We've "Landed"

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I'm way behind in posting an update on our land. In September we closed on our new property...28.4 acres of land just waiting to welcome us. Signing on the property was both anxiety and joy filled. We've been praying for a while about what our next steps would be in moving. We didn't know where we'd find land that would meet our needs, but as always, the Lord exceeded our expectations. We have the where so now we're waiting on the when.

The day we signed the papers

While we wait, I drive by it every chance I get. Sometimes I'll just pull in and dream.  I'm already in love with what will be our view.

A couple weeks ago we took the four wheeler out so that I could see the property in its entirety.

Our land currently has 4 structures on site. There are 3 sheds, and I use that term pretty loosely, and an old, dilapidated house. I have plans to salvage some of the wood from the house and/or shed to make some DIY décor.

This time of limbo is a bit difficult. We're trying to finish up some things around our home so that we can prepare to put it up for sale. It's our hope to have it ready to go after the first of the year...we'll see. There's not necessarily any hurry other than I'm ready to get settled.

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Linking up with Annie!

Walking with Gideon

To say I'm over these infertility issues would be an understatement. This week has been very challenging for a variety of reasons and the emotional roller coaster has taken its toll. As I was driving to work the other morning I felt this urging to read the story of Gideon. It has been a long time since I've ventured into the book of Judges to read his story and I felt it all really random...but God is not random. As I've begun to revisit Gideon's story I've been reminded of the story's themes of struggle, hope, faith, fear, courage and the ability to overcome. These are common themes along the journey of infertility as well. I still wasn't sure what God would have for me...how on Earth could an account about a man defeating armies connect with my female aches for wanting a child? I'm not sure where this scripture study will take me but I'm already captivated by the things that God has brought to light. I hope you'll join me as I walk with Gideon through his story.

I hope to post my thoughts about my study as I go. It is also my hope that you'll find something to connect with and that you'll find, like me, that God can use any circumstance for His glory if we're willing to trust Him.

Judges 6:1-10

To give a little background, the Israelites had been delivered into the hands of the Midianites for the wickedness of their people. The Israelites were so fearful of the Midianites that they hid themselves in the mountain caves. Their crops and livestock were destroyed or taken by the armies and finally, as a last ditch effort for survival, they called out to God for help. (vs. 1-6)

How often do we try and take things into our own hands only to be left with nothing? Far to frequently I find myself trying to control those things in which I have no control and I end up only making matters worse. Instead of binding my heart to the Word, I hide myself in moments of emotional eating, sadness, bitterness and anxiety. It is in these moments that I find myself (finally) calling out to the Lord. It seems ridiculous to go to God as a last resort than as our first and best option...and yet we do. Cursed human nature.

I'm a Type A person and I thrive on structure and predictability. Did I ever think I'd have trouble conceiving a child? No. I had a plan and waiting through countless failed efforts does not fair well for someone with my lack of patience. God has grown me in ways that I could not imagine through this infertility journey and I know that I still have so much to learn. He is far from done with me. Our God is a loving and gracious God and because of these things, He allows us to make our choices. I can choose to wallow in sadness with each failed cycle or I can go to Him with my heartache and allow Him to mend that which is broken. Neither of these options are easy but it makes sense to choose the one that will have the most beneficial outcome.

As I read through the beginnings of this chapter I couldn't help but think about our current infertility struggles. I'm becoming emotionally spent. Infertility can have an oppressive power. It affects every aspect of your life. It can affect the way you eat, spend your time and money and how you look and feel about your future.

Like the Israelites, we often lose sight of the blessings we've already received (vs. 8-9). We forget the countless times that He has delivered us. The Israelites also turned their worship towards pagan gods. I'll be honest, when facing infertility it's very easy to get caught up in putting your faith and hope into other things...all of which hold promise to help you bear children...such as medications, doctors, alternative medicine and treatments, etc. I've often found myself placing so much hope into the medication I take or the way in which my cycle chart looks that I lose sight of God's hand in the situation. Do you see the common misstep (vs. 7-10)? Like the ancients, I know my God is amazing and can do all things and yet I don't always place my faith and hope in the One who can fill my heart's desires. He is my deliverer and has an amazing plan for my life if only I will allow Him to lead me.

In just a few short verses I have been challenged in some amazing ways.

-Where am I trying to hide?

-Where is my hope, really?

-How would it feel to allow God to take control and rest in His sovereignty?

Maybe you are facing similar circumstances. I encourage you to join me in this study of Gideon. There is no doubt that there are more treasures to be uncovered.



More Fall Fun

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October is flying by! My sweet girl turned 18 months old on Sunday. It's hard to believe.

We've been getting in some fun fall things this week that include marking things off of our Fall Fun Bucket List* that I'm excited to share.

-(FFL*) We visited the apple orchard by our home and brought home a slew of apples (not really sure what that means but I've always associated it with meaning "a lot".) G loved it and enjoyed some apples of her own.

-We visited our local Apple Harvest Festival. We met up with our friends. Their son is about 3 months older than G. They are just too cute! We saw several other families we knew and walked away with some very tasty apple cider and an I.D. made for G by our local Sheriff's Department.

-Family Photos. We had family photos done over the weekend. We'll probably pick some for our Christmas cards from this photo shoot. Our friend, and fellow firefighter, Frank, owner of Frank Crocker Photography, does professional photography while not at the fire house. Check him out if you're in the Central Virginia area. I don't have any of his photos yet, but here are a few I captured.

-Pumpkin Harvest Waffles. I have to share this deliciously satisfying breakfast with you. G loves them and since they freeze well, they are also a great quick grab for rushed mornings. I've used this basic waffle recipe for a couple years now. I adapted this new fall favorite from the original recipe.

Pumpkin Harvest Waffles

Ingredients:

2 large eggs

1c whole wheat flour

1c white flour

2tbsp flax seed

1tbsp sugar

4tsp baking powder

1 3/4c unsweetened almond milk

1/2c unsweetened applesauce

1tsp vanilla

1 tbsp. pumpkin spice

1c pumpkin puree

Directions:

Whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla together. Stir in the pumpkin and apple sauce. Gradually add the remaining ingredients and mix until well blended.

Heat the waffle iron. Pour approximately 2/3c of batter onto the iron and cook according to the machine's directions.

Add your favorite toppings. I prefer butter and syrup. My daughter eats them plain. My hubby prefers whipped cream. The options are limitless!

Linking up with Tickled Pink

Linking up with Green Fashionista



18 Months

In the blink of an eye, our infant has grown into near "toddlerdom". On Sunday our little miracle turned 18 months old. I'm allowing myself to call her a baby until she turns two. She amazes us daily. She's picking up on words, emotions and habits. I never knew I could be so in love. There are moments I catch myself in awe of our red headed beauty and I've been known to cry on occasion.  I can't help myself.  I consider myself completely honored to have carried her in my womb for a precious 37 1/2 weeks and now, as I look upon her 18 month milestone I struggle to grasp how quickly the time has gone.

Our road to conception was not easy. I treasured my pregnancy and still count myself blessed to have been able to carry her. I am honored and humbled that the Lord chose me to be her mother. I could not have asked for a more perfect blessing.

I pray daily for her future...Both immediate and distant. One of the most important things a mother can do is bathe her babe in prayer.

Ok, I'm getting super sentimental over here. So, let's move on to G's 18 months stats.

Stats: 
Weight: We’ll know October 21st.

Height: 2' 7"

-Clothing: 24 months/2T

-Shoe size: 4-5

Meal time: You are still a great eater. You still aren't eating as much as you once were but you are still eating well. You're healthy and that is what is important. You are a huge fan of Nilla Wafers, macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets and green peas. You still love all things fruit and you tolerate most vegetables. You have added to your list of allergies...which thankfully is not too long. Not only can you not eat ketchup but now you cannot eat yogurt. It breaks your face out in a serious rash. The crazy thing is that you can eat all other things dairy without any issues. You love yogurt so we hope we can attempt it again at some point. You eat well with a fork and are working on using a spoon. You love your high chair...so much so that you want to sit in it even when you are no longer hungry.

Playtime: We got you a rocking horse and you love to ride it...you could be a cowgirl. You also love riding your motorcycle. It plays a lot of music and if there is music, you are going to dance. You wave your hands and shake your little body. It melts our hearts. One of your favorite toys at the moment is your baby stroller. You thoroughly enjoy pushing Chicken and Bella around. The newest member of your tote-around crew is Mo-Mo the giraffe. Bella is still your favorite but Mo-Mo is a hold tight second. He goes almost as many places as Bella does. You've also been dabbling in coloring with crayons and painting. I adore helping you be creative.

Sleepy time: Your morning naps vary. Sometimes you can easily go without one and then you lay down for your afternoon nap around 1-1:30p.m. This usually occurs on Sundays since church kind of interferes with your morning nap time. Otherwise, you still take two naps a day. You lay down around 10 a.m. and sleep for 45 minutes to an hour. Your afternoon nap happens around 2:30 and you sleep for about an hour to an hour and a half. Gone are the days of 2-3 hours naps. You generally sleep through the night unless you're not feeling well. You lay down around 8 p.m. and wake between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m.

Memorable moments:

-You keep adding teeth. In fact you've cut 6 more over the last 3 months. Total number?  13!

-You had Hand, Foot and Mouth...again. You ran a 103 fever for about two days. You hardly slept or ate thanks to some painful mouth blisters.

-You joined Mommy for our back to school night...and you were a big hit.

-You had your first four-wheeler ride.

-We took a four-wheeler ride around our new property. Someday we'll build our forever home where many more of your childhood memories will be made.

-You got to meet your newest little friend who was born late September.

-You had your first ice cream cone.

-You had your first face paint.

-You took a "Mom and Me" trip to see Aunt Lala in Washington, D.C. for the first time.

-Your favorite book is Llama Llama Red Pajama.

Linking up with Leslyn

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Opt Out October Update

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Things are continuing to go pretty well for my personal Opt Out October challenge.

I've stuck to my rule for coffee and eating out one time a week. This week has been tough though. We've had ample amounts of rain, a sick baby and my hubby has been home for a total of one day in the past week. I'm exhausted. The urge to stop for coffee more than once this week, while probably justified, was a bit challenging at times. The only additional purchases I've made this past week was one pumpkin (G has to have a Halloween pumpkin) and some new socks for G because well, she's out grown all of her infant socks. I also booked the hotel for my upcoming Girls' Weekender. Regarding the pumpkin...I know I said that I'd not purchase anything to decorate the house, but look at her face...it had to be done.

I'm excited about the coming weekend. I have my Infertility Bible Study on Friday evening (gosh I love those gals!), our annual pumpkin patch/orchard trip with our friends and we're hosting the Youth Group's dinner/game night on Saturday, and family pictures on Sunday after church. Here is my dilemma. I have been scouring my closet for something to wear for our pictures. It's embarrassing to acknowledge just how outdated, faded and blah my wardrobe is. I've been weeding out those items (which equates to almost two trash bags-some of the hubby's clothes have been included) and I'm not left with much that screams fall-winter...nor do I have much of anything that would be suitable for fall pictures. If I'm paying for pictures, I want them to be ones that I want to see myself in. With that being said, I'm trying to decide how to make this work. I refuse to purchase a whole outfit at this point but a new top may be in order.

I do have a scarf that I love...maybe I'll just try to work out a solid colored top to wear...truth be told, I seriously need a fashion consultant...

I've also continued with my de-cluttering. I patched up the wall by our front door where our dog, who is now outside, had scratched it up. My hubby put up the new coat rack and I'm loving the mail/magazine baskets on the stairs.

I have a new sense of order upon walking into the house. I may be learning to let go of things but some of the things I love to do, such as decorating for fall, has been neglected. I love this time of year but I'm also in "get it done" mode in regards to prepping our house for sale (hopefully sooner rather than later.) I will decorate for Christmas...so that gives me a little time to get some things taken care of.

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I've also found a new way to work my menus. I plan monthly...yes, monthly, menus and for several years now I've been printing them out using a calendar template. Silly me. This has been such a waste of paper and printer ink. My hubby bought me a magnetic calendar for the fridge. This allows me to easily change my monthly menus and adjust meals as needed without having messy scribbles or reprinting.

For those of you who have sold your homes, what did you do to prep it before sale? We have some landscaping and miscellaneous items around the house, but are there things that you recommend we definitely do before putting it on the market?

Linking up with Home of Malones

More Fall Fun!

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I love having a fall bucket list. It helps me stay focused and motivated about the things I want to get in this fall. Let's begin with the items off of that list that I've accomplished this past week...

-Autumn themed craft (you can find the how-to here...although instead of following their directions for the taping part, I formed a sheet with the tape strips, cut out my shapes and then placed them on the pumpkin. It just seemed simpler.)

G painted her first pumpkin!

-Watch a Halloween movie...this is my favorite Halloween movie ever!

Hocus Pocus

-Enjoy the autumn air

Seriously...I just can't get enough of this face!

-Make homemade apple sauce.

-Gaze at the full moon.

There are so many wonderful things ahead! I've some apple picking,  pie baking,  collecting pine cones and a few other things that I am really looking forward to. It's been a fabulous fall so far.

I've also been busting out the crock-pot a lot lately. However there are some soups that are quick and come together in one pot as well. This White Bean, Sausage and Spinach soup is a fall menu must. You can find the original recipe here.  I tweaked it just a bit and loved every bite! It's simple, filling and flavorful...what more could you want?

White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup



Ingredients:

2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes

1lb smoked chicken sausage, sliced

2c low sodium chicken broth

1/2tbsp dried basal

2c chopped fresh spinach

Directions:

In a Dutch oven sprayed with cooking spray, brown the sausage. Remove the sausage and add the chicken broth. As the broth heats add the tomatoes,  beans and basil. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. Add the sausage and heat for an additional 5 minutes or so. Finally, add the spinach. Cook for a couple minutes and remove from the heat. Allow to set for a couple minutes before serving.  

I paired it with a crusty garlic bread...yum!

Linking up with Tickled Pink!

Linking up with Green Fashionista