Goodbye 2011 - Some of my Favorite Moments of the Year

Driving Thoughts

I've made the drive many times from Salt Lake City Utah to Canyon Lake California. This time however was a little different, for many reasons really. 12 hour drive and the things you think about.

I'm listening to the lyrics in some of my favorite songs, here's a few that hit me deeply:

"I was low but now I am high.
It helps to know serenity from ennui.
Something's wrong, something's wrong, when it all remains the same.
So face the fire, come into your name." - Incubus, In The Company Of Wolves
 _______

"We don’t talk today
The minutes waste away
Just communicate
It’s the only way

I need to let you know
Love can bloom in snow
And we can make it grow
Come on and let it flow

And work it out " - Iration, Work It Out
_______

"We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try.

We all have someone that digs at us.
At least we dig each other." - Incubus, Dig 

   

Last Wedding

So today is the last wedding for the Armstrong Family (Tom & Marilyn parents of 6 children). My Little Sister In-Law (Emily) is all grown up and it's kinda freaking me out. The reason is when I started dating my wife Kailynn, Emily was 4 years old, which is right about the same age as my almost 4 year old daughter. We used to take Emily to the mall with us and pretend she was our daughter. Emily's mom would also bribe her with toys to spy on Kailynn and I to make sure we were not playing spin the bottle. Last summer Emily lived at our house for a little while doing intern work for my wife, which was nice because we got to spend a lot of time with her since she lives about 700 miles away. I really got to know more of who Emily is as a person during that time and she is an absolutely beautiful person.

Emily I want you to know I am very happy for you and your husband. Kailynn, Dylan, Georgia and I love you very much.

I got to take some photos of the Wedding Rehearsal Dinner and the Wedding Dinner that I wanted to share I hope you enjoy.

Congratulations Chad & Emily Knowles..... 

 

White Chicken Enchiladas

Tonight I attempted to make Enchiladas for the first time. I did get some help from Kailynn but hey this is a work in progress for me as my cooking skills are just plain old NOT good. The recipe again came from Pinterest and according to many people on that social network, they are the best White Chicken Enchiladas.

From the taste testers I had tonight they all seemed to really enjoy the food, so this is something I would totally want to make again and was much easier than last nights Rolled Lasagna.

Chicken enchiladas with green chili sour cream sauce

*These are seriously so so good*

10 soft taco shells

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

3 Tbsp. butter

3 Tbsp. flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

1 (4 oz) can diced green chillies

1/2 cup of sliced olives

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13 pan

2. Mix chicken and 1 cup cheese.  Roll up in tortillas and place in pan.

3. In a sauce pan, melt butter, stir in flour and cook 1 minute.  Add broth and whisk until smooth.  Heat over medium heat until thick and bubbly.  

4. Stir in sour cream and chilies.  Do not bring to boil, you don't want curdled sour cream.

5. Pour over enchiladas and top with remaining cheese.

6. Bake 22 min and then under high broil for 3 min to brown the cheese.