Mystery Solved...and the Cutest Lil' Fire Fighter You Ever Saw

I was scanning through the pics on my camera the other day and was surprised at what came up...




And then I remembered...nap time, one week ago. Turns out I took the nap and Jonah had fun with the camera. The self-incriminating evidence is overwhelming.

By the way...this is the picture I was looking for when I turned on the camera.

Jonah's first preschool field trip at the fire station.

A Good Day

So, I was reading through my last post and decided that was too much of a downer to leave the most recent post. I've rediscovered how important it is to have my kids work right along side me, or rather for me to work with them as was the case today. Lately, if I get the dishes done it's because Jonah has asked if we can do the dishes. I figured I better jump all over that while it lasts. I used to rinse, and he'd load but because it's so much more fun for him the other way around, I've given in to the watery mess and have let him do the rinsing. Today, after we were done he paused on his way out to play to say, "Thank you for letting me do the dishes, Mom." Uh....okay. I'll take it.

So then later, or earlier I guess, he was helping me fold laundry and I taught him how to turn the clothes outside-in. Who would have thought something so menial could make a kid so happy? It was like Christmas morning! Ellie's job was to carry the piles (that are no longer piles when she's through with them) upstairs to their rooms. Yeah, she's still in the "not-so-helpful" helping phase, but it is pretty cute. It's nice that Jonah can be quite competent when he puts forth the effort. It gives me hope. And Charlotte--well, we'll give her a while yet to prove herself.

I've been "tagged!"...ergg!

So I think I'm supposed to write six things about myself that maybe not everyone knows and then tag six others to do the same. But then the first thing about me is that I hate forwards and little gimmicks like these that we're supposed to pass on. It's not that they're not fun, I appreciate reading others' but seriously I just can't stand the pressure. See Elizabeth, look how long it has taken me to get to this and I've felt guilty every day I've put it off!!! Is it worth the guilt...no, but here I am feeling guilty anyway.....SO, I'm sorry Elizabeth but I'm ending the tag on my line! And of course I still love you :)

On to number 2... Just about every other day I'm struggling not to yell at Jonah. He knows how to push my buttons and often does.

number 3... I play LAST chair in the Mesa Symphony and try my darndest not to show how much I'm really faking the parts. To my credit, I do wish so badly I could lock my kids up in a room for a few hours to allow me time to practice, but I just think that's mean.

number 4... I want to cry every time I think about Virginia and all my friends I used to have and how I don't have any now.

enough with the depressing...

number 5... Bedtime is my favorite time of day (both my bed time and the kids). I LOVE laying down next to Jonah, singing him songs and having him wrap his arms around me and tell me he loves me as he falls asleep. It makes number 2 (see above) worth the struggle.

number 6... I love to read, but I'm an embarrassingly slow reader and often don't finish the book before (or even after) it's due date and end up returning it half (or sometimes 1/4 ) way read...like the book I just finally returned to the library today. Again, to my credit, this was my third attempt but the stinkin' book drop was out of order each time I tried and there was never time to go in! Goodness, life can get frustrating over the silliest things!

Follow Up...

For those of you who weren't sure what "Rest position, feet in line" was all about...



She got a little distracted by Charlotte there toward the end. "Sharwut! Sharwut!"

Three Generations of Lawyers

Left to Right: "Great Papa," Josh, Dad

Josh has passed the bar... as we all (except maybe Josh) knew he would! I guess they don't have you go down to the court anymore to be sworn in. All you need is a notary and it so happens that Josh's dad is one so we had Josh's parents and Grandparents over at our house for the occasion. Wait to go, hon! I knew you could do it!

"Dough, a deer, a female deer..."

Yesterday we broke out the Halloween cookie cutters and got to work making yummy Halloween treats. The kids were covered in flour and dough and as Jonah looked down at his pile of dough he exclaimed, "Hey, that's like 'doe a dear'!"

Something Different

I'm breaking protocol here and posting, yes...a recipe! For those of you who know me very well know that there's no reason I would ever have to suggest a recipe of my own making. I am neither a good cook or a creative one. Certainly nothing I could cook is worth mentioning. BUT, since Josh cooked this one (yes, I do have the best husband in the world), it gets a post.

It does require an overnight marinade, but it is SO worth it. I LOVED this meal! And be careful with the habaneros. Use gloves or a plastic bag or something to protect your hands...seriously!


Jerk Chicken

3-5 pounds chicken pieces (we used 6 chicken breasts, halved)
2 cups white vinegar, plus 1 tsp.
2 cups finely chopped green onions
2 habaneros, seeded and minced
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
4 Tbsp. lime juice
5 tsp. ground allspice
2 bay leaves
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crumbled
1 tsp. cinnamon

Rinse chicken pieces well in 2 cups of the vinegar, drain, transfer to plastic bag and set aside.

In a food processor combine remaining 1 tsp. vinegar, gr. onions, habaneros, soy sauce, lime juice, allspice, bay leaves, garlic, salt, sugar, thyme, and cinnamon for the marinade.

Rinse chicken pieces well under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Add marinade to chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 24 hours and up to 2 days.

Grill for about 8-10 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

We served this with a slightly modified Lime Rice recipe of Jene's.

Lime Rice

In a large pot, saute:
2 Tbsp. butter
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced

Add:

3 cups rice
6 2/3 cups water (do half water/half chicken broth for more flavor)
1/2 bunch cilantro
2 tsp. cumin
2 small cans diced green chilies
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. salt

Bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer and cover until rice is cooked.