this time of year....

this time of year seems to be especially busy for us.
for you, too?
probably.

and sometimes life is a little rough at our house, so we must lay down on the rug in the kitchen for a moment.....

...or put a ball in the toilet and close the lid. then, when mom comes to use it, it pops up and scares the ba-jeebees out of her.

the holidays seem to kick off with the hubber's birthday.
last night we got together with the fam to celebrate.
the kids table. not sure how grandpa ended up there......

zane loves to show off his glasses any chance he can get

grub time.

the birthday boy

then, after dinner we were lucky to take some family pics. here are a few that i've seen so far -

the whole fam (except the arizona peeps)

the hawaii peeps

the us peeps.
i promise you - i did my hair. but alas, naturally curly hair doesn't always stay straight when you want it to.
boo.

happy birthday week to the hubbers - can't wait to see you when you're a year older!

and, speaking of the hubbers, this is his favorite recipe lately. it's ah-mazing!
make it and then tell me how much you like it, too.

Chicken Tikka Masala - http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/
Marinade:
1 cup yogurt
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp salt
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
4 long skewers

Sauce:
1 Tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 8oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tsp cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, pepper, ginger, and 1 tsp salt. Stir in chicken, cover, refrigerate 1 hour. Preheat a grill for high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Grill 5 min. on each side.

For the sauce: Melt butter in a large skillet. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Season with 2 tsp cumin, paprika and 1 tsp salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve over rice.