Vacation

So, I was trying to wait to get pictures to post before putting up my vacation wrap up post. But, I'll just have to share photos later.

We left Friday. My Mom had left with my 5 youngest brothers and sister in the van at 3:30 and Jim and I drove in my Mom's new car (Nissan Altima- it's so hot! I love driving it!) with my sister and her boyfriend, Gary. On a GPS system, the time for the trip, no stops, and with traffic was 6 and a half hours. (Lumberton is just north of Beaumont). We left at 5, stopped twice, and did in fact arrive before 11:30. The funny thing was that about an hour away from Lumberton, we caught up with my Mom who had to stop a few more times than we did. But, that's what happens when you travel with small children.

We stayed with my aunt and uncle! Saturday, we laid around after a good breakfast (cinnamon rolls and bacon) while my aunt (who is a photographer) took my sister to take some of her Senior Pictures. (Here is a video of her work!) Then we went to the Beaumont Country Club to swim our life away! Dinner that night was fabulous! Shrimp Bruchette (Sp?) Catfish, beans, and much more! It was sooo good! (Granted- I did get sick because of all the "fried"ness, but it was soo good!)

Sunday, we had biscuits and gravy, and then packed up to head to the beach! So much fun, again! So relaxing and a great time! We were all exhausted and sandy when we got home. We cooked out hamburgers and then hit the hay.

Monday, we were sad to leave, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Jim and I drove the mini van home (and with an added body- my oldest cousin came with us because he is going on the Mission Trip next week with our Junior High group at our church) and I thought Jim was going to go craazy! It was a good lesson in family planning!

Vacation (Sarah)

Friday after work, we headed out to Lumberton, Tx, where my Aunt and Uncle live with my three sweet little cousins. It was such a fun an eventful trip, and as I get back into the real world, I'll tell you more about it.

But, the one thing I hate about vacation, is that evening after you get back, especially if it was a long drive or exhausting trip, and the unpacking/cleaning up that has to happen. UGH! Mix that with summer school, pups that aren't potty trained (or forgot they were) and having driven almost 17 hours over the past four days, and I'm ready for bed.

Too bad my bedsheets are in the washer....

Best. AFP. Ever. (Jim)

Sarah shared this on Google Reader today and I had to post it simply because it is sublimely awesome! Enjoy...please.

Before and After....

So, I switched the living room around on my quest for contentment with my house. Here is the before picture...featuring, of course, the roses my wonderful husband bought me.

But, as I said, I wasn't totally happy. So here is what I came up with.

But, I'm not sure I like it. You see, I'm trying to rearrange because I no longer have my "coffee table" because, well, because I'm a dog owner.

Yes, they chewed it apart.

So, now, I'm trying to decide whether I like it or not. So, let me know what you think, but only if you'll be completely honest.

Grilling...

As an early birthday present, Jimbo got a grill, from his parents. So, the following weekend (last weekend) we tried it out with the Sharp's and Bindel's. I must say, I was incredibly proud of Jim for his grilling and menu that he prepared, especially since it as his first time. Jim made homemade guacamole, black refried beans, and Dr. Pepper Marinated Steak Tostadas. I know, it sounds different but it was SO GOOD! So, I thought I would share it with you:

Dr. Pepper Marinated Steak Tostadas

Meat and Marinade:

1 lb. skirt of flank steak

1 (16 0z.) bottle Dr. Pepper

Tostadas: 

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

8 (6 in.) corn tortillas

1 1/2 tsp. salt

4 tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. black pepper

1 1/2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese

1. Pour Dr. Pepper over steak and refrigerate 4 to 12 hours.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortillas 8-10 seconds on each side. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt; drain on paper towel lined plate.

3. Prepare grill. Remove steak from marinade. Combine 1 tsp. salt, brown sugar and pepper. Rub on meat (we actually added a little extra of each of these to make sure it was good and covered). Grill meat 3-4 minutes on each side. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

4. To assemble tostadas, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tortillas on baking sheets and sprinkle with cheeses. Slice steak into thin strips. Distribute among tortillas, and bake 5 to 6 minutes, until cheese melts.

They were oh so good! Let us know what you think!