Can you tell I'm not feeling the creativity with titles lately? Ah well. Can't win 'em all!
First and foremost, the reason its been a while since I posted - the hubby's home!!
He sent me this handsome picture with his cell phone while he was away. Technology does amazing things these days! Thank heaven for the connection it provides families who are apart from one another. I can't imagine what it would have been like years ago, dealing with deployments and TDY, not having email or cell phones. We are certainly blessed.
That said, there is nothing like the real thing, and we are SO happy to have Kev back home with us! The girls are beyond thrilled and refuse to leave his side. The reaction Anna had at the Homecoming Ceremony on base was just adorable. When the busses drove up she started waving and yelling "Hi Daddy!" as every one of the soldiers stepped off. Of course when she saw which one was HER Daddy she melted and went running for him. I think that was the hilight of the whole month for Kevin. He just glowed.
I am loving having him home too, though I am trying to figure out how to fit in my painting time again (not that I mind this incredibly happy -and handsome- distraction). I thought I'd share a painting I did of Abbi while he was gone. I gave it to my mom when she left to go home, to thank her for her help with the girls the last week before Kevin got home. She has a matching one that I painted of her a couple years ago, dancing around a May Pole. So, now she has a set. :) Before long, it will be three, as I have one in the works of Anna to go with them. The painting is about 18"x24". Excuse the glare on the glass - I didn't think to get a photo before I framed it!
Painting isn't the only creative endeavor we have been doing around these parts! I have been finding new ways to use up that incredible produce we picked up from the Farmer's Market. We went back today to pick up some more tomatoes and peppers, and I decided to make some Pico De Gallo.
Pico De Gallo:
2 Lg. Tomatoes, chopped into small pieces
2 Jalapenos, seeded, rinsed and chopped into tiny pieces
1/4 of a Green Pepper, chopped
1/2 Onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped Cilantro
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Lime juice (optional)
Mix all ingredients well and allow to stand at least one hour in the refrigerator.
--
Of course, with Pico, you have to have something to put it on! So, I made Enchiladas!
Enchiladas:
1 lg. can Enchilada Sauce
1/4 cup Pico (or Salsa if you don't have Pico de Gallo)
1 pkg. Small Corn Tortillas
1 lb Mexican Cheese, Shredded
1 lb lean hamburger, shredded beef or chicken, or turkey burger
1 can Sliced Olives (optional)
~Preheat oven to 350* F
~Brown Hamburger meat (or cook & shred other meat), and add 1/3 cup Enchilada Sauce and 1/4 cup of Pico de Gallo to meat.
~Sprinkle a little bit of Cheese down the center of a Tortilla in a line. Spread 1/4 cup Meat mixture over Cheese. Roll and place fold-side down into a 9x13" baking dish. Repeat with remaining Tortillas & Meat.
~Once the pan is filled with rolled Tortillas, pour remaining Enchilada Sauce evenly throughout the pan.
~Sprinkle remaining Cheese over top, and add olives if you like them.
~Bake for 10-15 minutes in a 365* F oven, or until cheese is melted.
~Serve hot with a side of Pico De Gallo (or salsa), and a slice of Avocado if you like, for (a quite tasty) garnish. Hubby likes his with Sour Cream.
--
Life is busy but good right now, and we are enjoying every minute of it. I hope you are as well!
So beautiful, and so glad to see your paintings once again! I can't wait to try this recipe, as I have most of the ingredients Ü Off to copy it now...
Posted by: Renell | July 26, 2008 at 09:20 PM
YAYYYY for the end of TDY! I'm counting the days till mine gets home...
Posted by: Susie | July 26, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Oh have fun having your guy home! I understand that completely that one although my situation was a little less stressful as he was just a state away. It must be wonderful to have him home!
The dinner looks delicious! I'll have to give it all a try, we have some just about ripe jalapeños in our container garden.
Posted by: Kristin Roach | July 27, 2008 at 12:54 AM
MMM those enchildadas look delish!
Posted by: GirlieGirl | July 27, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Oh my... my mouth is watering from the pic of the enchiladas! Love the painting, you amaze me! Welcome home, Kevin!
Posted by: Kami | July 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Love...nothing says it better than a happy reunion!
You are a woman of many talents; the painting is beautiful and I certainly will try the recipe.
Thank you!
Posted by: Jolanda | July 27, 2008 at 10:55 PM
this are to die for! the enchiladas, can i come over next dinner? :)
Posted by: kim* | July 28, 2008 at 11:04 AM
you are so talented !
Posted by: Laurie | July 28, 2008 at 06:34 PM
So glad for you that your husband is home. I can't imagine what that is like.
Your painting is beautiful, too!
Posted by: linda | July 28, 2008 at 07:50 PM
I'm so happy for you....I love homecomings!
I've stocked up on all the ingredients needed for enchiladas, thanks!
I absolutely *love* your painting, it makes me smile and cry at the same time. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Shannon O. | July 29, 2008 at 10:44 AM
The Pico De Gallo looks so good....I am trying that this weekend......
Posted by: Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage | July 30, 2008 at 08:26 AM
I absolutly love that painting, makes me want to start painting again, so pretty!
Posted by: lostneedle | July 30, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Thanks for sharing the Mexican recipes. I could eat them every day.
And I'm glad to her your hubby made it home. I can't even imagine the emotions of it all.
Adorable painting!!!!
Posted by: Gina | July 31, 2008 at 06:23 AM
What a beautiful painting - your work is just lovely! And I can't believe not ONE person has commented on your handsome husband. Gosh I'd be super glad to have him home too!
Posted by: Louise | August 02, 2008 at 06:47 AM
Thanks for the receipts, I will try them out soon I hope.
Posted by: Pat Johnson | August 04, 2008 at 03:37 PM