Monday, December 23, 2013

Tis the Season....

Just some fun photos from this Christmas season!


At the USAA Christmas party!!
Got our tree! The kiddos all wanted to carry it! Haha!

Hayride!


Lamb and the Piggy? ;)

sLiDe!
                            
sWiNgS!

A tuckered out Kev and Charis :D
All dressed up to see the Nutcracker!
To see this Photoshoot....
Check out my ----> Photography Blog!! <---- font="">

Blessings to you all, and hope you have a blessed Christmas and holiday season!!




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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Anniversary Trip 2013!!!

I was on pins and needles about this trip, as I have been planning it since October - when I found this be-YOND perfect location near Lost Maples Park! To begin our trip, Joshie drove the first hour, and then I took the wheel - even blindfolding him so he would have no clue where we were going! Trouble is the Cabin is off road and doesn't have an exact address....so even after I carefully hand-wrote the directions, I lost the spiral it was written in just minutes before we left, and I was already behind because Josh couldn't help me too much because I didn't want to give anything away - not even what we were eating. Sooooo, not wanting to wait any longer to leave (I wanted to get there before dark, and it was already in the afternoon) needless to say I got "lost" - turns out our GPS took us the right way BUT it took us the major back road way, rather than the straight forward way it was written. I think I scared/worried Joshie a little because I thought I was so lost! Heehee, but all turned out well and we arrived! The cabin was/is absolutely beautiful....

View(angled from top of stairs) from front porch

"The Lodges at Lost Maples"
"Welcome, Kaisers"
Front Porch
View from door
Bed - interesting headboard...
View from far side of bed, looking towards whirlpool tub! :D (really lovely)
View from table
Our fire <3 p="">
Scrabble!
Anniversary dinner!

There was no internet, cell service, cable or wifi to speak of...SO NICE! So we played tons of board games, watched DVDs, and just got to spend lovely, quiet time together - just the two of us. <3 p="">
We did a mini-photoshoot together before we left, thank you tripod and remote!

Love & Blessings! 









Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Eye's wide open

As many know, we have struggled with infertily for years now. It has the hardest path I've ever faced in life. God has shown me a lot and taught me a lot on this path. It is amazing how close we come to Him in times of trouble, and so easily forget how much we need to lean on Him. I'm sure I am going through this for a reason - because he wants me to draw close to Him, closer than I even have been before. Marriage has been a tough road, yes. Infertily is x100 as hard.....maybe there is no end to how high I could rate the pain of this path. Yet, I know he will never give us more than we can handle. I know however, my path is still not as hard as others....



Recently, a couple - a friend of my hubby's had a baby - sweet, newly married couple before their first anniversary they welcome a little girl into their hearts. She was a beautiful babe, with a hair full of beautiful. For some reason, God called the baby home at just six short weeks. I believe God has a plan in everything, yes even the pain of losing a child. ( Please understand, I know those of you reading this may disagree, and I am so deeply sorry for you and your family. I cannot even fathom that pain. So I also do want to come across as insensitive dear brothers & sisters ) However, let me share what God showed me. We went to this sweet baby's memorial, and God revealed something to me. How selfish I have been, stuck on my own sorrow of being childless and broken. He has been so good to us. Yes, we have not had a baby - but we also have never lost a baby through miscarriage or otherwise. This thought has really stuck in my brain, so I feel lead that I should share my thoughts. I did not have blinders on to the world, I knew childloss through miscarriage & childbirth existed and felt for them. However, I never knew how that would feel when I dealt with the emotions in public, or when I hugged the mommy who lost her sweet baby, or when I pray for both the husband and wife who are coping with a loss so early in their marriage.



God has lead us to be a quiverful family - so as such I KNOW the babies will come! As such, I will lean on God to work out the timing. In the meantime our path is bright and hopeful and while it is painful right now - He will work all things for His glory. Even now - I await results for my bloodwork testing my thyroid for . I really don't care about how it turns out, I'm just am so thankful to have a path to go down - rather than the same status quo.

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Monday, August 26, 2013

Silly Problems :)

First off, let me say - if you send me cards or letters, I LOVE receiving them! It thrills me to go to my mailbox and not just receive the next bill to be paid. Let me also say, this is such a seemingly silly problem (and it is) that I probably am silly for posting this blog. ;) So, without further stalling my question is this: What do you do with old cards or letters you have received? Do you bother storing them? Trash them after reading?

Normally, when I receive birthday cards I feel too guilty to just read & toss. I usually have them, until I can no longer stand them being in my way (I am a major purger, just ask my hubby) OR until they have something spilled on them, or they get torn accidentally. Christmas cards I enjoy for the season, then I toss them - except for the Christmas letters from our extended family, it is good to look back on what was going on in life at that time.

However, I still have all my graduation cards & our wedding cards - I am not sure why. I guess because the are huge markers of life changes. I still get amused when I go through them, and I see where four different families sent/gave us the same wedding card, or smile at the kind thoughts or letters we were sent, or the picture my sister drew of us.

Do you do anything creative with old cards? What is your policy with old cards?

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Please feel free to comment. :D

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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

My Master's MIS Class

I know the school year is right around the corner for most High School and College Students and I just wanted to write a note of encouragement to start off the school year. I just completed my 8th class for my MBA program and I have to tell you it was very difficult during the first 3 weeks of class. I didn’t know what the professor wanted for homework questions and had a break down during the third week and was ready to quit the class. I knew I wasn’t a quitter, but I didn’t think there was any way I could pass this class and I was right.

On my own, there wasn’t going to be any way that I could pass this class and when I was driving in the car in my third week, I prayed to My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and ask him to give me the strength and wisdom and no matter what the outcome of the class, I was going to give him all the glory for it. During the hard, bad, and good times he will always get the credit first. Philippians 4:13 states “I can do all things through Christ who give me strength. This was the one verse that was coming to my mind as I was driving in the car.

Another verse that also came to mind was Jeremiah 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 hope and a future.” These two verses really helped me that day. Today, I found out what my final grade was and I was so happy that God gave me the strength and wisdom to earn a 98.23% for my overall grade. I praise the Lord so much because 8 weeks ago I was ready to give up, and today he allowed me to earn a great grade.

As you head back to school, or continue school, I want to encourage you all cry out to Jesus for strength and wisdom when times get rough, or when things are good. He is always there for you and will give you the strength and wisdom if you ask for it. Also I would encourage you to give God the glory for whatever happens in your life and in this upcoming school year. 

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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

WHY doesn't he HELP?! - She asks

I know it is the age-old question - "My hubby has only been at work! Does he have any idea how hard I've been working? I'm exhausted and I still have a zillion things to do - he doesn't know the meaning of work!" Don't lie, we've ALL thought it! Joshie and I don't even have children yet and I have thought it - probably said it too...*sigh*. Anyway, think about it ladies your husband is out in the work force, he is subjected to all this pressure. He comes under the scrutiny of his boss, his co-workers, not to mention himself! So with that in mind, put yourself in his shoes- when he comes home and you just say "Why can't you help more, you never do enough around here!". Ladies, I am not saying you don't call for help from your hubby at all, or ask him to do something. Regardless, let him come home - greet him with a SMILE, be dressed and "prettied up" from him(this is the hardest for me, and I rarely seemed to do it) before you bombard him with everything wrong, or who broke the new lamp. Let him get changed, settled in, feed him dinner - whatever your hubby's nightly routine is. I know, I know it won't be possible every night - but just try to make that more the norm. so he feels love coming from you and it isn't just another thing wrong or that he needs to fix, or clean. Yes, he needs to hear about issues you are married for pete's sake! I used to get angry because my hubby wouldn't help, or he would but I would feel guilty. I came where I just would expect nothing from him that I don't really need help with. Chores isn't one of them, yeah I work my butt off - but that is very okay with me because making him feel at home, relaxed, loved is most important to covey to him I believe. Not to mention it makes me feel very good when I have things done, and pretty for him - clothes folded, in their drawer - bed made - etc. I want him to come home and feel zero pressure to do anything but recharge for returning to work, because that is what he does - not because he wants to but because he loves me and works to support our home, our family even if he doesn't "feel" like it. We don't always "feel" like getting up - cleaning, cooking, watching kids, etc. but we do! Regardless, of how we "feel". I try daily to keep to that thought, I get over what I "feel" and do it anyway because I know my hubby is hard at work for us. I mess up sometimes(okay, a lot), we all do with life and because we are just plain human. The point is don't let it defeat you! Read your bible(even if it is only for 15min - you will come to crave and enjoy it!), pray for strength throughout the day! If you mess up, start again with your day! Above all, don't let yourself dwell on "why me? why do I have to do all this? etc. - words and thoughts can either be poison or a blessing to you, they have power.



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Crockpot Dijon Mustard "Honey" Chicken - Trim Healthy Mama Recipe!



1 lb - cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/2 tsp powered Stevia (this is to add a honey-like sweetness to the dish)
3 TBSP Dijon Mustard
1 TBSP dried chopped onion flakes or 2 1/2 TBSP fresh, chopped onions
4 TBSP filtered water
1/2 tsp kosher salt 
1/2 tsp of pepper
if you like spicy dishes like I do, sprinkle some red peppers to over chicken (or I would guess 1/4 tsp to every 1lb) - I left it off until after I got hubby portions at the end.

Stir all items together and throw in the crockpot on high for 2 hours

Since this is an "E Meal" for sides we had green beans & brown rice w/butter - YUM!

If you like, this can easily become a freezer meal! :D

I have personally tried this recipe - the flavor was AMAZING, it was just slightly dry. So next time I plan to marinade everything for a couple of hours before cooking, maybe even overnight. :)

~Feel free to pin or share, please just make sure to link back here! Also we would LOVE to hear your comments on what you think of this meal, please come back and share with us~ 

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Sunday, June 23, 2013

My Craft & Business Corner - and some Doctor Who thrown in!

Just a simple Ikea (expedit) bookshelf, laid on it's side(the other box is just an extra square I picked up for $5? from a friend who was moving). :D Soon I am going to add another one beside it and also put my art on the wall, so this is a work-in-progress! Just thought I do a quick posting of what Hubby and I have been up to! Joshie put it up for me and I organized it how I want it. :)


Speaking of crafts, I also have just started making a baby afghan ( no, I am not preggy...yet. This is for those future babies though! )


My Aunt Jess came over for a crocheting day so I was drooling over her afghan book so much, then started this blanket that my Mom bought it (the book) for my birthday! WOOT WOOT! 


I added a color(green - also part of my birthday gifts from my Mom), I am really happy with the colors now! :D 



Hope you are all doing well - I will post again with progress on this afghan, not to mention my craft corner! If you miss my post - simply search "puffs baby blanket" in my tags. The same if you are looking for my "craft corner"

Now calling to my geeky side as I wait in great anticipation for the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who...


Yipee! Not to mention I am bouncing off the walls that my favorite doctor, aka #10 (David Tennant) is coming back for it! 


This is old news if you are a fellow Whovian like me, but if you are new to Doctor Who - I highly recommend watching all 5 series before it comes on in Nov! (seriously give it at LEAST the first two series before you call it quits or start with series 2 - but that is just me because I love David T. as the Doctor. :D)
So as I wait with bated breath about the special my hubby bought me series 2-4 for my birthday on Amazon Instant Play. ( So much cheaper than the discs )

 
So now I can always watch Dr.Who wherever I am! ( if it ever decides to leave Netflix, which for $8 if worth seeing all the Doctor Who episodes if you want to see them! )

Anyway, ta-ta for now! :)

Monday, April 8, 2013

Not a diet, a LIFESTYLE change!!

To tell you this story, which is quite silly to share at all - I must give you a little back story. 

I LOVE potatoes, I mean really really love them. They are by far my favorite food, and I crave them above pretty much anything with sugar. Honestly, all sweets could fall off the edge of the earth and I wouldn't care! Now, don't get me wrong - I do enjoy sugar a lot! :D As so of you know I have started the new lifestyle (NOT a diet, I refuse to call it that because it is the way and style I eat that counts! I want to be able to live a long life, and show my kids how to as well) of eating with the book "Trim, Healthy Mama" 



- I know, I know not the coolest name ever and I am not a Mom(yet ;), but this way of eating is for ALL people, guys you too - I say this so if you are thinking you are excluded because of the title, think again! heehee. I'm just teasing, in no way pressuring you, though I encourage you to try this! It REALLY works. 

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Anyway for this new way of eating, potatoes are not included. I was(am) sooo sad that my lovely potatoes are against the rules. I always said I would never, ever give up potatoes for a "diet". I have stuck to my guns during the week(and I have been following this for almost a month now), not ONE potato item - even when we went to Bill Millers and my siblings had fries. Cheat day is on Sunday, so that is my time to have my naughty potatoes, but as I ate my fries from McD's this last week I realized that they were not as magical to me as before. It really shocked me! I thought I might never have a hope of being able to avoid them, or at least go two weeks (maybe) without having any potatoes. Have I bored you yet? Yes, all this is about my separation from potatoes, sad ain't I? heehee I don't care! Giving up my favorite food is WORTH IT to me to feel good, have energy, be healthy. This is NOT about losing weight, though that is a major plus! 

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I am all about the baby steps with this change, I understand twenty-one years of eating the way I have doesn't change overnight - I started with smaller portions - following the book rules for eating - exercise (because I WANT to!) - have a cheat day! - If I mess up and "cheat" it is okay, I would rather cheat and stick with this lifestyle then be strict and get tired of the rules, then drop it completely! - doing it for me, my health, my future! - praying for strength to continue doing better and keeping with it because I know I don't have the strength myself alone!

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Like I said, baby steps! That was important for me. You may be different, but if I feel suffocated by a new change I am not going to stick to it very well. Seven months ago I had been on this diet for a few months, weighed in at 176.6 - my highest EVER for me - got down to 163.6

well then I did the biggest mistake of all. I went off my "diet" around the time Thanksgiving came around, six months passed and I FINALLY got back to eating well. In this first month(even with a cheat day every Sunday), I am ALMOST back to that 163.6(weighed in Nov 15, 2012) at 164.0 yesterday. I feel good about my progress, even if the scale isn't moving fast, I am looking AND feeling better! Gotta say, the way I feel I have barely missed all the soda I used to drink, and all the candy and donuts I had! I just wish I hadn't gone off track, who knows where I'd be now on the scale, and the way I feel! O.O Ah, well - no use crying over lost time! :D At least now I have learned my lesson - the hard way. 

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Hope & Love

Recently, I have engrossed myself in His word, and I find myself not wanting put my bible down because I am so absorbed in the words! This is such a new found freedom, though I love God and attend church, I haven't taken the time for his WORD. It is so true if you make God FIRST in your life, everything seems to fall in place. Even my sorrow in not having a baby. I am okay, I will survive because God is my strength and my hope! Praise Him in the day and the night! Today, my room was a disaster zone, and He gave me the strength to complete the floor & VACUUM! Tomorrow, surfaces! I know this doesn't seem to huge to anyone outside of me, but before I would have wallowed in beating myself down for not keeping a simple room clean, and not having it looking nice for my hubby not to mention myself. (to be clear Josh is nothing but a support to me and my short comings.) Today, I am so very thankful my husband. In spite of ALL my many short comings he never fails to show his love for me, he makes mistakes of course- we both do, we are only human. I know God gives him the strength to deal with me (and I him, heehee) and work, etc. I am so so very thankful for him having such an open heart to God and what His will is!

What has me thinking so much about this is....A friend(to remain unnamed for privacy) whom has several children, and is expecting- her husband has turned from Christ and so in turn has told his wife he no longer wants part in the marriage, that he is not in love with her, etc. If you are reading this dear sister, my heart aches for you!! I am praying hard for you and your family, as I ask those that read this to reach out in prayer to her!

Monday, February 11, 2013

The Childless Mother

I have known all to well the pain of not getting pregnant, while it would seem all those around me are. It is a burden I would not wish on my worst enemy. For the last two years, I have never once taken birth control pills or any other preventative method to prevent pregnancy. I have struggled for many years as most do, to truly give God complete control over my life. I don't know how others do not see how birth control is also up to God, we just have the illusion of control. I am NOT condemning because I struggle also with this! I am only human. When I got married, I had a very great peace about having as many children as God wished to bless us with. I never knew he had other plans. I never, ever thought he would test my faith in another way. It hit me like a freight train. I was barren, just like Hannah in the bible before she bore Samuel and then three sons and two daughters. {Samuel: 2:21} She prayed to God to remember her, and he did! {Samuel 1:19} I know things have changed, we are not in the Old Testament times, but do we not follow God's word? Do we not read and study, pray, go to Church to be closer to His word and following it? Of course we do, we have no control over any aspect of our lives. It is plain and simple, yet not easy in the least! I have grieved so long and cried many nights, and asked Him: "Why? Why am I not worthy?". That is just it, God does not keep list of my wrongs or of my sins, because of the sacrifice of His son! So I have not to fear, I PRAY for a child - it may not be His will because it is not what is best for his daughter at this time. I have faith though, God has given me this deep seeded desire to be a mother for a reason, I believe in His time He will fill that need. I have not seeked Him or been close to him in these two years of marriage, I truly think He has been seeking my heart to draw it closer to Him. He has opened my eyes to spend time with him daily. I now make it a point to spend time in His word, no matter how little or how much I read - or how much time I take. There are 24 hours in a day, I think we all can spare 10min in our day for him. Let me tell you, my heart has never been lighter, then the days I have start with my focus on Him. My marriage has been stronger because of it! If I cry, it is not automatically because I am not pregnant again or someone I know is. I no longer feel I have to carry that burden, it doesn't mean it won't creep up but I know God is always there to help me through it. 

"He settles the childless mother in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord." {Psalms 113:9}

~~As a side note, I want to say please do not take offense to this if you are on a different path or you do not agree. This is what God has shown me! This is what He has opened my eyes to. I do not judge you for the path God has set you on. We each have what God has shown us, and what we each believe. So please remember this and be kind with your comments. Thank you~~

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Hello, 2013!

I was just inspired by a friend who wrote a post about her New Year's Resolutions, up till now I have been pretty shut mouthed about what I want to do with my year. My Mom has also asked me, so now I think that is also a sign I needed to write today. Maybe not, but I have missed writing so much- so I will enjoy doing so.

 (...I know "blah blah, get ON with it!")

I think last year, for the most part I cannot remember what I resolved to do. I believe one was lose weight, which I did. But I think I gained it back since Thanksgiving..*sigh*. Read my bible, for sure failed fell short of that. I don't remember what else! I blame it on I have slept since then...heehee

 No excuses, this year I resolve:

 ~~~Take a picture everyday! - as a photographer, I for one easily get bogged down in the business of it all. The running of my business on etsy, editing photos, networking, networking...more networking. So I plan to KEEP BEING INSPIRED!

 ~~~Read the bible, and pray with my husband- even if just a prayer at night. - As of late, I have really had my eyes opened to the fact if we are not keeping close with God we are really allowing Satan a free pass to tear us down. (ps Josh and I are doing GREAT! I just don't want to allow Satan ANY foothold!)

 ~~~Read 30 Books - a great resolution I stole from my friend that she had for this year! I love it and I have read a total of 3 books since being married. I really miss doing this! ~~~Spend less time on the computer, and more time enjoying life!

~~~Run a 5k. again..my last one a few years ago was a disaster.

 ~~~Take up crocheting again...;) I have already started!

 ~~~GET A CUTE HAIRCUT!...maybe, I am always fighting myself on this one!

 ~~~Continue to allow God to work on my sorrow.

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 There it is, I cannot think of what else to add so that will be it. My goals, as more come to me during the year. I feel I should explain the last one here...this last two year was hard- God has asked quite a lot of me. The emotional toll has been so hard, for both Josh and I. Even though I truly believe (as I keep saying) I trust God is in control of ALL things- however when it comes to my womb I somehow feel responsible for it. It is my body that month after month isn't pregnant and now that it is really 2013, it has hit me like a ton of bricks that we still don't have a baby. It is okay though, God has really helped me lift my head and slowly and quite stubbornly I might add- I am releasing it to Him. Because he knows my desires and prayers, and He knows I will never stop praying for that child of mine.

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