Last week I made a pot of black beans the old fashioned way and I have been eating them constantly. This week I wanted to spice them up a bit by adding them in a recipe rather than just eat them over rice. Here are two recipes I made today. They are fantastic and vegan. This is my second time making them so they are tried and true!

Zucchini, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet

1 Tb oil

1 1/2 cups sliced zucchini

1/2 cup diced green pepper

1 can black beans

1 can diced tomatoes

1 cup rice

1/2 cup shredded chedder and m. jack cheese (Omit these if vegan)

Cook rice separately. (Once rice is finished I start the rest of the meal) Heat oil in large skillet. Add zucchini and bell pepper. Cook 5 min. Add beans, undrained tomatoes and cooked rice. Sprinkle with cheese (or not) and enjoy!  Here is the link to where I found the recipe. There are a few differences.

Chunky Avocado Salsa

2 medium tomatoes

2 avocados

1 cup sweet white corn

1 bushel green onions

1 can of black beans (drained)

Garlic pepper

Garlic salt

Parsley

Hot Sauce to taste

Mix everything together but avocados. Add them last and gently stir. Serve with chips.  Here is the link to where I found the recipe.

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day again this year. I am so blessed to be the mom of these two little lovers. They require me to be so much more than I ever thought I could be. They challenge and stretch me and teach me what life is all about. Last night I read a quote that really struck me from one of my church leaders Elder M. Russell Ballard.  He said, “God is the Father of us all and has extended to us the privilege of our own family, which was previously only his, to help us become more like him.” I will forever be grateful for the opportunity and privilege God has given me to be a mom.

This past Saturday we went for a boat ride in D.C. It was a fun little outing that Hallie requested we do much more. Here are some pictures of our adventure.

Yesterday we went with our neighbors to a nearby strawberry farm. The kids were so excited to go to a farm and pick strawberries. I know that they have a big part of their dad’s “farm love” in them. One day we will own a big plot of land and call it a “farm” but until then we pay to visit and pick food that someone else grew. $20 bucks gone but a memory made, cute pictures taken, and a tummy full of the best tasting strawberries I have ever had. We ate just as many as we put in our bucket. And today, the day after, we have homemade jam and fresh strawberries still to eat. Life is good.