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!