I Love October

Oh October, how I adore you. There are so many wonderful things that I associate and/or participate in this month. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites for this week's five.

::via::

[Anniversary]
My hubby and I will celebrate our 6th anniversary this month. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. While I thought things would be different at this point in our marriage, I would not trade the difficult valleys and mountain top highs for anything. They have brought us closer together and continue to grow our dependence on each other and the Lord.

[Fall Festivals]
October begins many of the fall festivals that we love attending. G and I started the fall season a bit early by going to a festival this past weekend.

Her first hayride

Her first face paint

[Apple Picking]
We live in an area where there are a lot of orchards. We'll pick locally and then head to another orchard that we attend annually with our good friends. This year they'll be bringing along their newest addition.

Our annual orchard trip 2013

[Family Pictures]
Around this time each year I begin planning our family pictures. These pictures are typically used for our Christmas cards...yes, I said Christmas cards.

Our little girl
Fall 2013

[Campfires]
The cooler weather generally brings campfires and campfires bring Smores. Enough said.

::via::

Linking up with Amy for Oh Hey Friday and Christina for Five on Friday.

Opt Out October

Well, judging by the scale you could assume that I've given up. Not true. I've just not prioritized things the way I've needed...or maybe I have, but the balance is off. Whatever the case, I'm not happy with the last month and a half and I need to get things back together.

The same goes for our spending. I'm pretty saving savvy but this past month I've made some impromptu purchases and I need to reign it back in. These things have led me to choosing to do an "Opt Out October" personal challenge.

October will be the month that I get some things back on track.

::via::

To get healthier this month I will opt out of the following...
-excuses for not exercising. I have to get back to making my body move. I've signed up for the Glow Baby Glow 5k to get myself motivated.
-doubt. There have been moments over the last month that have made me question whether or not I can really do this. I can.
-complaining. If I don't like what I see or how I feel, I have no right to complain because it is within my control to change it.

::via::

 To make some savvy spending choices this month I will opt out of the following...
-buying coffee more than 1x a week.
-eating out more than 1x a week. We normally rarely eat out but this past month has been a bit crazier than most. It's just been so easy to grab a pizza or Chinese instead of making a healthy home cooked meal.
-buying clothing...I rarely buy clothes for myself, but for my little one...yes. I adore tiny human clothes and when I find a great deal I jump on it, especially since she is outgrowing all of the clothes we were given as gifts/have received as hand-me-downs. The one exception will be a pair of black tights.
-home décor purchases. Nope. None. We're working on getting our house ready to sell and that is where the money needs to go.
-things we don't use...need to be gone. I have big dreams to remove even more clutter from this house.

This month will hold a couple little treats. We're hoping to have some family pictures done this month or next. We're also planning on celebrating our 6th anniversary later this month. Those will be special items that I'll budget for. The only other things that I'm having to work out are the unexpected medical bills we have coming in. Suddenly my insurance is not covering some things that they've been covering in the recent past. Grrr.

So this is my plan. I'm hoping to see positive results in both areas. Wish me luck!

Linking up with Annie

Can Someone Tell Me How?!

::via::

I am in the midst of planning a girls' weekender with a couple of great gals. The only thing that has me anxious (besides the 5k I'll be participating in while severely out of shape) is leaving G for the first time overnight. Well, two nights if we're getting technical. I know this sounds stupid. She will be left in my husband's very capable hands and I'll only be about 3 hours or so away, but still. I'm really struggling with how I'm going to do this and not allow my worry and the fact that I know I'll miss her like crazy ruin the weekend. I adore the ladies I'll be going with and I know it will be fun. I'm just worried that this mommy will have a really tough time not tucking her little one in at night.

I'll be honest, this anxiety has been coming from some personal things I've been dealing with. We continue our battle with infertility and the reality that she may be the only little one we're ever blessed with makes my heart both rejoice (for at least being blessed with her) and grieve. It makes me want to cling to every single moment I have with her, but in reality I know that I can't lose who I am either. She needs to see her mom as a woman as well. ::sigh:: While I know these are personal issues I'll continue to bathe in prayer, I'm still in need of something, anything that will help this go smoothly.

So, my question to all of you with more experience and/or advice is, how do I do it?! I am in serious need of some insight. Thanks in advance!

Infertility Hurdles: Surviving the TWW

If you are not familiar with the TWW acronym, it stands for the (dreaded) Two Week Wait. Those two weeks are the ones following your ovulation. What does or doesn't happen during those two weeks can drive a gal crazy...

If you've been trying to conceive and you chart your cycles, you are probably acutely aware of how obsessive these two weeks can become. Every "symptom" is scrutinized. A slight dip in your temperature can trigger disappointment. A spike in temperatures sends your hope soaring! There are oodles of things that we try to spin in our favor in order to cling to the hope of pregnancy.

::via::

I'm no stranger to the TWW. I remember all too well the roller coaster of emotions from TTC our daughter. Emotions this go around are pretty much the same, but my support system has changed...in that I actually have one and they are awesome! We're all going through this together. No matter how long you've been TTC there is no less sting when temperatures bottom out and a BFN is clearly in the near future. Handling this disappointment is a post all in its own, but I thought I'd share with you some ways I survive the TWW.

::via::

Of course one of the main things I do (which may or may not be a healthy choice) is obsess over enter my chart data. There is very little that we can control regarding when we'll get pregnant and yet most of us feel a need for a sense of some type of control. In my case, I feel like I can at least control the data I enter into my chart, which includes my BBT (Basal Body Temperature) and "symptoms". I try not to get wrapped up in it. It just helps to show me and my doctor what is going on during my cycles. *I chart my entire cycle for accuracy.

Now here are some non-chart related things that help me pass the time...

Blog: This blog has become such a wonderful source of encouragement and it serves as a great outlet.

Bible Study: I recently started an infertility related bible study. It has served as a great foundation for me and the gals to approach infertility (and every. single. unsuccessful. cycle.) from a faith perspective.

Cook/Bake: I have always loved to cook and bake. Trying new recipes is a hobby of mine. I really ramp the production during the TWW. If I'm cooking I can sort out my thoughts and I can refocus my energy. Hobbies are a great way to keep your mind occupied.

Get Outdoors: There is something about a mountainous view and fresh air that cleanses the soul. It's a good way for me to clear my head and gain a fresh perspective.

Family Time: I LOVE my family. There is nothing better than spending time with my husband and daughter. The laughter, conversations, and memories divert my attention to more important things and I savor those precious moments.

Technology Breaks: I've backed off of Facebook for a few months now and I am very happy with my decision. My family time is more intentional and, while I'm not "in the know", I know enough. It gives me a reason to call, send a letter or text someone directly. It has made my relationships more personal. When I step away from my phone or the computer there is a crazy amount of freedom that comes with it.

Girls' Nights: Girl friends are essential in surviving the TWW. Taking time away to vent, cry and laugh with friends that are going through the same thing is extremely helpful. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with ALL my friends and they are so encouraging. It's just different being with those that understand...however, being with friends that are not baby obsessed is also nice in that not every conversation revolves around trying to get pregnant.

Create a Bucket List: Get a list together of things you'd love to do or accomplish. Get busy in checking them off. This will give you things to look forward to while you wait.

There are many things you can do to help you survive the TWW besides burying your face in a tub of ice cream. Save that for the BFN if it comes. I'd love to hear some of your survival tips...

::via::

Fire Starter

::via::

This isn't my typical Oh Hey Friday. This past week I accepted a challenge that was given during our youth sermon. It was called the 5 Tongue Challenge...you may be thinking this is an odd title but hang with me. The point behind this is that the words we say hold so much power. We can build up or break down. We can help or harm. The fact is, we have to control what comes out of our mouths. As Christians this is extremely important. We are living examples of what Christ can do with a life and it is our job to grow the Kingdom. How can we contribute to the growth of Heaven if we are continually harming our testimonies, shadowing the glory given to God, and turning others away from instead of towards Jesus?

 

Think about it...

 

"But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

 

 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!"

 James 3:5b-10

Who knew we were all a bunch of forest fires just waiting to spark?! Here's the catch. A fire burns recklessly unless contained. Being married to a firefighter has well versed me in the characteristics of fire. While it's true that fire is often seen as destructive, there are times in which fire is necessary for growth. This is the mentality we need to have with spreading "the fire" through encouragement. Ok, now that you've wondered where I'm going with this, here is the challenge that followed the devotion on Wednesday. (I was granted permission to share this with you and it is my hope that you'll catch the flame.)

With this challenge there are 5 (here's the famous Friday five you've been waiting for) challenges that you attempt to complete in a week. The challenge was presented in a type of journal format so that we could all keep track of our specifics. I'll do my best to have the same layout for you. I hope you'll join us in this challenge...and it is my belief that if you do, you'll see blessings abound.

5 Tongue Challenge

1. Give someone at school an encouraging word this week.
    Who: ____________________
    When: ___________________
    Describe: ______________________________________________________________

2. Give a family member an encouraging word this week.
    Who: ____________________
    When: ___________________
    Describe: ______________________________________________________________

3. Give someone an encouraging word on some social media site this week.
    Who: ____________________
    When: ___________________
    Describe: ______________________________________________________________

4. Leave gossip in the dust, or stand up for someone in a positive way this week.
   Who: ____________________
    When: ___________________
    Describe: ______________________________________________________________

5. Most Important! Praise, worship, talk to (pray, read the Bible) God every day!
    Describe one time: _______________________________________________________

Be a fire starter this week. Ready? Set...Go!

Linking up with The Farmer's Wife



Make a wish...

::via::

On this   day, 50 odd years ago, the Lord blessed this earth with one of the most amazing people I've ever known...my mom.

Her life story could make for some really good television and through it all she's managed to carry herself with such grace. She's taught me many things throughout my life...none of which were small tasks.

She taught me...
-to love the Lord above all else
-that I am loved beyond measure
-dreams may change or shatter but I'm never alone
-I am strong
-how to cook
-how to sew
-a love of learning
-band aids are rarely necessary
-if you fall down get right back up
-how to be a good woman
-how to be a great mom
-time is precious
-my priorities should be God, family and everything else

For much of my life she has served as both mom and dad. She has sacrificed so many things for the love and care of my sisters and I

I miss her like crazy! 500 miles between us is just too many and I hate the days that pass between visits.

My wedding day

With baby G at our home.

The three of us during our trip this past summer.

She is an amazing Granna and I know G will learn a lot from her in the years to come. All of this is but a snapshot of the fabulous woman that has raised me and on this day (and everyday) I celebrate. I celebrate a mother who has helped me to become the woman that I am. I also celebrate her as a best friend who I am blessed enough to call mom. With all that being said I want to wish her a very happy birthday...make a wish momma!

Linking up with Annie

Homemade Beef and Broccoli

::via::

I love a Girls' Night In. I love Chinese food. So naturally it's only appropriate to put the two together. (In all the excitement I forgot to take a picture of the spread but I promise it looked as good as it tasted.) I prepared a couple of my favorites and then I explored a new recipe. The menu...

Sesame Seed Chicken

Brown Rice
 

Simple Sesame Noodles
 

::via::

And the newbie to my Chinese smorgasbord...

Beef and Broccoli

::via::

 

Ingredients
1/2tbsp cornstarch
1lb uncooked flat iron steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1c low sodium chicken broth, divided
3c uncooked broccoli florets
1/2tbsp ground ginger
2tsp minced garlic
1/4tsp red pepper flakes
1/4c water
1/4c low sodium soy sauce

Directions:
Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Cook the beef on medium heart until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl with slotted spoon.

Add 1/2c of broth to the same pan. Stir to deglaze the pan. Add the broccoli, cover and cook, tossing throughout until broccoli is tender. Uncover and add the ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Toss and cook for about a minute.

In a small bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, 1/2c broth and cornstarch until blended. Stir into the pan. Reduce to medium-low heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.

Return the beef to the pan and toss to coat.

(The original recipe from Frugal Maine can be found here.)

 

 

Linking up with Green Fashionista for Tasty Tuesday and Love in the Kitchen for Tuesday's Table.