I Believe.

“God put Santa Claus on earth to remind us that Christmas is 'sposed to be a happy time.” 

― Bil Keane

Freezer Friday - Taco Night

Taco night. Quick dinner, right? With just a little planning you can stock your freezer at the same time.
Here is the plan: Instead of cooking 1 pound of hamburger cook 5 pounds. Be sure to use fresh not previously frozen hamburger. (Remember the rule don't freeze meat twice) When you are done you have meat for dinner plus 4 quart size zip-lock freezer bags full of cooked taco meat.
Next time taco night will be even quicker! I love having extra frozen taco meat in the freezer. The next time you make Taco Soup... just throw the meat in, it's already cooked.

After dinner there were several cooked tortillas, some meat and refried beans leftover. I rolled up the tortillas with a little bit of beans and meat, brushed them with butter and cooked them for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Once they cooled I wrapped them individually in foil and put them in the freezer.  So now instead of having a bunch of leftovers in my fridge that may get thrown away in a few days I have several quick Flautas that can be reheated in the microwave and eaten on the way to football practice or after school.

It didn't take any extra planning (other than buying a large package of hamburger at Sam's Club) but it was an easy way to save myself some time.

First Day of School...Where did the years go?

Today I sent my only daughter off to her last day of high school. I can't believe how quickly the years have gone. As I look at these pictures I realize that we really only get these sweet children for a little while. I am so grateful to be her mom.
I also realize it's a good thing I only had one girl... I really don't know how to do hair... Poor Haley!

Silhouettes... Check! One bucket list item completed.

 I've seen silhouettes and have always wanted to make them. I thought they were difficult... at least the tutorials I had seen seemed time consuming. Then I saw this tutorial on Pinterest. It finally made sense to me and seemed simple enough that even I could do it. 
Here are some simplified directions:  (read tutorial from Pinterest for more detailed information) 

Take a profile picture in front of a window. Print out picture on regular paper  to fit frame.

Tape photo onto black scrapbooking paper and cut around edges with an exacto knife.

This gives you your silhouette. Mount this onto heavy drawing paper that has been cut to fit frame and write child's name and the year below.  

I have been collecting oval frames at Goodwill for a while. I spray painted them all black.  I added the pictures. It is fun to see the differences and similarities between my kids. I love the finished product. 

This hand is your hand...

After being inspired by this pin on Pinterest. I enlisted my kids to help show our patriotic spirit. Even my 2 year old was game and after watching his brother, did a great job. I mounted them on scrapbook paper and put them in frames from the dollar store. It was super easy and fun. 

Zinnias!

My favorite garden expert at Home Depot told me about planting Zinnia seeds. I was skeptical. Not much grows in the Arizona heat. I planted them in a grow box in my garden for cutting and in my front flower beds. The result.... beautiful flowers! My new favorite summer flower!