Valentines Day Treats

Last Sunday

 Amelia wanted to hold Zoe after church. It was very sweet.

 After lunch, we went over to the Kern's for Garrett's 3rd birthday cake and ice cream.

 TJ needed to do some work, so I offered to have Jed come over to play and have dinner with us.

TIAK Day on the Hill

Wednesday was the Travel Industry Association of Kansas day on the hill. We met with our legislators and had a evening event for them to see how important tourism is for Kansas. The statehouse interior renovations have been completed and it is such a beautiful, amazing place.

After finishing up in Topeka, I needed to go to Lawrence to shop at Brackers. Hollie was able to meet me there and it was nice to spend a few hours with her shopping, having coffee, and catching up.

Guilt

Today after the governor's visit, I headed to Topeka for the Tourism Industry Association of Kansas Day on the Hill tomorrow. I feel really guilty leaving my family for 3 nights. I got a call shortly before I left from the daycare that Truman scratched a kid today pretty bad and so I wasn't home to help deal with that. I have a wonderful husband and my kids have a great father, so I'm not worried that they are being taken care of. It's just wondering if I've got my priorities straight. The constant motherly struggle to find balance...

A visit with the Governor

Today Governor Sam Brownback made a stop in Greensburg for lunch at the Green Bean then to see the Big Well Museum. There were also also of KDOT reps traveling with him. They all seemed to enjoy the Big Well and I may have suggested Brownie tour the arts center. However, I did not tell him my thoughts about his decisions regarding not funding the arts in Kansas. Being a politician wears me out.

Saturday Evening at Grandma & Grandpa's

This afternoon Tanner and the boys and Ashley and her brood came to visit for awhile. We had a nice few hours at mom and dad's house.

Team huddle.

Jumping on grandma and grandpa's bed.

Supper time!

Coconut Jerk Chicken Curry

Every year for Christmas Pat gets us a calendar. This year she got me one with chile peppers and each month has a recipe. This month's recipe is coconut jerk chicken curry and I decided to give it a try for lunch today. It was great and, somewhat suprisingly, Travis loved it.

For those interested in the recipe, here ya go...

1 lb. chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces

Jerk Rub
1/4 t. Cinnamon
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 t. red pepper flakes
1/4 t. cloves
1/4 t. cumin
2 t. salt
1 t. black pepper

Marinade
2 limes, juiced
2 T. Jerk Rub

Sauce
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper,chopped
1/4 cup cilantro
1 t. grated ginger
1 16oz. can coconut milk
2 T. jerk rub
1/4 c. cilantro for garnish

Brown the chicken in a heavy skillet with 2 T. olive oil. Remove the chicken from the pan. Add the onions and red pepper to the skillet, saute until onions are translucent. Stir in coconut milk,  ginger, jerk rub, and cilantro. Add chicken and stir. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 20 minutes. Serve over rice, garnish with cilantro.