Snowsuits

I know I live in Southern California. I know that it like never snows where I live. But I can't help it, I am obsessed with snowsuits. I think they are the absolute cutest things on kids! Before Gracie was even born I already had about five snowsuits that I had bought from different yard sales and so on (I mean seriously, who can resist a snowsuit that's only 25 cents!) My friends and family gave me a hard time, because it never snows where we live, and it hardly rains here either :)

So...I was looking through old pictures, and I came across some from when we went to Big Bear. Of course I made Grace wear her snowsuits, and she HATED them! I even made Randy pull over to the side of the road to get extra pictures...I think she was embarrassed.haha.

These pictures are bound to make you laugh.

Taco Rice Skillet

Before I married my husband, he would talk about his favorite dinner: Taco Rice Skillet! I had never heard of it before. Everyone has their special meals that remind them of family, and Randy's is Taco Rice Skillet. (Mine is my mom's tortilla soup!) At my Bridal Shower my sister-in-law gave me a recipe book, and of course Taco Rice Skillet was in it! It has become a favorite meal in our house now, and Randy LOVES when I make it for dinner. The bonus is Gracie loves it too! Soooooo, I though I would pass on the recipe, and it's great because you only use one pan! Less dishes to wash!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 med. onion chopped
1 can (16 oz) chopped tomatoes
1 cup raw rice
1 pkg. taco seasoning

Toppings:
1 cup cheese, 2 cups shredded lettuce, Fritos (I thought this was so weird...but they seriously bring this meal to a whole new level of deliciousness. You just crunch them up and throw them on top) avocado, sour cream, and chopped tomatoes

Brown beef and onion together. Drain. Drain tomatoes reserving the liquid. Add water to the liquid to make 2 1/2 cups. Add tomatoes, liquid, rice, and taco seasoning to the beef and onion. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer about 25 minutes until liquid's absorbed. Stir occasionally. Top with other ingredients and enjoy!

Yard Sales

I pride myself on being a great bargain shopper. I have a hard time buying something if it isn't on sale. When both parents are poor college students, you have to get creative! So, this leads to one of my favorite things....YARD SALES!!!!

Things in my house that I have bought from a yard sale: My end table, coffee table, entertainment center, organizers for Gracie's room, and so much more. I got all of the furniture for my living room for $25, and I think it looks pretty nice!

So, this leads to the special fortune I found yesterday. Me and my bff went yard sale-ing to look for a dining room table for her. We didn't have any luck, but it did make for a nice morning talking, driving, and drinking Starbucks. On my way home I saw a sign 'YARD SALE' and I just couldn't pass by. So I stopped, and there it was.....the perfect Radio Flyer steer and scoot tricycle. So I asked how much...$5!!! (I checked online and they're normally $70) It was in GREAT shape, and I was so excited to bring it home to Gracie.

Grace was so excited that we ended up eating our lunch on the grass outside because she didn't want to get off her new bicycle. I have a feeling we will be having a lot more lunches outside this summer. I have learned after being a mom for a couple years that you don't need the most expensive, top of the line things. I cannot even describe to you the joy that was in that little girl's face when she saw that $5 tricycle. I know we will have a ton of memories of her riding that this summer.

Finally

So...I finally decided to start a blog. My wonderful best friend encouraged me for a while to start one. I have been putting it off, because I knew that once I started I wouldn't want to stop! Now that I have decided to join the "cool people" I should tell you a little about me:

-Follower of an amazing God, He has ALWAYS directed my path.
-Wife to a wonderful man...about to celebrate our 3rd Wedding Anniversary next week!
-Mom to a precious girl who is 2 1/2 next month! (Yes, we do celebrate half birthdays)
-Coach (soon to be...next month) of a high school dance team.  JAZZ HANDS!

I am looking forward to sharing the life we've been given. It is not always perfect, but we always strive to find the joy. I am sure I will have a gazillion (not exaggerating) stories about my Gracie, and I highly doubt that you can look at her face without smiling. She is our sweet miracle, and we feel blessed God chose us to be her parents!