Wash Park

An afternoon walk in the park, before it gets too hot and our long park walks have to take place in the early morning or late evening. Yesterday was truly one of those beautiful spring days. So grateful to have Denver's best park right at our fingertips.

A very Swedish weekend!

So obviously my favorite kind of weekend!

Saturday was the annual Long Kalsong concert. The Swedish school Jasper goes to and another Swedish organization host it and bring these guys over from Sweden for a kids concert and it's always so much fun. I think Jasper Really enjoyed it this year since it was his 4th time going and each year we buy a CD so he knows a lot of the songs to sing along with!

And Sunday was his Swedish school graduation. This is always one of my favorite days. Watching/listening the kids sing the same Swedish graduation songs I grew up singing is something pretty amazing. And always makes me tear up. Reminds me so much of my child hood in Sweden and makes me even more determined to move there as a family. It will happen. If I say it enough times it's bound to come true right? Thought so.

Anyway. Jasper's class (and all the other classes!) did such an amazing job, singing in another language is Hard! So Hard! But they did fantastic. Pippi Langstrum (or Pippi Longstocking to most of you) came by and sang as well, which was the cutest thing. And all the kids were so 'star struck' around her. Jasper was being super shy (So not like him at all!) and wanted me to hold his hand and go up to her with him. So adorable.

On top of the concerts/plays put on by all the kids, everyone brings in Swedish food for the smorgasbord, and between that and the Swedish Christmas buffet it's probably my favorite meal all year long. Fact- Swedes know their food.

After the concerts and food all the kids headed out to play with Pippi (not actually sure that's what she intended to happen, but those kids stuck to her like glue and she was an amazing sport about it) and some of the adults went around for a 'tipspromenad' sometime they do in Sweden at basically every large event, weddings, picnics, you name it. It's basically a 'walking quiz' where there are different questions and you go on a little scavenger hunt to find the questions and answer them (multiple choice) on a piece of paper. Then you hand in your answers and see who wins. Well all the questions were obviously in Swedish (not a problem) About Sweden (a bit of a problem) Geography, celebrities, landscape, etc. questions- sort of like a who wants to be a millionaire type questions. Super hard for someone who hasn't really lived in Sweden since 4th grade. But I walked with my friend and her mom and dad who were here visiting from.....SWEDEN. So, we figured we would do pretty well with their help.

There were 12 questions, and guess who got 12 right, ME! I won first place! I was pretty excited. There was one questions were her parents had no idea what the right answer was, so my friend guessed one answer and I guessed another and apparently I got it right. Yep, I was pretty excited to pick up my awesome new nalgene bottle!

So that was our very Swedish weekend. We also managed to get some cleaning done in and out And get our pool set up. Too bad it will be July before the water isn't ice cold!

Chipotle Chicken Bowl.

On mothers day Drew went and grabbed us chipotle chicken bowls, and I have been craving them daily ever since. Yesterday, after a particularly intense craving, I decided to try to recreate them at home with ingredients I had here, and let  me tell you. It. Was Amazing. Everyone, including Tindra gave it double thumbs up, and since she's been on a bit of a food strike lately, only wanting fruit, I think it's safe to say it was pretty fantastic.

I took a few pictures along the way, I think I just Knew it was going to turn out amazing, so I thought I'd share with you guys in case you guys are also having a Chipotle craving. 

Ingredients 

Two chicken breasts

Salsa

romaine lettuce

jasmine rice

butter,

olive oil

peppers (whichever color is your favorite)

corn

black beans

cilantro

sour cream

mozzarella

Chicken

I but two frozen chicken breasts in a crock pot with about 2/3 cup of salsa on high for 4 hours, you can do this on low for 6-7 hours as well. When it's cooked all the way, you just take a fork and shred it- super easy if it's been cooking long enough. This is the way I do chicken for tacos, quesadillas, you name it. Easy and delicious.

Sorry for the crappy iphone pictures! 

After the chicken is done, everything else takes about 20 minutes to put together.

While rice is cooking I chopped and sautéd one green and one yellow pepper in some olive oil and sprinkled it with some garlic powder and parsley  (just because I LOVE garlic and parsley, but you could totally leave this part out or add Your favorite spice.) I didn't sauté them very long because I wanted them so still have some crunch. 

Once the rice was done, I added just a table spoon of butter to the whole batch (ended up making 3 cups) and cilantro. I went light on the cilantro for mine, Jasper's and Tindra's but added lots for Drew. 

After the rice I threw on the chopped romaine followed by the peppers

Then I added the chicken, followed by some corn, black beans and a little bit of salsa. The chicken already has salsa mixed in so a lot isn't needed.

Then finally I added the chicken, cheese and a spoon full (or two!) of sour cream. 

Simple, full of veggies and Amazing. Jasper asked last night after dinner if he could have some more when he gets home from school, so needless to say I will be making this a lot over the next few months since I prefer to use the oven as little as possible during the summer!

Let me know if you decide to make it! 

I'm co-hosting this blog hop with some other awesome bloggers, so make sure you link up and find some fun new blogs to read! 

<a href="http://www.peacoatsandplaid.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20collective" target="”_blank”"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/bre916/BLOG/thecollective200_zpsb8a6e82b.jpg"/></a>

Welcome to the NEW and IMPROVED weekly blog hop party, THE Collective.

This is a link up for bloggers who want to gain followers and meet awesome people.

Not sure if this is the blog hop for you? Listen to what other bloggers have to say...

"Just to let you know, your blog hop is the best I've participated in for gaining new friends!!! I couldn't believe the results!! Thank you!"

- Danavee, This Vintage Grove

"I'm dropping by to let you know that I love being a part of your blog hop! 

 I have been meeting really nice bloggers.  Bloggers who are actually friendly and want to connect! 

I'm putting the blog hop button on my side bar, like, permanently!  Everyone should know about it. Just thought I'd share with you. Thank you."

-Vickie, Oh Abby Day

"Hi BreAnna, just want to say that your blog is beautiful, creative, and fun. The GFC collective is one of my favorite parts of the blogging week. Love meeting new friends and fellow bloggers. We just started our blog and were amazed at how helpful the GFC collective is! Keep up the amazing work."

-Alea and Rachael, Sparkle Your Life

"This GFC Collective Hop is seriously one of the best link ups out there! Through this hop I have found so many great blogs & friends that I wouldn't have otherwise found! Thank you so much for hosting such a fun link up! Please take the time to link up & join along! You won't be sorry that you did!"

-Amy @ Keepin' Up With the Smith's

Has THE Collective done wonders for your following? Let me know, shoot me an email at peacoatsnplaid(at)gmail(dot)com

Bre @ Peacoats and Plaid

and our lovely co-hosts for the week

Rebecca @ Caravan Sonnet

Darlene @ Tales of a Young Mamma

Lauren @ The Albrechts Blog

Samantha @ Life Style Love

...want to co-host? Email Bre at peacoatsnplaid(at)gmail(dot)com

Randomness.

So I'm starting up the couch to 5k again. For like the 3rd time. It's a 9 week program that's supposed to have you running a 5k by the end of it. If and that's a big IF, it works for me, it will work for anyone I'm sure of it. I'm such an anti- runner. I detest it. Bike riding, walking, hiking- love it. Running? If feels like torture. And I Really don't understand when people say they love it. I have friends who run marathons and they freaking LOVE running. Either they are on crack, (possible, but not likely) or they are just Much better than me at it. Which obviously, they are, I can't run a blog without getting winded. And man I would love to be one of those crazies that love running. That would make me life easier/skinnier I'm pretty sure (okay fine, and healthier too) but I'm just not. BUT I'm going to do my best to complete a 5k without stopping. Seems impossible this week, but maybe in a few weeks it will seem doable. I'm signing up to run a 5k with a friend at the end of june (one of the crazier marathoners) and maybe by then I won't hate it? We shall see. Or maybe I'll give up in a week like I usually do because I hate it That much. Hoping that putting it on here will help hold me accountable. Today I ran early before Drew left for work, and it was my first time without running with the double stroller and 50 pounds worth of babies. And I've got to say, running alone vs. with a double stroller definitely sucked Less.

No school for Jasper today! Pretty excited about that. We had a fun morning out in the sun/pool/water table now T is napping, Jasper is playing and soon we will be heading to the mall for some summer clothes for J and lunch. So much fun having him home during the week! Makes me So excited for summer.

If you are one of the lovely anonymous commenter who came by last night because I commented on a post saying young children have no business drinking pop, well I stand by that. I don't even think adults need it (yes, I do enjoy a glass of pepsi once or twice a week and I wish I Didn't) but there's no reason why a 5, 6, 7, 8 year old etc. should be chugging pop. I didn't grow up drinking it except for occasionally on weekends  or a special occasion (and even that wasn't until I was at least 7-8-9 ish) and such a small amount, not like our society and children drink it these days. An IG friend was saying after her daughters T-ball game all the kids were handed coke cans, I'm shocked and sort of appalled by that.  A 5 year old who just finished a hot t-ball game (in the south, though that part isn't important) should be given water or gatorade or Maybe an apple juice or something, but a carbonated, sugar drink? No. Not necessary. And I completely get that not everyone will agree with me on this. And that's FINE! I don't expect everyone too, and I get that I Might be a little to strict on this, take last summer. We were in Iowa having dinner at my sisters house (who was childless at the time.) I ran to target across the street while they were making dinner, and when I came back Jasper promptly told me " I have ROOT BEER in my cup!" He knew it was a big deal. He even knew I wouldn't approve, which is why he said something I'm sure. I told him he could have one sip then I went and dumped it out. Did my sister think I was being too strict and overreacting? I'm sure she did. Did it matter? Nope. My kid, my rules. Did I say anything the very next day when we got together with my brothers family and his wife's family and her 3 and 5 year old were drinking pop? Nope. Not my children, none of my business.

I'm so excited for this weekend. Jasper has his Swedish class graduation, and trust me when I say this. It is THE cutest thing ever. A bunch of little kids singing in Swedish? Yep, I die from the cuteness. I'm sure I'll have a billion pictures to share on Monday. And maybe a recording if I can figure out how to get it on here. I'm super technology savvy if you hadn't figure that out yet.

I think that's enough of random babbling for now. Have a great Friday!



*If you leave a comment disagreeing with me it will definitely stay up. I have ZERO problem with disagreements and love a good debate (hello, high school mock trial debater here) but if you are going to come to my blog and Lie and use name calling it will be deleted. Don't need that negativity here, thanks!*

Maxi love.

I have a bit of a maxi obsession, skirts and dresses. It's pretty much the only thing I wore in the last few months of pregnancy and the first month after my c-section. So thankful I packed my favorite maxi dress to wear home from the hospital, I can't imagine having to try to put any sort of pants on that could rub against c-section scar. Makes me shudder thinking about.

Anyway, back to maxis. Sure they are cute and all, but the Main reason for my maxi love is COMFORT. Seriously feels like PJs. They Might even be more comfy than my favorite pair of yoga pants! I know, that's Quite a statement. But it's also true.

True story, last night I fell asleep on the couch at 9:30 in a maxi skirt. I was so tired I stayed that way all night! In my skirt! Sure it was hiked up to my boobs this morning, but I was still comfortable!

One of my favorite things to do with maxi dresses, is throw a shirt over them to make it look like a skirt, and get a whole new outfit out of it. Revolutionary right? Yeah thought so.

Dress: H&M
Shirt: Gap, ancient
Wedges: Target

A Tuesday in our life.

Get woken up by this little lady talking in her crib (make that shrieking) at 6:20. Get her a bottle and some snuggles on the couch before Jasper wakes up 10 minutes later.

 The next hour and a half, no matter how 'prepared' I feel, are always a crazy rush getting both kids changed, fed, jaspers lunch made, coffee for me (a must) making sure jaspers bag is packed and his homework is done (sometimes it's not, adding one more thing to do in the morning) and out the door for school. Sometimes Tindra doesn't get all the way dressed till we get back. None of the days do I happen to get dressed during this time. Or teeth brushed.

 We arrived a few minutes early today (I have to time it so I'm there early or I have to park the car and get both (usually all three) of the kids out of the car to walk Jasper up to the door. No fun. If I make it early I can grab a spot Right by the door where his teachers walk him in then the babies don't need to get out of the car) so I pushed Jasper on the swing for a minute before the teachers came out to take over.

 Then it's home and Tindra and I shower together (no picture, your welcome) then play a while, sit outside in the sun for a few minutes while she gets muddy playing w the dirt and water table then inside for the rest of her milk and she goes down for a nap. (10:00)

 Nap time is My time. It's quite blissful. I usually eat something then, first chance all morning usually. I mean I could shove a piece of toast in my mouth while packing jaspers lunch (and sometimes I do) but eating alone without something whining at me or trying to grab my food? My version of heaven right now. So nap time (anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hrs)- today 1.5, is spent cleaning up breakfast, making myself something to eat, some exercising (today anyway) sometimes blogging, and laundry.

 Currently trying to do the 30 day squat challenge. Ugh. It's a B. I can Never do more then 100 in a day. Even that is a major stretch for me.

Tindra wakes up way too early today, but she's happy so. That's that. After nap I make her some lunch which she stares at trying to figure out if she's really supposed to eat a veggie muffin and garbanzo beans. She decides to eat it all.

 After lunch we head back outside for a while, and while I have my back to her for 1/2 a second she decides she's going to climb a freakin ladder to the slide. No clue she could do that.

 After a little more playtime its time for her to get out of her jammies, you know since it's 12:30.

 We then have some more play time on the floor

 I'm having a major sonics coke craving so we use this excuse to hit up sonics happy hour which just Happens to be next to my favorite thrift store, which we of Course hit up.

 And Tindra scored a cute pair of pants and a couple of vintage dresses.

 We time it so we leave and head straight to school to pick Jasper up. With his favorite, a strawberry limeade.

 Tindra goes down for her second nap at 3:30 and it lasts about an hour. During this I do some dinner prep and do Jaspers home work with him. And a quick game of 'Trouble' before Tindra wakes up. Jasper entertains Tindra pretty well while I get dinner started. THen it's dinner, bathes, books and Drew makes it home in time to kiss T goodnight and play catch with Jasper for 15 minutes before Jasper goes to bed at 7:30.

And then I go to bed.

Just kidding. I wish.

After the kids go to bed I go for a quick run (attempting this couch to 5k business again) Drew spends the next two hours on work emails and I straighten up, watch the revenge series finale while folding laundry and stuffing cloth diapers. Which brings us to now, 10:35 and I'm typing this post up while snacking on wheat thins and cheese (for the second time today.) And that's our exciting Tuesday!

This might sound so boring to someone else, but it was actually a lovely day and I'm So incredibly grateful to spend my days like I do.