Cheers heard around the neighborhood

OK people, if you don't know by now, I am just an average cook. But one fateful day I discovered this recipe that has my family enraptured, thus the title "Cheers heard around the neighborhood. Even I love it to death so here goes:

(Read the instructions carefully before starting.)

Angel Shannon's Topsy Turvy Taco Bake

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 egg
1 T. instant onion
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 pkg (8.5 oz. cornmeal muffin mix)
Dressings: Chopped tomatoes, green onions, cheese, lettuce, black olives and sour cream.
Combine beef, egg, onion, tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Spread in even layer in bottom of 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Drain. Prepare cornmeal muffin mix according to package directions. Spread over top of beef. Continue baking at 400 degrees for 15 minutes longer. Remove from oven and let sit on counter for 10 minutes. Turn upside down on serving plate and top with dressings. Dollop sour cream on individual servings.

A White Christmas After All

We have had the most spectacular fall that I can remember. The colors on the trees down here in the valley were vivid and beautiful. Because of the warmth and beauty all around us, winter was a vague presence that we knew was coming and yet didn't want it to arrive. Yesterday and today changed all that. We got a nice snowstorm yesterday and when it had slowed down some Boyd shoveled the driveway so nice and clear. I asked him if he thought we were done with snow and he said the fateful word............."yes."
This morning we awoke to lake effect snow. It was falling so fast that when Brock and I scraped the driveway, by the time we reached the bottom, it was ready to shovel again at the top.
Now we are driving around on snowpacked roads and praying every minute that we or our family members arrive at their destinations safely.

You can look at the edge of the driveway and see how deep the snow really was.

Our front yard this morning.

Arizona in November

Those of you who haven't seen Arizona in November are really missing out. I was totally awestruck by all the orange trees with ripening oranges. It was absolutely beautiful. Here are a few pictures of the activities we did while there.

Some oranges on Kevin and Kalie's tree. They will be ripe around Christmas time.

All of the kids surrounding a cactus in Thunderbird park. Funny, I couldn't get any of them to hug that thing!!!

We hiked the trails at Thunderbird park. It was just the right amount of exertion. :)

Court and cousin, David played computer games together.

Alyssa and Kalie with cousin, Katherine. Katherine is applying acrylic nails to Alyssa. It was Katherine's first set she has ever done.

Kevin and Alyssa out in front of Kevin and Kalie's house next to their orange tree.

Veggie Bars

I promised Kalie this recipe and thought I'd post it so that anyone who wanted to try a little veggie delight could.

Veggie Bars
2 tubes crescent rolls - squish into bottom of jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 - 11 minutes. Let cool.

Mix together:
3/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
2 8 oz. bars cream cheese
1 envelope ranch dressing
Spread on top of cooled crust.

Chop fine:
3/4 cup carrots
3/4 cup cauliflower
3/4 cup broccoli
1/2 cup onions
Spread on top of filling.
Chill for 3/4 hours.

p.s. the finer you chop your veggies, the better it is. :)

ENJOY!! Thanks, Jenny.

Gratitude

Having just returned from Phoenix, Arizona where we traveled for Thanksgiving I just have a heart full of gratitude for family. We spent time with Kalie and Kevin and ate Thanksgiving dinner with Brad and Kim and their family. What a wonderful time for all of us.
Pics will follow later when our computer comes back from the doctor. :)