Buffalo Chicken Taco's

I got this recipe off a bag of flour tortilla's one day and it turned out great and was very easy. I am not a huge fan of spicy foods but these are easily made mild or very hot by the amount of hot sauce you add. They are very easy and super yummy. They are a great summer meal to do on the grill. Enjoy!


To make ours a little healthier and cheaper I do not combine the avocado and ranch we just put a few dabs of ranch straight on the taco if desired. I also do not do carrots, cilantro or blue cheese instead I do cheddar cheese shredded, diced cucumbers and diced tomatoes. Really you can make it however you like according to what your family prefers. I usually add mexican rice and black beans as sides. 


Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 1-ounce package, taco or hot taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing, prepared
• 6 Mission Life Balance Flour Tortillas warmed
• Hot sauce, to taste
• 2 ounces blue cheese crumbled
• 3/4 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Preparation 

1. Combine taco seasoning, oil and 1/4 cup water to make marinade. Reserve 1/2 cup.
2. Place chicken in re-sealable plastic bag and add marinade. Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer.
3. Mash avocado (in mixing bowl) into small chunks and mix with ranch dressing until smooth.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade.
5. Grill chicken over medium-high heat, about 8 minutes per side or until thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken from grill and place on cutting board.
6. Slice chicken into thin strips and serve hot alongside warm tortillas. Serve with build your own sides/garnishes of hot sauce, blue cheese, carrots, cilantro and the avocado ranch dressing.

Preparation Time 
30 minutes

Cook Time 
16 minutes

Day 8 and 9

Sorry Guys I missed yesterday again! I am not sure what I was thinking. We had a fun afternoon of Ultimate Football and then dinner with some friends so I guess by the time we got back I was just not in the mood. :) Here it is:


Day 8-a song that you know all the words to and a picture that makes you laugh
day 09 - a song that you can dance to and a picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

A song that I know all the words to:

The JaneDear Girls- Wildflower

A song that makes me what to dance: 

1. Katy Perry Hot 'n Cold
   

A picture that makes me laugh- Flat Kim in the mermaid in Nassau. Kim couldn't go on our girls cruise so we took a pic of her with us. We came across this mermaid photo op. Stuck kims pic in it and then Sandy who was taking the pic. counted to 3 just like if she was actually standing there and needed to know when to smile. So funny! That trip was AWESOME!

A picture of the person who has gotten me through the most:

This one is hard because as a military wife there are plenty of times that I have needed help in the past and there have been so many ppl that have always been there for me and always will be. Just to name of a few:

1. My girls: here is a picture of most of them: Kim and Christine (not pictured)- and their husbands (they have bailed me out several times too- like the time Jason had to turn around while headed out to Chattanooga or somewhere to come let me in my house because I had locked myself out and Ellie was locked inside). Jen is definitely the honorable mention of this group because she has had to put up with me through the most times Geoff was away and the worst one (Basic Training). It was the first and I was probably the most depressed but she is the one who pulled me through!

2. My mom and stepdad

3. My dad and stepmom and family

Day 7

A song that reminds you of a certain event and a picture of your most treasured item.


A song that reminds me of a certain event:
Eric Clapton- Wonderful Tonight- Geoff and I danced to this at our wedding. 


A picture of my most treasured item: I will have to get back to you on this one!

Easter Pics

Here are some pictures of Ellie in her Easter dress. Enjoy!

My Favorite

Days 5 & 6

Sorry I forgot to post yesterday so I will be doing day 5 & 6 at the same time.

day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone and a picture of your favorite memory
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere and a picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day


A song that reminds me of someone- 
Gloria Gaynor- I will survive- This song reminds me of my cousin Lynn and all the hours we practiced that color guard routine trying to make it on the color guard our freshman year of high school. haha- p.s. this video is hilarious


A picture of my favorite memory- I am really not sure how anyone can have just one favorite memory. I have so many I can't name them all but here are some pics from just a few of my favorite memories. 

Ellie's first trip to Disney World- this was pretty much her reaction to most of the park.
It was so great that we plan to go back this year!

Any time Geoff comes home it is a great memory. This picture was when we picked
 him up at the airport when he came home on leave in Nov. of 2009.

This pic is from our trip to Germany. It truly was a great trip we
had the time of our lives! This was the only pic of all 6 of us
 but you have to look really close to see Scarlett in the reflection of the window. hehe

A song that reminds you of somewhere-

Kenny Chesney- no shoes, no shirt, no problem- this song reminds me of all the cruises I have been on. I would so love to be on one right now!

A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day-

I would love to trade places with Reese Witherspoon for a day and go SHOPPING with all her money! I have been told on numerous occasions that I look a little like her so it would be fun to have her stylist dress me up and see if I could pass as her. Hehe

Day 4

Day 4-


A song that makes you sad and a picture of your favorite night

1. 
   
2. A song that makes me sad: really it is the video more than the song that makes me sad. Ellie and I would watch the video together and it would make me cry and she would say "what is wrong mommy?" and I would say "nothing baby this song just makes me sad." Now every time it comes on the radio Ellie always says "this song makes us sad, Mommy!" 
3. Lady Antebellum- Hello World

A picture of my favorite night-

This is difficult because we have had a lot of great nights, but I think I would have to say the first night we had our baby girl Ellie! We are truly blessed!

Another Yummy Recipe

I thought I would post another family favorite recipe. It is super easy and would be a great dessert to take to your Easter get together.

Dump Cake

1 Box of Yellow Cake Mix
2 sticks of butter
1 can of crushed pineapple (drained)
1 can of cherry pie filling
1 bag of pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a glass baking dish (13x9) lightly with cooking spray. Place whole can of cherry pie filling in bottom of dish. Add crushed pineapple on top of the cherry pie filling making sure it is spread evenly. On top of pineapple add dry cake mix making sure the whole dish is covered. Sprinkle pecans on top of cake mix. Then thinly slice both sticks of butter placing each square across the top each square touching the last side by side until whole dish is covered. Bake in oven for 30-45 minutes until top is golden brown.

Yummy Yummy!

Day 3

Day 3:


A song that makes you happy and a picture of the cast from your favorite show.


A song that makes me happy:


Thompson Square- Are you gonna kiss me or not - I am a sucker for a good love story.


A picture of the cast of your favorite show: Modern Family- who doesn't love Modern Family- it is about the only show that my husband and I both enjoy watching together. 

I also really like Better with you: It kind of reminds me of my family a little in some ways! :) Especially now that my lil sis is a redhead. :) 

Day 2

Day 2-


Your least favorite song and a picture of you and the friend you have been closest with the longest




My least favorite Song:


Dog Days are Over- Florence And The Machine




A picture of me and the friend I have been closest with the longest:


Jen and I have been friends for 10 years. You would think there would be ton of pics of her and I but it was harder than you might to think to find one. I guess we always have other people in the pics with us or one of us is taking the pic. :) 

                                                     Shopping in France! 2011

                                             Hanging out on a cruise ship!
                                                            2010

                                   and just for kicks here we are back in 2001 :)

Day 1

Day 01 -
Your favorite song and a picture of yourself with 10 facts

This is harder than I thought! I never love a song forever my favorites are usually fleeting but this is a song I have loved for a long time...

Kenny Chesney- I can't go there 

p.s. this is a cheesy video but it was the only link to the song I could find :)

10 Facts... hmmm lets see....

1. I am an Alumni of North Georgia College and State University

2.  August 2011 my husband and I will have been together for 10 years! 

3. I absolutely love being a mother!

4. I love to travel!

5. I taught middle school for 3 years before deciding to be a stay at home mom. I loved teaching but love being an mother more!

6. I am so very proud to say that my husband is a soldier even if that means spending a lot time apart!

7. I have the absolute best family and friends! 

8. I love to meet new people and make new friends! You can never have too many friends!

9. I love to shop!

10. I love the beach!

30 Day Song Challange

I have seen the 30 day song and picture challenges floating around Facebook and on a few blogs and I thought it might be fun!


30 Day Song Challenge


day 01 - your favorite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep
day 11 - a song from your favorite band
day 12 - a song from a band you hate
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love
day 15 - a song that describes you
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty
day 29 - a song from your childhood
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year


and 

30-Day Picture Challenge

1. A picture of yourself with 10 facts
2. A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
3. A picture of the cast from your favorite show
4. A picture of your favorite night
5. A picture of your favorite memory
6. A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
7. A picture of your most treasured item
8. A picture that makes you laugh
9. A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
10. A picture of the person you do the most screwed up things with
11. A picture of something you hate
12. A picture of something you love
13. A picture of your favorite band or artist
14. A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
15. A picture of something you want to do before you die
16. A picture of someone who inspires you
17. A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
18. A picture of your biggest insecurity
19. A picture and a letter
20. A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
21. A picture of something you wish you could forget
22. A picture of something you wish you were better at
23. A picture of your favorite book
24. A picture of something you wish you could change
25. A picture of your favorite day
26. A picture of something that means a lot to you
27. A picture of yourself and a family member
28. A picture of something you're afraid of
29. A picture that can always make you smile
30. A picture of someone you miss

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner and I have been researching some ideas online. Of course I can't say what exactly I plan to do because my mother and mother-in-law both have access to my blog so I don't want to give away the surprise. I am not very creative as far as coming up with these ideas but I enjoy making them when someone is able to explain to me how to do it. Here are some of the creative ideas I have found during my research. Now I just have to pick what I think each of our mothers will like best.

Silhouette Gifts

Decorative pot- for plants or other things around the house

Handprinted oven mit or dish towel

Jewelry Holder

For the gardener

Receipt/Coupon Holder or Another receipt/coupon holder or One more

Just a few ideas I found.... haven't yet decided which I might try out!

Rave reviews

Every Tuesday night we have "the guys" (Jason, Danny and Chris) over for dinner. They are guys from Geoff's unit that are here at the course with Geoff and they live on post in not so great conditions. We have them over to give them time away and a home cooked meal. I thought I would share what I made tonight because it got rave reviews from them. They are always really appreciative and enjoy what I make but tonight they definitely loved it! Here is the recipe:

Croissant Chicken
Serving size 4

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
2 Pillsbury Crescent rolls
2 cups of shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 can of Cream of Chicken soup
1 cup of milk

You can boil the chicken for 20-25 mins until fully cooked or you can cook in the crock-pot for 3-4 hours on high. I prefer the crock-pot but both work fine. Dice cooked chicken into bite size pieces or shred chicken if you used the crock-pot method.

Place croissants in a glass baking dish (the glass will help you later) pinching the seems between 2 croissants to create a rectangle. Place chicken on top and then place another rectangle of croissants on top to create a pocket with the chicken inside. Repeat 4 times to create 4 pockets.

In mixing bowl combine soup, cheese and milk. Pour on top of croissant pockets making sure to completely cover all pockets with mixture.

Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 30-45 mins. Keep an eye on it because tops will burn if you aren't careful. You can cover with foil for first half of baking time to keep from burning. Remove foil near end of cook time to brown the top. When you think they are finished cooking look at the bottom of the pan to see if the croissants are brown if they aren't they may be doughy inside.

Serve and enjoy! I usually serve with a green veggie.

I hope you enjoy this Miller family favorite!

An Easter Tradition

Every Easter when I was a little girl we would always go to church in our Easter dresses and hats and then head over to my grandmother's house who we called Mama. It is one of those great traditions that everyone loved. The 7 kids would wait impatiently inside trying to resist the urge to peek as the adults were hiding the eggs in her huge (or at least it was huge to my little girl mind) backyard. They would hide them all over and we would spend hours hunting, eating and re-hiding the eggs. It was lots of fun and it is a great memory I share with all my family.

Last year my mom began her own tradition of an Easter egg hunt for her granddaughters. We aren't always able to do it exactly on Easter but it is still a great tradition that I look forward to every year. Especially as more children are added to our families and Ellie and Alyssa grow older.

This past weekend we continued our traditional Stewart family egg hunt and the girls had a ball. It did not matter that we had to do it inside because everything outdoors was soaking wet from Friday nights severe weather. It is so funny to see the girls and the different ways they participate in things. Alyssa is a go getter hurrying to find all her eggs and then tearing into them to see what all she got. Ellie is much more thoughtful and wonders around slowly looking for eggs and then neatly opens her eggs and enjoys each egg before moving on to the next. I am sure in years to come Ellie will learn to move a little faster when all the eggs are being taken but for now it is cute. For the rest of the weekend Ellie has played with those plastic eggs and all her goodies.

Here are some pics from the our second annual Stewart family egg hunt:

                                                    Ellie ready to find her eggs.

                                     Our attempt to get two two year olds to take a pic!

                                                   What exactly goes in this basket?

                                 We are over this picture stuff can we just find our eggs already? :)

Do we ever slow down?

It has been a fun but busy week and weekend. We left Columbus Wednesday to visit family in Atlanta.  Wednesday night I went to a Jewelry Sample Sale with my mom and found some amazing jewelry for super cheap. I am excited to see what old clothes I can jazz up with my new jewelry. It's amazing what a new piece can do for an outfit. Sample sales are the way to go! A lady in my mom's neighborhood has one every spring and fall. I will post when the next one comes around in case some of you are interested. It is lots of fun to look at all the great stuff she has it is far more than you would ever get in a store. If you ever get to go to one you should take advantage of it!

We also got to see some great friends at girls night. Girls night is one of the things I miss most since we moved. It never matters what we do at girls night we always have a great time! I can't wait to spend a week in Orlando this summer with those girls! I am so lucky to have not one but 7 best friends!

Friday night I picked Geoff up in Atlanta and we went back to my Mom and stepdad's house to celebrate Easter. Thanks to our friend Danny who let Geoff ride up from Columbus with him so we wouldn't have 2 cars all weekend. The girls got to have an Easter egg hunt and then we went to a concert at Suwanee Town Center Park. It was so fun but it definitely could have been warmer.

Sunday we were able to attend Lanier Hills Church and see some more great friends. It was great having lunch with them as well. Then we were able to get one more load from our house and now we are officially finished moving! Thank goodness! Once back in Columbus we went to dinner with some new friends! It is so fun to meet new people and learn new things from them! Looking forward to more dinners with the Greenleaf's! :)

It was a great week and weekend! Now we are looking forward to hanging out with some of our new friends here in Columbus and enjoying this beautiful weather we are having. I am really hoping that one day soon I get over these allergies! :(

UFL

 Here at the Maneuvers Captain Career Course they like to have mandatory fun so every Wednesday we go cheer Geoff and his team on at their Ultimate Football League games. I have no idea what the rules are or how to follow the game that is some strange cross between football and ultimate Frisbee but it is fun nonetheless. Ellie and I go and hang out with the other wives and Ellie yells "Go Daddy Go". Last game we had a cookout on the field after which was fun. I am bummed we will miss this weeks game but Ellie and I are excited to head back to Atlanta to see family and friends this week.

                                                The Beer Cooler the guys favorite part!

                                                     E cheering her daddy on!

                                                                      Warming up

The girls having fun! Sorry Dana this was Ellie's photography skills! I still thought it was a cute even though you are kind of cut off.

                                 The cheering section minus Jessica! Where are you Jessica?

Our New Place

We are finally all settled in here in Columbus. I thought everyone who hasn't gotten to visit yet might like to see what our new place looks like. We would love to have anyone over who would like to visit or even if you are just passing through to more exciting locations. :) Our apartment complex is great so far. It is quiet, we have great neighbors and lots of parking. If anyone ever has to move to Columbus, GA I would recommend this complex.