
In other news, Miles had a little easter egg hunt at preschool this morning. I foolishly let him carry his 12 eggs into the house and I ran to check my email quick-like.
And this is what I returned to.
Post Egg Hunt Madness
And just for kicks, here's Sophia looking crazy adorable.
That is all. Go about your day.
My SIL, Kathleen, had told me this video existed and I totally forgot about it until tonight. Chase is out at a Mav's game and I had a little time on my hands, so I looked it up.
Annnnnnnnd, now I'm officially excited for Eclipse to come out. Considering that I will be 84 months pregnant when Eclipse premiers I just haven't been able to get too hyped up about it. I'm having a hard time imagining myself standing in line at midnight wearing my "Emmett Prefers Enormo Pregnant Chicks" customized t-shirt.
However, this video has changed all that. Well, maybe not the part about the t-shirt, but the part about me being un-excited. Because I'm seriously excited now.
Still not excited about BDH as Victoria, though, because not only did they make her ugly, they gave the girl a FRO.
It's epic.
I'll say this for Eclipse. If it's better than New Moon on the same scale that New Moon was better than Twilight, I'll be a happy customer. Eclipse is my fave book of the whole series. Please pretty please let them not mess this up.
And now, for your viewing pleasure...
But then I didn't. Because, you see, I'm reformed. Remember?
Besides, a fourth-round of pink eye is not that big of a deal to a two year-old. Two year-olds are NOTORIOUS for loving eye drops. LOVING. THEM. Yesterday, as I was applying them, I heard Sophie murmur something along the lines of "this reminds me of a spa treatment." Lucky girl, that Sophie!
And a three-week course of antibiotics for the same two year-old who STILL has double ear infections and sinusitis is still not that bad. Throbbing ear drums are, in fact, considered very attractive in some cultures.
And your four year-old having an asthma attack? Seriously! Who would complain about that? Oral steroids just make him bigger and stronger and crazier!
So, you know, we're just living the high-life over here. Life is just it's normal shade of RADICAL and I know you wish you were here to enjoy it with us.
See how awesome I am at not complaining? I'm like the KING of not complaining. Woot!
Okay, but seriously. Life's good. I got to eat sushi over the weekend and that usually ups the general level of kick-a-ness here at Chez Chi-town. And General Conference is coming up this weekend. And I heart Conference. Only partly because that means I'm making gooey, delicious Sister Mecham's Seminary Caramel Rolls. And there ain't nothing wrong with that.
Because I'm totally going to the gym this week.
As soon as everyone starts breathing normally.
So I'm totally going to the gym next week.
This is Kristen Bell. She's gorgeous, right? Great skin, cute dress, nice hair, blah to the blah.
I want to talk about her knees, because this picture is like a revelation for me.
Hi. My name is Anna, and I have horrible knees. They're really round and shapeless and they kind of ooze right into the top of my calves. They're worse right now because I haven't been to the gym much lately (but remember how I ate a granola bar last night? That's gotta be helping.). They're better when I'm a lunge-a-holic and a squat queen. But they're never like the shapely, lovely knees of my sister-with-legs-like-a-colt, Lylla. I'm not sure where she plucked her knees from on the family tree, but mine came straight from my ever-loving mom. And heaven bless her, those knees carried 8 children so why should I complain?
Well, icky knees are a hard thing to conquer. Most people have knees with some relative definition. As in, you can tell that the thigh has come to a stop and that the calf will come soon thereafter. I have none of that. Just ooze. And I've always been ashamed of it - especially since the inside of my knees round out toward each other. Ugh. It's just a big mess.
But, Kristin Bell! Look at her! She's gorgeous and she HAS MY KNEES! And you know what? They don't look so terribly bad after all. Yes, yes, she's 20 sizes smaller than me and not retaining water. But it gives me much hope to think that someone with MY KNEES can go running around with them sticking out like that. Glory hallelujah, I just want to stare at them all night!
So for now I'm stuck with the water retaining, baby supporting, tree trunk versions. But maybe in the future you'll run into me somewhere sunning my knees and you won't even recognize me because you'll be all, "Wow! Those are some great gams!"
...in lieu of nachos and ice cream, which is what I've eaten every night for the last five (at least) nights.
So, I think I can safely say that, even though I've only been to the gym twice since Christmas Eve, I'm about even now, right?
Right?
(crickets)
But seriously. I thought I was pretty awesome for that one.
And I'll totally go to the gym on Friday.
I think.
O, Drugs
How good you make me fill
When I am oh, so cranky
And sick and nasty,
fo rill.
You make my breathing passageways
so clear and so defined
I almost don't have a problem
getting cortisone in my behind.
You made my day much brighter
when once you met my system.
I wish I didn't have
to beg my doc to listen.
I thank you for your magic
may it never go away.
For you have made my world
on this dreary, pee-filled day.
**********************************
I swear, I have spent a lot of the last four months whining. Whining about the boys' asthma, whining about my morning sickness, whining about Sophie's triple back-to-back pink eye, and her ear infections and her sinus infections, and Miles' pink eye. Oh yeah, and my non-stop infections.
But this is my proclamation to the world: I am reformed. I promise to stop whining so dang much. I know that this is the crap that life is made of. It happens because we live in this place we call mortality. And I can be healthy when I'm dead. I mean, when I'm dead and living in heaven and my body is perfected and...oh crap. You know what I mean.
It does make you realize, though, once you're feeling good, that feeling badly really DOES make you FEEL BADLY. It's hard to feel GOOD when you feel BADLY. You know what I mean? And please don't get me wrong, I have watched enough close family and friends suffer through actual, life-threatening illnesses in the past few years (mostly I have watched them, watch their children go through it - which is even more heartbreaking). I know that a couple asthma attacks and some colds are NOTHING. I know that. I don't forget it, even on my worse day. But I think I do forget to be grateful when I'm feeling really well. Or when I'm just feeling not crappy, even.
So. I am reformed. No more whining. Okay, I'll probably whine occasionally. I'm thinking, maybe starting in the end of June, early July? Is everyone okay with that? Because I'll be looking like Shamu's older sister by then, and I think whining is okay? Yes?
Anyway, I thought I should just throw some things out here that have made me feel SO GOOD lately. Because I am a blessed woman, in so many ways.
1. Good friends. I am surrounded by women both local and far, who astound me. They are compassionate, willing to give of their time and talents, and are selfless. They are funny. They are willing to forgive my long absence from play-groups, ladies night out and various and sundry things. They don't expect too much from me, and make me feel welcome and loved every time I see them. It's amazing to feel that. So, thanks, girls.
2. Miles is learning his alphabet. Oh Miles. I've had my eye on you. I have silently (and not so silently, at times) had some concerns as I've watched you grow and develop. You're smart, curious, SO loving, creative and fun. But you're different from Cameron and, in my naiveté, I'll admit I may have compared. You haven't noticed, but I did it anyway. I'm so grateful to see you learning and growing at your own speed and pace. You do learn differently, and I'm getting used to accommodating it. But that's why we're partners, you and I.
After trying all the same teaching methods that worked with Cameron, I finally gave in and tried a VIDEO called The Letter Factory by LeapFrog. And Miles, who couldn't identify a single letter except "O" and occasionally "F" is now grabbing letter magnets off the fridge and bringing them to me saying their name AND sound!!! I can't tell you how I beam and praise. It's probably over the top. But he likes to hear how awesome he is. So, naturally, I oblige.
3. Sophia is potty training. And while I kinda hate potty training, it's amazing to see your kids picking up new skills and (sniff) growing up. She is SO PROUD of her princess panties! I love seeing her clap her hands and shout "Ooray mommy! I do it!" and give me a big hug. We do some dancing, some high-fives and shout out our excitement for her. It's become a whole family thing. Cameron and Miles and Daddy get right in there and tell her how great she is. So, Sophie is amazing. (and she may have turned a corner, but I'm not going to jinx it by talking about it...just cross your fingers and your eyes and your legs that she keeps doing so awesome!)
4. Drugs. Did I mention drugs? Even if I have spent (hold onto your hats) about a grand on drugs just since November. I'm grateful to live in a time and place where I can get the healthcare my family needs.
5. Chase. I. Love. That. Man. He just makes everything easier and better. And I think his company's audit is almost over so we'll get to see him again soon. And hey, while we're at it, I'm so glad Chase isn't doing public accounting! Holy schmoly the things we've gotten done on Saturdays this month...
6. The Gospel. This list is getting long. I know. Sorry. It's your fault for reading this far. But having an understanding of my place in this world, and in the world to come, is such a peaceful thing. I can't quite describe it, but it's a feeling of being almost untouchable. I know that I have to endure trials and challenges in this life. And some are going to be so hard that I will have to fight with every ounce to get through them. But they're temporary. And, in the grand scheme of things, they will be for my benefit and make me stronger. All we take with us is what we learn on this earth, and then we go on to a better place to live and serve with our Heavenly Father. How amazing is that?
7. Spandex.
8. Ice cream.
9. I'm just making this long enough to end on an even number. And spandex was an actual item on the list. And who can stop at 7? Or 8? That makes for a very weird list, in my book. You gotta hit at least double digits or you're clearly an ungrateful witch.
10. Cheese. Seriously. What doesn't taste better with Cheese on it?
11. Super hero costumes. Okay, I know I implied I'd be done with 10, but now I want to see how far down you'll read. How much do you REALLY love me? Huh? HUH?
12. My garden. Yes. You heard that right. I have an honest-to-goodness garden growing in my backyard. So far I've got peas, beets and carrots in the ground with much more to come. Summer will be a happy place with that home-grown goodness to chow on. Yummmmm.
Okay, I'm done. Fo rill.
Proof that I am an Ugly Mom:
Tonight as we were sitting (around Sophia's potty), about to read scriptures, I was letting Miles brush my hair. After combing it into a nice fluffy coiffure, Miles said, "Mommy, you're HUUUUUUGE!" Then he came around front to get a nice, good look and repeated, "Mommy! You're huge!"
At which point Sophie, from her throne, giggled and said, "huge, huge, huge! hee hee hee!"
If only they weren't so right...
We're having another girl! Well, this is what the doctor assures us because we got some GOOD looks and there wasn't much to see. But after Chrysta's experience I'm not counting my chickens until they've hatched. The good thing is that for a girl I don't really have to prepare anything. She'll share a room with Sophie and the paint/decor will all stay the same. If The Crazy happens and she turns out to be HE, Sophie will still share the room (for the time being, anyway), but we'd have to paint and choose more neutral bedding for both Sophie and the crib.
So. There you go. Baby #4 will be a girl! Yay! We're thrilled to get things evened out around here! And she will get to grow up with my SIL Kathleen's little girl who will make her debut about a week or two before her. Fun!
BTW: We'll be naming her Shori Pony. We figure since we don't live in Utah anymore we should bring the experience of combining your parents names to create new and unique (read: Sucktastic) names, to Texas. So Sherry + Tori = Shori and Tony + Pat = Pony. Duh. Chase would like me to point out that Terry Tatrick also would have worked.
Am I the only one who thinks this trailer is...lame? The other trailers were much better. I'm holding out to see what new trailers come out over the next couple of months. They've GOT to get better.
My reaction to every other Twilight series trailer has involved some sort of screaming. My reaction to this one?
"Uh, okay."
And are they kidding with Victoria? Guys, it's Bryce Dallas Howard. And you made her look UGLY. Do you know how hard you have to work to make Bryce Dallas Howard look ugly? Badly done, Summit. Badly done. (totally just watched Emma the other day)
And yet I have great faith that the movie itself is going to be great. June 30, woot woot!
That's the Lionel Richie song that's in my head at the moment.
Because I was up, you know, ALL NIGHT LONG.
Miles just didn't feel good, and as I was scrubbing puke out of the carpet at 3:30 am I was providing solace for myself, thinking that since he'd been up all night and sick, he would most assuredly be somewhat lethargic today. And I would have appreciated that. My sinuses have been attacking me for three weeks straight and I'm approximately the size of Shamu.
See that open mouth? That's how I've been sleeping lately.
Anyway, Miles - being Miles - has done little to relieve me today.
Instead he's been bright, bouncy and full of life! Oh hooray! And yes, I know that technically this should make me happy. "My little boy isn't suffering and in pain!" And hey, that's nice. But guess who IS suffering and in pain?
Right. Me.
Annnnnnnnd, he has an equally spunky, busy little accomplice.
Question for the universe: Where do children get their energy? Heaven knows it's not from eating. There's very little eating going on here. And I can't even imagine it's photosynthesis, since the sun hasn't been showing it's face around here lately (except when I'm so sick that leaving the house isn't optional - like today).
SO? Where?! How? And most importantly, WHY?!
This morning as I was straightening my hair Sophia walked in and handed me a crumpled bunch of scraps.
"Here, mommy. Barbage (garbage)," said The Girl With The Big Blue Eyes.
Looking it over I could see that it was the remains of what was, just minutes before, a completely usable toy.
"What happened?" I inquired.
And with a look that would convince every jury in the nation except the one I was on, she cocked her head, shrugged one shoulder and replied,
"I no know, mommy." And then blinked enough to put Scarlett O'Hara to shame while smiling with just the side of her mouth.
So by my calculations that puts the Apocalypse beginning somewhere around next Tuesday.
I hope you're ready.
These waffles are ah-mazing! I'm obviously enjoying being able to eat again.
I've made this a few times and it's easily one of the best recipes up my sleeve. I changed it around this time, swapping chicken broth (well, bouillon and water) for the sherry. I'm skeptical that the crockpot is really burning off the alcohol... Also, my friend was talking about tomato and roasted red pepper soup the other day and I haven't been able to get it out of my head! So I roasted up two whole red peppers and threw those in as well. I served it with my mom's homemade bread recipe.
DIVINE!
So I think I can - occasionally - come across as being a little cynical, snide and sarcastic about motherhood, wifery and the whole business. And politics. I can get snide about politics.
(NO, Anna! Not YOU!)
It happens to be part of my nature. I'm not actually cynical or snide in real life, I don't think...it's just one of those things that sneaks up and leaks out in my telling of a story. I love my life. A really lot.
Here are a few reasons why:
As a side note: The Big Guy turned 30 today. He's not one to appreciate a long-winded post about how amazing he is. But just know that he is. The world you have lived in for the last 30 years has been better just because he exists. And you probably didn't even know it was because of him. You're welcome.
Photo collages by Cameron.
So I went to the doc today to hear the little kid's heartbeat again...always fun. Though, I can tell s/he is already a bit of a prankster because it took a few tense moments to find it. I may or may not have gotten all hot in the face and freaky during those moments before sighing, "GEEZ" under my breath. I love my doc and he just smiled with me - I could tell he was a little tense for a minute too, which made me love him all the more. Anyway, the baby seemed to be swimming laps because we'd (and that's "we" meaning the doc, while I assisted in laying there holding my breath) find the HB and listen for a sec and the little creep would swim off again! In all fairness, I should expect nothing less. My babies all do regular, in-utero gymnastics for the whole 9 months. It's not uncommon for people sitting next to me at church to get a glimpse of my belly dancing on it's own while I'm sitting perfectly still. It's a trip, I'll tell ya...
So anyway, I've heard about this thing called the "HCG Diet." Have y'all heard about this? I guess the idea is that you load your body with HCG, ie. the PREGNANCY HORMONE, which my body happens to be swimming in right now, and then go through a series of different food phases.
Sounds awesome, doesn't it?
I just wanted to throw this out there, because I think it's a sign that our society has hit yet another LOW on this one. I mean, can't we just go back to Olestra or whatever that was that made people poop without meaning to? Can HCG possibly be better than that?
Let's look at a few of the side-effects that I've noticed from my own anecdotal studies:
Looking good so far...moving on.
So, as far as diets go I have to give this one a thumbs down. Unless you like this kind of thing (which, apparently, I do. A lot.).
Sorry, Rena. But I had to steal this from your blog. The world needs to know.
Kohls is feeling pretty silly about now.
The official BYU Cougars Wine Cooler! For the apostate Cougar who still wants to show their school pride!
It looks like it's already sold out!
p.s. keep reading if you haven't seen the Cam post below...
So last week my flat iron died. After 6 years my sweet, cheap Vidal Sassoon flat iron lost it's battle with my frizz. So I sent Chase off to the store with instructions to purchase a new one, which he did like the brave boy that he is. He brought me home a NEW Vidal Sassoon flat iron (that, consequently, is HOT PINK, causing the hubster to get some questioning looks from lady passers-by).
Anywho, so said flat iron is packed as one would expect, in a long, skinny cardboard box with the words VIDAL SASSOON (start paying attention...now) down each side in bright, reflective letters.
Now, before going forward I should tell you about the engineering phase that Cameron is in right now. He loves to find random boxes and bits of packaging and re-purpose it into things like Wolverine claws or Iron Man boots. It's ingenious, really.
So, when I left the box on the side table last night I swear I wasn't thinking that anything noteworthy would happen to it.
I SWEAR.
Fast forward to today: the Sabbath. I arrive home from church late to find Cameron has been keeping himself busy in his usual manner. He found the box first thing this morning and realized it fit perfectly over his arm, like a little sleeve. Nice, right?
Except, perhaps, for the fact that he re-fashioned it to look like...
Well...
Like this...
You're going to want to click on those.
It'll be worth it.
So CLEARLY, while Cameron is aware of many POTTY WORDS that I'm not a fan of, there are still some words lacking in his vocabulary. And I'm okay with that.
Now, let's just talk about the PROBABILITY of him cutting this box into TWO identical armbands of profanity...it boggles the mind, doesn't it? It's got to be up there with lightning striking the same place twice.
P.S. When Chase took these pictures Cameron's ONLY concern was that the pink part of the box would be showing. Because, obviously, that would compromise his masculinity. Or make him look silly. I can't WAIT for him to read this when he's 20.
After school today we decided to make some cookies. Since my stomach is having a mostly "on" day this isn't as dangerous as it would have been two weeks ago. And the kids need to know I'm not allergic to the kitchen or the oven.
Even if I am still allergic to the dishes.
And laundry.
Anyway, we had to use leftover Xmas M&Ms (which wouldn't even still exist if not for my troublesome tummy). The kids originally set out to make various shapes but in the end settled for "one giant cookie."
...And don't come again any other day.
Am I the only one who is sick to death of being forced to relive elementary/middle school? Or, maybe high school depending on the reader? Seriously, fluorescent colors weren't flattering the first time around. Neither were skinny jeans, colored plastic sunglasses or high tops with purple laces. Very few people look hot in a pair of leggings and trapeze top. And while I wish I could pull off the one shoulder ripped-neck sweatshirt (because Flash Dance is STILL a good movie), I can't. And guess what? You can't either.
Last week I went to the mall BY MYSELF FOR MY BIRTHDAY and was hurt and disappointed to find FLORALS making a comeback. Really? Is that necessary?
I just want everyone to start dressing like real people again.
note: flats can stay FORRRR-EVVVV-ERRRR.
Since there are probably five of you left that Chase hasn't told, you should know that Baby Number FOUR is causing major stomach distress in my life right now.
I can't wait until that part is over.
I can wait until the end of July. That is when the baby will stop causing internal distress and start causing external distress. Well, if it is anything like it's siblings - which I expect it to be.
But we're thrilled beyond all belief. I'll take the possible reflux/colic/sleeplessness. So far it's worked out for us:)
Yesterday we sat down and made Cameron's "Star Student" poster, and it was a nice little trip down memory lane. Seeing all of his baby pictures reminded me of how nice it is to have a warm little body curled up against you nearly 24 hours a day. And they do grow up to be such funny little ducks...
Plus, Miles is really hoping for a Blue Baby Hedgehog in lieu of an actual baby.
So far, this is what it looks like (as of a few weeks ago, anyway). So, you know, there's a possibility.
So, let's talk about this chick.
Sophia. Right.
Okay so here's my issue with The Sophster as of this very minute. Girlfriend has attitude. I know, I know. I've told you this before. But this time I mean it. I realllllllly mean it.
As a general rule Sophie has decided she cannot, indeed, WILL not agree with anything that is said. Conversations like the following take place on a fairly frequent basis. Observe.
Best Mother Ever (me): Sophie, I think you need a diaper change!
Tyrant Child (soph): No I not!
BME: Oh yes you do! Let's go change that diaper!
TC: NO I NOT! NO! NO! NO!
BME: Okay Sophie. I think you smell like roses and you can wear that diaper FOREVER.
TC: No I not. I stinky. Uckee diapee.
Then there's the classic, "I DO IT!"
BME: (seeing Sophie struggling to put on shoes, throwing herself on the floor and moaning) Sophie, can mommy help you with that?
TC: NO! I DO IT!
So, you see where I'm going with this. Girlfriend has attitude. I'll admit that at first it was cute to see her so determined and independent. Now? Not so much. And beginning with our failed potty-training attempt last month I realized something: She needs to be broken. I'm talking wild-stallion-learning-to-wear-a-saddle, broken. Richard Gere in Officer and a Gentleman, broken. She's going to learn who is boss around here, and it's not Tony Danza.
Granted, I have no plans to make her do push-ups in the mud while hosing her down. Not yet, anyway. But she's been learning the hard way for the past few weeks. Time-outs in the crib have been plentiful. Getting kicked out of the kitchen without finishing her meal after spitting has happened, thankfully, less often. Yesterday she wouldn't leave the park, so I left. I waved bye-bye and walked with the boys (who are broken, and who walked like the nice little cadets they are) to the car. She literally stood at the very edge of the playground - not a toe over the line - and screamed at me until she realized I WAS SERIOUSLY GETTING INTO THE CAR. At which point she booked it and ran toward me (note: she was running through a grassy field, not a parking lot...and I met her halfway).
But the good news is that I think we're making progress. Little by little she's figuring out what her brothers before her had to learn. Mommy is the boss. Daddy is the assistant boss (or, assistant TO the boss, I should say). But Mommy runs this place. If she plays her cards right she will get to have a say in LOTS of things. She'll get to make lots of choices and have a great little life.
And if she doesn't?
Well, let's just say I can think of a perfect spot in the backyard for some muddy push-ups.
Here is the recipe for what has, apparently been dubbed, "AWCC." Or, Anna's White Chicken Chili. I should be clear that I didn't invent this recipe. It was given to me. I just doctor it up my own special way and serve it to everyone who comes within a five-foot radius of me. That's how it became "Anna's". But I'll take fame anyway it comes, people.
2 chicken breasts- boiled & cubed
2 cans gr. chilis (here I use a diced, seeded jalapeno sauteed with the onion and garlic)
1 med. onion, diced small (sauteed)
3 cloves garlic minced and sauted
1 can chicken broth
3 cans Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
2 TBSP butter (for sauteeing but I obviously use way, WAY more)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper if needed (I don't usually use the CP - If it needs spice I add in some jalapeno seeds)
1/2 tsp black pepper
The best way to do this is dump it all in a crockpot and simmer ALL DAY. Then, 1/2 hour before serving:
Fold in 1 c. sour cream
1/2 c whipping cream
ENJOY!
See Deb's blog for skinny alterations. I'm going to try them, even if they're slightly blasphemous.
