Five Brown Kids

This is a family favorite of course. 8 medium flour tortillas 2 cups cooked rice 2 chicken breasts, boiled and shredded 1/2 cup sour cream 4 oz can chopped olives 4 oz can chopped green chilies 2 small cans enchilada sauce 1 can cream of chicken soup grated cheese for the top It is so much easier/cleaner to stack the tortillas than to roll each one individually. Mix the rice, chicken, sour cream, olives, chilies, cream of chicken soup and half of the enchilada sauce in a big bowl. Drizzle enough enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x12 pan to cover. Then start with two tortillas, then a third of the rice mixture, repeat two more times and then top with last two tortillas and the rest of the enchilada sauce (don't drown it) and some cheese for melting. Cover with tinfoil and bake about 30 minutes at 350. Take tinfoil off for last few minutes, so cheese can melt perfectly. Serve it with this avocado salsa to take it over the top! (I had awesome success the other day making this cas...

So far we partied for Scotia's fourth birthday, watched Jaxon win his last soccer game, hit up the farmers market, walked around the lake and watched Scotia do lots and lots biking on her new pink bike.

Four years ago this week I was 35 weeks pregnant with Scotia when I went to a doctor appointment and was told to head straight to the hospital. I called my friends first of course - the Ricks took my kids and Emily took me to the hospital. Tyrone was already there working (the only 16 hour shift of his entire 5 year career at that hospital). Once I was on my way I called my Mom to tell her that I was either going to have a premature baby or be on a bed rest for several weeks. "I'm on my way Jessica," she said. And she came and gave us three weeks of wonderful care while I got better and Scotia reached the big 5 lb milestone. Scotia is four today! And Nana is here again to celebrate and help out. We are so lucky!

Perfect with all those fall soups and stews. Or just for a snack with butter and honey. My mom made these a lot growing up - always with whole wheat of course. I usually use white... 2 cups whole wheat/white flour 4 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt (I usually use less) 1/2 cup instant dry milk powder Combine and add: 1/3 cup veg oil 2/3 cup water Stir just to moisten. Knead briefly on a lightly floured board. Press dough out to about 1/2 inch thick and cut into round shapes with the rim of a drinking glass. Bake at 400 degrees on a greased cookie sheet for 15 minutes.

Of the very best kind.

Hi, my name is Jessica. I am 34. And I am satisfied with my hair. SATISFIED with my hair. A few years ago when my mom was last here she recommended I keep a supply of my favorite hair gel on hand - just in case of nuclear war, or the company goes bankrupt or something. I complied of course.... 34 years is a long time...

Another great Panera recipe. They make food that I love. This is a great fall salad. Add some sliced grilled chicken on top for the perfect meal. 2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped 1 pear, still firm, cubed 1 apple, cut in small pieces 1/2 cup dried cherries 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled (tastes like blue cheese, if you like that flavour) generous dousing of Briannas Blush Wine Vinaigrette Toss together and enjoy!

This is Scotia. First thing each morning she has a bowl of cereal and a cup of milk and then plays dolls, or sits on the front steps and watches the boys until it's time to get dressed. But this isn't about Scotia. It's about Jaxon. And Jaxon walked at 6 months, was running and playing on the jungle gym when most babies his age were learning to crawl. He swam at 2 and biked training wheel free at 3. So of course it should come as no surprise to me that he wakes up in the morning like a six year old high on crack. You can see energy oozing out of his body. He can dress, eat and brush his teeth in less time than it takes me to pull myself out of bed and face him each day. The end result of this morning routine is that once he is ready to go I regularly send him outside to run a few laps or kick a soccer ball before his ride comes. His teachers assure me that he is excellent at school, and knows how to both sit and be quiet. I trust that they are not lying.

Main Characters Taye the Teaser Jaxon the Talker Scotia the Squealer Dad the Studier (AKA I have to go study Jess, sorry...) Mom the Controller (having little success) Synopsis The boys were out of school, and while there were lots of great outings to museums, streams and lakes, farmers market, bike adventures, skateboarding practice, birthday parties, swim team practise and meet, soccer team etc. there were still hours and hours available to tease, talk and squeal all while Dad studied far away in peace and quiet.

This dinner is easy, warm and filling. Plus it will use up a can of baked beans hidden in the back of your pantry. 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 cup chopped onions 1 cup thinly sliced carrots 1 cup finely chopped potatoes 1 cup water 1 can (14 oz.) baked beans 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Make It! BROWN meat in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat; drain. Add vegetables; cook 5 min., stirring occasionally. STIR in water; cover. Simmer on medium-low heat 10 min. or until vegetables are tender. STIR in beans and barbecue sauce. Cook 5 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese. (I skip the cheese, it's not needed)

Seven weeks of school , seven mind bending exams - tired but still smiling.

These are my favorites for fall: Mulligatawny Soup Cafe Rio Burritos Everyday Cassoulet White Chili