Chili Recipe

With all this snow and Super Bowl approaching I wanted to share with you a Chili recipe!!

This makes 4 servings so if you have more mouths to feed just double or triple the recipe (which I always do) Great for leftovers :-)

1 pd. 90% lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup of salsa
1 can of Hormel Chili (or container of fresh made chili from grocery store)
1 tablespoon of chili powder
I also add in some hot sauce..no exact amount just to add a kick (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste
shredded cheese (for topping, optional)
1/4 cup of diced onions (topping, optional)
sliced black olives (topping, optional)
Sour cream (topping optional, put as much as individual desires)

Cook and stir beef and onion in large skillet at medium-high heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain and discard fat.

Place beef mixture, tomatoes with juice, beans, salsa chili powder and hot sauce into a big pot (you could also do this in a crock pot) Keep on low heat on stove top for one hour. If in a crock pot keep on low for 5 hours. In the last half hour on stove top add in the can of chili or chili from the store..stir in and put lid back on for another half hour.
* I have made this on stove and in crock pot and prefer the stove top cooking better (as do those who eat mine)
Once finished you can serve with shredded cheese, onions, sour cream, olives or anything else you desire. Also..don't forget the bag of tortilla chips or scoops for dipping ;-) Another great side if you do not want chips is Corn bread!!
Stay warm and enjoy!!! Oh and Go JETS! (Normally a Giants fan but they are next best ;-)

"Seasons"

It's funny how a "snow day" means something different to everyone. For parents it means coming up with fun activities to do inside and/or bundling the kids up to play outside. A little out of the ordinary of "normal routine" but fun none the less. For kids it means a break from school work and a day to have fun! For teachers it means an unexpected break. I can see the appeal ;-) We are on our second snow day of the season but 4th snowfall all together. It has ranged from over 12 inches, to as little as a couple inches with an added layer of freezing rain. That is the case today..very dangerous out there.
While the kids and I are all cozy inside I think about all those people that got up and either went to plow or headed to their every day jobs that were not off. I give them all so much credit and have prayed for safety when driving. Last year at this time my husband was unemployed..tough times but I remember loving snow days because he was able to be home with us. He is always the one to bundle up and play outside with the kids for hours. They would make the biggest snowman! I of course had half my body inside the door while poking my head out to take pictures, haha. Had to have memories of the occasion. This year I am thankful he has a job but have found myself thinking "I wish Andy was home today" because in reality I do but last year all I remembered saying was "I wish Andy could get a job." Of course he was doing all he could last year to find one but you know..its the wife's job to worry ;-) Although last winter season and this winter are different, I'm thankful for what has been and become. I'm grateful to have had that extra time as a family last year and this year blessed that Andy has such a great job with an amazing boss. As times and seasons change in our lives it is important to take time to look back, reflect and see just how far you have come. If you are reading this and on the other side of the job situation, meaning right now you are without one, let me encourage you to stay positive. It is very hard, I know, but God has a purpose and plan. If you work hard at looking for something and apply everywhere, something will come in His perfect time. It is in the toughest times that we draw close to Him and have to rely heavily on Him for strength. We do not know why we go through certain "seasons" of life but looking back and reflecting I know last year there was a purpose for what we went through.
So whether you are home under a blanket, playing games with your kids on the floor, or off at work today enjoy whatever it is you are doing b/c we never know what tomorrow will bring. Lastly, I just want to add, If you need prayer for anything at all please let me know! That is one of the reasons I'm here :-)
Blessings,
Darea

New to this Scene

Hi Everyone!
I'm finally up and running. I am looking forward to giving you a glimpse into my crazy but awesome life that God has blessed me with. I will be posting encouraging thoughts, reality checks, recipes, fun ways to work out without feeling like you "have to"..coupons/sales and encouragement to walk away when you do not NEED something ;-) A challenge I still am learning to deal with, haha! Oh and of course freebies too!
This will be a blog that includes a little bit of everything. I love the Lord more than anyone or anything which is hard to comprehend when I have a husband, children and amazing family. If you stick with me I will be able to share with you just how much walking with God, holding His hand and having that personal relationship with Him has gotten me through the toughest times in my life so far. Both the good and hard times have made me the person I am today. Can't get stronger without being pushed and challenged...so here we go :-)
Lots of Love,
Darea