Freezer Meals

My sister in law and I made all these freezer meals on Saturday. It was a long 7 hours but we won't have to do any cooking for the next two months! We each got 45 meals.  Most of them are just throw in the crockpot and serve with a veggie, salad, pasta or rice.

 

Here is the list I made up with ingredients we used for each meal. You need to keep in mind I don't really use recipes. If you need any more information just email me and I can tell you what I did. Also, some of these recipes were new for me, so I can't promise they are good.

A couple notes.  The meat that is raw, we just added the sauce and meat and froze it.  We did about a 1lb of meat for each bag.  If the meat was cooked, we used about a half to three quarter pound.  The soups we layered the ingredients in the bag and will just have to add the water when cooking. 

1. Cilantro Lime Chicken (NEW) cook in crockpot and serve in tortillas or over rice.

2. Pineapple Chicken(NEW), cook in crockpot. add pineapple, bell peppers, sugar snap peas or any veggie for a sweet stir fry serve over rice.

3. Cranberry Chicken (NEW) - cook in crockpot, serve with mashed potatoes and stuffing for a faux thanksgiving dinner.

4. Honey Sesame Chicken - cook in crockpot. serve over rice with steamed veggie.

5. Apricot Pork chops - cook in crockpot.  Serve with baked potatos and salad.

6. Meatloaf - put in crockpot and cook.  Serve with potatoes and salad.

7. Hawaiian Haystacks - heat on stove or low in the crockpot.  Serve over rice with all the toppings (pineapple, almonds, green onions, tomatoes, chow mein noodles, celery, coconut etc)

8. Chicken Roll ups.(NEW)  Mix filling and place in a cresent rolls and freeze.  Take out of freezer and bake, serve with a veggie or salad.

9.Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole.  Layer the cooked brown rice, chunks of ham and chicken, cream of chicken soup, swiss chesse and stuffing mix (mixed with water) on top.  Defrost night before and bake in oven for dinner.  Serve with Broccoli

10. Chicken Alfredo - heat on stove or low in crockpot.  Serve over pasta with salad or veggie.

11. Meatballs - we baked them and froze them.  Will use them for marinara meatball subs, sweet and sour meatballs, or over spaghetti.

12. Black bean taco soup.  I cooked the ground turkey, then layered the beans, corn, cilantro, taco seasoning, cumin, bell peppers, onions and chicken bouilon in the bag.  when cooking just add a can of tomatoes and some water.  Cook until all veggies are tender.

13. BBQ Pulled Pork - cooked meat in the crockpot then shredded and added BBQ sauce and froze in bags.  Defrost and put on hoagies for pulled pork sandwiches.

14.Shredded Pork Taco Meat - cooked meat in crockpot then shredded and added taco seasoning.  Serve in tacos, burritos or salad.

15. Zuppa Toscano soup.  I cooked the sausage, then layered the ingredients in the bag.  Sausage, Chopped Kale, onions, chicken bouilon, Garlic.  When you cook add slices of potato and a can of condensed milk.

16. Lasagna - defrost and bake in oven  - serve with salad.

17. Pasta e Fagoili soup.  I cooked the sausage, then layered the ingredients in the bag.  Sausage, white beans, onions, carrots, chicken bouilon, Spaghetti Sauce.  When you cook add water and a handful of pasta.

18. Cream of chicken mix - i made homemade instead of the canned stuff.  I used it for the Hawaiian haystacks and the chicken cordon blue recipe.

Stuff we didnt get done on that day was freezer biscuits and pizza dough, we will make those next weekend.  I have never done these before so they will be an expierement too. 



Chicken was on sale, so we did a lot of chicken meals.  We also grilled about 10lbs of chicken and sliced into strips, and placed in bags.  They will be used for Loaded Baked Potatoes, Chicken Salad, or Chicken Quesidillas, bbq chicken pizza or whatever else we can think of.  They are perfect for a quick last minute meal.

This is kind of a ramble.  Hope it makes sense.  Enjoy!

State Fair

I wrote this post last September but just found the pictures to go with it on my camera.

So even though these pictures are 6 months old, I figured I needed to catch up sometime.

Last week(September) we went to the Utah State Fair with Chad's parents and his brother's family. It has been a long time since I have been to a fair, but it did take me back to when we would always go with my granny. She made my sister and I matching outfits to wear to the fair for the longest time. It was a big deal to get dressed up for the fair in "country" attire. Now people wear "white trash" attire! Chad and I had a good time people watching and were shocked at some of the stuff we saw!

We went opening night, which they were having the rodeo and the chick from Wilson Philips was performing. We stopped by the rodeo for a few minutes so Bridger could see the horses and cows. After that stop we found the coolest thing ever! It was called Little Hands on the Farm.

You walked in and Bridger was given an apron and a small basket. Then we were off to the Farm. First was a silo where we gathered grain into the basket, then to the barn where we saw a big cow and you got a little carton of milk. Next we went to the orchard of apple trees and Bridger got to pick an apple off the tree and add it to his basket, and then we were in the garden where we picked our seeds, planted them and were able to harvest our vegetables. After that Bridger got to ride the tractor (aka small tricycle ) around the farm and then off to the barn where the sheep was and he needed a good grooming and Bridger gathered the wool. Then it was off to the chicken coop to gather eggs to go in his basket. After a full days work on the farm, we went to the trading post where you "sold" all your goods from the farm and you got to use that money in the "store" where Bridger bought a package of fruit snacks! How cute is that???

We had fun! Other things we saw - a kangaroo, lots of cows, chickens, sheep and goats. We had some good bbq for dinner and then topped it off with a very over priced funnel cake!

All in all we had a blast! Even though I didn't get to eat anything off a stick or a deep fried snickers or twinkie!

October Happenings

I am behind on blogging.  I actually did write a blog a couple weeks ago, but never got the pictures and videos uploaded to go with it. 

So I guess I will just move on and try and catch up on our more recent activities.

We had a warm October, which was nice.  It enabled us to enjoy the outdoors just a little bit longer before the snow starts coming.

One night while Chad was at scouts, Bridger and I went to the school playground and I taught him how to swing on his belly.  He loved it!

 We finally washed our cars inside and out!  Boy did he have fun splashing in the bucket of sudsy water.

 We went to the store the other day and I gave him an El Fudge Cookie, and when we got there and I went to get him out this is the face I saw!  Of course I didn't bring the diaper bag and had no wipes!   

Chad took Bridger up to the Brighton cabin to check on some things - he had fun throwing rocks and playing.

 He put this piece of plastic that belongs to one of his plates on his head - I think he was trying to be an angel!  Despite the fact he has hit the terrible twos already!

 My parents came to visit in October and we went to the zoo.  Here we are riding the train and Bridger is taking in seeing all the animals.

 Grandma and Grandpa took him on the carousel.  He wasn't too sure about it.

We got this bike for Bridger for his Birthday early, since we wanted him to be able to use it before it got cold.  It doesn't have pedals on it, it is supposed to teach him balance and he will be able to go straight to a bike with no training wheels.  He rides it around the house scooting around.  I hope he really gets the hang of it before we go to the beach for Thanksgiving.

We had our city cleanup, where we can pile our crap on the street and the city comes with a truck and picks it all up.  One day on Chad's way home he saw this slide in one of our neighbors junk pile.  He went and asked if he could take it and they said Yes and that they had gotten out of someone's junk pile 4 years ago.  Total SCORE!!!  Bridger LOVES to slide!!

We haven't really started potty training yet, since we have a couple trips planned in November and December, not to mention all the holidays.  So we will get serious about it in January once life settles down.  He wanted to try out his potty though.  He is very aware of going potty now.  Whenever he pees, poops or toots he says "I poop!" and then grabs his rear. 

 Happy Halloween.  Bridger was so excited about going trick or treating.  When he saw the kids out he was anxious to get out too.   It was 65 degrees when the trick or treaters started.  Chad took Bridger out, while I sat on the porch handing candy out.

 This was our dinner for Halloween.  Mashed Potato ghosts and bloody eyeball meatballs.

And a bloody jiggly jello hand.  When I put this in front of Bridger and shook the plate a little, he just giggled and giggled when it shook.

Here is our pumpkin I quickly carved and got out just before the trick or treaters showed up.  Time seemed to get away from me this year. Oh well, we still had fun! 

We had a luncheon at the park, for Chad's sister's step son's missionary homecoming.  Bridger loved playing in leaves with all his cousins.

 Bridger helping daddy rake up the leaves.

We found this chair at DI (aka Goodwill for those California people).  Bridger loved it so much he didn't want to get out of it.  We will take it with us to the beach and cousin Leo will have somewhere to sit too.

 For some reason Bridger loves playing in laundry baskets.  He will climb in with his blanket and pillows and get cozy while watching Buzz or Gabba.  Yes he has become addicted to TV.  The second he wakes up it is - Remote?  Gabba please? or Buzz?  One can only handle so much Yo Gabba Gabba and Toy Story 1,2,and 3!!!  We try and get him to watch other movies but as soon as it starts he says Gabba? or Buzz?

We finally got a new garage door.  Our last one, was the original from when the house was built back in the 70's.  It looks nice, and it so much quitier.

Bridger showing off his Fruit Snacks, while driving his favorite car at the grocery store!

Whenever Bridger sees you take his picture, this is the face you get. It is his "cheese" face!

Bridger's new skills include taking off his jammies in the morning.  Yesterday when I went in to get him up, he had his jammies off and was laying down in the crib with two of the toy bins on top of him.  He is a total party animal.  I guess I should move the changing table away from his crib.  Thankfully he is still content in his crib and hasn't learned to climb out yet.  If he can cause this much damage while still being in the crib - I would hate to see what he could do if he were out of the crib! 

Mischief at it's best!

I always knew that 2yr olds were good at getting into mischief, but I am learning at how well they do it!

Here are a few examples!


I know this doesn't seem like much but he is learning to push his limits and I know it will only get worse over the next 10-15years!

I climbed on top of the train what else can I climb up?? - oh how about the kitchen table!  Anything good up there? 

Here he was stacking his chair on top of the chair in the living room.  I am sure he would have climbed on top of that had we let him!  Seriously what's next?

This is Bridger helping with the laundry!

STUCK! STUCK!! STUCK!!!

Bridger's new thing is to climb into our bed and pull the covers over him.  I guess this means he is ready for a big boy bed.  But I am just not ready to put him in one because I will not have any control of when he can get in and out and what he is doing!

The kid loves shoes - it is pretty funny to watch him walk around in them.

His new favorite word is MESS!  I swear he makes a mess just so he can clean it up. Thankfully he likes to clean up after himself.  (so much for it being a punishment!)

Can I take the car for a ride mom?  Pretty please?  Don't worry I won't crash it!

  I am afraid this will be my life in a blink of an eye!  Not ready for that either!

Ok if I can't take the car for a ride - how about the Motorcycle???  TRIPLE PLEASE??  Just kill me now and put me out of my misery!  How do parents survive all their kids antics?

Pudding and Girls

This is my new favorite picture of Bridger! He is so full of spunk and life! How can you not love this face? 

My other favorite picture is this one.  I have a feeling this is going to be him in a few years stealing my phone talking with all the girls!! How can you not love those big blue eyes with mile long eye lashes?  Yes he is #1 Hunk!!!



Big Boy!

I was going through the blog the other day and looking at how tiny Bridger used to be and I found this picture of him when we were leaving the hospital. 

 Here is a picture of him yesterday in the same carseat, nearly 2 years later.  WOW!  He is becoming a little hunky man with a funny sense of humor, a little defiance, and enough character to love him to pieces!

July and half of August Activities

I know it has been a while since I blogged so I figured I better get some pictures up before I forget everything that happened.

For the 4th of July we stayed home and had a quite day at home.  I got up and made Happy Birthday America Waffles.

One day we were shopping at Walmart and made a wrong turn.  When Bridger saw the bicycles man was he excited!!  We got it off the shelf for him and when we put him on the bicycle you would have thought he was in heaven!!

After we put the bicycle back and were ready to go he begged to get it down again!  He was not happy when he didn't get to bring it home with him.

We got season passes to the water park and in preparation we tried on Bridger's life jacket.  We then found this picture!

I cant believe how much he has grown!

Bridger riding on his first Carousel. Not a huge fan.

Bridger riding the mini Buchaneer ride.  This is his scared face!

While we were up at Brighton a couple weekends ago, we took Bridger fishing for the first time.  He didn't last long but enjoyed swinging the pool around! He didn't catch anything but daddy did after Bridger and I headed back to the cabin.

While at costco the other day we found these pillow pet-ish stuffed animals that had a sleeping bag inside.  Bridger was in love the second he saw them.  He couldn't decide which one he wanted, so he had to test them out right in the middle of the aisle at Costco.  He ended up with the dinosaur!

 My sister in law got married in July and she had her reception in a park and there was a fun little play ground.  Here Bridger is being a fireman just like grandpa!

 For the 24th of July we headed up to Bear Lake with Chad's family.  Bridger had a blast playing in the sand. He had sand everywhere and even thought he would try it out for a snack!

 It has been a hot summer here and so we got some Popsicles to enjoy.  Bridger enjoyed them as you can see.  After, we finished the Popsicle we had to hose off and clean up before going back in the house.  Once we got back in the house - Bridger stood at the freezer door begging for another one.  I guess he liked it, in case you couldn't tell from the picture.

 Cousin Leo came to visit.  They had fun playing together.  Here Leo climbed on while Bridger was rocking on the cow.  He held on for dear life. The cutest picture ever!

The boys loved playing outside in the water too. They are so silly and fun to watch!



 This month has been a load of fun!  We first started off getting rid of the bottle.  The first night we served his milk in a sippy cup he was not happy to say the least!  He cried and cried! Then a couple weeks later we conquered the binky.  It went smoother than the bottle I think.  The first day Chad didn't give him his binky at nap time. then while he was taking a bath, I cut the tip of his binky off and placed it where he would find it.  When he went in his room to find it - he found it and stuck it in his mouth and promptly pulled it out and gave us this look like WHAT THE HECK?  We said oh no the Binky is broken!!  We spent a half hour or so saying Binky broken as he kept trying to put it in his mouth and suck on it.  He cried an hour and a half crying that night, the second night a few whimpers, but then woke up several times between 1am - 5am.  Third night he cried 5 min and then woke up a few times in the middle of the night.  He was able to put himself back to sleep after a few minutes. Seems to be taking it fairly well.

 Sandy has a Hot Air Balloon Festival every year at the park right next to our house.  We forgot to go last year and so we really wanted to go this year to see Bridger's expressions about the balloons.  He loved seeing the balloons.  He got pretty freaked out when the fire shot into the balloon to inflate them.  When they flew away he would wave bye-bye!

 We got season passes to the Living Aquarium right by our house.  Here Bridger is seeing how he measures up to the penguins.

Learning to play leap frog.

Trying to pet the sting rays.

Bridger being a diva!  He loves mommy and daddy's sunglasses!



We went to the movies under the stars a couple times this summer too. 

Bridger checking out the Capitol Building.