Sunday, February 26, 2012

Crock Pot 101

A big thing that keeps me sane in my busy & hectic life is organization. I have posted some easy organization tips with you before, and thought I would share a simple meal plan that I have put into practice the last few months. With Derek having clinical rotations, it is easy to throw something in the crock pot that will be ready when he gets home around 6:00 pm, even the nights I am working until 8:00. Thanks to the wonderful world of internet cooking sites, Pinterest, and my own adaptations, I was able to come up with 8 easy and healthy meals that could easily fit into any families dinner routine. 
 It all starts with 1 major shopping and cooking day. This is where I purchase everything I will need to make these meals, and since I have portioned them out, I get two meals for each recipe. {This works for us because we are a small family. If you have a larger family, just up the ingredients!} I have attached the recipe cards & shopping list  for your pleasure(click the link to download). Most of these ingredients are staples in our house, and of course you can change them to your own liking. When you get home, start prepping. The Taco Soup, Italian, and Mexican ground beef need to be fully cooked, so make sure you let them cool before throwing them in the bags. Write in sharpie the "Instructions for Bag" written below each recipe.Also, make sure you purchase the heavy duty Freezer bags. This is NOT the time to save a couple cents & buy cheapies. 

It's as easy as that! Now you have between 8-16 meals for you and your family to enjoy! I hope this makes your meal planning, preparation, and actual dinner time routine much easier. 
(Photo credit: ringaroundtherosies.net)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Friends & Babies

On Sunday, Stephanie and I decided to have a little get together at the park with some lovelies from the ward. Here is a shot before most of us packed up to leave. I think highly of these women. All of them are mothers, or soon to be (how adorable is Kristi in the green?) and all of us are in the same boat- all of our husbands are in graduate school programs or recently graduated. Thankfully, we can all get together and discuss how crazy our lives are before we all get whisked away to new adventures. The difference is, they all have little ones to juggle while their husbands are at class, studying, taking tests, or even away in different countries (You Thunderbird wives are rock stars!)
Also, why haven't we gotten the baby memo yet? 
P.S. Pretty sure sweet Jessie was off chasing her 2 boys and little girl around the park being 5 months pregnant. You go girl! 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Love is Patient....

...especially when I am trying to use self timer.
Happy Valentines Day to my one and only. 
Picnics at the park will always be my favorite dates with you.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Rubber Gloves

Oh, heeeeeey booooyfrienddddd.
You look fly in that blue gown, face mask, and hair net. 
All mine ladies. All mine. :)

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Toesies

Although it's only February 7th and a beautiful 72 degrees, the toes are out to play. 
I have a feeling this post will come back to bite me in the bum come June 7th and it's a spicey 172 degrees. Okay, more like 127. 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

A Groundhog Birthday

 This little groundhog is 22 today. 
And dang, she makes it look goooood. 
Happy Birthday to my baby sister Rachel who has put up with ME her whole life. From almost rolling over her on the 3rd day she was born, opening her first birthday presents, torturing her with endless make overs and truth or dare sessions, to even attending 2 semesters of college together. It has been such a fun ride, and I can't wait for more. 
Love you baby sister! 
 Also, another groundhog came up, saw a shadow, and decided winter needed to stick around for 6 more weeks. Arizona winters are amazing, so I am thrilled. 
Are you?