New Year's Resolutions

Every previous year it's been my tradition to never have any New Year's Resolutions. Maybe because I didn't have a baby, but instead all the free time in the world. 

So I'm starting a new to me tradition of having resolutions for 2013.

First:

To start our training back up in February and be ready to run another half marathon in May. SmithCale is already carbo-loading for it. (I'll also accept suggestions for which one! Dallas/Ft. Worth area, please!) Then I'd like a new road bike for my birthday to start the journey towards a triathlon, because SmithCale broke my current bike with stray trash <-sadly, another true story

Second: 

Since SmithE routinely goes to bed at 6 p.m., God bless her, I'd like to not only begin a work-out DVD, but routinely FINISH a work-out DVD including stretching instead of stopping at 30-35 minutes. (Since Christmas I'm already doing better on this! I stopped my plyocide DVD with only 4 minutes left! Baby steps)

Third:

Spend quality time with SmithE every time she's awake, because everyone says they grow up too fast.  I'd rather bounce her on the bed and listen to her ridiculously cute giggle, seriously heart melting, than mop my floors anyway. 

                                                     

The list seems a little selfish, but that's what resolutions are for right, RIGHT?  And I know better than to ask God for things like patience or any other potential cringe-worthy character building. Newborn was enough for one year, thank you. 

Fourth: 

To actual utilize a babysitter. Many have offered but none have been accepted. It's time to go see a movie or eat at a restaurant again.

Fifth:

Get more involved with any ladies events and not let SmithCale guilt me into being lazy, sooo hard to resist. 

Any resolutions for your 2013?

Food for a New Year,

BSmith, Forging one day at a time

Christmas 2012

Christmas for our branch has always included multiple stops around Texas which is a very large state.
I worried and worried about how SmithE would handle the strange beds, strange people and other schedule interruptions. But, I knew we would have to trudge forward because for us Christmas means time with family and she'd have to get used to it or get over it!

The initial trip to Corpus Christi, fabulous. She only got upset when we stopped. 
Then FriDAY went pretty well, until Friday night. SmithE decided to show us her displeasure by teething (i.e.screaming) 

Right before the storm

But then Saturday went much better! She smiled, let everyone hold her and even managed to squeal in delight a few times. She got upstaged in energy by her cousin, Linus (born July 13th), lemme tell you that boy loves to jump.

Eleanor with Grandma O'Bryant favorite picture

Christmas 2: Garwood, TX

On Sunday morning we got up and met SmithCale's family at church, and yes, Clayton, we were late. Someone had to poop her pants TWICE.

Later that day, the men did what they did best look at animals and tell dirty jokes (<Sean)

                                     

On Christmas Eve, the ladies started our new tradition of making the annual Christmas ornament. This year we made Owls in honor of Eleanor's nursery and because they were SO CUTE.

CHRISTMAS OWLS! Mine is the grey one (from left) with the shiftiest eyes, he's very un-trusting, we're working through it.

Then because SmithE refuses to go to bed much beyond 6 p.m., she got to open her first traditional Christmas Eve gift early. It's always pajamas, SmithCale. Always. 

Then SmithCale stole an Amazon gift card from his mother, TWICE, in the White Elephant exchange.
He looks devastated.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Christmas 3: Rochelle, TX

After opening our Christmas presents in Garwood, we packed up, again, and headed to our next to final destination, M & Poppa's. 

White Elephant exchange #2, where SmithCale stole more Amazon cards. 

I think SmithE was just about Christmased out lounging on Cousin Amy. 

All in all, the Smiths had another fantastic Christmas. She never cried once while traveling and napped/slept in every strange bed we put her in thank you sleep training. I'm getting emotional just looking at these pictures knowing next year she'll be bigger, but that's how it goes. Thanks again, SmithCale, for the amazing pictorial memories!

Food for Christmas Memories,

BSmith, forging on day at a time.

Geordi La Forge

I think all that Star Trek: The Next Generation watching my parents did when I was a kid is now expressing itself in the strangest way.

We have a small mirror that attaches to the headrest in front of SmithE's car seat so that we can see what she's doing back there. Usually staring, she's so rude :)

Whenever we go "out", it is normal for us to put a headband on her. So that less old men will call her a boy.

Every once in a while she grabs in and pull the headband over her eyes, thus creating the Geordi La Forge effect. AKA Geordi La Forgin'

TWINS! 

The reference came up again when SmithCale created our Christmas card. I thought his rendition of my glasses made me look a little Geordi-esque. He disagreed, so I lost the redesign argument. 

Food for Klingons,

BSmith, forging one day at a time

Eighty Seven

Norma Ruth Ray Thompson was born December 8, 1925 along with her twin, Buddy. Sadly Buddy died several years ago and I never remember meeting him. 

On December 8, 2012 we celebrated her 87th year along with her only two surviving brothers, three children, two grandchildren, one pouty grandson-in-law and a happy namesake baby. SmithCale was pouting because 2 weeks after Thanksgiving he FINALLY realized he had forgotten his beloved camera charger at his parents. I had to convince him that using the point-and-shoot camera was fine and you can't NOT take pictures, the woman is EIGHTY SEVEN. (which may or may not have been said in a whisper yell)

No party is complete without a festive touch.

or a skulking 20 something. 

Disclaimer: (so I don't get gripe-vibes sent my way) SmithCale was very pleasant while at the party, I just like to pester him. And  he expects this treatment. 

I gave SmithE a pep-talk before we left, seeing as she's been cranky since her 4-month shots and bottom teeth that are trying to emerge: No screaming while Nanny holds you, it's her birthday! The stars aligned and that prayer vigil worked, she was quite pleasant the whole party. This time. 

Food for Longevity,

BSmith, forging one day at a time

tamales

Tamales

Personal Note:  SmithCale has literally been begging for me to make tamales for probably a year. And I’ve ignored him because the idea of it overwhelmed me.  Then I had no excuse when Cooking Light not only had a recipe, but pictures on how to make them. After reading over the recipe, I saw ways I could make a few short cuts, so I decided to try it. We bought all the ingredients and I squared away a Saturday to leisurely prep the meat, masa, etc. Then SmithCale and I rolled tamales while SmithE swung in her swing.  All in all, it took about an hour for us to roll about 2 dozen tamales! With all seriousness, if you are coming to our area and want to hang out; we can make tamales! Because what else am I going to do with all this extra lard?? 

Plan of Attack:

1. Prepare filling

2. Prepare Masa

3. Make Tamales

4. Steam

Ingredients for 2 dozen:

Filling:

3lbs Boston Butt (pork shoulder roast)

1 C chopped onion

9 crushed garlic cloves

1 tsp toasted cumin seeds

1 small can chipotle chiles in adobo

1 C chicken stock

1 tsp orange zest

1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ tsp ground coffee

Masa Harina:

2-1/2 C chicken stock

2 ancho chiles

1 C frozen corn kernels

4 C instant Masa Harina

1-1/4 tsp salt

1-1/2 tsp baking powder

½ C chilled lard

Dried corn husks

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees

2. Soak corn husks in water 30 minutes before assembly!

3. Prep filling: heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper and brown on all sides (for about 10 minutes); remove pork from pan.

4. Add onion and garlic to the Dutch oven and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

5. Stir in cumin, chipotle chiles in adobo; sauté for 1 minute (keep head away from pan)

6. Add 1 C stock, orange zest, cocoa powder & coffee; bring to a boil

7. Return pork to pan, cover and bake for 3 hours at 300 degrees. When pork done, shred with forks and return to sauce.

8. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees

9. Prep masa: in a bowl add 2-1/2 C stock, frozen corn kernels, and ancho chiles. Microwave for 2 minutes on high.

10. Remove stems and seeds from ancho chiles, then blend in a blender until smooth; set aside.

11. In a food processor, combine masa harina, salt and baking powder. 

12. Add lard and pulse until crumbly

13. Turn on low and slowly pour in corn/chile blended mixture until a dough forms

14. Lay corn husk flat

15. Add 3 tablespoons of masa and mash into a rectangle (4”x3”)

16. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of filling down the side of the rectangle and roll the corn husks until one side of the rectangle meets with the other.

17. Twist the ends of the corn husks, or tear a corn husk into strips and tie the ends of your rolled tamales

18. When finished rolling, place them in a broiler rack

19. Add 2 C HOT water and place a soaked towel on top of tamales (not your best towel)

20. Place in oven for 25 minutes

21. Rewet towel and add 1 more C of hot water to pan

22. Steam for 20 more minutes

23. Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes

24. Enjoy!

They freeze really well too. Just bundle 5-6 with plastic wrap and cover with heavy duty aluminium foil. To reheat steam for 8-10 minutes. 

Food for Authenticity,

BSmith, forging one meal at a time

SmithCale Braves the World with SmithE

Starting a few weeks ago, SmithCale now doesn't work Fridays. So I suggested he and Eleanor get out of the house. Because she doesn't want to sit around and play video games all day.

SmithCale is convinced his car will spontaneously explode if he ever attempts to drive our daughter around in it. I didn't know why. There are no indicator lights on or obvious problems. So Friday I decided to leave them my beloved car, Ru, and drive his car to work.

 I think I see the problem, it's almost 9 years old and isn't as nice as mine. Car envy, SmithCale?

They were supposed to go get Ru inspected. First inspection *sniff sniff*. But the line was too long, so they went to the Asian market instead. To say that SmithCale was excited to share this gem with her: understatement. I'm sure he can't wait to take her there when she's older and let her pick out anything she wants. Because Asian twinkies aren't as bad for you, they're filled with culture. 

And, bless them, they brought back some of my favorites! Steam buns filled with red bean paste (that I reheat in a bamboo steamer, naturally), and red bean ice cream. Red beans are better for you because they're beans with lots and lots of sugar.

Less crying + Lots of smiling= SmithE turning 4 months (AKA new favorite age) 

Oh, that? That's SmithCale's favorite thing: Sriracha. Which she probably won't like until she's 18. 

Food for Culture,
BSmith, forging one day at a time

Next up: Handmade Tamales