Daddy is down for the count

We have had a fun few days. The girls and I were able to meet up with some friends & have lunch at Culvers yesterday & then try out some sledding. We had been couped up in the house for five days straight. Yes, I said FIVE days straight. I was getting a little antsy to say the least. The girls had a blast sledding. Caroline loved it which surprised me because she is usually so hesitant to try anything new. Makenzie, our little dare devil also enjoyed sledding and walking up and down the steep hill, with no help at all.

Today we were able to head out to the FFY for a little exercise, then a little shopping and lunch at McDonalds with our Mops friends. I have so enjoyed the past year at Mops. I finally feel like I have connected with the other women and I have made some really good friends. The Mops program is like nothing else for mothers, and I so enjoy it.

We all played outside today, even Daddy. Caroline accidentally threw a block of ice at Roy and hit him in the head. (She thought it was a snowball.) It actually brought him to his knees. He has a small scratch, but is fine. Caroline was embarrassed because she thought we were punishing her. Poor thing.

The Best Day by Taylor Swift

I love this song, the lyrics really hit home so I thought I would share it all with you. Enjoy!

The Best Day

by Taylor Swift

I'm five years old it's getting cold I've got my big coat on
I hear your laugh and look up smiling at you I run and run
Past the pumpkin patch and the tractor rides look now the sky is gold
I hug your legs and fall asleep on the way home


I don't know why all the trees change in the fall
I know you're not scared of anything at all
Don't know if snow white's house is near or far
But I know I had the Best day with you today

I'm thirteen now and don't know how my friends could be so mean
I come home crying and you hold me tight and grab the keys
And we drive and drive until we found a town far enough away
And we talk and window shop till I forgot all their names


I don't know who I'm gonna talk to now at school
But I know I'm laughing on the car ride home with you
Don't know how long it's gonna take to feel ok
But I know I had the Best day with you today



I have an excellent father
His strength is making me stronger
God smiles on my little brother
Inside and out he's better than I am

There is a video I found from back whenI was three
you set up a paint set in the kitchen and you're talking to me
It's the age of princesses and private ships and the seven dwarfs
Daddy's smart and you're the prettiest lady in the whole wide world

Now I know why all the trees change in the fall
I know you were on my side even when I was wrong
And I love you for giving me your eyes
Staying back and watching me shine and I didn't know if you knew
So I'm taking this chance to say that I had the Best day with you today

Did someone say snow?

This is the view from my kitchen window. Not sure how much accumulation we received, but I would guess 6 - 8 inches.

Snow Dog

Meet my dog, Jackson Ray. He is a Chihuahua. He is very set in his ways. For instance, today, with all the snow, he would rather stand at the door, shake, and bark instead of do his business and get it over with. I have officially made a path for him off of the deck, placed him in the yard myself and he still won't go. I guess he needs a more sunny atmosphere to live in. Any takers??? Just kidding, love you Jackson.

Snow Day - Where is Bob Gregory when you need him?

I was able to take the girls outside today to play in the snow a little. We have never done this before. It was quite a task, especially on my end. A turtleneck for each girl, sweatpants, long socks, snow pants, coats, hats, gloves, boots and scarves. Goodness, I felt like we were heading on a climb to the top of Mt. Everest. Once I was able to get them dressed, it was my turn. I had two snow bunnies running around the house waiting for mommy to get her act together. We finally made it outside and they were stunned at the mountains of snow daddy had made just for them. Daddy is so good, out at 5:45 am to shovel the driveway just so his girls could play outside today. Anyway...the girls had a ball. Caroline made her first snow angel and Makenzie got her first taste of the white fluff we call snow. We headed back in for a warm bath (it was bath day anyway) and a nice hot cup of cocoa. I loved spending another day of "firsts" with my girls.

Recipe for the day

In my quest to be a better chef, I have started compiling all of my favorite recipes into a folder on my computer. I thought I would take the time everyday to share a few favorites with all of you. I would love a recipe from all of you too, so feel free to share.

I have made this several times, but just recently came across the recipe again. This is a favorite in our household. Enjoy!

Aub’s Enchilada Casserole

2 cans enchilada sauce
1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp onion powder
1 can refried beans
1 pkg corn tortillas (I prefer the little rounds from Tostitos)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Colby & Monterey Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In large skillet, brown ground beef, garlic salt & onion powder. Drain fat. Mix refried beans and ½ cup of enchilada sauce to the ground beef mixture.

Dip enough chips in enchilada sauce to cover bottom of 2 quart casserole dish. Spoon half of the meat mixture, covering the tortillas. Spread ½ cup of both cheeses over the meat. Arrange another layer of tortilla chips covered in enchilada sauce over the meat & cheese mixture. Spoon remaining meat over chips and cover with a final layer of sauce covered tortilla chips. Pour any remaining sauce over chips and cover with remaining cheeses.

Cover with foil and bake in oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with sour cream.