It's no secret........

It's no secret that Brent's Chili is delicious. For those who asked, here's the lowdown.

The Spurgemeister's Blue Ribbon Chili

Sprinkle Johnny's Seasoning on a 2 lb. roast and rotisserie for two hours.

Sautee 1 chopped onion in butter and garlic.

Put into crock pot, cooked meat and onion along with:

2 c. beef stock

1 can drained red beans

1 can drained canallini beans

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

1 small can tomato paste

1 T. chili powder

2 tsp. cumin

2 T. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

2 tsp. oregano

2 T. garlic

1 tsp. paprika

Cook on high for 6-8 hours.

Before Picture:

It's no secret that our little stray cat named Strudel, that decided that we offer good food and shelter and moved in, has now almost doubled our numbers. I'm not a big pet lover, but these little one's are adorable. We are getting attached to these little ones, especially the little black one. Here's Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Sid. (We lost Stewie, the little one.) I was so panicky when the little one wasn't looking good. He couldn't find where to eat and he was really tiny. Kenley and I dashed out one night in the rain to buy some kitty formula and a bottle. $25 a can. Isn't that more expensive than baby formula? I check on them almost hourly during the day. As enjoyable as they are, Strudel will be visiting the veterinarian at the soonest possible date.

It's no secret that I've been tagged a few times and need to get on this. I'm quite sure I'm the last person in blog land to do this one, but here's my seven random facts:

1. I'm obsessed with constantly moving furniture around in my house. I figure it's a great time to clean out underneath furniture and dust and I love to do it. I draw out floor plans and rearrange furniture in my head and then when I can't stand it anymore and I get that idea in my head, Brent knows he's in for some couch hauling.

2. My favorite food: An English classic Beans on Toast. You've got to try hot baked beans on toasted bread. When I'm feeling like a real treat, I put an egg on top. YUM! Whenever we have this for dinner (only once every few months), I'm always glad that no one stopped by unexpectedly and saw what we were eating because it's a little different.

3. I love to do the daily crossword in the Tri-City Herald. I know that's not so weird, but I have a system. Monday and Tuesday I can do the crossword puzzle in pen, it's so easy and straightforward. Wednesday and Thursday, it gets a little more difficult, so I reach for a pencil. Friday and Saturday I usually need a pencil with a big eraser. If I finish a Saturday puzzle without Internet help, I'm pretty proud of myself.

4. (My girls came up with this one) When someone says something and I know a song that contains that word, I usually sing it, REALLY LOUD. My kids are totally used to it, but when they have friends over, I have to be careful. Unfortunately, I usually don't even realize I'm doing it.

5. My children HAVE to have clean ears. I can't think of anything nastier than dirty ears. Ok, so the girls are old enough to take care of this one themselves, but I do a ear check now and again anyway. The boys are hilarious because after I clean their ears they ask me who won. (whoever has the dirtiest Q-Tips is the winner.) It's just a little game I came up with so they let me clean their ears without complaining.

6. I like to fill the dishwasher. I like to see everything packed just so. I have a really hard time starting it unless it's full, but sometimes it's necessary. I despise unloading the dishwasher.

7. I have a total of 5 cousins, that's it. Brent just thinks he may have 101 cousins, but he isn't sure. I think that's funny, but that may just be his random thing.

I'm tagging Jen W., Jeanette M., Kenley, Susan S., Kelsey R., Catherine B. and Sarah J.

Have a fantastic day!!