The Written Word

    Let me start be saying I am a huge advocate for reading.

(Source: weheartit.com, via soverypretty)

 There is nothing quite like getting lost in the words of another's thoughts. I like to think that reading someone's books is a lot like having a really great, in-depth conversation with someone in which you are the picture of a perfect listner (meaning you don't intertupt a thousand times with questions that will be answered shortly).

When I was younger I was obsessed with The Boxcar Children and The Babysitter's Club. I would read them as fast as I could and then be forced to wait until my mom was able to track down a new one.

As I got older my selcetion preferences changed (as one would hope that they would) and one of my absolute favorite books from my teenage-20something time frame is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This book is such a wonderful depiction of the our Heavenly Father's love for us as well as an illustration of the kind of love woman should expect from their spouses'. I found it incredibly inspiration through my dating years. Even though it is totally a fictional book and no man should be expected to live up standards of Hosea (the leading man), it is a benchmark for general prinicples I believe all girls should not conpromise on. In my humble opinion this is a must read for any female who is either casually dating or seriously seeking out a husband.


However, as much as I have loved losing myself in the stories, worlds, and thoughts of others once I met my husband real life was endlessly more fasincating and my beloved pastime fell by the wayside. Compounding matters was the arrival of our this man a little over a year ago (more about that celebration later)

My hobbies lately have included 

• Celebrating New Skills

• Trying to Buddy to look at the camera when making an adorable face (clearly I haven't mastered this one yet)

• Providing education experiences (you know, like watching Little Einsteins)

• And basically soaking up as many of these types of moments as I can

So, when it came time to evaluate goals from this year (something that the hubs and I try to do in lieu of New Year's Resolutions) I decided that it was time to start partaking once again in the sweet fruit of the written word. In order to facilitate this goal of mine, while not adding to more family clutter the hubs got me a Nook Color as a Valentine's Day / early Birthday present. Let me tell you I love it! 

image: engadget.com

I think that one of my favorite features (aside from the fact that it is wireless and I can use it anywhere in the house) is that is allows me to download free samples of pretty much any book that I am interested in. Let me say that I love that like a hog loves slop! I currently have samples from 37 books waiting for discerning eye to determine their permenant fate. This feature has already saved me from some rather poor selections that I would have previously made. I the months to come I hope to share with you my experiences with reading on the Nook as well as give you a little insight into the books I am reading and whether or not they were worth the time and money. But, for now I will leave you with this image of to melt you heart and insprire you to curl up with your own loved one and at least look at some pretty pictures on drool-resistant pages.

Epic Challenge, Day 2

Good morning my early-bird friends! I have finally gotten enough caffeine in my system to be able to formulate sentences so here we go with the SOAP thoughts for today. Ironically enough as I struggled to get going this morning the scripture for today was about Jesus getting up early. If reading about the Creator of the Universe, the creator and controller of time gets up early then I guess I don't have much of an excuse. If you want to join me in the challenge that my church is doing just go here and scroll down to the Spiritual Growth Challenge. There is a new print-out for each week that is updated every Sunday. I would love for you to join me!

Today's Reading: Mark 1:35-38

Scripture: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)

Observation: It wasn't enough that Jesus woke up and prayed while still in bed. He didn't lay quietly in his bed, or even spend time in prayer while he got ready for his day. He intentionally got up, without the help of electric lights and probably had no coffee, and he left the home he was in to make sure that he was alone.

Application: This passage challenges me to follow Christ's example in spending alone time in prayer everyday. While it would be helpful to know whether or not Jesus was a morning person, I can't help be feel that regardless it would be a beneficial way to start your day. I am try to establish a new habit of doing my Bible study first thing in the morning. After all, that is a pretty literal application for the example Christ set. However, I also can't help but think that this is also a set in transforming my mind, which was my application point from yesterday.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your Word and for the information that you provide in it. Thank you that it is a living document in that every time we encounter it you provide us with new understand, meaning, and application of it. I pray for the discipline to get up early when my alarm goes off. I also pray that as I seek your face in the early morning hours that you would transform my heart and mind, that I would go forth from that time seeing the world more the way you do. Through Christ's name I pray these things, Amen.

Hope your day is incredible and I will see you again tomorrow morning, good Lord willing and the creek don't rise. (Actually,  I don't have a creek near me but that would be pretty awesome. Unless of course the creek rises.)


Are you going to do the challenge? Are you already doing your own reading plan? I would love to hear about it! Leave me a comment.

Green Acres is the Place to be....

...farm livin' is the life for me! We recently settled our little family into a new nest further in the country. We previously resided in a two bedroom apartment in the middle of the city. Though not a bustling metropolis, it has more than the one traffic light that the hubs and I were used to. Then, through so random chain of events, that could've only been orchestrated by the good Lord above, we now live in a little house in the country.

This is all apart of our big picture plan to live on a self-sustained homestead that we turn into a compound shared with those we love the most. Well, homestead is a shared goal with me and my husbean, the compound is mostly me. So, after we laid down some preliminary roots in our new digs, it was time to start on the garden! Yippee, hooray, the crowd goes wild with excitement!!! In case you can't tell, it was a very exciting event. Yes, we live a very simple, sheltered life which has lead to the disproportionate excitement over digging up dirt.

The spot we chose is the same area that my grandfather had his garden (not so minor side note, the house we moved into is my dad's childhood home where he lived until he moved out and married my mom). He had a pretty green thumb so we decided to stick with what he did. He don't have real high hopes for our first round of crops since we there wasn't much growing there at all when we started tilling up the ground. But, on a more positive note my Bo was able to get all the materials for the fence completely free by rummaging around our property and a friends. I know, pretty sweet. I will make sure and keep you update on our progress. The other handsome devil in these pictures is my world-champion paramedic brother (I have an awesome sister too, but she wasn't here on this day). He hasn't picked out identity concealing alias yet, so for now I will refer to him as Brother (Notice the "B" theme, I am hoping to keep this going for a while). Without further ado enjoy the display of testosterone that was phase one in operation self-sustained.

As you can see, at first it was all manly hard work and such. Then, little man started making faces like this and the documenting of progress on the property quickly turned in a photo session of my favorite subject.

Flashing me those beautiful baby blues

His wonderful contagious belly laugh that sounds just like a turtle dove

His serious "I'm working hard" face

Oh, those eyes are too much sometimes. This is the same face he gives when he thinks he is doing something that you might tell him "no" about.

He looks like such a cute little old man

Then, I was busted. Posing wasn't fun anymore and suddenly my subject wanted a shot of his own (pun totally intended).

Not playing around any more, this is pre-meltdown. It was time to divert attention quickly or risk a full blown cry fest.

So, we went inside for some good old-fashioned cabinet play. You know, the good time where you throw all your mom's Tupperware on the kitchen floor and then throw it all over.

Hopefully next time we will be able to be more help!
Till later,

Me

Now, it's your turn. Any big projects happening at your place? I would love to hear about it!

An Epic Challenge

Have you ever gone through a time in your life when everything is absolutely amazing and wonderful but you stilll feel like there is just something that isn't quite clicking. I believe that is the technical term, clickling. I have been walking through that lately. Life if good! A few months ago the hubs and I took a leap of faith. It probably doesn't seem like much to a lot of people that will read this, but for us it was monumental. I quit my job and became a full-time stay at home mom. Did you gasp? I did reliving it just now, as I was typing. It feels crazy to leave a great job, that you love, working with amazing people especially at a time like this with our countries current economic situation. The decision was a long time coming and all I can say is, "God is sooooo good." My Bo and I felt for a long time that God was calling me to stay home full-time and be a "Home Management Specialist" (the title my hubs has given my new position). However, for all the obivious reasons, I protested and continued to do my own thing. Then eventually, as he always does, God finially worked on my heart until I was willing to take the leap of faith.
Even though it was what I wanted more than anything in the world, making the change was an Indian Jones walking out in the invisible ledge type of moment for me.                  

*Disclaimer: I have never actually watched an Indian Jones movie. However, I have seen this particuluar clip from the movie a few times in church as a powerful visual for the Christian walk. To me it does a great job of protraying the conflict that we go through at times knowing we have a Father who loves and cares for us but being scared to follow his prompting during times when his instructions appear to make no sence.

Well, to make a very long story short, we did it. I put in my two weeks notice and I now spend my days fully devoted to care for my family. Well, doing that and pinning things on Pinterest. It has been a pretty incredible few months spending my days with this little man

It has been an absolute joy to be able to spend my days caring for this incredible kid! But, let's be real for a minute, staying at home all day everyday with a one year old can get to a girl! These last few months haven't exactly been my finest hours. There are many a day that I haven't changed out of my hubands sweats and I don't even want to know how many times I haven't brushed my teeth ( I know totally gross, but honest!). However, the other man in my life has stood by my smelly side and has patiently loved my through it. The hubs wakes up at 3:30 each morning to work 10 hour days and I am so thankful for him. He has a wonderful, caring, thoughtful heart (and he isn't too bad on the eyes either).

As thankful as I am for my new focus, it has also been a hard adjustment for me (in case you couldn't tell already by the not-brushing-my-teeth confession). It can feel a little like "Groundhogs Day" (another appropriate reference to a movie that I have never actually seen) spending everyday cleaning the kitchen, picking up toys, and watching Veggie Tales. I needed God to reveal some truth to me. I knew that he called me to purpose for a reason, but I needed Him to reveal to me some glimpse of His plan for my life. Something that I could cling to that I could cling to know that I do have a purpose aside from "cleaning lady." In an effort to do my part in persuing God, I have started taking part in the Spritual Growth Challenge at my church (I know, I finally got around to the point. If you think that is bad, you should try to have a conversation with me. ) I have decided to use the SOAP method of reading through the suggested scripture and I will share the insights with you as a an encouragment to those out there that can relate to my story, (hopefully there is at least one of you out there and if you could please leave a comment to let me know that I am not alone that would be great, thank you). So, without further ado the SOAP reflection for today.

Reading Suggestion: Romans 12:1-21

Scripture: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Observation: In order to know God's perfect will I have two responsibilites. the first is to not conform to the world and the second to transform my mind to be more like Christ.

Applicaton: I think that I spend an unproportionate amount of time focusing on what the world thinks is important as well as comparing my life to other peoples (e.g. reading blogs, watching reality TV, reading magazines) and instead of listening to God tell me what he has for me as an individual fearfully and wonderfully made for His glory. In addition to protecting my heart and mind from outside influences, I need to spend more time filling my mind with God's truth so that my thinking will be more in line with His.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please transform my mind. I am committed to doing my part in limiting the influnces that I allow in my life. But, I know that no real transformation can happen without you. I am laying myself at your feet asking you to transform my mind to be more like yours so that I may Glory you by fulfilling the purpose you have for my life. Thank you for your faithfulness and love for me. Through Christ's name a ask these things, Amen.

Well, thanks for hanging around 'till the end. I hope that you got something out of all this. Can't wait to talk to you soon,

Me 

It's gonna be a good day 'Tator!

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I work 12 hour shifts at my job. 5am - 5pm. As crazy as this sounds, I love these hours, they allow me to spend four whole days every week with the baby and there is no greater joy than being present for each moment of his day. Mondays are usually a little bitter sweet because it is my first day back after my four day weekend. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my co-workers, but you know what I mean. Well, this morning as I was gettin gmy game face on while driving into work I saw a sign that it was going to be a good week. I saw an armidigger (that would be an armidillo to the rest of the world) make dodge through cars across three lanes of traffic on the interstate!!!!! After witnessing this amazing feat how could it not be an awesome day!!

I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment and let me know what the best part of your Monday is.

Yay for Rainy Saturdays!!

This has been an awesome Saturday!

In an effort to save money and eat healthier, earlier this week I made a menu for our upcoming week. Just to honest, I hate doing this. I am not much for planning, it's not that I don't appreciate a good plan or to do list. I love the feeling of living out a well-planned task, or checking something off of my honey-do list. For me it is more of a commitment issue. You see, I LOVE to eat. I love anticipating an awesome meal, I love each bite of fabulous food, and the feeling of satisfaction I have after satisfying a culinary craving. But, when planning a menu, how an I suppose to know today what I am going to want to eat three, four, or five days from now! Then, I go grocery shopping for the required ingredients, and then I get cold feet. Its like I am locked in to only eating certain foods for the next seven days. For some reason, simply realizing this fact makes all the meals that I had planned on eating sound less appetizing. However, I am willing to give it another shot for the greater good of my family and my sanity (no more racking my brain on the way home from work trying to figure out what to make when i get there, know what I am talking about?) So, here is the menu for this week. I hope to let you know next weekend how this works out. So, without further ado.....

Breakfasts:

Smoothies or Blueberry Muffins

Snacks:

Sara Snow's Energy Sustaining Breakfast Bars

Greek Yogurt

Carrots and Humus

Lunch:

Leftover dinner from the night before

Dinner:

Southwestern Pizza with Black Beans and Corn

Chicken Manchego with Sweet Potato Fries

Minestrone Soup

Unique Turkey Burgers with Sauteed Squash Ribbons

Quick and Easy Black Bean SoupSante Fe Chicken Salad wrapped in Lettuce Leaves

Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas

Desserts:
Grilled Fruit Kebabs & Dip

Rasberry-Strawberry Soup

Now for the explanation behind all the excitment, I have already started cooking for the week. I love these days that I get to spend it in the kitchen working away on some good tasting nurishment for my little fam! To make matters even better, while I was slaving away working diligently in the kitchen, the hubs opened his own Etsy store!!! Just head over here to check out a few of his custom made furniture.

Leave a comment below and let me know what is a staple on your families weekly menu.

Good Morning Baltimore....

Can anyone name the movie that tune is from? I convinced my wonderfully easy-going hubby to watch it when it first came out on DVD and now when ever one of us wakes up in an exceptionally good mood we inform the other of said mood by belting out this tune at the top of our lungs.


I'll be honest it's not that I started out in such a wonderful mood this morning, but after waking up to this face

 my mood has turned around.

I am a supporter of the "Fake it till you make it" philosophy, and so I am embracing that I am up at 6:30am after a week of being sick, and I have a feeling I am going to get a lot done! Here's the list of what I hope to accomplish today...

• Make one of these homemade organic creamers to enjoy in our coffee
• Get started on making one of these for my sweet baby boy, I already have the fabric and I am going to be following the instructions from one of the sites listed on the link and I will let you know which one and how it goes!!
• take a few pictures to restart my quest to make to make Ryan Seacrest jealous
• maybe if there is time I will pick up the house a little, but this one is totally negotiable and probably not likely since everything else on the list is way more fun (just being honest).