Tamales

A few years back, I learned how to make tamales. They are a traditional Christmas food here in St. Johns, but I didn't want to have to rely on someone else to get my fix for these wonderful treats. So, I talked to tamale makers, found a few recipes, bought myself a book on tamale-making and jumped in. I didn't want to be compared to the wonderful cooks here, with their red chili beef/pork tamales, so I found a recipe for chicken tomatillo tamales. Surprise, surprise! I figured it out. It's not tough, but it's A LOT of work, so I only make then about twice a year. I'm sharing a few pictures of the process. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the finished product. . .I think I was just relieved that I was done.

The tomatillo salsa that serves as the sauce for the tamales.

The masa, chicken and salsa spread on the corn husk.

All wrapped up.
Next, I wrap it in parchment paper, and then steam them.
And then we eat them in 1/2 the time it took to make them. I think Lauren ate 4 within the first ten minutes.

I just found a recipe for tamales in which the masa, chicken, corn and sauce are all mixed together, wrapped in the husk and then steamed. If I get brave and ambitious (sometime around summer vacation) I think I may try those.

Cardinals Game

The Arizona Cardinals invited the High School State Champion teams to attend their game today. The teams were brought down to the 50 yard line, announced as State Champions, and then given seats in the end zone. This is the second year in a row our boys have been honored. They also got honored at a Diamondbacks game when they won the Baseball State Championship. Cade hasn't made it home yet, so I don't have details, but from what I've heard it was a lot of fun.

The Sock of Love

*A little background information: On Christmas Eve, the story my mom read was a true story about a poor little boy in Germany. For a few days prior to Christmas, he would wake up to find someone had placed a note and small gifts in his wooden shoes. My mom did a great job with her visual aids. She had a pair of wooden shoes, and as she went along, she would place a note and the gift in the shoes.*

So, my story. . .

Tonight I was cleaning the kitchen and visiting with Lauren. I told her my toes were freezing. She said, "Oh mom, I know where your fuzzy socks are. I'll go get them." And off she went. Sometime later, realized that; a)my toes were still freezing and b)I hadn't seen Lauren in a long time.

Soon after that, she came back downstairs. She had my two socks. Both had confetti paper in them. One was filled with candy and gum, the other had a scroll with this story in it: ( I kept her spelling and punctuation-it adds to the appeal)

The Sock of Love
One day a little young girl came and got her favrite fluffy socks. They were very fluffy and she was walking back home and she sow a lady that was bearfooted and she said to herself I am going to give her my socks. Sow she did and she felt very grateful and that is the end of the sock storie. Love, Lauren Thanks for all you do!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. That kid brings a smile to my face.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is my favorite holiday. It may not be on most people's list of "official" holidays, but I love it. It's been a Jackson Family Tradition for years to have a smorgasbord of Mexican food, a Christmas story by my mom, special numbers by the kids, and finally, the kids act out the "Christmas Story" while my dad reads it out of the scriptures. (This year Quinn took over as the reader). Thanks goodness Quinn, Michelle and their kids come over so that we have enough kids to fill in the roles. Actually this year, Lauren and Mimi had to play the angels, and then turn around and be the wisemen as well. We missed having Kell's boys there to add to the cast.

Our night winds down when everyone goes home and we sit down as our own little family to open the gift that Carol sends each year for Christmas Eve. This year, she made a little scrapbook of sayings from recent conference addresses. She also gave us the next addition to her life story. I look forward each year to open the Christmas Eve gift.

This year, the kids and I sat up reading Carol's story and LAUGHING at the stories of Ryan. He was kind of dozing off, but pretty soon I saw his sarcastic grin spread over his face. Of course, I like to add in my own comments much to Ryan's chagrin. He is hoping and praying that one of my parents will write a life story so that he can get revenge by making fun of me one day.

And then we topped it all off by sleeping in-all the way to 7:00! I love having older kids. OK, I'll tell the truth. I woke up at 6:00 and waited in bed staring at the ceiling until Lauren finally came in to get me. Who's the biggest kid in the house?!?!

Survivor--7th grade Style

The day before Christmas vacation always proves to be difficult for kids and teachers alike. No one wants to be there. The work is done, the grades complete, and the energy level is sky high. (Well, for the kids anyway. The teachers are another story). Our principal had insisted that we not "party all day" or sit around watching movies and eating for hours on end. So this year, we made plans to have a

Survivor Challenge.

The kids were split into 6 teams, where they competed for immunity necklaces. (AKA candy necklaces). The first challenge was to create a team name and flag. The rest of the challenges were a mix of educational activities and completely NON-EDUCATIONAL activities. One person from each team would sign up to compete in a specific activity. We didn't give them the exact explanation when they signed up. It was much more vague. Like you signed up for one if you had a Strong Heart, or you were a Know-it-All, or you were Good With Numbers.

Some of the activities included; stuffing as many mini-marshmallows in your mouth as possible in one minute's time, putting the steps of the scientific process in correct order, eating gorss food, and playing a word game. Each immunity necklace you earned took ten seconds off of your time in the FINAL CHALLENGE.

That challenge included strapping tape and a stop watch. Actually, they taped each other up and then raced to see who could get "un-taped" the quickest. *Disclaimer* Yes, there were many rules and precautions in place to ensure safety.

It was a great day. The kids were all busy, working together, and possibly learning a little bit. I only wish my principal had shown up to see it.

Lauren's Program

On the day of the big POWER OUTAGE, the second grade had their Christmas Program. It was still uncertain if they would hold it-but with 30 minutes to spare, the lights came back. It was On with the Show! Lauren has an incredible talent to know exactly when I bring the camera up to my eye and aim it toward her. Some little bell rings in her head and she turns to me with a pose and a smile.

Wrecker Call

On the 15th, we were sitting around discussing the days events, when a man came over with his son, needing a tow. Wanting to finish our discussion (and have a little company/help) Ryan invited me along. Lauren begged to go as well, so we put on warm clothes and headed out. St. Johns was clear and dry, but driving north towards Sanders, we were soon in snow. The work itself wasn't exactly pleasant (all calls I've ever been on involve a lot of swearing and banging around) but the company was great. On the way home Lauren asked us to sing her to sleep, so Ryan and I sang our favorite Christmas carols all the way home.

Ryan's Project

I've mentioned the differences between Ryan and I. He is a very precise and patient worker. I, on the other hand, am the complete opposite. But I'm definitely grateful for his talents because I end up with cool things like this. Since we've moved into the house, we've struggled each winter with the question of what to do with the ugly wood pellet bags. This year, Ryan found the perfect plans to build a container to store the pellets. Originally, the plans were for small flour and sugar container, but he was able to build it to a much larger scale. Because of the number of angles, he had to be very exact-but obviously he had great results. It is made of hickory, and the lid is made of red cedar.

Christmas Decorations

So, I've been pretty lax about keeping up with the blog. So, you are all going to be subjected to a month's worth of activities at one shot. . .

Soon after the first of December, Syd and Lauren climbed up into the attic to drag down the tree, the lights and the decorations. Syd bundled up, drug out the ladder and began to hang the outdoor lights. Using my finely honed "guilt-tripping" skills, I convinced Ryan and Cade to hang the garland across the entryway. But for the most part, it was Syd who got it all started. . .

The next step was the tree, where we had to brave all those itchy needles (fake needles, let's be honest. . .) But it was well worth it.

And of course, we couldn't forget the Desert Bighorn Sheep. The first year it joined our family, I was not too pleased about the thing. So, as I decorated for Christmas, I also dressed up the ram. I thought Ryan would be upset (which was my whole point) but he took one look at it and fell on the couch laughing. The next year, I didn't decorate it (Ryan just hadn't given me the reaction I was looking for.) Needless to say, he was disappointed. Really. So, it is now traditional to dress up the poor thing. As I stared into his sad glass eyes, while I hung a large purple ornament from his ear, all I could feel is pity. If you'll notice the back end of the thing, you'll see the boys' favorite part of the project.



Finally, my two new additions to my decorations. The first is an advent calendar/box. Lauren loved, loved, loved opening a door each day as we counted our way down to Christmas. The other, is a little statue of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. I found it at the "Santa Clause House" in Alaska. I'm glad I spoiled myself to get it. Truthfully, it has a place on the bookshelf all year round.

Power Outage

We had a little excitement Wednesday morning. As we were getting ready for school, the lights began to flicker. A storm was moving in, so we weren't too surprised. The power rarely stays out too long, so I just laughed. But when it came back on-it was only at half power it seemed. There I was with one half of my hair straightened (not a pretty sight, I'm telling you!). And then the lights went off. . .and stayed off. I'm there in the bathroom, frantically trying to get the most heat out of a quickly cooling straightener. All the while I'm cussing myself for flitting around all morning instead of getting ready. My punishment turned out to be one unusual hairstyle.
Anyway, we are running late, and I rush out of the house, push the button to open the garage door and. . . oh yeah. . .no power. Luckily, we have lots of vehicles. The only time I've been proud of saying that. So I sent Syd in the house to grab a pair of keys, any keys, and we headed off.
Arriving at school, I find that it is pretty much pitch black inside, so all the kids and teachers are standing around in the cold, trying to figure out what to do. It was our first day of finals, so truthfully, we were all praying that the outage would last and we'd be sent home. The administrators were rounding up generators and portable lights so that we could put the kids inside. Just as we were getting word that it looked like things weren't going to get better (Hooray!) the lights flickered back on. (Shucks!) So, after an hour delay, we were back in business. But it was fun while it lasted!

Daily Gratitude

CHAMPIONS!

St. Johns 42

Phoenix Christain 17

Daily Gratitude

Ugh! I've been awful about keeping up. And today isn't going to be much better. But this past week, I've been grateful for my family and friends (of course), and for a few days off of work. But my big one is. . . Drum roll. . . Doctors and Insurance. Yep, my dear child, Cade has kept the doctors in business this football season. This time, he sprained his big toe-also known as turf toe. According to the doctor, it will take about 4 weeks to heal, and two months before it feels like new.

He's not sure how it happened during the last football game, but those who have watched the game film swear that it was the result of the other team twisting ankles when they tackled Cade. Who knows. But the result is a painful and swollen foot. However, he is a tough kid who kept on playing. He had a great game (166 yards rushing and two touchdowns). And now-they will be playing for the State Championship tomorrow! YEA! Cade didn't practice this past week, and is pretty nervous about the condition of his foot. But I'm sure he will give it all he has.

GO REDSKINS!


*A note about the picture-the boys have a team bonfire each week before their game. A reporter from the AZ Republic took this a couple weeks ago.*

Daily Gratitude

On a light note (or heavy, I guess, if you are counting calories. . .) I'm grateful for Olive Garden. I don't get to go there much, but when I do, I always enjoy trying new dishes. The girls and I ate there on Tuesday, and I tried the Chicken Carbonara. Move over Ryan. . . I think I'm in love. . . Actually, why I thankful for it today is because I ate leftovers for dinner, while I fed my family Hawaiian Haystacks. And I didn't even feel bad for them.

Daily Gratitude

I'm having to skip the picture today, because my subject lives thousands of miles away-in Alaska. Today, I'm thankful for my youngest sister, Cortney. Today is her birthday. Soon she will be having her own baby boy. I think of her every time I try to take Lauren to bed. When Cort was little, she would fall asleep on the couch. Nobody could take her to bed without Cort throwing a fit. But if I was the one to lift her up and carry her to bed, she would go happily, with her arms around me. It made me pretty darn proud. Lauren's been doing the same thing lately. She freaks out if Ryan or I pick her up, but as soon as Cade holds her, she wraps her arms around him, and mumbles happily until he puts her in bed. From those times to now, when we are as much friends as sisters, I will always be grateful for her.

Of course, when we are talking about sisters, I can't leave out Kellie. We grew up together-being less than two years apart. She was the spitfire of our family. Where I was the oldest, "try to please everyone", Kellie was the wild one who said and did what she wanted. I loved her for it. She would do anything to get a laugh. She was always up for whatever excitement we could concoct. Now, she amazes me with her creative talents, her love for her boys (and all the kids around her) and her strength of character. And she is one heck of a traveling buddy. (We went to Washington DC together a few years back).

I am grateful for all of my sister-in-laws. Meri, Lori, Miranda, Michelle, Felicia and Gina. I love all the things we have in common, and all of the things we don't. I'm honored to be a part of their families.

Finally, I'm grateful for the idea of "sisterhood". Being a woman can be tough, hard work. But I am so thankful for the beautiful, intelligent, faithful, strong, poised women that inspire me everyday.

Daily Gratitude

Today my Grandpas have been on my mind. They both were Veterans of World War Two. Richard Esplin, my mom's dad was a Marine who served in the South Pacific. Cleon Jackson, my dad's dad, was in the Army. He served in the Philippines. Also, my Great-Grandpa, Lawrence Esplin served in Europe during WWI. And now, my nephew Brock is serving in the Army. I'm so grateful for these men, and all the other men and women who have served our country. One day a year is not enough to honor their sacrifices. Even so, today, I offer a special prayer of Thanksgiving for them, their safety, and their loved ones. God Bless the USA.

Daily Gratitude

One of the greatest blessings in my life is Ryan. I sometimes think that we prove the point that opposites attract. When I was in high school, I just KNEW he was "the one" because we both liked sports and we both held our pencils awkwardly. (OK, there may have been a few other reasons). But when it comes down to personalities-we are very different. Yet, I'm so grateful for the differences. When I'm anxious and overwhelmed, he is the calm, steady one. When I can't focus on priorities, he's the one who reminds me of what's important. He makes me laugh, (A LOT) and even tolerates the few times I cry. Just being around him makes my heart happy.

PS He won't let me take his picture, so I"m left with sneaky, around-the-corner shots.

Daily Gratitude

A friend once told me that if you hear an idea, see a person, etc. THREE separate times, its a real sign that you ought to address the issue. Well, in the past week, both Heidi and Kellie have posted about gratitude, and then both speakers in church talked of gratitude. So, I think its a sign that I better lighten up and look at the many bright things in my life.
Heidi Udall is taking a picture and writing about something she is grateful for each day in the month of November. What a great idea. Even if I don't post everyday, hopefully, I will be more aware of the blessings that I have as I actively search them out.

So, for day number one: I am grateful for my kids' friends. One of the greatest blessings of living in St. Johns has been the friends that my kids have found. They add a richness to our whole family. At the same time, I'm grateful for those other parents who have welcomed my children in to their homes.

Eight Things

Felicia tagged me. . . so here goes. .

8 things
8 television shows that I watch......in no particular order
1. That 70's show reruns (its my bonding time with Cade)
2. Cold Case (bonding time with Syd)
3. FOX News (bonding time with Ryan)
4. ESPN (no real choice there, it's just on ALL THE TIME)
5. Without a Trace
6. Law and Order
7. The Unit (are you sensing a pattern)
8. This summer I watched Charmed reruns for a while

8 Favorite restaurants......
1. Any place that cooks for me, serves me, and cleans up after me. Actually, Ryan refuses to eat out most of the time, so my list will probably just be places I've actually eaten at-no matter if I liked them or not. And for your information, the number of times I've actually EATEN at these places.
2. Texas Roadhouse (1 time)
3. Outback Steakhouse (2 times)
4. Chilis (a lot, but only with my kids)
5. Olive Garden (about 6 times)
6. Panda Express (way too often-but by my own choice)
7. There's the best Chinese food restaurant in Anchorage out by Merril Field (3 times)
8. Any place that Spence and Kirstin talk Ryan into trying.


8 Favorite Singers/Bands
1. Lifehouse
2. Fall Out Boy
3. Johnny Cash
4. 3 Doors Down
5. Hinder
6. Tanya Tucker
7. Taylor Swift (corny I know)
8. Matchbox 20

8 Books I have read-heck, I could have a list of 8,000, but my some of my favorites are:
1. Gone with the Wind
2. The Outsiders
3. Where the Red Fern Grows
4. Tuesday's with Morrie
5. Lisey's Story
6. The Time Traveler's Wife
7. The Secret Life of Bees
8. Boy's Life

8 things that happened today:
1. Went walking at 5:00am
2. Installed military rule in the 7th grade.
3. Drove a kid home to his mother in the school car so that I wouldn't be accused of abuse. (ha). Actually I told his mom that I wouldn't put up with fits out of an 8th grader, and then sent him home.
4. Ate Wilbur's Chinese Food for lunch (don't ask)
5. Went to Syd's volleyball game.
6. Told the kids to eat brownies for dinner (luckily they chose yogurt instead).
7. Went to Primary Inservice
8. Sat in the car with Michelle in her driveway and tormented her kids by cell phone

8 things I am looking forward to
1. High School football play-offs start tomorrow
2. The weekend
3. Eating at Honda Casino for Thanksgiving. (Ryan and I are rebels)
4. Veteran's Day (aka a day off)
5. Climbing into my warm bed and reading a book until I fall asleep
6. A magic fairy cleaning my kitchen overnight.
7. Cortney's baby-due in January.
8. Going to Alaska with Ryan in July.

8 things I wish for
1. World Peace
2. Honest Politicians
3. I could control my sarcasm
4. That one day I would win the *&^&%Wilburs "Win what you Spend" contest.
5. The magic fairy would clean my kitchen AND do my laundry
6. A genie with three wishes.
7. I could get it together-which would involve the following: Looking like an 18 year old, having FHE regularly, a year's supply in my basement (first I would need a basement), sharing times would be prepared a year in advance, laundry would be done, I would even have the desire to do visiting teaching, my house would be paid off, the kids would happily clean their rooms each morning before scriptures... am I missing anything? Oh yeah, healthy, nutritious meals would be on the finely set table at 6:00 each evening, where we would sit as a family to share the events of the day.
8. Clean underwear for all of us on the same day.

Happy Thought #2

I learned something new. It is possible to email your cell phone pictures to yourself. You probably all knew this, but I'm a little technologically disadvantage. I was fretting about the fact that my only picture of Lauren at the North Pole (Alaska) was relegated to the tiny frame on my phone. Luckily, Sydney came to the rescue. Yea for the teenage girl!

Happy Thought #1

This past weekend, we (minus Cade) spent a few days in the Valley. Lauren didn't get to go trick-or-treating, so we paid her off by going to the zoo. She loved it. As a matter of fact, so did Syd. Ok, so did I. I got to pretend that I was a big game photographer. That explains all of the pictures. . . He may try to deny it, but I think Ryan even enjoyed it. A little. Maybe.

And my two VERY FAVORITE animals "monkeying" around.

Revelation!?

So, right after I posted my complaints, the Primary song "If you chance to meet a frown" came to my head. I don't know if I should laugh or swear.

A moment of self-pity

OK, you have to forgive me for a moment. I'm just going to rant for a minute, and then hopefully be able to move on. I'm just going through one of my-life-is-great-but-I'm-still-mad-at-the-world- times. I'm worn out, tired, discouraged, etc. etc. Nothing specific to point out, but still. Personally, I'm going to blame it on:

1)Laundry. Really girls, you all know it never ends. It's just a sick joke.
2) Politics. Enough said.
3) 7th graders. Phew. What a group we have this year.
4) Politics of a school district. As in, we don't have any solid answers for the problems of item #3. I mean really, it is turning me into a shrew. Or my new favorite word-a harpy.
5) We don't have a lounge in our building. Like we have anytime to "lounge" but it's the principle of the thing. One day I am going to do a whole expose' on the subject.
6)I had the flu over the weekend-so I just slept and threw up. Not the best way to spend your days off.
7) A general sense of "why am I worrying about all of this, I should be spending my energy on more important things, but I'm not".

All right, when I type it all out, it doesn't seem so bad. I think. I do have to add a bright note. Ryan did massive amounts of laundry while I was sick. Yea for Ryan. He is a bright spot in my day. So, really, I can't complain about the laundry. It's just a problem that is on the top of all my lists.

Now, don't fear. Tomorrow, I am promising myself that I will turn my attitude around. I just have to spit out all the venom first. Look for a new list soon. Full of all the good things in my life. (So I can prove I'm not a complete shrew/harpy).

In case your wondering, here's the definition of "harpy":

1. Gr. Myth. any of several hideous, filthy, rapacious winged monsters with the head and trunk of a woman and the tail, legs, and talons of a bird
2. a relentless, greedy, or grasping person
3. a shrewish woman
*Pick your favorite-I could resemble any one of them*

Homecoming 2008

The Week in Pictures

Phew! What a fun, busy, exhausting week! Homecoming 2008. It started a few weeks ago, with Cade asking Savannah to be his date. As you know, it can't just be a straight forward "will you go with me?" So, he typed up a note that said, "Don't leave me out in the cold! Go to Homecoming with me." Then he put it in a plastic bag and froze it, along with some Popsicles, in a HUGE bowl. When the thing finally froze solid, he popped it out of the bowl, and set the block of ice on her car. I guess it was pretty funny-as she held it in her arms trying to figure out what to do! (Eventually, she just dumped it on the ground, where it broke and she was able to retrieve the note). She said "Yes" by decorating his bedroom door with a bunch of hot cinnamon candies and a note that said, "Thaw Out".
And so began "Spirit Week". The Middle School gets involved, having dress up days each week. The first day was pajama day-always a favorite with me. After wearing such a comfortable outfit, Kirstin and I decided that we should wear our pajamas EVERY day of this week-and darn the consequences. So, here we are on Tuesday as "Nerds" (in our pajamas).

Wednesday was "Decade Day". So here I am as a Hippie. (In my pajamas). Thursday was "Hawaiian Day", and yes, I wore some pajamas. I just didn't remember to take a picture to prove it. And by Friday, believe it or not, I was so sick of pajamas, that I happily wore a pair of jeans.

The high school also has theme days. Here is Cade on "Decade Day" dressed as a Greaser. Unfortunately the picture just does not do justice to Cade's greased back hair. It was really funny.

In the middle of it all, our ward held their Halloween party. Each auxiliary had to sponsor a booth. We in the Primary are always trying to keep it simple and easy, so when Michelle came up with the idea of face painting, we jumped right on it. We didn't let the fact that we can't paint stop us. Our repertoire included jack o'lanterns, spiders and ghosts. And the kids all thought we should start doing it at the football games because we were SO GOOD! I love kids. They are easy to impress.

Thursday was "Halloween Day" for the High School. Cade dressed up as Indiana Jones. He was wearing out on the whole dress up thing at this point, but he is so competitive that he didn't want to be the one to lose the contest for the Juniors.

Friday finally, rolled around. It was "Red and White Day". Here, Lauren is showing off the shirt that Syd and I made for her. Actually, Cade was more impressed with it than Lauren was.

Next up was the Homecoming parade. The Student Body Council asked to use our old vehicles for the Royalty, so Ryan and I ended up driving them in the parade. But I did get a picture of Syd on the 8th grade football/softball float.

Cade paused for a minute before the game to pose for me on the Camaro.

And finally, the football game. It wasn't very exciting, but Cade did score the first touchdown. We won 66-0.

Coming Soon: Pictures of Cade and Savannah before the dance.

It's Always Red and White

I really ought to keep my background in colors that compliment red and white because so many of my pictures are those colors. These are no exceptions. . .


Cade's been back playing football for the past 3 weeks. The world is right again. . .Here he is with some friends trying to look tougher than they really are.

Playing defensive end. Notice the socks. They are Syd's. She wasn't too happy to see him in them. But he and Ryan thought they were cool.

Ryan in the middle of the crowd, cheering on the game. Or at least trying not to yawn after another 70-0 game. The little kids' games going on behind the bleachers are more exciting.


Lauren, our cheerleader, performing at half-time. The cheerleaders put on a little cheer camp each year, and all the little girls flock to it.

Softball ended after a windy game in Snowflake. It was one of those 70 mph gusts- dirt in your ears-timeouts while the dust devil passes-sort of games. We lost, but the girls survived. Especially after a trip to Pizza Hut and The Dollar Store.

So, softball ends-and volleyball begins. And the red and white continues.