Appreciation

I just received a lovely journal from a student as a gift and since I don't keep a written journal, I was trying to find a way to use it.  I came up with the Appreciation Journal  I wrote "M's Page" on one page and "C's Page" on the opposite page.  On my page I wrote the date and something my husband did either that day or the previous day that I really appreciated or loved.  The journal started simply with "I am so thankful that you put gas in my car last night so I wouldn't have to do it this morning."  I gave the journal to C and explained what it was all about-- he was sold!  He grabbed the journal later and wrote his first entry which was "Thank you so much for sweeping the front and weed whacking the backyard!"  Since I'm artistic I drew little cartoons with mine but I'm not expecting C to do the same ;) 


Want to try the Appreciation Journal with me?  So easy to do and so nice to open up the book and see something written there! 

Count Your Blessings Tuesdays

Today I am grateful for:

•  "ME" days
• having a CLEAN house and knowing I did my best to clean it
• freshly mowed grass (Thanks to C for his mowing skills and my weed whacking skills-- team work!)
• stupid movies (Blades of Glory anyone?? and Lifetime Movies... yes!)
• having finished a crochet project (even if it is too short to be a scarf... and turned curvy... I *did* finish!)
• 12 more days-- only 9 of which are "instructional"  

Happy Birthday to C... (warning: mushy stuff ahead)

Gosh... I'm one lucky girl.  28 years ago today, the one person in this world who was meant for me was born.  I'm lucky that almost 10 of those 28 years were spent with me.  C has brought so much to my life and I am grateful for him.  He really does complete me and we make up for each other's weaknesses.  Not only is he a great husband but he's an awesome father and my best friend.

Drop everything and cook this NOW

For this meal you have to marinate the chicken for a while so it's best if you prepare it the night before you plan to make it.  I also felt that it would be great cut up in fajitas!  I didn't slave over the stove making spanish rice... I cut corners and used Uncle Bens minute Spanish Rice and it was delicious!   Try this, you won't be disappointed!

Tequila Lime Chicken (Pioneer Woman)

Ingredients

• 3 whole Limes, Juiced
• 5 cloves Garlic, Peeled
• 1 whole Jalapeno, Sliced
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• ½ cups Cilantro
• ½ cups Tequila
• 5 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, Grated (although I used cheddar and it was AWESOME!)
• 
  
• Preparation Instructions

Combine lime juice, garlic cloves, sliced jalapeno, salt,
cilantro,and tequila in a food processor or blender.
Pulse until combined. Turn on the blender/food processor
and drizzle in the olive oil until it’s all combined.

Slightly flatten chicken breasts with a mallet or the bottom
of a heavy skillet. Place in a plastic bag and pour in marinade.
Seal bag and marinate for several hours or (preferably) overnight.

When ready to cook, remove chicken from bag and place
on the grill.  Cook until completely done. Toward the end of
cooking, top chicken breasts with grated Monterey Jack
(I used cheddar and I feel it was a better pairing) and allow
to melt. (You can also top chicken
with cheese and melt under the broiler.)

Serve with pico de gallo or salsa, Mexican rice, sour cream,
avocado slices, fresh flour tortillas…and whatever other
garnishes make you smile!

--------------
I also made this pico de gallo although I felt the jalapeños
were a bit much.  Next time I make it, I will only use one...
and also use gloves when I cut them.  Gah, still trying to get the oil
off my hands!

Count Your Blessings Tuesdays

Today I am grateful for:

• time with friends I don't get to see often
• being able to not only capture our life moments with the camera but enjoy them as well!
• in-laws that come down to watch T for us 
• visits from family
• photo shoots :)
• yummy dinners made by C