Freezer Meals x 11

I really like being prepared. In fact, when it is 5:30 and I don't know what we're having for dinner, I start to feel a little stressed out. It wouldn't be so bad if I was alone in the house and have to whip something up for dinner at the last minute.  But 5:30 is one of the most trying hours of the day with the girls and to combine that with no meal ideas....well, you get the picture.

Tomorrow my friend Laura and I are preparing 11 freezer meals for our families.  I am so excited (really). We went grocery shopping this morning with our four kids (picture car cart with 4 kids) and I think we are ready. 

Here is our menu. I have no clue how long it will take for us to do all of the cooking.  What I do know is that I have 11 onions that need peeled and chopped by tomorrow. I wonder who I can pay to do that....

Hearty Turkey Chili
Chicken and Dumplings
Skillet Lasagna
Asian Turkey Meatballs served with brown rice and edamame
Chicken Cashew Lettuce Wraps
Chicken and Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups
3 Cheese Baked Rigatoni served with frozen corn
Chipotle Pumpkin Enchiladas
Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
Streusel-Topped Blueberry Muffins
Black bean, Corn and Beef Empanadas 

Update:
Cooking day was great. It took us about 6 hours and two runs to the store (thank you Eric). The most important lesson learned this day is that you have to really like the friend you are cooking with.  Thankfully, the friend I cooked with is a dear friend. She let me mess up her kitchen (a lot) and share a coveted space in her house. We both agreed we'd be doing this again.

Onesie-Themed Baby Shower

This past weekend I had the privileged to help host a baby shower for a friend. The shower was a team effort by members of our small group Bible study.

The theme was "onesies".  One really easy way to save ideas for any party or shower is creating a board on Pinterest.  You can search within Pinterest for ideas or 'pin' ideas you have seen on the internet. You can view my pinboard for this shower here.

 

 

• Over the past few years I have enjoyed making applique onesies for friends. I wrote out directions for these a year ago. You can find them here. Thinking this would be a fun activity for a shower, I decided to simplify the process so that each guest could make one for the mother-to-be.   For the shower I pre-cut different fabrics in 4x6 measurements and ironed the Heat'n Bond to each piece.  Personally, it is hard for me to come up with a creative idea on the spot.  Thinking others might feel the same way,  I printed off some ideas for people to use. Such ideas were prints of a whale, heart, butterfly, and high heels. All the guests had to do was draw (or copy) a picture, cut it out and iron it on the onesie.
• The cake was a White Almond Sour Cream cake with butter cream icing.  It was carved from a 12x18" sheet pan. 
• The invitation was from Tiny Prints. I believe they have matching thank-you cards.   
• A friend made the personalized onesie banner.
• The poms were homemade and cost $2 to make! You can find the super-simple directions here. 
• A few different friends volunteered to bring snacks and appetizers. 

One other thing to mention.  While some people were finishing up the craft, one of the other hostesses introduced a shower game for the guests who were finished. I thought this really helped to keep people involved and engaged.

Dance Recitals and Christmas Plays

Ashlyn had a pretty busy weekend.  First up was her very first dance recital. She has been in dance class since September.  It was pretty fun to watch her preform on stage to Swinging on a Star. She did great!

The following day was our church's Christmas program. She, along with her class, sang their little hearts out to Angels We have Heard on High and one other song.

Safety Scissors Do Cut Hair

She did as many 4 year old's do (or so I have been told). Ashlyn decided to cut her own hair. Not a little bit just to see what would happen, but she gave herself a full-on haircut.

And in pure Ashlyn style, she proudly walked into Jason's office to show off her new look.

I thank God for my husband who calmly reacts to situations. Not only did he have to respond to Ashlyn but to his wife who needed to be told that 'it is just hair.'

I didn't....I just couldn't....take a picture of it that day.  Now I regret that because it was a sight! Two weeks and two hair cuts later and here is the new look. 

Pancake Batter and a Squeeze Bottle

I recently blogged about our latest breakfast craze....penny pancakes.

I had the squeeze bottle all ready to go this morning to make more and I thought, wait I can use this squeeze bottle to write the girls names.

The result?
A very surprised daughter.

Next up--I am thinking pancake snowmen and snowflakes.

About once a year I get the itch to start a sewing project.  My problem is, I don't really know how to sew. Thankfully, my mom does and my trip to visit my parents aligned with my desire to get crafty.


It turns out that even my limited sewing skills were enough to add some ruffles (and length) to Anna's jeans!

Thanks, mom. I had a great time learning from you. 

Displaying Children's Artwork

Here is a little corner of our house that I am excited to share with you today.

 

I have been trying to figure out a way to display the girls' artwork in our house. I needed a system where I could change the artwork frequently. When I saw this idea on Pinterest, I went to the thrift store that night and got started.

The project was simple. Repaint old wooden frames and hang them on the wall (glass and back removed). I purchased the clips at Office Max and attached them to wall using double-sided mounting tabs. The letters were purchased at Hobby Lobby.  I used scrapbook paper to cover the cardboard up and used the mounting tabs to hang them on the wall.

 

I am really happy with the result.  I love that the girls have a place where they can look at their paintings and drawings.