Precious Moments

    Ahh, a Tuesday that is like Thursday. I'm happy about this false illusion because my husband has actually taken Thursday and Friday off this week! My girls and I couldn't be happier about this. It is going to be a fantastic weekend!!
    Today started out with a very precious moment. As I was getting dressed this morning, my husband came in and informed me that he found our four year old on the floor in the laundry room. She had loaded the empty washing machine (we have a front-loading one) and had opened the soap tray. She was sitting, in the process of trying to open a jug, when my husband opened the door. Kyleigh looked up and said to him "I'm trying to help Mommy". How sweet is that? That completely melted my heart.
     There was another precious moment in my day today. While at my mom's house, we were outside so the doggies could play more freely. I was sitting on the deck to block Abby from trying to go down the stairs. Kyleigh was on the trampoline and the dogs were scattered about. Abby held her arms out over her head and said, with her pacifier still in her mouth, "hug" and came at me and fell into me. This became a game (a most wonderful game) and after she would stand back up from one hug, she would do it all over again. Her hugs don't come all the time, so to be showered with little hugs melted me all over again.
    I am running out of time as nap time is coming to a close. At the request of my husband, I will post what we had for dinner last night.

Fall Chicken
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (fresh or frozen)
1-2 eggs
panko bread crumbs
apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper
1 large, fresh tomato
1 apple
ground allspice
ground ginger
dried basil
kosher salt
vegetable oil (olive oil would probably be better)

   Place a large pan (one that has a lid that fits on it) over medium-high heat with the vinegar and oil drizzled in the bottom. In one shallow dish, beat the egg with a splash of the vinegar. In a second shallow dish, add about a cup (might need more depending on how large the chicken breasts are) of the bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Set these close to the pan to avoid some mess. Coat chicken in the egg wash, followed by coating it in the bread crumbs then place it in the pan. Do this with all the breasts. Cover. Clean work area and wash hands.
   Slice apple into wedges (leaving skin on) and remove seeds. Then cut into chunks and toss in the pan with the chicken. Dice up tomato and also place in the pan. If it looks like it might be getting dry, pour in a little of the oil. For a little more flavor, if you have wine on hand, I added some at this point. At this point, add the seasonings. Don't be afraid if it seems you are being "heavy handed" with the spices because it all comes together well and it will be quite flavorful. Making sure to get some over everything, sprinkle in about 1 tsp ground allspice, about 1/2 tsp ground ginger, a little more than 1 tsp basil, and some more kosher salt. Cover. When the chicken starts looking golden brown, turn it over and make sure to give the rest of the pan a stir. The chicken is done when juices run clear when cut.

I served mine over a bed of white and brown rice that cooked in my rice cooker while I was doing everything else.

    I have another moment to share. I went to wake Kyleigh up from her nap and discovered her covered up in bed surrounded by books. She is definitely one of us. Her tag reader books were all around her--even under her! And the tag reader pen was under her pillow. It was adorable and I wish I'd had a camera with me to show you. It actually took her a bit to be coaxed out of bed. So cute when she wants to be. <3