Homemade - Part 3

One of my most favorite "seasonal foods that I eat all year round" is acorn squash! Seriously, it is so delish and easy to make! I add a little butter and brown sugar to mine, and am in heaven!

I think the seeds are just as good as the delightful fruit of the squash...I just rinse, dry, season and bake on high for about 20 minutes. Such a crunchy and yummy snack. Of course they are devoured in about .003 seconds...Darrin doesn't like squash, but he loves the seeds! For my seasoning I sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and Lawry's...and then top with a light drizzle of oil.

 I don't have a picture of them when they are done, but they shrink up a bit and turn a nice golden brown. Enjoy!

Happy Weekend!

Just some thoughts...

- On Monday, one of my friends sisters was in a bad car accident and died. It was quite a shock, and really got me thinking about my friends and family...when someone dies, even if you aren't that close to them, it really messes up the normal, and gets you thinking...I hurt for the family, but am so happy to know that she is in the arms of her savior, in a place we all wish to be...heaven!
- On Tuesday, I reconnected with 2 of my friends from high school, that was fun...but I was sad to say I wouldn't be home until May! We won't make it home for Christmas because of baby making its debut, and my sister graduates in May, so that's when we are planning to go back! I cringed at the thought of not seeing most of my family till then, and missing my favorite weekend...Ponca. But I was ok! God has really blessed us,  I love living here with Darrin, and I know God will provide all our needs for baby.
- On Wednesday, Darrin came home and told me to check my email...in it, I found my flight itinerary for Wednesday, October 20th! I cried...because I am pregnant. Because I haven't for a long time. Because I get to see my family. Because I don't want to leave him for 9 days. Because I felt so happy!
-On Thursday, Anna told me about some last minute planning she, Dar and my moms had done. I couldn't be happier and feel more loved. And then I talked to Bentley and we already have lots of things planned together.
- Today Darrin got up early to play basketball, I slept in. We ate lunch and watched a really dumb movie (The Killers) and then did a little shopping...then we both made a huge dish of Apple Crisp for small group tonight...I am really starting to look forward to my pizza and pop on Friday nights!
- Tomorrow we will go to Simpsonville and Greenville...and then watch (hopefully) the Huskers dominate Texas. Ahhh...what a lovely week!

Homemade - Part 2

So you know I have been addicted to baking soda, right? Well, I have found many uses for it...brushing my teeth, unclogging the drain, washing off the stove, and my most recent...scrubbing my face! Thanks to my mom, I have a great stash of Mary - Kay face products...but nothing to exfoliate!  So I did a little home remedie and came up with this...

Mary's Homemade Face Scrub
Equal parts ( I did 1/4 cup) of:
- Baking Soda
- Sugar
- Honey
- Oatmeal
- Warm Water
Mix together and there you go! It separates over time, so just mix it up. I put a table spoon in one hand, and used the other to spread it over my face...let it sit for a few minutes and then message in and rinse off! I think it is gentle enough to use everyday...I have been, and my skin looks and feels great! It smells very natural...It may be my pregnancy smell, but the oats really remind me of my old farm days.
For some reason I feel like this outs me on having too much time on my hands...but seriously, it is magical...plus I know whats in it!

Homemade - Part 1

Ever since I moved away from Nebraska, I have been wanting to make one of my most favorite things in the whole world...Runza's! Now that I say the word out loud, the name sounds a little ridiculous...but these hot sandwiches are far from it! I found the recipe online, and you MUST make it! Even if you or someone says they don't like cabbage...they will love it in here! After all these years of thinking he wouldn't like these, my husband is in love. 

 

This isn't my made-up recipe, I found it online...I did season the meat more than it called for, and added cheese...these are the best! The bread is so delicious, I think I will now use it for pizza crust. These little guys are so diverse, you could literally put anything in them! Pizza fillings, ham and cheese, veggies, whatever! I froze over half of mine, and they were just as good microwaved for 2 minutes! I am super excited about that, because with baby coming, I am trying to find good recipes that I can make ahead of time and freeze.

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1/2 cup sugar 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs FILLING: 1 pound lean ground beef 2 small onions, chopped 4 cups chopped cabbage 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1.

In a large mixing bowl, place 1-3/4 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Heat milk, water and shortening to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Pour over flour mixture; add the eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low until blended. Beat 3 additional minutes on high. Stir in the remaining flour; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

2.

Meanwhile, brown beef and onions in a skillet. Add the cabbage, salt and pepper; cook until cabbage is wilted. Punch dough down; roll into 12/6-in. squares. Top each square with 1/3 cup meat mixture. Fold into triangles. Pinch edges tightly to seal and place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.

Baby D

Today we had our ultra sound...click here to find out what baby is!

P.S

An awesome lady over here is doing a sweet giveaway! Even if you don't win, its a good blog to follow...and some really beautiful items to consider buying!

Fall!

Fall is definitely my favorite season. I love the crisp, cool air, changing leaves, and a new energy for baking. Growing up, everytime I would visit my Grandmother, her house would be beautifully sprinkled with seasonal decorations...that is just one of the many things my she has inspired me to do...go out of my way to be festive!

 

On another fallish note, the last two days have been gray, cool and rainy...my favorite! As I sit here and sip my decaf (with lots of hazelnut creamer) and look at my to do list today, I can't help but thank God for my "job"! I love it, and I can't imagine how much more joy (and stress? and diapers...) will fill my life once baby is here. Thank you Darrin, for providing for us, and not being they type to always want more, expensive stuff...working with what we have been given, and making me feel important!

Baby D - 29 Weeks

 

Don't mind my jammies :) 

*Baby should be about 3 pounds this week. While I made made a land mark weight too...I won't say it, but I will say it begins with a 2 and end with a 02.

*I can now actually feel with my hands, a baby in my tummy...and it sure lets me know that its there!

*When I lay down on my side at night it starts moving...a lot. 

*Walking is still not too difficult, but tying my shoe is. 

* 2 weeks until we find out if "it" is a boy or girl.

*I can't eat enough baking soda and take about 9 vitamin pills a day. 

*My hormones are out of balance, but thankfully, Darrin's are not.

* I've had a few irregular contractions, and am doing other stretches/ walking to get ready for the big day!

For You.

Romans 12:1-2
NIV-  ¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 
NKJV -  ¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

 I love these two verses...so much encouragement and knowledge packed into a few sentences!
(1) As women of God, our bodies belong to the Lord. It got me thinking, does that mean we shouldn't pierce, where make up or tattoo our bodies? I think that is up to your convictions, I am not personally convicted about it...instead of personal things like that, I think this verse is about keeping your bodies healthy, strong and presentable. Are we pleasing God through what we put into our bodies, put on our bodies, and do with our bodies? I like in the NKJV how it says that it is our "reasonable service" because it really is reasonable!
(2) How can we transform and renew our minds? How can we make sure we aren't leaning towards, or flat out following the worlds (satan's) mind set?
Prayer, worship, fellowship, scripture and nature. Sometimes it is easy to say a quick prayer instead of spilling your heart out to God. How often to you actually give into worship? Not just looking around or singing the words. What do you talk to you Christian friends about? How is your daily bible reading going? Do you ever go outside and just take a deep breath and enjoy all God has created? (Or maybe from the inside, if you have allergies :) )
I do not say these things to accuse, but just to ponder on! Verses like this seem to either make you think, "oh, I could really do that better!" or be thankful to God for how you are doing in your life.

Thank you, Lord for giving us everything we need to serve you wholeheartedly. Bring to mind areas we can improve on, and give us the strength to follow through. Thank you for being clear with your plan for our lives.

A Few Tunes

 Here are some good, new christian songs...the youtube videos aren't worth watching, but they are seriously good songs! Enjoy.

 Rise and Sing

Your Love Never Fails

The Time Has Come

Our God is Greater

The Anthem/ Hallelujah

A few verses...

I have been reading through the book of Romans, and today in chapter 8 so many things stuck out to me. This has always been one of my favorite chapters in the bible, and I highly recommend reading through it!


Paul is writing to the church in this book...and in the previous chapters he has been talking about living in the flesh, or in the spirit. I'm not even going to comment my thoughts, but let the Holy Spirit speak to you!


Romans 8...KNJV.
 ¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,^[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 

⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  

¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it  with perseverance. ²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us^[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  


³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.




Today I pray that you will be touch, changed and be encouraged by the love that God has for each one of us!

a list.

1. This picture was taken exactly 3 years ago, at my favorite place....Ponca! I was attending Grace, and Darrin flew back from school to come on vacation with my whole family. Its when we knew we loved each other, and that we were going to start dating...forever.
2. I am currently reading Romans...and as soon as I put my pen down, I pick it right back up and underline something, or write a thought...I just love when the Lord opens my eyes to things....don't you?!
3. This weekend we will be traveling to Lynchburg, Virginia, more specifically Liberty University. They will be playing this film and Darrin is speaking at it.
4. Baby is moving all the time! It is a very cool feeling...I can't wait to meet him/her.
5. I am trying to cut costs on groceries...what are your suggestions?
6. Fall is slowly pushing out summer hear...and I am loving it! I may have broken out a few fall decorations. We decided that carving pumpkins this year is a must...but I think we will wait until October for that.
7. Did I ever tell you that fall is my favorite season? It is...I love cool weather, any thing with the word "pumpkin" or "spice" in it (even better if used together!) and I love the over all colors of fall. I also love warm drinks, the smell of  bon fires, and a reason to cook/bake warm food.
8. Our stroller arrived yesterday! It, along with its matching play yard and high chair, were on sale last week, so we went ahead and bought them. I am hoping the other two come today!
9. For awhile now, I have been saving my glass jars...I don't know why, they are just too cute to throw away. So I am kind of looking for a way to use them...any ideas?
10. And now I will leave you with a few ways that I have stretched my groceries (for lunch) this week...
* pre - bagged the pringles...actually Darrin did this and it was so cute...exactly into 6 serving sizes...who knew you weren't supposed to eat half that can?
* made ranch dip, and divided it into 11 mini tupperware cups...enough for this week and next week! I also pre washed and bagged the celery for this...
* this is a little crazy, but I pre bagged the bread I will need for sandwiches...only because then I know how much toast I can eat...I mean I love toast, and it was getting out of control!
* made a batch of cookies, and froze half for next week.
* bought just enough peaches needed for this week...it helps me not to eat 4 a day!
This has made throwing together Darrin's lunch so easy! This is his favorite lunch...I love how simple he is! Today I added and Emergenc packet, some new vitamins we are taking, and a coffee mug.

They're Coming!

We are having our first, official visitors! Darrin's parents and sisters are coming for the weekend, and I couldn't be more thrilled! One of the downfalls to living 17 hours from home, is that it is so time consuming/expensive to travel! So we are so thankful that they want to come see us!

Here are a few things on the agenda:

* play sand volleyball

* grill out

* feel baby move

* shopping in greenville

* watch the husker game in greenville...yes Kat found a bar that will be showing the game, how awesome is she?

* go for lots of walks

* play games (yessss....I so love games.)

* watch a movie or two

* go swimming

* go to church

I just can't wait...they come in at 11pm tonight!

A little about me: When I know I have special company coming, I go crazy. I mean my apartment is never that messy or dirty,  but I vacuum places I normally wouldn't, I make sure that every room smells good, I bake too many treats, and I make sure every morsel of laundry is clean. This is always the way it was growing up, and so I feel like when people come see me, its deep cleaning time! Who's with me?

With that said, I better go organize my DVD's, clean my lamp bases, and reorganize the pantry.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

This is by far my favorite homemade pizza recipe! Although I admit, I am not picky when it comes to the good ole deep dish. I tried my hand at home made pizza dough, and it turned out super good! Even if you think this pizza sounds a little iffy, you must try it...you and your family will thank me.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

1 large pizza crust

grilled chicken

your favorite BBQ sauce (I like sweet baby rays for this)

sharp cheddar/mozzarella cheese

diced onion

cooked, crumbled bacon

fresh cilantro
ranch (for dipping...optional!)

If using homemade crust, pre-cook for 10 minutes. Then top with all your ingredients and bake at 350˚ for about 25 minutes. Use the cilantro as a granish, right out of the oven.
Enjoy!

Peach Crisp

Looking for the perfect desert to kick off the fall season? Look no further...grab some peaches and lets get baking!

Start with 8 peaches...I found these guys at the farmers market...they were so sweet and delicious!

(Excuse the blurry pic)

Remove most of the skin from the peaches. I used my veggie peeler and it worked great! Cut in half, and then again in fourths. 

Add in water, sugar, honey, almond extract and cinnamon.

Layer onto a buttered 9 X 13 pan.

Sprinkle with the flour, oats, sugar and butter mixture.

Voila! After about 35 minutes, this delicious looking (and smelling) bubbly goodness is ready to serve with some vanilla ice cream!

Recipe

Base

8 Peaches - peeled and sliced

1/4-1/2 cup Water, depending on softness of peaches. 

1/4 cup Sugar

1/4 cup Honey

1 tsp. Almond Extract

1 tsp. Cinnamon

*Combine all ingredients above.

Crisp Topping

1 cup Flour

1 cup Quick Oats

1 cup Brown Sugar

1/2 cup Butter

Bake at 350˚ for about 35 minutes.

Baby Dick!

24.4 weeks! My due date is December 12th...and this is the first picture I have taken! I feel now like my belly is starting to look pregnant round, and not just, well....round! After much thought, and going back and forth...we will find out what it is on October 7th! As for now, baby is kicking and moving all the time! I am have a large appetite...which has led to a lot of time in the kitchen.  Darrin is being the best encourager for walking. You would think that staying home all day it would be easy...not for this girl! On Tuesdays my birthing center offers free prenatal yoga, which I am have been attending, and I love it!

Inspiration.

I know for a fact, that every woman goes through many trials each and everyday. Whether we are at home or at work, it seems like something is always bombarding us. To find hope, peace, love and assurance in my life and marriage, I turn to God. The most loving being that everyone wants on their side, all powerful, all knowing, and he wants the best for us! Awesome! Thankfully, He gave us something to guide or everyday life...

How can we expect to live for God, claim to love God or Jesus if we don't follow His own words and guidelines? The bible isn't a book of "dont's" but rather a connection to our creator and savior. Everything is put in that book for a reason, and for our benefit!
It is a struggle for most of us to actually set aside time to read the bible, and pray. But I am hear to encourage you to set aside just a little time, with your breakfast or morning coffee, and start reading! One thing that helps me keep track of where I am and what I am thinking is this...

No, I don't write down all my deep dark secrets, but rather thoughts on what I am reading, struggles I may go through, or prayers. It really is encouraging and a helpful tool. If you haven't started a journal, it is not too late! Start reading and writing...It is also a good accountability tool. Because you will feel a draw to write in that journal and spend that quality time with God.

There is a used book store in our library, and I came across this steal for $1!

I am absolutely in love with it. Everyone is struggling with their own battles, and Darrin is my life partner so it is my job to lift him up to the Lord. This really helps know struggles he might face, and has a guided, detailed prayer that I, as a wife, can pray. It is really good reading, too!

So I challenge YOU to open up your heart and mind to God. He is waiting on you!

funny texts.

"Ever just have one of those days?"

Meet my hilarious brother in law, Shawn (Bentley's Dad!). I have known him longer than I have known my own husband, and he is the older brother every girl wants. (Right, Andrea?) Not only is he a good, hard working provider, spiritual leader, and best friend to my sister, he is hilarious! This particular cig is a fake candy one.

a delicious wrap.

Tortillas, veggies, cheese and ham are just a few of the staples of my fridge. Today I paired them together for a quick, easy lunch!

 This wrap is a fun lunch alternative to a sandwich, or loaded up salad. You can put any of your favorites on it, take it to go, and make it for kids.  The versatility of wraps is just one of the reasons why I love them.
I used two of my favorite condiments, yellow mustard and ranch as my base. Then I topped it with cheese, ham, tomatoes and romaine lettuce. Usually I would use spinach, but I just bought this fresh romaine yesterday, and I just love the crunch it brings!
One thing I always do is take the time to prepare all my vegetables and unwashed lettuce. It is so much more cost effective to buy them uncut or prepared. It doesn't take up much time, and I know my food is washed, cut and ready for the week!

Saved People, Serve People

Here is a sample of our church...Darrin made the 80's video. The sermon starts at about 23 minutes. Check it out!

New Blog Design

I hope you enjoy the new look!  My amazing husband, Darrin, spent his Saturday afternoon giving the blog a face lift. He has now informed me that I have to keep up the blog and post everyday,  so, I'll do my best!  Thanks for reading.

Pedicures.

I am not one to have a lot of any spending money these days...there are bills to be paid, groceries to buy, and a nursery to build! Darrin works so hard and provides abundantly for us, and for him, I am so grateful! I could go on, (as I am sure you could about your best friend) but nevertheless, this post is about the luxury of getting a nice spa pedi! When my mom was here in July and on Elsie's 1/2 birthday (I still don't know how she manages to get 2 birthdays every year) we went to do Elli's favorite thing. It was my moms first time (and she is 50, mind you!) and it was wonderful. If you haven't had one done recently...or ever...you have to get one done!

Happy girls! Pedicures are so relaxing...they are good for the body and mind!

Elsie has model perfect feet.

Mom thinks she does too. No really, she loved her toes and was so proud of them!

As for my toes? They have grown...I didn't know that my size 11W feet could get any bigger...but now they look so long and skinny and go to the edge of my flippy floppies. And I just found out I have outgrown my Toms. Ahhhhh mom life :)

Bentley.

For the past 8 weeks I have got a picture text of this little guy just about everyday! I can't get over how cute he is!

I mean he is just so presh. He looks just like his Daddy. Loves his hands by his face. And never wants his Momma to put him down. It makes me wonder what his little cousin will be like :)

around the house...

Beds. Kind of a personal thing...sometimes I see peoples bed and think "you sleep on that? GROSS!" And maybe you will think that of mine, but my sheets are clean. Promise.

Anyways, We don't have a headboard, for many reasons. Someday maybe we will get a whole matching bedroom set. Up until now our bed has just been pushed up against the wall. That is until we moved here and our bed sat up against a window which has a ledge and therefore if you tried to sit up, you kind of just awkwardly fell back.
One morning I was just praying for a way to either buy a headboard or to find something to put in between the bed and the window. And then, I realized I had about 50 encyclopedias sitting in my baby's room with no home!

Thank you, Lord for always providing!!

M.I.A

Since some of you have asked for an update...and I understand what its like when a blog you follow doesn't update...and since I have a lot of free time on my hands these days...I thought I might try and get back into this little blog.

What I have been up to since my last post...uh...February.

1. Found out God had planted a little someone in me!
2. Went through 11 rough weeks of nausea.
3. Darrin worked his booty off and graduated... Magna Cum Laude no less.
4. Have had many special visitors come stay with us.
5. Traveled home to Derrick and Haley's wedding!
6. Welcomed my first and forever favorite nephew...Bentley Von Kliewer!
7. Visited a little town in South Carolina for a job interview that I never in a million years would be so perfect for us.
8. Moved to that little town!
9. Found the perfect Midwife and Delivery (please don't judge them by their lame website) place to have Baby Dick!
10. Once again am being blown away by the love and grace and peace of God.

Darrin is really loving his job at church, and it works out because we love the church and pastor! I have been staying home, which has worked out the last 2 weeks because I have been sick...but I seriously need to either find some part time work or start a hobby! I LOVE being at home, but I can only clean so much :)
This Saturday I am going with a friend to check out the Greenville farmers market, I am SO excited!
We also started registering for the baby (I LOVE registering/ looking at registries for some reason!) at Babies R Us and at Target.
Anyways, we may be getting a camera here at some point, so at some point this blog will involve pictures.
Until then...here are a few from Facebook!
I couldn't be more proud of these girls...getting baptized!
Rom. 6: 3-4³Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 
I am so thankful that these girls accepted Jesus' gift of salvation at a young age, and have already decided to proclaim Him and dedicate their lives to Him!

 Me and Darrin have both periodically said about 27 times since they were here last month "You know who I really miss? Joe and Elli." In fact Darrin just said it yesterday, and I couldn't agree more!

 I am so lucky to get to ichat with these two almost everyday!

 Sisters and Brother. Minus Kami.