Real vs. Not Real

Jane was convinced it was the real Santa--"His beard was real Mom!"

Max thought it was a "Really nice Grandma and Grandpa, but not the real thing."

David thought that Santa was really a cowboy in disguise--"Did you see the belt-buckle on that guy?  You could use it for a satellite dish!"

Blake didn't really know what to think. 

I'm tipping the scales in Jane's favor with my vote--so that's one for a "grandpa," one for a cowboy in disguise, and TWO VOTES FOR THE REAL DEAL!!!

Christmas Story Tribute

Don't be surprised if you see the Leg Lamp up in our window.

Betcha Didn't Know That!!

I was looking through a coloring book trying to find a page for Blake to destroy when I came across this "puzzle page" done by Max.  

It made me laugh out loud. 

Free Meal!

So tonight David had to work late and told me to be a "single mom" for the night.  That being said I was looking through my planner for something and saw all the "free" stuff that my kids had built up from school and decided that tonight would be the night.

First called Applebees and got Max his free kids meal from being "student of the day" at school--chicken fingers/fries.

Second, off to Del Taco for two free tacos from Max's other time being "student of the day"--Jane requested one of them be without lettuce.

Third we went to Pizza Hut for Jane's free personal pizza for finishing her reading for the month...they said it would take 20 minutes before it was done....sooo......

On to Cold Stone for both the kids to get their small kids size ice cream for reading 5 books a piece.

What an evening.  The kids thought it was great that we got free stuff from everywhere, and mom got to use up all those little coupons that have been bugging my brain.  Blake ate little bits of everybody's meal and needless-to-say I'm wondering when the barf-fest will ensue. Nuggets, Pizza, Tacos, and Ice cream?....bluuhhh!

For Noell (and other Masaman fans)

I told my friend Noell that I'd get this recipe to her, and since I've had a few other people ask for it, I'm posting it here.  This is a favorite at our house and at my brothers as well.  The recipe I'm including will easily feed a family of 5-6!  Enjoy!

The ingredients for Masman (Masaman, Musaman, etc) are fairly simple.  Chicken (can be made without), coconut milk, masman paste, potatoes, cashews, and the secret ingredient (a TBSP or two of sugar).  You can add more vegetables (onions and carrots) depending on what you like. I've found that red potatoes work well because of the extra flavor.  

Cut up two chicken breasts and cook in a skillet.  Set aside.

Cut into bite size and boil roughly 10 red potatoes (or 3-4 regular potatoes)

Put two cans of coconut milk into a pot and heat on medium.  Add approx. 1/4 cup masman paste (this is where it gets tricky....if you like it spicy add more.  Each time I make the curry it ends up tasting a little different depending on how much of the paste you put in).  It takes a while for the paste to break up, but make sure that it's all smooth or you'll have one heck of a spicy bite if you get too much paste clumped together!)

Put in two TBSP of regular sugar.  This tip was given to my brother by the owner of Thai Village in Orem.  It seems to make all the difference.

Add potatoes, chicken and 1/2 cup of cashews (I like the salted ones from Costco).  

Let simmer for about 10-15 minutes to let all the flavors mix.  

Serve over rice.

You can find the coconut milk at most grocery stores in the Asian cooking section.  

The masman paste might be a little harder to find.  We buy ours at Chao's in Provo, but I know you can find it at other places as well.  Just look for an Asian market in your area and they should carry it.  
Happy Cooking!

Magic of the Glue Gun

I might have a problem.  I started making a few hairbows for Jane and got a little carried away.  The funny thing is that she really doesn't like them in her hair.  I think they are so stinking cute and I'm trying to get the most out of my one little girl before we have yet another testosteroned filled boy enter the Rubert house.

Perfect Christmas Light Day

From the moment Jane woke up this morning she was begging David to let her get on the roof to help put up Christmas lights.  She was a patient little girl waiting most of the day playing with her friends, asking every so often if it was time to get on the roof.  

While she didn't exactly "help," she had a great time playing with one of her stuffed animals while David put up the lights.  We got all the lights up today and I'm thrilled that we can check that off our little (or not so little) list of things to do.  Next it will be my job to decorate the inside of the house....but I'm waiting at least until next Saturday.

I suppose I could've moved the trash can and bags of leaves, but give me some credit....I took this photo in my robe at 8:30pm and had to get inside fast--it's COLD tonight!