seriously....this is my life

31 things--spirit and conversation

Day 4 and 5 from the 31 Things class.  What I'm really enjoying about this class is the simplicity of putting it together.  No reinventing the wheel...just simple and fresh!  I'm using October Afternoon paper and stamps from Hero Arts. 

Spirit---

Keeping my spirit refreshed and connected to the Holy Spirit happens in several different ways in my life.  Each morning I attempt to wake up earlier than Karsten (between 6:15 and 6:30) in order to have some quiet time with God.  During this time I read and reflect on Scripture, devotionals, and whatever Bible study I’m working through at that time.  I also take time to journal insights I’ve had, prayer requests I have, and/or things in my life that I’m spending a lot of time thinking about such as my purpose in life.  I find that taking the time to connect with God through the power of His Spirit helps me to refocus on several things.

1. God is sovereign.  He is in total control.  He is the Creator and Lord of everything. 

2. He loves me and has great plans for me.  He desires that my life would be aligned with His will for me which takes submission and obedience. 

3. He wants a deep relationship with me.  He wants me to be talking to Him throughout my daily routine, about big and small things. 

Another way I stay connected with the Holy Spirit is my Scripture memorization. Etching God’s Word on my heart and mind and being able to recall these Scriptures when I need to hear from God is uplifting. 

This year I’ve also made spiritual accountability a priority on my life.  Once a week Jessica and I share our victories, struggles, challenges, and what we’ve learned the previous week.  Knowing that a trusted friend is praying for me and will ask me about certain things helps me to stay on the path of obedience and fullness in Christ. 

I must also mention the power that praise and worship music has on my life.  These lyrics stick in my heart and mind and have helped me through many turbulent storms.  One song can refresh and refocus me on God, my God. 

conversation--

Being a stay at home mom doesn’t allow for too many conversations throughout the day.  I chat with Brian in the morning, but not too much because we’re both quiet in the mornings before we are fueled up with coffee.  I talk to Karsten all day long…telling him about what we’re doing…reading to him…teaching him colors and words.  His typical reply is “Dadada” or “Mamama”.  He babbles quite a bit and I talk right back to him, in real words.  I also talk to Zoe throughout my day, as she is typically near me ….if you don’t think cats can carry on conversations you’ve never met Zoe! 

Brian and I may or may not talk during the day.  If he has time he calls, if not we don’t talk until he gets home from work.  I talk to my Mom every couple of days about what’s going on in both of our lives.  We have also started texting more which is kind of fun.  It seems many of my conversations with people are through texting now.  It’s convenient and a great way to ask a quick question or share a random happening.  I also message people on facebook occasionally or leave comments on people’s status updates.  I feel that FB is a great way to keep conversations going between people who would normally never talk.   When I’m out running errands I typically stop to talk with someone who comments on how cute Karsten is.  The two of us rarely go out when someone doesn’t engage him in some way.

The person I talk to most throughout my day is definitely myself and God.  I am constantly telling myself to focus on my to do list…work on the next thing…recall Scripture to mind…encourage myself…keep my chin up…etc.  Journaling is also a way I talk to myself…a way to get my thoughts, hopes, dreams, concerns out on paper so they aren’t as apt to clutter my mind. 

I also try to make a point to talk to Kelly and Jessica each week.  To check in and see what’s going on in their lives and share what’s going on in my life.  Having girlfriends to converse with is essential for my balance and well-being. 

The BEST Eggplant Parmesan--EVER!!!

I have never made Eggplant Parmesan before and have only had good eggplant parmesan a few times.  So many times it seems to be soggy and soggy eggplant parm is bad eggplant parm. 

This was just divine...crispy and crunchy, but soft inside.  Seriously...amazing!!!  and the photos turned out pretty good too!!!   Download The BEST Eggplant Parmesan

1 medium eggplant or 2 small eggplant

Kosher salt

¼ cup canola oil

¼ cup flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ lb angel hair pasta

1 jar marinara sauce

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place a metal cooling rack over a cookie sheet. 

Slice eggplant in ¼ inch slices.  Place slices on paper towels and sprinkle salt over the eggplant.  Let set for at least 30 minutes. 

Take 3 separate dishes.  Put flour in one, the beaten egg in one, and then combine panko, parmesan, and Italian seasoning in another bowl.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Dip one eggplant slice in flour, shake off excess.  Then dip eggplant slice in egg and then panko mixture.  Pressing panko into eggplant slices to stick. 

Once oil is hot enough carefully place a few eggplant slices in skillet.  Turn slices over after about 1 minute, or when one side is beginning to brown.  Cook on other side for about 1 minute and then transfer to the cooling rack over sheet.  Once all eggplant slices have been “fried” place them in the oven for 12-15 minutes.  Remove from oven sprinkle some cheese on top of each slice and return to oven for a few minutes or until cheese is melted. 

Serve with a side of pasta and marinara sauce! 

                                                                                      

 

31 things--morning and read

The second prompt for 31 things was morning (which you will see on the left side of the page) The third prompt was read (which you will see on the right side of the page.)  I read the prompt and promptings from an email I receive each morning from Ali.  Then I take some time as I move through my day to consider the prompt on a deeper level.  Once I sit down to type out my journaling it goes quickly.  I don't over analyze what I'm writing and it seems to flow easily.  I think that having a blog for nearly 6 years has helped me to write freely and openly without getting too stressed about perfection and eloquence.  You know you don't get eloquence here! 

Morning--

The question is often asked…are you a morning person or a night person?  I am definitely a morning person.  Not a 5 am kind of girl, but once the sun begins to dawn my body begins to wake up.  (Same goes with the sun going down and my body winding down.)  These days I tend to get up between 6:30 and 6:45.  After a pit stop to the restroom I putter out to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee using my Keurig.  I pour some creamer and milk into the bottom of one of my dozens of Starbuck’s city/country travel mugs and then let the coffee pour over it, creating a delicious mocha colored drink.  Then I cradle the mug it in my hands and take my first sip of my morning fuel.   

I promptly walk to the loveseat and pull out my Bible and Bible study bag, which includes my pens, colored pencils, journals, devotionals and current Bible study.  I almost always start off with a silent prayer to God asking Him to open my heart and mind to His Truth and then begin reading from my Jesus Calling devotional.  Oftentimes I read it twice, allowing it to soak into my tired mind.  Then I spend the next 30-45 minutes journaling, reading, and studying God’s Word.  Karsten typically begins to stir around 7:15, but rarely do I go get him before 7:30.  I think he enjoys waking up slowly and playing with his animals and wubanubs.

After changing Karsten’s diaper he usually watches a Baby Einstein video while I putter around, check email, heat my coffee up (I have to do this at least once per cup), or I go get ready.  After his 30 minute video I feed us both breakfast; yogurt, cereal, and fruit.  I then take him to his playroom where he plays while the Sunnyside Up show is on and I do my morning chores; sweeping, spot mopping the kitchen, moving laundry, making my daily to do list, etc.  By 10,  he’s usually tired of playing by himself and I join him for play time where we sing songs, read stories, and play.  By 11 o’clock he’s ready for his nap.  So although it seems past morning at this point in my mind this is where my morning stops.

I realized that the Zoe was in the photo, so I added a journaling spot to include that she is very much a part of our mornings. 

Read-- I took a photo of the top part of our red book case (rojo cabinet) which happens to be my favorite piece of furniture we own.  Although I didn't write about it, it tells the story about how much reading and books are a part of both of our lives. 

journaling--

I’ve always been a reader, maybe not quite as much as some, but certainly more than others.  My favorite class in HS was “Novel” in which we read a variety of novels and discussed them. I love books with symbolism and I’m always up for a good love story. 

I also enjoy reading Christian “self-help” kinds of books.  Currently Grace for the Good Girl is on my nightstand. When I read these types of books I always have a pencil in hand so I can underline and take notes. 

I wish I were more diligent about getting books from the Library.  I tend to pick them up at Costco or Barnes and Noble and add them to my ever growing stack.  I also take time every morning to read my Bible and devotionals. 

I don’t read books more than once very often, but there are a few that I’ve read twice; Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, The Thirteenth Tale, and many Janette Oke books when I was younger.

Books however are not the only thing I read each day.  I read magazines and lots of blogs.  A few favorite blogs to read are Chatting at the Sky, Karen Russell,  Kelly’s, Becky Higgins, and Beth Moore’s blog.

I also have a love affair with cookbooks.  I will sit and read them word for word, recipe by recipe.  I love The Pioneer Woman’s cookbooks because she tells stories with her recipes.  I will not buy a cookbook that doesn’t include great photos.  I’m a snob like that.  I love food photography so much! 

As a former school teacher I am also passionate about children’s literacy.  I have hundreds of children’s books to read with Karsten someday.  For now though, Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Barnyard Dance are his favorites!

 

2012 Project Life (weeks 15-16)

I am caught up!  Pictures, words, and a dash of cute.  Nothing over the top, but that's not what matters to me. Both weeks are simple:  just the basic design A page protectors with journaling cards. 

Week 15--this week I wasn't very inspired to take photos, so I just took photos of stuff we use on a regular basis and then photos of our weekend with Aunt Gail and Uncle Jim

Week 16

Saturday at the Farmer's Market

Our little family took a trip to the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning.  The weather was perfect...in my opinion it's perfect when I get to wear a jean jacket!  This particular farmer's market offers only seasonal, locally grown or made products.  Everytime I go I discover something new. 

This time I bought green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, red potatoes, flowers, red onions, homemade cheese crackers, and beets.  I also took my camera to snap some photos...because that's just what I do!

they even have a food truck now where you can get breakfast...one day I'll do this...just so I can say I've eaten from a food truck!

one of these trips I will buy an orchid from here...but I had one once and killed it :( so I'll need some caring for Orchid lessons

There are several flower stands, but this is where I always get my flowers.  The farm where these are grown is in Weimer, TX (about 1.5 hours West of Houston).  They have a farmer's market there on Fridays and I am dying to go and take photos of the flower fields.  If anyone would want to take that field trip I can probably do it next month when Brian will be able to take Friday's off again. 

If I were getting married I would go here early on Saturday morning and buy my flower bouquets, seriously!

my boys

and yes, there's even a vendor who makes fresh lattes and coffee on the spot.  I got a delicious vanilla latte to enjoy!

This is only a small glimpse of everything offered.  You can bring knives to get sharpened (I'm totally doing that next time), buy fresh shrimp and seafood, grass fed beef, organic, free-range chicken and eggs, lavender, artisan bread, and premade food. It's truly one of my favorite things to do on a Saturday morning!

2012 Project Life (week 14)

Last week's PL was very light...this week is very heavy on pictures because it was Karsten's birthday week.  I used a combination of Clementine and Cobalt, 2 extra page protectors (design f and d) and quite a few blank journaling cards with small pieces of patterened paper.  I didn't do tons of journaling about his birthday because I created several blog posts about it, it will also be documented in K's baby album, and I plan on creating a Blurb book for 2012 as well. 

 

the front of one page dedicated to the Children's Museum

page turn---next layout

the back dedicated to our family photo shoot--I used a fiskars paper punch to create the pennants.  I got it at Archivers awhile back using a 30% off coupon.  I decided to get it because a.) I love pennants b.) unlike flowers you can use pennants for boys

For this page I used blank journaling cards, strips of this paper, and oldie but goodie Bazzil Birthday stickers!

next layout

Detail shots---I love using these little Mary Englebreit art pieces from my daily calendar

for this I used a bi fold journaling card adhered the photo and then journaled

Karsten's Birthday--Family Photos

My cousin Chelsea came over a bit early so that she could take some family photos for me.  I enjoy being behind the camera most of the time, but there are times when I want family photos.  Remember, in October when we went to Colorado, my friend Carrie took family photos of us in Garden of the Gods.  With Karsten growing so quickly, I would like to do this every year, around his birthday and then around his adoption anniversary. 

I mean seriously...look at how much he has changed!!!! Poor baby, he lost a lot of hair...Thankfully, it's all grown back!

So Chelsea took over 150 photos in just a few minutes...these are my faves!!!  Please don't think I'm vain...in fact I hate the way this dress looks on me, I have a double chin in most photos,  and you can tell by my hair that it was windy.  I just love my little family so much and I'm so proud of us!

 

2012 Project Life (week 12)

Having 12 weeks of life documented feels really awesome.  I may behind on years past, but I'm caught up on 2012!  I'll take little celebrations where I can get them! 

This week I used components from both the Clementine and Cobalt kit, along with a partial Design B Page Protector.  I can't seem to go a week without an insert these days.  I just look at it as having a very blessed life with lots of stories to tell. 

Full Layouts

Left Page--upper right picture is a snapshot of our tax return noting that we now have a son...this made me smile...as did the ability to claim a dependent AND get our adoption tax credit!!  I also added another piece from my Mary Englebreit daily calendar and a tiny example of Karsten's birthday party invitations which I ordered from Tiny Prints

details

Insert--the front of the insert are some of my favorite photos taken during Karsten's 11 month photo shoot, which was taken 2 weeks late (bad mommy).  The other side of the insert are photos of the gorgeous flowers I got at the Farmers Market on Saturday.  I'm kind of obsessed with flowers right now...I blame it on my word of the year!

Right Page--

Details

2012 Project Life (week 11) + a PL related giveaway

Howdy everyone!  Welcome to Project Life Tuesday...for a girl who's consistently inconsistent I am proud of myself for sticking with blogging my PL every week.  It's helped to keep me from getting behind.  It's one area where I'm caught up...now if only I could apply that to laundry...hmmm! 

Last week I said I was going to host a Project Life related giveaway this week...and I am.  If you have been following my Project Life album this year you've seen that I add additional elements from my stash.  Sometimes it's stickers, prima flowers, rub ons, or a scrap of paper.  I don't know that I'll have a giveaway each week, but in an effort to clean out my stash I am going to do one every few weeks.  This week includes a full pack of Project Life Grid Journaling cards (which by the way are sold out until late May), 20 sheets of 6x6 paper (including paper from Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket, and My Mind's Eye), a full sheet of 7 Gypsies Family stickers, a full sheet of October Afternoon stickers, prima flowers and some other cute journaling cards.  I have used similar items in my album to make it more personal.  

You have several chances to enter.  First--leave a comment with your name and how you found my blog.  Second--Subscribe to my blog via email (then confirm the subscription) If you're already a subscriber just leave a comment saying "hey, I'm a subscriber already" and you'll get your 2nd entry.  Third--If you have a blog,  attach a link to my blog telling your blog readers about this giveaway. Feel free to right click and save this image and then share it on your blog.  Leave me a comment and your blog link so that I can visit your cute blog and say Hi!  So, you have 3 chances to be entered and win. Good Luck!!

***Giveaway entries can be made through Friday, March 23rd at 9:00pm***

Now, onto this week's project life. Again, I'm using page protector Design A as my basis for each week and I added a Design G style to accomodate some photos from our expedition to Brazos Bend State Park. 

tab from October Afternoon

Details:

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Our Valentine's Day

Brian and I aren't the kind of couple who go all out on Valentine's Day.  We don't exchange expensive gifts or go out to a fancy restaurant for dinner.  We save going out to a nice dinner for March 9th, our anniversary...this year, our 10th anniversary.  I bought him a sweet card and made a nice dinner--steaks, baked potatoes, roasted asparagus, and sauteed mushrooms with a lovely Oregon Pinot Noir, the only red wine I really like.  I also made delicious red velvet brownies and white chocolate covered strawberries---yum!  He bought me a gorgeous pink Hydrangea plant as well as some gerbera daisy plants and a poppy plant; all of which will be planted in our backyard.  Isn't this hydrangea gorgeous??  If you live in the area he found it at Joseph's Nursery in Manvel.  I will tell you that the hydrangeas were over half the price, and more beautiful, than those found at the local grocery store.