May 26 - The Day the Force Wasn't With Me

The kitchen and I have a pretty good thing going on, if you haven't guessed. Some days, though...it's like unrequited love. Nothing goes my way! This is bad when you own a restaurant and are working the prep shift. Results: burned pie crust, burned chocolate cream filling, over-whipped whipped cream, etc. I recovered, but it took me twice as long to do my normal amount of cooking/baking. After that, I just needed a nap. Except, as usual, that never came. Instead, I traded it for play time with my cutie niece Ella! This was a good trade. I made lunch for my hubs (and regained the affection of my kitchen), and we chowed down on veggie enchilada bake. After a little office work (accompanied by a lot of The Office), it was time to head to a college grad celebration for my smarty-pants cousin. So proud of her and all she's accomplished! Also, there were tacos!! :) It was a beautiful night with friends, family and a late night viewing of the Addam's family. It was fitting since my friends and family are also a bit kooky. ;)

Highlights:
1) Hubs got a hands-on training session on Infants in Cars 101. I got a call with a screaming Ella in the background and her panicked uncle in my ear. She was NOT having that car seat. No sir. After a successful roadside attempt at soothing her, and a not so successful attempt to get her back in the car peacefully, she cried until she conked out. And guess what? She's just fine. :)

2) Got a beautiful birthday gift from my cousin - an antique window! I love it, and it arrived just in time for redecorating my mantle.

3) Snagged peaches at the Farmer's market! I had delicious plans for these little treats, but more on that later!

Love & Celebrations,
K

May 25 - The Day We Won. Twice!

Remember that time you stayed up late having awesome conversations? And then you slept right through your alarm and woke up 17 minutes before your work meeting? No? Oh dang, that's right, that was me. But, the title of this post is about winning. And, despite the disadvantages my Friday began with, it did, in fact, turn out FTW. Since I ran out the door, I completely forgot my lunch. Enter the work Chinese delivery order: winning! Three day weekend kick-off? W-I-N. Snowcones with my favorite science teacher best friend? Duh. Tonight was also the final set of games in the playoffs for Hub's softball. Double-header and a double-win (which is the real inspiration for the title)! They finished 2nd in the league with a 13 point shut-out (which got called thanks to a run-rule). Not a bad way to end a season, or a week, for that matter.

Highlights:
1) Came home to my house smelling like tacos, thanks to Roommate. As I'm trying to avoid fast food, this is the equivalent of wafting a cigarette under the nose or someone trying to quit. In a moment of unusual willpower, I couldn't bring myself to make that Bell run so I settled for some late night veggie quesadillas. All good, no guilt!

2) I have all of 2 pairs jeans that Really fit. So, with a little birthday money in hand, I set out for a place I rarely dare to brave in my old age: the Mall. Bad news: no jeans for me. Good news: I love clearance racks. Snagged a new pair of work pants (those also do not fit, in a good way), a shirt and a sweater for $23 at the Gap. I'll show you, Mall!

3) Got our first harvest from the garden! A big, beautiful summer squash. I think I actually squealed when I picked it. I think there will be many more to follow very soon and I am beyond excited!

Love & Double-Wins,
K

May 24 - The Day My Husband Yelled

May, the month in which I am missing 20 days of blogging, is both my favorite and least favorite month. Pros: birthdays, swimming weather, grilling out, not deathly hot. Cons: everyone and their mom is throwing a party (myself included, so I can't be too mad), having a program, graduation,recital, playoff, end-of-term whatever. So. Flippin. Busy. Now, I should make a disclaimer that I actually like supporting my family and friends in all these events. I just wish they weren't all smashed into one thirty day period. Husband and I rushed around all day with the hope of meeting up for a semi-calm dinner before jaunting off to the little bro's end-of-year concert. Thanks to my prep work on Wednesday, the meal came together quickly ("meatball melties", made with ground elk, garlic toasted english muffins, pesto jack cheese and the homemade marinara). Husband walked in the door, and we sat down to quickly eat, and about 60 seconds into our meal, the phone rings - he has a softball game. In 20 minutes. In Arlington. Oops! No choir concert for him; he stopped mid-bite to throw on his gear, but not before calmly telling me that he was going to yell and that I shouldn't worry. Then he made his way into our room and yelled at the top of his lungs. He didn't need to explain, I totally got it. I think it helped a little. Sometimes I wish I could do that a few times during the day. Vocal therapy. I do think that this is the first time, though, in our almost 4 years of marriage that I've heard him do so. May, you will not beat us. We may need to take a yell-break at your incessant rush-inducing busyness, but we'll win. In the meantime, plug your ears cause the month's not over and the calendar is only getting fuller.

Highlights:
1) Ground elk - first time cooking that! For the price and the calories, not something I'll likely do again (though it was 100% grass fed and organic).

2) Little brother's choir concert - group of 8-13 year-olds dressed in what I can only describe as Americana clothing (read: overalls and prairie dresses) singing folk songs. Best free entertainment I've had in awhile ;)

3) I must've said something right, because I got the boys in my house to help me clean. I think it was the hint of crazy, and possible cracking, at the clutter in my living room that did it. Note to self: crazy totally works. I'll say it again, roommates are like training ground for parenting. Lord, give me daughters. But I do totally love those boys. Also stayed up way too late talking. But, when you're tracing God's scarlet scribbles in the pages of your story, the time just doesn't seem to matter, in the best kind of way.

Love and May Crazy,
K

May 23 - The Day I Channeled My Inner Julia

Back to daily blogging! Yesterday was a perfect day for this return. And yes, I’m aware that there are 20 DAYS missing here, but they actually are in progress and I WILL get to them!

The work day started with good intentions. Even though I overslept, I packed my workout gear. Or so I thought. I packed all but a sports bra and shoes. Two pretty important things, I’d say. Regardless, I sailed through my day looking forward to my post-work major to-do list. As far as achieving that is concerned, I missed a few things but I had one heck of a time overachieving on others, like cooking. As soon as I walked in, I kicked off my shoes, turned on Julie & Julia and threw myself into a cooking frenzy. There’s something about that movie that just pulls me to my kitchen like moth to a flame. Maybe more like a flambé. Here’s the goods: buttermilk ranch (with garden-fresh dill!), roasted garlic marinara (half for this week, half for the freezer), roasted (then pureed) butternut squash (for ravioli later this week), a mix of poblano peppers, green peppers, cauliflower, onions and sweet potato roasted with garlic and cumin for a Mexican veggie enchilada bake, salsa (semi-homemade, but I’ll take it) for the same dish, roasted cauliflower with lemon juice, parmesan and garlic, roasted zucchini and squash for quick-grab veggies, and my crown jewel (in my opinion), mini frittatas with shredded zucchini, tomatoes, spinach, turkey bacon, caramelized onion baked in small mason jars. I feel uber-prepared for a week (or more) of great, real food! Ironically, after all this, we went out for dinner, but it was for a good cause – celebrating my little brothers laundry list of academic achievements this year! Spanish student  of the year (out of 3 grades!), Bible student, honor roll and he set a school record in track! Brains and braun. ;)

For your eating pleasure, here’s a not-so-perfect recipe for the frittatas (here’s the deal – I don’t measure, and I really just went with what was on hand, ie 5 mason jars since that’s all I had clean! Also, I’m not getting too technical here, so if you  need more info, ask!) You could change up the filling to include whatever you like, this was just my combo of choice:

Grab-N-Go Mason Jar Frittatas

- 3 slices turkey bacon (I recommend Applegate Farms uncured turkey bacon)

- 1/2 med sweet onion, thinly sliced into strips

-1 med zucchini, grated

-1/2 cup of grape tomatoes, quartered

- A very large handful of fresh spinach (washed, patted dry), chopped or sliced into small pieces

- 5 eggs, 5 egg whites

- Milk or heavy cream

- Parmesan or cheese of your choice

-Salt & fresh-cracked pepper

- EVOO

- 5 8oz mason jars with lids (the low, squatty kind, not the tall slender kind)

1. Heat a large non-stick skillet over med-high heat. Cook turkey bacon until crispy (or desired texture), remove from pan and set aside.

2. Return the skillet to the med-high heat and add enough olive oil just to coat the bottom of the pan (1-2 tsp). Add the onions, stirring to coat with oil and spread evenly in pan. Stir occasionally until they’re that beautiful rich brown color (caramelized), but not too often or they won’t brown. You may need to turn the heat down to medium to finish the process. Use your personal preference here – I prefer mine nearly charred. J When finished, remove onions from skillet, place on a plate and set aside

*while onions are doing their thing, shred your zucchini (I used a box grater), chop your tomatoes and chop your now-cooled bacon)*

3. Wipe out the same skillet and return to medium heat. If you’re using a non-stick skillet, you won’t need to add any oil. Toss in your shredded zucchini and tomatoes. Cook just until veggies are tender, 5-10 minutes. (again, your preference), season with salt and pepper.

4. Coat your mason jars with oil (I use olive oil in my Misto). Begin layering your ingredients, distributed evenly amongst all five jars – onions, zucchini and tomatoes, spinach, bacon, salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of cheese.

5. Whisk together eggs and egg whites and add splash or two of milk or cream. Pour evenly amongst all mason jars, making sure other ingredients are submerged.

6. Place all jars in roasting pan deep enough for a water bath – fill pan with warm water to about the half-way mark on the jars.

7. Bake @ 375 until set, 15-20 minutes. A knife will come out clean from the center. Just be careful not to overbake!

When finished, remove jars from water bath and let cool. If you’re in a hurry, place them in a cool (NOT cold) water bath. Pop your lids on and in the fridge they go!

If you give this a shot, let me know how it goes. I’m (obviously) new to this recipe thing.

Highlights:

1) Watching a movie about food AND blogging goals? Fuel to the fire. It really was just what I needed. And I also remembered how much I love cooking - 2+ hours on your feet can fly when you're having fun. 

2) Hubs went to bed fairly early, so I was left (still working in the kitchen) with our housemate and his bud. We had a pretty nice chat about dreams, small business, entrepreneurship and cooking. I've semi-known them for years, but I do enjoy actually getting to know them now. Hope the feeling is mutual.

3) The squash in the garden are getting so big! And lots of little green bean shoots! I'm so happy. Also, we have some actual blue blueberries. I ate one. So tart! Not ready yet, I suppose!

Love & Long nights in the kitchen,

K

April 15th - April 30th: The Days That Life Took Over

No regrets. No regrets. No regrets. Say it with me now....
I've started too many things in my life, and finished far too few. I can sulk, I can pout, I can put myself in timeout and at the end of the day, the ends are still untied and I'm still disappointed. It's a recurring theme around here, isn't it? Not the soundtrack I care to have for my story. No sir, my story is His and He deserves a full blown symphony, not my tiny, whiny solo violin of misery. And with that, dear orchestra, tune your instruments, straighten your sheet music and let's get this show started. We have a bigger song to play:

Because we're covering a lot of ground, I'm ditching format and going with my instincts here. I may go back and add a special post or two, also. If you say it, it will come. Or something like that....

April 15 - Early rising on a rainy Sunday, breakfast with my mother, continuation of the cleaning frenzy (today's victim: the bathroom. YIKES.) Ready to take on the rest of my house. "Have scrub brush, will travel", reads the card of this gal. (catch the reference? I watched a lot of westerns as a kid)

April 16 - Rough day for best friend. Sometimes just being > perfect words. Praise Him for his intercession on our behalf and for reminders of such. Bless that man of mine, he stayed home, cooked me dinner and we watched Adventures of Tintin (so cute). As Mondays go, it lacked excitement, but overflowed with reminders that I am undeserving and so very blessed.

April 17 - The day my sweet, most-anticipated new little man was to arrive, but alas, did not. Due dates: another reminder that God works on his own time, and it is so very perfect. This was also the day of my last post. Bible study got tabled and so we reverted to our usual back-up plan: snow cones. (ever notice that I can't decide how to spell that? I'm just going to keep rotating the spellings until I settle on one I like)

April 18 - I'm going to be really honest. I have very limited memory of this day. I looked up a few things for our upcoming birthday trip (like Goonies film sites in Astoria). I went to Bible study with my lovely ladies. That's all I've got!

April 19 - Let the list making begin. Or continue, rather. I started perfecting my 30 by 30 list. So far, 19 things listed. Added on this day: full marathon. Eek! I want a few more halts under my belt first, though. Found the Disney Princess half in Orlando. 13 miles in a tutu? Totally got this.

April 20 - The day was a blur as I flew through it to get to 4:30. My little brother's birthday party was Friday night at the Burleson community center pool. Best gift: donating my husband to the party. I don't know what it is, but kids love to torture him, especially in pools. Such a good sport, though! Followed this with the bday boy's restaurant of choice: Chili's. Thanks to an over-booked Saturday, I had to stay up late at the shop to catch up, and let off some steam while I was there. You'd be surprised how therapeutic a rolling pin and a few balls of dough can be. I knew how exhausting the next 48 hours would be, I prepped a big bat h of iced coffee. Smartest idea ever.

April 21 - 10k number 2 in the books! I was up far too late, so my wake up. All for this race felt more like a death march. Not the best way to start, but I was committed! Ended up finishing and even shaving a few minutes off of my previous time! We rushed back to the shop (well....after a taco stop) to help with a large party. Speaking of parties, we spent Saturday night at the bday party of a sweet friend. The iced coffee came in here, as she was having a fun coffee/tea party. It was tasty and I was wired. Perfect!

April 22 - worship and study with my CLC family, lunch with my favorites on a patio, and a housewarming party for sweet friends. Social, filling, and there was Queso. Mix for a good day! Let's make it better by adding iced coffee (yes, again), an almost-car-problem (if I fully explained this I would lose serious wife points...but our car is fine), sno-cones and strange holistic magazines about angel psychics (hey, it was free at a gas station!). Wish I has some anecdotal story or something to add here..let's go with when you have car trouble, make sure you do do at a coffee shop do when you call your mechanic uncle and he brings his wife along for the rescue mission, which turns out to be quite unnecessary, she'll at least have her coffee. We are women and related so I totally get it.

April 23 - this day will be getting its own special revisit! It involved a doctor visit (uneventful as heck) and a hospital visit (amazing as heck). Roston James made his entrance into the world in a way as unique as I hope his life story will be. Beautiful, healthy and capable of expanding my hearts love for my nephews farther than I thought possible. Can't wait to document this day further!

April 24 - life after Roston, day 1: went to visit that sweet blonde baby and fell in love again. Uncle Jon stayed home in bed with a migraine, which led to a cancelled small group, which led to more hangout time with the Denman party of four. No biggie! :) Stayed up late with best friend watching the office. As Tuesdays go, this one was a rose.

April 25 – The last session of our study of James (for me, anyway). I am always amazed at how God touches each participant’s in a particular way, so that when we all come to the proverbial dinner table of group study, its quite a feast. That being said, I’ve slacked a bit on my homework, but I intend to start over on my own.

April 26 -  Meeting with doctor, round 2.  I spent most of the day fighting and praying away anxiety over this appointment. Still not up to divulging all the details, but just know it was bit more “invasive” than your average check-up. Things went well and I wholly believe I was carried through on the heart-whispers of others. Beautiful things, those. Business meeting that night, complete with Bison burgers  (yum!) and our usual rabbit trails. Ended the day on a semi-frustrated note, but with that still-small voice speaking stillness. Sleep came easy, thank Him.

 April 27 – POTTERMORE! Def a nerd-out kind of a day. I joined and I’m in love. Finally on its way out of beta testing, I got a good way in. Good news – I’m Ravenclaw! This is much to the dismay of my Hufflepuff Hubs. Speaking of that guy, we went to his softball game and followed it up with the deliciousness that is Campo Verde. I introduced him to Pottermore while we watched the Sorcerer’s Stone. Ah-mazing.

April 28 – The Burleson Farmer’s Market opened today! A touch disappointed with the small number of vendors (some carrying not-so-local produce) but I have faith that it’ll grow and become a good source of local Burleson goodness. It was also my shift to bring the Denman clan dinner (read: slip the parents food while I steal the baby for snuggles). I must say, I made some of the best taquitos ever. Seriously. I could eat my weight in these suckers. And black beans. And Cilantro lime rice. Dang it feels good to be a {kitchen} gangsta. Anywho, got to snuggle with that gorgeous little baby, while Jon was on big-nephew duty (this involves lots of roughhousing and sword fights for which uncles are best suited). Jon left to go out with the boys, and a few hours later returned with said boys and my house instantly became a hostel.  I’m going to start charging rent, maybe in the form of lawn work. Yeah…lawn work.

April 29 – Outings with the nephew are kind of like previews in parenting, which is always…entertaining. We took my oldest nephew to Scarborough Renaissance Faire. His mom gave him money that was burning a hole in his pocket even in the parking lot. He was going to buy a toy, and it only took him 5 minutes into the place to find “the one” – a wooden battle axe painted silver and black. The next few hours was a battle of wills as he begged to buy it right then and I pushed for him to hold off in case he found something else. I finally gave in, let him buy the thing and as I knew would happen, 10 minutes later he found something else that caught his eye. He understood that we shook on it when he bought the axe – no whining, no turning back – and he solemnly nodded as I reminded him.  I’m such a tough aunt! Haha. Still, we had fun riding rides, camels, eating treats and people watching (sidenote: that is the BEST place to people watch. Veeeery interesting).  Tavin even sang his pirate song (from Muppet Treasure Island) to the pirates at the faire. Also nearly got attacked by a creepy vulture. We ended our day with a tired 4 year old, a Sonic run, pirate songs and sword fights. Not a bad Sunday (and I got to hold his brother again)!

 April 30 – One of 3 days I’ve ever cried on the job. I can handle a lot of things, but rudeness and an absolute unwillingness to listen or reason are two that I just cannot stand. I got pushed to the edge by a yelling, angry, berating, and just plain mean person today. That’s all I can say, but the situation ended with me in tears of anger and frustration. Hardest thing in the world to keep your cool with people who never had a hold on theirs! Thankful for the reprieve of nice coworkers, family, baseball and best friends.

Love and Try-Agains,
K