New Happenings & More

 Hello, readers! I'm back with some more updates in my life (I'm super proud of myself for not disappearing for so long this time!).

Life has been pretty okay lately. I finally have some updates about the big things happening behind the scenes. At the time of my last post, I didn't want to reveal too much because things can change, and so they did. After putting in a little over two years of hard work and dedication, I received a promotion at work! Initially, the company I work for was acquiring a new store, and I was to become the manager. Things didn't quite fall into place like they were supposed to, however, I can't complain with how things did play out. I'm now a floating manager, and I work between two different stores. I'm loving it! Working between two locations not only changes the scenery a little, but I'm learning new skills along the way as well. I love the challenge of it all. 

One great perk to my new schedule is that I'm able to have more time with my family. We're all developing new routines, and it's working quite well for us.

My oldest daughter is now in 7th grade, and last year she joined band. She started in beginner's band, and this year has been promoted to "Gold" band, which is the highest you can go at her middle school. I'm super proud of her! 

Maddie has always done her own thing. She's got a fun-loving and spunky personality, and she loves to stand out from the crowd. So, it's only natural that she would choose the tuba as her band instrument! Yes, that is a blue tuba she's got. Blue and gold are her school's colors, and the band department recently received some new instruments. 

Thursday night was her first official band performance at the middle school football game, and I'm so happy that I was able to take off of work to be there! I stood by the fence the whole time (and she, equally, pretended that she didn't see me there....but that goes with her spunky personality).

All in all, I really can't complain about my life! I'm thankful for all of the blessings, and grateful to finally be getting more time with my family. I still have more goals I'm working on (my mind is always flowing with ideas), but I'm learning to go with the flow while enjoying all of the little moments in between.

Easy Mexican Style Sauce

Do you ever find yourself browsing through your pantry, trying to figure out what to cook for supper?? That was me last night. I didn't want to make a dreaded trip to the grocery store, so I knew I'd need to be creative. I knew that I had some brown rice on hand, and that was enough to get the ideas churning. I ended up creating a delicious Mexican-style sauce to pour over the rice, and it was all from ingredients that I already had in stock!

Ingredients:

(1) Small whole chicken - cooked and deboned

(3) 8-oz. jars of Pace Picante sauce (I used Medium, but choose intensity according to your own personal preference)

(2) 15-oz. cans of tomato sauce

(1) 15.25-oz. can of corn, drained (Regular, or Mexican style)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pan, and stir to mix well

Cook, uncovered, on medium-high heat until boiling (stirring occasionally) 

Once boiling, reduce heat and cover.

Let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally

After the cooking is done, you're all set! Pour over brown rice, and enjoy!

So Much "LIFE"

Where do I even begin?? I know it's been a long time since I've posted any updates....isn't it funny how life happens sometimes?

There are so many things that have happened, that each would need its own blog post. I can give a brief rundown though.

It's been a little over 2 years since Gail had her open heart surgery. It's amazing to see how she's thriving and growing now! I'm amazed with each and every passing day. She just finished kindergarten, and is preparing for First grade. Thanks to lovely Imelda, and the flooding that ensued (and also Covid), her kindergarten year was definitely not average.

So what's happened since my last post?

• Gail's open heart surgery, which went very smoothly.
• I re-entered the workforce (This is the primary reason I haven't updated in so long).
• My husband suffered from a work injury.
• Imelda came through and flooded our home (Which we're still very slowly repairing).
• My husband was hospitalized this past January, and was diagnosed with End Stage Liver Disease (It's been a rough road with this one).
• COVID.....Need I say more?? This lead to the juggling of working to support our family, and playing "teacher" when I wasn't at work. I still have no clue how this upcoming school year will play out...we're all just sort of winging it right now.
• There's another big development, but the details aren't finalized just yet, so I will post about this one once everything is said and done...but it will be a goal I've been working towards for a while that my family will truly benefit from!

I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that I'm optimistic about what lies ahead for myself and my family. I've learned that life gets rough sometimes, but you just have to take things as they come, and you have to keep on keeping positive....no matter what.