Nothin' like good comfort

I try to focus on the positive.  Really, I do.
Regardless of what you've read here. ;)

 We said goodbye to DK this morning {for the week}.
I ran errands with the girls and manage to squeeze schoolwork in between
each item on the 'to-do' list.

I can handle mama having 'a day'.
Well... most times, unscathed.
But there's something heart-wrenching when your kids have 'a day'...
especially when caused by the cutting words of others.
That's the hardest.
Mama bear is not happy with this situation.

Then, poor baby, has a bum foot.
It's been bothering her for a couple days now.
She was in tears when I picked her up from dance class due to the pain.
I carry her to the car and  try to recall when I last carried her this distance out of necessity.
Ummm... yeah, it's been a while.

The tears from the day come pouring out.
Big sister switches into nurturing gear {as she usually does}.
Love. it.

Mom serves dinner to lil'-bit in her Daddy's recliner.
Then us gals cuddle together on the sofa for our
Tuesday night Biggest Loser fix.
Gracie is in tears because she fears Amanda is going home.

The joys of being a girl.
{Thank goodness for the DVR and the ability to
bypass those Hallmark commercials.}

Mama gives lots of TLC.
Bakes oatmeal choc-chip cookies.
Things are looking up.
Good comfort.
There's nothing like it.

Tomorrow is another day.
{Deep stuff, I know.}

Ok... I wanted to share some wonderful comfort with you.

I recently tweaked a YUMMY sweet potato chili recipe.
{Yes, I guess I have a taste for vegan chili lately.}
Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough with the camera to
take a 'before' shot.
Yep, it was that good.

2 sweet potatoes {peeled and cut in 2 in. chunks}
1 red onion {diced}
1 15 oz. can black beans {drained and rinsed}
1 red bell pepper {chopped}
2 cups Salsa {the pineapple blend works great}
1 TBS chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chipotle powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup water OR veggie broth
a pinch of cinnamon

Mix, Cover, and Cook...
In your very own personal chef {The Crockpot}
Low for 6-8 hrs.
{If you want the potatoes to disappear when stirred, cook longer.}
I usually have mine on high for 5-6 hrs.

Yummm-O!

If you want to have leftovers, you might want to double the recipe.
Just sayin'.  ;)