Correct me if I'm wrong but.....

I think I need some praise.  I am the furthest from crafty as it gets, but lately I've been expanding my horizons in the creativity category.  Don't be jealous, but it's true, I actually made this dazzling tree with my own two hands.  If you'd like I could write up the directions as to how to make such a creation, no problem.  Totally kidding- it looked way cooler in my head.

This is an idea I stole from my friend Teri.  It is so fun to turn the fan on and watch the rings fly.  So entertaining, but beware, it makes you a little dizzy.
Here is the picture to go with the Tortilla soup recipe I posted a while ago.  Did I mention how good it is??
These are the scarecrow cookies I made today.  Why scarecrows in the middle of December you might ask.  I am teaching on loving yourself and others in Young Womens tomorrow.  The girls are suppose to set up their own scarecrows to keep negative thoughts from destroying their self esteem.  Not my idea, I got it online of course.

So that's what I have been up to lately.  It's been nice and distracting, keeping me away from shopping during this tempting time of year.  Twelve days of Christmas starts today.  Hooray!!

Christmas Fiesta 2008

We had a Christmas party with a bunch of friends tonight.  We had an ornament "white elephant" gift exchange.  It had to be an ornament you would NEVER put on your tree.   Zac was pretty stoked about this anchor he chose.

Honest, there was no alcohol.  I am not sure why Zac looks so drunk.
Here's a shot with all the girls.

And another shot with the whole group.

What party is complete with out Christmas BINGO?
I finally got to show off my awesome snowman sweater I won at a gift exchange last Christmas.

I couldn't decide which shoes.  When is it more appropriate to wear one of each than to a Christmas party?

I made a chocolate zucchini cake that was suppose to look like a giant ornament, but so didn't.  It tasted good though.

This is a spice cake with a butterscotch syrup that we drizzled over it.  Pretty tasty as well.
Thanks to Teri and Ben for being such great hosts and for everyone else for bringing so much food and fun!  Till next year I guess.  Merry Christmas to all!!

Thanksgiving recap...finally

Wait is Thanksgiving already past?  Where has this holiday season gone?  I know we still have Christmas to look forward to, but now is about the time I start getting sad because it'll be over before we know it.  I know I am a little late with the Thanksgiving post, but better late than never, right?  Here is the whole Freestone gang in front of the hotel we stayed at in Texas.  We had so much fun visiting Zac's sister's family.  We happened to fall in love with Texas during the few days we were there.  It's since been added to our "potential places to live" list.

This is one of the major factors contributing to our love for Texas, Rudy's.  It's a delicious Texas barbecue food joint.  It's attached to a gas station and you eat off wax paper, but don't let that scare you.  It is TASTY!!
Here I am devouring my corn-on-the-cob.  You could drink the Rudy's sauce I am holding up, it's that good.  Thanks for the recommendation Wendy, definitely a winner.
On Thanksgiving day we had a heavenly feast and then went to see Bolt in 3D.  We all really liked it.  I would recommend it to both kids as well as adults.  
Here are my amazing in-laws, Margo and Steven.  I don't wonder what Zac is going to look like in about 35 years, his father.  I am so lucky to have such fun and supportive in-laws!
Before we took off for Texas we went to Utah for a little skiing and snow time for Zac.  He missed the mountains so much in Arizona.  The weather was actually nice at Alta, about 40 degrees and sunny.  I was even warm.  I was wearing a coat that was warm enough to climb Everest in, but that's beside the point.
While in Utah we had a busy schedule with only a few days and many restaurants and movies to see.  We saw the Bond movie, and Twilight, although definitely not a highlight.  We ate at Brick Oven, Bombay House, Bajio, Maverick (for their soft serve cones), 7 Elleven for the slurpies and chocolate sinkers (Zac's favorite donut ever made) and Will's Pit Stop for the best Kettle popcorn on the market.  We ate well to say the least.  We were thoroughly entertained and got to spend quality time with family.  It was a vacation much needed and so appreciated.  Thank you Freestones.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Since it's dropped well into the 70's here in Arizona I decided it was time to make some of my favorite soups. Here is a yummy tortilla soup recipe Zac can take credit for:

3 cooked and cut chicken breasts
1 small can tomato sauce
1 large can stewed tomatoes
1 can corn with juice
1 can kidney beans
1 can white beans
1 chopped onion
1 small can green chiles-mild
1 cup chopped cilantro

Sometimes it seems too thick so I add a little chicken broth or even just water will do. I do like it a little thicker though.

So easy, just pour it all in a large pot, heat and EAT!!

I always serve it with Fritos or tortilla strips, sour cream and shredded cheese. Really you can add in whatever you want, olives, green onions, a squirt of lime.

ENJOY!!

Zac is making this for me tonight and I am so excited.