All Is Well

Thankfully Sky woke up her normal happy healthy self.  Loved seeing her big bright smile when I went in to get her out of the crib.  She slept pretty well last night as well.  She still thinks that a bottle at 3:30 am is perfectly acceptable, but since I'm not working I don't fight it too much.  She sleeps in 4 to 5 hour stretches on either side of that 3:30 am bottle. 

Here is a picture of her from yesterday, one of the few times she actually managed to fall asleep. 

And here is a pic of the new nail polish I'm obsessed with!  I always do color on my toes and clear on my fingers, but I totally want to do my finger nails in this as well...I LOVE it that much!

It's so pretty.  Essie Trophy Wife...so glad Target carries Essie!

Ramblings of a Crazy Woman?

Nope, just ramblings of a delirious mommy. 

-I have watched 6 movies and 4 1/2 football games since Saturday. 

-I know there is an ad campaign saying that sleeping with your baby is just as dangerous as letting her sleep with a butcher knife, but I ask what are you to do when your so tired you can't sit up with her anymore?  I startled myself awake in the rocking chair to find her slipping out of my arms because I had fallen asleep...thank goodness I didn't drop her.  At that point I said screw it, I'm going to bring her to bed with me so I can at least lay down while snuggling her.  You should have seen the wall of pillows I built on the other side of her to keep her from rolling over.

 -I'm so tired of people saying they don't like this football player or that football player because they are not a good role model.  Really, if you are (or if you are letting your kids) looking to football players (or any sport really) for role models you have bigger issues then if said player has or hasn't raped someone, abused animals, used drugs etc.   How about you be a role model for your kids and how about you look to someone who is truly worthy of being a role model.  Here's a tip - don't look to the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS for a true role model.  (I know there not all bad...I'm generalizing). 

 -I can't believe how cranky people get when shopping around the Holiday's.  I was at the grocery store Tuesday before Thanksgiving and it was packed.  Which I was expecting, I was ready to wait in long lines, that's when smart phones really come in handy, but there were some ultra cranky people that were pissed they had to wait in 20 minute lines to check out.  To them I say, It's the Friggin Holidays so cheer the F up! 

-Having a sick baby breaks my heart.  She is so miserable, but that doesn't stop her from flashing a huge lovely smile in the middle of her crying jag. 

-I so need to go for a run.  Even though I'm beyond tired, delirious in fact, I feel the need to burn some energy, which is funny because I don't have any energy. 

-I am addicted to Pinterest.com!  I can't do it justice, you just have to check it out. 

-Love the Breaking Dawn soundtrack!

-Need to find some bell canning jars for not much money...guess I will start with thrift stores. 

-I could use a good snow storm.  I just want to watch it snow since I'm limited to cuddling on the couch with a sick baby for now. 

-I keep burning myself...on hot pans, on the oven racks, on my flat iron, and the end of my hair dryer.  My hands are a mess right now!

-Bruno Mars is the only musician I care to listen to as of late.  (That was before the Breaking Dawn soundtrack by the way).

-Sky picked out her own stocking stuffers and didn't even realize it. 

-I am going to spend a day cooking soup all day and freeze the extra, just feel like I want a lot of soup on hand. 

-So thankful I have a massage today...I really need it, and need some me time outside the house. 

Oh, as to why I'm delirious...Sky has her first cold, which not only brings along a very not sleeping baby but my first "I'm a crap Mom" moment as well.  

I was at a friends house Saturday evening and she was holding Sky and decided we needed to take her temp since she felt really hot.  Turns out she had a temp of 104, and I had no clue.  Thankfully said friend is a nurse, she sent us home with instructions on what to do.  By Sunday morning she was down to 100.9, and by her 6 month Dr. appointment yesterday she was at 99.8.

(I have been trying to finish this post for 3 hours now...just took her temp again and it's up to an even 101).

Even though her temp is going down she is not sleeping much at all, her nose is plugged to the point that drinking her bottle is a challenge because she can't breath, and the Dr. went ahead and gave her all the 6 month shots.  Suffice it to say we have one cranky, not feeling well baby that wants to be held All. The.  Time. 

Thank goodness Mark got home from hunting Monday, because I was worn out from taking care of her all by myself.  I don't mind doing nothing but snuggling with her on the couch, but the not getting any sleep thing was getting to me.  It's better today thanks to regular doses of children's Tylenol.   

Stuffing Success!

I am stuffed, that's for sure.  I'm a little concerned that I have gained back every last ounce I lost over the last 6 weeks.  Too much yummy food and too much drink!  So between tomorrow and Christmas I'm giving up latte's and limiting myself to one beer a week.  I will of course be hitting it hard in stroller fitness to help out as well. 

I was in charge of stuffing this year, and that is my great Stuffing Success!  Once again thank you to Rachel Ray, I get so many of my recipes from her magazine!

Wild Rice & Mushroom Stuffing
Serves 8 Prep 1 hour Bake 1 hour

What you need:
2 large leeks, white and green parts separated and well rinsed (really well rinsed!)
4 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups wild and whole grain rice mix (I used only brown rice as I was trying to save money)
7 tbsp. butter
3/4 cups sliced almonds
1 lb. mixed sliced mushrooms (such as cremini, oyster, morels, shiitake) - I used mostly normal old white mushrooms and added a few of the fancy ones in, again was a money saving effort.
1/2 cup dried currants
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp. grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
3/4 tsp ground allspice

1.  In a large saucepan, combine the leek greens, chicken broth, rice mix, 2 tbsp. butter and 1/2 tsp. salt.  Bring to boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is cooked, about 50 minutes.  Discard the leek greens and scrape the rice mixture (including any liquid) into a large bowl. 

2.  Preheat the oven to 350.  Grease a 9 X 13 inch baking dish.  Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake until toasted, about 8 minutes.  Add to the rice. 

3.  Meanwhile, chop the leek whites.  In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp. butter over medium heat.  Add the leek whites and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.  Transfer to the rice.  Melt the remaining 3 tbsp. butter in a skillet and add the mushrooms.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned, about 12 minutes.  Scrape into the bowl with the rice and add the currants, parsley, lemon zest, allspice, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper.  Mix well and transfer to the prepared baking dish, patting the stuffing down.  Cover with greased foil and bake until hot, about 45 minutes.  Uncover and bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. 

Everyone who tried it loved it!  I made a double batch to feed 16 people (some kids) and only needed a single batch.  I LOVE how this turned out and can't wait to make it again!

Recipe of the Week

Pork and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry - Thank you Rachel Ray!

What You Need:
3 tbsp. oil
1/2 lb boneless pork loin chops, cut into 1/4 inch thick strips
1 lb brussels sprouts, halved
2 scallions, whites and greens sliced separately
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar

What You Do:
Heat 1 tbsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add pork and cook until golden; transfer to plate. 

Add remaining 2 tbsp. oil and sprouts to pan; cook, stirring occasionally, until brown and tender, 5 to 8 minutes. 

Add scallion whites and garlic; cook 1 minute.  Add soy sauce, brown sugar and 1/4 cup water; cook until sauce is slightly thickened. 

Return pork to pan and toss to coat.  Top with scallion greens. 

Mark and I both really loved this and he particularly liked the bits of brussels sprouts that were dark brown and a little crusty.  Bonus, this is supper quick and easy to make!

I'm Thankful....

...for a lot of things.  This Thanksgiving I'm keeping it simple though.  I could do the long list of things and people I'm thankful for, but this year it comes down to two people. 

To say I'm thankful to Crystal and Brian (Sky's birth mother and birth father) is hardly adequate.  I am thankful every second (even the early morning, 3 am seconds) of every day that I get to be Sky's mommy.  She is the most amazing little person in the world and she has changed my life for the better and completed our family.  

I'm thankful that when they were going over their options that they first of all chose life for Sky.  I can't imagine the world (and my world) without her in it.

Second, I'm thankful that they chose Mark and I to be her parents.  They gave us the most wonderful gift in the world when they entrusted us with the precious gift of our beautiful little girl. 

Sky brings joy not just to Mark and I, but to all her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.  She is a very loved little girl, and it started with her birth parents loving her enough to give her life and give Mark and I the gift of being her parents.

That's what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  I wish you lots of yummy food, good drink, and time with loved ones.   

 

6 Week Challenge SUCCESS!!!

Today was the last day of the Stroller Fitness 6 week challenge.  We re-took all our measurements, then let the kid's play while we ate some yummy food pot luck style.

Before I share my numbers I just have to say...I ROCK!  I feel so good about the improvements, some of the numbers didn't change a lot, one didn't change at all, but I still feel really good about my results!  It's a hard class, yet I love going, love knowing I'm going to be sore after, and love feeling strong and healthy.  Plus, Sky seems to enjoy it and has gotten so much better about being around "strangers".  

The best part is there are some really great people in the class.  I have a whole new group of people to run with and have made new friends. 

As far as cheese goes...I miss it a little, but not enough to start eating it every day again.  Once in a while is fine, but I will not be buying it to have on hand as a snack anymore. 

And now for the numbers:

Start of the 6 Weeks - End of the 6 Weeks
Hips: 40 1/4 - 39 1/2
Chest: 37 3/4 - 37
Bicep: 10 1/2 - 10
Thigh: 22 1/2 - 22 1/2 - given the leg workouts we do I thought this would actually increase!
Waist: 35 1/2 - 33 1/2
Weight: 154 - 149
Body Fat %: 26.5 - 24.9

Pull Up Attempts: 5 - 9 - still can't do a full one, but at the beginning of the challenge those 5 attempts were just a slight movement, the 9 I did today were half'ish pull ups. 
Sit Ups in 1 minute: 18 - 27
Pushups in 1 minute: 7 - 12
Air Squats in 1 minute: 20 - 40 - this would be why my leg's didn't get smaller!
Running 8 laps around the track: 5:58 minutes - 5:37 minutes - this may be the improvement I'm most excited about!!!  I think this class has done more for my running than my running has done for my running. 

Now for my reward, trip to Bellevue to visit the Lululemon store!  I love their athletic/running clothing and can't wait to visit the store in person!  I may only be able to afford a pair of socks, but I don't care, I'm going to have fun trying stuff on! 

I'm not the only one that has made friends in class....

Sky and Reagan are the exact same age and are so darn cute playing together!  It took about 10 pictures, and Jodi (Reagan's Mom) laying on the floor in front of them to get one with them both looking in the same direction as the same time.  :) 

Now to maintain through the Holiday's and get ready for the 8 week challenge in January! 

Dear Sky

6 months ago today you entered my life and took hold of my heart.  Every day is still such an adventure with you.  I love getting out of bed and starting my day with your smile and wondering what kind of fun we will have that day. 

I am so in love with you little girl, and so in love with how much life has changed since you joined our family.  I love everything about being your mommy, even the challenging little fits you throw.  Your so darn cute when you are angry that I can't help but chuckle when you put on your sour face and scream.  I know I won't always find your fits cute, but for now it's pretty adorable.

Your smile is the best gift in the whole world.  You make my day over and over again every time you look at me and smile.  You make me feel like the most important person in your world with that smile of yours. 

I knew life would change when you became part of our family.  I knew there would be ups and downs, challenges and lot's of laughing and happiness.  But, I had no idea how full my heart would be, how much I would love you, and how much I would love EVERYTHING about being your Mommy.

I know you are going to grow and change a ton in the next few months, and I can't wait to see what the next 6 months brings for you and our family.

What your doing right now:
-Not teething yet, thankfully.  I know it's coming, but am happy to wait as long as possible.
-You have tried steamed green beans, banana, and waffle.  You seem to like all three.  You can't really chew them yet, but you manage to get them to your mouth all by yourself and suck on them. 
-You are so close to crawling...I don't get much done around the house because I am watching you like a hawk so I don't miss it when you finally do take off across the room.   
-You are so in love with your toes that all the sucking on them has resulted in athletes foot.  It's a constant battle keeping your toes dry and not smelling funky. 
-You LOVE your monkey toys.  I don't know why you like monkey's so much, but those are the only toys you want to play with. 
-You have started throwing lovely little fits when I won't let you play with my phone, chew on my magazines, or slobber on my laptop.  No matter what I'm doing you want to be part of it and get pretty ticked when you can't play with mommies "toys". 
-You LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your jumper.  You spend tons of time just bouncing away and laughing like crazy! 

 This is pretty much how you spend your days...playing with your toes and popping them in your mouth every chance you get. 

Ugggg

I feel like crap today.  Blisters on the bottom of my feet, my stomach has been a mess for days now, and I need some sleep. 

(Sky is way off on her eating and sleep schedule, I have no idea why, but it is making me one tired momma.)

Anyway, despite feeling like crap I'm going to class today.  It's the last workout before we weigh and measure on Wednesday and end the 6 week challenge. 

Can't wait to see how much my numbers have changed!

Official Time

1:11:08.4

Race Report

Well we finished.  It was cold, mid 30's, but clear no rain or snow.  Grand Ridge is beautiful, really nice trails and once again well organized and great food after.   

Thoughts:
-mid 30's may be too cold for me.  It felt like razor blades slicing my lungs apart with every breath and it gave me a splitting headache the entire race.

-I'm very apposed to starting on an uphill...I need at least a mile to mile and a half to warm up my legs before the crazy hills start!

-Setting time goals for single track trail running is kind of pointless.  You're only as fast as the slowest person in front of you, until you find a spot you can pass. 

-Running, walking, running, walking kills my legs.  By 3.5 miles I had nothing and I mean nothing left in my legs.  Thank goodness the downhill part came at 4 ish miles in, I let gravity keep my legs moving! 

-I'm supper confident on the downhill, feel good about my footing and have no trouble keeping track of what my next step should be and what the next 4 to 5 steps involve.  ie. rocks, water, roots, mud patches and trees to jump over - all of which we encountered today. 

-Despite the challenges...I LOVE trail running!  So pretty through the woods and I don't get bored while trail running. 

Unfortunately both my water crossings were less than ideal, I had wet feet for most of the race, and 5 miles is more than enough to have blisters on the bottom of my feet.  There were a lot of lose rocks on the trail as well.  In the first 1/2 mile I twisted my ankle a couple of times, nothing serious, but enough to cause twinges up into my bad knee.  Not using it as an excuse for anything since most of the time there is some sort of ache or pain while running, but I felt it. 
   
I read an article recently about not heel striking on the downhill, it acts like a break, so I focused on hitting mid-foot on the downhill and there were some parts I literally felt like I was flying down the trail, and it was FUN!!!

As for the time goal...my GPS tracked it at 5.6 miles in 1:14 ish (official time will be posted tomorrow).  The time I wanted to beat - 1:09:18.6 although that race was 4.76 miles and this race was almost a mile more, plus I started my GPS 4 minutes before the race started.  It takes me a little bit to get my phone zipped into the arm band and get the earphones in my ears, so I never wait for the gun to do that.  

All in all it was fun.  I may reconsider running races Nov - Jan though.  I'm sort of regretting having registered for a race next month already.  Will have to look into getting one of those hats that have the muffler thing that goes over your mouth, so I'm not breathing frigid cold air the whole time.

It's Race Day!!!

I love race morning, especially trail run race mornings.  So excited to hit Grand Ridge and maybe even run in the snow.  It will add to the traction issues that come with trail running, but I don't care.  I actually love running in the snow!

My goal this race is to finish in better time than the last 5 mile trail run I did, which means finishing in less than 1:10.  The Lord Hill run was full of well hills, not just any old hills mind you, hills that you practically had to crawl up they were so steep. 

Today's race has no mention of hills in the course description so I expect to finish in better time even with the potential of snow. 

A big thank you to my Dad for the winter running gear...we are looking at 35 F out there today!

Perfect Moment

My idea of a perfect moment...Sky falling asleep in my arms.  She has not done that in a very long time.

We are blessed with a sleeping champ.  Sky has always gone to bed easy and sleeps in 6 to 8 hour stretches.  Sadly she stopped falling asleep in my arms around 2 months.  I have missed it, really, really  missed snuggling my baby girl to sleep. 

Usually she rubs her eyes, fusses a little, I put her in her crib with her favorite blanket and she is out.

Not today, today she just wanted to be held and snuggled, and she cuddled in and fell asleep.  I'm in heaven with a sleeping angel in my arms. 

I usually keep Thursdays free of plans so Sky and I don't have to go anywhere.  That means we can stay in pj's all day, snuggle and just relax.

I LOVE my life!

Babies Can Be Emotional

Sky is having a rough day today.  She seems to need extra snuggles and cuddles.  She has been pretty fussy, not taking full bottles, no wanting any of the things that usually make her happy.  And, even after cuddling her she is not happy for long. 

I wonder what could be so upsetting to a 5 1/2 month old, but whatever it is it sure has her out of sorts. 

You know what though, there is still no where I would rather be than home with her even when she is supper fussy. 

Pink Sunday Hat

I so wish I could take a good picture of Sky.  As soon as she sees the camera, or phone, she stops smiling.  That doesn't stop me though I snap away.

I LOVE this hat and in person with her adorable cheeks and big eyes she is irresistible!  The hat reminds me of pink whip cream topping on a Sunday.
 

So Excited...

Most of you know I have been doing a 6 week challenge and I have been really good about sticking to it.  I have made all but one workout, have been running more during the week, and sticking to the no cheese thing, for the most part. 

Considering I ate cheese every day I think the three times I have had it the last 5 1/2 weeks is a huge improvement.  And, I want to note it was justifiable cheese eating!  When out and about or over at friends if the only option, or most healthy option, means eating cheese then I go with it.  I don't like to impose my eating habits on others and while I'm really good about keeping healthy snacks in my purse, sometimes you get caught out when you don't expect it, and if the healthiest option is some cheese slices and fruit and veggies, then so be it. 

I am feel great from the workouts.  Sore, but in a good way.  I don't feel like I want to die during a workout any more, I just want to push and do more.  I have trouble with burpees, they really bother my shoulder.  I know it looks like I'm slacking when it comes to those, but it's a fine line of pushing myself right to the edge of doing damage.  40 or 50 of those in a row and I can hardly lift my arm over my head because my shoulder is killing me in a bad way, not a I got a good workout way. 

I still don't know that I will be able to do a pull up at the end of this, but I am able to get half way up with a little leg swinging to give me momentum. 

Here is what I'm excited about...I have lost 5 lbs!  The only reason I'm excited about that is that now instead of having to put the heavy bottom slider thing on 150, it is now just on 100 and then I can use the top smaller slider to finish the measurement!  That makes me feel really great!!!

One more full week of the challenge next week, then a final workout the following Monday and final measurements the Wednesday before Thanksgiving! 

Here is an example of what our workouts can look like...

The blue numbers are the full workout which should take 50 to 60 minutes, the lighter numbers next to them are how to cut the workout if you can't get through the whole thing.  I went for the full workout and made it through the toes to bar, did half the sprints, skipped the pull-ups because I really wanted to give the bear crawl a go...that was so hard I wanted to cry!

Happy Veterans Day

Thank you to those that have served, are serving, and to the families that support and love them, and wait for them to come home.   

Next Race...

Grand Ridge 5M, Half-Marathon, Marathon and 50K, 11/19, Issaquah, WA

Michelle and I are super excited.  We LOVE trail running.  I am a little bummed though because I totally thought this was a 10 miler, not just 5.  But, I am pretty sure we will be doing a half sooner rather than later, and it will be one of the Evergreen Trail Runs!!!  The slower pace of a trail run makes tackling a half less scary!

Mark's Birthday

What is the past tense of Skydiving?  Skydove sounds way wrong.  Anyway, that is what we did for Mark's birthday. 

Before anyone freaks out, it was at iFly in Renton and was an indoor wind tunnel, so there was no jumping out of an airplane! 

Mark has been wanting to do this for a long time, and we had a blast!  We each had two, one minute sessions in the wind tunnel, and we were all able to fly solo at different points. 

It is much harder than it looks to get the correct body position to "free fall", and I was way sore the next day from holding my legs in the right spot.  But, it was so much fun! 

Yesterday was his actual birthday and the three of us decided to check out a Korean BBQ in Lakewood, and it was amazing!!!  We are very adventurous food people and I ate stuff like pork jowl, and other stuff I had never had before.  The fun part was you get all your meat and sides and then you cook it yourself on the grill in the center of your table.  We had so much fun trying all different combinations of yummy food.

The staff was wonderful teaching us what to do and what everything was, they adored Sky, the price was great and we will totally go back!  I highly recommend Cham Garden Korean BBQ! 

Some pics from iFly...

 Me flying with the instructor keeping a hand on my leg so I don't hit the wall.  The wind speed when I was flying was around 98 to 100 MPH. 

 Mark of course was good at it and lot's of solo fly time.  His wind speed was between 107 to 111 MPH.  

All of us geared up and ready to go.  In the wind tunnel there is too much noise for the instructor to be able to talk to you so they use specific hand signals to communicate.  This one means relax.  Hold your position, but relax because stiff boards don't fly. 

Football

This is how Sky watches football....

...you can see how into it Mark is, obviously we are not watching the Steelers!

World Run Day 11/6

Sunday is World Run Day!  What are your plans for running?  Michelle and I are hitting 5 mile drive at 8:30 in the morning, rain or shine. 


This is how Sky gets her run on...

Happy Running!!!!

Radom Thoughts

-Is there anything more fake than a Kardashian?  

-I'm loving the cool yet sunny days we are having, makes running so much more fun!

-I broke down and got Sky thigh-high socks in the hopes they will stay on.  Not sure how I feel about my baby girl in thigh-highs.

-Really wish I could just cook all day, I love being in the kitchen.

-I love the new speakers Mark installed in the kitchen, now I can hear the stereo when it's playing in the living room. 

-It's perfectly acceptable to put Christmas stuff up now isn't it?

-I love listening to Sky talk herself to sleep over the baby monitor.  She cracks me up!

-Why is the Social Security Office full of not "normal" people?  People that sit next to you and fart so much they stink you out and then have the nerve to blame it on my baby?! 

-I can't believe how hard it is to stay on task.  I just love sitting and talking to/playing with Sky so much that I don't get half of what I should get done, done. 

-Love the Ellen show!!  I look forward to it every day. 

-I really don't enjoy Dodgeball as much when we lose.  I use the drive home to stop being pissed.

-I kind of want to do a year of not buying any clothing/shoes new.  That means thrift store shopping for a whole year.  If I do it I may have to modify it and add Ross and TJ Max so that it's only discount or thrift stores.  Don't know though that I can commit to it for a whole year.  But being unemployed may necessitate it.  I will think about it. 

-Half done with Christmas shopping, only the difficult to shop for people are left...off to see what I can find on-line.  

-Oh one last thought, speaking of on-line shopping...I love getting FedEx and UPS packages.  And way easier than dragging Sky around from store to store. 

Recipe of the Week

Mexican Pot Roast in a Tequila-and-Chile Sauce

Spice Rub:
-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
-2 teaspoons pure New Mexico, California, or Ancho Chile Poweder
-1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
-2 teaspoons salt
-1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Pot Roast:
-1 boneless chuck roast or rump roast (about 4 lbs), tied
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-2 cups onions, thinly sliced
-2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
-3 tablespoons tomato paste
-1 cup tequila
-2 tablespoons tomato paste
-1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
-2 tablespoons (about 1 chile) fresh jalapeno, chopped (optional)
-1/2 cup pineapple juice, fresh or canned
-1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
-1 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth
-1 bunch cilantro stems, finely chopped (save leaves for garnish)
-salt
-black pepper, freshly ground
-lime juice

Garnish:
-fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
-reserved fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
-red onion, finely chopped

1.  Preheat oven to 325 F
2.  In a small bowl, combine all rub ingredients.  Sprinkle over meat.
3.  Heat oil in a large, heavy-lidded pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown meat until all sides are nicely browned, about 7 to 10 minutes.  Transfer meat to a platter.  Pour off all but 2 tablespoons or so fat and add onions. 
4.  Cover pot and cook onions until they are soft and just beginning to color, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in garlic and chile powder and cook 1 minute.
5.  Pour in tequila and stir, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of the pan.  Bring to a boil and reduce tequila to about half.  Add tomato paste, oregano, optional jalapeno, pineapple juice, lime juice, chicken broth, cilantro stems.  Stir and bring to a boil.
6.  Add back reserved meat.  Reduce to a simmer, cover, and place in middle of oven.  Bake until meat is fork-tender, about 2 hours.  If not tender, continue to cook, checking every 15 minutes.  Transfer pot to stove-top.  Remove and keep meat warm and degrease the liquid.   
7.  Reduce liquid at a boil until it just becomes syrupy.  Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice if needed. 
8.  Slice meat into 1/2 inch thick slices or cut into chunks and arrange on a platter.  Pour on some of the sauce.  Let guests add their own garnishes to taste. 

Mark LOVES this dish, and we found that shredding the leftover meat, warming up some corn tortillas and topping with the Garnish ingredient turned the pot roast into amazing tacos!!!

Enjoy!