The Countdown is Coming to an End

I've been linking up with Tickled Pink this October for the Countdown to Halloween. I've loved it! I've gotten great ideas and I've been able to share the sweet things that have been going on around here.

I'm sad to see this month end, but it was definitely filled with some wonderful things. This past week was no exception.

[Pumpkin Carving]
G was old enough to "help" us carve her pumpkin this year. I saw this adorable pumpkin and had to do it. I free-handed the outlines and my hubby and I took turns carving. G loved the pumpkin guts. We all had a sense of excitement when it was finally finished and lit.

[Secret Pal]
We have Secret Pals at work. It's a lot of fun. At the beginning of the year we randomly pick a person to give little gifts to throughout the year. My SP rocked my gift for Halloween. I played into my person's love of fruit by putting together a cute little "pumpkin" basket based on this adorable idea.

::via::

[Fall Festival]
Our church puts on a fall festival every year as an alternative and/or additional activity to trick or treating each year. There are bounce houses, games, candy, and so much fun. It's an amazing ministry. Last year G was so little. I had to carry her everywhere.

G with her Aunt Mary and Uncle Colton...such a cute little caterpillar

G chillin' with our pastor

This year she was Little Miss Independent.

Playing games like a big girl

A girl and her balloon

[Annual Orchard Trip]
For the last several years our family joins our dear friends for a trip to a nearby apple orchard. We typically enjoy a hayride, the pumpkin patch, apples, cider donuts, etc. We also typically go earlier in October but due to the excessive rain, we held off. We decided next time we'd take our chances. We arrived at the top of the mountain to find bitter winds and cold temperatures. It was as if winter had come early. Bundled up, we browsed the market, scoped out the pumpkin patch and then of course delighted ourselves with hot cider and fresh cider donuts. Afterwards we took the bus to Fuji (apples that is) and did a short walk through the trees. Thankfully the impending rain held off and we were able to leave just short of numb. It's always a treat to be with our friends. We love them dearly and look forward to this tradition every year.

The bus to Fuji

Enjoying the pumpkin patch

The apple stare down

Our traditional family picture

[Sausage Dip]
I was introduced to this recipe by a dear friend of mine several years ago. In fact, I remember the first time I had it. We had gone to visit them at their first home and they treated us to this delicious dip and chips. I ended up making it the other night for a football game...it's been so long! I'll definitely be making it again soon.

(I wish I had a pic but it was gone before I thought about taking one...trust me,

if you make it, you'll forget about taking a picture too.)

Sausage Dip

Ingredients:

1lb Sage sausage (I use Jimmy Dean)

1 8oz package of fat free cream cheese

1 can rotel

Directions:

Brown and drain the sausage.

Mix it together in a baking dish and microwave until it is bubbling (5-7 minutes)

You can mix it in a bowl and then transfer to a microwave safe container...

Serve with tortilla chips.

Linking up with Green Fashionista for Tasty Tuesday.



Life Verse

Our little girl laughing it up in the pumpkin patch...

When we learned that our journey to baby would include a battle with infertility, we began to examine some things in our lives. Our prayers changed from focusing on what we wanted to what God wanted for us. We longed for a child but knew God, in His infinite wisdom, would fill our hearts' desire  in His time and in His way.

While this wasn't always easy as you can see, it was necessary to change our focus from an earthly here and now to a Heaven-ward patience. During that time of waiting I recalled a former camp staff worker telling me that her parents designated a specific verse for each one of their children. I began to think on this grand idea and sought a life verse to pray for our non-existent child. I was led to the verse in 1 Samuel 1:27.

::via::

This verse became a promise from God to my heart. It gave me comfort when other words could not. I prayed that verse in future tense throughout our TTC journey and my pregnancy. I have that verse placed inside or on many of our daughter's items. I want her to never forget how loved and longed for she was and is.

Quite some time ago we began to pray for God to once again grow our family. I began to seek a life verse to pray for our future child. I was led to Job 5:9.

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This verse sums up my thoughts on TTC with infertility. Every child is a true miraculous blessing, and when you have trouble conceiving it seems to strengthen that understanding all the more. I kept a journal for our daughter from the time I found out we were expecting. Her life verse is on one of the pages and it provides a way for me to track memories for her as she grows. I look forward to passing it along to her one day.

Several months ago i began a journal for the next miracle that will prayerfully make its way into our arms. The verse from Job can be found on the first page. In this journal I've been keeping our thoughts and prayers for this unknown child since we began this new journey. I know God will perform a wonder that will bring joy to our hearts. I trust Him to perform a miracle.

We all have special ways of honoring our journeys. I'd love to hear about yours!

By the way, if you missed my last Mama Mondays post filled with our recent family pictures, you can check it out here!

Linking up with Leslyn

Walking with Gideon: When We Doubt

I have uncovered so many treasures as I've walked with Gideon. I've only scratched the surface of his story so far and I already find myself examining aspects of my spiritual walk. His story once again proves that the battles we face have been going on for centuries and yet through it all our God has remained constant.

I've been really trying to focus on my blessings since my last walk with Gideon and I've been trying to be more Heaven minded. It's hard to do when your mind and heart struggle to comprehend things that we may never understand on this side of Heaven. Trying to channel into this mindset was a great way to enter into the next part of my reading.

Judges 6:11-16

 

I often ask the Lord "why?" Why am I going through this? What could Your purpose be? Why would You chose me? These broad questions become even more specific as I focus on the doubts and anxieties that I have had surrounding our infertility and raising our child (and future children) in a broken world. Just like Gideon in verse 13, I've questioned why things have happened to us. If I serve such a mighty God and I am trying to serve Him as best I can, why does it appear (appear being the key word) that evil profits?  It's easy to feel abandoned when you don't get immediate answers.

As I focused on these questions, I had a moment of clarity. The "whys" of this world are tied to earthly longings. I've overlooked the fact that my ultimate goal and reward will be received in Heaven. I will be honored for living a life pleasing to God when I meet Him face to face. While it's hard to wrap my mortal brain around such supernatural truths, it helps me be a little more okay with not understanding and it gives me the courage and drive to continue on.

With that in mind, it can be difficult to remember that not only does God send and guide us on our journey, but he goes before us. When Gideon questioned how God would use him in verse 14, the Lord told him to go with the strength that he has and to remember that God was sending him. God does not question our ability to conquer our doubts and fears because after all, He is the one with us, providing our strength, equipping us to face the battle.

::via::

We often accept these things as head knowledge but don't let them become heart knowledge. How often have I been reminded of what I know of God's character only to question Him? Gideon plays the same game. Instead of focusing on his strength and ability through Christ, he focuses on his own weaknesses (v. 15). There have been many times throughout our TTC journey that I have felt like a broken piece of machinery. There is something wrong with me that meds attempt to correct and doctors monitor. I'm certain God has used these things to assist me on my way and ultimately He has used these things to further His purpose. In the case of our infertility He led me to new doctors that finally diagnosed my condition correctly and had a wealth of knowledge that finally provided answers. He brought me to professionals that could give me a plan.

In the darkest of those moments I've found myself needing to just sit and be still. It continues to be in those moments that God reminds me that He will be with me (v. 16). Everyday we encounter obstacles that challenge our faith. It's important that we focus our hearts and minds on the reminders that God provided for Gideon and remain true to this day...
1. He is orchestrating the journey.
2. He will be with us through it all.

What are you questioning God about right now?

Does it change your perspective to know that God is going before you and everything that you will encounter has been sieved through His hands?

Fall Is My Favorite

A beautiful fall sunrise from earlier in the week.

If I could have this fall weather all year with a few snow days mixed in I'd be one happy girl. I love fall. There are so many wonderful things that are solely reserved for this time of year. We've had a lot happen over the last week and we're working on checking off more things from our Fall Fun List.

[Apple Pie Filling]
We went apple picking the other week and I've got oodles of apples to use up. I decided to make some apple pie filling.  It's really versatile and is perfect for holiday get togethers. It freezes well and makes a good amount.

Apple Pie Filling

12c sliced and peeled apples

1/2c white sugar

1/2c brown sugar

1/2c cornstarch

2 tsp apple pie spice

3c water

Prepare the apples and set them to the side. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large pot and stir well. Bring to a boil and as it begins to thicken add the apples. Lower the heat to medium/low and mix well so the apples are coated. Cover and cook until the apples start to soften a bit (10-12 minutes). Stir occasionally. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 30-45 minutes. 

Scoop about 2.5c of apples into each quart freezer bag. It yields about 4 quarts. Allow to cool completely and then freeze.

[Family Pictures]

We had family pictures done and got them back this week. I'm in love. You can check out more of them here. 

[6 Years]

We celebrated 6 years of marriage on Saturday.  Our friends graciously watched our daughter so that we could enjoy a night out. 

Our view from our dinner table

We took a walk around the lake after dinner

The restaurant

Smores! 

We returned to their house and cozied up next to the fire and made Smores. 

[Trunk or Treat]

Our friends' church had their annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday evening.  I must say we have the cutest little ladybug. We enjoyed dinner and of course there was candy. We'll enjoy our church's Fall Festival this Friday.

[Fall Field Trip]

We took our class to a local pumpkin patch. They enjoyed lots of fun activities and got to take home their very own pumpkin. 

Linking up with Tickled Pink

Linking up with Green Fashionista

Family Photos 2014

Traditionally, my hubby and I have pictures taken in the fall that we eventually use for our Christmas cards. In the past I've taken our pictures with the help of my camera's timer and tripod. Once we had G, I was no longer able to get quality pictures that way. I enlisted the services of my dear friend and amazing photographer, Shay. We've utilized her many times and we're always pleased with her work.

This fall, the calendar has filled up so quickly for all of us. We were nearing crunch time for this fall's peak foliage and knew we needed to make some plans. A good buddy, and fellow co-worker, of my husband does photography when he is not at the fire house. To my delight, he just happened to have a free weekend. Frank met us at our home and we traveled the short distance to a local camp. Granted, it's not just any camp, it's the camp where my hubby and I first met.

We were blessed with a beautiful afternoon and a very talented friend. Here are a few of my favorites (and truthfully, I love them all but I thought 70+ pictures might be a little overwhelming.)

Linking up with Leslyn for Mama Mondays!

 



Opt Out Update

Here are a few updates regarding my Opt Out October challenge.

[Family Photos]
I admit it. I gave in. I know I said "no new clothes" but I justified my purchase (right or wrong, it can't be undone.) We had family photos taken over the weekend and, as hard as I tried, could not put together anything that I could feel good and comfortable in for pictures. I spent about $20 on a shirt and a new necklace (which I got on clearance). I don't think that's too bad. Hopefully you'll agree with me when you see the pictures that it was worth it.

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[Consignment]
I paid $7 to cosign at an upcoming holiday event. I believe I'll easily make my money back and then some.

::via::

[Décor]
I'm sticking to my guns about home décor. Aside from my daughter's pumpkin, I've not purchased anything new for the home.

::via::

[Fruits and Veggies]
I'm doing pretty well getting in more fruits and veggies. I've had my share of sweets here lately, and for that I have no excuse.

::via::

[5k]
I'll be participating in an upcoming 5k. I'm a bit anxious because I've yet to get back to any type of training program. If after the weekend of November 14th you hear nothing from me, it's probably safe to assume that I never crossed the finish line.


::via::

Linking up with The Farmer's Wife for Oh Hey Friday and The Good Life Blog for Five on Friday.