"Now we aren't stuck at home anymore!"

This is Jordans facebook post. The van looks like it's fixed, and she is most excited that we are now mobile once again! However, I rather liked the fact that I couldn't go anywhere!

Having to stay at home is such a luxury and the girls just don't get it!lol! With school starting for everyone within the next 2 weeks I am just enjoying hanging out and not having to be anywhere. The Summer did not go as we planned, when does anything these days though? With John being off work the first 2 weeks that I was off with the injury to his knee he didn't get paid for that first week it really put us behind (more than we already were!) Then the bathtub got clogged up (ugh!! hopefully that will be fixed this weekend) then after the girls and I got back from visiting with my mom the van dying and Johns car having a flat, it has not been the most relaxing of vacations!

I am very grateful that all of this happened while the girls and I were off though, I can't even imagine if it happened when if we were at work/school! What a mess that would have been! I am also grateful that John was able to replace the starter on his own, pretty impressed actually! And I am very grateful that we know people that could help us to figure out what the small problem was instead of us having to pay for a tow to the shop and then neing charged whatever crazy amount it would have been to replace fuses!

This year has been such a whirlwind of change for us, and I really needed the time off, however I would LOVE if I had even more time off...ooohhhh how I would love to hit the lotto!! But, I go back to work in 2 weeks, Jordan and Brooklyn go back to school next Thursday and Sydney goes back August 6. I'm glad I have a job in these times, but I'm even happier that I have a job that allows me to be off as much as I am! hehe!

So although my 11 year old is thrilled that we aren't stuck at home anymore....I would much rather be stuck here at home!!

Slow Cooker Steak and Black Bean Chili

I thought I would share the recipe I am making today, it smells amazing!!!


2 lbs boneless beef top round steak

1 envelope onion soup mix

2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can tomato sauce

1 can chopped green chiles, undrained

3 tsps chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1. Trim fat from beef. Cut beef into 3/4 inch cubes. Place in slow cooker and mix with dry soup mix. Stir in remaining ingredients.

2. Cover and cook on low heat setting 8- 10 hours


How easy is THAT?!?!?!

Weekends

Normally through the year our weekends are jam packed with kids activities, so when the Summer hits and we have very few things going on, I revel in it!!!

With the van not running I had to use Johns car to go to the grocery store. You should know his car has NO A/C!!! NO GOOD!!!! Anyway, Brooklyn and I went grocery shopping and then home to unload it and while we were at it I started dinner in the crockpot (steak and black bean chili) before John went to work. It won't really be ready until he gets home tonight, but it sure looks and smells good!!!

I should be starting laundry, but it is too flippin hot to be doing anything!! I will seperate it though, that counts right?! ;)

Sydney is at friends house for the weekend, so it's just me, Jordan and Brooklyn for the evening. I think we may just hibernate in my room where the air is on....I'm so tired of being hot and it's only July!!! :(

So, I guess I will throughly enjoy my non eventful weekend!!!

I am melting!

This hot, sticky weather has got to go!!! Its 103+ with thunderstorms all around us.....ugh!!! I've been hiding in my rom since my a/c works nicely in here. That, however, is not a good sign for the rest of my house!!! I am setting my alarm for early in the morning so I can get some cleaning done before the heat sets in. I hate this!!!!! :(

Lazy Days of Summer?

Oh how I wish!!! My visions of lounging around in the early mornings and simple tidying up in the house during the day haven't yet happened this Summer! :(

The beginning of the Summer started much like the rest of the year has gone...full of stress! I'm determined to not let it get me down though, God will get me through and I will be stronger for it!

I go back to work August 3, Sydney goes back August 6 and Jordan & Brooklyn go back July 29. Soooooo, within that time I will get things in order around here! I have a ton of things in my room that can be donated or thrown out, Brooklyns clothes need to be gone through, the garage needs to be cleaned up and Jordan has clutter galore in her room! It will get done, or I will stress myself out trying!!! :)