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Yesterday, our part of the country got some pretty severe weather.  The kind where there is lots of heavy rain, strong winds, and enough thunder and lightning to make a music classroom full of first graders shriek and shiver.  I had to reassure them that we were safe and cozy and all was well.  I could only do that because I am a professional who would never frighten children – and I was checking the radar frequently to make sure we weren’t in any real danger.  I actually love when it rains and we are all snug and cozy in our classroom.  To make matters even better, we have a visitor from the museum in our classroom all this week and she has to turn out the lights to show slides.  The weather outside meant that it was really dark and awesome when she turned out the lights.  I loved it.

The best part of the storm system that blew through is the cooler weather that it ushered in.  When we left school late yesterday, the temperature was distinctly lower.  This morning, it was almost shiver-worthy!  I love this kind of cool, crisp weather.

Today’s temps were supposed to stay cool, and I decided to put something in the crock pot so we would have something warm to fill our bellies after work and school.  These chicken tacos are yummy and easy!

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

  • 2 packages of taco seasoning
  • 1 package of ranch dressing mix
  • 1 can of chicken gravy
  • 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
  • 3-pound bag of frozen chicken breasts
  • Wrappers:  Flour tortillas, taco shells, lettuce leaves

Pour gravy, broth, and seasoning packets into the crock pot and whisk to combine.  Lay chicken breasts on top and cook on low all day (6-8 hours).

Remove chicken from the crock pot and use forks to shred the meat.  Add it back to the crock pot and cook for 15-30 minutes to allow the chicken to soak in the juices.

Use tortillas, taco shells, or lettuce leaves to make your tacos or wraps.  Add sour cream, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or any other taco toppings that you like.

Well Duh #1:  Michael recently transitioned from the Atkins Diet to another diet that, although low-carb, does allow some carbs.  We are so excited to add whole wheat and whole grains and even sweet potatoes back into his diet.  He’s especially happy about getting to eat fruit again!  This recipe is perfect for him because he can have a few tacos wrapped in whole wheat tortillas and can then have more wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Well Duh #2:  Be sure to leave your chicken breasts frozen.  If you try this recipe with thawed chicken, you can’t cook them as long.

Well Duh #3:  While you have the chicken out of the crock pot to shred, taste your “juice” for seasoning.  You may need to add a little salt.

For some reason, my entire family is in the office right now while I’m writing this.  Michael is working on his computer.  Christopher is playing the guitar and singing praise songs.  Elizabeth is doing push-ups against the door frame.  Brees is watching all of us while he lays at my feet and chews his rubber bone.  It’s actually a little comical that we are all crammed into one of the smallest rooms in the house for no reason other than we kinda like each other. Every now and then, one of us will burst out into whatever song Christopher’s singing at the moment.  Occasionally, we all do it at the same time and there are some pretty awesome harmonies.

I’m crazy about these people.  And so blessed and grateful that God made us a family.

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