Back to Life... Back to REALITY!!!!

Our trip home from Mexico was a little crazy.  We woke up thinking we had the whole morning to relax and leisurely pack our bags.  I was even hoping for one last toast in the sun.  However, mother nature had other plans, as did American Airlines.  It was pouring rain when we woke up... I thought Mexico was just mouning us leaving... who knew there was a hurricane brewing out there.  Sorry, but it's a rarity if I watch the news at home on a "normal" day, much less while I'm out in paradise on vacation!!!  On top of that we were notified that our flight had been cancelled.  American Airlines had rebooked Jarred and I on seperate flights and it was impossible for Jarred to make the flight they had put him on because of the distance we were from the airport and the time it takes to get through customs.  Needless to say it was super stressful as no one in Mexico seems to understand the concept of HURRY and NOW!  Everyone there is on "tequila time", which normally I don't mind, unless it means getting stuck and having to spend hundreds of dollars to try to get home, oh and let's not mention the hurricane again.  Anyway, with a little help (they're pretty accomodating for us down there since we're "members") we got everything straightened out and Jarred and I made it home, TOGETHER and without too many more "incidents". 

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early and headed south to get the kiddos.  It had been 16 days since we dropped them off and although we had to drive 653 miles in ONE day roundtrip, it was worth every minute, every mile to see them and hug their sweet little faces.  I knew I had missed them TONS, but I was completely surprised to find myself sobbing, no, actually bawling, when I saw them come running out of the house and to the truck.  Even Chloe getting motion sickness on the way home didn't damper the bliss I felt to be reunited as a family.  It feels so good to be recharged and in LOVE with my role that I've taken as a stay-at-home mom.  My mantra for the past few years has been, "You can't give what you don't have." and my cup is overflowing with happiness and joy after spending 2 weeks to pour into myself and spend quality time with my husband.  The kids had a blast too!  I couldn't ask for anything more!

Oh and my washing machine was finally fixed on Monday so with a clean house and the laundry done life is perfect!  I've even surprised myself and cooked fairly intensive meals this week.  I know it's not Monday, but here's what we've been eating this week.  I think I kinda went overboard on Monday, but Colby was having a friend sleep over and Jarred brought home the summer John Deere college intern he was hosting this week.  I wanted to make sure we showed him some southern home-cooked hospitality! LOL!

Meal Plan "Thursday"

Monday: Crispy Fried Chicken Strips, Homemade Macaroni & Cheese, Fried Parmasean Zuchinni (from the garden), Baked Beans, Home-grown Sweet Corn, Honey Butter Biscuits, Sweet Tea & Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies!  Mmmmm! 

Chloe thought I was magic because I made macaroni without the box! LOL!

Tuesday: Jalepeno Poppers, Grilled Steaks, Twice-baked Potatoes, Garden Salad, Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Wednesday: Calamari with Marinara Sauce, Chicken Festival Pasta (kind of like the bowtie festival at Carino's), Sweet Peas with Garlic & Almonds & Strawberry Shortcake

Thursday: LEFTOVERS!!!!  Last night was SO good, but it makes a ton and we're all looking forward to having it again tonight.

Friday: Smothered Hamburger Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Ceasar Salad, Fried Okra (from our garden too!)

I imagine this weekend will be filled with burgers, hot dogs, and all the other "expected" summer-time favorites. I have all the stuff ready to make homemade ice cream and apple pie as well as a giant watermelon chilling in the fridge.  So FUN! I LOVE holidays!!!!

And while I'm on the topic of food, OH MY, has our garden been fruitful this year!  We have more tomatoes than we know what to do with!  We can't use them or even give them away fast enough.  Chloe and I have made a habit in the afternoons about 4:00 to see what's ready that we can fix for dinner that night.  She loves looking for all the vegetables and tells me everyday in her excited high-pitched voice, "Mamma, this is just like an Easter egg hunt!"