EastCoastLove

A new normal

2012-02-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

It has been two weeks since our family was blessed with our new lil man! It has been a life altering event. There have been ups and downs, tears and laughter. Consistently changing and just when you think you have things figured out he changes them on you. Everyone says it changes your life but you just don't understand it fully 'til it happens to you.

We went out as a family for valentines day cause i couldn't leave him with my mom. Shady Oak was Shepherd's first restaurant visit and he slept thru the whole thing.

With each day things start to feel a bit more normal, a new normal. This journey is teaching me loads and i am doing the best i can! We love him and are so thankful for him!

Winning Season

2012-02-15T09:35:00.002-06:00

Kimmel is a middle school coach. Which means he coaches all sports year round. Of course being in texas football is the main one and consumes our worlds in the fall, but he also does basketball, track and cross country.

He just finished basketball, coaching B team, with a winning season! My husband who is learning how to coach all these sports is doing a phenomenal job with his boys! They only lost 2 games, and got to play in an A team tournament. Which can be debbie downer when you get trampled by an A team, but they kept their spirits up and just played well.

The boys love him and he loves them! One day during practice or athletics Kimmel was shooting around with a handful of guys. They just started making ridiculous shots and betting he couldn't do it. You know like make this one and i will paint my toes, silly stuff like that. Time was ending so Kimmel says "ok boys, if i make this shot all three of you have to wear lipstick to school tomorrow." to which they agreed and kimmel headed out to half court threw the ball over his head (backwards) and MADE THE SHOT! They were all in awe! Then they were in protest about the lipstick! They asked all day? and Kimmel said come with it on and until i see you then you can take it off. You can imagine they ran to his classroom that next morning.

O boys. What silliness they can get into!

Staying put

2012-01-25T10:57:00.001-06:00

After an eventful stay at the hospital this weekend I am home on bed rest. My lil man just wanted to check things out before he came. His amniotic fluid was low or I like to think of it as the water in his pool that he swims in now was not enough. So they hooked us up to IV for the weekend and when they saw it had increased they sent me home on strict bed rest. I am glad to be home and I am doing nothing!! I promise for the good of our son :) Had some really yummy food and fitful sleeps. But thankful for the wisdom of my drs. I go back tomorrow for a follow up to see how the fluids are. He can come any day now :) Kimmel put the car seat in along with his full diaper bag..we are ready :) Please pray the fluid stays for a lil while long so his lungs can fully develope...we r thankful he can finish developing in the tummy. He is big and heathly now weighing 7 lbs...so we fully believe the Lord has it all figured out I just needed to stop and rest!

Showered with love

2012-01-17T10:34:00.000-06:00

This past weekend my friends and family gave us a shower for our lil man! We are about 4 weeks out and i got really overwhelmed with excitement and the love from all these people i cried when i pulled up to my in laws house! I had to call Kimmel to talk myself out of it. But then my Texas Dad and Mom were waiting for me to coming is so He could say hi and i lost it! They are so sweet and special to me. It was awesome to get a great big daddy bear hug from him!

These lovely ladies hosted it for me. They really did an amazing job and i was very touched!

This was the awesome centerpiece Renee (texas mom) mad for us! So cute and i am going to use the owls again for some nursery decorations! :)

One really sweet person who came is Kimmel's Great Grandmother, Meme! She is our beloved 100 year old sweet prayer warrior! It was so nice to see her she doesn't come out much. We are very blessed.

Got our first cloth diapers :)

My austin family came in for the night before so we got to catch up and laugh! (Renee, Christin and Jen)

Thank you for all you did you special ladies!

Really great Eggplant Recipe

2012-01-05T13:42:00.000-06:00

Thought i would share this new recipe i tried a couple nights ago. We really enjoyed it and it was healthy and easy. It is a fish and eggplant recipe but i left out the fish and it was still really great. So if you like fish or have it handy you can enjoy that too!

From Parties, Potlucks and Barbecues. Taste of home books.

Snappy Eggplant Spaghetti
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbls olive oil
3.5 cups tomato juice
1 small eggplant, peeled and cubed
1 medium green pepper, chopped
16 large pitted ripe olives, finely chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 tbls minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 package (1 lb.) spaghetti
1 lb red snapper or grouper fillets, cut into 1 in. cubes

In large saucepan or Dutch oven, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender.
Add tomato juice, bring to boil. Reduce heat cover and simmer for 10 mins.
Add eggplant, green pepper, olives, parsley, basil, salt and red pepper flakes.
cover and simmer 20 mins.
Meanwhile cook spaghetti according to package
Add fish to eggplant mixture; cover and simmer 10 mins.
Drain spaghetti, top with fish (eggplant) mixture.

ENJOY!

My Big Sis's Bday

2012-01-03T15:28:00.002-06:00

Today is my sister's bday! The big 43! So i thought i would do a blog shout out! Even though we live thousands of miles apart and are 9 years age difference, she is one of the first people i call with either really great or really sad news. She has helped me thru alot! Sad thing is i realize that the latest picture i have of us together was my wedding.

Debbie

(yes i am going to do the cheesy word for each letter of her name)

Dependable! No matter what i am going thru i can always count on her to walk it with me. I cannot remember a time that i have needed her and she wasn't there. I know her kids and husband feel the same way.

Enjoyable! I like being around her. We talk about anything and everything and always find something to laugh about.

Bright. She reads and reads and reads and knows about most things a mom/person needs to know. This is one of the reasons i call her cause i dont' read loads of books, i just ask her.

Beautiful! Inside and out! She is a beauty! :)

Indispensable to her family. Don't know where they would be without her! To her mom and me! We all need her!

Exactly what i need! My sister!

Thanks for all the many times you have helped me and encouraged me...hopefully i do the same in a small way for you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

End of 2011

2011-12-31T11:36:00.001-06:00

Another year wraps up. I think i will do a top ten. :) Things that made this year a great year!

10. Our DIY queen size bed made by Kimmel! It was fun to watch as Kimmel would light up and get so focused on projects! He found Anna White's site and began building. My fave is our bed!

9. Watching my niece Eleanor ..it was fun watching her grow, i hope she remembers me!

8. Baking for Kimmel's co workers cause they are easy to please and He loves it!

7. Reading Hunger Games! Such a great series. Couldn't put it down and in fact i am reading it again!

6. Quitting my job... after 8 great years it was time to close that chapter.

5. Budget changes! (due to last one) Its amazing how you can live on little and how the Lord blesses with resources, thru family, friends with hand me downs or just cutting back. It helps you evaluate what is really important.

4. Photography sessions. Each one is so unique and fun. Some are more challenging than others but i love learning about how to work with the equipment and the people! Thank you to all of you who trusted me to take pictures of you and your family!

3. Had the privilege to Baptize my mom. She has been a believer for most her life and felt God leading her to be baptized and i was honored when she asked me to. She is a great mom and i was happy to!

2. Kimmel got his job back after the KISD layoffs at the end of last school year. It was a lesson of trust in husband and God. Both are worthy!

1. Starting the journey with our lil man! need i say more!

What was your top thing of this year? Take some time and think about your year and look to see where God worked with you and your family. Sometimes we are surprised to see what he did!

Happy New Year...Here is to 2012!

Belly Pictures

2011-12-29T18:12:00.001-06:00

I am excited to say we have received our pictures from our belly picture session with our friend Ellie Born. As most of you know i am not a huge prego belly flaunter. And to be honest others creep me out :) These past months have been quiet and experience as i have watched my belly change...amazing miracle that it is...mind blowing...and weird alien like feeling...its been a blessed journey! and my belly button has almost popped out....so strange and beautiful :)

When we did engagement pictures with Ellie i told her i liked feet so any fun shots with shoes, feet i will take it. So it was only natural for us to bring along a new lil pair of vans for our lil guy! We wore vans in our wedding and they are just too stinking cute so little i couldn't resist! (see above collage)

I love when Kimmel's sweet smile is captured just perfect you can see the twinkle in his eye. Yes the love of Soccer runs deep in our family so we had to capture our lil man with a soccer ball!

It was a cold but fun session! We are excited! Duh! :)

Mantle

2011-12-26T19:03:00.000-06:00

We took down decorations today. Sad but true. We were cleaning and putting stuff in the attic so it only made sense since. Kimmel was my hero and lifted all the boxes and cleaned our attic.

One project that i have had in my mind is our mantle. Thanks to my mom's christmas gift -canvas print from our wedding- i was able to complete my design! You can't really tell but i have family wedding pictures on our mantle surrounding ours. My parents, my sister and Kimmel's sister. Found a lovely print from Canton with a scripture that tied it all together.

Song of Solomon 3:4 I found the one my heart loves.

Kind of nice to have it done. But i fear it will be one of those things that never get finished. I will keep adding :) pictures of family and other love things haha

Can Almost See the Finish Line

2011-12-23T17:58:00.002-06:00

Still in shock that its only 8 weeks left. It seems like nothing and yet it feels like it might take forever to get here! Didn't we just tell people we were pregnant? No that was like 7 months ago!

This week was the first of my weekly BPP testing, due to a blood disorder i have. I clot easier than others and i have to take daily shots. Due to this we get to have a sonogram each week! I believe the testing is to make sure my blood is still giving him all he needs and not slowing anything down. Kimmel was able to come with me to this first one (yesterday) and the rest are just me and the boy! :)

We rearranged the baby room and guest room to make it more suitable. Doing that makes it feel soon! Kimmel's grandmother gave us that sweet lil train coat stand for christmas! The lil man will like to hang his coats and back packs there!

Not sure what to do next but wait. Are we good at that? We shall find out!

Extended Family Getaway..

2011-12-18T12:22:00.000-06:00

This past weekend Kimmel's mom's side of the family got together to spend some christmas time together. His grandmother rented out this really sweet quaint cabin near lake Whitney. His uncle's family came in from Houston area which is fun cause we don't get to see them often. Everyone loved on lil Eleanor and all her cuteness.

We took a walk down to the lake to check it out. As you can see its not a swimming hole but more of a tree spot. Got this fun picture of kimmel's rock he skipped :)

And tried to take a picture of us with the timer...

We had fun, exchanged gifts, ate great food and talked and laughed about their lives. Let the holiday's begin!! No more school for Kimmel...2 weeks of rest! :)

9 weeks!

2011-12-14T13:57:00.001-06:00

Can't believe it but at the end of this week we will be at the single digit countdown for our lil man! Friday marks 9 weeks to meeting Lil Male Baby K (as one of our friends called it before we knew for sure haha). So for you who like to count in weeks, we are 31 weeks along. Which in months is 7, almost 8 months.

Its been a fun journey! I think we are getting really ready for the lil man. Its still so strange to feel him move inside my belly. I like that Kimmel can feel him and talks to him, it just makes it not seem like its all me getting the fun of the lil man now. Watching as my tummy keeps growing i wonder how much further can it stretch! lol

We have been so blessed from friends who have handed down TONS of clothes for a lil guy, it gives us some breathing room to not feel worried about clothes! Its fun walking in kids stores now an looking at clothes to see which stores i might frequent. As of right now Crazy 8 is at the top of my list! Do you have a favorite?

Thats so texas..right?

2011-12-11T13:15:00.001-06:00

When i moved here from virginia i expected to see a lot more cowboys and horses then i did in the area around Seminary. I was confused. Texas is all cattle and ranch boys right? Like no one lives in suburbs or small plots of land...everyone has their own horse and iron their jeans right? ...Wrong!

One of the girls on my hall and i went on a lot of different touristy things our first semester here. Going to a big ranch somewhere east to experience ranch life. Found a couple places to ride horses on land. Often we went to the Stockyards. It was exactly as i pictured it in my mind. lol

Love this lil place. Have taken a many of visiting Virginians out here. Done a couple of photo shoots and will be taking my mom there this week as she visits with us. Must get some goodies from the VA grand kids :)

I love the country part of texas and would love to move to some land and have some animals. Just don't like the country music, or pride part of texas. I guess, as Kimmel would say, i am becoming a Texan but not really. He says when our lil man is born i can't deny it anymore! So i threaten to go back to VA just to birth him :) I love my family and life here. Its just not as texan as i pictured living here...which is ok with me.

Anyone else love the stockyards? Any transplants expected what i did?

Gungor - Brother Moon

2011-12-09T12:05:00.001-06:00

For Kimmel's Bday last month i got him the new Gungor CD. We loved the first one and i was excited to hear their sophomore offer. We got the actual CD, not a digital copy, so old school, and we popped it in the CD player in his car. At first my ears were like this is so odd and not natural and i was worried he wasn't going to like it. He listened to it non stop for the next couple weeks and proudly played some of his favorites as we went out to date night last week.

I am glad he likes it so, and i took his car the other night out to my recital and got to hear the whole cd thanks to all the traffic and it was so lovely! My ears did not respond the same way but received it with out any concerns. They are a wonderfully talented band and i like how they mix things up. One of my favorite songs starts out folky and ends up sounding like Muse. Brilliant!

The second song on the cd is probably my most favorite and i am going to share the lyrics with you now. Words and composition is beautiful to my soul! You should check them out!

Brother Moon

Brother Moon, shine down your light on us tonight
Show us the love of God
Sister Sun, you bring out the day
You shine in the light of God on your face today
Maker of it all
You provide it all

In You we live
In You we move
In You we have our being
You're glorious
You're holding us
Together, all together

Brother Wind, your clouds and your storms
You breathe in the breath of God in your lungs for us
Brother Earth, you're giving us life
With God's open hands you always provide for us
Maker of it all
You provide it all

In You we live
In You we move
In You we have our being
You're glorious
You're holding us
Together, all together

You are everything good
You are everything beautiful
You are everything, you're everything
[x9]

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-06T10:42:00.001-06:00

Families have traditions. Some have lots of them and some don't think they have any. When you get married you can see what your family has and try to blend it with your better half. Sometimes it blends well, other times its a pain to plan the holidays. Luckily Kimmel and i don't have too big an issue since my family is in VA. This year due to our baby boy we are sticking around Texas for the holidays.

Its kind of fun thinking that we can create our own traditions and with the little one next year it will change things. I am a big fan of staying at our house and opening gifts and doing extended family either on the Eve or another day. Our tradition for my mom's side was to do christmas evening dinner with her mom and dad. I think that is brilliant cause after the morning of excitement its fun to see family and share the joy!

The only tradition i have personally is my Molasses cookies that i make from scratch! A friend of mine gave me the recipe and its so fun to do it all from scratch! I will be making these soon and filling the house with that lovely smell! Don't know if you like them or not but i wanted to share the recipe! It warms the heart!

We shall see how our family traditions mold into something just for us! Enjoy the cookies everyone! :)

Soft Molasses Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening (not margarine)

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup molasses

2 eggs, lightly beaten

4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

2 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until light-colored and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs; set mixture aside

In another large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Blend together thoroughly with a wire whisk.

Gradually mix flour mixture into creamed ingredients until dough is blended and smooth.

Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls.

Dip tops in granulated sugar; place 2 1/2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet

Bake 350 for 11 mins

DO NOT OVER BAKE!

Cool on wire rack.

Store in tightly covered container to maintain softness

Stockings hung..

2011-11-30T14:08:00.001-06:00

Well thanksgiving is done and everyone around the 50 states are putting up their Christmas decor. This is something i am not a huge christmas decor fan. One year i was given an awesome small little silver lighted tree that i would put up when i was single cause it was cool and lit up. My cat knocked it over and so the next year didn't do so.

This year i asked Kimmel to grab a couple of the tubs of christmas stuff from the attic so i could decorate. I over heard him tell someone it took her only 10 mins to do it all. :) We don't have a tree. Although this year may be the year, we aren't traveling and we both took pictures of christmas trees we like to show each other one day last month it was quite funny! So we might.

I do love stockings though. They are just a sweet and fun part of the decorations. Some people like the fun loud ones with all sorts of stuff on the bottom, i like simple with names. Thankfully Pottery Barn has some awesome options to choose from and they run this deal each year that makes them a steal! It was before thanksgiving where they do free shipping and free monogram, so each stocking comes out to $9! You can't beat that! I had purchased mine and Kimmel's last year so i was super stocked when the same deal was this year so we could get our lil Boy's! Decided i was gonna splurge and get some fun stocking holders this year so of course i went to Hobby Lobby to find these awesome reindeer!

Maybe we will get a tree, and some other lighted stuff. But for now i have the stockings hung and the warm fire burning each night- Thanks to Kimmel!! :)

Tis the season! Now its music time!

whew! we are home!

2011-11-28T13:43:00.001-06:00

Back home after a whirl wind week to Virginia i can feel like i need to have a break! We had a blast with my family! Got to do some fun things as well as just hang out too.
Had my first black friday experience...my mom found a really great deal on a TV she wanted so we ventured out and caught a little of the crazy action!

Before we left Kimmel was wanting to reread Hunger games since the movie was coming out. I haven't read it yet so He read it to me. I was sucked in and loved it! I am probably the last person alive to start reading them but if you haven't get it! :)

My sister hosted a shower for our lil baby boy. We invited a handful of friends that live in the area and i got to catch up with them! It was a lovely gift! We got some awesome gifts and boxes of hand me downs from my friends who just had twins! Its nice to be around people who have known you what seems like forever and everyone just gets along! haha Its funny how we felt all grown up!

Glad owls are in right now cause they are too darn cute! :)

Easy cooking

2011-11-10T08:29:00.000-06:00

Once again i found a SUPER recipe that is so yummy and my hubby wanted to take it for lunch the next day! (thats when i know its a good one :)) We like mexican around here. Tex- mex or just plain ol mexican. I get weekly emails from Kraft Foods and they have these awesome easy recipes to follow. So once again i share from there.

Layered Fiesta Casserole
1 lb. extra lean ground beef
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 jar (16 oz) of salsa
1 can Diced tomatoes, undrained ( i used rotel for added spice)
1 pkg. (10oz) frozen corn
12 corn tortillas (6 inch) (i used flour)
1-1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Heat oven 375
Brown meat with peppers in large skillet; drain. Return to skillet. Stir in salsa, tomatoes and corn.
Spread 1 cup meat mixture onto bottom (we put two cups) of 13x9 dish; top with 6 tortillas, overlapping as necessary. Cover with layers of half each of the remaining meat mixture and cheese; top with remaining tortillas and meat mixture. Cover
Bake 25-30 mins or until heated through. top with remaining cheese; let stand, uncovered for 5 mins until melted.

YUM!!!

What did you say Kidd?

2011-11-07T12:52:00.001-06:00

On my early drive to pick up my niece each morning i listen to the Kidd Kraddick Show and they were talking about eating alone. How most of them eat their dinner alone either out or at home. Kidd was sharing about a time he ate out and eavesdropped on the table next to him and got some great advice. It was and older couple with a newly married couple and he heard the younger ask how they kept the marriage from getting stale. He took notes and shared with all of us. This is what he heard.

1. Tell each other about your day, daily (so you don't get out of loop of whats going on in each day)

2. Flirt with each other at least once a day

3. Do something goofy (fun) each day (cause if you aren't having fun it gets dull)

4. Have your own hobby and space for yourself

I thought those were really great and had heard most of them before. I would add to it spiritually:

5. Keep your first love -God (keep your walk with Him growing)

6. Pray together for each other at least sunday night to cover the week in prayer (you can do each night if you like) :)

What advice have you received to keep the marriage SPICY :) DO SHARE!

I'll Pick your nose!

2011-11-05T08:31:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite things to do with our niece Eleanor is take pictures with the photo booth on our iMac. Its fun cause she can see herself and actually laughs and stuff, way cute. Last week andrew got to be home when i was still watching her in the afternoon and they had fun with it. Had to share cause they are so cute! :)

Pizza Dough Rolls

2011-10-25T13:08:00.002-05:00

So i have found a fun, easy, simple ingredient snack that kimmel and i like alot. Its the Pizza Dough Rolls from Let's Dish. This girl has some awesome recipes check her out!

I made the pizza dough in the bread maker which takes 2 hours, then rolled it out put the ingredients on and rolled it up! cook until brown tops, serve with marinara sauce! SOOO GOOD!

You should try it too!

Pizza Dough
1 tsp garlic salt
2 tsps basil
1 cup sliced pepperoni, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

preheat oven 425
divide dough in half (i didn't do this and they came out TOOO big)
roll each half into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick and 12 inches long
sprinkle each half with equal amounts of 'toppings'
start at short end roll up dough tightly to form a log
slice into 1 inch pieces
place rolls on greased baking sheet (or baking stone)
bake 10 mins or until browned on top

See easy!

Onesie

2011-10-20T10:25:00.001-05:00

It has been fun watching our families get excited about our lil baby boy due in Feb. My sister kept purchasing these awesome onsies and said she needed to know the gender soon cause she wanted to get specific. Its fun to see the ones she has picked out! We are excited for our lil Mister to wear them!

She has four kids of her own they all are excited in their own way. Her youngest, Max, really likes Uncle Andrew and she told me just the other day that Max had picked out a gift for the baby but was really for Uncle Andrew! So sweet and thoughtful! :) Really do wish we lived closer.

Its fun to see all the sayings that stores put on onsies and how with each gender it seems there are specific things they must put. I think my favorite i have seen so far is 'if you think i am cute you should see my dad' :)

What saying have you seen for lil ones that makes you smile? Did you receive one from a friend or family member that was just embarrassing?? I am curious?

Two lego towers distracted.

2011-10-17T09:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend our church hosted a ladies retreat with guest speaker Pricilla Shire. She was incredible! Such a blessing to us all. I had never heard her before but my mom had told me she was amazing so i knew i was in for a treat!

One of the traits of a great speaker/preacher is their illustrations and connecting to their points. This lady had wonderful life stories that just seemed fit for her to use to share with the world about God and his thoughts. There were several that i came home and shared with Kimmel and was just in so happy i remembered! haha

Pricilla shared a story about her youngest boy and his legos that hit home with me. She began by saying how much she loved to play legos with him, and how fun it is to build lego towers. They begin to build a tower. She said it never fails that after about 2 mins he gets distracted by either the other two boys in her family, the tv, or just something. After 2 mins of that new thing he gets distracted and comes back to his mom and instead of building on the first tower he starts a new one. Pricilla says she tries to explain to him they already started the other and he should just add on to this one, but he says no and continues for 2 mins to build a new one until distracted again....and then back again after 2 mins to start building a third tower. She likened this to us and the lessons God is teaching us. We start out listening and building up our faith, self control, thoughts, etc anything that God is shaping in us and we get distracted so we leave that spot. We come back later only to start again on the same thing yet at the bottom again.

Phillipians 1:6 And i am sure of this, that he who begun a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

I have said before in life, didn't i already learn this? Or isn't this what i was trying to change last year. I got distracted! I stopped listening and building with God cause i got distracted! There are so many things in this place to get distracted. I want to get out of God's way so he can keep building on the thing He started too!

Cloth Diapers

2011-10-13T20:31:00.002-05:00

I have begun the journey of research for cloth diapers. Its CRAZY the options you have! The fanciness and yet simplicity of it all. It can be overwhelming.

I am pretty sure my sister thinks i am crazy for wanting to do this, but i love the idea of saving money and leaving a little less of a 'carbon footprint'. There are just things that you can put your mind to and do, even if its the 'hard way'. But if this is all i know then it won't be hard.

My niece currently uses cloth diapers, so i am getting some trial time with her style. It has helped me form an opinion but would like to try some others. There are some trial packs that i might sign up for to give it a shot. Most of my friends that have done cloth recommend for the first month or so to buy disposable cause they are just so tiny that the cloths swallow them up! haha

Excited to see which ones we choose!

Do you use cloth? Which is the best one for you?

Another Favorite at our house

2011-10-06T16:47:00.003-05:00

Mythbusters is a show that makes science cool! The scientific method is put into practice with each idea or myth. I wonder if any science classes watch episodes of the topic they are studying. I know i would if i was a teacher. I remember in my Junior year Physics class we watched Bill Nygh the Science Guy! haha it was fun and educational!

I must admit this too is a Kimmel liked first thing. He would watch marathons of this show and i was kind of like ..eh its alright. I see now that its pretty cool! The people are definitely entertaining to say the least. :) It is amazing all the stuff they go thru just to prove something to be busted or not. Pretty cool stuff! I have learned a lot too, some necessary for life others not so necessary!

Do you and your family Mythbusters? What other shows do you think make science cool?

Something borrowed for something BLUE

2011-10-01T09:12:00.001-05:00

So one of my goals to save money during this pregnancy was to get as many pregnancy clothes from friends and family. To borrow and share clothes is awesome! I didn't do it much growing up, we didn't do that in our family. haha So now is my chance. Its been amazing!

Thursday we found out that we are having a lil boy come february! We are excited! Andrew took off work and was able to be there for the sonogram. My mom has been here all week so she too got a peak at the little pea! He was just a moving around and the lady had to keep following him to try to find all his organs and take pictures. Its incredible those little machines and what they can see. Even more incredible is the technician how she can tell one grey spot is an organ and the other darker grey is just something else.

We are keeping the name under wraps for a while...we have shared with family but for now that is it...it may change you never know :) We have the baby room under full construction and will keep you posted with the fun things we add. I am not a huge gender color room decor person so it is a neutral room with some fun boy highlights now :)

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement! We are having a fun journey. Now we know who is joining our family and its surreal. :) Half way there!

One of our favorite shows

2011-09-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

So i am not sure if you have heard of this show or not. Supposedly its making lots of noise and people love it, Son's of Guns. We stumbled across this show last summer i believe and liked instantly. Its on the discovery channel, which i must confess i never watch but Kimmel does. If you haven't caught it yet you should at least try it once!

It is a reality show about Will the owner of a gun shop, his daughter Stephanie runs the office part and 5-6 other guys work on the guns. They live in Louisiana and are just fun to watch. Last season i told Kimmel that Chris totally liked Stephanie, and that came out this season! I don't think he believed me when i said it :) haha women's intuition! Its incredible what they make. Their interactions are crazy too. I believe they are now turning the show into an hour long show...so i guess you need to get on the band wagon cause they are red hot!

sweet songs of heritage

2011-09-20T18:03:00.001-05:00

I was rocking my niece (who i watch monday thru thursday) to sleep for a nap the other day and i started singing this really old song. I am not sure where it gets categorized but maybe spiritual song. It made me think back to my wee little bit times and i thought i would share.

Praise him, praise him. Praise him in the morning, praise him in the noon day. Praise him, praise him. praise him til the sun goes down.

On sunday at our Cell Group (small group for non northwoodians) we were praying and waiting on the Lord to speak and share a song for us to sing and Kimmel kept hearing the song his grandmother sang to him when he was little...but honestly i dont' remember it at all....all i remember is "Yes Lord Yes. I will listen and obey." or something...its not my family that sung that one.

It just brought to my mind the fact that we have some amazing parents that poured truth and love into our hearts early and after all these years they still stick. We can hear the songs reminding us of our God. Either that or the brainwashing worked...i kid i kid! :)

Record Summer

2011-09-15T11:24:00.001-05:00

This past summer if you didn't know has been record breaking heat. Literally! Texas has never had this many days over 100 in a summer before. I think we beat it by one day but still it broke the record! We almost one the most 100 degree days in a row but missed it by tying it i believe.

During this time Kimmel and i were a bit worried about our electricity bill. I mean we kept it 80 degrees in the house, thankfully our house flows nice so it didn't feel horrible. But i mean it really was 20 plus degrees cooler than out side so i think it was just great!

We went thru the whole summer never going over $200 for our bill!! We are so thankful! As you know he was with out a job for a bit and so we are budget budge people :) After our A/C dying and thankfully getting fixed the next day for a pretty penny, we worked hard to stay on top of our A/C controls. We had some friends that had trouble with their A/C for over a month! They were troupers!

Here's to a record breaking, not bank breaking summer! COME ON FALL!! :)

Macgyver Kimmel

2011-09-13T09:54:00.004-05:00

This is a picture of my Dad's old fishing tackle box. When i purchased my townhouse mom let me take all dad's tools and stuff that she didn't need or want. So being the sentimental person i am i took his fishing rods and tackle box even though i don't fish. (my dad passed away when i was in 6th grade) Little did he or I know that this box would come in handy for our toilet.

The other morning Kimmel told me that our toilet 'thingy' had broken and we will need to get another one. So after the busy sunday we forgot to stop off and get the part. So My Macgyver Husband pulls out the tackle box and says i think i can fix it temporarily. So he grabbed some hooks and something else and headed to the bathroom. He smiles and says "at least these were made for water."

I love my handy hubby! He is creative too! Its fun to be around him and see what he does next :)

Simple Joy

2011-09-09T12:15:00.000-05:00

The word FAIR is something we like to use when things aren't going our way -not fair- or when we are making something to go our way and we say -its only fair-. Not really sure if fair is ever something God wanted for us, cause he never said life would be simple and fair for us.

So after me and this other lady were going to the check out of the DR office, i kind of walked a lil faster so i could check out first. As the nurse was doing so i started to feel selfish and kind of rude...i mean i didn't push her or anyone else out the way i just made eye contact with the nurse first, its only fair i check out. But as we scheduled the next one, and i paid, she asked the lady for her stuff and she had nothing to schedule or pay so all she had to do was sign it and she could leave. I am glad the nurse did that. As i processed what was happening i thought I should have offered for her to go first, not because she didn't take long but just cause for JOY.

I remember a long time ago there was that an acronym going around Jesus Others You, to remind us that when we put Jesus first others second we have JOY. Thinking of others is hard to do when you have so much to get done in one day. Some days it comes easer cause we aren't as busy, but i was reminded that i need to stop and see the others around me. That the world is much bigger than my spot. That God wants us to be joyful and share that. That he loves us all equally. THAT IS FAIR!

Lil Peace

2011-09-06T10:24:00.000-05:00

I am proud to announce my Mother-in-Law and sister-in-law's new family business! Lil Peace! They have just gone live on ETSY so check them out.

It is a business of homemade baby blankets, burp cloths, loveys, and cloth wipes. You can personalize the blankets and the burp cloths! Making great gifts for friends and family. They are super cute, soft and cuddly! You have to take a look! If not for you for someone else!

Etsy Shop

What's in a name

2011-09-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

Its funny how as a girl you talk about names for babies, you name your dolls when your little, and you think that when you will be pregnant you KNOW what you are naming the baby. The problem now is you know someone named Clarice and she wasn't very nice to you, there are 100 Sara's now and don't want to be part of the masses. There are alot of factors that go into choosing names.

In one circle of friends i am the last to be having kids. So i know how they have handled the name game. Some couples with held their name not wanting criticism, while others boldly pronounced the name and didn't care what people thought. I have heard people respond interestingly to a name and heard of families offering other suggestions passively saying "that is not a good name". We are all people of opinions but this is one of those things that you keep to yourself! :)

Now that i am older the naming process is different in my mind. I really like to try and use family names. People that mean a lot to us or have passed and we miss. I was named after my great grandmother on my Dad's side...susan elizabeth hanes...so i kind of like family names. I like unique names too but sometimes i think of a name and its not so unique :)

We have at least one name for each gender but middle names are difficult. Its a fun task that is set before us! We have a month or so before we find out the gender so its still a fun name finding game as of now for both genders. I know that when we figure out the name we are gonna love it and i don't care what others think :) but until then it will be locked in our minds.

Have you had a funny response for your baby name?

Honey-Mustard Chicken

2011-08-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

Found a really simple yummy recipe had to share! We love chicken in our house and i need to find different ways to cook it so we don't get bored. This one came from my 5-ingredients cookbook. It probably took me about 20 mins to do the whole thing. I baked some fries, put lawry spice on it and it complimented it well!

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons butter

Flatten chicken to 1/4-in thickness. In a shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and 1 teaspoon of mustard. In another shallow bowl, combine honey and remaining mustard. Dip chicken in honey-mustard mix, then coat with crumbs.
In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in butter on both sides until juices run clear, about 8 mins.

Easy and yummy! Enjoy!

Psalm 84:12

2011-08-26T14:28:00.000-05:00

O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

This Psalm is where the song Better is One Day in Your Courts is taken from. The Psalmist realizes that beyond any other place in this world to be in God's presence is the BEST place ever! The verse quoted above is the final verse. Simply saying blessed is the man who trust in you.
Blessed because there is peace in Him.
Blessed because you know His love and share His love.
Blessed because He never leaves you
Blessed because He molds you into a better person.
Blessed because He is God and ALL in under is command. (even when we don't understand)

I am very blessed and thankful for this. Beyond our families money needs He blesses us!

Take time to thank God for the blessings he has given you today!! Share the joy! :)

A true statistic

2011-08-24T10:43:00.000-05:00

Over the summer i kept seeing this commercial for Match.com where they state that "Today 1 in 5 relationships start over the internet- or dating sites". I didn't really think that much of it until one day after watching TOO MANY hours of tv i was like yeah right! 1 in 5 that doesn't even sound like a good statistic why would you put that up for your ad? haha I proceeded to think about the 'single ladies' small group i used to host and how there was like 5 or 6 of us in the group and we all are married now, so i started to figure out how we all met our hubbies and THE STATISTIC IS TRUE!!

Here is the findings: -names hidden for privacy :)
GIRL 1- ME met my hubby at my work place (church) and sorta thru a friend
GIRL 2 - Meet her hubby thru a friend who was helping a newly transferred boy at her work get acquainted with her friends and girl 2 caught his eye.
GIRL 3- Meet her hubby thru friends and had a long courtship
GIRL 4- Had just moved back home with her family the year before and was active in the youth and met her hubby thru the church
GIRL 5- Moved to NYC and put herself on a dating site to meet friends in the area and a guy from ALABAMA chatted her up and now are married!

It was fun to see how God had directed our steps. We were all out of college, working girls, supporting our selves but felt like God would bring that special man to us. Some of our waits were longer than others but totally worth it. I like it. I think dating sites are good if you have a fun outgoing personality and can put up with the crazies :) I am thankful that was not my path.

How many of your friends met and married someone from a date site?

Realize

2011-08-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

I have realized that my blogging entry amount each week has really slowed down. I love reading blogs and writing fun stuff to share with you so i was curious as to what has happened. I figured out there are several reasons why.

1. NO JOB-I am no longer working at computer for half the day. Since i have quit work the only time i really sit at the computer is for editing photos. Before i would have my email up all day and researching something for someone. Not anymore.

2. ITS THE IPAD'S FAULT- Since Kimmel got me the iPad i don't need to go to my desktop. I find blogging difficult on the ipad ...no flash. But once i finish checking email and looking at two sites i am done.

3. FIRST TRIMESTER- Was really sleepy and nauseous. The only things i would have to blog about is being sick and tired and the extremely HOT weather....MISERY! haha ( i know i am a wimp)

So i am hoping to change this a bit. I am starting to teach piano again so my brain will be stimulated a bit, and i am trying (still) to find some books to read. Its funny how the few months after not working i loved doing nothing and staying home all day. Now its been enough resting and time to start back again in a different way. No longer am i trying not to be sick but can do things so I am searching for fun things to do with my niece as i watch her each day. Free things of course :)

Realizing where you are helps to take the proper steps to change the situation. So here i am and here i go!

Food Schedule

2011-08-15T14:57:00.001-05:00

Now that summer is gone and Kimmel will have a more 'normal' schedule i can cook dinner again!! He came home one day telling me about this awesome site that Dave Ramsey's talked about on his radio show that afternoon. It is site that helps with budget and planning of meals! Of course i was excited. A couple of my stay at home mom friends tell me the only way they do well money wise is to plan for the week. So that is my new plan. I checked out this great site...

http://e-zmeals.com

I got an idea from their form to make my own and probably will wait to purchase the $5 a month recipe and member deal. It looks awesome and i am excited to put my own planning into practice. I have the first week of ideas...we shall see how many we eat and how this helps!

Do you have good meal planning sites? Do you have great coupon sites?

Best kept secret...well sorta :)

2011-08-11T16:35:00.000-05:00

We are happy to announce that we are gonna have a baby come February next year! It has been a crazy three months that would not have been possible without the prayers of some great friends and family members. The journey has begun and we are excited. So no more secrets i will tell you all in the posts to come. For now we are excited and want you to be too!

Summer is..

2011-08-08T14:42:00.000-05:00

Well i just realized that even though the weather is not saying it but summer is heading out. The "summer" of no work and vacation. Well it is life continuing on. Thankfully Kimmel received his job back at the Middle school, so he as been doing coaching stuff during the mornings and afternoons. I will start watching my niece again next week and then start teaching piano at the end of this month. I just feel sad that even though our summer didn't happen they way planned...its now gone. haha

5 Things I love about summer:
1. The Beach (really is year round but always my favorite)
2. The Pool and getting a tan
3. Mental break from some responsibilities.
4. Family Vacation/Travel
5. Movie Matinees

With these last few weeks left of summer i hope you get to enjoy the time foot loose and fancy free with your family and friends before we are back in the FALL grind of life.

What are some things you love about summer?

Sugar and Cinnamon

2011-08-05T21:39:00.000-05:00

One of my goals in the kitchen is to make foods that are Kimmel's favorites. Making things from scratch is a great feeling of accomplishment i think. I really like to cook and try recipes. I like following directions but get disappointed when things don't come out gourmet like haha

Last time we drove to Va, mom sent me home with her Bread maker. I was hoping to make bread for sandwiches to save some money, but its such good fresh bread its like specialty bread not sandwich bread so loaves are still bought in the kimmel house. It does give you the option to make dough. I watched my friend Kari make Cinnamon rolls by using her bread maker that i had to get the recipe.

Andrew loves Cinnamon Rolls. So my first attempt went ok. It was loads of fun, but i must figure out the secret to keeping them delicious and not dry. They were yum.
One of his favorite foods down....well almost!

Melting

2011-07-29T15:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry to say i am not 'weathering' well in this summer. Positive thinking is wearing out and i don't have much more to think!
Just wanted to share with you what the week looks like ahead. Please send your cool thoughts my way.

Keller, TX (76244) Weather

Save This Location

Updated: Jul 29, 2011, 3:05pm

UPDATE DATA

Video: Dallas' 60 Second Forecast | Coyote gets head stuck in jar

Outer Bands of Tropical Storm Don Approach Texas Coast

Don's winds projected to peak at 60 miles per hour, will it bring much-needed rain to the drought zone and what will its other impacts be? Storm Track & Maps

Watch Tropical Update | Wave, Wind & Rain Impacts

TonightJul 29	Sat30	Sun31	MonAug 1	Tue2	Wed3	Thu4	Fri5	Sat6	Sun7


Partly Cloudy	Isolated T-Storms	Isolated T-Storms	Partly Cloudy	Sunny	Sunny	Sunny	Sunny	Mostly Sunny	Sunny
--High	99°	105°	107°	107°	107°	105°	104°	104°	103°
79°Low	80°	81°	83°	83°	83°	81°	82°	81°	81°

EXPAND GRAPH

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Camp for others

2011-07-25T15:16:00.000-05:00

This week is camp for our church youth group. This is the second camp i have missed since summer 2001 with this church. First summer i will not be going to any camp since 1997 as a leader. All my old co workers are at camp...three different camps the same week. I was reminded of this this morning cause two of them were tweeting all about it and then one said "i bet @suskimmel is enjoying a relaxing week."

There is a part of me that is sad i will not be there. There is another part of me glad i am not. Either way it is strange to think that i will not be going to camp this summer. It is a fun and awesome week that students make great memories with friends and take steps in their relationship with Christ that stay with them forever, even if it doesn't affect them yet. It has been an honor to be apart of so many and see so many things!

Say a prayer for the youth group at your church. Think about the students you know and ask God to show himself to them in a real way (even if they aren't at camp yet) :) I will be too!

I smile!

2011-07-23T10:31:00.000-05:00

Been visiting my family last week...that is the absence of my posts! I have been jamming to this song for a couple months now and wanted to share it with you! Its a great song with encouraging words!

Enjoy!

2011-07-10T21:44:00.000-05:00

I was surfing the web the other day and came across this quote. It made me pause for a minute and really think. Started to think about things i said thank you for...and things i missed. I remember in the shower thanking him for running water, and for my hubby....but there was a lot of things i didn't say thanks for. Not that i should think God for the things or people i have today just so i am sure i have them tomorrow...but i like what this is saying.
What do you think about this?

Summer Slump

2011-07-07T17:35:00.000-05:00

I am definitely hit a summer slump. I am drawing a blank on what to blog about and what to do. With kimmel working his pizza job hours i feel like i am single again at nights. I need to be proactive with hanging with my friends. So i thought i might to my top 3 things i like about texas, in no specific order. Yes 3 cause aside from Kimmel his family and friends there is much to be desired when living here :)

1. The sunsets year round are GORGEOUS!
Due to the flat terrain you can see for miles and miles as the sky changes colors and its just a beautiful reminder of God's creativity...and i think mercy cause we don't have much else to look at here haha

2. Seeing Horses with their colt or filly.
We live in a suburban area, but there are pockets of ranches and farms i guess near our home. We even have a boarding place right next to our neighborhood. Just recently i saw some new lil horses out running and playing with their mom's or uncles. Its a neat sight i have not grown up around and i really like it. It always brings a smile to my face when i see it! My niece road horses for a while and i thought that was sooo cool!

3. Downtown Fort Worth
This is an amazing downtown if i might say myself. They have two great events i love to attend each year. Their christmas parade and lighting of the tree and the Arts Festival in April. I love being around all the families at the christmas parade seeing the kids get all excited, and then all the other types of people that come out for the arts fest are fun! The art is great, the weather is typically decent and i love people watching!

I think the 100 degree weather that we have had all week and will remain this next week has spured my thoughts of dislike to this place so i must think positively. Its hard when you come from paradise to this. I guess its how Adam and Eve felt when they left the garden...i kid i kid :)

Enjoy where ever you are cause just like me God has you there for a reason! I love him for it cause His plan and ways are better than mine!! Hears to seeing God's good everywhere!!! Even if i am sweeting hahaha :)

change of plans

2011-07-05T12:45:00.000-05:00

On my quest to better myself and not be a lazy bum all summer i asked for book recommendations and got some good ones. I started with the book one thousand gifts, but i have stopped. Couldn't get into it. So i went to the library of the iPad reader and started scoping out the best sellers and i opted for a lighter read.

Tina Fey's autobiography. The first chapter had me in stitches! I couldn't put it down! She is a very interesting lady. I like what i have read so far and can't wait to find out more :) if you want a lighthearted read put this on your iPad, Kindle or Nook! Or even be crazy and purchase the actual book to hold in your hands...the pictures are worth it. Its a great beach or poolside read.

100 long years

2011-06-26T17:34:00.000-05:00

I huge milestone has happened for Kimmel's mom's side of the family. His great grandmother turns 100 on Wednesday. She is a spry young thing that prays for her whole family every day while riding a stationary bike each night for an hour. She is a special lady to her family. I have only known about her for about 3 years and i find her amazing! She was a good sport and wore this head band and fun necklace :)

Her daughter Ann had a friend compose a poem based on her life and i feel these words are better than any i could say about her.

In Honor of Maxine Price Ray

How does one begin to tell of one hundred years of living?

A hundred years of smiles and tears, of loving and forgiving?

Childhood years passed quickly by, and God's unseen hand was guiding.

You became a teacher in Palacios where your family was residing.

When a Baptist preacher moved to town, he brightened up your life.

It wasn't long before you knew that you would be his wife.

And so one Sunday morning, standing before the congregation,

You became the pastor's wife in a sacred celebration.

(4Generations :) )

You were his friend and soul mate, his partner in ministry.

For more than seventy years you shared each tear and victory.

Together you parented children, teaching them all how to pray.

Your faithful, godly example is influcing lives still today.

A hundred years lived for Jesus! Many souls you have won.

And one day our blessed Redeemer will say to you, "well done!"

Since all my grandparents passed away by the time i was in college, i am drawn to her cause i miss them. She reminds me of their love an sweetness. Her always encouraging smile and never ending love for her grandkids and great...i love to watch Andrew and her carry on. Oh how we are very thankful for her and excited she gets a fun celebration on Wednesday. The Mayor of Plano is coming to visit her! This milestone catches so attention!

First made to order

2011-06-23T17:29:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks back we were hanging out with our friends Kyle and Maddie talking about the wood plans that Ana White has on line. Talking about the things Kimmel and i want to do. Then we came across the laundry pedestal and Maddie mentioned her parents just got front loaders and were looking to get one of those. I think she showed her mom and dad, they liked it but didn't have the time to make it. So just last week her mom asked Kimmel to make her a pedestal. We went over, took some measurements, and then he took the plans, tweaked them a hair and 'blam' we have an awesome pedestal!

She wanted to paint it and so we are excited to see the final results. :) My hubby rocks at this stuff!! Its fun to watch him get excited and create these awesome things for us and our friends!

If you have front loaders and need a pedestal check out AnaWhite's.

Book suggestions

2011-06-21T14:08:00.000-05:00

I have mentioned the change of hours for Kimmel and how it has affected us, and how bored i get at night! Its really weird when he is gone so much during 'summer'. I think my expectations of a lazy relaxing summer has just been slowly crushed and i am bummed :( (pity party feel bad for me! :P)
So my idea now is to read! Read lots while he is gone. So today we went to Barnes and Noble to get my first one.

My friend Kari suggested i read "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. Its a New York Best Seller so i guess it can't be all that bad! haha So i have purchased my first book that i aim to read by the end of this month...we shall see.
So i am asking for your suggestions of summer reading. Is there a book you totally recommend to your friends and family? Fiction or non. I will take it all, as i try an figure out my new ebb of life. I can't keep laying around and trying to find something on all 300 channels of Direct TV!! Help! :)

Family Reunion

2011-06-19T13:52:00.000-05:00

So this weekend Kimmel and i headed out to lake whitney for his family reunion. Its a full weekend of fun with many generations and sweet people. The first time i went with him was about 3 years ago i believe, kimmel and i were only dating, and we only went up for the saturday afternoon. This time we spent the night and time with extended family we only see at christmas. It was also nice to put faces with names of family that gave us gifts from the wedding, i hope i wrote the thank you notes! :)

It was a very relaxing time we walked by the lake a couple times, but no one fished or swam cause it was really low! We partook of Kimmel's favorite pass time...Napping! We got to nap with our lil niece while her parents went to the dock. Being the photo lover i was really bummed i didn't bring my camera so i used my phone and only got this one above. Oh well, next year!
We are thankful we got to go this year and look forward to next year.

Summer lovin weird

2011-06-15T15:25:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't realize this its SUMMER!

I love having andrew around more but my schedule is null and it makes me feel a bit weird.

Kimmel has been working at Jim's to prepare us for when he isn't working for KISD

anymore so that is weird.

Its 100 degrees all the time here in Texas, thats not weird, but

me hoping that it wouldn't happen this summer is weird! haha

Not visiting my family this summer is weird so i am going to have to rework

the schedule and fix that! Without Kimmel i believe. :(

Still haven't seen Fast Five yet....WEIRD!

Don't have any beach plans this year...WEIRD!!

First summer not doing any youth events...WEIRD!

The word weird looks weird after typing it several times!

Just been feeling weird lately...so i thought i would share.

No pictures or fun quote. Just weirdness around here.

Hope your summer lovin is good!

worked a wedding

2011-06-13T19:52:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was my first wedding as the photog! The groom was a co worker of Kimmel's, Brent. They coached middle school hoodlums a variety sports together. When i talked to the bride i was very clear with her that i haven't ever done a wedding, and honestly wasn't sure i wanted to get into, so this would be my first. To which she responded, 'oh that's fine' and the groom said to Kimmel, 'we have seen her blog and like her work'. So i figured they knew what they were in for! haha I shall practice on you! :)

Kimmel was my side kick for the evening and together i think we captured their night! I think together we took over 1200!! We only had one issue with a lens, and had to get batteries from the car for the flash. After the reception started Kimmel asked, "would you do another wedding" with a cute chuckle :) to which i responded 'Absolutely!' Even though my feet, back, and neck were hurting and my 'trigger finger' was so sore i had to use my middle finger i loved ever stressful, laughable moment captured. Ready to do another! (will post more on the photo blog soon)

Surprises...good or bad?

2011-06-11T10:09:00.002-05:00

I love it when friends do surprise parties, gifts or anything cause its so fun and loving! I also secretly love getting scared and LOVE scaring people (tee hee) I have some fond memories at work with Kyle and Dustin and our love of scaring each other haha Andrew HATES it when i do it so i like it even more! Evil? yes!

This past week Kimmel and I got to surprise our friend Christin, in Austin, for her big 30!! Her husband Dustin planned it out and we just showed up with some balloons and a smile! She had no clue so it was really fun! It was a quick trip but totally worth it.

We spent the day shopping for a bday outfit then Kimmel Dustin and i played around with cameras cause Kimmel and i are shooting our FIRST WEDDING tonight! I employed andrew cause my friend who did mine couldn't come :( we got some fun shots!

Andrew snagged this one of me and their Daughter Chloe :)

The birthday girl and her hubbby :)

We went to dinner at a Mexican Restuarant that had a live band Karoke, TOTALLY fun! I had never done live band with Karaoke and it totally made a huge difference. Christin, her dad Kyle, Kimmel and her brother's girlfriend Jessica sang a song! It was fun!

Happy 30th!

DO you like surprises? Why or why not?

Provision

2011-06-10T10:52:00.000-05:00

psalms 114:4-6
He has caused His glorious works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him; He remembers His covenant forever.
He has shown His people the power of His works; in giving them the inheritance of the nations.

Life's journey takes you through hills and valleys, bumps and cracks, all the while learning so much about our Lord and even a lil about ourselves. Sometimes we watch others take many twists and turns when our seems straight and calm only to curve and shows us something new. For the past year or so God's grace and mercy has been evident for us and our friends. Its hard to see as your journey takes a turn or loss you didn't expect but the hindsight is beautiful! Its awesome to rejoice with friends after many years of no harvest to now have plenty!

God's grace and provision has been very visual for me this past year. Through many changes in our family and friends He has never changed! He is ever faithful and 'He caused His glorious works to be remembered".

Think of some things and ways He has provided for you! Thank Him for it! He likes to hear from us! :)

Surprise ingredient

2011-06-06T11:24:00.000-05:00

My friend Brenda made these DELICIOUS blueberry muffins the other morning and i was surprised to find that sour cream was used to make muffins! Apparently this is a well known bakers secret but i had no clue. With the fresh blueberries these were outstanding i have to share. She got the recipe from a blog called The Brown Eyed Baker. Check her out!

Here is the delicious recipe you have to try! I want to switch around the fruit too...like fresh strawberries or apples and cinnamon. What would you put instead of blueberries??

2 cups all-purpose flour 
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt 
1 egg 
1 cup granulated sugar 
4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly 
1¼ cups sour cream 
1½ cups frozen or fresh blueberries

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F*. Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin (or line with paper liners) and set aside.

2. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl untill combined. Whisk the egg in a separate medium bowl until well-combined and light-colored, about 20 seconds. Add the sugar and whisk vigorously until thick, about 30 seconds. Add the melted butter in 2 or 3 additions, whisking to combine after each addition. Add the sour cream in 2 additions, whisking just to combine.

3. Add the berries to the dry ingredients and gently toss just to combine. Add the sour cream mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until the batter comes together and the berries are evenly distributed, 25 to 30 seconds. Small spots of flour may remain and the batter will be very thick. Do not overmix.

4. Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, divide the batter amount the muffin cups. Bake until the muffins are light golden brown and a toothpick or thin knife inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan from front to back halfway through the baking time. Immediately remove muffins to a wire rack and cool for at least 5 minutes. Serve immediately or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Canton weekend

2011-06-02T16:08:00.000-05:00

Friday and Saturday i am going to Canton. If you haven't been there or know what i am talking about, GOOGLE IT! (canton trade days) It is this really great huge outdoor shopping place with all sorts of hand made, decorative and random stuff! It's totally awesome! haha My friend Christin's mom, Renee, makes these incredible crosses and has a booth there.

ROYAL HERITAGE DESIGNS

They have been at Canton for several years and it has been awesome watching her creativity and gift just expand and take off! They are my texas family so i am happy to say they are letting me help at the booth this weekend. Christin and i will be spending the night there in their special spot...its like an awesome girls weekend. I am a little worried about the heat though. Its gonna be in the mid to upper 90's! YUCK!

Favorite song right now

2011-06-01T08:31:00.000-05:00

A fun question to ask friends and family is, "what is your favorite song right NOW?" I find that i switch back and forth between favorites. There are a few that will stay on the top 20 songs of my life, but there are some that just pass thru for a small time in my life. Especially after break ups i have a few songs that i listened to that helped me heal and i cannot listen to them now! haha some songs remind me of stupid moments that i will never want to relive and then the rest are happy awesome things :) All that to say i really love this song off the Gungor albulm! i blogged about them before if you haven't you need to check them out!! They are currently on tour with David Crowder Band...their LAST tour for DCB. Get your tickets now!!

Whats your favorite song Right NOw??

The Earth is Yours- Gungor

Your voice it thunders
The oaks start twisting
The forest sounds with cedars breaking
The waters see You and start their writhing
From the depths a song is rising

Now it’s rising from the ground

Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy Lord
The earth is Yours and singing
Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy Lord
The earth is Yours
The earth is Yours

Your voice it thunders
The ground is shaking
The mighty mountains now are trembling
Creation sees You
And starts composing
The fields and trees they start rejoicing.

Now it’s rising form the ground
It’s rising from the ground
Hear us crying out
Hear us crying out

Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy Lord
The earth is Yours and singing
Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy Lord
The earth is Yours
The earth is Yours

Nap time

2011-05-31T14:46:00.000-05:00

This past weekend went by so quick! I can't believe its tuesday! We had a busy full day yesterday with friends and family and cooking out! It was really nice and relaxing. I think my hubby took two naps :)

We were talking about naps the other day, some friends and i. Reminiscing about college days when we took naps nearly everyday. I am not a huge fan of napping just to nap but Kimmel is. So most times when he wants to nap that communicates i will be bored for the afternoon while he naps. :) But since i have been waking up at 5:35 monday thru thursday to pick up my niece to watch her all day....I LOVE NAPS! Some days i can keep myself busy enough to not need one and i just crash at like 9pm, but other times i pray that lil E stays asleep just one more hour cause i need to close my eyes. :)

Do you like naps? If so do you like cat naps or like 2-3 hours naps? Let me know! :)

Pardon the interruption...

2011-05-25T10:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Kimmel's last middle school soccer game. I headed out there and as i walked toward the field i noticed he was out on the field...looking like he was playing, but he was referring the game. He was dressed in all black like the other team and his team was in gold. I sorta missed that at first and cheered for the black team thinking it was his...then i realized i was totally wrong! kinda confused me...oops! :)

At half time Kimmel and the other coaches called a 30 min delay due to lightning and then another coach said 'pardon the interruption' and just called it off. So the game ended. We headed off to dinner at Shady Oak. First time eating out since our detox....i didn't handle it that well...made me sick :( he was fine!

We then went to a choir recital at his school. I wanted to go in support one of the sweet girls at his school, Emine. The boys choir did really well...and one guy sung Baby by beiber :) The girls did good too...3 of them sang "Background" by LeCrae i was really impressed! We saw the song title and was like it can't be?? and it was! we were proud! :)

We got to hear like half the show and then the principle came up and said 'pardon the interruption' but there is a storm coming this way and we need to all get in the center hall ways. She was just about to sing her solo too...BUMMER! So we hung out at the school and listened to all the stories and news coming to us about the tornados touching down all around us. My neighbor was telling me we had hail the size of golfballs. We will check our roofs today.

Its been a couple years since i have been super nervous about the tornados. Where we live is the bottom of tornado alley, so we don't see as many as those above us. Its hard to think of all the people in Joplin and Alabama who had an 'interruption' in their lives and have nothing left. That was swimming thru my mind the whole time. I even texted my sister just so she knew i was thinking about her. Left me thankful.

Piano Recital

2011-05-23T08:33:00.000-05:00

At the end of each semester i give a recital for my students. This year we had it at our house. I didn't prepare well enough in advance to where i could reserve the nice recital hall in a town nearby, so i opted for the tight squeeze into our living room.

Andrew took advantage of this time to wash all our windows, inside and out. We vacuumed and mopped the kitchen and living room and moved the piano from the front room to the living. This piano ain't light, says my hubby.

Later that night we had a huge thunderstorm...all kinds of scary lighting and thunder, wind blowing the rain sideways. Really cool stuff..and mid way through the skies opened up and the sun was so bright...and we had a double rain bow behind our house!

Special Honor

2011-05-20T14:36:00.000-05:00

When my mom was her visiting, i had the honor of Baptizing her. We have a once a month sunday night event that we baptize people in a trough so we signed her up! She was baptized when she was little, but felt the Lord lay on her heart to take this step of obedience as an adult. Through tough times and happy times she has grown closer to God and has changed in different ways. This was an fun thing to do! I am lucky i got to do it! :) It is a memory i will cherish.

Cuties

2011-05-18T07:42:00.000-05:00

This past weekend our friend Christin and her kids came in so she could celebrate with the senior girls she had led for 4 or 5 years who are graduating HS- the church had senior recognition sunday. Her son is good friends with my neighbors son and he just couldn't get enough of him! They were just running circles in our back yard and SOO happy. It was fun to watch.

It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but we had a nice time. Kimmel and i love having people over and especially lil cute ones like these. We watched the incredibles 3 times and enjoyed their smiles and laughs.

Word

2011-05-16T08:02:00.000-05:00

Its comforting to know that God is guiding our every step.

When the future is blurry or clear.

Thank you lord that you show us what we need to see to be obedient!

Give our feet courage to step there!

Halfway

2011-05-13T15:44:00.000-05:00

Not sure what happened to the last blog entry...it was a great one about the new bed kimmel made....:(

Each day for the past 11 days have started with a shake looking like the above. Morning and evening with veggies and fruits in between. I am happy to say we have added Chicken and Fish to our menu! It was a big day for us! I got the Forman grill out and put some grill spices on it and it was the best chicken we have had in a while! We are loving the results of doing this as well. Kimmel has lost 10 lbs. and i have lost 5lbs. I feel 'clean' and healthy. Its nice! Really glad we are doing this! To keep things going 'clean' we have made some changes in our meat and chicken purchases. Cooking and eating smaller portions, cause we love some food! haha

If you have been looking for something to kick start a diet or just get healthy i totally recommend this! The company we are doing this thru is called Standard Process. They have a website if you are interested. :) check it out and we can share recipes! :)

Brag on kimmel day!

2011-05-11T18:33:00.000-05:00

MY HUSBAND ROCKS!!

So this past week we found a queen mattress on sale to go into our guest bedroom. Mom and i picked it up in Kimmel's old truck and the inspiration began! Kimmel's creative building juices began to flow, and before i knew it he was gone to home depot, cut and nailing things together and we had a new AWESOME bed!

Monday morning he emailed me to ask me to give him the measurements of the mattress, so did and emailed them back to him. When he got home i was still teaching piano. He says i am going to home depot be right back...i am like dinner is on and how long will you be? He gets back a lil after 7 by 11 that night the frame is in the room and just the head board slats are left! Tuesday evening he cut all the slats for the top and bottom and we nailed them on. All that is left is paint....now what color????

He designed this all by himself! He wanted something simple and awesome looking! He did it! SO PROUD! :) Its fun doing all these different projects together, and watching him take off with his own. Looking forward to the next thing!

Fashionista

2011-05-10T14:17:00.000-05:00

Little do you know i got the Senior Superlative for Best Dressed. To look at my closet now you would never think that. Its funny how as you get older you lose touch, or money or whatever to keep up with the latest styles and trend setting info.

This week mom took me to her favorite store....Khol's....I am not a huge fan cause their clothes were either too teenybob or too soccer mom. I am happy to say we stumbled across a new line, and name i recognized, Lauren Conrad!!

Don't know how many of you were Hills watchers or even before that the FIRST Laguna Beach, but she is one of the main reality girls. At first sight i was like these are cute...but will they fit? Will i have to get an XL just to fit where i can breath like other stores :) I picked up three really cute, different styled, shirts in Mediums and they all fit!! they were flattering, modest and fun! I was totally impressed and excited! Finding something fun and girlie is rare and i found it!

Now i have another spot to check for cute clothes! Check her out!

www.laurenconrad.com
www.khols.com/laurenconrad

not my normal schedule...

2011-05-05T13:29:00.000-05:00

So the past few days my days are not near normal. My mom is in town and there are things that you do when people come in town that just are not your norm. Its been fun and we have some more days so my blogging has slowed down.

In the midst of this visit we are doing the detox, and it is challenging me to cook differently. I am looking up recipes every day trying to cook either eggplant, lentils, artichoke or quinoa (thanks to paige!). I find it exciting and fun to learn the whole new world of cooking healthily :) So i wanted to share a recipe with you that Kimmel really liked! The only ingredient we couldn't add was the bacon...so i am sure yours will be a bit nicer. I found it on a blog somewhere i wish i knew i copy and pasted the recipe before i noted who or where it came from to give credit. Sorry.

Lentil Soup

1 large organic yellow onion, chopped
4 organic carrots, cut in half lengthwise then chopped
2-3 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons organic tomato paste
1.5 cups lentils, picked over and rinsed (i drained the can and rinsed)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
3.5 cups of reduced-sodium free range organic chicken broth
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
3 strips bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces (can be omitted for vegetarians, substitute 1 tbsp of olive oil to cook onions and carrots)

in a large pot with a lid, cook bacon until browned and crips, 8-10 mins
Drain grease, reserving 1 tablespoon in pot.
Add onion and carrots to bacon; cook until softened.
Stir in garlic.
Add tomato paste and cook 1 min
Add thyme, lentils, chicken broth and 2 cups water.
Bring to a boil; Reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-45 mins until lentils are tender
Stir in vinegar, season with salt and fresh ground pepper.
Serve with crusty bread!

REALLY YUMMY!

Detox...what?

2011-05-03T09:58:00.000-05:00

So we have started this thing called detox. This thing that gets rid of the hormones and chemicals we get from eating the food that has those things in them. We get to clean our bodies out. NO BODY TOLD US HOW DISGUSTING THE SHAKES R!!! i mean i can eat anything but that is nasty! So i hide nothing from you...YUCK! Thankfully my sister-in-law gave me one tip that helped take the edge off...but still looking for more secrets.

My sweet husband is doing this with me cause i am trying to get healthy. Hoping to balance my hormones and up the ante for us getting pregnant. The hardest part is the shakes...we are hoping after the first week it just isn't a factor anymore. His light of hope is that after 11 days we get to add chicken to our diet! :)

The people who have done this says its an amazing thing once you finish...starting is hard. Its easier to drink my second shake of the day in the evening with my hubby as we muscle it down. If he wasn't doing this too i don't think i would make it!

Pray for us to stay strong and finish the 20 more days! :) Thanks

mother may i

2011-04-30T20:08:00.000-05:00

This afternoon kimmel, mom and i stopped by the 'photo barn' and took some fun pictures together. Mom doesn't get to come out that often so we took advantage of this trip.

Kimmel so creatively helped me capture mom with his bandaid thumb :)

Ending the time with a ski jump toward the lake...

Good times had by all!

small project

2011-04-26T08:24:00.000-05:00

Excited about the small projects i have planned around the house! We accomplished one this weekend. I purchased these his and hers hooks this past winter from hobby lobby and just couldn't figure out what to do with them, or where to hang them. Until i was walking thru an antique store and saw the exact hooks nailed onto a white shutter thing. It gave me an idea...i could put mine on something too! haha So Kimmel and i talked about it and things we could hang it on until we figured out old wood, or barn wood. I was talking with his dad and he said take some of my old fence. We did and with some fishing wire, screws and a stud finder we hung it in our bathroom. It's simple... i kinda like it!

One down 20 more to go! :)

2011-04-25T09:02:00.000-05:00

This weekend we went to kimmel's parents and dyed eggs. It was a lovely overcast day so we sat outside in the back and enjoy the company and weather. Hope your Easter was just as relaxing and surrounded by family. I was glad to hear my mom had my sis and family over on sunday...miss them!

Easter isn't just a day or weekend, its the foundation of what we believe and that sets our God apart. He is risen and for that we are forgiven and reconciled to him!

More slow cooking

2011-04-22T11:22:00.000-05:00

So this week i tried something new again with chicken. It's from Kraft Foods of course...easy to throw together and great taste. I made one modification and ate them with tortillas instead of rice, i just made rice that compliments this type food. Enjoy!

Slow-cooker Tex-Mex Chicken
1 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch wide strips
2 tbsp Taco Bell Home Original Seasoning mix
2 tbsp flour
1 green pepper
1 red pepper both cut into 1 inch strips
1 cup frozen corn
1-1/2 cups Salsa
1 cup Mexican Style fine shredded four cheese

toss chicken with taco seasoning and flour in slow cooker.
Stir in vegetables and salsa; cover with lid
Cook for 6-8 hr on low or 3-4 on high
Stir in cheese just before serving

Curious or protector

2011-04-20T08:09:00.000-05:00

This is the second week of keeping my niece. This is the week i saw Beckham act strangely. She was sort of snobbish the first week, like who is this and why are they taking all the attention. She sniffs the car seat when she is out. Sniffs me when i am holding her. It seems the curiosity has turn into some what of a protector. When Eleanor was crying the other day after a nap i walked in her room and Beckham was on the dresser watching her and when i walked in looked at me like...Help her! She lays close by if i place Eleanor on the floor like "i am still watching" My sweet kitty does great with her. She just isn't sure she likes the distraction for me :)

2011-04-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

This past saturday Kimmel and i drove out to a ranch in the middle of no where to help a friend of a friend throw this huge easter egg hunt. It is a family that lives on ACERS of land and just want to share christ with their community. They had bounce houses, carnival games, hotdogs, a band playing worship music and at the end a huge easter egg hunt for all ages! Another big part of it was sharing the gospel with the kids. So they had three different tables the kids came to get the beads for a salvation bracelet. They are a sweet family, inspiration for our family to do what we can do in our backyards, even if ours isn't that big :)

2 years

2011-04-18T08:25:00.000-05:00

Two years of change, joys, sadness and fun. Two years of God's love, provision and guidance on our journey. Two years that excite us for 2 more years plus.

This year my hubby and i got to get out of town for the weekend. We had some good friends that invited us to serve at a Ranch with their community easter egg hunt (next blog entry) serving about 700 people! INCREDIBLE! Then we headed out further south to austin to visit our close friends Christin and Dustin. It was here at their house that i realized my engagement diamond was gone! I believe we all know that feeling when something either sentimental or monetarily valuable is missing. That sinking feeling in your tummy...that was what i felt and from the look in Christin's eyes she did too. After searching some and thinking i lost it at the ranch...good luck with that one...Her mother in law didn't stop, she was sweeping the house and to her delight she found it in their kitchen! The lord cares even about that!

The ring lasted 2 years...this ring has given me a bucket full of emotions! Sheer shock and delight the first time i saw it...sweet reminder and happy thoughts of my kimmel's love, and yesterday shear fear and sadness then 'oh well' and ending with relief.

I know of a couple men that have lost their wedding bands...any women? Share your story in the comments i would love to hear it!

Thankful Thursday

2011-04-14T11:44:00.000-05:00

There are so many of these cute "lil box things" that are in the blogging community. They are tasks to either write something or do- picture wise. They get bloggers to blog on and create a post to add to others and share their thoughts and opinions. Like creating a group of sorts. I keep looking and can't seem to find one i like. If you are a part of one that you really like please let me know...i am still looking.

So today instead i am doing my own...Thankful Thursday. Maybe it will be weekly and maybe it won't. :)
I thought if i were to decide to do it i should limit it to three categories. Person, thing, and attribute of God.
Sometimes it might have pictures and other times, like today it won't. :)

Person:
I am thankful for my Mentor and friend Niki! I realized the other day that she and i have been meeting for like 6 years. She has been there for me thru all sorts of situations...giving advice and ALWAYS pointing me back to Jesus and His everlasting love! We meet each thursday and i am very lucky she is in my life!

Thing:
Our house. I have been spending more time in it the past two weeks, and i am so thankful for it. Someone said the other day to me 'your house isn't your refuge, god is, its your resource'. And it took me a while to digest that cause i am a homebody. It is a refuge in the fact of resting. So i kind of toil with that. YES God is my refuge but i think he gives us tangible things that ministry to us FROM HIM. Yes i love that my house is also a resource. I am excited to see how God will use our home in the future, and i hope it is a refuge for people.

Attribute of God:
Provision is always the first that comes to mind and has been shown to me again these past months. When my dad passed away while i was in middle school, God became my Dad. He has provided financially since then. Either thru my mom's hard work, giving friends, jobs that i never knew i could have, and a content heart with what he gives. It is consistent and loving. Even when it comes to friends and family. I have AMAZING friends that he has given, and moving to texas he provided me with family. Sometimes i struggle to see it and other times i have faith like a child. Its so fun to watch as he provides in all aspects of human nature.

As a friend says "I am too blessed, to be stressed!" -Jill Robers
AMEN!

new voice

2011-04-12T08:54:00.001-05:00

Today the memories begin. Today our house gets a new voice inside. I am watching my lil niece who is 6 weeks old from now til the end of school. I am a lucky girl! She i so cute and sweet. Her lil voice is fun to listen to and conversate with. I hope she remembers so of the fun times we will share.

Had a dream last night that i was driving her and she GOT OUT OF THE CAR SEAT and a friend in the back was trying to secure her but she wasn't having it at all. I was like so worried and i shouted..."Paige (baby's mom) is in the car behind us she can see that i suck!" and the battle ensued of us trying to get her back in the seat...not sure if we did or not i just woke up.

After picking her up and making it safe back home, kimmel was here to unpack her :) He got a sweet kiss and was off to work. I am thankful for my friends who have loaned me baby things, like an awesome swing and a baby bijorn.. I have already called my sister to get to encouragement cause i am new to this and she has 4! Its gonna be fun!

Laundry!

2011-04-10T17:53:00.000-05:00

Little fun fact about me...I LOVE TO DO LAUNDRY! :) I think cause you wash, you dry, you fold then put away. Things smell clean and for about 3 days you aren't thinking about laundry, its all clean. So i am super excited to say that my laundry room/pantry is complete. So thankful that my husband too likes things neat and organized. Thankful that he is a handyman and can build things i dream up!

I got excited today thinking that we get to walk thru the nice laundry room all the time now...its off our garage into the kitchen, so it is an entryway for us! haha anyway i don't have a real good before picture but this one is in the process of it all. Kimmel put all the paneling up and now working on the shelves.

This corner had nothing in it. We had just thrown boxes and stuff on the floor and it was very overwhelming and annoying. We talked about shelves and hooks and stuff. kimmel designed the perfect solution!

Now everything has a spot...and i can see what i have...only down side Kimmel can't stand the litter box. So its either get rid of the kitty, send her outside, or live with it.

My favorite by far is the new cabinet from IKEA we just put up this weekend. It is the finishing touch this lil L shaped dual purpose room needed.

The cabinet has an awesome door to hide all the laundry stuff. It can prop open and holds everything! With a lil decoration from Hobby Lobby we are all done. Welcome to our laundry/pantry room! :)

Visitor

2011-04-08T12:42:00.000-05:00

Friday's have been Kimmel and I's lunch date in his class room. I love walking thru the halls and seeing all the students faces and watching as they talk with 'Coach Kimmel', it makes me proud.
I noticed today that my name tag was strangely wrong i had to take a picture. :) Thought you might laugh too!

First Wednesday without...

2011-04-06T15:32:00.000-05:00

As I sit and kill time til my photo session tonight I realize this is my first Wednesday without working a youth service in like 7 years. Aside from the yearly vacation there aren't many Wednesday's and Sunday's I have missed. Even the week of my wedding I was there until the second service started. I have missed out on some stuff due to the job, but don't regret it at all, it was my calling and would handle it the same way.

One cool thing about me and my friends is that all my really close friends from college all married guys who are either youth pastors or a planting pastor. When I moved to Texas, my
closest friends are also married to a pastor in some capacity. I think we folks might be wired differently. I remember when my friends in the past when life would take them down a new path and their patterns changed how strange it was to not be serving at the same time. Like something was missing.

It's funny cause I didn't think I would keep blogging about this but it's huge for me now haha the thing that just keeps ringing thru my head and heart is "god's plan is way cooler than mine" I was reading 2 Samuel today and this stuck out...

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.

The cool thing is it may be a night without a church service and work but it isn't a night without a plan. Everyday, thought, conversation and second is planned out by God and I am never without Him!!

I am hanging on for the ride of my life and asking daily for steps to His plan. Thankful for all he has done so far, excited to see what He's got planned next! :)

Vietnam Video

2011-04-05T16:43:00.000-05:00

One of the funnest parts of our trip was hiking up into the mountains a bit and meeting a Mong village leader. He showed us some traditional dances with instruments and welcomed us into his home! We were very thankful for the once in a lifetime experience.

Tasks for myself

2011-04-04T15:14:00.000-05:00

So today i have made a list of big and small tasks i want to get done around the house! This way i will be a productive SAHW! First of all i am resting this week. Not doing too much of anything in particular. It is quite nice so far!

Here are a few...

1. Pull weeds

2. Sand and paint small shelf

3. run each day

4. clean out front closet

5. create an LLC for Kimmel and me

KIMMEL WILL BE SO PROUD!!

New Chapter

2011-04-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

This week was my last week working at the church. It was a good week! People said some really sweet things that i never knew they thought of me. :)
The youth group staff gave me a small decorative surf board covered with notes students had written. They were sweet and funny! It was a thoughtful going away gift. Now i need to find a spot on the wall for it! The church staff also did a reception for me and prayed over me. It was a sweet time and very thoughtful of them.
I am glad that my departure is one of excitement and challenge. Excited that God has something different for me, nervous cause i am not quite sure what it is. Excited that we aren't moving AT ALL, either church or home. Thankful for all the years of service and fun i had on staff and excited to be a volunteer and say no when i want! hahaha The challenge is now that i am a SAHW (stay at home wife) how to fill my time wisely, how to learn more about photography, how to be a better wife! These challenges excite me!

Here's to the NEW CHAPTER in the Kimmel household...Hold on! Its gonna be a fun ride!

Walk in LOVE

2011-03-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

And this is love that we walk in obedience to his commandments. As you have heard from the beginning HIS command is that you Walk in Love! 1 John 1:6

I pray today that we walk in love. We speak kind words and encourage one another! It's a cruel world sometimes and our words and actions in LOVE can make it bearable! God IS love. We are HIS children so let us be like HIM and LOVE!

Handmade with Love

2011-03-28T16:43:00.000-05:00

Not only was i super excited to see andrew after being apart for 10 days but he surprised me by finishing our bed! I have never purchased a bedroom suite in my single days cause it was just too expensive, and i wanted to do that with a husband and kimmel didn't have one. We had started it a few months back but due to being snowed in for a week and cold weather we just haven't taken the time to finish it! He so sweetly did the final touches himself! It is amazing and just what we wanted! As mentioned before his love of woodworking led him to this site anawhite.com, where this lady puts all sorts of blueprints and patterns for tons of stuff, FREE! This was based off a potterybarn bed...and i just received an email from Crate n Barrel with a similar bed for WAY to much! :)
Next: Side tables :)

LA Layover

2011-03-26T14:26:00.000-05:00

Due to the Tokyo disaster our flights got rerouted and changed to where the group of 15 traveled in spurts. I went with three of the students first and we had a huge 7 hour lay over in LA. My first time to LA i suggested we go to the beach...and Halee totally agreed and the excitement ensued! The cab ride out to Santa Monica Pier was exciting...i was nervous the whole time...but we got to see the Sunset...i captured it in the video below. It was such a gift and blessing to this beach lover! :) Enjoy!

Quick and Easy

2011-03-25T12:48:00.000-05:00

After having a week and a half of great vietnamese food i was ready to come home and have some good chicken and potatoes and veggies! I also was in the mood to try something new. I had printed this recipe out before i left to try but never got around to it. I had all the ingredients so i whipped it up! It was really good...easy and yum! The picture below isn't mine..but i did have a salad with it! The flavoring was really great and soft. You should try it too!

Mushroom Bruschetta chicken skillet

1 lb mixed fresh mushrooms (white button, shiitake, cremini), coarsely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup KRAFT classic balsamic vinaigrette dressing made with virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast haves (1lb.)
1/2 cup three cheese blend shredded cheese
1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh chives

cook mushrooms and onions in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 10 min, stirring occasionally
ADD dressing, garlic and thyme; cook 5-7 min. or until mushrooms are tender, stirring frequently. Transfer to bowl; cover to keep warm. Add chicken to skillet; cook 5 mins. on each side or until done.
TOP chicken with mushrooms and cheese; cover. Cook 2-4 mins, or til cheese is melted sprinkles with chives.

I am home!

2011-03-24T07:09:00.000-05:00

Wide awake at 5:30 on a thursday morning isn't normal for me! Guess that is what traveling to Vietnam for a week will do to you! :) Went with a small group from church to do some humanitarian work in the mountains of Vietnam. It was a cold, wet, fun week of changes after changes. The language barrier always makes is interesting but the students had a lovely time! Had a couple detours in california but all is safe and sound. Will be putting video up soon.
One really cool bit is seeing one of the orphans from 6 years ago, back helping us with translating and totally excited we are there. Sweet sweet girl named Diep! She came up to me the first night and was like remember me?? and at first i didn't but then it came back to me. She was so fun to have around and very helpful! I am glad that we have reconnected and am excited to see what is next for her!
As of right now i am glad to be home. My husband welcomed me home with a new bed- made by him- and some out side lights that i have wanted to replace our large monstrosity of a light we did have. I am so thankful i made it back home. So thankful that i have a husband who missed me greatly! So thankful God has given me him!

It's official...

2011-03-10T14:54:00.000-06:00

Last night at the youth services i got to share a little bit of my life's journey. For a decade now i have been involved with the youth group at NorthWood. The first 3 years were volunteer and the last 7 were staff. That chapter of my life is ending and a new one begins. There have been so many great times with great students to give me great memories to cherish. Special relationships were made that last beyond high school. I pray that there are many seeds planted and sown through those years that will not get neglected! I know too that the seeds and love planted in my own heart from them will continue!

Colorado Mission trip 08

Mexico Mission 09

I got to work 6 years with two really great friends of mine. Got to walk through personal changes of life with a huge family. Doing ministry single is way different then married, but its been fun and i have cherished every moment! As i finish up this month i am sad. Its hard to say goodbye to a huge part of your life. But i am also super excited for what is next! Where God leads our family nobody knows just yet but we are up for the journey! I will keep you posted! :)

Secret Burden

2011-03-07T20:28:00.000-06:00

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16

The older i get and the more i see of life i think more often then not everyone has a secret burden.
They come and go and change with each season of life. Something that is a pain in their heart, side or mind that doesn't seem to leave. Like Paul prayed for his 'thorn in his side' to be removed and we assume it never was cause he never said it was. Not sure what that was but he never got released from it. For some people its an illness, a secret battle they fight everyday alone. Others its a loss of a loved one, being single and surrounded by married people, or struggle to have babies or even the loss of a dream due to choices. There are more that i am sure you could add that you know about and that you may walk alone in.

God lead me to Hannah's story the other morning and even though i know that passage really well he made something stand out to me. As i read about hannah sobbing in prayer asking why has she been passed over and not able to have a child, pleading for one and 'lenting' that child to God IF he gave her one. Not sure how many years she had been praying and desiring this but we pick her up at the end. At the point to where she has so much faith and passion year after year asking God to give her a child and even promising to give that child to His service in the synagog.

It was here that i felt God say. It wasn't really about Hannah. It was about Samuel. He had a perfect plan for him and wanted him to be the solid and strong Prophet that Eli's son's couldn't be. Samuel's specific plan was to be in the synagog raised and taught early about hearing God. To know and be owned by God fully. If God did not hold off his hand of 'blessing' for Hannah she wouldn't have lented her child to God so dramatically. Her heart mattered to get to where God needed her son.

As i read this i saw that God's plan was greater than just Hannah. It was greater than even Samuel. It was for obedience and love that God withheld from Hannah. This was a simple truth that came thru to me that morning, its not always about me per-say but maybe just my heart. There is something greater going on.

I hope this makes sense. I hope you see that sometimes we go thru battles because life is bigger than ourselves. I forget that. I am thankful for my husband who stands by me and prays with me thru everything. I have a hard time always sharing my continuous secret burden with friends, cause it never changes. This weekend i was graciously reminded by good friends, that they don't tire of it nor does God. That it strengthens their faith too, to pray with us and carry the burden a lil too.

The verse not only speaks about Jesus knowing about temptations but burdens. He was here with us and i bet he longed to be home with his Dad more than we could ever because he was from there. He knows what its like to long for something to change. He intercedes for us and gives us strength because he has walked it.
Thank you Jesus!!

Photo Booth

2011-03-05T15:46:00.000-06:00

My friend Paige and i put together photo booths for a girls night out at our church last month. I got wall decorations and frame while she got hats, glasses and fun props! The lighting was hard to get just right so i was really nervous. I think they turned out ok. We had a blast! The ladies liked it an were pretty crazy haha :) We linked them up to our church website so they could get them and see all of them.
Here are the ones i did :)

Paige and Me

Niki and me.

DNOW

2011-03-03T12:49:00.000-06:00

IF you have time and like to watch these fun things of other kids and student ministries take a gander! :) It was a wonderfully God thing weekend. He took care of ALL the details even when they didn't match fully...our volunteers rocked! Thanks for your prayers! God is ever faithful!

Something a bit different

2011-02-28T20:53:00.000-06:00

There is a restaurant down town that has the best bruschetta i have ever eaten. Taverna offers this awesome happy hour special -pizza's and appetizers half price! The Langford's introduced us to this and we love the great price meal and company.
So when i hosted a Sentsy party i was searching for fun finger foods to make. Came across this great Shrimp Bruschetta! Sounded a bit scary...but it turned out good. If you have anything special coming up and want to try something a bit different...this is it!

Shrimp Bruschetta Topping -Kraft foods.com
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
1 lb. frozen uncooked cleaned small shrimp, thawed
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup Crumbled feta cheese
Basil and tomato TRISCUITS

Cook garlic in dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat 30 seconds.
Stir in shrimp and onions; cook 6-8 mins or until shrimp turns pink
Add tomatoes and parsley; stir. Cook 2-4 mins or until heated through, stiring occasionally.
Top with cheese
Serve with crackers.

ENJOY!

Disciple Now

2011-02-24T19:37:00.000-06:00

This weekend is our disciple now weekend...if you are a youth worker or pastor you know what this is! This weekend is like a compact camp. Its fun, exciting and kids love it! As leaders we enjoy it so much! Its a weekend where we get to play with our students, hear stories about God touching their hearts and taking steps to grow closer to Him.

The music is always amazing and i love having concert like worship sets...it something about them that i just get lost in the music, even if we sing tons of songs i know from days of old! Its revitalizing and i am looking forward to it! Its been crazy getting ready for it...stress all around as well anticipation of goodness! This year we have a local guy David Gentiles (pictured above) leading worship. He has lead for us one wednesday night so it will be nice to have a familiar face again.

When you finish reading this will you please say a pray for our staff, the students, David Gentiles -worship band and John Thornton- speaker

Thank you!

Friendly posing

2011-02-21T21:31:00.000-06:00

I have great friends!

I have great friends that will let me take pictures of them!

I have great friends that will let me use them to practice something i am not really sure of myself yet!

I have great friends who suggest things for me to think about next session.

I have great friends who tell their friends to let me take their family pictures.

I have friends that trust me when i boss them around on which way to stand!

I have great friends for MANY other reasons..but this goes out to all you who have taken time out of your day to pose for me. I am very thankful for the fun times!

If you and your family want pictures too let me know :)

The Dukes let me take some family and kid pics..this one makes me smile...:)

Click HERE for some more of their pics!

Lil snuggler

2011-02-18T15:59:00.000-06:00

As most know we have a lovely kitty named Beckham. It was the first gift andrew gave me and she is a crazy, fun loving kitty who likes to snuggle on her time. There have been a few times when she has come up and sat next to me then bit me when i tried to pet her and i am like THEN DON'T SNUGGLE NEXT TO ME IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE TOUCHED! :)

She sleeps beside me each night, unless she is gone out on the town with the kitties in the neighborhood. The other morning she obviously was way to tired to get up when both kimmel and i had gotten up and she looked so cute i snapped a picture...all tucked in.

Was trying out a frame i purchased to use in a photo booth thing with her and i actually got her looking up...i think there were people on the field behind us so she was watching :) She is so cute!

come and listen

2011-02-17T13:04:00.000-06:00

Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me!
Psalms 66:16

Was reading this verse the other day and realized it was the verse that David Crowder song i love...it is peaceful and encouraging to me. Wanted to share with you!

Share what God has done for you today with others! It spreads joy and peace.

New addition

2011-02-15T07:46:00.000-06:00

This weekend Andrew's sister and husband had a lil bundle of joy, Eleanor Rae Duke. Paige spent the whole day saturday laboring for her to come. She did at 12:15am. His parents, aunt, grandmother and us spent the day in the hospital waiting. Kimmel brought our favorite game...Settlers for us to play while waiting, his dad and gma took a turn, his dad turned out to be a sneaky competitor :) Ellie will soon learn how to play :)

My Valentine!

2011-02-14T07:28:00.000-06:00

Today is the day Hallmark has made famous for professing love. This is the day that people have strong feelings about. Some call it single awareness day, others go all out and crazy to show the one they love its for real! Cards and flowers are purchased all over the nation and world to say and display our feelings. I am excited this is my second married valentines day. We don't do anything big and plan to just spend the night at home. Its nice after all the years to have him! I am thankful for him in so many ways!

If you get squeamish or don't like mushy stuff stop reading now :) I just wanted to take this post to display why i feel loved and love this man named Kimmel! In no specific order here is my husband-

- your tender heart that cares for others

- your laugh that makes me smile

- they way you say i love you and it makes me cry

- the way you encourage me through life's ups and downs

- how you squeeze me to where it almost hurts

- your understanding when my tears come for no reason

- how you go out of your way to take care of your friends

- your playfulness and fun that never ends!

- my model for testing photo spots

- your listening ear and quiet hold

- many more!!

Excited for the years to come! Hug your valentine today! :)