Happy Fall!

I am not a big fan of Halloween, but there is one thing that I DO love about October 31st...

Carving Pumpkins!!

Getting Started:

Gutting:

Finished Products:

Posing:

Pumpkins:

Is it just me, or does Andrew's pumpkin make you go "WHAT?!" upon first glance?

HAHA! I love it! He is really good at making me laugh. I'm glad I'll have this to look at each day when I come home from school and extern.

All Lit Up:

Carving pumpkins is always fun, and I enjoy looking at them throughout the week. But, now we're at the end of the day, and we can now move on to the more meaningful holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas!!



All Dolled Up

My mom suggested that I begin making shoe clips. So, I grasped the idea and ran with it.

Here's what I have so far...

Wouldn't these be pretty on little girls' Christmas shoes?

They're versatile... can be dressy or casual.

They can be worn with just about any shoe.

These would be a cute accessory for a Thanksgiving outfit to give it that extra "pop"!

I, of course, love the classic ivory! These could be worn just about any time!

I've had lots of compliments already on these little cuties. My little "business" has done very well since I began a month ago. In fact, I am shipping two orders today... have three orders pending... and have two orders in the works. I'm one step closer to opening an Etsy shop! Stay tuned!!



Blessed Day

Sometimes I am absolutely, completely, and without a doubt, pathetic. I have a negative attitude, and all I want to do is cry and feel sorry for myself. Lately I've been extremely pitiful about so many things... but mostly about not seeing my husband enough.

I try to post mainly uplifting, inspiring blogs. I try to not air how I am feeling if it's negative... I don't want my blog to be a place for me to whine and complain, but this one is a little different.

I have been really sad for myself this week for so many reason. I will have less time to spend with Andrew this week because of schedules and school. Andrew was offered a second interview for a company out of state (SO excited for and proud of him, but sad that it may take him away for even longer). School also brings me down because of its negativity. I'm sure I could make a list a mile long, but I won't continue.

The main point is I've been feeling sorry for myself. I've been super lonely, and I've been letting myself feel upset about the situation. I feel like I have every right to want to cry, but what does that solve? Nothing- it just ends in a headache and swollen eyes.

I need to realize that this life is bigger than me. It's not all about me- and although I would love for things to be different in a lot of ways, it is what it is. God has a purpose, and I need to let go and let God.

Easier said than done, right?

I think God realized that I needed an immediate lesson in how many blessings I experience every day. He also realized that He needed to pour them on strong, because I've been in a mood where I haven't wanted to listen.

Boy, He did just that today...

Around noon, I received an email from my dear friend, Jen. I am sure it stemmed from my negative status update on facebook, but it quickly changed my attitude. Let me share:

"You're blessed when you are out of options, and all you can do is lean on God. Because when you realize your need for God it is only then that you tap into His immeasureable greatness and goodness. You're blessed when you've been stripped of that which is most precious to you. Because only then can you be tenderly embraced by the One most precious to you."
-Jen

She paraphrased this from Matthew 5:3-5, and it couldn't have been more perfect for what I've been experiencing and feeling lately.

Jen and I met through school, and we quickly became good friends last year around this time. We have often said that God brought us together for a very specific reason, and today this reason was extremely evident. Jen always know just what to say to lift my spirits, and she always comes to me when she needs someone to talk to.

We both provide a Godly influence on each others' lives, and I am extremely thankful for her. She not only sent me this amazing advice, but she invited me over for tortilla soup... and the company was much appreciated!

When I arrived home, I was greeted with a letter from my Granny Sue. It's a God thing that it arrived today. She is the strongest prayer warrior I've ever met, and she has made a point to let me know that she is praying daily for our future... and praying for God's will to happen.

She made a point, again in the letter, to tell me "we are in fervent prayer for the job situation- one that is right for both of you." I know that she is praying for me, Andrew, and us as a whole. She is praying for God's will.

I cannot think of a better prayer.

So, yes, I was reminded today that God' will is bigger than my own. God's plan for me is beyond my understanding. God knows what is best for me- even when I don't think He has a clue.

This is the point where I need to follow the lyrics of one of my favorite songs (which ironically, was posted by my stepmom today). They go as follows:

"What if there’s a bigger picture?
What if I’m missing out?
What if there’s a greater purpose
I could be living right now
Outside my own little world"
-Matthew West

I'm sorry for my rambling, and I will post a happy blog again tomorrow. Sometimes; however, it's good to let these feelings out... to let people know that everything is not always sunshine and happiness. I DO get sad, I DO get pitiful, and I DO cry.

BUT- At the end of the day I know the following things:

I worship a loving, almighty God.
This same God has my best interest at heart- and will not fail me.
I am married to an amazing guy.
I have a wonderful marriage filled with love.
I have a great family.
I have really good friends.
My life is FILLED with blessings beyond measure.
I am a strong, confident person.
I can do it.
It's time that I focus on all of my BLESSINGS.

I just need to let go and let God.

In closing, I'm determined to put the following into practice:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
- Philippians 4:4-9

Oh Fall, I Adore You!

This weekend, Andrew and I camped at Sam A. Baker State Park again. We were there last month, and we did a lot of the same activities this time because we enjoyed that trip so much. One thing was much different though... the colors were outstanding.

One of the first trees that we saw when entering the campground. Amazing!

I thought that these leaves were so cool!

Beautiful hillside!

I really, really like the red trees!

The colors in this picture are awesome!

Such a vibrant yellow!

My handsome love enjoying the toasty campfire.

Love the cool, crisp evenings where a fire is pleasant!

This tree was gorgeous!

On our hike.

Love the reds!

So pretty.

The bike path- amazing.

At the river... love him!

The colors are too cool in this picture.

My love plays photographer.

: )

We're such a great pair!

Ahh! I could look at this all day.

These trees looked like they were on fire. God is such an awesome artist!

Great weekend away.

Until next time, Sam A. Baker...

Peace Offering

Ever since VERY early spring, I have had it out with the squirrels in my neighborhood. Why, you ask? Well, because one VERY fat squirrel enjoyed leaping from my porch to my brand new bird feeder. It would then swing from it while it knocked food to the ground. This was not ok. I bought the bird feeder to watch Cardinals, not acrobatics.

I'm sure you can all guess what happened. next. Yes. It fell to the ground... and busted. Not repairable. So, needless to say, I've not been happy with these bushy-tailed creatures.

On Friday, before leaving to go camping, I opened the porch door to this peace offering:

I stopped in my tracks. Looked harder.

And laughed.

After a closer look, I called Andrew outside so he could see what our squirrel friend (yes, I use that term loosely) left for us.

Nuts. On my pumpkin.

How sweet.

I have decided that I will forgive the squirrel for his past mistakes, but I also made it be known that he had to prove himself to me.

In the meantime, these pictures crack me up!

But don't tell that to Mr. Squirrel!



Abby's Favorite Chili

... or so it's named in the cookbook my mom compiled for me. I would have named it something along the lines of "World's Most Amazing Chili... Hands-Down". If you can catch the slightest hint, I love my mom's chili more than any other chili out there. Chili is a touchy food item... and people have very specific tastes for what they do and do not like about chili. To each his own- but, this is by far my favorite. Although, if someone is going to offer me a bowl of chili, I'll take it. It's one of my favorite food groups. Yes, it is its own food group.

I will share so you, too, can enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground turkey (beef or deer is also tasty)

1 large onion, chopped

4 T. chili powder (more or less to taste- go with more!)

5 dashes garlic powder (I now know where I get my recipe terms!!)

3 cans beef broth (the richer the better- this is where name brand items is ok)

46 ounce can tomato juice (I used diced tomatoes)

4 cans Bush's red beans

2 cans dark red kidney beans

2 cans light right kidney beans

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation:

In a large pot, brown meat and chopped onion. Add chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper while browning.

When meat is thoroughly cooked, drain. Add beef broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.

Add all beans.

Simmer.

Continue to simmer for at least two hours... the longer the better.

Stir often.

Serve:

Serve and topwith shredded cheese, if desired.

And... for the more disgusting eaters (ha!)...

Boil elbow macaroni and serve with chili for Chili Mac.

Just kidding about the disgusting part- I just don't understand why people ruin a perfectly delicious bowl of chili. But, many people do- including those I love the most. So, I'm slowly growing to accept this strange food choice.

In closing... I received an awesome compliment last night. A young lady who I know from my hometown posted on facebook asking for a recipe using bananas. I instantly thought of my mom's banana bread recipe and shared with her.

She not only bought new pans just to make this banana bread, but she posted the following comment:

"Abby- I'm VERY excited, I've decided I'm going to start baking something new at least once a week! You've inspired me with your blogs =]"

I have readers that I don't even know about, and in a small way, it's nice to know that I'm inspiring people to try new things! I am very touched that I am the go-to recipe girl for many people out there in cyber world!

So, with that... enjoy!!