Taste of New York

I am sure I will post a more thorough blog about New York once we are finished with our trip, but I know our parents are excited to see pictures, so I thought that I would post a blog with a small taste of the beautiful scenery we are blessed with.

The campus of Cornell University is so pretty.

This waterfall is in the middle of Ithaca. Though partially frozen, it is still very beautiful.

This lovely home is located in Aurora. I think I am going to evict them and move in myself. Andrew says that's not possible, but I like to think that I could.

Cayuga Lake. All of these towns line the lake. It's an incredible sight.

The geese were EVERYWHERE.

How beautiful is this? This state park is only 15 minutes from where we will most likely be living for the first year or so of being here.

It is incredible here- especially once you get outside Ithaca. Ithaca is nice, but it's a bit to congested and busy for us. The countryside; however, is stunning, and it is right up our alley! We are so looking forward to this move- and we're pretty sure we have living arrangements figured out. Once it's a for sure thing, we'll post more details!

Until then- I'm headed to bed for a nap. I caught a lovely cold from my in-laws, and I'm going to work on getting better so I can really enjoy the rest of our trip!



Christmas Fun

Andrew and I had a very nice Christmas. We were able to spend time with both sides of my family- and his family. It was extra special to be able to see everyone this year since we will be living in New York next year.

Our Christmas started out with the purchase of a new truck. Andrew has been very patient in purchasing a truck, and his patience paid off. We found this one for a steal- and he's a happy camper.

When we arrived at my mom's house, I was met with a gorgeous flower arrangement. It was the first arrangement my sister has created, and I felt honored to receive it. I left it at my mom's house though since Andrew and I were traveling to New York. I didn't want to leave it behind though.

Theodore LOVED being at Nana's house this time. He didn't cry- or run. He also thought he was hot stuff because he was able to sleep in the bed with us- which is something that he is NOT allowed to do at home.

He also enjoyed visiting his girlfriend at Pop-Paw Mark's house. He thinks Lucy is the most amazing cat. For the third year in a row, he wasn't able to keep his eyes off of her.

My sister and I enjoyed wearing our matching pajamas from Dad and Anna. I think we look pretty cute!

It was very nice to spend all of the Christmas festivities with my husband!

Andrew played along with my diva niece- and I think they were pretty cute!

I soaked up time with my nieces and nephews.

Overall, it was a Christmas filled with much love and laughter. We have one more stop- my sister and brother-in-law's house. We're going to be there for a couple of days after New Years, and we're looking forward to seeing them!



Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

I love Christmas.

I love white Christmases the most. You can just imagine my excitement when we woke up Christmas Eve morning at my dad's house to a beautiful winter wonderland. It was one of the best gifts of the season.

This belongs on a Christmas card. There is nothing like a pine tree draped in snow.

Soo pretty!

I am so happy with how our snow pictures turned out.

This one is my favorite from Christmas!

I sure do love my sister : )

And... warming up with a mug of hot gingerbread coffee makes everything complete.

What a wonderful Christmas!

P.S. I realize that I need to start back with Day Seventeen- please give me another week or so!



Tacky Christmas Sweaters

My brother leaves for India tomorrow. He will be gone for six months. I will be in New York by the time he is state side again. So, he requested that we spend today as a family. He also suggested that we make tacky Christmas sweaters. We did- and we had a blast!

I tried using two different glues first- and nothing was working out for me. All was well after I got a glue gun in my hand!

Andrew is hard at work.

We tease Mom that her sweater is the boutique version of a tacky Christmas sweater- it was beautiful.

This is awesome!

CRACK ME UP!

This is the most fun my family has had on Christmas in a long time.

Christmas card? I think so.

I love this!

I hope your Christmas was filled with as much love and laughter as ours! We had a fantastic family- and we are grateful for our many blessings.

Merry Christmas!



Day Sixteen: A Picture That Makes You Feel _________:

Amazed.

The significant presence of God all around me is amazing.

I needed this reminder today.

I am going to take a few days off from blogging... I will resume when I am ready with Day Seventeen.



Day Fifteen: Something that You Want to do Within the Next Five Years

I want to begin a family with Andrew in the next five years. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love spending time with him, but I am so excited to have kids.

I believe this says it well:

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."

Families are such a blessing, and I'm looking forward to expanding ours within the next five years!

Day Fourteen: A Moment, Phrase, or Song That has Changed Your Life the Most

This one is easy...

The moment I said my vows... and he said his... changed my life forever.

As we sealed our marriage with a kiss, we joined our lives together forever. We made the decision to enter into life as a team, and we promised to be faithful to each other no matter what.

We promised to love and cherish... to forgive... to support... to care for... and to honor.

I have an amazing marriage, and I know that we are a great team. I love Andrew so much, and I am so blessed by him and our marriage.

Day Thirteen: Favorite Movie

I tossed around several movies for this post, but I kept coming back to one. Maybe it's because it's the Christmas season, or maybe it's because it really is my favorite. But, today, my favorite movie is The Family Stone.



This dysfuntional family has so much love for each other, and in the end, they find that their bond is stronger than anything. In some ways, I feel as if my family is reflected in this movie. We're very dysfunctional, but we're better because of it.

Anyway, this movie makes me laugh, cry, reflect, and appreciate life. So, I have to say it's one of my top movies.

Of course, it's closely followed by Princess and the Frog, Martian Child, and almost any of the Disney Pixar movies!

Day Twelve: Favorite Picture Taken of Yourself

I don't know how I feel about today's topic. I wish that I could raid Mom's photo albums for an adorable baby picture, but I can't. So... the picture I kept coming back to was one taken on our engagement night.

This picture captured my "yes" to Andrew after he asked me to be his wife.

So much love and excitement was captured forever with this picture- and it makes my eyes a little misty every time I see it!

Day Eleven: Dream House

I have always been a sucker for wrap-around porches, dormers, and bay windows. I also love quaint homes- the kind where you automatically feel at home.

So...

A cross between these two homes would be perfect.

The interior must have a bay window, kitchen with an island, and well lit.

I also want a huge living room where we can gather with our kids, play board games, and curl up by a fire. On the porch, I'd love to have several porch swings, rocking chairs, and benches where we could spend a summer night outside.

In a nutshell, I want a home that is comfortable... and full of love and laughter.



Day Ten: Five Things You Want to See Changed

So, this blog post may be a little unpopular with some of my readers, but I think that is the case with any topics such as these. So, read... reflect... and realize that we all have our own opinions. That's what makes the world go 'round.

#1: Compassion. You know, I am tired of hearing people push for acceptance and equality. To me, those are underlying problems as a result of very little compassion. If you're going to play that card, I feel like Christians are being scrutinized far too much for the antics that a very few participate in using God's name- and in the end, we are the ones discriminated against. If you're going to preach acceptance- please accept that we also have our beliefs and that, as a whole, Christians are not a bad group of people. That being said, if we ALL had a little more compassion for the people of this world, NONE of this would even be an issue. A little love goes a long ways. That's how I try to live my life at least.

#2: Technology is outrageous. Since when do 5 year-olds need a cellphone? Why do kids have to be constantly glued to a TV or gaming system? Why does society need to have DVD players installed in vehicles- and then use them for a 10 minute car ride? When I was a kid- we played outside... or with Lincoln Logs... or we drew pictures. Better yet, we picked up a book. Technology has its place- and it's very nice to have, but it is taking over the lives of too many people. It's pretty sad when you can't have a normal conversation because people are checking their iPhone, sending an email, or have their hands glued to a remote control. It's time to unplug... and plug back in to real relationships. Besides, kids don't need all of that sensory input- which I believe is a large cause of many of our sensory issues (even autism)- but, that's another conversation.

#3: Better understanding. This kind of goes hand in hand with point one. I work with a population that gets judged and made fun of a lot. That's not right. Though people with special needs are often disregarded, better understanding pertains to everyone. No one ever knows the full story behind someone. You see someone on the street and immediately begin judging them. I'm guilty of this myself. How much better would it be if we took the time to get to know someone- to see their beauty. God calls us to be loving. He does not call us to judge. Why is it that we do? Because we're humans- but, it's not right.

#4: Accountability and honesty. This is a big one. It's far easier to place the blame on someone else. It's easier to not take the credit for a relationship gone sour, forgotten homework, bad behavior, poor decisions, etc. It's the easy way out. If society, as a whole, took responsibility for themselves, a lot of problems would be solved.

#5: More positive involvement from the church. This one is HUGE. I am so tired of hearing people bash Christians- but, you know what fellow Christians, they have a right to do so. I think it's ridiculous that people will turn to negative sources for help before they will turn to the church. We have failed the American society. It is so sad that people are afraid to enter a church for fear of being judged, ridiculed, or slandered. Our Lord and Savior called us to be examples of His love. He did not call us to promote hate- He did not call us to turn others away with our hurtful actions. It is not every Christian, but there are enough who are doing things in the name of Christ that makes the group as a whole look bad. If we took the time to be silent witnesses- not asking for praise for our efforts, we would reach a lot more people. If we took time to love more, we would impact a lot more lives. If we took the time to lend a helping hand, Christ's love would be more properly demonstrated. If we took time to rise above our human instincts, the world would be a better place. As 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." God calls us to love as these verses instruct.

Those are my five things.

Balsamic and Pecan Chicken

For my birthday, Andrew got me the most amazing balsamic vinegar as many of you already know. He made me promise that I would cook with it- not just drink it (ha!).

 So, I've been very excited to make a recipe that came with the chicken, but of course, I tweaked it just a bit. We also watched Ratatouille last night which always inspires me to try something new in the kitchen.

I started out with four very plump chicken breasts. I somehow got them to fit in a 9x9 baking dish.

I then covered them with light olive oil and rosemary.

I then drizzled balsamic vinegar over the top of the chicken- I did not skimp on this step.

Lastly, I sprinkled each chicken breast with garlic & rosemary seasoning. I am sure you can find something similar in stores. We used a dipping spice from the Oilerie Company- the company we purchased the balsamic vinegar from.

I then baked at 350 for 30 minutes.

I removed the chicken after 30 minutes and topped each breast with freshly chopped pecans. By fresh, I mean we got them from our neighbor's tree this fall, and Andrew chopped them right before cooking. Store bought pecans are just fine!

Bake for 20 minutes at 350.

Remove and spoon oil and vinegar mix over the top to keep chicken moist.

Bake for 10 additional minutes.

After an hour of total baking time, remove and serve.

I paired this chicken with fresh greenbeans and garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes- which I will blog about tomorrow!

Andrew LOVED this recipe... and told me that it's the best meal he's had in a long time- which he assured me is a HUGE compliment because I'm a "dang good cook." He also compared it to a very nice restaurant he ate at in New York and said that it definitely competes with that meal.

So- how do you get a gourmet meal that's easy on the wallet and a breeze to make?

Follow this recipe! It took no time to make!

Ingredients:

Four chicken breasts

Olive Oil (about 3/4 cup)

Rosemary (sprinkled in with olive oil)

Garlic and Rosemary Seasoning- or preferred cooking spice (to top chicken breast with)

Balsamic Vinegar

Pecans

Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Remove, top with pecans. Bake for 30 more minutes.

Serve.

Bon appetit!



Day Nine: An Item from Your Wishlist

It's simple: a craft room.

Andrew wants a shop, I want a crafting room. I would love to have a room where I could organize all of my crafting supplies. My small kitchen counter cramps my style- and I don't like the disorganization of putting everything in tubs.

If I could have all of my supplies tucked neatly away in a room as bright and cheery as this, I would be one happy camper!

The only problem? I'd want higher counters- I like to stand when I craft.



Family Decisions

As you know, we're in the midst of planning the big move. We sat down last weekend and researched various areas, housing options, and so forth.

By we, I mean the whole "family". Andrew and I were going through various websites, and I told Theodore to come and help us make a decision. To my surprise (ok, not really), he joined us! Notice his paw on Andrew's arm- that's typical.

Anyway, we got a pretty good idea of housing cost and all of those important details.

Then, yesterday, Andrew and Gato enjoyed looking at a map of where different things are located. We are planning a trip soon... and, I cannot wait to see my future home!



Day Eight: Someone You Think Would Make a Good President

I don't know anyone corrupt enough to be president.

It's true.

I'm just so discouraged with politics lately that it's hard for me to place someone I know with such a corrupt, selfish group of people.

Worst blog ever, I know.

Day Seven: Something You Can Live Without

This is easy.

Snakes.

They are creepy- and I am terribly afraid of them. My fear is almost irrational, but I can't help it.

I can't even look at a picture of them without freaking out.

They're disgusting- and I feel they serve no purpose in this world.

I believe this hatred is somewhat Biblical...

So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

- Genesis 3:14-15

Day Six: Earliest Thing You Can Remember

My earliest memory, no joke, is from when I was about 19 months old. On a summer day that year, I very well could have drowned.

Let me explain...

My family and I were playing in the Huzzah River. The adults were hanging out in lounge chairs on the gravel bar, and I was playing at the water's edge with my brother. That's the part I don't remember- that's the part that I've been told over the years.

Here's what I do remember...

I remember playing... and the suddenly a swift current took my feet out from under me. I was pulled to about the middle of the river, and the current kept dragging me under... under... under. At one point, I remember hitting a tree that had fallen below the water's surface.

I remember being terrified. I remember trying to get my head above water. I remember being hopeless. I also remember grasping an item with all of my strength- hoping it would help bring me to safety. Suddenly, out of nowhere, my 18 year-old aunt snatched me up out of the water, held me as tightly as she could, and carried me back to shore. Boy, you should have seen the swimming suit she rescued me in!

My family would have been able to save me had my aunt not been there, but my aunt was young enough, and quick enough, to grab me before anything majorly went wrong.

How do you know I remember this day vividly?

Well, no one believed me... until I told my Granny Sue what I had a death grip on when I was being carried away...

I couldn't find a picture of the actual item, but this was good enough. When we were younger, Granny Sue had plastic kids cups in the shape of fruits.

That day, I had the grape cup, and I can still see my hand holding it as I was being sucked under time and time again. She was amazed that I remembered that cup- and it convinced her that I remembered the details of that day very well.

Maybe that's why I'm scared of water... and still can't "go under" without holding my nose.

Hmmm....



Day Five: A Thank-You Letter to Someone Who has Changed Your Life

Of all the people in my life, my husband truly has changed my life the most. Though it may seem corny or mushy to some, it's the absolute truth. He has made me a better person- and so I chose to write this blog specifically for him tonight.

To my husband-

Thank you.

You challenge me each and every day to be the best I can be- to live up to my full potential. You encourage me to live my life for Christ, and you push me to grow in my faith and in my relationship with Christ.

When we first met, I was lost in so many ways. I didn't truly know who I was, and you have helped me find myself. You have helped me tear down many walls I had placed around my heart, and you have shown me that there is so much good in this world.

You understand me although I don't understand myself a large portion of the time. You understand- and accomodate my little quirks. You appreciate my silly side- and you fuel my fire. You let me vent when my redheaded temper flares- and you just sit back and smile until I'm done.

You share my love for life, family, and most importantly, Christ. You share my dreams, and I share yours. We're perfectly imperfect- and that's how it should be.

Putting it simply, you bring out the best in me. That is one of the many reasons I fell in love with you... and continue to do so each day.

I love you, Andrew.

Thank you for being my best friend and husband. Thank you for changing my life for the best!

Day Four: What You Imagine Paradise to be Like

The only bad thing about a 30 day challenge is the days you don't feel like blogging. Today is one of those, but I'm going to suck it up and blog anyway.

Paradise:

Clear blue skies
Sunny every day

Soft rains- only at night
Cool, crisp air
No humidity
Light, occasional breeze
Green grass
Pretty flowers
Trees everywhere

No snakes
No lizards
Actually, no reptile
... or animal without fur

Ice cream diets
Vinegar chips every day
Favorite foods made instantly
Shopping done for me

Endless time to cook
and craft
and enjoy life

Kindness
Unconditional love
Compassion
Selflessness
Care
Understanding
Faith
Strength

More time for my husband
Family
Friends

Less time for technology
Less crime
No child abuse
No more deadbeat parents

Mountains
Creeks
Waterfalls
Rivers
Lakes

Christ-centered
Deeper faith
Stronger connections

In a nutshell, that's what my paradise looks like!

Day Three: Five Songs You Would Have with You on a Desert Island and Why:

You know, this may not be such a bad thing!



My song list:

1. Here in this Moment by Beckah Shae

- No matter what mood I'm in, this song gets me pumped up. I love the beat, the words, and the overall song. This song would brighten my days and remind me that each moment I spend alone, I spend with God. No matter what, I would not be alone. So, this would be my go-to song when I needed lifted up and encouraged.

2. Lead Me by Sanctus Real

- I would choose this song because it reminds me of Andrew. He had me listen to this song over the summer, and ever since then, it's kind of served as a testimony to how Andrew lives his life. I would listen to this song when I needed to be reminded of my husband and his love.

3. Country Roads by John Denver

- When I was a child, my dad always sang me to sleep with this song. Every time I hear it, I'm taken back in time to the days when my parents were getting a divorce. This song always comforted me- and always made me feel like everything was ok. I would pick this song to remind me of the strong love my family has.

4. Better than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant

- This song always reminds me that no matter what is going on in my life, God wants to know about it. He cares about my accomplishments, my emotions, and the bad things that happen to me. He wants all of my heart. I would pick this song to remind me that God wants me to turn to Him with everything.

5. Come Away with Me by Norah Jones

- This song can always calm me down. If I am ever feeling apprehensive, I play Norah Jones. Her soothing voice takes all of my cares away. I would also use this song to help me drown out my worries at night so I could sleep.

I chose songs that build me up, calm me down, and remind me of all the people who love me. Music plays such a big role in people's emotions, so I picked songs that bring out the best emotions in me.

Twister Bows: Use or Lose?

Last night, I was a bit bored and had creativity gushing from me. I twisted, glued, and twisted some more. This is what came of it:

This one is sitting slightly crooked because it's already attached to its matching alligator clip.

All would be fasted to a matching, lined alligator clip.

This is how they would look attached to a headband.

This is just another color variation of the above bow.

This was my first attempt... and slighty different version of the bow.

So, what do you think? Should I keep making these- or forget about them? Time and opinion will tell. I do know one thing... they are a ton of fun to make. And, yes, I will eat my words. I have now made a larger bow. Of some sort that is. BUT- they aren't the typical fluff bow, so that is one winning quality.