Vacation: Week 1 - " Our Stay-cation"

Last Friday we loaded up and headed out to take the kiddos down south for a few weeks of "R&R" and all-out spoiling at the grandparents!  They have been counting the days since Christmas and I think it was from their sheer excitement alone that kept me from falling apart and cringing at the thought of letting them go for so long.  This will be the 3rd summer when they spend 2 weeks on "vacation" away from us.  I confess at times I crave, dream, and fanatasize about this during the year; however, when push comes to shove and it's time to say that goodbye, I go into complete panic, stressed, and posessive mommy mode. LOL!  The kids were all content with a quick hug and kiss and the reassurance that they can call us any time and that we would call regularly to check in. 

We have our first week under our belts and everyone is happy and having a blast!!!    The kids absolutely LOVE it out "on the farm".  They are avid bug catchers and according to Colby have ample opportunity to catch every species of grasshopper, beetle, etc.  Chloe's favorite "chore" is to check cows in the morning, and more specifically Annabelle - our cow.  Oh yes, we actually have a cow!  Jarred got her as a Christmas present a few years ago to start the "Karnei herd".  Madeline was excited to report yesterday that they have started "sewing"... Granny has been letting them "help" her quilt and apparently now they are learning how to embroderiy.  Maybe when they get home they can teach me how to sew a button on a shirt - something I've yet to even come close to "mastering"!  LOL!

Jarred unfortunately is still having to work this week, but I on the other hand have really had some time to rest, restore, relax, & refresh as a woman, mother, and wife!  Over the years I've learned that you can't give what you don't have.  If you don't take time to pour into yourself, you will not be able to willingly pour into others.  I used to feel guilty for taking time out to take care of just me and not multi-task the many demands of all the different "hats" I wear in my life, but not anymore - well, for the most part.  I admit I still feel guilty a little, but after these little breaks from the normal demands of my life I always come back recharged and I  ENJOY and appreciate my kids SO much more!  Maybe it's a flaw, but at least I'm honest enough to address my needs and prevent "burnout" which for me only leads to chronic frustration and jealousy.

Ok, enough of that blah stuff!  Here's what I've been up to this week!

Monday I spent the day enjoying some of my favorite things:  shopping, Starbucks, lunch with friends, and quality time with my husband.  I finally convinced myself to give golf a try.  This was my VERY first time to attempt golfing and because of that we stuck to the driving range. 

FORE!

After a LOT of balls, I actually managed to drive a ball 150 yards in 25 mph winds!

I felt SO accomplished that I let out a BIG "WHOO HOO!!"... apparently based on the looks I got, that isn't really appropriate golf "ettiquette". LOL!

   Ugh!  I take back all the times I gave Jarred a hard time about golf not being a "real" sport.  I was sweating and even got this huge blister.  Someone forgot to tell me not to wear jewelry.  Oh well... it was fun!

Oops!  I missed a few times! LOL!  And in my defense not all of those holes are from me -- probably just the bigger ones! LOL!

After golfing Jarred & I went home and cleaned up to go on our first of many dates this week.  It's been SO fun to just get to spend uninterrupted, quality time together!  After 10 and a half years of marriage I'm still finding out new things I love about my husband.  And today we celebrate 15 YEARS of being a couple!  How about that???!!!

Tuesday I made a trip to Lubbock.  It's hard to cram in 3 years worth of favorites in 5 or so hours (especially when getting your hair done takes up over half of that! LOL!), but I did my best!  I managed to have lunch with a wonderful friend at my absolute favorite restaurant.

I would LOVE to eat here EVERY meal of EVERY day!  It's just good fresh comfort food done with a  gourmet twist.  My personal favorite is the roasted chicken salad!!!

Oh yes!  I clean EVERY speck of food on my plate every time!  YUM!

After lunch it was time to hit my favorite sweet spot - Cake!  It's a gourmet cupcake store! Mmmmm!  I actually bought the store out! LOL!  However, I guess I should say that they only had 7 cupcakes left when I got there!  I finished the day off with another fun date with Jarred and a nice LONG (5 mile) run!  Perfect!

Yesterday I dedicated the day to the kids.  I promised them room make-overs and I think it's safe to say the transformations are WELL underway! However, you'll have to wait for that post... I seriously need to go pack!  We have a 6 am flight tomorrow morning for our week in Playa del Carmen and I haven't put a single thing in my suitcase!  Yikes!

Adios Amigos!!!  

And Another One Bites the DUST!!!!

Unfortunately I'm talking about appliances... my washer broke last Friday and we had to wait until yesterday to have a repairman come look at it.  He called bright and early this morning to say he could get the part and SHOULD be able to install it in the next 3-7 BUSINESS days!  Oh geez... the laundry in our house mulitplies faster than field mice and consequently is piling up all over the laundry room floor.  However, it has been nice to not have that chore this week and thankfully I was washing the very last load of dirty clothes in the house when it broke so it's not as bad as it could have been.  As I put it on my facebook page the other day, "My washer fought the country, and the country WON!"  LOL!  Made me think up a lil' diddy (country slang for "song") the other day. 

(To the tune of "The Devil went down to Georgia")

The Washer went out to the Country

The washer went out to the country, it was looking for some clothes to clean.

Momma was in a bind' cos she was way behind: it was willin' to make a deal. 

The country saw this fine machine cleanin' clothes and taking out every spot

And the country jumped upon a big dirt pile and said: "Washer, let me tell you what:

"I bet you already know it but I'm a dirty source for you

"And if you'd care to take a dare, I'll make a bet with you.

"Now you clean a pretty good t-shirt, boy, but give the country his due:

"I bet a washer of gold against your soul, 'cos I think I'm better than you."

The washer said: "My name's LG and it might be a sin,

""But I'll take your bet, your gonna regret, 'cos I'm the best that's ever been."

LG you grease up your steel drum and spin that dirt out hard.

'Cos the wind broke dirt loose in Abilene and the country deals the cards.

And if you win you get this shiny washer made of gold.

But if you lose, the country gets your soul.

 
LOL!!!  Okay, I know I'm a complete dork, but that was FUN!  Admit it, you laughed or at least cracked a smile!!!  Seriously if I don't laugh at my situation living out here I'll let it get the best of me and honestly it's just too funny.  Sadly the country won this round, but thanks to a local repair center "LG" will be back up for round 2 in about "3-7 business days!"  I have to give a "shout out" to Arthur at West Texas Appliance too... he's been the most punctual, on-the-ball, courteous repair guy I've EVER had to deal with. 
 
So, without a washer I have found myself with a little extra "free" time.  I was going to go hang out on the front porch and work in the flowerbeds, but when I opened the front door a "bee" flew by!  UGH!  MORE bugs!  I'd had enough!  Jarred had bought wasp/bee/flying bug spray probably 2 months ago, but because he's been gone so much he just hasn't had time to "take care of business".  I honestly don't know what came over me, but the next thing I knew I had the can in hand and was ready to KILL some BUGS!!!
 

 

My "weapon" of choice...

My "victims"

Honestly I was impressed... that spray really kills them on contact!  This picture only shows a small population of the bugs that were lost that day.  It really stirred something up in me and the next thing I knew I was actively searching out anything with wings to kill it.  LOL!  Thankfully I've put my exterminating days to rest - for now - until duty calls again! Ha!  Unitl then... we're enjoying our porches again!  However, I do have to clean the windows soon... being a rookie, my aim was not that great. LOL!

Since I was already outside I decided to then go check on the garden and WHOA was I in for a surprise... look at Monday's harvest!!!!

I cooked the green beans last night and we're going to have parmeasan zuchinni "fries" tonight.  Mmmmm!  Home grown veggies taste SO much better than store bought!

The BIG One!

Sunday night the kids and Jarred went fishing (while I was out running).  They had the best time!  Since we live close to a lake and drive over and around it to get "to town" almost every day they have been BEGGING him for quite some time to go.  Luckily some friends of ours have a stocked tank in their neighborhood (see - there ARE some perks to living out 'yonder) LOL!  Anyway, the kids had a BLAST, and Colby caught THE BIG ONE!  As one of our friends put it, some men wait 30 years to catch a fish this big -- it was around a 4 pound large-mouth bass!  He reeled it in ALL by himself and he has hardly talked of anything else since!  I don't think he'll ever forget that day!  What a special treat!

Say "Ahhhhhh..."

Um yes... I think it's safe to say it's a "large mouth" bass... that's Colby's fist and it could safely fit inside!

That's one PROUD Daddy!

Chloe LOVES to fish, but just like her Momma, she refuses to touch them!  Luckily big sister was there to help her show off her big catch!

There's my little country girl!

  She was loving it and apparently held all the fish until she got knicked by one of the fins.  You'd think it was a shark bite the way she tells the story though! LOL!

I think it's safe to say they are "hooked" on fishing (I know I'm sooo witty! LOL!) and are looking forward to doing it again soon!  Since it's a catch and release pond, the competition is ON for who can catch the BIG one next time!

The "New" Country Club!

This past weekend was one of my favorites ... we had a wonderful visit from some of our Lubbock friends.  It was SO good to see familiar faces and catch up.  As promised (and that goes for the rest of you too as a little "incentive" to come visit LOL!) I made homemade donuts for our company Saturday morning.  MMMmmmm... don't think you can go wrong with fried dough soaked in a yummy icing!  Come on... you know you want one!

Sunday was a really busy and exciting day for everyone in the family!!!

After church we decided to take the kiddos swimming. With it being close to 100 every day the weather was perfect. And the kids learned there IS more than one meaning to the term "country club". I think they were a little disappointed at first when we drove up that there were no dirt piles, bugs to catch, or trees to climb... but they quickly got over it after seeing the golf course, pools, water slides and diving boards! Madeline went so far as to say, "Momma... this is YOUR kind of country club, huh?!" Boy was she ever right! LOL! Anyway, after about 30 minutes of hesitation the kids picked right up where they left off last summer swimming around like fish! Chloe (my fearless child) was the first to try out the slides. And after Madeline & Colby were firmly convinced that she wasn't going to be abandoned or drown.. they quickly joined in the fun... such a "good" brother & sister to "sacrifice" their sister like that! LOL! I'm SOOooo kidding!

 

Madeline swimming to Jarred.

Colby swimming like a "shark".

After about 2 hours, we dried off, stopped to get some ice cream, and headed home.  One of the many things I love about Sundays is that we typically have something on the grill for dinner.  I've been "hankerin'" for shish-ka-bobs and rice so since I plan the menus around here, I finally made it happen and "Shooo Weee" was it YUMMY!  Jarred was busy taking care of things around the house since he is gone AGAIN this week so I actually "manned the grill".  LOL!  Thankfully everything turned out and I only burned myself once.

Unfortuntately I was only able to enjoy a small portion because some of my running buddies and I had planned to do another 4.5 miles Sunday night.  The kids were so funny, they kept saying "Poor Mommy... has to run while we get to go have fun."  (they had an invite to go fishing -- I'll post about that later)  So I sat them down and used it as a teachable moment and explained to them that YES, running IS a LOT of hard work, but Mommy set a goal of running a half-marathon and in order for me to reach it I have to practice, Practice, PRACTICE!  I think it helped them understand that when things get tough you don't quit, you just try harder, and now they are my biggest fans and best cheer leaders (and water boy/girls)!  I think I needed to be reminded of that lesson myself and I have finally fully embraced this challenge and actually am enjoying running!  I never thought I'd see the day that I thought running 3 miles isn't "that bad" and 5 miles sounds do-able.  I still have a LONG way to go, but I'm getting closer every day! 

Tick Tock....

Do you ever just stop and ask yourself "Where does the time go?" or "Why does time seem to go faster the more I try to slow down and relish it?"  This summer is flying by for me and although I'm having a BLAST, today for some reason I'm just overwhelmed with how fast it seems to be going by.  I've managed to keep a fairly light "schedule" for the kids this summer, and somehow we've not been able to get to bed before 10:00 on a single night!  They've just had the best time of having FREEDOM!  Freedom to explore, freedom to play, freedom to watch a little tv... which in turn gives me a little "freedom" to catch up on e-mail, facebook and my blog.

This morning when I looked at Colby, he looked like a grown boy.  I don't know if it's the summer buzz, his newly missing front tooth, or the latest growth spurt, but oh how it caught me off guard the sadness and pride that I felt silmutaneously as he poured himself a glass of milk.  Although he's been doing that for quite some time, today it hit me like a ton of bricks... he's growing up.  I guess I shouldn't have been so surprised, he'll be 8 years old this fall, but still... it feels like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital!  Hard to believe I know since that was 5 moves ago!! LOL!

As hard as it is to see him grow up and away from the shelter I've covered him with for so many years...I love seeing the seeds of faith that we've been planting in his heart start to bloom and grow.  Just yesterday on the way to church, he was reading his Bible and said, "Man mom, I really like this story in Deuteronomy.  It's all about obeying... just like YOU talk about all the time!"  LOL!!!  The tone in his voice was excited surprise... like he finally realized I wasn't the one who invented that word and that we had been telling him the truth all this time that it IS one of God's rules!  I guess somethings you just have to affirm for yourself!

With my new found "awareness" of the days slipping by I decided to commit to being intentional with the kids today.  Chloe and I enjoyed our traditional leisurly Monday trip to the grocery store.  She's actually gotten quite good at "organizing" the grocery cart... probably something only her "type A", grocery store-loving mother could appreciate! LOL!  She has become quite the little "sous-chef" and I can hardley set foot in the kitchen without her popping up behind me with her "stairs" (aka the step stool) asking me, "Whatcha doin' Momma?  Can I help?"  This is a picture of her and Jarred making chicken fried steak the other night.  She was SO proud because she finally got to crack an egg!

I've made no secret that this latest move has been the hardest on Madeline.  She is the most tender-hearted of our three and although she's shy at times she loves without reservation -- unless she's hurting.  Not only did our relocation uproot her from the only "home" she remembers, it was a difficult time for our mother-daughter relationship.  Because Jarred was having to juggle both his previous and current positions he was traveling almost 100% of the time which required me to have to draw the line between "nuturing mommy" and "practical/survival mommy".  I'm sad to say that I had to be the "disciplinarian" the majority of the time and our relationship suffered.  Thankfully with the help of a little ice cream, pedicures, story books, and LOTS of "I love you" she's come around and we actually enjoyed playing barbies and ponies in her room this afternoon.  My heart just melted later when she just came and climbed in my lap and gave me the biggest hug.  I asked her, "What was that for?" and she said, "I just felt like loving on you!".  Ohhhh!  I can't put into words how wonderful it felt!

I know I can't stop time, nor do I want to.  I just want to remember to take advantage of the time we have together and I pray that I remember to be intentional with each of my children on a daily basis.  Because as hard as it is to let them grow and go, it's the most beautiful and rewarding thing, and I would hate to miss it.      

Trying new things!

The past couple of days the kids and I have been trying out "new" things.  Yesterday we set out bright and early to run a few errands and hit the zoo before it got too terribly hot.  The kids were super excited to go to the zoo because the night before we saw on the news that the lioness had delivered 5 healthy baby cubs.  I tried to tell the kids that we wouldn't be able to see them, but they wouldn't hear of it.  They were so excited and I always love a trip to the zoo...especially since we're members so it's "free"!  

I love the zoo here in Abilene.  It's perfect for our family.  It's got a nice variety, but you can easily do it in about an hour!  Gotta love that! 

Flamingos & Ducks

Hand-feeding the Giraffes.  I swear their tounges are the creepiest things I've EVER seen!  Gives me chills every time I see them.... they've got to be 2 feet long!  Ugh!  They actually stick their tounges through the fence and lick the crackers straight from your hand!  The kids LOVE it!

This gives me chills just seeing this sign!  My worst nightmare!  The ONLY good thing I have to say about this part of the zoo is that it's air-conditioned! LOL!

Madeline was LOVING "playing" with this snake.  That's her finger and he was hissing and chasing it all over the cage.  I don't care how thick the glass is, you couldn't pay me to do that!  Um, HELLO... it's a cobra!

 Oh heavens, and the cherry on top.... one of the zoo keepers got out a "rainbow boa constrictor" and let the kids "pet" it!  Definitely a first for us!  He was really trying to convince me to do it saying, "Oh come on... it feels just like silk!"  Um, no thank you!!!  Obviously he did not know me!  LOL!

If you ask me it looks like that snake is up to something... kind of looks like handcuffs!  However, he took it outside so we could see the irridescent sheen and why it's called a "rainbow" boa constrictor.  God is SO cool in His creation!  Never thought I'd think a snake was "pretty".  LOL!

This morning I tried something else "new".... getting up EARLY and running 4.5 MILES!!!  Needless to say that's why I'm sitting in the recliner blogging instead of cleaning the house.  Ouch!  I can't move!  But.... I did it!!! Yeah!  I'm a third of the way to my goal of a half-marathon (13.1 miles).  Whoo Hoo!  Thankfully I still have several months to get there, and I have a feeling I'm going to need every single day to get there!

After I showered and got dressed I decided to try out a new "accessory" for the first time.... a hat!  I see people wearing them all the time, and finally found one I thought was cute enough and cheap enough to invest in!  So here is my "hat debut"!

Not sure I "love" it, but it definitely makes getting ready in the moring a LOT faster!

Guess it's time to get moving again.  I'm afraid if I don't get up soon I wont be able to! LOL!

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!!!!

A Day Filled with FAVORITES!!!

Yesterday was another super FUN day of summer!!!  I think the kids are starting to rub off on me as I'm beginning to find myself thinking, "What else can we do?".  It's almost addictive trying to cram more and  more in, but OH are we having a great time!!!

I actually woke up and got out of bed before the kids yesterday and made breakfast!  And the real bonus was having time to leisurely sip my coffee in the peace and quiet of a still house! MMMMmm!  One of my newest favorite things!  I know not too far down the road, I'll think of that "quiet" as a painful thing when the kids are grown, but I'm going to leave the future in it's place and just relish this right now!

After breakfast, we headed out to meet some friends at the art museum downtown.  They have a GREAT kid's floor and the kids always have a blast!  I love just watching them have the freedom to explore, seeing their minds at work, and their little personalities develop.  And, I got to spend the morning catching up with some of my friends.  A perfect playdate!  One of my favorite ways to pass the time!!!

Since we were already downtown, we took advantage of making a stop at "THE" chocolate shop in town, Veletta's.  I guarantee, if I had to make a top 10 list my absolute FAVORITE things, you can bet chocolate would be on it!!!

Such a beautiful sight... looks like a heavenly glow coming down!  LOL!

Decisions, decisions.....

Chloe didn't need to think about it for a second!  She had her heart set on a chocolate dipped strawberry from the beginning.  That girl knows how to pick 'em!  I got a couple extra to take home!  That happens to be my favorite way to eat chocolate!!! MMMmmmm! 

We then headed over to my favorite place on earth.... the grocery store!  I'll confess I was a bit nervous that having all the kids with me would taint my experience, but thankfully they all know how much I LOVE grocery shopping, so they obliged me with their best behaviors!!!  Since we've been cooking together in the kitchen a lot lately they are starting to share in my excitement of buying ingredients too!  However, I really didn't plan my day too well, as I had to carry the strawberries with me around the store! LOL!  It was too hot to leave them in the car and they were way TOO expensive to just let go to waste!   Funnily enough the cashier totally understood my "delima".  LOL! 

We spent the rest of the day just "vegging" out, another one of my favorite things!!!  Since we've been on the go so much the past week, the kids were perfectly content to play in their rooms, read, and watch movies!  Such a blessing, because we can't play outside from the hydromulch still "sprouting".  It's constantly muddy and apparently the little sprouts are too fragile to be walked on.  LOL!  Hopefully in about 2-3 weeks it'll be a completely different story!  On top of that we had more thunderstorms last night.  I was so thankful because we were able to turn the sprinkler system off for a few hours!  Supposedly our water bill this first month of "germinating the hydromulch" will be anywhere from $700-$1500 dollars!!!!  ON WATER!!!  I don't even want to think about all the shoes, dresses, purses, etc. I could get with that!  LOL!

After dinner I decided to surprise the kids with baking one of my favorite childhood cookies, Lemon Whippersnappers!  Mmmmm!  I'll post the recipe because it's so easy and perfectly kid friendly!  You can actually use any flavor of cake mix.  We've made chocolate, strawberry, and butter!  All equally good, but lemon has and will always be my favorite because of its nostalgic value!  Takes me back to being a little girl helping my mom in the kitchen.  I think this was the first thing I ever learned how to bake!!!  The kids all helped me roll them in the sugar and stir the batter.  So fun!  I embraced being "fun mommy" and even let them eat a late night snack in their pjs.  Afterall, they worked so hard on them!

LEMON WHIPPERSNAPPERS

Ingredients:

1 box lemon cake mix (can use other flavors)

1 egg

2 cups (1/2 regular tub) of whipped topping (aka "cool whip)

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine cake mix, egg, and whipped topping.  Stir to combine.  Batter will be very stiff! 

Pour powdered sugar into small bowl. 

Roll cookie dough into balls 1 tsp at a time and place on a GREASED cookie sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Cookies should be slightly brown.  Be careful not to overbake.  Remove and cool on a cooling rack and ENJOY! 

What a great day!

Sum, Sum, SUMMERTIME!!!!

This was the moon, the first night of "summer vacation"!  The kids thought it was trying to look like the sun so that they could stay up ALL night! LOL!!  It was pretty though!

Our summer officially started last Thrusday at 1:00 and it's been a busy blur ever since!  The kids are determined to cram as much summer FUN into every day as humanly possible!  Colby actually came in the other morning and said, "Man mom, I don't know what happened to me."  All because he slept until 7:30!!!  LOL!  Which is like sleeping until 2 in the afternoon for a "normal" person because he's usually up before 6!!!  Guess all the fun was starting to take it's toll!  Thankfully they've all adjusted to "sleeping in" until 7:15 or so!

In less than a week, we've already been to the zoo, had several playdates, consumed tubs of ice cream, 2 watermelons, gone to the lake, and even taken our first "mini-vacation". Whew! I'd better pace myself if I'm going to keep up with them! All I can say is THANK GOODNESS for COFFEE!!!   Speaking of coffee, check out this super cute coffee cup one of my sweet, sweet friends got me!  I love it!  It's pink AND animal print!  My two favorite "colors"!

I think it's hilarious!  And yes, if I'm up and functioning early enough to enjoy coffee, than you should be impressed!  LOL!!!  I'm so kidding!

So, here are some hi-lights of our first week of summer!

Colby "playing" with the tiki torches while we were enjoying a nice night out on the patio.  What is it about kids and playing with fire???

This past weekend we packed up the truck and headed back to Lubbock for a little "mini vacation"!  It was SO wonderful to get back for a visit and spend time with our dear friends!  The Ripple family hosted us, and if they ever needed a "side business", I'm convinced they could run a 5 star bed and breakfast!  They really know how to make you feel special and spoiled!!! 

As fast as we are adjusting to our new home here in Abilene, going back to Lubbock felt like putting on my favorite set of pjs... absolute comfort!  We had a girls night on Friday and went to see Sex and the City 2.  Something that was NOT comfortable were the new shoes I chose to wear for the occasion.  But oh are they super cute (and high!). LOL!

I think Carrie Bradshaw would be proud! LOL!  Ok, I'll admit, I had kicked them off just as the movie was starting, but in my defense I'd had them on all through going to drinks before hand, AND the previews!!!

Saturday morning the daddies went golfing.  After they got home, they were "supposed" to be in the backyard watching the kids.  Looks like they're doing a great job of supervising don't you think!?!?  LOL!

Saturday night, the Ripples' hosted a BBQ for a few of our close friends!  It was such a treat to see some of the most special people we are blessed to call friends!

Enjoying some food and good conversation!

Me & the girls!  Some of the most amazing ladies I've ever known!

And the guys fell right back in to playing poker -- just like "old times".

Before we left the Karnei and Ripple kids put on various "shows" for us for some entertainment.

Colby & Megan put on a talent show!

Hannah & Madeline put on a fashion show!

And Chloe and Owen are just too cute to leave out!

We headed home on Sunday afternoon, and enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing day at the lake on Monday with some of our new friends.  Funny, this reminds me of a song we used to sing in brownies...

"Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold!"

So true!  One of the benefits of moving all the time is that we get the opportunity to meet LOTS of wonderful people along the way!  However, the bittersweet part is always saying goodbye.  Times like these I'm so thankful for e-mail, phones, blogs and even facebook!  They really help you still stay connected.

Mama K's Mexican Food Magic!!!

If I could only eat one kind of food for the rest of my life, I'm firmly convinced it's MEXICAN!  I love it all!!!  The queso & chips, fresh flour tortillas soaked in butter, rice, fajitas, and oh let's not forget margaritas!!!!  MMmmm!  Excuse me while I go wipe my slobber! LOL!  Anyway, we feasted on mexican food ALL weekend.... needless to say I think the results of my detox are a thing of the past!  Ha!  Oh well... everyone's got to have a challenge right? 

So, after many requests I've decided to share my recipes for homemade flour tortillas and spanish rice.  They are both really easy and taste 1,000,000 times better than the store bought stuff!  Not to mention your kitchen smells a-MAZ-ing when you're whipping this all together.  Trust me!  Okay, here we go....

SPANISH RICE

My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me.  It came from one of those small town cookbooks!  Gotta LOVE those, they always have the best recipes!  So good!

Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp. cumin

1/4 - 1/2 tsp. jalepeno peppers, chopped (optional)

1 & 1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. long grain rice, uncooked

2 Tblsp. vegetable oil

2 med. tomatoes, chopped (can substitute 1 can tomato sauce)

1/4 c. onion, chopped

1.4 c. green bell pepper, chopped

2 & 1/2 c. boiling water

In a small bowl combine garlic, cumin, salt & jalepenos.  Mash together and add a small amount (appx. 1 tsp) of water and set aside.  If you're really fancy or "authentic," you can do this in a "mocajete", aka Mexican grinder.

In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.  Add rice and stir periodically until it starts to turn golden, about 5-7 minutes.  Add bowl of spices & garlic, tomatoes (or tomato sauce), bell pepper, onion and boiling water.  Boil uncovered for 5 minutes.

Simmer with lid for about 20 additional minutes.  Take off burner, let sit in a barely warm oven for approximately 20 minutes and FIESTA!!

(I rarely remember to do the oven part, but it does add a nice crunch.)

FLOUR TORTILLAS

(and now on to the really good part! Mmmmm!  My favorite!)  I've made these for about the past 6 years.  They are a good amount of work, but worth every minute!  And the best part is all that rolling out of the dough burns off some serious calories, so why not have 2 or 3 tortillas!!!  LOL!

Ingredients:

4 cups flour

1 & 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

4 - 5 Tblsp. lard or shortening (Crisco)

1 & 1/3 c. warm water

Using a large mixing bowl, add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix well.  Work lard or shortening into flour mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse meal.  Add warm water; stir until a soft dough forms.  Turn dough out onto a floured surface; knead 15-20 times.  Cover with bowl and set aside for 10 minutes.

To make 6 inch tortillas, divide dough into 16 balls; roll out onto floured surface into 7 inch circles.  To make 12 inch tortillas; divide dough into 8 balls; roll out dough into 13 inch circles. 

Heat a large dry cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Cook tortillas, one at a time, until blistered and charred in spots; 1-2 minutes per side. Wrap in a clean dish towl or foil to keep warm. Enjoy!

Mama K's "Tortilla Tips"

• If you don't need all the tortillas right away, I have formed the balls, and placed them on wax paper with a couple of inches spacing and frozen them in gallon freezer bags.  You can usually make 2 layers of wax paper.  You just thaw the dough when ready to use and cook as directed.
•  I've made these for almost 6 years and I'm just NOW starting to get my tortillas to not look like various states of the United States!  LOL!  It's definitely a learned art!  And trust me, your family wont even care once they taste them.
• I will confess I normally use lard, however; last night I tried shortening for the first time.  Not a huge difference, and grosses me out about 1000 times less! LOL!
• I don't really stick to the number guidelines on how many it makes.  I just break off a good size piece of dough, bigger than a golf ball, but smaller than a tennis ball.  LOL!
• Supposedly you're never supposed to eat the first tortilla... the pan is so hot it almost always turns out funny, and one of my hispanic friends told me it's "bad luck".  Sorry, guess I'm scarred... I usually sacrifice it to lots of yummy butter.  Mmmmm!