"NOMAN!"

Lane absolutely loves the snow! Last Monday we were out of school due to about 4 inches of snowfall. When Lane woke up that morning and looked out the window he exclaimed "NOWMAN!". He was so excited. So we bundled up, and went outside. We never got to complete the snowman, because Lane insisted on knocking him down. Oh, well, maybe next year.

Then, today, Monday, we were out again for snow/ice. However, I did not take Lane out to play in it because he has a cough that could turn ugly. When he awoke from his nap, he looked out the window and exclaimed "NOMAN!". I told him that we could not play in it today, maybe tomorrow. When I told him this, he went to his room, got his hat and scarf, but them on, and went back to the window. He was pitiful and precious at the same time!



I hope everyone has enjoyed the snow, but I am SOOOO ready for some warm spring days!

Pitbull and Alligator, Really??

Ok, so tonight I had a first! My wonderful friend and coworker, Lisa, conned me into judging a pagaent at a local school (which will remain anonymous)along with our other coworker and friend Leanna. We arrive at the school 15 minutes early, receive our instructions and get prepared for round 1..."THE INTERVIEW"!

Our first group went fairly well, your typical nervous young ladies, but most had great responses.

Then on to the 2nd group, very cute girls and very nervous girls. We come to a very confident and articulate young lady who seemed to be fairly quick-witted and sailed through my question and Lisa's question and I was beginning to think she would be the high scorer from her division on the interview. Then Leanna started asking her about her animals. Does she have any animals? "Yes". How many? "1" What kind of animal is it? "I have this really great dog...he is a big Pit Bull and part alligator". WHAT?? Alligator?? Really?? Oh my! Did she just say that and believe it? Is she cracking a smile because I am about to LOSE it!

I had to hold my breath to keep from laughing. Leanna dismissed her quickly and I exploded into laughter as soon as she exited. I could not control myself...she was so serious... "pitbull and part alligator". Me, Leanna, Lisa, and the pagaent assistant were all laughing so hard that we were crying. They had to hold up the rest of the contestants until I could put my game face back on. Where did she come up with that one??? And no, she was not a kindergartener, she was a 5th grader, a seemingly smart 5th grader!

Pitbull and Alligator, Really??

HAT!

Due to Lane's new obsession with this hat...it got to experience a bubble bath tonight!

Yay for a New Recipe!

I love finding new recipes that put a twist on a classic. Last night we had Taco Stuffed Shells and Austin and I both agree, they are DELICIOUS!! I got the recipe from a friend at school. I tweaked it a little and used fat free cream cheese, and reduced fat cheeses (I added some leftover beef and beans from a previous meal to the taco meat). Serve this with a salad and some fruit and you have met your food groups for a fabulous dinner! Next time, I will double the recipe and freeze half of the meal for later.

Taco Stuffed Shells are out of the oven and ready to eat! MMMMmmmm...


Taco Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:
1lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
1 4 once package FF cream cheese
12 large pasta shells
1 cup salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup Monterey jack cheese (shredded)
1 ½ cups tortilla chips (crushed)
3 green onions (chopped)
1 cup sour cream
 
Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: In a fry pan cook ground beef and add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Add cream cheese cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Blend well. Set aside and allow to fully cool. While burger is cooking cook the pasta shells, drain and toss well with butter.

Step 2:  Pour salsa in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Step 3: Stuff each shell with the meat mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish and cover the tops of the shells with taco sauce.

Step 4: Cover and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Step 5: After 30 minutes, uncover, and sprinkle crushed chips and shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses on top.  Cook for about 15 more minutes. Serve with sour cream, additional salsa, black olives or whatever you think goes good with tacos!



And as you can see, we ate half the pan (of course Austin ate one more shell than me...I think HA!).