Friday Recap...

This week was Josh's first week working in Miami. I'm happy to say he's made it home safely every night which is my biggest concern. He's definitely exhausted...3:30 AM comes way too early and he's basically added on another 4 hours each day to his workday if you consider the drive. I'm so proud of him. He's such a good man, he works so hard to provide for us. Thankfully this weekend he'll get some rest as he's still adjusting to his new schedule...but I think he'll be working overtime the next several weeks. Good for us financially...but he's going to be so tired.

I finished my apron and some new pillow covers (2 of 4)...I've also finished two coasters so far, and I'm going to start the third one today. I'm also still working on reorganizing everything in our home, it's quite the process. I really need to invest in some storage boxes and such. It would make this process much easier and would look much neater.

We also are happy to say that we were able to sponsor another child from Compassion International this week. We have been praying about it for quite some time now and GOD has provided the money for it...so we're taking that leap of faith again. We've been sponsoring our little Nissi Nicole for about ....well....almost 3 years, I think. She's been such a blessing. Watching her grow and watching GOD work in her life through the money we've been able to provide her family is such a rewarding experience. I'll never forget when GOD laid it on our hearts to give an extra amount one month for her to buy a pet (we always write her about our kitties and in one of her letters she mentioned how she really wanted a pet of her own as well)....when she sent us a picture in her next letter with her little bunny rabbit in her lap...I welled up with tears of joy!
So this year we welcome Puji Lestari into our family :0) She is a precious 16 year old girl from Indonesia. We're looking forward to getting to know her and hoping to be a blessing to her.

I hope that someday we'll get to visit the girls in their home countries (compassion actually offers that option...it'd be so neat to go see them!)

I highly recommend Compassion to anyone who is interested. They're a wonderful charity.

www.compassion.com
(It's $38 per month per child)

So that's about it....everything is well with us...lots of praying still for direction and wisdom...but
we're trusting that GOD has it all worked out already. We're very thankful for all he's doing in our hearts and our lives. We finally feel like we're figuring it all out.
Happy Friday to you all!

Thankful Thursday....

I am thankful for my little sis...she is very special to me. This Tuesday she celebrated her 25th birthday! Happy Birthday sweetie, I love you and miss you very much!

Check out her blog if you'd like....she recently moved to DC and has taken some amazing photos of the city!

www.jandaindc.blogspot.com

Wonderful Home Wednesday...

For this weeks Wonderful Home Wednesday I wanted to share another blog with you guys of a young couple who have renovated a lovely 60 year old home. It is small but absolutely lovely. They've done a fabulous job at making a small space cozy, elegant and functional. I love it...I think they're home certainly qualifies as a "Wonderful Home"! Check out they're blog and head to the HOME TOUR section...Enjoy!

www.neverhomemaker.com/2009/11/welcome-to-never-homemaker.html

Becoming a Good Steward...

Those of you who have followed my previous blog for a while already know that my hubby and I have been working towards becoming better stewards of what GOD has given us. It's definitely one of our main goals for this year. I think so far we're making pretty good progress and I'm happy to see the fruits of our labor. Slowly but surely we're seeing GOD work in our lives. Today I was watching Joyce Meyer (as I do most mornings when I'm home) and she was talking about becoming debt free....it was great to hear her message because it served as sort of an extra nudge...or a reassurance that we are on the right track.

Some of the key verses for me through this process are:

Proverbs 22:7 "...and the borrower is servant to the lender"

Proverbs 22:9 "A generous man will himself be blessed for he shares his food with the poor"

Proverbs 21:21 "He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor"

Joyce had some great advice this morning...as to how to deligate your money

1)give
2)save
3)spend (wisely....if at all possible...live 30% below your means)

*know exactly what you owe and what you have...
*set financial goals....work towards paying off small debts first and then work your way to the larger debts...you'll feel like you've accomplished more.
*SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!!! Everyone should work towards having an emergency fund and a savings account for other things.

I believe Dave Ramsey said that you should give at least 10% (tithes, charities, etc.)10% savings and the other 80% is for everything else. Which I thought was a great place to start. There was also a lot of helpful information in a book I read recently called "Your Money Counts" by Howard Dayton.

We are by no means perfect, we're certainly still figuring it all out ourselves, but I thought I'd share some of the things I'm learning on our journey to becoming better stewards...I know I've spoken with some of you via blogs/email about this topic since several of you are in similar situations and the reality is most of us do live paycheck to paycheck...be it due to past mistakes or simply unfortunate circumstances....but I think we can all better our finances at least a littlle bit :O) Hope this is helpful...

Tasty Tuesday....

Twice Baked Potatoes...

I've made a version of these before, but this is a new recipe that I plan to try out this week.

www.allrecipes.com/Recipe/Great-Twice-Baked-Potatoes/Detail.aspx

Enjoy!

One of my new favorite movies...

Julie and Julia! Absolutely adorable!

Monday Monday....

So....I've finally started an apron!!! Yes I did. I've been wanting to do it forever but I was afraid to...I had no idea what I was doing, nor did I have a pattern to go by. Friday, I guess I finally worked up the nerve to do it and I just kinda took the scissors in hand and went at it. I must say...I LOVE IT! I love the fabric I chose and the size and shape worked out perfectly. I'm not quite finished yet, I still need to add some ribbon to tie it in the back, the belt and such...but I'm almost there. I'll post photos as soon as I am finished.

Saturday we had a lovely lunch with Josh's parents and went back to their house and they attempted to teach me cards...it was fun. Although I still have no clue what I'm doing! Haha. We also looked at a bunch of old photos...of Josh and his sister. He was sooo cute! I totally would have dated him in high school! :0) Wish we could have gone to the same school.

Today is Josh's first day working in Miami...it's quite a drive for him from where we live (about 2hrs), but thankfully he and a coworker are able to carpool for now. I'm praying that GOD keeps them safe on crazy I95!!! Other than the drive it's not bad...I just feel bad that he has to get up at 3:45 AM so I can drop him off for the carpool. He's been working so hard for us, but I have to say it's paying off. We definitely feel blessed that GOD is providing for us. We are very thankful!
We're excited to see what the future has in store for us. :0)

Hope everyone is having a great start to their week!

My Favorites Monday....

I love, love, love this saphire ring! I think it's so pretty...I saw it on some online store a few weeks ago while browsing.

Sunday Inspiration...

Hebrews 10:35 & 36

"So do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to perservere so that when you have done the will of GOD, you will receive what he has promised."

This scripture was on Joyce Meyers show the other day, along with many others that spoke to my heart.

Hope that you all will have a beautiful Sunday with GOD and your family. :0)
Happy Sunday!

Happy Homemaking Saturday...

www.reluctantgourmet.com/doneness_chart.htm

The above site has all of the temperatures for meat doneness. I keep one similar to this on my refrigerator. I don't even eat meat so cooking it has always been a bit of a challenge for me. They're really helpful to have. I hope you enjoy! :0)

Happy Homemaking!

another fun blog...

www.insidebrucrewlife.blogspot.com

Enjoy... ;0)

Blog of the week ;0)

www.nickelpickel.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Friday Recap...

Well...nothing noteworthy happened this week. I spent most of my week going stir crazy sitting on the couch ...sick. Along with the cold I've had a migrane for three days. I'm hoping it'll be gone by tomorrow. We're supposed to go to luch or dinner with Josh's parents and I'd like to be able to enjoy it. I mailed out my sisters pillow cases that I made her. Also finally finished my blanket for the couch...it's SOOO COZY!!!I started a pillow case for our livingroom and some coasters. It's hard to tell from the pictures but the yarn for the pillow is not that bright it's more of a dark rose color (the border for the blanket has some of the same shade in it) and the yarn for the coasters is oatmeal with gold thread through it. Very pretty. So other than chores (which I must say I didn't do that great with this week (but in my defense I didn't feel very good so rest was needed) there isn't much else to share. Hope everyone had a great week! :0)

Thankful Thursday...

Today I am so very thankful that I am able to be at home right now. Going to school/work while sick is never fun. It's nice to be able to be at home and rest. I do look forward to going back to school/work soon...but it is a blessing to have this season at home. I have already accomplished so much that I have been meaning to get done...and there is still much I'd like to do yet.

Thank you LORD for knowing what we need before we even realize we need it.
Amen!

Wonderful Home Wednesday...

Sore throat, sneezes and sniffles...

I guess it finally got me. I haven't been sick in a while (praise GOD!) but Sunday night I started feeling it...well it was Saturday actually...I spent all day sneezing like crazy! By Sunday night I had a sore throat. Yuck...being sick stinks!

A great blog to check out...

http://our-journey-to-parenthood.blogspot.com

Tasty Tuesday...

Old Fashioned Apple Pie

preheat oven to 375 degrees.

one refrigerated pie crust...

2/3 cup of sugar (I like to do 1/3 granulated and 1/3 brown)

3 tbsp flour

1/4 tsp allspice

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1 tbsp brandy or dark rum (totally optional...I don't usually have any at home but I have made it with dark rum and it is delicious!)

Approximately 4 granny smith apples (these are the best apples for baking)

pre-bake your bottom pie crust...meanwhile cut apples into thin slices...in bowl mix all your ingredients and fill crust. Add second layer of dough...or make streusel topping instead. (If using dough for the top brush with cream to add shine and crispier crust)

Bake for approx. 20 min or until golden.

Enjoy...

Monday Favorites...

I love these white strips! They seriously do the job...and I think $17 at Walmart vs. hundreds to whiten them at the dentist...you can't beat it! I also finally found a shampoo/conditioner that I really like! This one works really well and smells lovely!

Sunday Inspiration...

2 Tim 1:12

"I am not ashamed,because I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him"

Happy homemaking...

www.exploringwomanhood.com/homelife/homemaking/timesaving.htm


Check this out for great tips.

Happy 7 Years!

This Valentine's day we celebrated our 7 year anniversary! Time flies! :0) I'm looking forward to many more! I love you babe!!!

Pictures of us and the kitties...

Happy Birthday Jonah!

Jonah all grown up and when we first got him July 2009.

I can't believe my little kitty boy is one year old! I also can't believe he's been with us for eight months either! He's such a blessing to our home/family. I'm thankful for you my little fuzzy baby!

They grow up so fast ;0)

Friday Recap...

Wow...sorry to have taken so long to post. It was a very busy (but good) weekend. We've been painting the apartment back to the plain white that it was when we moved in so that we don't have to think about it later on when we move out. Moving always brings a number of surpises and stress, so I figured we'll do what we can now and save ourselves the headache later. I'm also still working on simplifying and organizing my home. Going through every part of the home and getting rid of anything that is cluttering it up. We decided not to buy any new furniture this year and instead sell/donate most of what we do have prior to moving. We took out the big dining room table and our apartment looks so much larger and less cluttered now. We also rearranged the furniture a bit since we have more space now. It made quite a difference. I have to say, I'm so glad I decided to work so hard on this project. It's really a great feeling getting everything in order. I'm getting things done that I haven't had the time for in the past. By the time I do go back to school I'll hopefully be done with everything around the house :0) Hope everyone is doing well!

Loving the chilly weather....

Well most of me is....my toes however...not so much, and since my footwarmer is not here at the moment (the hubby) the toes are a bit frozen. Still...wouldn't trade it for the hot & humid FL weather. I'll take my Icicles any day...thanks! ;0)

Another great blog!

www.jennaraesarr.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Random...

Dear Yankee Candle...

I hate that I love you so much! You're way to expensive...but you smell oh so good! Please do something about this so I can buy more of your candles! Thanks!

Sincerely,

Nadine

Thankful Thursday...

Today I am thankful for GOD's provision...HE is so good!

Great new blog I stumbled across today!

Check out this blog ladies...I think you'll enjoy it.

www.refiningashley.blogspot.com

Wonderful Home Wednesday...

Here are the pillow covers I made for my sister. The purple one is 12x16" crocheted...the white one is 16x16" sewn out of a white floral fabric. The pillows to go along with the pillow cases can be purchased at Walmart between $5-10...depending on the size of the pillow. The fabric cost about $1 and the roll of yarn was about $3 (of which I didn't need more than 1/2). So the pillows overall are very affordable compared to what you would spend if you bought a finished accent pillow at the store.

Just in case you were wondering...

As you've probably already noticed...I started a new blog yesterday. It was a combination of dealing with adsense, wanting to change things around a bit, and being more selective of who has my blog address. I will still be doing some of the things that I was doing before...but I probably won't follow such a strict schedule. I think I was having more fun just posting when the mood strikes. I still want to do the recipes, Sunday scriptures, and such....we'll see how it goes. :0)

Tasty Tuesday...

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and Honey

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/bruschetta-with-gorgonzola-cheese-and-honey-recipe/index.html

I haven't tried this one yet...but I want to. It looks so good! Great appetizer.

Enjoy! :0)

How it all began...

Our story is one that is not so common. It all started about 8 years ago. I was 19 and he was 20. I was waiting for my enlistment in the US Air Force to begin when out of pure boredom I decided to check out some Christian dating websites. I had no intention of actually meeting my future husband online but the idea seemed romantic enough. I had time to kill so...I started a free trial membership for christiansoulmates.com. Enter GOD's plan...we met online June 6th 2002. By July 2003, we met in person Josh met my family and friends and knew we wanted to be together forever. We were crazy in love. In October 2002 I flew to FL to meet Josh's parents and left for Basic Training a week later. On Valentines day 2003 Josh and his parents drove to TX so Josh and I could say "I do". It was a very humble wedding...just Josh and I along with his parents and a few of my fellow trainees. Our wedding day was the third time we had actually seen eachother in person. Practically our entire courtship was long distance filled with countless phone conversations, letters, and emails. It has been 7 years since that day and we are even more in love than we were back then. We have certainly had our fair share of tough times, but I wouldn't trade any of them. It was all part of GOD's plan. I am starting this blog to document our journey along the way.