Thursday, January 31, 2013

14 Days of {VALENTINES DAY}

JMNWAY


Teressa, my very best bloggy friend, came up with a brilliant idea for Valentine's day this year. And I mean brilliant. 
She sent me a text a while back explaining her idea and asked if I wanted to join and of course I wanted to!

Her idea is this:
For the 14 days leading up to Valentine's Day, she would do something nice for her hubby. By nice, I mean, go out of her way to do something thoughtful for him in a way that would show she loved him. For 14 days, when the rest of the world is waiting for their men to surprise them with something or cater to them, we'll be making this Valentine's Day "All about the MR."

The reason I LOVE this idea is because, Nathan loathes V-day, friends. He thinks it's a stupid reason to have to buy gifts and girls get all disappointed if their guys don't go all out. I actually agree with him. The reason being, those things should be done on a daily basis for the one we love. Maybe not extravagant gifts or spending lots of money, but we should be willing to love our spouses in every way, all year long. If Nathan wasn't already really good at this, then I'd expect more on Valentine's day.. but he is, and for that I am very grateful.

So, naturally, I jumped at the opportunity. We could show our husbands how much we loved and appreciated them without expecting anything in return. At first, I was like, aw.. what about me.. wahh.. Then I was like, ya I probably need to do this so I'll stop being so selfish. ;)

Our challenge to you lovely ladies is to come along side us to show your husbands(or boyfriends or fiancees) how much you love and appreciate him! I know we aren't giving you much time to prepare but consider the benefit of it before you write it off. Here's how we'll work this out.. Friday the 8th and Friday the 15th, we'll have you lovely ladies link up with a post about what you did for your husband that week. You can include as many pictures as you want, his reaction, whatever! Be sure to grab our handy-dandy new button :)

Get creative girls! No, I don't think you should buy him roses and little teddy bears, but do things for him you KNOW he will like. If you know his "love language" do things that would cater to that. If you know he likes nights at home with you, make time for it. If your husband loves food (because all men do) make him a couple of really awesome meals. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.. and be sure to check out Teressa's blog later today to find out some of her ideas! After all, she IS the master mind behind all of this! All I did was make a silly little button ;)

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I have my "real" ideas in a word doc scheduled by date.. but I can't show you any of them because 1. my husband might kill me ;) and 2. He will most certainly read this and ruin everything. 
  Nathan's love language is 'Acts of Service' so I am going to try and do as much of that as possible. 

-Do something on the 1st to kick it off.. a note on the mirror, a note in the car..wherever your hubs will find it.
-Clean the house
-Bake him something yummy
-Give him coupons for various things
-Get smokin' hot ready every morning ;)
-Making lunches/dinners
-Coffee when not expecting it.
-Leave him notes with little gifts..
And on V-day plan something awesome that's sure to rock his world.

 Would love to hear your ideas and have you join us!!




Wednesday, January 30, 2013

{SO} What Wednesday

So What Wednesday


Hello Lovies!
I know I have been MIA lately but work has been super busy and we have something every night of the week! Woah! I still wanted to link up for So what Wednesdays though so.. you're welcome ;)


This week I am saying SO What If:

It's Wednesday and this is my first post since the 25th. Sometimes life gets in the way.. sorry friends!

The customize blogger template area thingy is broke for my blog and I can't edit anything! So if you're looking at my blog and have to scroll over, sorry! I can't help it because I can't fix it :(

We are probably going to owe a bazillion dollars in taxes this year. I guess the cruise I've always hoped for will just have to wait.

If the girls at Starbucks know my name now. That says nothing about my character. Just that I like a good chai tea ;)

I have made two batches of cookies this week and have to make another tonight. The other two were supposed to be for small group..but my husband ate too many of them! 

I too had some of those cookies & went way over my calorie count the past couple days. I've still lost 3 pounds..Can I get a Woop Woop!

I refuse to go shopping until the 1st of February. We are way over our budget this month for groceries, and basically everything else too (which never happens) and  I heard something about eating everything in your pantry.. well we are certainly getting there!

I completely ignored those last couple of lines because I gave in on my lunch hour and bought toilet paper because I was pretty sure we wouldn't make it two more days... It's a necessity people. 

 
Hope you're all having a great week friends!







Friday, January 25, 2013

{Newlywed Game, Link Up}

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Hi Friends :) This week I decided to switch it up a bit and join in on a link up with a great gal, Karla! She's sweet, funny and pretty darn awesome! Plus, I couldn't wait to get Nathan's answers.. :) I must say, his answers are alarmingly accurate ;) Too fun!

1.  What is the worst thing that happened on your wedding day, if anything?

Your Answer: Our wedding day was perfect ;) OK fine, it would be my dad calling me a mean name.. which he has never done. Apparently I was being a bit of a butt about the table arrangement. 
Spouse's Answer: My dad got a speeding ticket and blamed it on me and I wasn't even in the car with him. Or because we had to pull over on the freeway because the (just married) cans were going to break our back window.

2.  Who is the better driver?

Your Answer: um, not me haha. Well, let me rephrase.. if we need to get somewhere in a hurry, I drive. If not, he does. 
Spouse's Answer: *glares at me* "I'm safer, you get us there faster."

3.  If someone had to play your spouse in a movie, who would it be?

Your Answer: Christian Bale, because he played freaken batman. 
Spouse's Answer:  "We are going personality wise? - Jessica alba - she plays a strong lady but willing to love and be open."

"Looks-  Jessica Simpson I guess blonde hair, cute."

4.  What your spouse's favorite comfort food?

Your Answer: Cereal. All the time, he is eating cereal.
Spouse's Answer: Mexican.

5.  Which one of you hogs all the covers in bed?


     Your Answer: He’ll say me. And it’s true ;)
Spouse's Answer: Smiles at me and says "You. I woke up buck-naked last night, which was ok because I was already sweating." 

6.  The saying “opposites attract must be true because 
my spouse and I couldn’t be any more different when it comes to _________?

Your Answer: Movies. We almost never like to watch the same movies. 
Spouse's Answer: Entertainment- things like movies and outdoor stuff like hunting.

7.  If your spouse won $5000, what would they spend it on?
Your Answer: His Jeep and me. 
Spouse's Answer: Starbucks and clothing.

8.  If your spouse could be married to any famous person, which would it be and why?

Your Answer: Jessica Simpson. I think he thinks she's a hottie. 
Spouse's Answer: "Ashton Kutcher, you like to laugh."

9.  Who controls the remote??
Your Answer: Me 
Spouse's Answer: "Jess, she's more picky."


10.  If your spouse was a superhero, what would their "super power" be?
Your Answer: Mind Reading.
Spouse's Answer: "X-ray vision because you're always reading into things."



Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Hope {Bella's Story}



Hi Dear Friends. If you have been reading my blog for any time now, you have heard me mention my baby niece, Bella.  She was diagnosed with Leukemia just seven short months ago. You can read that story here. This little girl changed my family's life when she came into this world and continues to every step of her journey. I asked my sister to write a post about Bella so that we could share her story with others and gain more awareness for Childhood Cancer. Please, read on as my sister shares about Bella and what these past months have been like for their family.


My child is different. I knew that the moment she was born, though you couldn't tell from the outside. I could just feel it. She changed my life. For the better. I knew she was gonna grow up and do amazing things.


When I got the call at 3am that confirmed she had ALL Leukemia I was in a disarray. I wasn't sure what to think. I just knew I had to trust in God, that she would still do amazing things. They just may not be what I envisioned for her.


Seeing her go through so much pain from a simple blood test that ended with a bone marrow biopsy, a major surgery to insert her port-a-cath, starting chemo, and 10 days inpatient were tough.



When she got a high fever after only being home from 6 days and ended up being admitted for 26 days because of a blood infection I was scared. But after 29 days of chemo and countless blood and platelet transfusions I got the call from the doctor that unlike 98% of ALL patients Bella did not go into remission. I was then terrified. At this point, I couldn't hold it in anymore. All I could do was cry and pray to God that I needed Him. He had to make her better. I couldn't lose my little girl. Things get a little easier but the pain never ceases. Some days it just hits you like a freight train that your once healthy child now has a life threatening disease.



Now when people see Bella, they can tell she is different. She doesn't have much hair, she wears a mask and she has a port inside her chest. She can't play at the park or McDonald's without fear of getting deathly sick. She goes to the doctor at lease once a week to receive chemo. Her best friends are the doctors and nurses she sees almost everyday. She is a champion pill swallower. Did I mention she is 3 years old? She is amazing. Her courage and strength can only come from one place. God.


He loves her more than I can fathom, which is difficult to do since I love nothing more in this world than my children and Jesus. I must put my trust and faith in Him. He can see the big picture even tho I cannot. He will lead me where I am supposed to go.



Just like I feel He is leading me to become more involved in raising awareness for childhood cancer. If I reach only 1 person. That will be enough. Today Bella is in remission. It took a very long 4 months to reach that goal but we did it, but it wasn't without a few tears shed and many sleepless nights. We still have 2 years left of treatment and I am still scared everyday that I could lose my child, but I must be strong for her and my family. God is on our side.



How cute is her smile?! I can't help but look at that perfect, sweet little girl and just want to gather her up in my arms and give her loves. My heart melted the first time she called me "Auntie Ca." She is very special and precious to me.  Please visit Bella's Blog and Facebook to show support in any way.. prayer, sharing her story, or just to love on them!

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love." ~ 1 Corinthians 

13:13

Friday, January 18, 2013

{Friday Letters}

Dear flab on my tummy. If you would just go away.. without me having to work you out.. That would be great. 

Dear Diet, this isn't working out. I am having a horrible time resisting food and putting off my workout. Rest assured, I will conquer you again.. You haven't won. Yet.

Dear mom, How come when you come to visit we eat stuff. Like good stuff. I don't think it's working out for my body or my diet.

Dear Hubby, How come you're so darn handsome. You distract me from work all day long with your humor and charm. Quit it. OK, don't. It makes my day SO much better. I am so glad I get to work with you! 

Dear iPhone, I have seriously had it with you. What is this, you work for 2 years then decide to give out? I don't want an iPhone 5 so you better shape up.. because I need an iPhone, and my heart it set on you. Yup, I went there.

Dear Dog Groomer, Your prices went up $5 because of shampoo costs? OK, so could I please have the rest of that bottle of shampoo? I mean you couldn't have used more than 1/4 of it to wash my little buddy.

Dear Pandora, I am loving the Kristain Stanfill station today. You keep playing great songs about my Jesus. 

Dear Jesus, What can I say? You have been so near to me this week. No, you always have been, I just have drawn near to you and you have changed my life because of it. You're always changing me, molding me. Lord, how did I end up with this amazing life YOU have given me? You have given me so much that I am so truly thankful for. I am so sorry I act like such a selfish brat after all You have done. It amazes me that you still love me, and so so much. I am so thankful for this truth that you have shown me. Please continue to change me and use me to do your will.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Wedding Love

I don't really have much going on and although I love the 'So what Wednesdays'.. All I can think of is so what if I don't have anything to write. So I figured I would do a wedding Wednesday, mostly with pictures. 
Now, I would like to remind you all, that I am one of the girls who got married BEFORE Pinterest existed. So it was all original, baby. Although, I do have to say.. I am pretty sure I asked them to take down those horrendous arches with flowers that framed our table and the cake's table, it's just not my thing, but they didn't and on my wedding day.. I don't remember caring.. about that..or much else. All I cared about was marrying Nathan. Everything else that went wrong at our wedding, I didn't know about until way after our honeymoon. ;)








Friday, January 11, 2013

Friday Letters

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Dear Friday, Thank you for finally arriving. I have so been looking forward to you after a long, busy week at work. But I am excited to you see you go because I love Saturday more. Sorry not sorry.
 
Dear lovely long hair, How I will miss you. You've been good to me.. but I must move on. Until I see you again..bye bye..


Dear Future hair, PLEASE be a good sport when I chop you off. I know it's been a while but I promise, this is what's best for you. You have big shoes to fill, so be nice to me ok?


Dear hubby,  Could you be any cuter? I mean really.. You with your headphones on listening to something on your computer, humming and whistling to the song. I just love you.


Dear old forgotten, new to me Nook, I have so loved having you around. I am so thankful my sister didn't like you anymore and let me have you. I can't believe how much I missed reading. What was I thinking going so long without it?
Dear winner of the Giveaway, I am SO excited for you. I cannot wait to share your name as soon as you email me back. 
Dear Dutch Bros,Thanks for moving in right down the street. You're pretty tasty and I appreciate you giving my dog a treat... even though he growled at you when you came to the window.I think you may have a special place in his heart now. Oh and thanks for the pink straw. That makes me happy.


Dear Lord, Please help me to remember you in everything I do. Draw me close to you Lord and remind me of all you have done for me. You are so good to me and I love you.


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

SO What Wednesday

So What Wednesday

This week I am saying SO What if...

I do this post every Wednesday. I like it. A lot.

I got up this morning, got ready, and put on more makeup than usual because I was getting my hair cut and figured if I didn't like it, at least my face would look good. 

Said haircut didn't happen today because my appointment got cancelled. I guess I will just enjoy one more day with my long hair.. and pretty makeup face.

I went a little over in calories yesterday. I am still doing pretty good. Darn those chocolate cashews that were on sale at Frys.

I sent my blog BFF a gift and couldn't keep it a secret so told her I sent it AND when it was coming.

Our Christmas tree and all our Christmas decorations are still up. I don't feel like taking them down.

I am reading Redeeming Love for the tenth time. It's amazing and you should read it too.

I haven't painted my toe nails in forever and the pink is stating to disappear. It's winter and I wear socks all day.  

I haven't had Starbucks in a while. I'm struggling.. but I'm also proud of myself for resisting.

I am writing this post but neglecting the laundry. No one likes laundry. 

My exercise bike is still sitting in the garage. I plan on getting it into the house eventually.. and even using it.

I am probably more excited than you all are to see who wins my giveaway! I love giving gifts. And if you haven't entered.. you should probably go do that here!

Happy Wednesday Friends! :)


Monday, January 7, 2013

{Butternut Squash Soup}

I am a little behind on this post... Because its been "cold" for a couple months now, but that's OK because you're all going to LOVE this recipe. Even though we live in Arizona, we eat this particular soup year round. Even when its 115 degrees outside.. it's that yummy. So Here's the story of how it all came to be:

One day a Husband and a wife wanted to eat something healthy. The husband, we will call him Nathan, had a weird craving for something with butternut squash. The wife, whom we shall name Jess, thought this was rather strange because they had never had squash together. Non the less, she looked up some recipes online and found one for butternut squash soup. This was no normal recipe, it was a creamy, delicious soup that called for Jess's favorite ingredient, cream cheese. They drove to the store, bought the ingredients needed(which was little) and had the soup that night for dinner. It was stupendous and now she longs to share it with all her beautiful friends.
The end.
You know you loved that story so don't judge me for it. I was a story writing queen in the 1st grade. I once wrote about a cow. And the moon.  It was incredibly insightful and original. At least I think that's what it was about. . all I really remember is how good I was at drawing little squiggly spots on the cow. I think I named her Mary. Oh Nevermind, my memory is as good as my story telling.

So here's the recipe friends! Make it with something yummy like a sandwich. I don't know .. Just eat it, I promise you'll love it. :)

Source

What's in it:
-6 Tablespoons Chopped onion 
-4 Tablespoons Margarine
-6 Cups Peeled and cubed Butternut Squash
-3 cups Water
-4 Chicken Bouillon cubes
-1/2 tsp dried Marjoram 
-1/4 tsp black pepper
-1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper (we add more.. we like it spicy)
 -8 oz cream cheese (The recipe calls for 2.. but I am telling you, you only need one) 

How ya make it: 
  1. In a large saucepan, saute onions in margarine until tender. Add squash, water, bouillon, marjoram, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Bring to boil; cook 20 minutes, or until squash is tender.
  2. Puree squash and cream cheese in a blender or food processor in batches until smooth. Return to saucepan, and heat through. Do not allow to boil.  
Enjoy Friends! 
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