A Needed Reminder

It's been slow at work, which is both good and bad.  There is only so much surfing one can do, and even less if you are trying not to buy stuff you really don't need.

So, I catch up on blogs.  I love reading parenting blogs, faith blogs, family life, hair, DIY blogs, really anything that is inspirational.

I have a few favorites, and today, I found two blogs that seemed to be written just for me. 

Finding Joy is a blog that I have loved for awhile, and I know I have shared her stories before.  The one today (linked above) is about the Lonely Mom.  And as small group is diving into a book called Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe, this blog post fit perfectly with the reading this week.  The reading was on depression, isolation, and feeling alone.  I felt convicted when i was reading at home last night, and again today when I read the blog.  A lump was in my throat, and I identified with her.  It's so easy to only see the happy stuff people post, and feel like no matter what you do, you don't get ahead, you are falling behind, failing at different aspects of your life, feeling overwhelmed with a life that sometimes seems like it has spun out of control, and taken on it's own course, while you are trying to figure out what direction you are even going now.

And then there is Diana Wrote who had a blog on faith the size of a mustard seed.  How in the bible even the tiniest amount of faith can move mountains, and she is doubting the size of her faith since her sons have died (she has lost 3 infants in the past 18 months).  Her writing is painfully honest, but so so good.  And I compare the faith I have to her life, and wonder if she doubts her faith with all the struggles she has, how little faith do I have?  And her first comment is that her readers are her mountains, and she is moving us.  And it floored me.  We could have mountains we dont even know we are moving.

I have been LOVING the girls in my bible study group.  It's amazing how we have all just clicked and seems like we have known each other forever.  We did a fun night with the hubby's and kids, and there were no meltdowns, or tears (from the hubby's or kids) :)  I'm so blessed to have these women join me and to have them pray for me, hold me accountable, and support me in growing in faith.  Seriously, these women are amazing and I can't wait to see what kind of mountains we can move together.

Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Beef

Due to a new baby cousin arriving in October, my sister and I combined my nephew, Carson, and Jacob's birthday parties together.  We figured it would be easier for everyone, and save on food costs.  Shauna had wanted to make taco's for Carson's party, so we kept to that idea, since it's something different than sloppy joe's, and is just as easy.

I've had a recipe pinned for awhile that I wanted to try, even though i have never heard of the store it copycats, but the recipes are alway's popping up and look so good.  Plus, it's made in the crockpot, so can it get any easier??

Cafe Rio Shredded Beef

Ingredients

1	small onion
2	lbs. boneless beef chuck roast
1	c. low-sodium beef broth
1	Tbl. ground cumin + extra to taste
3-5	garlic cloves, minced
1	(8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1	(14 oz.) can green enchilada sauce
1-2	Tbl. tomato paste

Directions

Cut the onion into large, chunky slices; place on the bottom of slow-cooker. Place the roast on top of the onions. Combine broth, 1 Tablespoon cumin, garlic and tomato sauce; pour over the top of the roast. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Transfer meat to a cutting board; use two forks to shred the beef. Strain the juices from the slow-cooker, reserving the juice. Transfer shredded meat back to the slow-cooker and pour some of the strained juices over the shredded beef (as much as you prefer). Stir in the enchilada sauce and tomato paste.Season with salt and extra cumin, to taste. Serve in taco shells with desired toppings.

This recipe was a HIT.  I literally had about 2 spoonfuls leftover, which my nephew Collin begged me for, so I sent home with him.  Earlier, he said, "Nikki - can you tell my mom how to make this, her's doesnt taste this good!"  Made me laugh. 

I also made a chicken taco recipe.  I threw some chiecken breasts into another crockpot, added 1/2 packet of taco seasoning, and a jar of salsa.

No photos, as i have not uploaded them off of the camera yet, but i will do that soon, and post a link of the construction cake.