Yolande

I don't know about you, but in our house we eat a lot of Mexican Food. 

Taco Tuesday is in full swing at our house...we have some sort of Taco on Tuesdays.

My girls LOVE tacos/burritos...they would eat that every night for dinner if I let them. 

I love the traditional taco, but I also love making Baked Tacos! 

Here is one of my favorite Baked Taco Recipes....

Here is what you need:

- 1 lb of Ground Turkey (I use Jennie-O Lean) or Ground Beef

- Packet of Taco Seasoning

- Can of Black Beans, drained

- Can of Corn, drained

- 2 cups of Salsa (I used Chi-Chi's Medium Salsa)

- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese 

-Taco Shells

Directions:

Brown your Ground Turkey (or Ground Beef)

After your have cooked the meat, add the taco seasoning (and water) according to the taco seasoning directions.

Drain your corn & black beans:

Add the corn, black beans & 2 cups of salsa to the mixture:

Let simmer for 15-20 minutes

When the meat mixture is done simmering, add the mixture to taco shells & place in baking dish:

**NOTE...this will make 10-12 baked tacos (depending on how much of the mixture you use per taco. I only assemble & bake the amount we are going to eat that night because these don't save for the next day, the shells get soggy. So, I save the leftover meat mixture & then when we have it for leftovers later that week, I assemble them again & bake them.** 

Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes (until cheese is melted)

 You can eat these without putting garnishes on them, but I like to add goodies!

I add taco sauce, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, sour cream & guacamole. Kevin & the girls also add olives.

Claire's 1st Christmas {3 months}, Kate {23 months}
 In 2011, they both smiled.  The streak was over. But in 2011, I had just found out I was pregnant with Luke, so I was hoping for another Santa screamer ;)
Last year {2012} Luke was just 4 months old and he LOVED Santa:

We went to see Santa yesterday & also went with my sister & Jack.
 Jack did not disappoint.

LOVE it.
 Of course, we had to do another brother cousin photo.
 I knew that this year would be my chance for Luke to have a crying Santa photo.
He is a really happy guy & never cries when we drop him off at Sunday school, etc.
I put him on Santa's lap...
Luke is checking out Santa. Jack is still pissed.

 Then, we took the boys off Santa's lap and I consoled Luke.
It was time for the girls to go on Santa's lap, and I needed a sibling photo, so Luke went back on his lap.
Luke is like "Are you kidding me?!?!

 Luke...looking over at my mom, silently pleading for help.
 And, we have another money shot. YES.
Then, I rescued Luke so that the girls could tell Santa what they wanted.
I love our Santa in our town because it is FREE and you can take your own photos!
As many as you want.
 The girls were having a grand old time with Santa. He asked them what they wanted. They both said, "I don't know." Santa asked if they wanted him to surprise them. They said, "Sure". 
 Sweater {here}  Skirt {Here} Shoes {Here}
Luke's Outfit:
Shirt {Here} Pants {Here} Shoes {Here}
I got the girls their outfits during the Cyber Monday sales (and most of these stores are having 30%-40% off sales today also!)
Then, we realized we needed a photo with all the cousins, so we put the boys back on Santa's lap.
I could look at these photos all day.
There is nothing that makes me smile like crying kids on Santa's lap.

#evilmom

#cryingkidswithSantamakemehappy

Hope these photos brought a smile to your face today.

Happy Monday, indeed :)