Summer, Summer, Summer

A little update on my job search...its still going. I have had 5 interviews so far and one coming up on the 21st. I had a bit of a letdown with the past company...I thought I had it, but something is bound to happen so I am staying positive.

Despite the Texas heat, the fact that Ive only been to the lake once, and that I have only eaten watermelon one time so far, I love Summer! Me and Justin have had a few adventures this summer. We went to the Dallas World Aquarium and saw a monkey thats so small it could fit in your palm. They had sharks, manatees, alligators and a mommy monkey carrying a baby on her back. I have to say that the monkeys were my favorite part, they were incredible. And then my car got a flat so the day ended a bit sweaty but it was worth it.

My Dad came up to help us with Justin's truck and we had a great visit. We had a bunch of friends over for the 4th of July. We had more than enough food and got to see some fireworks. And although the fireworks show we saw was not the greatest, we got to eat watermelon in the nice summer night weather.

 I also got 2 new plants and they are still living!! Its only been a week, give it time, but they are so pretty right now. I got a Mexican Heather and a hanging Vinca. They really add a lot to our tiny patio! There will be lots of family and friend visiting the rest of summer as I hope to go to Austin soon. I got to visit with my good friend Meagan today, how great to have friends who know you so well! And I know there is more in store for our summer but yay so far!

Calling all Dave Ramsey Fans!

Me and Justin are interested in trying the Dave Ramsey financial coaching thing and are wanting to see if anyone actually has benefited from his program. I know a lot of people use his methods but has anyone done the whole program? If you have ANY insight into Dave Ramsey strategy or some legit results...PLEASE leave a comment or message me on facebook.

The program I am talking about is meeting with a Dave Ramsey financial coach for the set amount of months, following the steps, and cancelling debt.

Thanks guys, I really hope some of you can help us out!

Nobody knows the touble Ive seen

I titled this post with a verse of the song Zazu sings when stuck in the cage at the end of Lion King. Thats about how I have been feeling lately, trapped in a little cage, powerless to do anything. Dont worry, Im not going to have a pity party, its just incredible how much we are able to handle with some trust in God. Let me make sense of this for you...

Happenings of the last month:
-Justin's truck wouldnt start. We have been going with just one car. We are hoping to revive it soon.
-My car's bumper bends back when you pull out of a parking space.
-My car got a flat while me and Justin went to the Dallas aquarium.
-My car's battery died and had to be replaced. We had to walk, with battery in hand, to the Auto Zone up the road to buy a new one.
-School loans kicked in.
-Dixie almost got hit by a car one night when me and Justin took her for a walk.
-I have yet to find a full time job.

This might not sound too bad but it has rocked our little world. And anyone who knows me knows that I worry, panic, and worry some more. However, I feel oddly at peace and I guess I'm waiting for the freak out moment to come. All this to say that no matter how much we go through, or how huge these problems seem now, I am confident God will work through it. No struggle in life is not worth what we have coming.

I just watched a movie and heard a quote that I loved. Although Ill probably butcher it, it goes something like,

"Please, LORD, give me the strength to do the things I can control. Give me the patience with the things I cant, and give me the courage to tell the difference."

I have absolutely no idea how we are going to make it but it doesnt matter...I have an incredible family and an even more amazing calling, to trust God in all things.

Some Smith happenings

Good news, I just got offered a tiny part time job at Pottery Barn. Its not much but hey, I'm not complaining, its more than I had before! I am still on the search for something full time though. Its still exciting...a paycheck!

I am thrilled that I will be have something to do in the day time but know that Ill miss things that me and Justin do in the evenings.We have started working out regularly and I even go to the weight room with him. And we are currently working through the tv series, Scrubs, so I might have to catch up on a few episodes when I am scheduled in the evenings. But again, yay for any kind of paycheck!

On another note, I finished a baby girl quilt about 2 weeks ago for my expectant friend and my mommy finished the final touches on the skirt we started. I wore the skirt Sunday and it worked perfect! Here are some pictures of our hard work!

I just have to include a picture of Dad and Justin after they went to the shop and worked on a door for my Grannie's shed. They also tried to get the Sea Doo fixed and might have fiddled around the shop doing other stuff...it seems they always have a project. And although I copied a picture just like this of my brother and Dad (bro worked on the job sites with Dad after he had his stints put in), it was too cute to pass up. It just goes to show how well Justin fits into my family! The two men in my life, how sweet!

Chilled Fruit Salad

Lately I have been improving on my cooking skills and with that, yummy desserts and healthy side dishes. This recipe is probably so well known there's no use in even posting it but even still, here is a delicious and healthy dessert, or side dish, that Justin has given 2 thumbs up. Hope you enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
8 oz can pineapple chunks, drained
11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
4 oz jar maraschino cherries
8 oz vanilla yogurt
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup chopped pecans

MIX in a bowl and chill---> This is a perfect amount for 2 people

As for an update; me and Justin have been busy driving to and from Austin for weddings, weddings and more weddings. We have been able to get good visits in with both sets of parentals so its been well worth the mileage. I am still on the job hunt which is very slow but I am trying to be patient. Good things come to those who wait right? Until later, ta ta for now.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

So I am finally living in Dallas with my hubby which is how it should be. Leaving Abilene was really hard for both of us, especially saying goodbye to our sweet little house, but new things are ahead and we are embracing it...sort of. But eventually everything will fall into place and it will feel like home. We have already found a little pizza joint that is to die for so no matter what, are bellies will be full.
So since I dont have a job yet Ive been working hard at cooking. I have been trying new recipes and of course, I must share the easy ones because they are the only ones people repeat. So, here is a healthy, yummy choice that got Justin's stamp of approval.

Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
1 cup cooked rice, tomato sauce-watered down, salt and pepper, green bell peppers (how ever many you want), 1 lb of meat, shredded chease

Directions
1. Cut out centers of bell peppers and dump out seeds
2. Parboil bell peppers until pretty tender (place them in boiling water, rotate to get all sides) and then drain
3.Cook your meat in a skillet (smoked sausage works well), add onions for flavor if desired
4. Once rice and meat are finished combine and spoon a layer into the bell peppers, then pour a little of the watered down tomato sauce, then a little shredded cheese....repeat until bell peppers are full
5. Place stuffed bell peppers into a greased baking dish and bake at 375 until bell peppers are very tender, basting each with leftover tomato sauce

Hope you enjoy, we sure did!

Pies and Paints

This past weekend was the Fry fishing trip when all the Fry men (my mom's side) go fishing for catfish for our annual family fish fry we have every summer. This trip leaves us women folk all alone so me and mom and my aunt Kerry went to Marble Falls to hang out with Memaw and learn how to make her yummy chocolate cream pie and lemon pie. We also decided to pamper ourselves and got our toes done! What a wonderful way to acknowledge Mother's Day by spending it with generations of mommys!

 

We enjoyed ourselves, especially when it was time to taste our treats. And although the boys weren't catching much on pole on their little adventure, they got plenty of fish using jug lines so there will be plenty for the Fry fish fry. 

Justin is coming in tomorrow (YAY!) and we are making the final move this weekend. It is all becoming so real, its a little frightening. I have my last day of school tomorrow and just finished my last shift at the restaurant which was, I wont lie, a little sad. But boy am I ready to be in the same city with my man! He is a terrific husband and I am truly blessed to have someone so wonderful to go through all of this new stuff with. Just look at that hunk!