My Valentines Day

Yesterday was Valentines Day - so I am dedicating this post to my love, my best friend, my hard-working hubby and my forever Valentine ~ Dave.

We decided to celebrate early with a date night Saturday but Dave got the weekend rolling perfectly by jumping out of bed first thing in the morning (and he's NOT a morning person - so I appreciated the sacrifice) and taking care of the boys so I could lounge in bed and pretend to sleep in.  He fed them, changed them, entertained them and then brought me a Valentine's card, white chocolate lindor truffles (my faves) and orange juice in bed. Oh and let me tell you, the warm gushy love feelings flowed!!! 

Dave's mom offered to watch the boys for us that afternoon/evening so we could enjoy our date night, and so we headed out mid-afternoon to make the most of our time alone.   And we did things right - oh yes, we hit Starbucks FIRST!

Let's be real - I needed caffeine by 3:00pm if I had any hopes of staying up for date night!

From Starbucks it was off to Typhoon, one of our all-time favorite restaurants at their newest location in West Linn.

Hello Thai food... I love you and your sweet peanut sauce goodness!

The food was spectacular as usual.. my only disappointment came at dessert time.  Dave and I first fell in love with Typhoon while we were dating; and on our very first visit there we shared their signature dessert - mango sticky rice with coconut sauce (heavenly).  It became a tradition after that, every time we dined there (which was fairly often) we'd finish with "our" dessert.   

So imagine the sadness when I learned mangoes are not in season and they were not serving it.  I think I felt a little bit like Jesus when he didn't find any figs on the fig tree... I decided not to curse the restaurant though!  Their Pad Thai was really good after all!

From dinner we drove to Clackamas Town Center, where at Dave's suggestion we strolled around window shopping (huge act of love for Dave who's melancholy nature finds window shopping abhorrent since it achieves nothing and therefore is a waste of his time) until our movie started.  

On several friends recommendations, we watched The King's Speech.  Growing up in a commonwealth country, I knew some of the background and so found the storyline extra captivating, but Dave who knew nothing of the royal family's history really enjoyed it too.  I totally understand the Oscar nomination for Colin Firth for his role as King George VI and I thought Helena Bonham Carter made a wonderful Queen mother.

Waiting for our movie to start.

So date night was wonderful. We laughed, we talked, we kissed, we cuddled, we ate, we drank Starbucks, we held hands and looked at each other with googly eyes.  We teased each other, we talked about our kids... we loved just being together.  

And so there it was - my perfect date night, with my perfect Valentine! 

Crockpot Monday - Mexican Cream Cheese Chicken

I used to think that if something could be thrown together in less time than it takes to make mac n' cheese from a box... it couldn't possibly be a great dinner!  

Then I found this recipe! 

And then I cried for joy.

And then I made it over and over because it takes NO time, NO effort, AND it tastes darn delicious!!!  

Thank you Jodi for sharing this recipe with me... and now I pass it along to you to love, cherish and enjoy!

MEXICAN CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN (Crockpot edition)

Chicken, Corn, Black Beans, Salsa & Cream Cheese - 5 ingredients, that's all!!

It doesn't get much simpler than this folks...really five ingredients.  And they're not even fancy!

Start by throwing in some frozen chicken.  Yep... you don't even have to defrost it... this is the ultimate in "throw together" meals!

Now cover that chicken with some frozen corn (or canned, or fresh if you don't have frozen).

To the chicken and corn add a can of rinsed & drained black beans.

And then one jar of your favorite kind of salsa.

This is my favorite right now - it's got some nice heat but still a bit of sweetness that I find gives a really nice taste balance to the dish.  But regular ol' salsa works just fine too.

Now turn your crockpot on low and cook for about 6 hours or until chicken is cooked through.

This is my chicken at the 6 hour mark... looks and smells delicious.  Last step - throw in a block of cream cheese and let it sit on the top for about 20 to 30 minutes til it softens.

Then stir your mixture all together and PRESTO - you're done!

Now serve it up over some rice and dig in.  

It's creamy.  It's delicious.  The chicken is tender and flavorful.  The corn adds some sweetness while the black beans give a great texture that balances out the dish.  The salsa pulls the entire dish together and cream cheese... well it's my friend!

* NOTE:  If you are opposed to cream cheese, you could substitute with sour cream.  This dish can also be prepared in a skillet rather than crockpot if you don't have a slow cooker, or if you forgot to turn your crockpot on and no longer have 6 hours to wait for dinner.

Go ahead and try this - you'll be glad you did!

Things I've learned from my mother

Recently I downloaded Picasa's free software onto my laptop to organize & edit my photos.  Then my good friend Laura introduced me to the "people" feature in Picasa and I have since lost a few many hours days naming photos and watching them automatically go into people catagories for future reference.

It was during one of my "naming" sessions that I came across the following photos that have taught me a valuable lesson from my mother!

LESSON #1

There is a time when it is acceptable and even cute to dress your children alike when they are small.  

Jan, 1981 - Aren't we adorable in our matching red short suits?!

Early 1982 - rocking the blue jumpers!  Does anyone else see Blake's "cheese" in Jodi's smile? 

But there comes a time when matching goes from cute to just plain awkward and embarrassing, and it's important to know the line before you cross it...

Coming to you straight from Little House on the Prairie. 

Welcome to the line crossed.

Me and my prairie sister, would like to present you with our version of "What Not To Wear".  I still remember that horrid purple dress vividly... oh how I hated it!  

As I looked at these photos I couldn't help but wonder what on earth was my mother thinking?  But then I came across this picture that I took this past Christmas.

My boys... matchy-matchy!

And I totally get it now. 

Dear Hayden & Elijah,

It is clear to me now that I am destined to become my mother!

So I apologize in advance for what photos

I may take of you as you grow older. 

Please know it's only because I think 

you're the cutest things EVER.

And if I take photos of you later in life, 

that you deem to be embarrassing...

I want you to blame your grandmother!

Love, your mommy!

What I Love Wednesday

What I love Wednesday this week is my optimistic approach to something I despise...being sick.

So today - I dedicate this post to a few little items around my house that are making life better for me:

Oh have I needed you today!  Thanks for soothing my sore throat and tasting good at the same time, unlike your effective but evil cousins the fisherman's friends.

I feel like you've really been there for me and my nose today... thank you Puffs.  And thank you also for coming in cute box designs that match my bathroom decor and make me smile when I look at you.

And lastly... and I have to admit my personal favorite - even when I'm NOT feeling under the weather... 

Oh you are very cute.  I like looking at you.  And then I like congratulating myself on making something so adorable.

This little guy really steals the cake on the What I Love Wednesday this week, especially when he says things like this:

"Mommy has an owwie in her throat?"

ME: "Yes honey."

"Well I pway for you and Jesus makes all your owwies go away."

Then he stretched out his little hand to touch my arm, squeezed his eyes closed with a look of total concentration on his face and said quietly:

"Dear Jesus...mumble, mumble, mumble... and make the owwies go away - AMEN!  See, you all better now!"  

Thank you Hayden!

Cough drops, kleenex and a dose of child-like faith - yep, I'd say I'm feeling better already!!

Tasty Tuesday - Chicken Enchiladas

Growing up in New Zealand I never had Mexican food!  Even though New Zealand is a melting pot of culture - apparently South America skipped over our little country.  So my first experience with the stuff was Taco Bell (yes I realize, hardly authentic) when we moved to the States in 1992 and the spices were so foreign to me back then I couldn't even handle the mild taco sauce.

Over the years I have grown much more accustomed to the tastes and flavors of Mexican food and it has become one of my favorite cuisines.  I've even worked myself up the "heat" scale with salsa from mild to medium and sometimes even hot... okay, not so much the hot, but medium is leaps and bounds from where I started so I'll pat myself on the back anyway.

Dave really enjoys spicy foods, and so Mexican-inspired* dishes grace my kitchen often... avocado corn salsa, fajitas, tacos, chicken tortilla soup, Mexican cream cheese chicken, just to name a few, and this recipe for chicken enchiladas.

* Inspired means that if it's not truly authentic you can't judge me!!

Here's what you'll need: (for regular recipe scroll to the bottom)

Chicken, green chiles, cheese, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, sour cream, flour tortillas and enchilada sauce.

Start by chopping up some chicken.  If you're vehemently  opposed to chopping and you'd rather shred... be my guest.  You can cook your chicken whatever way you want (boil, broil, poach, fry, saute, roast) and use whatever kind of meat you like (breasts, tenders, thighs, dark meat, white meat) but you'll need approximately 3 cups worth.  

As for me - I picked up a nice rotisserie chicken from the local grocery store, picked that sucker apart and congratulated myself on all the time I saved in cooking it!!!

To your beautiful bowl of chopped (or shredded) chicken add 1 cup of shredded cheese.  Yes, I used cheese from a bag - it was easy!  

Add a 4oz can of green chiles.

1 teaspoon of chili powder.

And 1 teaspoon of cumin.

Throw in a generous portion of cilantro... the recipe calls for 1/3 cup, but I like to spoil myself. 

And then 1/2 cup of sour cream.  

Mix it all together - the sour cream should moisten everything but not turn it into a soup.  If you need to add more - do so until it's the consistency you like.

Now go ahead and spread some of that delightful mixture ALL OVER your tortilla... you want the goodness in every bite after all, not just in the middle!

Roll them up and lay them seam side down in a 9x13 pan.  Usually you'd get 6 enchiladas but I built a couple "big daddy's" at the end for Dave so 5 it is! 

 Pour a can of your favorite enchilada sauce over top.

 

 And then top with another cup of cheese.

Now - throw this in the oven at 350'F for 35 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Mmmmm....cheesy, chickeny, enchilada goodness!

Now serve yourself up a good portion on a plate, top with some sour cream (if you're me) or throw on some salsa or hot sauce (just like my hubby) and enjoy!!!

We sure did!!!

* I also make this recipe with ground beef. I brown the hamburger with some chopped onion, season with taco seasoning, omit the green chiles, chili powder & cumin and add in some corn.  Both versions are excellent!! 

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

Prep time: 10 minutes    Cook time: 35 minutes     Ready in: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken

2 cups shredded cheese, divided

1-4oz can green chiles

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/3 cup cilantro

1/2 cup sour cream

1-10oz can enchilada sauce

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350'F

2.  Mix together chicken, chiles, 1 cup cheese, chili powder, cumin, cilantro and sour cream.

3.  Spread evenly over flour tortillas, roll up and place seam side down in a 9x13 pan.

4.  Top with enchilada sauce and remaining cup of cheese.

5.  Bake for 35 -40 minutes or until golden brown.

Another session of "What I Learned This Weekend."

As yet another weekend comes to a close I find myself wondering where it went.  Of course I know the answer to that since I'm about to document it for you... but still, why does Monday always have to come so quickly?

My weekend started off VERY strange, but before I delve into the depths of that... let me give you a little background on myself.

I'm an administrative assistant for a very busy church and private school.

I'm good at my job.

I don't get stressed out easy.  

I rarely get flustered, emotional or confused when it comes to the ins and outs of my position.

That being said, the first thing I learned this weekend is:

1.  I am human.  This is noted by the uncontrollable, completely emotional, totally unexplainable and highly embarrassing MELTDOWN I had after two "kinks" in a row happened to my perfectly scheduled plans for job-related events.  I honestly don't know what came over me.  Neither were my fault, neither could be helped, and both were solved quickly...

HOWEVER, I shocked myself (and my poor husband who had no idea what to do with me, having never seen me like that in our 8+ years together) when I cried (and the more accurate description for this would be sobbed, wailed and did all but rend my garments and sit in ashes) for the better portion of the evening, followed by a completely sleepless night as I tried to fix the problem(s) in my head.

You'll excuse me for NOT displaying a photo of this moment.  Had a photo been taken, I would have destroyed it already.

And yes, I'm quite better now, thanks for asking!

2.  I learned that getting up on stage weekly to lead worship is completely different than teaching chapel for a group of kindergarten through 4th graders.  The very thought of this in fact will make me so nervous that I worry about losing bladder control.  Luckily no underpants were harmed in the delivery of said chapel message, and the kids were gracious, and the teachers were kind and I hope I faked confidence well.


3.  I learned that my 3-year old is NOT one of those kids that bites the dentist on his first visit (big whew), however, he IS one of those children that instead just refuses to open their mouth. (good grief.)

Pep talks from mommy, promises of treats from the dental hygienist (and maybe a couple quietly whispered threats of consequences by yours truly) finally saw a change of heart in aforementioned toddler and boys teeth were cleaned successfully.

Taken right before he freaked out about the "bib" and the lady with the mask who wanted to touch his teeth.

Finally allowing Kari (notice removed mask) to brush his teeth while he watches cartoons on the TV above his head.

Showing off his pearly whites (and new toothbrush) with Kari our hygienist, who was also his new best friend by the end of our visit.

In retrospect, I should have let him watch me first instead of choosing to go second, because he was intrigued by everything the hygienist did on my teeth.  Kari is great, she gave him his own pair of gloves and allowed him to "help" by holding the suction-y thing in my mouth while she cleaned.  He asked lots of questions and felt highly important and only slightly put out that he couldn't do any more in-depth procedures on me whilst I lay there (he really, really wanted to operate the polishing brush and also the drill) so I have high hopes of much better performance by him at his next check up.


4.  I learned that there is NO getting around the fact that we will be a basketball family.  We attended two games this past weekend for our school's varsity girls and boys teams and I've got to admit - I'm an avid fan!  However, all my cheering and enthusiasm does not hold a candle to my husband, the former basketball star; who is instantly transported back to the court in his glory days every time he watches the boys play and can't sit in a seat to save his life because his emotions get the best of him.  He instead stands in the balcony and coaches the boys from afar while he fidgets, paces and yells from his "I wanna play so bad" stance.  He makes me laugh every time. The man's going to be a nervous wreck when his own boys are playing one day!


5.  I learned that #22 on the Cougars boys team has no bigger fan in life than my 3-year old child who yelled at the top of his lungs "Go Dawson" every time he had possession of the ball all game long!

Dawson's a pretty good guy so I'm okay with Hayden idolizing him!

The CCS Cougars Varsity Boys 2011

6.  I learned that sometimes all you need is comfort food - and when that feeling hits you, my Nanna's goulash is a really good recipe for a quick fix!

I'm a sucker for anything with elbow macaroni.

7.  I learned that I can display amazing self-control in the face of many delightful desserts as shown at today's Superbowl Party where Jodi, Jana & Amy all tag-teamed with delicious items.  This noted, I completely lost all self-control when presented with the Cheetos... oh dear.  Apparently my sweet tooth is not the problem.


8.  I learned that some recording artists should not be heard live.  Thank you Superbowl half-time show for proving that.


9.  I learned that my New Zealand accent when leading worship (however non-existent it may be by now) is still enough to make certain people at TCC think I said that God "reigns and rolls" when I clearly stated He rules. 

Note to self - throw words like "garage" and "tomato" into the mix next time just to really give those folks a good time!


10.  And I'll end with #10  because this has been a ridiculously long post - but I learned that I will always be a sucker for hats because of this guy.

Hello adorable child of mine.

Please stay exactly like this...forever.

Thank you!

Love your mommy!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

5 minutes prep - 25 minutes cooking - ready in 30 minutes!

Simple, easy and delicious!

One of my favorite "go-to" recipes is chicken tortilla soup.  It's quick and easy to make, I almost always have the ingredients on hand, and it makes my whole house smell delicious.  It also reheats really well and the flavor combination - well it just makes my salivary gland kick into overdrive.

Oh, and it cooks in ONE POT, and have I mentioned how easy that makes the clean up?

Now that being said - If you're looking for the world's most authentic chicken tortilla soup recipe, you might have to look elsewhere;  but it tastes darn good and that's all that counts in my book!

Meet the cast of characters:

Chicken, olive oil, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, condensed chicken broth, black beans, green chiles, whole kernel corn, cilantro, avocado and tortilla chips.

Start by heating a couple tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat.  Chop up your chicken and toss it on in and cook through.

You can flavor the chicken with salt & pepper or whatever seasoning floats your boat but do yourself a favor and season it.  Chicken wants to be seasoned, trust me!!

When the chicken is cooked through, transfer into a bowl and add a little more oil to your stockpot, returning it to medium heat.

Chop up an onion and toss it in the mixture.  Stir around for a few minutes until onion softens and starts to turn translucent, then add in three or four (or five if you're daring) cloves of garlic.

Mmmmm..... smells good already!

Next add in your two main spices for this soup.  Cumin & Chili Powder.  Don't fear them... they're your friend.  The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of each, but I usually double that because I LOVE the flavors.

Chili Powder

Cumin

The pretty color it makes when all the ingredients mingle together

Next add a 28.5 oz (or 2 regular size cans) of diced tomatoes.  You can use crushed too if you prefer, but diced is what I had on hand.

Toss those bad boys in and stir them all around!

Next add in your chicken broth (or stock).  I use about 2 1/2 cups.

Then for an extra punch of flavor I add in one can of condensed chicken broth without adding the water.  Now step away and let this delightful concoction simmer together for about 15 minutes.

 

Add in 2 cups of whole kernel corn.  I use frozen - but fresh or canned works too.

Drain and rinse a can of black beans and dump them on in.

Then dump in a can of green chiles.


You're almost done now!!

Add your chicken back in and simmer everything together for another 10 minutes.

 Lastly add in about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of cilantro (I go more because I like it, and it's such a pretty green color).  You can add the cilantro earlier in the cooking process but I don't like it to wilt too much so I save it for last.

Behold the tasty creation... oh how it longs to be ladled into a bowl and devoured.  And it shall...yes it shall!

Now have at it... I like to top mine with avocado and smashed tortilla chips, but you could add cheese, sour cream, green onions... really whatever.

Mmmmm...mmmmm....mmmmmm - go make some now!  Your tummy will thank you!