My Blessings

Yesterday was my beautiful twin boys 2nd birthday! I planned this huge party and hired a petting zoo to come! It was crazy and chaotic but my boys truly loved it and so it made all of the CRAZY worth it! It baffles me how the time has just flown by and my boys have turned into little men and are no longer babies. I want our busy lives to just slow down so that I can enjoy them to the fullest! This past year has been one of the hardest for my family. Aaron has been out of work and our financial situation has really taken a toll on us. I planned this extravagant petting zoo party before Aaron was out of work, and my step father had to come to the rescue and pay the final balance for us because we were overdrawn. Growing up, money was never an issue for me. My Dad George had plenty of money and never let me go without. I experienced over the top trips and parties, and frequented 5 star restaurants and spas on a regular basis. Now that he is gone, I have realized that the life we lived was luxurious and that, that is not "real life." I used to think not having money meant that life was OVER. God has definitely been using $$$ to teach us lessons about life. Although I really like to have money, I now know that life isn't over when you don't have it. I have been amazed at how we have had $2.46 TOTAL in our checking and savings combined and have rent due and I look in the mail box to find a check in there. God has used people in our lives to bless us in ways that we have never expected. Although our financial situation really stresses us out and really messes with our "peace of mind" we are SOOOO blessed. Thought I would share a few reasons why I am thankful to wrap up the Thanksgiving holiday:

• My husband makes a mean cup of coffee
• My children are healthy
• I have access to a hot shower and a toilet that flushes
• I have experienced true love and have a husband and children who love me unconditionally.
• I was lucky enough to get a job that pays decent in this economy which allows me to contribute to my family.
• My kids are loved by many.
• I have a select few of people who truly "get" me.

Terrific Tuesday!!

Today is a totally random day. My husband is in San Jose taking his POST exam. The POST exam is a requirement for him to become a Police Officer so my fingers are crossed and I pray he passes! My kiddos started preschool a couple of weeks ago and because I work there they get to go for FREE! Isn't that super amazing? Do you know what it costs for a child to go to a "non-ghetto" preschool in the Bay Area? It costs a fortune and I have 2 kids to pay for!!! I am SOOO blessed!! They weren't really getting used to being there because I wasn't bringing them consistently, so their teacher asked me to bring them every day for the next 2 weeks so that they can adjust. Today I have the day off of work so I am just catching up on all of the things I NEED to get done! It is just so weird for me to be in my house all alone and have SILENCE! So I just took a really hot shower, for the first time in a long time got to take my time shaving my legs (this is a big deal for me if you are wondering why I added this detail), did a load of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and then put some Chicken Enchilada Chili in the crock pot! My Aunt Cindy made this dish for us while we were camping in Dinkey Creek and I just fell in love! Since today is super chilly I thought it would be a perfect dinner to warm my little family up!! Here is the recipe in case you wanted to give it a try!

11/2 cups prepared enchilada sauce (read labels carefully if avoiding gluten)

2 (14.5-ounce) cans tomatoes with seasoning (your choice: I had garlic and olive oil on hand)

2 (15-ounce) cans pinto or kidney beans with juice (or 1 cup dry pinto beans, soaked overnight)

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 onion, diced, or 1 tablespoon dried minced onion flakes

1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

11/2 pounds chicken (thighs, legs, breasts—your choice)

shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream for serving (optional)

I just throw all of it in the crock pot and cook on high for like 6 hours! =) Then I make some corn bread to serve with it! Happy Crockin!