outfit post: Jackson edition

Shirt-Target Sweater- Tjmaxx Jeans-Levis Shoes-Vans

Jackson sporting new clothes.
There is something about skinny jeans on a tiny skinny boy that makes me weak in the knees.

Christmas Morning

All of a sudden Christmas became magical again for me this year.

The look of my little boy's face as he opened his most favored gift brought on a wave of emotions.

But the emotion that was the strongest was my Saviors love for me.

I saw it everywhere that day as I spent time with my loved ones, opened gifts that I loved but didn't really need, and as I held my little family.

I was very overwhelmed with gratitude this Christmas.

I have a lot and very often I take that for granted.

Jackson spent all day playing with train sets and cars with his dad and I smiled a lot.

Merry Christmas and may we all remember what this beautiful day represents.

Temple Square

It never really feels like we're taking full advantage of Christmas time until we go see the lights at Temple Square. It's beautiful, and though they have cut way back on the lights, it's fun to go out there see them and admire the beautiful architechture of the temple.. This year we went with James' sister's family and had such a good time. After some delightful dinner at Nauvoo Cafe, we strolled through the temple grounds and as we froze our little tushies off.

As you can tell, Jackson and Aerin weren't even given the opportunity to be cold. Jackson had so many layers on that the straps on the stroller didnt fit.

He's such a cutie.

Christmas time

I always love this time of year.
The lights and the music.
The sneaky gift buying and wrapping of presents.

The presents under the tree waiting to be opened.

The snow (which I hate driving in but it's not so bad looking at it from the inside).
And of course, late nights drinking steamy hot drinks with my love.

Life is good.
head cold and all.

Christmas Snob

James asked me tonight what kind of stuff I wanted in my stocking and I wasn't even offended that after 4+ years of marriage the man might still be having some troubles.

You see, James does an amazing stocking. He's an expert, if I may say so myself.
He's creative and wraps every little thing so that everything is still a surprise.

He gets funny candy bars in the shape of santa and candy canes.

Everything looks as if Santa prepared it himself.

He's that good.

But here's the thing: I'm not your usual stocking person.

I love all the little things he puts in there but when it comes to the candy and cookies and any treat wrapped in plastic, I'd rather pass.

If you take me to the store to pick out a treat, I usually go straight for the artisan bread or the french bread.

So after a hunt for some miscellanious items that James needed we decided that I'm your stuck-up-too-snobby-for-your-awesome-regular-stocking person.

Let's just say that I would probably be the happiest girl if my stocking contained mini cheese rounds, croissants, a large bag of mandarine oranges and a big stack of magazines.
Who's with me??

10 things that are making me happy at the moment

James closing the closet door (without me asking) before we go to bed to ease my OCD tendencies.
A hot cup of Pero. If you havent tried it, you haven't lived.

Jackson's cheesy smiles. All day long.

Fun songs to choreograph for my ladies.

A steamy burning-hot shower.

Scarves! They will forever be my favorite winter piece.

Seeing old friends and catching up.

Picking out presents for other people.

Getting christmas ornaments out to decorate our tree.

Wool socks.

What's making YOU happy lately?

Chicken Enchiladas

I found this recipe on Pinterest and decided to try it.

It's life changing. I dont like things that are spicy so I did change the recipe to my liking but I'm sure if you followed it to a tee it would still rock your world.

Chicken Enchiladas with Red Chile Sauce

Adapted from Pink Parsley

1 medium onion, chopped fine

! green pepper, chopped fine
1 teaspoon canola oil
3 medim cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons sugar
1 15-oz can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 large tomato, chopped
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 chicken breasts sliced into 4 thin pieces)
1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded (I used a mexican cheese blend)
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
12 (6-inch) soft corn tortillas
cooking spray
salt and ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 425.

Combine the onion, green pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and oil in a large saucepan. cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the onions and peppers have softened, 8-10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and sugar, and cook until fragrant, less than 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, and chopped tomato. Bring to a simmer, and cook until slightly thickened, 5 minutes.

Nestle the chicken into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through (thickest part reaches 160 degrees), about 12-20 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and set aside to cool.

Strain the sauce through a strainer into a medium bowl, pressing the onion mixture to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer the onions to a large bowl and set aside. Season sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add to the onin mixture, and add 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce, 1 cup cheese, and the cilantro. Toss to combine.

Stack the tortillas on a plate and cover with plastic wrap; Microwave on high until warm and pliable, 40-60 seconds. Spread the tortillas on a clean work surface, and spoon 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture evenly down the center of each.

Tightly roll each tortilla and lay seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.Lightly spray the tops of the enchiladas with cooking spray. Place in the oven, uncovered, for about 7 minutes, or until the tortillas start to brown slightly (skip this step if you don't like the crunch).

Reduce heat to 400. Remove enchiladas and pour sauce evenly on top. Top with the remaining cheese. Cover dish with foil, and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes, until cheese browns. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.Serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, additional cilantro, etc.