Lilah SLUMBER-PARTY

Look who I got to hang out with last night!!!

That's right...my nearly 1-year old niece, Lilah, came over for a SLUMBER-PARTY!  It's been about 2 months since our last slumber party and it's remarkable how much she's changed.  She's SO much fun!!!

We decorated cookies together (though she much preferred to shake the sprinkles)...

We splashed in Sadie's water bowl...

I told her "no, no"...

But then she got over it pretty quickly (those sprinkles are like MAGIC, I tell you)!

So, is she perfect, or WHAT?!?  I sure am one lucky aunt.  

I hope there are many more slumber parties to come, Lilah!  I love you.

Paige's PINTEREST Party

My good friend, Paige, just threw a FABULOUS party to show homage to our beloved, Pinterest.  It's safe to say that Pinterest has changed our lives...and that's a reason to celebrate!  Everyone brought a scrumptious goody or two and then a craft to share...from Pinterest, of course.  I'll attempt to capture the fun we had on Sunday and hopefully give you some yummy recipes, too.  Enjoy!

From left to right (some holding the crafts we brought): Jenny, me, Stacey (and baby Abby), Paige (the host), Jamienne, Jordan, Hollis and Sara

 Paige's welcome sign (and craft) PICTURE FRAME + CHALK PAINT

Holiday Sangria...recipe here

Asian-Inspired Turkey Meatballs...recipe here

Pretzel Hugs...how to

Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread...THAT'S RIGHT!!!  Recipe here

 Cranberry Bliss Bars...recipe here

 S'more Cups...recipe here

Funfetti Dip...recipe here

Paula Deen's Banana Pudding...recipe here

We also had a few other delicious recipes that I don't have pictures of:

Festive Pepper Jelly Spread...recipe here

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents...recipe here

Chicken Enchilada Soup...recipe here

Coconut Krispie Chocolate Chunk Cookies...recipe here

Did I miss any?  I hope not!!!  If you're wondering if we were BEYOND STUFFED...the answer is YES and YES!  We had to try a little bit of everything, as not to hurt any one's feelings, of course.  Betty Crocker herself (Paige) wouldn't stop...she kept on pulling things out of the oven.  Oh how I love her...

Now on to CRAFTING!!!

 Stacey brought Mod Podge Clipboards...tutorial here

 Jamienne brought Bath Scrub...tutorial here

 Paige brought (well, it was at her home....so "brought" isn't the correct term)
Framed Chalkboards...tutorial here

Jordan brought Chalkboard Wine Glasses...tutorial here

Jenny and Hollis teamed up to bring DIY Coasters...tutorial here

Sara brought Mod Podge Ornaments...tutorial here

I brought Holiday Clothespin Magnets...tutorial here

...and Abby brought being ADORABLE with her but I don't have a link for that...it's an innate ability.  I can't believe she's 4 months already!!!  Too sweet.

The 1st Annual Pinterest Party was a HUGE success!  We'll definitely have to keep this going.  Another big "Thank You" to Paige and all of the ladies that worked so hard to pull everything together for this yummy, crafty, girlie night.  HAPPY CRAFTING!

TACO SOUP Weather

So yesterday started warm and muggy then ended wet and cold.  WELCOME TO TEXAS.  Today feels cold-ish but the weather could change at any moment.  Hurry, hurry...this calls for taco soup!  This soup is delish, makes a ton and freezes well.  There are MANY variations of it.  I was able to pull most of the ingredients together.  Here's everything I usually use minus the onions (like I'm going to leave the house before noon on my first day off)...but I gotta say, after a quick taste, I miss the onions.  Do I regret staying home?  PLEASE.

Brown 1lb lean, ground turkey (or lean beef), drain.  Add all canned ingredients, undrained (except I like to drain and rinse the black beans).  You can use any type of beans you like best...I like to mix it up a bit.  Look how colorful!!!

Mix together and add 2c water or broth, taco seasoning and dry ranch (not ranch dip).  Bring to a boil.  Simmer for about an hour...and voila!

I keep it in a pitcher in the fridge for about 5-7 days.  It always seems even more delicious on day 2 and beyond.

makes approx. 14, 1c servings

WW PointsPlus: 4

Ethan's Dedication

This past Sunday, our sweet nephew was dedicated at DaySpring Baptist Church in Waco, Texas.  Thank you, Matt and Holly, for allowing us to take part in such a special day.  We love you!

Here a just a few of the MANY pictures taken that day.  Enjoy!