Love these ladies!

I had such a wonderful time yesterday having lunch with all the gals I use to work with. It has been a little over 3 years since I left and this was the first time we had all gotten together. Nobody has changed (and I mean that in the very best way) and we fell right back into the old groove. Anyway, it was great! There was only one down side and that was my sis was not there. Don't feel too bad- she was away on vacation, but I missed her anyway.

The Beav

We aren't big time into skiing by any means, but we like to give the girls a chance. So, when ward ski night comes around we make our way up the mountain. I actually didn't ski this time around. I'm just not good enough to ski and hold on to a child at the same time. So, Daren took turns with the girls. Noelle LOVED it. Daren said on the way down the mtn. she was laughing so hard she was snorting. Libby liked it too, but needs to go a few more times to really start going on her own.

Pippi? Is that you?

I always thought a "Pippi Do" required hangers in your braids. I was wrong. Noelle is a natural.

Growing Up

Evidently, I'm in trouble

Daren was in San Antonio Thursday and Friday. This, of course, left me in charge of bedtime. Frankly, I hate bed time with the girls. It's war. By Friday night I was out of patience. The girls were performing their usual antics and I was not laughing. After putting Noelle in her own bed for the 5th time, I pulled out the ultimate punishment. No TV the next day! Gasp! The horror of it all. You would have thought I'd taken away their birthdays. The tears, oh how they flowed. It was FABULOUS! But the best part was when, between wailing and flailing, Libby's little red, tear streaked face looked up at me and said, "You are so mean Mom. I can't believe how mean you are. I think I should call the cops on you." I didn't think it was very funny at the time, but I'm laughing now.

Try this for Dinner...

I made these for dinner last night and I thought they were fabulous! Daren enjoyed them too. They are simple to make, use some food storage items (canned corn and black beans), healthy, and taste good. What more can you ask for in a recipe? I left out the cilantro, but be sure not to go without the kosher salt and lime. I think they are the key ingredients!

A tired mom tip: grate the cheese and mix the black beans, corn, and salsa in advance (this can happen anytime between 5 am and 3 pm- or anytime before you hit "the wall") This way, when it comes time to actually make dinner, you have eliminated some of the steps and it will go much quicker. Don't, however, mix the lettuce up in advance- I did and it wilted.


KITCHEN-SINK QUESADILLAS
From: Real Simple magazine

1 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained
1 11-ounce can corn kernels, drained
3/4 cup salsa, drained
1 8-count package large flour tortillas (I used whole wheat tortillas)
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 to 2 limes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 head romaine lettuce, sliced 1 inch thick

Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the beans, corn, and salsa.
Place 4 tortillas on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the black bean mixture on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and sandwich with the remaining tortillas. Bake until the cheese has melted, 5 to 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, lime juice, and oil. Add the lettuce and toss.

Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board. Cut each into 6 wedges. Serve with the salad. Yield: Makes 4 servings