SOUND OFF: Potty Training!

Spoiler Alert: This post is about bodily functions if you haven't figured that out already.  If you can't handle bathroom talk, you probably should just stop here before you get pissed off (Yup, I went there!).

The Baby 411 book helped us survive Billa's infancy (OK, one of the TWO books that helped us – the other was The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp) so when we passed the one year mark, I checked out Toddler 411 from the library.  The one piece of information that really stuck with me from that book was about potty training.  In a nutshell, co-author Dr. Ari Brown thinks that potty training should not take months on end, but no more than one or two days.  She also went on to say that the definition of a potty trained child was a kid who not only understood how to use the potty, but was able to use it MOST of the time.  Her theory behind this was because you would not even think about potty training until the child was ready and really showed the signs of readiness, thereby shortening the amount of time spent on potty training.  If a kid isn't ready, she theorizes, they'll fight you on it and it will be a long drawn out process. 

I have to admit, having watched my friends struggle and fight their kids on potty training, she might be onto something.  I know that a lot of folks start potty training because they're a) tired of diapers b) the kid has passed the age of two c) another baby is on the way d) they want to hit the next milestone or e) all of the above or any combination of those factors.  Hell, there is probably more that I didn't touch on, but you get the idea.  It seems like the majority of reasons are for convenience, IMO. 

I'm not going to lambast other parents and say that they're wrong or right because each family is different and if a potty chart and long drawn out process works for them, then so be it.  I personally, am not in any rush to potty train.  I don't have another baby on the way, and the Target diapers are cheap enough and sturdy enough that I don't have a problem spending $22 a month on "panties" for my daughter (seriously, I heart Target brand diapers.  We stopped paying for Pampers and Huggies months ago when we ended up having the buy the Target brand out of necessity and we've never looked back.  That extra cash in my pocket went towards new clothes since my kid is growing like a weed!).  So Dr. Brown's theory behind potty training is right on par for me.  I'm usually a very high strung person, but on this issue, I am taking the slow route because I can and because it seems right.  If Billa is really ready to potty train, great!  If not, no big deal.

I also really appreciate Dr. Brown's definition of what a potty trained child is.  We all say we won't do it, but every parent I knows is in some sort of subconscious competition with the other parents they know.  Who's kid will walk the soonest, talk the soonest, be potty trained the soonest.  We all want to be the parents of the next Mozart or mathematical whiz, so we all play up how awesome our kids are while harboring a deep seated jealousy for any kid who does something better than our own.  And we all know it's silly, but we do it anyway.  Can you blame us if we feel pride and love for what we've created? 

As a result of all these "Baby Games," our competitive natures have set in place some ridiculous expectations for all parents.  We think we should be getting a full night's sleep by the time Junior is 3 months old (Ha! Once you become a parent, you will NEVER have a full night's sleep again...and if you do...don't tell me about it), that all kids should be walking by one year, and they should be talking in complete sentences with proper grammar by the time they're two.  So being told by a pediatrician who is mom to two kids that potty trained means MOSTLY accident and diaper free makes me feel loads better about my job as a parent.  I've got plenty of ridiculous expectations that I've set for myself; I don't need them from other parents!

Armed with this knowledge, we figured we'd really begin talking about potty training sometime after Sybilla turned two.  Until then, we'd just expose her to the world of the potty.  READ: potty field trips.  Anytime Mama or Daddy goes to the potty, Billa goes too.  We tell her what we're doing, point out the parts of the process, the um, results of that process and make it a learning experience.  She's been doing the same thing at daycare so it's been consistent all around.  Some days she would run around the bathroom, or make noises to hear the echo, but most of the time just generally tune in and out to what we were telling her.  There was in no way any pressure to ever use the potty or any frustration on our end, just simple explanations followed by "Someday you'll use the potty like Mama and Daddy too!"

Lately however, Billa has become increasingly aware of her bodily functions and of the potty process.  For instance, the other day, she was squatting and grunting and I asked her what she was doing.  "Poo poo!" she told me proudly.  Ok then!  Good to know (And boy did she ever).  Another time, she grabbed her crotch region and told Michael, "Wet!  Wet!" in her little Texan accent.  Sure enough, her diaper was full and needed changing.  And she loves to help us flush the tee tee and poo poo away in the potty.  In fact, that's her favorite thing; she'll flush that potty several times just to make sure it's all gone.  Good to know she's efficient!

The biggest eye opener however, was when she tried to be helpful today and tried to WIPE me!  I tell you what, that was certainly an experience.  There I am, merrily doing my thing and my child is ripping off toilet paper and trying to shove it next to my lady bits.  Yeah.  That was a little awkward, if not highly amusing in hindsight.  While I was grateful for her enthusiasm to help, I was quite content to take care of my potty business on my own, thankyouverymuch!

In all, this tells me that Billa is *almost* ready to try potty training on her own.  I know some parents would get waaaay excited about this and just head on out to their local discount megamart and pick up every potty tool in the world, but not us.  Not that the yucky weather today would have stopped me; I just feel that a little bit more time needs to pass before I actually spend some money on a potty seat (if we actually decide to go that route...we may not!). 

While the 'wait and pee' approach might not work for every parent, it's working for us thus far, and seeing the progress that Billa has made in the last two months in regards to it tells me that we've made the right choice for our family.  Everyone tells me "they grow up so fast!" and children do.  I'm content to let her grow and explore on her own.  No need to speed that along.  There may be days when I wish she was three years older so I could understand the words coming out of her mouth, or so that we could do bake or craft together, but we'll get there.  I wouldn't want to miss out on her word explosion or her learning how to use crayons or graduating to a big girl bed just to achieve understanding and save myself some trouble.  I don't want to look back when she's an adult and wish I had spent more time watching her grow.  She'll be past toddlerhood soon enough.  Until then, we're just going to go with the flow [snicker].

Happily flowing,
Kelly

Christmas #4 Recap

So after Christmas Eve with Michael's mom and Christmas morning with Michael's dad, we spent Christmas Day with my family and a couple of friends.  Paul is an old friend of my parents back from when my brothers were in Scouts.  He is a funny little fella, but he has a heart of gold and our go to guy for anything and everything electrical or home renovation.  He's spent Christmas with my family for the last few years so it wouldn't have been the same if he didn't show up!  Our other non-family guest was my friend John.  John and  I met through work and despite being laid off in November, we have stayed in touch.  His dad passed away earlier this year and he didn't really have anyone to spend the holiday with so I forced him to come to our house.  Not that I had to do much arm-twisting; John and another co-worker Beth come over almost weekly for dinner and wine at our place and John knows that I always have something yummy cooking in the kitchen.

I had spent Christmas Eve prepping a lot of things: brioche (bread) dough, a sweet potato casserole, pork tenderloin, spinach artichoke dip, and homemade mac and cheese.  When we got home on Christmas Day around 11, it only took me about two hours to cook everything and since most of it was done, all I had to do was pop things in the oven and then wait for them to cook.  It would have been only one hour had I had a double oven, but whatever.  Someday when I have my dream house!  Michael was great at getting everything cleaned up, so when everyone started arriving at 1:30, it was easy peasy.  It's nice to have finally figured out a good system for entertaining!

Uncle Phil is a wee bit too big for Billa's tent

Uncle Phil?  Can I have my tent back now?

I was so tired of turkey and ham (even though I don't eat ham) so I figured I would do something a little different.  Last year we had a Mexican Christmas with tamales and enchiladas; this year it was pork tenderloin with pomegrante mango chipotle glaze, sweet potato casserole, homemade mac and cheese, peas and corn (my one lazy dish–I figured I made everything else, I was allowed to do frozen veggies!), and brioche, straight from the oven.  It was mighty fine eats, if I do say so myself.

David, Paul and Michael talking motorcycles

Billa shows off some mad skills to her audience

Afterwards, we opened presents.  We gave John a wine aerator (which funny story, he got us one too!), my parents got a calendar and some nice coffee and a digital food thermometer, my brother David got dominoes, and Philip got travel Scattergories.  I gave Paul a loaf of the brioche since I ran out of time to get him anything, but he was excited nonetheless since he now had something to go with the homemade blueberry jam his family had sent him from Maine!  We left some presents for Billa to open so that her uncles and grandparents could share in her joy of opening presents.  I kinda wish I'd saved different presents for her to unwrap since they started encouraging her to use her new markers and 'tattoo' herself.  I also have a big blue streak on my carpet from said markers.  Thanks a lot, guys.

My parents watching Billa open her presents and Philip modeling some of the wrappings

Billa and her 'tattoo'

John colors with Billa

Laughing at some doodles Philip added to Hello Kitty...don't ask!

After presents, we sat around and chatted, played some dominoes, my dad took a nap, Michael read some, and Billa went down for a nap too.  Philip and Paul left early, so the rest of us sat down to eat cookies and watch Grandma's Boy since John had never seen it.  My mom insisted that I finish decorating the rest of the cookies, so I did, but not before she and my brother and John thought it would be hilarious to keep bumping my hands as I tried to pipe designs on them.  David also thought it would be funny to make boobies on some of the gingerbread men (yes, hard to believe he's 25) and my mom made her own improvements to them as well.  Needless to say, I did NOT get pictures of these cookies as they were just awful looking.  They tasted good though!

We had a lot of fun razzing each other and playing around all afternoon and I was sad to see to everyone go.  Mom gave Sybilla a bath before she left (apparently grandma's love to give baths, so who am I to stand in the way of their fun?) and Michael and did a quick clean up before calling it a night.

It was a great Christmas and I am so grateful that my folks came out to my place again this year for dinner and gift exchange.  Someday I hope to consolidate everyone in one Christmas...maybe next year?

Mama wearing her new hat

Billa's turn with the hat!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

Cheers,
Kelly

Christmas #3 Recap

And the fun continues!

Michael's dad had asked us to do Christmas morning with him and his wife and we were happy to oblige so we stayed the night at their place in order to do so.  Michael's sisters stayed too and we chatted and sang karaoke (I love that stuff!) before heading off to bed to await Santa's arrival.


Billa was the last one to get up Christmas morning, enabling Michael and I to get some coffee and visit a bit with everyone before we all tore into our presents.  Michael's dad gifted him with a laptop which he is very excited about.  Actually, I think I am more excited than he is...no more fighting over the Mac!  My present made us all laugh out loud...it was a duplicate of what Michael's mom got me!  Yep, I ended up with TWO mixers!  Since we'd opened the other one already, I took the unopened one back and got myself an iPod touch, of which I am overjoyed.  I definitely made the nice list this year!

Can you tell we're not really morning people?

Mama's got her coffee, I got my milk.  Everything is good now!

Trisa laughs at Mike's hat...it says 'Bah Humbug'

Billa got a fun ride on that also doubles as a little wagon for her to pull all of her toys around in.  It's just perfect for dolls and other small items.  Mostly she likes it as a ride on, or rather a chair, in the middle of the living room while she watches TV.  She also got some super cute outfits from her Tata and Michael and I gifted her with some new movies.

I got a banana!  Let's open presents now!

Caitlyn LOVES her new Harley shirt.

Michael says I make the best faces on Christmas morning.  Whatever.

What's in here?

Billa loves her new rider toy!

Sweet!  I got movies!

I totally surprised Michael with a boxed set of Mel Brooks DVD's that he'd been eyeing at Best Buy.  I got them for significantly less at Costco and in the words of my brother Philip, "Nice way to give to yourself too! For the win!"  Seriously, I don't think anything could have excited Michael more than those DVD'S...except maybe the flannel pajama pants and boot socks and I got him (yes, I know, a bit odd, but whatever makes the man happy).

"You can't Tokomada anything!"

I was very happy to receive a baking book I've been eyeing and a cute little cloche hat that I'd seen at Target.  Love love love it!  I've been wearing it every change I get!

I lurves my hat!

We finished up the morning with a wonderful breakfast and then we all parted ways so that we could continue our visits to other family and friends. It was a wonderful Christmas morning and we very much enjoyed doing something a bit different this year!

Cheers,
Kelly & the Gang

Christmas #2 Recap

Our original plans for Christmas Eve were to join Michael's mom and her boyfriend for a fun filled evening at Austin Park N Pizza, but due to the weather, everyone went to Dave and Buster's instead.  I was kinda bummed since Michael's work schedule didn't allow us to attend that portion of the festivities, but it was probably a good thing as Billa is a little young for Dave and Buster's.  Michael was able to get off a couple of hours early and when he got home, we packed up the car and headed out.

We had a tasty dinner of ham, twice baked potatoes, monkey bread, deviled eggs, and creamed corn.  There was much fighting over the monkey bread, as it's everybody's favorite.  I must learn how to make it!  After dinner, we opened presents.  I was blown out of the water when I tore off the wrapping paper of a very large box and saw a KitchenAid stand mixer label staring back at me.  Seriously, I didn't believe it until I opened the box itself and gingerly touched my new baby.  It's soooo pretty and I am sooooo in love!

My new baby...so purty!

Michael, Caitlyn, and Michelle

What's this?

Just like mama's!  We got the real Billa Cakes now!

Sybilla received a vanity set from her Gigi along with a cute pink mini mixer to match Mama's (although she totally broke it within twelve hours of receiving it...it is now a hand mixer as opposed to a stand mixer and only has one set of beaters!).  Michael's sister Caitlyn works at the Gap so everyone got something from there.  I got some awesome sweaters which I really needed (gotta love practical gifts!) and Michael got a nice cologne set.  Mmmm...smells like man!  She also got Sybilla some really cute clothes which included a brown little fleece sweat jacket which Billa wears all the time now.  Michelle gave us a date night complete with babysitting, which we will be using very soon.  he also got Riley the Beagle a dog sweater, which was cute but the poor guy looked so miserable in it!

We gave Michael's mom a photo calendar of Billa along with a locket that contained a black and white silhouette of Sybilla.  Michelle and Michael gave Carl both seasons of the Sarah Connor Chronicles which was one of his favorite shows.  He also got a popcorn machine which he and Michelle's boyfriend Kevin put together.

Michael's mom loved her calendar!

Carl unwrapping his popcorn maker

Michelle and her boyfriend Kevin look on

The highlight of Billa's evening was a Dora the Explorer tent which she loves to hide in.  When she gets mad at us or doesn't want to get dressed/change diapers/do what we ask of her, she hides in it and giggles at her own cleverness.  I'll have to get a video of it if I can, but it's hilarious!  It now resides permanently in the living room.

What could be in this box?

Sweet!  A tent!

They'll never find me in here...mwahaha!

All in all, we had a great time with Michael's mom, Carl, Michelle, Cait, and Kevin.  We we were sad to have to leave early. but we had to get Billa to bed before she lost her cool.

Happy Christmas!
The Guerra Clan

Merry Christmas To All!

This is the first chance I've had of really getting to the computer today, so apologies for the late well wishes.  To all of our friends, family, and those in between and not so in between, the Guerra clan would like to wish you a very merry Christmas this year.  We feel extremely blessed to have been able to spend ample amounts of time with all of our parents and siblings this year.  We hope that this Christmas you also found yourself sharing the spirit and joy with those closest to you.

Happy Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!

The Guerra Family

PS Happy Birthday Jesus!

PPS Holiday week recap to come...when I have sufficiently recovered from it of course :o)

Christmas #1 Recap

Michael and I have this fight every year where we groan about the upcoming holiday season and stomp our feet whilst adamantly proclaiming: "Only one Christmas this year!  Only ONE!"  And every year, we lose.  It's not that we have no will power; it's just that each Christmas is special because of who it is spent with.  And really, when you have the only grandchild, you kinda have to give in and go to different houses so each set of grandparents get equal time.  Because each of these Christmases is so wonderful, I've decided each one will get it's own recap.  Obviously, you can choose to read them or just scroll through and look at pictures :o)  I don't blame you if you just scroll. 

And next year, we will only have one Christmas!  I swear it!

*--------*--------*--------*--------*--------*--------*--------*--------*

Michael and I were acutely reminded this weekend that we are not in college anymore as evidenced by the headaches and subsequent feelings of having been run over by a Mack truck.  We've been celebrating the holidays and Michael's sister's college graduation the last three days and it's left us a little worse for wear.  We had a great time though!

On Friday, Michael's sister Michelle graduated from Texas State University.  We are very proud of her as she is the first of Michael's siblings to finish college and we know that she has great things in store!  The Guerra clan gathered at River Pub in San Marcos for drinks, lunch and cake.  The younguns carried the celebration back to cousin Stephen Travis's house where we grilled out, played some Texas Hold 'Em and had ourselves a grand ol' time while carrying on late into the night.  Actually, THEY carried on late into the night.  Michael and I headed home around 8 to get Sybilla into bed at a decent time and then promptly crashed ourselves.

Could you not ask for a better day?  The San Marcos River was looking lush and lovely as always!

Here's the graduate herself!  Gramma and Grandpa brought the bobcat with them to celebrate...yes, they have a stuffed bobcat that they got from some antique shop years ago!  He shows up in a lot of pictures actually, lol.

Michael and his cousin, Stephen Travis...they look like they're up to no good!

Gramma Bobbe, Michelle, and DJ sipping on "pina toladas" as DJ called them  (DJ is Michelle's biological son, but was adopted by Marian and Nathan, two incredibly wonderful people who insisted on having DJ's 'tummy mommy and daddy' present in his life.  It's hard to believe DJ is going to be seven soon!)

Sybilla and I spent Saturday running errands, shopping, preparing for a baby shower, and trying to bake.  I say 'trying' because nothing really got done and I ended up having to take it with me when we went to Michael's dad's house that evening for dinner.  The baby shower in question was for one of Michael's co-workers and I made her a really cute motorcycle themed diaper cake as her gift from us.  After the shower, we went to go visit Zeti and Tata (Michael's dad and stepmom).  Michael's half-sister Denise was in town visiting for the holidays and we decided that it was in our best interest to stay the night there so that we could really spend some getting to know her while she was in town.  Denise lives in Tulsa and the last time that Michael really spent any time with her was about 15 years ago.  We stayed up way too late and cracked open one too many bottles of wine while talking and singing karaoke late into the night.  I managed to get my baking for the weekend complete with the help of Michael's sister Caitlyn who is also interested in baking.  We made an awesome and very realistic looking buche de noel.  I will be posting a tutorial on how to make one of these on my baking blog very soon!

Here's the diaper cake I made.  I've been wanting to make this bad boy for AGES and I finally got to.  Cute overload!

My new favorite Billa and Daddy picture.  Seriously, Billa was OVERJOYED to "ride" the motorcycle with her daddy.

The Buche de Noel aka Yule Log.  Tres buche-y.

Sunday was spent in Victoria, TX for the annual Guerra Family Christmas Fiesta (it's not really called that, BTW, but it sure sounds fun, doesn't it?).  We usually eat ourselves silly and drink ourselves merry, and we did just that.  The gift exchange is usually hours in length since there are usually 30 of us going around a circle one at a time unwrapping gifts, but because we did not have the entire clan, it was much shorter in length, thank goodness!  Billa received the most adorable little table and chairs for her bedroom along with a really cute tutu and matching headband from the gift exchange.  Michael and I got some nice goodies too: some movies, a nice bottle of wine, some gift cards, a cake book, and a wine bottle shaped platter for cheese.  I also got a year subscription to Cooking Light magazine which I am way excited about.  Huzzah!

Cathy's dining room - I love the ornaments hanging on the chandelier!

The Guerra's in Victoria have a way fun swing set which Sybilla climbed all over until dinner time.

Sybilla had a lot of fun playing with her cousin Grace's toys...until Grace got tired of Billa touching everything and locked her out of her room.  Who knew seven year olds cared about cleanliness?!

Putting her crayons into her little crayon go pouch.

Billa shows off some jazz hands while wearing her new tutu.

Billa's new table and chairs...now all it requires is a tea set!

We finally made it home about nine last night and we stayed up a little bit later to finish up some presents before finally calling it a night.  It was a long weekend and we're feeling a little worse for wear from it, but we wouldn't have it any other way -- the holidays are best spent with those you love.  We have a few days to catch back up on our sleep and prepare ourselves for yet another crazy fun filled weekend.  Christmas Eve will find us at Austin Park n Pizza with Michael's mom and then Christmas morning we'll be with Michael's dad, stepmom and his sisters.  Then we'll spend the afternoon with my folks and brothers and my friend John (and anyone else that decides to show up...the Dillon family always has an extra plate and chair for whoever happens along, which happens all the time at holidays, lol. I chalk it up to our awesome cooking!)

In case it gets so busy that we aren't able to post again til next week,  we want to wish you all a very merry and happy Christmas.  May it be filled with family and friends, warm fuzzies, and wonderful memories!

Happy Christmas!

Love, Kelly, Michael, & Sybilla

Recipe thuRsday: Southwest Chipotle Stew

Mmmm, there's nothing like cold weather and the company of good friends to enjoy a piping hot batch of stew!  This week's recipe is a new one for the Guerra family, but it has definitely found it's place here and won't be going anytime soon.  This is a bit of a regional spin on stew and came from Cuisine Tonight Weeknight Menus.  You may remember me mentioning this little gem before; it was the same magazine cookbook we picked up at Newflower Farmer's Market some time back.  It still is the best cooking guide I've bought yet!  What makes this dish so wonderful and tasty are three ingredients yo never think to add to stew: cinnamon, orange juice, and sweet potatoes.  Before you go knockin' it, give this one a try and see if you really don't like it.  The sweet potatoes help balance out the flavors a bit and the cinnamon makes your kitchen smell heavenly, not to mention adds a whole new dimension to the stew that I never thought possible.  Seriously, give this one a try!

Southwest Chipotle Stew
2 TBSP EVOO
1.5 lbs beef stew meat
1/2 an onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 TBSP minced garlic
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup orange juice
5 cups beef or chicken broth
1 tsp chipotle powder OR 1 chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 cup masa harina OR all purpose flour
2 large sweet potatoes cut into 1" chunks

1.  Heat the oil in a large stew pot and brown the meat in batches over high heat until it has a nice brown crust.  Remove the meat and return the pot to heat while reducing the heat to medium high.
2.  Saute the onions, bell peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon in the pot for about 5 minutes.  Deglaze the pan with the orange juice and cook until the juice has almost evaporated.
3.  Stir in 4 cups of the broth, the chipotle, and the throw the meat back in.  Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer.  Cook for about 45 minutes or until the beef is nearly tender.
4.  Whisk together the masa and the remaining broth and stir it into the stew.  Add the sweet potatoes and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
5.  Serve up with some crusty bread, a nice red wine, and enjoy!

TIPS:  If you're like me, you only buy the 32 oz size of broth at a time.  I usually sub out one cup of the broth for water in the recipe and have had stellar results!
The cut of meat is really important for a stew; you want your meat to be tender, not touch and chewy.  The recipe cut is beef chuck arm roast.
Also, I highly recommend you NOT use a non-stick pot for this recipe.  It will still be tasty if that's all you have, but the searing and browning of the meat and veggies combined with using the OJ to deglaze the pan adds some serious yumminess that can only come from using a regular pot.
Deglazing is the method by which one uses a liquid to help remove and caramelize brown bits from the bottom of a pan while cooking.  This is why using a regular stew pot (NOT non-stick) is critical for this recipe. 

Bon apetit!

Recipe thuRsday: Chicken Adobado Tacos

I'm a little late in posting this week, but I still have yumminess for you!  And next week is going to be a perfect recipe for you to try with all of this cold weather!

This week's recipe is a quickie but a goodie.  I honestly can't remember where I pulled this recipe, but it was in some magazine or book at someone's house, I want to say either my grandmother's or my mother in law's.  Regardless of where it came from, it sure is tasty and it was way faster than I thought!  This is the perfect meal for those nights when you want to feel like you're eating gourmet food but don't have a lot of time or energy.

Chicken Adobado Tacos
1 TBSP oil (veggie or olive, I used EVOO)
1 - 4 oz can of chopped green chiles
1/2 a medium onion, diced finely
1 tsp garlic powder
1 - 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 packet of taco seasoning
3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken

1.  Heat the oil in a good size skillet over medium heat.  Add the green chiles, onion, and garlic powder and cook for a couple of minutes until the onions begin to soften.  Make sure to push the food around in the pan a bit.
2.  Stir in the tomatoes (with their juice), water and taco seasoning and mix to combine.
3.  Add the chicken and coat thoroughly.  Allow to cook over low heat for about ten minutes to heat through and reduce the liquid a bit.

4.  Roll up small spoonfuls of the chicken into fresh flour tortillas and top off your tacos with guacamole, cheese, and sour cream.  Enjoy!

TIPS:  I used fire roasted tomatoes for a really nice smokey flavor.  The sauce will be somewhat thick before you add the chicken; that's ok.  To make this even faster, purchase your rotisserie chicken on a weekend and shred it then.  That way when you make this in the middle of the week, it really will take only about 15 minutes.  To maximize your time even further, remember heat up your tortillas and prep your toppings while the chicken is cooking.   Fresh tortillas are the best with any taco, but the regular store bought ones will be fine so long as you warm them up.  Some parts of the country don't have a tortilleria  in their local grocery store!  These also freeze well; just make sure to wrap them up nice and tight in a freezer bag.  They're also very tasty leftovers!

Bon apetit,
Kelly