a lover of simple things

growing up

2011-08-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today started off pleasantly cool, thanks to the bit of rain we got last night. I decided to take advantage of the weather and take Baby Girl to the playground. We've been cooped up in the house for the past month (because of the scorching hot temps) needed of a change of scenery. So we set out to a local playground. Baby Girl LOVED it. Swinging, climbing, running, sliding. I loved seeing her enjoy and discover so many new things. She didn't want to leave. I see more trips in our future...

I love this stage of her life. Every day brings something new. A new word, learning a new body part or how to use a new toy... She chatters constantly. Can't wait til I know everything she is saying! My little girl makes me smile. :)

on grace & recovery

2011-07-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

There's a brand new website (just launched today!) that I'm a fan of... Recovering Grace. Take some time to check it out. The info is definitely worth pondering.

laundry soap:: a tutorial

2011-07-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

On occasion, I make my own laundry soap. It started last summer when my cousin brought me a jar that she had made, along with the instructions. The process seemed easy enough, and very inexpensive so I gave it a try. And I was hooked! It has become a staple in our household. One thing I like about it is that it is virtually unscented and dye-free. Since my daughter has sensitive skin and anything with perfumes or dyes makes her skin break out, this is important to me.

Yesterday I made a fresh batch, and I took pictures so I could share the process with you. Maybe it will inspire you to try it out yourself! One batch makes a 5 gallon bucket of detergent, which is double concentrated. It will last for a looooooooong time!

You should be able to find all the ingredients at your local grocery store, in the laundry aisle. The cost to buy them should be around $5.

You will need:
1 C of washing soda (NOT baking soda)
1/2 C borax powder
1 bar of Fels-Naptha soap (zote, ivory, or other soaps can be used here as well)
Hot tap water
Empty 5 gallon bucket

Step 1) Grate the bar of soap into a pot.

Step 2) Add 4 cups of hot tap water to pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring regularly until all the soap is dissolved.

Step 3) Pour the soap mixture into the 5 gallon bucket and fill halfway with hot water.

Step 4) Add borax and washing soda and stir well.

Step 5) Fill bucket to the top with hot water, cover, and let it sit overnight. (it will gel)

To use: fill a container 1/2 full with laundry detergent. (Old, empty laundry detergent containers work great!) Fill the rest of the way with water and shake to mix. You will need to shake it before each use, because it settles. Use 1/4 - 1/2 c of this mixture per load.
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And that's it! Let me know how it works for you.

blessed rain

2011-07-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

It rained yesterday morning. What bliss! We are in the midst of a heat-streak and the relief was so very welcome. Husby and I awoke to a dark room and faint rumblings of thunder. I made coffee. He got ready to leave for work. Baby Girl (who really is not a baby anymore, but a real toddler!) was still asleep. And she's always awake by 7am. I poured a cup of coffee and sat on the porch, relishing the quiet, listening to the pitter-patter of raindrops and watching the distant streaks of lightning. What a refreshing way to start the morning! A few solid days of this kind of weather would not bother me in the least.

piano... my old love

2011-07-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

I played the piano last week. It was the 4th of July, and we were at my in-laws. My MIL knows that I (used to) play, and she made me promise that if she ever got a piano, that I would play for them. Even though I agreed, I hoped I would get out of it somehow because I'm somewhat reserved. That and I haven't touched a keyboard in years. She got a piano. And it is beautiful. She wasted no time in finding me a book of familiar choruses and there I sat. "Just suck it up and play", I told myself. "No one will care if you stumble a bit." So I did. They keys are new and shiny and smooth. The instrument has a beautiful tone. Everything came flooding back with each note I played. Memories of practicing for hours, and finding solace in music when nothing around me made sense filled my mind. And the more I played, I didn't want to stop. I spent years practicing, taking lessons, even teaching little kids the basics of music. If I had gone to college I would have studied piano in some form. It was a love of mine.

After that afternoon, I came home and dug the few music books out that I brought with me when I moved across the country a few years ago. They're out where I can see them now. They are my inspiration to find an old piano somewhere and bring it home. I want to play again.

Feather giveaway

2011-07-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Are you all crazy about the trendy feather extensions that are so hot right now? Check out this giveaway at the vintage pearl and you could win your choice from a hot new etsy shop.

Another Vintage Pearl Giveaway

2011-07-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

The Vintage Pearl is having another giveaway. Go here to enter. You can blog it, share on facebook, and tweet it for extra entries. LOVE love LOVE their things!

explosion?

2011-07-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

A conversation with my sister the other night brought back the memory of this story. I searched my old blog til I found it. Hope it makes you laugh!
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The Saturday was a beautiful autumn day – a few clouds, a slight breeze, and a temperature just cool enough to make your toes cold if you were wearing sandals. Not only was the weather beautiful, but the day was following the pattern of a perfect Saturday. I slept in ‘til I couldn’t sleep any more, lounged around my room in my favorite pj’s, drank coffee leisurely as I had my quiet time (not the usual hurried gulping down a mug before chapel), lazily got ready to appear in public, and then headed out of my room fully awake and ready for whatever the day brought my way. My task for the day (Yes, I did have a job to do, even though it was a Saturday.) was to fill one of the vans with gas, and then head to a nearby small town to scout it out, and hopefully to talk the manager of the ice cream shop into a bargain for the group we were planning on bringing the following Monday. (That’s another story for another day…) It would be a nice afternoon out with no planned schedule.

Now, I’m absolutely fine with pumping my own gas – girls do it themselves all the time. I just like be sure that the gas station isn’t scary looking and is in an ok part of town. I managed to get through the construction and detours, pulled into a safe looking station, and began the ordeal of processing a fuel card. The so-called buttons on this pump kept registering two numbers and I swear I only pushed it once! As I was getting the card to work, a guy walked up to the other side of the pump with a gas can and began to fill it. He was a little scruffy looking, but not too scary or anything. A few thoughts ran through my mind, wondering why he needed gas in a gas can, and why he didn’t come in a car. Did he run out of gas somewhere? Had he walked far? Or maybe it’s for his lawn mower... Finally, the fuel card was accepted, and as I began filling the van I forgot about the guy.

Remembering that I needed to find out whether I should take the van to Holly, or if I needed to go back to the Inn and get a car, I got my cell phone out, and called one of the Trans guys while I waited for the tank to fill. As I was talking, I heard a voice behind me. Turning around, I saw the gas can guy. He had his head poked around the pump and was saying something very strongly and insistently. At first I wasn’t going to listen. Why? First, because I was already talking on the phone, and second, because I thought he was some old grungy man with a gas can being weird, trying to act all charming or something. Then what he was saying registered. “You’re gonna blow up!” What in the world? I thought. “You’re not supposed to be talking on a phone while you’re pumping gas! You’re going to explode and blow us all up!” Is this guy for real? Is he crazy? Drunk? High? (In Flint, you never know…) He kept muttering and exclaiming about how I was dangerous and he had to get out of there fast. I just looked at him like “Whatever…”, turned around, and finished my conversation. I could hear the man calling to another person who happened to be pumping gas across the station “She’s gonna blow us up! I’ve got to get out of here! You should leave – fast!” etc, etc. I could barely keep from laughing. He seemed to be dead serious! I think the guy ran away with his full gas can.

Now, I know there are warnings about using your cell phone while pumping gas, but is that for real? Is it really dangerous? Has anyone ever really blown up because they were talking on a cell at a gas pump? For some reason, I don’t think so. (But if you happen to know anything to the contrary, and have proof, please do let me know.) I think it’s just a (very) rare possibility. A warning that has to be out up to avoid stupid lawsuits. The “gas can guy” incident did give me a lasting memory. Every time I think of it, I’ll smile and remember how earnestly that guy believed that he was about to die. I wonder if I’ll ever go to pump gas and not hear in my mind his insistent exclamations of “You’re gonna explode!”
(originally posted on xanga, 9/29/04)

Etsy

2011-06-16T11:48:00.001-07:00

I've added a few new items to my Etsy shop... go here to check it out!

Currently I am focusing on baby and children's items... Hope you find something you like!

www.aseasyas123.etsy.com

More items to come soon.

Custom requests are always welcome!

Vintage Pearl Bird Giveaway

2011-04-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Vintage Pearl is hosting another giveaway here. They are giving away your choice of their bird or nest pieces. I absolutely LOVE the Vintage Pearl! (like you couldn't tell...) I had a chance to visit their new store today and I fell in love all over again. It's one thing to see the pieces online and think they look pretty, but it's a whole 'nother thing to see and touch them in real life. Oh. My. Word. I must have more of them!

Epson Wireless Printer Giveaway

2011-02-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome giveaway from FunSavingMoney... An Epson All-In-One Wireless Printer! Be sure to keep an eye on her blog... she has new giveaways almost every day. :)

just ducky

2011-02-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

This week I've been working on not letting things get to me. Things that are mostly little things, and things that are beyond my control. Things like... the actions of others, whether purposely directed at me or not. It's very easy for me to let myself become offended when those around me do things that violate what I perceive as "my" space, or do or plan something that infringes on the way my mind had planned how my day was supposed to go. But something I have come to realize in recent weeks is that when I get all upset and worked up about those things it only hurts me. Well, it hurts me and then in turn, my turmoil affects my husband and daughter (in a not good way). One day in the middle of this week, I felt as if I had had a revelation about all this and I spent the day making a conscious effort to let any situation that arose (whether real or only perceived) roll off me like water off a duck's back. The effects of this attitude were incredible. So many opportunities for me to inwardly fume presented themselves to me that I wanted to laugh. But I didn't take the bait. It was one of the best days I've had in a long time. And at the end of the day, when my husband came home, I was not cranky and frustrated, but was able to greet him cheerfully and happily. (at least, I think I did.) ;) Now if only I can remember to have that attitude more often...

New Vintage Pearl GIveaway!!

2011-02-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

Check out this new giveaway from the Vintage Pearl. A gift for someone special, and a gift for you, too!

jumpstart

2011-01-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

Today I join a group of people in a ten-day diet consisting basically of fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains. No meat, no dairy, no sugar, no yeast. It's also supposed to be no caffeine, but I am caving and keeping my coffee... Giving up sugar, bread, and dairy is going to be traumatic enough. Today wasn't too bad. Here's to hoping that tomorrow follows likewise!

sitting , waiting, watching, wishing...

2011-01-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like you're being tested? As if your inner person and strength of character is being stretched and pulled and prodded to see how you will withstand the stress? That's how I've felt recently. It's nothing huge, really... Just several small things that add up over time. I'm working on finding creative outlets to balance myself... such as projects I've long procrastinated about doing or trying new crafty things. It's kind of cool how redirecting your focus helps your mind settle. And, seeing the progress I make on little things provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment, and I momentarily forget about my frustrations and just relax.

The baby is teething... a few days of happiness, followed by a few days of clinginess and a child that is almost impossible to please. Those are rough days. Today I settled my mind of comfort for her and instead of being frustrated that she needed to be in my arms or on my lap 80% of her awake time, I chose to cherish it. We snuggled on the couch and watched Sesame Street, and my mommy heart started to overflow. Her giggles at Elmo and the other Muppets and the feel of her chubby warm cheeks on my chest are priceless. My daughter is precious beyond words. And baby? Why do I say my baby? She will be ONE YEAR OLD next week! What the..... How on earth did this first year fly by so incredibly quickly?

Our search for a house continues. We've looked at too many to count, offered on one, almost offered on another, and are planning to offer on yet another this week. Eventually we will find (and actually get!) the right one, I know, but I'm a little frustrated. I don't think we are terribly picky. There just seems to be a strange lack of houses in our price range at the moment. I wish I knew the end of this part of our journey... it would make this limbo stage so much easier.

These things, among others, have been testing my patience and strength. But God, in His infinite knowledge, knows that I continually need to trust Him more. Even though I know He is faithful and has proven that to me countless times, my trust-bank-account needs to grow more.

...Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
...How I've proved Him o'er and o'er....
...Oh for grace to trust Him more....

Oh for the grace to trust Him more. And more. And more.

surprise handmade giveaway... any takers?

2011-01-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

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Here's a little giveaway that I am continuing from Facebook. All you have to do is leave me a comment, and I will send you something handmade. (I had thought this would be a hot idea! Oddly enough I only had three comments, so I'm looking for two more. I mean, I could send you freshly baked chocolate chip cookies...) On facebook, the twist is that you then have to post the little blurb in your status and continue the sharing of handmade love, but I'll skip that requirement here. (unless you want to, then please do!) That's it. Easy peasy.

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snow day

2011-01-10T07:34:00.001-08:00

I woke up to a dusting of snow covering the outside world. Flurries are supposed to continue all day. Not exactly the huge snowstorm I was hoping for, but it's enough to help me feel like it's really winter. Can't take the Michigan out of the girl... I have no plans to go anywhere today, so I'll stay in my cozy little home and watch the snow fall as I clean the bathroom (ugh), plan the rest of my week, and start a photo project that's long overdue. I'll add some hot beverages... tea or cocoa or coffee (trying to cut back on the coffee!!) and the day should be quite lovely.

We've discovered the wonderful world of Skype, thanks to a webcam Christmas gift from my sister. It's been a blast to have visual conversations with family and friends.

My mom told me the other day that I should start an advice column of sorts or be a lifecoach via skype. The idea kind of made me laugh. Then it made me think... how do you even get started in something like that if you're not professionally trained? Not that I'm terribly interested, but it does intrigue me a little. I guess I've become the default advice-giver for my family. Someone have a problem? Ask Sis, she'll know. It's funny... All I really do is listen.

And the best part of today? It's our two-year anniversary. Incredible, isn't it.... the speed at which life travels? Two years ago, I married the man of my dreams, who also happens to be my very best friend. It's been pretty much blissful. *grin* He took two days off last week, and we spent a lovely FOUR DAY WEEKEND together. We didn't go anywhere spectacular, but instead took a staycation.... SO nice! It was relaxful and fun and I spent the better part of my days grinning and acting like a teenager in love. I would like to order another month of staycation, please! Two years and a baby later, and I fall more in love each day. Here's to a hundred more anniversaries!

VINTAGE PEARL GIVEAWAY - act fast!!!

2010-12-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

The Vintage Pearl is having another amazing giveaway... any piece of jewelry you want (up to $100), made and rush shipped to you in time for Christmas!!!! Go here to enter!

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!!!

2010-12-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

There is a great giveaway for a $100 Amazon Gift Card on this great site! To enter, all you have to do it check out this cool shopping site and leave Fun Saving Money a comment about a great deal you found there. Check it out!!

Fa-la-la-la-la.....

2010-12-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

It's 5pm on a Thursday and Baby Girl just went down for a late nap. Running errands for a good part of the day doesn't help keep her on a good nap schedule, but she is such a trooper and always so cheerful when we're out. She's a little social butterfly. Currently, she loves waving at people and things... be it the empty cars in the parking lot or an elderly man in the dairy department at Walmart. This afternoon we browsed a Hallmark store (gosh, how long has it been since I was in a Hallmark store???) and she was fascinated... especially when we got to the aisle full of dog statues. She started babbling and chattering and squealing with delight. Moments like that delight my soul way deep down. On the way home, we were listening to the local country music station (an occasional guilty pleasure of mine. So shoot me!) and a very lively, boppy kind of song came on. I glanced in my rear-view mirror to see her reaction and grinned when I saw a huge smile fill her little face and I watched as she started wiggling and bopping in her carseat. She is such a continual joy! Who could ever say that kids are a bother? This little girl with her bright blue eyes, chubby cheeks, and barely-there hair is the bright spot of my days.

Not many weeks ago it was Thanksgiving. It was a lovely weekend, really. In preparation, I spent a day with my sister-in-law baking pies and other treats for the big family get-together. The morning of the holiday I baked cinnamon rolls (our new holiday tradition), and we made coffee. Husby had a rare 4-day weekend, and it was amazing to spend 4 long days with him, doing whatever we wanted to do. Sleeping in past 6:30am, snuggling with Baby Girl in our bed, eating WAY too much pie, and just being together as a family. It was pure heaven.

While the past few weeks (and months!) have been relatively easy, in comparison to the summer of Husby being away all the time, I have still struggled to stay "up" emotionally. We're out of the apartment and in a house and the space is lovely. I am so completely grateful for this chance to get ahead financially for a few months, but at the same time, it's hard to live in a space that's not really ours. I'm grateful that we get along so well with the in-laws, and that the days they are here rarely include drama, but I will be relieved when we are in our own home again and I don't need to be "on" all the time. Honestly, I can't wait to "nest" in my own little place and make it all mine. But is it clear that I am grateful for such a wonderful place to live? Baby Girl has her own room, Husby and I have our own space, it's warm and so much more space, and I'm in love with the washer and dryer. I'm somewhat frustrated at myself for being so melancholy and struggling so much when I am so blessed. Does this make any sense to anyone? I haven't conquered this yet, but I was brought back to reality twice in the past week. The first time, when we were able to help provide some basic necessities and a few Christmas surprises for a friend with two young daughters who is jobless and homeless. She was overjoyed beyond words and I realized how much my little family actually has. I'm ashamed to be here whining in my head because we don't have more. The second reality check was Sunday, when Husby and I were volunteering at a Toys for Tots distribution. I had to choke back tears several times as I observed the hundreds of families in need. Their faces told stories that would break your heart. Again, I was reminded of how incredibly blessed I am. Life has been treating us well. God has provided for us exactly what we have needed, although often not more. We have plenty to eat, a warm place to sleep, reliable transportation, and small pleasures. Our dreams and desires are big, and it's been a struggle this fall to be content and grateful for where God has us when it seems so far from where we want to be. We certainly have no reason to complain. I am determined to be grateful and JOYFUL in my circumstances.

Christmas is only a week away. How is that even possible? I've pretty much been a complete slacker in regards to Christmas and gifts this year, so much so that I'm afraid my family's gifts will not arrive on their doorstep until New Years... It dawned on me yesterday that this is the first time in my life that I will not be with my mom and siblings for Christmas. That thought put a bit of a damper on a day that was already cloudy, and carried over into today. Blah.... My therapy? I've been baking cookies out the wazoo. (Hello 5lbs that I lost before Thanksgiving...) Come visit me. I'll share a plate of melt-in-your-mouth iced sugar cookies and a pot of coffee, and we will chat while laughing at the antics of my rosy-cheeked 11-month old daughter.

Merry Christmas.
Let the peace of Christ dwell in you always.
Happy New Year.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-laa-laaaaa......

VINTAGE PEARL GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

2010-11-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

The Vintage Pearl is giving away 3 $75 gift certificates.... go here to enter!

Their pieces are SOOOO beautiful!

wishing on stars...

2010-10-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

Fall weather in Oklahoma is amazing. Mornings and evenings are cool, and the days are warm. I was wondering yesterday... if the weather stayed like this year round, would I get tired of it? I'm not sure. As long as there was variety and we had an occasional rainy day or day cool enough to wear a hoodie, I think I'd love it. The one thing I miss is colors. Leaves here change, and are pretty, but they lack the brilliance and POP of those in the north.

Baby Girl is growing and changing so much! She crawls ALL over the place now. I love watching her go full speed ahead in pursuit of some object. Things that never fail to get her attention: the remote, laptop, or cell phone left on the coffee table. It's like she has a radar for these things. She also like to pull things off the small pantry shelf in the laundry room, and try to gnaw through the packages... things like oreos or fruit cups. She babbles almost incessantly, with great fervor and a myriad of expressions. I can't wait for the day when I can understand what she's telling me. Her new favorite food is cheerios, which she can feed herself and grips in her little fist as if they were long-lost treasure. She's amazing.

Exercise is going well, in the consistency realm. And wonder of wonders, I am actually ENJOYING the workouts. TurboJam. Not bad, really. Not annoying and not too intimidating. My only complaint is that the numbers I see on the scale are barely dropping, even though I'm working my butt off several times a week and watching what I eat. Numbers aren't dropping, but my jeans are fitting better and there is less baby fat hanging around. So I am grateful for that... It's just... wouldn't you think that after six+ weeks of exercising a person would see more weight loss than 5 pounds? Maybe not. Guess I'm just impatient! Eventually I WILL get into that next smaller size of jeans, and then after that the jeans that are stored away til I fit back in them... my goal!

I'd like to break into the world of Etsy. It's such a delightful place of whimsy and discovery and charm and fun! There's a few ideas in my head, and am very slowly getting my shop set up. Anyone have tips or ideas on how to make an Etsy shop successful?

This song has been stuck in my head for a couple of days (thank you Army Wives)... it made me think though and reminded me to continually ask God for help and guidance, even when it seems that I don't "need" it.

"...Wishing on stars only when you see 'em
Is like asking God for help only when you need it
But I'm wishing anyway...."

tuesday

2010-09-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today was an ok day. Baby Girl was mostly cheerful, but her naps were less than they should have been and her awake time was spent wanting to be held every other minute. Being needed constantly has a way of wearing on a person. But she's adorable, so I can't complain. She's getting more mobile every day... she pulls up on everything she can and this afternoon I found her stuck in the bottom of her exersaucer. She was very frustrated but it was quite adorable.

The mornings and evenings are now delightfully cool. Crisp, even. Very much fall-like. Weather like this puts me in the mood for baking... and so I made muffins this morning. I made these, minus the sugar and plus some chopped apples and cinnamon. Delicious AND healthy. I also made a batch of these for Baby Girl to munch on. (Natural Teething Biscuits, 9th recipe down) She approved.

finally

2010-09-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

This post was going to start with me sharing about how I have made another resolution to blog regularly. However, knowing that I've said that innumerable times in the past and not really stuck with it, I don't think I will say that. I'll just think it, and we'll see what happens.

Newflash: my many resolutions to exercise more are finally sticking. I have walked a mile and a half at least 5xs a week for the past month and now I'm adding in a separate cardio workout 3xs a week (or more!). Baby Girl loves our walks. She sits up in her stroller and chatters at passing trees, the neighborhood dogs, and birds that fly by. The cardio I fit in at naptime. I'm not dreading my workouts as much as I thought I would. In fact, I would even dare to say that I enjoy them. How shocking is THAT? Maybe partly due to the cooler weather, maybe it's more than that. I'm mainly using the Turbo Jam dvds, with a little Pilates here and there for variety. I will say that if you happened to catch sight of me doing TurboJam, you'd probably be quite entertained... my moves aren't quite as smooth as the people on the video. ;) Also, when Husby's schedule gets him home early enough, he and I will go for a run with Baby Girl in the stroller. It's SO incredibly helpful to have someone to work out with! He and I have set a goal to each lose at least 20lbs. by Christmas. I'm starting to get really excited about getting back to where I was 2 years ago... Three cheers for liking how you look and not having to worry about fitting into things! There's one particular little black dress I have that I never got to wear (thank you lost luggage!) that I'll wear on a snazzy date with my man. Maybe I'll fit into it by our 2nd anniversary in January. How awesome would that be?!?!

Interesting concept

2010-08-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a new site someone told me about... I'll have to look into it. Any thoughts?

www.robinsoncurriculum.com

Husby and I plan to teach our kids at home... or at least start that way. There are just so many methods and resources available!

no progress

2010-07-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am not making progress... Well, at least not visible. I HAVE been watching portions and trying to eat more nutritiously. It is very slow going. I could easily make excuses but really, what's the point of that? Truth is, my self-control and motivation are extremely lacking. Yes, I have been in a hotel for half of the past two weeks (staying with Husby while he works out of town) and eating snacks all day and going out for dinner isn't exactly conducive to weight control. My wish right now would be for a babysitter a few times a week so I could go work out. Ideally, a neighbor. But alas, I don't know any of them and they all seem kinda kooky. (the joys of apartment dwelling!) I keep wishing for the humidity to go away so I could enjoy being outside, and for the heat warnings to be over so I don't have to worry about Caitlyn getting overheated. What will it take for me to get control of this part of my life?

I'm being a bit dramatic...

gotta get away

2010-07-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

It's a very gray day and I'm sitting in a hotel room, watching tv and surfing the net. Outside the window (which overlooks a beautiful pool area) rain has been falling intermittently all morning long. Baby Girl is sleeping in her pack'n'play, and Husby is at the job site. His company's current project is nearing completion and there are workers on site 7 days a week. Thus, a superintendent must be there to oversee, and this weekend is my man's turn. Lucky for us, Baby and I were able to come visit and spend the weekend with him. Almost a mini-vaca... minus the part where Husby has to be at work. But being together every evening is incredibly nice, and something I will never take for granted again!

So far my vows to exercise regularly have resulted in epic failure. A day or two a week I manage to convince myself to get out and DO something active... Other than that, phooey. I don't know what my problem is... Besides the unbearably hot and humid weather. I keep telling myself that if I get a jogging stroller I'll start running and stick with it. Ummm... yeah... when has any other resolution like that worked? Or there's the T-tapp workout that looks extremely intriguing and requires nothing more than empty floor space. Maybe I need to arrange childcare for Caitlyn a few evenings a week and then I can at least go run on the elliptical. Gotta do SOMETHING!

Cute Mom TShirt Giveaway!

2010-07-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, today seems to be all about giveaways. But who doesn't love free stuff?

This giveaway is for a really fun tshirt, and you'll get to select the saying you want if you win!

Another Giveaway to Enter - This Time A Wii!!!

2010-07-08T09:12:00.001-07:00

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Visit this cool Mommy-blog and enter to win a Wii!

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AWESOME Powermat Giveaway!!!

2010-07-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here's an AWESOME give away to enter: a Powermat Wireless Charging System! This looks like it would really come in handy for all of us who are so technologically dependent. ;) Take a minute to check out all that Powermat has to offer on their site, too!

Cute giveaway!!

2010-07-01T11:47:00.001-07:00

Go to Brandi's site for instructions on how to repurpose an old pillowcase and enter to win a giveaway!

timing & provision

2010-06-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

Sad news: my faithful little laptop is starting to spaz out. A few weeks ago, it fell off the coffee table and crashed the hard drive. Nothing major was lost... just some pictures (the best of which are already on facebook), random journaling, and my internet bookmarks. All non-earth-shattering. This weekend, the screen started blacking out. This problem is QUITE earth-shattering, at least to me. Sad as it may be to some, the computer and internet are my lifeline to my family and friends - most of which are scattered far across the country. The weekend was ok, because Husby was home and I could use his work laptop. However, the coming week loomed ominously ahead... it looked bleak as I tried to imagine a several days without a computer. I could do it. It would just be a HUGE adjustment.

But guess what? God has impeccable timing, often when we least expect it. There was no budget for a computer repair, and definitely not for a new one. And just when I thought I was going to have a horribly long and lonely week, a friend offered me a monitor to hook up to my spazzy computer. How cool is that!? All I have to do is go pick it up! And then yesterday, after going all day long thinking my comp was unuseable, I decided to try turning it on. AND IT WORKED. Mind you, the screen was all kinds of flickering, making me think it'd black out any second, but it WORKED. I still have the monitor as a backup plan, but for now, I'm back in business.

Yes, I'm being somewhat dramatic about it, but I honestly felt that way. But.... The whole ordeal (small to some, but huge to me), along with some other recent happenings in our life got me thinking about God's provision. It's always perfectly timed and never lacking. When it's God providing, you can FEEL it. Several times over the weekend, I saw God provide in small ways, but though "small", they renewed my hope and my energy to hope. The computer monitor, when my world looked hopelessly confined. Unexpected baby and household items from a new friend. And something in the works that may help our debt-payment-adventure go from slow to high speed! It's exciting!!!! I feel like I've been given a big hug from God and can't wait to see what else He is going to do...

and we have a winner!

2010-06-26T07:58:00.001-07:00

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And the winner of the fabulous prize package is....

Anna G.

I know she will LOVE it!

Thanks to all who entered. :) I hope to do another fun giveaway in the near future!
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To pick the winner, I used this random number generator.

First Ever Blog Giveaway!!!!

2010-06-22T15:15:00.001-07:00

Inspired by the generosity of others, I'm doing my very first ever blog giveaway!

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The prize package will include:

1 Febreeze Flameless Luminary Starter Kit (pomegranate mango)
3 Luminary Refills (pomegranate mango)
1 Febreeze Scented Reed Diffuser (pomegranate mango)
1 Febreeze Set & Refresh Air Freshener (Hawaiian Aloha)
Fresh Summer Entertaining Tip & recipe card
(5) $1.50/1 Febreeze Set & Refresh coupons
2 coupon booklets for Febreeze Home Collections products ($12 in savings each)
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Let me tell you... the pomegranate mango scent is AMAZING. I am in love with it.

All of these products are compliments of www.houseparty.com. If you haven't heard of it, I encourage you to go check it out. As a member, you are able to apply to host "house parties" for new products. If selected to host, you will receive a package of goodies to share with friends, along with great coupons. I'm definitely a fan!

I bet you are drooling over this package just as much as I would, so here's how to enter:

1) Leave me a comment telling me about your favorite summertime activity on a budget.
2) Share this giveaway on your own blog and/or facebook, and then come back and leave me a comment telling me where.
3) Leave a comment or send me a message with a low-calorie, easy summertime dessert.

You can enter by #1 one time, and by #2 and #3 once PER DAY. Giveaway will end Friday, June 26. Winner will be posted Saturday, June 27.
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Good luck!

hope deferred

2010-06-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the sky opened and a sunbeam illuminated a glimmer of hope, just beyond the horizon. Joy built as we envisioned and planned for the relief it would bring. Today, we reached the destination only to discover that it had all been an illusion. And now we are once again left asking why. Trying not to doubt. Feeling tricked. Begging for rest.

I was putting Baby Girl down for a nap this morning, and the simple words of the song I was singing hit me like a load of bricks. "Jesus loves me, this I know..." Jesus loves me. He loves me. That is somewhat of a comfort as I struggle to come to terms (again!) with the fact that this road is still an uphill battle.

Jesus loves me. I will be held when things go wrong. Not forsaken. He is and always will be there, along for the journey and waiting for me at the end.

consistency

2010-06-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. I feel like I accomplished much, and I'm not exhausted. Did lots of laundry, organized myself, sent off a form that required lots of copies to be made, ran some errands, puttered around the house...

Baby Girl took some good naps, and I feel like she got some quality rest. Poor little thing has been drug all over the place the past couple of weeks! I never realized how important consistent consistency is for a baby until having my own child. We're currently working on a nap/bedtime routine... We go in the bedroom, where I rock her in my arms and sing a couple songs, and then lay her in bed. She's usually drowsy-eyed and sicking on her thumb. Halfway through the songs, she takes her thumb out of her mouth, looks up at me, and gives me a sleepy little grin. It's so adorable...

After an epic fail yesterday in my caloric intake, I did very well today. Well enough to reward myself with an ice cream bar after dinner. I <3 ice cream in the summer! Now to stay consistent with that, and add in exercise. Currently stalking craigslist for a jogging stroller. The baby weight is gone, but I desperately need to get back in shape. Maybe by the end of the summer?

Deal finding this week is off to a good start. So far we've hit CVS and Target. Tomorrow is Harps double coupon event... I SO can't wait! Sometimes I wonder how lame is it that finding deals is so exciting and fun for me. But on the other hand, how can a person NOT be happy about getting more for less?

And a bit of news that's making me smile... Husby is coming home tomorrow night rather than Friday. He'll leave again Thursday, but seeing him in the middle of the week makes everything a little brighter. *sigh* I'm so hopelessly in love.

falling rain

2010-06-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

It's a Monday, and the skies are gray with falling rain. Sadly, my mood has morphed to fit the gloominess that looms. I've been trying to re-morph my mood into a content one, where the gentle patter of rain is soothing, but so far no luck. Two cups of coffee this morning, slowly sipped, while catching up with the online world. Baby Girl is teething, I think. Or something... Her naps are anything but predictable lately. Thirty minutes. Maybe an hour. And she has gone from sleeping eight hours straight at night to three - four hour stretches. I know they say that once your get used to something with a baby, everything changes... but I feel like I have very few nerves left. Husby left again this morning for another week away. I do not like to see him go, and I will quickly admit that this is extremely hard on me. But... I keep reminding myself that it's only a few days at a time and that it should be over in August. Maybe then life will return to some semblance of normality. It has helped incredibly much to hae CC here. I don't know what I will do when she leaves next week. Somehow I need to get my emotional tank full again...

Yesterday's sermon challenged me a bit... to have an unstoppable faith. I know I keep asking "Why, God? Why is life so freakin' hard right now? When will it be over? How much longer do I have to prove myself?" Deep down in my heart, I know that God's timing is perfect and that He will never cease to be faithful, but as I've voiced before, it's been quite difficult to get my head wrapped around that fact. Yesterday I listened as the pastor spoke about Moses, and how after he was the pride and glory of Egypt, he spent 40 years in the desert. FORTY YEARS. Forty years of silence and feeling forgotten. That certainly makes my issues seem small. And in those forty years, God did not forget, but He was waiting for the perfect time to act, molding Moses in the meantime.

*sigh*

Now the hard part... remembering these things when I'm in the midst of a difficult moment... or day. Remembering that my life is not really bad or hard, when compared to what others face. Remembering that God is watching and waiting and that He IS moving, even though I can't see it. Remembering that He loves me and is there to wrap His arms around me at anytime. Raise your coffee mugs with me - here's to an unstoppable faith!

little sister

2010-06-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

My youngest sister is visiting me for three weeks. THREE whole weeks!!! It's SO very wonderful to have a part of my family here with me. I really love Oklahoma and my life here, but a girl does get homesick now and again. Anyway, we've been hanging out lots, having GREAT times. Sixteen is a fun age. :) Time at the pool, playing with Baby Girl, shopping, baking, movies... it's been a lovely three days so far. :) AND.... I'm giving her a crash course in couponing and finding deals. So far we've hit up Walgreens (sweet deals!), Target (more sweet deals), Krispy Kreme (do I hear a shout out for free donuts??), introduced her to Chikfila (free spicy chicken sandwiches!), and checked out the brand new QT (three cheers for .49cent drinks). We also stumbled on coupons for free drinks at Taco Bell and more free donuts from Krispy Kreme, so you can guess where we'll be eating... Now we need to work some exercise into our plans. (bah humbug!)

Baby Girl has discovered the fine art of rolling over, from her tummy to her back. It's incredibly adorable to find her in her bed in the morning, not on her tummy, but on her back, rolling around and talking to herself. Even at 4:30 in the morning...

Sweet deals this week:
Walgreens: we spent $10.92, saved $56.38, and have $4.50 in RR! We got: 4 boxes Kotex U products, 4 bags of Hersheys pieces, 3 bars Neutrogena face soap, 7 packs of Orbit gum, 3 cans Arizona tea, 2 bags of Lifesavers, 1 Butterfinger, and 3 bottles asprin. Not bad for $10, eh?

Target: (we totally rocked here!)
I think I threw my receipts away when I cleaned out my purse, but I can tell you about the 40 bottles of Sobe Lifewater for only $5 oop!!!! Target had a deal this week that for every 10 bottles you bought, you'd get a $5 gift card. We used a .50/1 Target coupon for each bottle, and did four separate transactions. We spent $5 the first time, and then the second transactions we used the $5 GC. The third transaction we had three B1/G1 coupons to add to the .50/1 Qs, so we only used $2 off the GC. Last transaction we had two b1/g1 Qs, so we used the remaining $3 on the GC and came out with an extra $5 GC. I think we did pretty good, eh?

This week will bring more sisterly, deal-finding adventures.... we'll be sure to keep you posted!

normality

2010-05-30T14:31:00.001-07:00

And life continues on... Summer has set in, hot and humid. Lines at the local snowcone shacks are long. Pools are open and crowded from morning to well after dark. Baby Girl is sleeping longer every night (nine hours straight last night!), and rolling from her tummy to her back quite routinely. There's something strangely endearing about being woken up at 4:30am by a cooing baby, who, when you check on her, is not on her tummy as you left her, but rather on her back, playing with her blanket and smiling when she sees you.

This last week was a strange one, in that Husby was out of town 4 of the 5 weekdays, including two nights away. The coming week will be the same, as will the next three months. I do not like him being gone so much... it's lonely. But it's a necessity right now, and it gives me a greater appreciation for those who deal with this as a normal part of life. The bright side is that Baby and I can occasionally go spend a day or two with him. We'll explore the "unique" little towns that are a part of middle-of-nowhere OK and TX.

My baby sister (who's now 16!!!) is coming to visit in a few days. Three cheers for that! We will go shopping and swimming and watch chick-flicks, and have a total blast. Baby Girl is going to love meeting her Aunt CC, too. :)

And that's about it. Just another normal week in the life of a stay-at-home-mommy. :)

head above water

2010-05-24T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have thought about this blog often in the past couple of weeks. Visions of sitting down and typing have played through my mind at regular intervals. I think this has been the busiest I've been since I was pregnant, and trying to accomplish it all with a four-month old baby was no small feat. Besides being incredibly busy with THINGS to do, PLACES to be, and TASKS to accomplish, there has been turmoil to sort through. Small family dramas, employment uncertainties, life decisions, etc, etc. The few times I did try and write, my mind refused to cooperate, begging instead for a few moments of silence and time to just zone out. It looks like things are slowing down now, and I'm glad. I think much more of what felt like chaos, and I'd break down in tears... and then only a day or two of watching fluff filled movies, eating comfort food, and snuggling with my baby and husby would have helped me recover!

It's a curiosity really, the things that God allows into our lives at times. Like when we feel we are doing everything right and on track, and yet life is HARD. Like when it feels that curveballs are being thrown one after another and there is no way to see them coming and prepare. We beg God to give us just a glimpse of what He is doing and it feels silent... We hold on, knowing that He is good and faithful, but wanting to see evidence. It's a hard road, but one I will continue to walk, even though I have my days of stopping to cry and say, "God, please! I need some air!". One day, all this will be clear. I am really looking forward to seeing the big picture for this season of our lives...

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In other news, Baby Girl is growing SO much lately! Not only has she jumped into the next size diapers and clothes, her development is progressing more every day. She rolls over now, from her tummy to her back. (A look of wide-eyed shock accompanies this feat.) She's beginning to lay on her tummy and play happily for a few minutes at a time. She grabs at toys that dangle about her. She laughs and giggles. EVERYTHING captures her interest. She is getting to be so much FUN! She is my light on gray days. :)

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In couponing and deal finding news, I totally rocked CVS the past two weeks. A new store opened near me, and mailed out a set of coupons. $10 off a $20 purchase, a free 2 liter of Coke, and up to $3 off a CVS brand product. They allowed all coupons to be combined into one purchase, so it made it easy to pay a dollar or two for over $20 worth of stuff. The best part? I live in an apartment complex, and many of my neighbors threw their coupons in the junk mail bin up by the mailboxes. I snatched up as many as I could and made SEVERAL trips to CVS, doing multiple transactions each time. We are totally stocked up on Coke, Vitamin Water, pop, and bottled water... Not to mention toiletries, makeup, paper goods.... It was SUCH an incredible blessing to be able to get so much for so very little.

All of this for only $2.71!!!!! (A savings of almost $200!)

being a mother

2010-05-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

It's always encouraging when someone you don't expect expresses how great they think it is that you've made the choice to be a stay-at-home-mom. Not that I am unsure of my decision. It's just really nice - affirming - to hear it from someone from whom you don't expect it. From the time I was a little girl, I knew that "when I grew up" I wanted to be a mommy. I never had aspirations or dreams of a great career. Instead my dreams were about puttering around my house, making cookies and doing fun things with my kids. And now that my life is just that, I am happy. Fulfilled. I don't want more. Of course I have days when I feel like going insane because the only people I've seen for three days are my husband and infant daughter, but that's easily remedied by a trip to Target or Starbucks. :) This is a good life I lead. As always, God has been good.

lost... bought... found.

2010-05-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I lost my phone. One my morning walk with Baby Girl, it fell out of the stroller somewhere. I searched my whole route. Twice. And found nothing. It is amazing how attached one can become to a little piece of plastic. Honestly, I felt as if I was disconnected from the world. And I felt like a big clutz... having to replace a phone could not have come at a more inconvenient time. But God was good and we discovered that we were eligible for upgrade pricing... Now I have a sweet new phone, and it was quite a good deal! Wanna know the crazy thing? After I went to get the new one this morning, I checked in at the apartment complex office to see if anyone had found it and turned it in. It was there. And it still worked. *sigh* Oh well. It was about dead anyway, having been drowned twice and dropped about a bazillion times. Now I have a backup phone if anything drastic happens to the new one. I will admit... My new phone is pretty sweet... Touch screen. Full keyboard. The works.

SCORE!

2010-05-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

Grandpa S. was in town today with a few hours to kill in between the young uncle's baseball games. Husby recruited Grandpa and the boys to watch Baby Girl while we ran a few errands together. (Yay for mini-dates!) We left the boys with brownies, sandwiches and a sleeping baby, while R & I went to Target. It's nice to go out without the baby every once in a while...

My $3 Snuggle Qs arrived in the mail yesterday so I stacked them with $1.50/1 Target Qs and scored us some FREE Snuggle! (x4!) Then I found a cute purse on clearance for $3.74 and used a $5/1 purse coupon. The overage allowed me to get one more bottle of Snuggle for like... 20cents. Total for 5 bottles of Snuggle and 1 purse? $1.48. Oh yeah!!!! This is my most awesome trip yet!

Friday Busy-ness

2010-04-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

Today dawned cloudy. I was so sleepy that I never heard Husby's alarm go off, and that's super unusual for me! Baby Girl woke around 8am (God answered my prayer for extra sleep!) and I took that as my cue to rise from the dead. (This sinus-infection is really zapping my energy!) There was much to accomplish on this gray, humid day.

We were out the door around 9am. My goal - hit up Walgreens, CVS, and Target before Baby Girl decided she'd had enough of the car seat. I almost made it. She made her protests known as we checked out at Target. By the time we returned home, her wails were reaching a peak... Oh for the day when she will sit in the cart and be amused with a toy!

Since she's been down for a nap, I put groceries away, reorganized the fridge, ate lunch, made brownies (for the coupon swap tonight!) cleaned kitchen, and surfed the net. Now it's about time to leave for my twice-weekly babysitting gig. I will spend 4 hours with 4 kids under age 8, plus Baby Girl. Then I will drive home, drop her off for her daddy to put her to bed, and go to my first ever coupon swap. Yay!!! I'm super-excited to meet the ladies from the forums, and hopefully get some great Q's!

Today's deals:
CVS:
Spent 7.84, received $4 in Extra Care Bucks, saved $10
Got: 2 Colgate Pro-Clinical Toothpastes, 1 Huggies Wipes, & 1 gallon Borden milk

Target:
Spent $11.59, received $5 GC, Saved $17
Bought: 3 jumbo packs Huggies diapers

Target:
(I'll post the awesome deals, and not my whole grocery trip... it wasn't all on sale or a deal, but some things you just need...)
2 Classico alfredo sauces, 2 44oz red pasta sauces, 1lb. ground beef - $2.77+tax!
2 Off! clip on repellent - $3+tax
Chocolate Silk 1/2 gal. - .69!
2pk Up&Up mouthwash - 2.48(less than the price of one regularly!)
and other goodies....

Time is short, I must go!

Starting New

2010-04-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

Every so often I make a resolution to myself to begin blogging regularly... A few posts are made and then I get distracted and forget, or fail to make the time. And yet, I really like blogging. So here I am, once again, making a resolution to start blogging. Again.

Life is a little different now, and yet still very much the same. Difference #1: The baby is here, and how incredibly precious she is. Three months old already! She's got the chubbiest cheeks and thighs with the cutest rolls... *sigh* I fall more in love with her every day. Difference #2: I'm no longer working and am officially a SAHM. Funny thing... I don't really miss it. Methinks I was meant to live life this way. Umm... I guess those are the biggest differences.

Mommyhood is awesome. Yes, there are trying days, but the joys - like seeing my daughter's face light up in a huge slobbery grin - erase all the irritations. Lack of sleep? Yes, but holding her warm little body in the middle of the night fills me with a new burst of energy. Fussy and clingy all day long, leaving me with little time to do anything else but hold her? I forget all that when she falls asleep on my chest while we rock in the rocking chair, sucking her little fist. She's overtaken my life, and I couldn't mind less.

I have a new hobby. It's not all that glamorous, but it's fun. For me, at least. Couponing! It's a game. A challenge. And I get a little crazy over it sometimes. But it's been SO cool to see our food and household item selections grow without spending any more money. Rather than living from one weekly shopping trip to the next, having to almost completely stock up each time, we now have extra ahead of time. Advance warning: from time to time, I am going to post about my savings adventures and deals I find. Hope it doesn't bore you, and if it does, well... you were warned!

Today I'm babysitting a 7 month old. He's been hanging out with me and Baby Girl all day. It's been a little interesting... Baby Girl, who can't yet entertain herself, and K. After I agreed to watch him I wondered if I'd been crazy, but gratefully it's gone rather well. (knock on wood) Their naps have alternated a little, overlapped some, and right now Baby Girl is still asleep while K sits on my kitchen floor, happily banging plastic measuring cups together. All in all, I give today's adventure a two thumbs up!

One more thing, and then I'll go for today. I must get this post-pregnancy body back into shape! The first 6 weeks were ok, and even good - I felt so small after delivery. But now... ugh... My goal: to fit back into my clothes, not only from pre-pregnancy, but from pre-marriage! (Why is it that the first year of marriage so often leads to extra pounds?) That's a good 20 pounds or more and it's going to be brutal... I love eating and hate exercising. Accomplishment: today while the babies were both napping I did 30 minutes of Pilates. Cheer me on!

What's new in YOUR world?

here comes Christmas!

2009-11-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner and I can hardly believe it! A year ago I was newly engaged and packing to move across the country, and now here I am, married, with a baby soon to arrive! Ryan and I are grow closer with each passing day, and every day I thank God for bringing him into my life. ** :) **

The baby is growing right on schedule and I have had no troubles other than normal pregnancy inconveniences. She kicks me quite regularly, turning and rolling and poking me in the ribs. I am SO looking forward to the day she's in my arms!

We're trying to start our own holiday traditions... first being cinnamon rolls on Thanksgiving morning. Yum! I also made a pecan pie (for only the second time in my life!) and methinks that will become a tradition as well. Tonight we put up our first Christmas tree. It's so little and cute, sitting atop our entertainment center - no more than two feet tall, with sparkling black and white and silver balls. The perfect size for our bitsy apartment! I'm looking forward to the coming weeks, spending them with my love, and making more traditions as the holidays get closer.

A company Christmas dinner, a baby shower, a trip to Michigan to see my family... that's what these next few weeks hold! Three cheers for the holiday season!

little bits of progress

2009-10-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

Baby registry - done. Stroller, car seat, bed, various blankets and trinkets. SO much fun!! The girls at work are planning a baby shower. How cool and sweet is that?! I'm slowly piecing together a maternity wardrobe... a pair of cute skinny(ish) jeans here, khaki shorts there, flowy tops here, baby bump sporting tshirts there. A friend is bringing me the maternity clothes she is now done with... Yay for passing things on! Let's see... what else? I thoroughly cleaned out my closet this week, making space for baby things. I have begun knitting a baby blanket. All fuzzy and soft and cuddly.... When I start thinking ahead to the coming months, I can't help but grin. And also..... (!) I'm pretty sure I've felt Caitlyn move! At 20 weeks, it's more than likely but it's weird at first... trying to distinguish between gas or stomach gurgles and teeny baby kicks. Weird, but amazing all the same. This is such an incredible adventure, that of growing a baby. More to come later! :)

the baby

2009-09-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our ultrasound. I cannot describe how incredible it was to watch the images on the screen of our little baby. It's a girl! She is so precious... Tiny and lively... she seems to like to wiggle around a lot! We could see little hands and tiny feet. Arms and legs. The ultrasound pictures captivate me... I cannot seem to stop gazing at them, in awe of the creativity of our God, and in wonder that this little life is inside of me, growing and forming more each day. I cannot wait for the day we get to meet her, and hold her in our arms.

summer news

2009-08-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

The summer is flying by far too quickly. It's been a little but of an adjustment for me, being here - in HOT Oklahoma, but I'm managing. Quite often, spending time outdoors is nearly impossible, but I do enjoy leaving my patio door open some mornings, and I rejoice when the days are mild and not scorching. We've been blessed to be able to take a few little trips... I've been home to Michigan twice! Once in early June for the siblings' graduation parties, and then Ryan and I went last week for our wedding reception. It was a lovely time, and SO wonderful to see friends and family... as a married couple. Also, we were able to go to Houston over the 4th of July weekend and spend time with P.J. and Paulina. They are such a wonderful couple, and growing together so much. I'm very proud of them.

A bit of big, exciting news.... In early June, Ryan and I found out that we are expecting a little one! Our bundle of joy is due to arrive around Valentine's Day. :) My morning sickness (or rather, "all-day sickness") is mostly over now, but I still tire rather easily. We had our first doctor appointment a few weeks ago and were able to hear the heartbeat.... Quite an amazing thing! God is SO creative and amazing.

In the time I've been married to Ryan, I feel as if my eyes have been opened to what God is doing in our lives so much more than I ever took time to notice before. Beginning with Ryan's ankle ordeal and God's provision through all of that, and on to month-by-month, and day-by-day, provisions... I'm amazed. Last fall I was introduced to the song "God of this City", and I have fallen in love with it. At the most random moments, lines run through my head... "For there is no one like our God..." and "Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done - here..." It's such a hopeful song. A reminder of all that God is, all that He always will be, all that He wants to do in each of our lives and in the world... A reminder of the hope that He provides...

You're the light in this darkness
You're the hope to the hopeless
You're the peace to the restless
You are....

You're the strength in our weakness
You're the love to the broken
You're the joy in the sadness
You are...

There is no one like our God....

Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done...
Here.

He is good, isn't He?

late night

2009-05-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

It's nearly midnight, and I am home alone. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and a glass of chardonnay are my company. Ryan has to work through the night, a rarity. It's a reminder of the months we spent apart, and I am SO grateful that those days are over. God has been good to us and blessed us incredibly beyond measure... Thinking about all the things that have happened in the last year make me wonder what He has in store for the future. I'm excited to find out!

Hmmm.... what's new in my world...? Tensions at work seem to have smoothed out. My hours remain high for a week or two more, but I'm pacing myself to make it through with a smile. I get to go home to Michigan in a month for the sibling's graduation parties, and I really can't wait to be there. *grin* I'll get to hang out with the fam, spend some time with my old Starbucks crew, and see Michigan in the beauty of early summer.

We are looking at houses, toying with the idea of buying one before the summer is over. The possibility excites me. I think I would feel one step closer to being a "real"grown up. A house... a yard... a lawn to mow... neighbors and a street... It'll feel so weird after so many years of apartment-dwelling.

Plans are coming together for our receptions. They're going to be ultra-simple and casual, but I hope lots of fun. It'll be great to see so many near and dear people. :) July 11 in Tulsa, and August 1 in Michigan. Save a date for us, and prepare for an afternoon of chips, salsa, dessert, and plenty of laughter. Maybe some pool fun too?

That's all for now folks... 'Night!

2009-04-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Spring time, and everything is green and blooming. I LOVE it! Well, apart from the sighting of a baby garter snake close to my front door. I know, I know... it was dead. AND it was only a harmless and friendly kind of snake, but I DO NOT CARE! It still freaks me out. However, consistently warm weather is such a gift from God. It makes my soul happy to be able to enjoy the fresh air so much more. I must enjoy spring for all it's worth, because I fear I may have a hard time surviving the summer heat...

We have finally gotten the living room all pretty and devoid of boxes. We were gifted a lovely bookshelf, and now it houses many many books, and pretty little decorations. It looks quite lovely and artful, if I do say so myself. Ryan and I spent an afternoon arranging and sorting and rearranging, and we are quite pleased with the results! I'm anxious to have people over now.... now that the living room actually looks like a home. :)

The last few weeks of work have been rough. I have battled homesickness and exhaustion, and I want them to go away and leave me in peace. By way of many conversations and times of going back and forth with my manager, I was finally able to change my availability while remaining in my current position. I will close only once a week, and work on one Saturday a month. I see other women doing so much with their time - working and being married and having a family and social life, and balancing it all, and I wonder how they do it. Because, at this point in my life, I don't seem to be able to manage it. Without my evenings and weekend hours to connect with my husband and my new surroundings, my life and emotions get ALL out of whack. I don't want to be a moody and stressed out wife. I want to be cheery and buoyant and content. And so, to achieve that, I'm cutting back my hours. And I couldn't be happier.

So long for now.... the land of delectable caffeinated beverages calls....

one more day

2009-03-30T08:26:00.001-07:00

Another Monday. Another week ahead of me. Where does time go..... ?

A freak snowstorm blasted us on Saturday. Six inches or more. It was all sloppy and wet, and the walk from our apartment door to the truck was lick wading through muck. It was a beautiful mess. Wonder of wonders, Sunday dawned sunny and clear and warmish. Now everything is melted and everything is springlike again. I guess this is the land of extremes...

I'm starting a new part-time job this week... nannying! Two adorable kiddos, ages 2 1/2 and six months. It'll be just a few hours a week, but I'm SO looking forward to it! Ryan and I went to meet the family last week and we totally clicked on many levels. I have a feeling we just may become good friends...

Ryan and I started on our search for a "community group" last night. We'll visit a few before we settle in to one. I'm really looking forward to making a connection with some people here. It was really a blast to hang out with the couples last night. For the first time in my married life, I spent some solid time with married couples who actually are around our ages! They were totally fun and cool... Twas so refreshing!

I'm off to run errands and then work in the world of delicious coffee aromas... Cheers!

random and scattered

2009-03-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

My sisters are coming to visit me! It's been barely two months since I last saw my family, yet I miss them so incredibly much. This visit will be a great big boost to me - I've been battling homesickness quite often. :( They will be here sometime over the weekend..... Three cheers for that!

Today, we go for a second post-op checkup for Ryan. Our fingers are crossed that he will be given clearance to begin wearing a boot and be done with the crutches. Poor guy has been on crutches for a good ten weeks already... He will be SO pumped if the doctor says go ahead.

Last week, Ryan had to drive to a prospective job site that was three hours south-east (I think that was the direction), and I was able to ride along. We saw BEAUTIFUL scenery... mountains and rolling hills, neverending pine forests, lightening storms... it was very refreshing. I've been in the city for so long that I forgot what it's like to stand in the middle of nowhere and hear nothing but the wind moving through trees and birds singing. God's creation is amazing and breathtaking. Now I want to go camping and spend days in a place like that.

And my last random topic - I've been observing people during times of worship at church, and it's so interesting to me how people act out their worship in different ways. It's also inspiring to me.... to let myself lose my fears of what people around me may think and lose myself in praise and adoration of my Savior. That's what it's all about, anyway. HIM. Not me. I see people raising their hands, closing their eyes, singing their hearts out. I see heads bowed. I see dancing. I see joy, gratefulness, adoration, excitement. It's also been impressed on my heart the huge example parents are to their children in this area. A mother in front of me singing with abandon, arms lifted high. Her young daughter - no more than five - stood on the chair next to her, one arm around her mom's waist and the other lifted high. Following her mother's example. A father at the end of our row, holding the hands of his three year old son, dancing around during a lively, joyous song. Leading by example. These children will grow to love worship and have no fear of showing that joy. I want my kids to be like those kids. I want to be a parent like that.

in the middle

2009-02-11T19:12:00.001-08:00

I'm in the middle of another week. Work is fine. I think I have clicked pretty well with everyone and found a niche. Ryan is healing, day by day. Last week was pretty rough for him, dealing with pain, lack of sleep, and nausea for several days. Not fun! We go Tuesday for a check up and have fingers crossed that he will be given a walking cast and permission to be more active. I have taken up regular exercising again. Three cheers for me! Not so fun... (today kicked me in the pants!) but I do love the results.

People keep asking how married life is, and my answer comes easily... A huge, resounding "Great!". We have slipped right into things and literally have had no major adjustments. It's wonderful. *happy sigh* I love waking up every morning next to him... My very best friend and the love of my life. Yes, I know we are newlyweds, and that people say it won't last - but guess what? They're wrong. We will have rough times, yes, but just watch... we will be hopelessly in love for the rest of our lives. So there all you pessimistic people!

i've lived a year's worth of life in only a few weeks

2009-01-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

The plan was to move me from Lansing to Tulsa in the week between Christmas and New Years. Ryan's one-way plane ticket was purchased and everything was set. He would arrive, we'd visit family, say goodbyes, and then drive away with as many of my belongings as would fit into my car. One week before our plans were to begin, my car broke down. Miraculously, it quit in a parking lot, and didn't leave me stranded, but the needed repair meant replacing the engine. Too expensive, considering the age of the car, not to mention that I still owed the bank a considerable amount. NOw how was I going to make the move? Frustrations were many those next few days. Tears were shed and many prayers were sent upwards.

At almost the last moment, without us mentioning anything, Ryan's employer offered to let him use his company truck to make the trip to Michigan, and not only that, gave Ryan a bonus specifically for the trip. Our gasoline and food would be paid for! We were also able to get the plane ticket cancelled and now have a credit with the airline to use in the next year.

Long story short, on the way up to Lansing, late at night, Ryan fell and broke his ankle in two places. He had to use OnStar to get an ambulance. Gel, Dale and I made the trip from Lansing to Springfield, Illinois, in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve to get him from the hospital. Our Christmas was very eventful! Moving was now going to be a bit trickier. My family pitched in LOTS and helped me get everything packed up. Moving day arrived and I made the entire drive from Lansing to Tulsa with Ryan in the backseat, foot propped up on boxes. Looooooooong drive.
Friends helped unload in Tulsa, and I began to settle in at my new place. Things were not going to go as planned with my new roommate, and after a visit to Ryan's doctor, we found out that we were facing surgery in order for his ankle to heal properly. He had no insurance, I had no car, and we needed to remedy the housing situation relatively soon. Many prayers were sent upwards again and again.

An offhanded, joking comment, "If we were married, you would be on my insurance right away, and that would cover surgery." And we stopped in realization of how many other things would be easier and fall into place if that were the case. Rent - we'd only be paying for one place. We could get financing for a car. We would have help with medical costs. And many other things... We prayed. We talked to each of our families. And we jumped into wedding planning. Detail after detail fell into place, and our awe at God's goodness grew. We found an apartment. I found a wedding dress. My family made the long drive safely. A week and a half later, I found myself walking down the aisle of a country church, looking at the smiling faces of so many dear people. As I stood at the altar, looking into Ryan's eyes, my excitement grew with every phrase I repeated. "I do..."

Ryan and I were able to get away for a short weekend, and then returned to life at it's extremely fast pace. Doctor's appointments. Work schedules. Grocery shopping. Selling my old car via long distance. New drivers license details. Setting up a household. It's been busy!

We've found a church we love. It's similar to Trinity, the church I was attending in Lansing. It kind of feels like home. Once Ryan's foot heals, we're going to join a small group, and I'm anxious for that.

Speaking of Ryan's foot... We have met many delays. It's been an uphill battle, working through red tape and insurance details. We were misinformed of dates of Ryan's eligibility for coverage and ended up having to reschedule surgery. We thought it was all settled, but were then informed by the doctor's office that we would have to pay a LARGE deductible, plus what the insurance wouldn't cover BEFORE they would even schedule the surgery. It looked impossible for us to come up with the amount the requested. We trusted God completely, but didn't know where to turn or what to do. It felt as if all our options were exhausted. And then, late this last Sunday evening, Ryan's mom called us. Her church has been praying for us for several weeks, and they felt led to take up an offering for us. The generosity was abundant. When she told us the amount given, we were shocked to the point of tears. It was almost EXACTLY what we needed.

That is our most recent miracle. And if anyone ever asks me how I know God provides, I will be able to tell them story after story, from my own life.

I love being married, and am so grateful for the words of encouragement, the prayers, and the support that our friends and family have been. Thank you all!

And that, is my life of the last month. Moving, broken ankles, driving 900 miles (twice!), moving again, planning a wedding and getting married, surgery, new workplace.... I'm ready for a vacation!

just a monday

2009-01-26T10:35:00.001-08:00

I know that I said my next post would be a life update, but I find myself short on time. So I will just ramble about nothing for a few moments and then clock in to work. The life update will come soon. I promise.

The weather is cold, and I'm fighting off a head cold, I think. I've been drinking many mugs of green ginger tea, loaded with sweetner, to help it go down. Like Mary Poppins sings, "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down..."

P.J. and Paulina are here, on their way to Houston. We've had a riot so far, eating, laughing, talking, and things like that. They've brought along their menagerie of animals, too, which is interesting. A cat, a dog, and a rat. Yikes!

Ryan and I had a miracle take place yesterday. I will have to include that in a future sharing session. When things look bleak and hopeless, keep plodding on, one step at a time, and trust that God will provide and continue to show His care as much as He ever has.

again and again

2009-01-23T16:17:00.000-08:00

Again and again I resolve to bring a blog back to life. Again and again I let other things get in the way. Once again, I make that resolution... to post often. Here is post number one. May there be many more to follow.... Having to travel to a nearby Starbucks or other wifi spot will complicate the process some, but I am determined to follow through!

The next post will be a life update. The last month has seen HUGE changes in my life, and I'm excited to share my news with everyone. (Or no one, depending on if anyone reads what I write...) I want to use this page as a way to keep in touch with those who are close to me in heart, but far away in body. Hundreds of miles seperate me from those dear friends and family now, and I don't want to lose the connections I have.

May the weekend bring you joy and refreshment!

2008-11-23T07:01:00.000-08:00

Nearly a month has gone by and I haven't posted. So much for my attempt... Let's try again, shall we? The first snowfall of the year arrived. Frequent flurries have left trees and grass covered in a pretty white dusting. Now it truly feels that the holiday season has arrived. Radio stations play Christmas carols, stores are having holiday sales even earlier, pumpkin pie, gingerbread and peppermint treats abound... It's a festive time of year, and I enjoy it muchly. I'm attempting to do my Christmas shopping early this year. I have an idea for almost everyone on my list and have even made a couple of purchases. Go me!

I've also packed a few boxes.... this move is becoming a reality rather rapidly. Last week was tumultuosly emotional, with all the thoughts of not being close to my family and missing out on the everyday happenings of their lives. This week I feel more at terms with that, and am beginning to be uber excited about starting a new chapter of life - being close to the one with whom I am going to spend the rest of my life. Building everyday memories with him.... And that makes me grin.

morning

2008-10-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

This morning is quiet. So quiet that I can hear the seconds ticking by on the clock, and the neighbor's dog walking across the floor upstairs. The skies are grayish and it's freezing cold! A steaming mug of french pressed coffee is on the end table next to me. This is my morning routine on the days that I don't have to be at work before the sun rises. My Bible is on the arm of the couch, and a journal - still unopened. Morning reading and reflection time... this is a habit that I've become lazy about in recent months. I'm working to make it a regular part of my days again, but procrastination is putting up a big fight. So many other things want to take up my time. This time of refelction, however, is needed. It's a centering and balancing force for me. And so, I'm off to refill my coffee and read...

A snippet from my reading: "... the Lord blesses His people with peace." Psalm 29:11

greetings

2008-10-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

I used to blog often. But time passed and life changed and I grew out of the habit. I've been mulling over the idea of getting back into it again, if only for myself. Writing can be therapuetic. And so here's my go at it... be it deep, mischievous, simple, light, somber, or skipping from topic to topic with no visible connection.

Fall is here in full force. Beautiful autumn colors crisp in the golden sunshine, or muted when it's grey and cloudy. This is one of my favorite seasons. Apples, cider, hoodies and jeans, crunchy leaves underfoot, woodsmoke in the air, frost on my car windows, pumpkins and cinnamon...

This weekend I'm going to a wedding. A classy, outdoor wedding - a first for me! I have a date (one of the groomsmen, and the love of my life!) but I've yet to find the perfect outfit. What does one wear to a nice, outdoor wedding in the fall?

I am awake far too late tonight. G'night!