A new season...

In the past few months Chad and I have finally entered a new season of our lives. We have many blessings compared to most, a loving family, a house, I have a good job, lots of supportive friends. But for us, the past 2 years have seemed like a never ending season of disapointment and dead ends. You know the statement, "When it rains, it pours?" Well, that's how we have felt for quite awhile, getting dumped on with lots and lots of rain.

Almost 2 years ago we had a streak of bad luck with things going wrong at the house, almost seemed commical that every day seemed to be something new. Then, with out any warning, Chad came home to tell me had been layed off from a job we were sure was a "God thing" and would last for many years. We were dumb founded, what do we do next? We sought God like never before wondering what He had in store for us. No answer. We prayed about new jobs and new oppurtunities. No answer. We begged and pleaded for something great to fall out of the sky. No quick answer. As a wife, watching your husband go through that is excruciating and you don't even know how to encourage, but my husband stayed strong for me and always had a good attitude and wouldn't let me sit and feel sorry for ourselves or stay negative. He encouraged me constantly that God never leaves or forsakes us, and that we wouldn't end up on the streets, He would always provide.

February came low and behold we totalled our nice car that was almost paid off. We sucked it up and started sharing a car for a year (it really killed my husband because not only was it a chevy, red 2 door, it constantly had things wrong with it). But it got us where we needed to go.

Another hard year passed of Chad looking for work, sharing a car, and after many tests, some treatments, and agonizing months, not getting pregnant and discouraging reports (that's a whole other post). We held tightly to Jer 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a futre". How could we not think that one day this would all turn around.

 Finally we had a glimpse that our rough season we had endured was about to end. On February 16, 2011, I will never forget, we found out I was pregnant. Now, you may ask yourself, is that really good timing with everything we were going through and Chad not having a job? Perhaps, but we knew with out a shadow of a doubt, it wasn't our timing (that would have been 2 years ago) it was God's. And it gave us a new sense of hope we hadn't had in a long time. As we prepared for baby and time went on, sure there were times I thought, holy crap what are we doing having a baby if we can't afford it. Or Chad would have to be a stay at home dad (which granted is great for parents who can afford that). Around the sane time my Pastor had a message on prayer and I read it in my daily devotions, to pray for thins according to God's will. This was a little bit new to me, I had been praying for everythign I wanted and thought was best, but never was saying, God if this isn't your plan for my life please close those doors we so badly want wide open. My attitude started to change about disapointments and things that weren't going our way.  Once again, after Chad interviewing for many jobs and not getting even the ones we thought he was a shew in, he got a job that was far better than any other one he had interviewed for. We look back and see why God's plan wasn't for him to get those jobs he would have stopped looking and never found the one he ended up with.

This past week, we finally got our "family car" we have been waiting 2 years for. In a month we have our daughter joining our family. The blessings in the past few months keep flowing in and we are reminded that God never leaves or forsakes us. And as my mom has said to me through all of this "God's never late, just remember that".

DIY-so i did!



Hobby lobby 1/2 off!




Bought fabric in 1/8th of a yard so that
I could get a large variety. Cut into leaf shapes
(2 of each becaue they go back to back)



Preparing for our nursery has been so fun, even though I really do hate decorating. I wish I could hire someone! But alas, I have been crafting a few things for her room. Pretty pleased with how it turned out. All cost under $15.00! My dear friend Amanda actually found this project on another craft blog so I kept it in mind for the nursery. The only supplies needed were craft stiffener (pretty sure you could use elmers glue too), the kind of wire that you use on fake flowers or plants, fabric of all colors and patterns OR creative memory paper ( I chose fabric because I already had alot). Oh and a vase, which I found at Marshalls cheaper than Hobby Lobby.

Finished project! For now it's on her dresser.

Martha Stuart wannabe!

 

I love having people over to our house, even though it isn't the biggest or the newest, I am definitely not the greatest cook (working on becoming better though!) But something about growing up with my mom, who loved to host parties and was the best cook, it rubbed off on me. One thing I do love is setting up for company with all the details. If I did have the money, I would be tempted to buy all different matching place settings and dishes for all occasions, but I make do with what I still have from our wedding presents. Recently I got to host my good friend Katrina's shower. One of my favorite things was making the cupcakes for her! She recently had a beautiful baby girl, Ava Dae, so it was fun to use all of my favorite pinks.

Good bags for the guests!



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Found these on the martha stewart website, so easy and fun!





Summer treats-Strawberry Fudge Pie

Well, a friend today asked me what happened to my blog...non existent pretty much! Oh I meant well and it sounded fun, but I have been crafting all summer so over the next few days I promise to add these DIY crafts to show everyone! Here is one delicious summer recipe I tried for 4th of July, combining 2 of my favorite things, chocolate and strawberries. Here is the recipe!

Ingredients:

Refrigerated pie crust, 10.25 oz box of fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients on box), 8oz pkg of cream cheese, 1/4 C sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 egg, fresh strawberries, hotfudge

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Place pie crust in 9-inch glass pie pan as directed on package for one-crust filled pie.
2.  In large bowl, combine all brownie layer ingredients; beat 50 strokes with spoon. Spread in bottom of crust-lined pan.
3. Bake at 350°F. for 30 to 35 minutes or until top is shiny and center is set. If necessary, cover edge of crust with strips of foil after 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. 
4.  Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and 1 egg; beat until smooth. Working quickly, drop cream cheese mixture by small spoonfuls over partially baked brownies; carefully spread to cover brownie layer. Bake an additional 18 to 20 minutes or until cream cheese is set. Cool at least 1 hour.
5. Arrange strawberry halves, cut side down, over top of cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 1 hour or until serving time. Immediately before serving, place ice cream topping in small microwave-safe dish. Microwave on DEFROST for 45 seconds. Spoon into small resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Cut small hole in bottom corner of bag; squeeze bag to drizzle topping over pie. Store in refrigerator.

Enjoyed by all (except my picky husband:( Would be delicious with some vanilla icecream!

First Farmer's Market of the year!

Finally summer is here which means trips to the Farmers Market! My friend Em and I woke up early to hit the group running last weekend. Got some fresh produce and experimenting with a garden this year. Took Em's recipe of fresh bruschetta and made it for dinner with mama B's famous garlic mashed potatoes. Even the hubby payed compliments...good sign there.

ER's Bruschetta
I couldn't tell you exact measurements, as I was taught with adding to taste but try it!

Chopped tomatoes

Balsamic vinegar

Red wine vinegar

Pack of italian seasoning
garlic (fresh or in the jar)

Fresh basil leaves
sugar (thanks Jana, this made it even better)
All on toasted bread with olive oil, topped with fresh mozzerella cheese

Mama B's garlic mashed
Peel potatoes (5 pound bag for family size)
Boil
When soft, drain and mash with the following:
16 oz sourcream
16 oz of cream cheese

stick of butter
garlic salt to taste (i like alot)
Bake to heat through out, can also mix in shredded cheese or bacon for a "twice baked" taste

Fresh lemmon basil that's going in the garden

Betty Crocker say what

Who new a little class at the local hobby lobby would ignite an old hobby in me. When I was little I wanted to own a bakery, why? So that I could get up at 3am and be done working by noon. Not to mention I loved tinkering in the kitchen when friends birthdays came or decorating very detailed cookies for Christmas (like bears wearing 3 buttoned sweater vests). After spending years out of the kitchen, or the baking aisle, this class gave me an excuse to dust off my apron! Nothing to hard or fancy, but I love making a friend smile with a hand made cake.

My nephew Keaton turned 4, he loves Disney cars!