This is what makes Saturday fabulous

We have plans to finally spend the weekend out doing fun stuff. After three weekends in a row with sick kids, we're very much looking forward to plans at the zoo in the beautiful 75 degree weather today.

However, I doubt a fabulous zoo trip can top this unexpected moment that I walked in on this morning.

Thank you Lord for delighting me with this blessing.



And of course, a Saturday morning with three kids wouldn't be complete unless somebody was put in time-out for some reason or another. This morning it was Elsie, who seems to think the world belongs to her. Poor girl.

This is the Stuff...

I was sitting in traffic on Lake Murray Blvd this afternoon while this diesel blocked three lanes of traffic so he could back in to a furniture store loading dock. I was so anxious to get home to my sweet family after work, as always, but especially on this day. Scott had taken the day off work to be with our sick sweeties and when he took them to the pediatrician we found out the girls both had double ear infections, and Eli was suffering from some icky virus that was leaving him tired, congested and relentlessly coughing. I couldn't wait to get home and wrap my arms around them all. And I couldn't even find my cell phone to call home and check in.

While I sat that there getting more and more frustrated at the nerve of this diesel guy (I mean, if you know you have to block three lanes of traffic to make this delivery, could you not choose 5:00 traffic as a delivery time?!) I reached down to look through the package from the pharmacy. I had two sets of antibiotics and one cough medicine. But when I looked at the antibiotics, they hadn't been mixed. Ugh. So now I had to wait for the diesel truck to MOVE and then I had to jet back to the pharmacy to wait in that awful line (again!) so I could get the meds mixed.

As I continued to sit, I reflected on the stressful school day. I had two sweeties complaining that they didn't feel good but neither had a temp. so they were returned to class to mope the rest of the day. I had one high-energy friend that forgot "part of his routine" this morning and was doing everything but pulling out my hair FOR me. Throw in a little fourth grade girl drama, and the afternoon was just not as fun as most. *deep sigh*

And then I heard this song.

My entire perspective changed as I began to feel for the poor diesel driver who probably wasn't from around here and had no idea the trouble this delivery would cause to an already congested road. As I passed I gave him a little wave and a smile, and he looked at me and smiled back with relief. No doubt other passersby weren't extending much southern charm.

What a difference a great song can make!

My Grocery Gamer!

When Emily was just a little thing I had a feeling she would appreciate my couponing. She must have only been two or three when she pushed her baby stroller in the living room and asked me if I could watch her baby while she went grocery shopping. I promised to take good care of her baby doll, and as she exited the room to go "shopping" she turned to her baby and said, "What's that baby?" (silence as she pretended to be listening to her baby) "Oh, I'm sorry baby but we're not going to get that today at the store. Its not on sale, its not on the list, and I don't have a coupon!"

Fast forward to today and just look at my happy little shopper! We went to Publix this evening after the babies went to bed. Emily carefully scanned the aisle looking for the items that were buy one get one free sale items to match with my coupons. When we got to the check out station Emily was just as excited to hear the total as I was: $32.19 for all of this!

Hey! Nice hat!

Elsie has several friends who needed to wear a special device on their heads in order to even out the heads. I'm surprised at how common it has become. Well, apparently Elsie decided that she needed one of the special hats too! She has worn it much of yesterday and today. I think she feels she is making a fashion statement!

Carnitas Tacos

I could get used to this being at home thing. I love teaching, but I also love being a Mommy at home all day. I certainly don't like that the twins were sick, but that's not to say I haven't enjoyed every moment with them at home.

We didn't figure out they were sick until after I'd already gotten completely ready for the day yesterday, which included putting this meal in the crock pot. Turns out, I got to be home all day smelling the house as it cooked. I couldn't wait for dinner, and it turned out great!

Here's the recipe:
2 lbs. pork loin
1 chopped onion
3 diced carrots
2 chopped chipotle chilies in adobe sauce
2 T. adobe sauce (from same can)
2 cans white kidney beans
1 can dice tomatoes
3 T. tomato paste
1/2 C. water
1 1/2 T. oregano
1 t. cumin
2 t. kosher salt
1 t. black pepper
1/2 t. cayenne pepper
chopped cilantro
sour cream
sliced limes

Cut the roast down the middle and put in crock pot. Add all other ingredients, except sour cream, lime, and cilantro. Cook on low for eight hours. Shred pork and mix all together. Serve with warmed corn tortillas with lime, sour cream, and cilantro as garnish.

And the best part? If you use low-fat sour cream, this dish is only 6 weight watchers points! And it tastes delish!