Allow Me to Ramble

I'm sorry to all of you who may have NO interest in reading this post, but I just have to write down all the thoughts and feelings I am having right now. I feel absolutely full. I haven't felt this way in a long time, but it is fantastic! I don't think anything changed, but if "it" did, I need to figure out what "it" is!


After church yesterday, Jonathan headed with some kids from our youth group to a concert in Ohio. I stayed back and spent the afternoon and evening (until 2 o'clock!) by myself. Man, my mind has been whirring since then. 


When I got home from church I immediately went into cleaning mode making sure that our apartment was spotless before Jonathan came home. I scrubbed, I vacuumed, and I dusted. It felt good. Then, I took some time to myself. I watched A LOT of TV on youtube. I actually just watched episodes of The Duggars over and over again. Man, I will never get enough of their show. I just admire them so much and feel like they are on a road that I would like to eventually travel on too.


I also did a bit of reading. I have been spending a lot of time on this site. It is phenomenal and has really struck a chord within me. Last week she wrote a post entitled "Getting Pregnant with PCOS" and it challenged me a bit. Since then I just keep reading different articles on her blog and thinking "I need to do that! and that! OOO! and that!" Needless to say, I am feeling like there is hope and that I can change my lifestyle to be healthier and one that will better suit my condition. 


I think this article, and some other things that have happened over the past week, are all that I have needed to kick-start me into this feel-good-mood. I am ready to tackle anything. I want to make the changes that will help me to live a healthier life and create a better life for my husband as well. I want to cleanse myself and start new. I am ready to feel like this all the time! I know that God wants me to be happy and I feel like He has called me to leave behind my worries and the pressure I put on myself and just LIVE!


So this process has already started but today I am going to take a few more steps. I am cleaning out my cupboards. GONE are the things that I really shouldn't be eating. Processed foods, sugar, white flour, and anything containing soy (yes, soy actually ISN'T good for you!). I can't change our food habits all at once, because it would be exceedingly expensive and really overwhelming, but I can get rid of some easy offenders that are probably the worst offenders at that. 


I am also starting a new workout routine today. Just a little side-note: my goal of losing 6lbs this month has NOT happened. Hmm I wonder why (note the sarcasm). Maybe its because I wasn't focused enough; I can make up every excuse in the book. But I am ready now. My sister-in-law and I are going to start a new workout routine. Its called "Couch to 10K" and you can find the plan here. Though I have adjusted it a bit. I am planning on doing each week for two weeks because I am not actually training for a 10k. It will be good to be on a schedule though and have a plan to stick to. 


I am also going to be getting rid of the clutter. Figuratively and LITerally (anyone catch the parks and rec reference? ;) ). Since we will be moving and downsizing in the next month to month and a half, I am taking this opportunity to really sort through our belongings. I have realized that we have too much stuff. Things that aren't being used,  are being stored for no reason, and just take up too much room, have to go. I don't need the baggage anymore. Jesus petitions us to not hold onto our worldly possessions (Matthew 19:16-30) and I don't want to hold on anymore.


I also want to just clear my mind and be confident in who I am. This is the figurative part of the de-cluttering. Having almost finished Beth Moore's So Long, Insecurity: You've been a bad friend to us, I feel compelled to rid my heart of all of the pressure that I have heaped upon it. I want to be free and be able to move as the Spirit calls me too. I don't want to have any inhibitions. I want to be who I am in Christ and have confidence knowing HE created me perfectly. 


So, basically this is a post to remind me of this feeling when I start to struggle. I am so excited about these changes now, but I need to be realistic and know that some days I may have a hard time. SO this is just a visual reminder for myself. 


Happy Monday everyone! :) 

A Not So Early Morning...

It's almost 11 o'clock as I type this post and I am still in my pj's curled up on the couch. I just ate breakfast and enjoyed my second cup of coffee. The wind is howling outside and I can feel the draft as the cold rushes in through every hidden crack it can. Nothing makes me want to move from this spot. After all, I have the best personal-foot-warmer cuddled up next to me....

I'm not in a hurry this morning. Most mornings I wake up and feel already behind with everything I want to accomplish. Truth be told, I put more on my "to-do" list than I can actually handle and it leaves me feeling like I'm always failing. Not today. Today I am taking my time and accomplishing whatever feels right. 

I think everyone needs a day like today. What's wrong with not accomplishing everything on that to do list? There is always tomorrow. 

I think I will just linger here for a bit longer...read some more...and just take a moment to enjoy life where I am at. I'm not thinking about anything else that's going on, just thanking God for His blessings and mercies. 

I'm thanking Him for...

...my husband's job. It has been steady all winter. In the life of a carpenter that can be a rarity. 

...new adventures. 

...the taste of a fresh cup of steaming coffee.

...the chance to see my husband's family this weekend.

...our two puppers. 

...my health. 

...giving us cold weather!!

...always having perfect timing. 

What are you thankful for?  

Book Review: Mockingjay (The Hunger Games Series)

The Hunger Game series seems to be the "latest and greatest" series to read. The books are written to captivate a teen audience, but the plot line is so enveloping that many a reader will enjoy these easy reads. 


Mockingjay is the first book that I have finished off my list. It is the last book in The Hunger Games series and has truly brought the set of books to a dynamic close. Without ruining any of the books, really that is not my goal, I want to give a brief overview of the series. 


The Hunger Games series is heart wrenching and about the power of love in a society that has all but crushed and exploited this human feeling. Katniss, the heroine, makes the ultimate sacrifice by taking her sister's place in the government-created "Hunger Games." These games were created, by the capital of Panem, to keep the population of our world under control. Two contestants from each district around the country are chosen (one boy and one girl) to compete in the ultimate fight for life on live TV. They are put in an arena and made to fight till their death; forced to kill other contestants so that the victor may return home to a better life for their family. When one contestant is left, they are declared the winner. Little does Katniss know, winning isn't quite that simple. 


This series covers the games, the aftermath of the games, and the eventual overthrow of the government. The third book, Mockingjay, is a real nail bitter. I often found myself groaning because I couldn't take the sequence of events anymore! I would turn to my husband and repeatedly ask why he made me read these books. Yet, I had to know what happened. Suzanne Collins is a phenomenal writer. She is brutally honest and sometimes tastefully grotesque. But let me tell you, I had to finish this series. I had to know what happened.  I read the book in a couple of days because I was so enthralled--that is something I rarely do. 


Overall, I think I would recommend this series to certain people, but to others, these books will seem twisted and downright disturbing. If you don't like books about government control and deception, don't read this series. If 1984 bothered you, then these books will definitely bother you. But if you like a book that is very thought provoking and really captures your emotions, then this is a series for you! Interwoven in a plot of diabolic government control, is a story of love, hunger for life, and the ultimate search for truth. One thing these books will definitely do is keep you on your toes. 

Adios Wisdom!

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Jonathan is getting his wisdom teeth pulled this morning. Please keep him in your prayers. I will be happily playing "nurse" today--making sure he is well taken care of and comfortable. Have a phenomenal weekend!

Eating Your Frog

Man, everyone seems to be posting about the new year. I suppose this is normal, but I feel like every blog-post that I read reflects some goal for the new year or memories from 2011. 


The posts that I really enjoy are about accomplishing those goals we have set for 2012. Most of them delineate step-by-step instructions on how we can master things this new year. They talk about breaking a task down into manageable chunks that enable us to accomplish a seemingly overwhelming task. I like this point-of-view. It reminds me that I can do anything as long as I break it down appropriately. 


One post that stands out in my mind is this one. I love the idea of "eating your frog." By accomplishing a daily task that you dread the most, first thing in the morning, you are "eating your frog." Basically, the simple idea that getting the hard part out of the way first, frees the rest of your day up to accomplish things that are more enjoyable. 

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For example, as I sit here and type this, I have been thinking about the stacks of dishes that are chilling in my sink and on my kitchen counter. Washing dishes is my least favorite thing to do. For me, it feels like a job that is never done. Once I wash breakfast dishes, lunch dishes appear. Once lunch dishes are done, here come dinner ones. Unlike laundry, which only takes me one day to do and then its done for the week, dishes are a daily item on my list that always seems to be put off until the last possible minute. Thank goodness my husband is patient with me and doesn't complain about a disheveled kitchen. 


Today, I think I am going to eat my frog. Before making myself breakfast, doing my devotions, or making my bed (my favorite chore because it is so easy and is literally done in two minutes), I am going to clean those dishes. I am not going to worry about the breakfast dishes that will follow or the lunch ones that will come after that. Instead I am going to enjoy the freedom that my counters are clear for a bit and that I don't have to worry about doing dishes for the rest of the day. 


How would you feel if you ate your frog every morning? I'd love to hear what your "frog" is. :) 


P.S. For anyone interested in reading more about this concept, there is a whole book about it! 

2012 Reading List

Ok, I think this is my last post about my 2012 goals. :) Here is the list of books that I hope to read in 2012. This is my list of thirty (I decided to leave room for books that may come out later in the year or for books that are recommended to me), but remember my goal is to read at least 24. 

So far I am starting off well with the three books I have picked for January. We will see how this goes!!

Faith Books:

 Facing Your Giants—Max Lucado

 Just Walk across the Room –Bill Hybels

A Quest for More—Paul David Tripp

 Jesus Freaks Vol 1—DC Talk

 Jesus Freaks Vol 2—DC Talk

The Real You – Kevin Leman

 If you Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat—John Ortberg

 Why Pray?—Philip Yancy and Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman—Anne Ortland (small books, counted as one)

Mere Christianity – CS Lewis

So Long Insecurity (book and devotional journal) – Beth Moore

Fun Books:

Mockingjay—Ruth Collins

The Narnia Series – CS Lewis

When Invisible Children Sing—Huang Tang

Falling Forward—Sandi Patty

The Help—Kathryn Stockett

Who is my Shelter? –Neta Jackson

The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo—Stieg Larsson

 Stuck in the Middle—Virginia Smith (kindle)

Daughter of Joy – Kathleen Morgan (kindle)

Practical Books:

Cashflow Quadrant – Robert Kiyosaki

Wild at Heart – John Eldredge

Made to Crave – Lysa Terkeurst

 Your Money Counts – Howard Dayton

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey

 Intimate Issues – Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus

Help Meet –Debi Pearl

Money and Marriage God’s Way – Howard Dayton

Onward – Howard Schultz

Entreleadership – Dave Ramsey (borrow from daddy)

2012 Goals

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As I promised, today I will be putting my pen to paper fingers to the keyboard and blogging about my personal goals for 2012. I have chosen these goals in an attempt to encourage myself to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically. I want to be a better me. 


I know that God has a lot planned for my life. I believe that the goals I have set for myself this year, will prepare me for His plans. I want only His will and I am praying that these goals will keep my sights set on Him. 

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1. Grow spiritually.
Now this may seem like a vague goal, but I have no idea what God has in store for me this year, so I wanted to leave it a bit open. I know that I want to focus on my devotions and really plunging deep into His word. I also want to make it a point to create a home that reflects our spirituality (i.e. put scripture around the house, creating an environment of peace and understanding between my husband and I, etc.). I am learning more and more the power of God and I cannot wait to see what He has planned this year! 


2. Lose 75 lbs. 
I set this goal because it would require me to lose about 6lbs a month. I think this is a realistic amount to lose. I plan on working out at least four days a week, thirty minutes a day. I also want to focus on my eating and have started out this month by eliminating sugar (meaning sweets) from my diet. As the year progresses I hope to really focus on being healthier version of me. One step at a time. 


3. Read 24 books. 
I originally made a list of thirty-six, but realized that may be a bit unrealistic. You think?! So, I have my list of thirty-six, but I going to focus on reading twenty-four of them. Two a month. More on this goal tomorrow.


4. Simplify.
My final goal is to really simplify my life. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be and act a certain way. I want my home to look like this. I want to make sure that I come across that way. Standards. Such high standards. I always seems to push myself too much. So this year I want to clean out my life and focus in on the things that bring the most happiness: God, Family, and Friends. 


I also want to really work on getting rid of a bunch of things. I feel that our house is too full. With the transition coming up of moving out of our apartment and into our first home (eek!!!) I want to make sure that we aren't taking a lot of baggage with us. I want to simplify in this new home. Plus, we are technically downsizing (going from approximately 1400 sq ft. to 1000 sq ft.) so purging ourselves of clutter is a must. 

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I think four goals is enough this year. I think the above things are all obtainable and I cannot wait to work hard on these things. Here's to a new year and lots of anticipation for what's ahead! 

Projects for 2012

I would really like to tackle at least one project a month in 2012. Some will be practical; some will be just for fun. Here is a list of things, in no particular order, that I hope to try. Pinterest has created something "evil" in me. I can't get enough of DIY projects, so I decided that it was time to try some of them.  I plan on writing about each project as well. Maybe I can encourage you to try something new this year! :)

Homemade soap

Paper Mache Antlers 

Homemade facewash

Homemade Lotion

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Crayon Art

Yarn Sign

A Felt Pillow 

--not sure what the original source is

Pallet Shelves

DIY Decorative Twine Balls

Decorative Pumpkin

 Handmade Snow Globe

--not sure what the original source is

Howling Winds

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It definitely sounds like a blizzard is a-brewing out there. 

This is the best sleeping weather. 

Cold. 

Windy. 

A snowy/sleety mix hitting the windows. 

The heavy wool blanket and quilt. 

Lots of pillow. 

I can't wait to wake up to a winter wonderland. 

(now let's just hope the weatherman was right)

A Final Recap

Do you remember this post? Well here is an update of what I accomplished in 2011. My actual progress will be in blue. 

1.) I will get in good physical shape. Well,I didn't lose any weight, but let's focus on the positive. Jonathan and I ran a 5k and an 8k. That took a lot of training and I guess that means that I am in better shape because I can run 5 miles. 

2.) I will do daily devotions. I did pretty well with this and feel like I have grown spiritually because of it. 

3.) I will read 20 books this year. Hmm...to be honest I didn't keep track of this. I know I didn't read 20 though. I am going to guess I read 10. 

4.) I will crochet a hat for my husband and do another project that challenges my crocheting abilities (such as a sweater for myself, a complicated new stitch, or maybe I will just skip crocheting and teach myself to knit!). No hat for Jonathan, but I did learn a new stitch and crocheted two baby blankets for a couple special ladies. 

5.) I will make a real quilt. No "real" quilt. But I did make a t-shirt quilt for my brother for his graduation gift. I also finished this quilt and gave it to Jonathan for Christmas. 

6.) We will purchase a cloth diaper set. Well we were given a set from Jonathan's sister, Sarah. 

7.) We will raise our first dog. We have successfully done this! We love her to pieces. 

8.) I will become a better homemaker and wife. I have definitely accomplished this one. I have been making weekly menus, I quit my job in order to focus on my husband more, and I have been focusing on simplifying our lives. This all has helped me to be a lot less stressed and be (in my opinion) a better wife. 

9.) We will plan (and possibly take) a road trip that involves places featured on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," "Bert the Conqueror," and "Man vs. Food." We didn't do this at all. 

10.) We will purchase a house. Well not quite in 2011, but two weeks into January we should be closing on our first house!!! 

11.) I will crochet at least 10 sets of scarves and hats to donate to a local food bank/shelter. This really didn't happen. 

So all in all, I accomplished about eight of eleven. I think that is pretty good. This coming year I want to really focus on setting realistic goals. I think part of my problem this past year was expecting too much from myself. I can't wait to see what 2012 holds! Expect a list of goals in the next couple of days. 

Happy New Year!

Post Christmas

I am still in Christmas mode around here. I am currently relishing the time that I have in the morning to delve into the word of God and to drink an extra cup of coffee. I don't really want this week to end. I think its time that we perpetually celebrate Christmas. What do you think? 

P.S. Isn't the coffee-mug-collar awesome?! My roommate from college knitted it for me for Christmas!! She is the best. Interested in making it? --here is the link

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. --Isaiah 9:6

Christmasing

We are in full celebrating-Christmas-mode around here. 
To me, Christmas is family, food, and traditions. So...

We made cutouts. 

We drove 6 hours to visit Jonathan's family for a few days.

We opened gifts.

We decorated a gingerbread FARM. 

We played (or watched Jonathan play) Cabella's 2011 hunting game for the Wii.

And we ate. lots. and. lots. YUM! Mom's food is the best. 

Now its time to hang out with family all day and then head home tomorrow for our traditional Christmas Eve celebration and our own Christmas morning. I can't wait to wake up on Sunday. 

Celebrating Jesus' birth is the best. 

A Wedding Video

Please watch the whole video. It is absolutely beautiful. 

Be a Confident Woman

Finally....SNOW!!

Finally. Snow. I can smell it in the air!

CHRISTmas: Day 2

Yesterday, I stumbled across this blog all about homemaking and being a supportive wife. I love these kinds of blogs. They inspire me and encourage me to be the best homemaker that I can be. Courtney of Women Living Well Ministries keeps a daily blog about the ins and outs of being a beautiful wife. Visit her blog here. 

This morning she shared a beautiful Christmas mantel that she created. And then she shared this quote:

“If you have been afraid that your love of beautiful flowers and the flickering flame of the candle is somehow less spiritual than living in starkness and ugliness, remember that He who created you to be creative gave you the things with which to make beauty and gave you the sensitivity to appreciate and respond to his creation. Creativity is his gift to you and the ‘raw materials’ to be put together in various ways are His gift to you as well.”

                                                                           -Edith Shaeffer

                                                                            The Art of Homemaking

Wow. I have never heard it put that way. My desire and creativity for my home comes from God?! Having recently quit my part-time job, I am getting to know what its like to be solely a wife and domestic goddess. This quote validates everything that I believe in and have been doing lately. I also am reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:58: 

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

It has given me a renewed excitement for the day ahead of me. I am worshiping and honoring my Heavenly Father by using the gift of creativity that He has given me. It is my spiritual gift from God. 

Jonathan and I have been enjoying our goal of keeping Christ in Christmas; like I mentioned in my last post. We have been focusing on doing something together daily in preparation of Jesus' birth. So far we have:

december 1st.) Pulled out all the Christmas decorations and put them up together. 

december 2nd.) Watched a Christmas movie on Netflix

december 3rd.) Attended our church's Christmas party--and had a blast.

december 4th.) Cut down our Christmas tree together 

december 5th.) (oops we missed out on this day) 

So in keeping with the whole "decorating as worship" theme, here are some pictures of our Christmas decorations.

 Happy decorating!!!

CHRISTmas: Day 1

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Christmas. It's that time of the year again. Christmas has a special place in my heart. It always has. My childhood home always felt different during the holiday season. There was something that changed in the weeks after Thanksgiving. Not only did the decorations come out, but the feelings of closeness, celebration, and merriment as well. I used to love coming home from school to my mom hurrying about carefully placing decoration after decoration. 


There were the handmade stockings from my grandmother, dangling from the mantle. The usual sprig of mistletoe hung carefully in the doorway. The freshly cut tree, standing at least eight feet tall, decorated with painted glass ornaments. Dicken's Village was spread over the top of the piano--a magical scene I always wanted to be part of. 


Then there was the nativity scene. Jesus was nestled between Mary and Joseph. The donkey and camel were snuggled away in their stalls. The wisemen were lined up ready to present their gifts. But the best part was always Mary's face. It expressed something that I may never understand. An awed expression mixed with love. A look that only Mary will ever have--having given birth to the savior of our earth and having the love that only a mom can have. Can you imagine?!


This year I want to make Christmas special in our house. Last year I wasn't really into it. It was my first Christmas as a new wife and I just didn't feel the magic. I didn't know how to create the special feelings I always felt as a child. But this year, it will be different. I want to focus on making sure Christ is in Christmas. I want to make this year special for my husband. 


I have printed this Jesse's Tree devotional to read daily. I also will be planning out an advent calendar of activities for Jonathan and I that focuses on family time and spending time talking about the real meaning of Christmas. I plan on blogging daily to help encourage everyone else to celebrate along with us. 

I can't wait to see what this month brings. Happy first of December everyone!

Merry Christmas! 

$180 an Hour

I am so excited about what just happened. I had to post about it. 


Today I decided to clean out our bookshelf and organize our books. I hate getting rid of books, but I feel pressure to really start getting rid of clutter. Purge, purge, purge. 


About a month ago I read about this new-to-me opportunity on Amazon. They offer a "trade-in" option on their website. You can visit it here. 

All you do is go to the website, type in the title or ISBN number of your book, and they will tell you what your book is worth. Bonus: they even give you a shipping label! You don't have to pay a thing and they will automatically credit your amazon account for the money once they receive the books. Oh, and if they don't want the books you sent, they will mail them back for free! How can you go wrong? 


So back to today. I was cleaning off our bookshelf and decided to see what I could get for some of my old textbooks from college. All-in-all for 6 books (three textbooks and three regular books) and 2 DVDs (oh yea they also will take DVDs, electronics, and video games) I will receive about $180. All for about an hour of work. 


So visit Amazon and see what you can get for your stuff! To me, it was well worth it! 

Applesauce

Yesterday, I had fun making 18 quarts of applesauce. It was my first experience making homemade applesauce and my second experience canning. I am so glad to say that all of the jars "popped."

I cannot tell you how rewarding it is to hear that little noise. I want to jump and do a happy dance every time one sneaks out. I have been really enjoying my kitchen lately. Now I am dreaming up grand ideas of what to do next :)

Happy Tuesday!

Today

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Today the skies look like they could open at any moment.

The wind is gentle, but chilly.

It's a typical fall day around here.

Thus, I am making and canning applesauce.

I am enjoying the latest Real Simple magazine.

I am eating organic potato leek soup.

The washer, dryer, and oven are all going.

The house is warm.

I love the smells wafting through my house.

Cinnamon and apple.

Andrea Bocelli is keeping me company. 

Thank you God for this beautiful Monday.

A Home.

Why do I really want a house? What would I like said house to be like? What are the things that I am really not willing to compromise on? What is God's plan for our future house??

I found myself dreaming of our future house today. I was thinking about all of the cute things that I wanted to do. I was thinking about the quaint charm that I would like our future house to have. Then I realized something. All along I thought that location didn't really matter. You know what they say, "Location, location, location." But to me this had never really been an issue. 

But today, oh today, I realized that this is very key to the house we pick. I can make any house work as long as it has the following criteria.

1.) It cannot be a cookie cutter house. It must have character. I like imperfections and wood. LOTS of wood.

2.) It has to come with a decent amount of land. Now, I am not saying acres and acres; I am just thinking a decent sized yard maybe surrounded by fields. I want to feel the space between me and my neighbor.

3.) It has to have a great kitchen or at least space for one. I love to entertain and I really want to be able to have a lot of space to cook, bake, and entertain.

4.) My husband has to love it. If Jonathan is a no-go, then I am a no-go. He has the final say and I truly trust his opinion 100%.

Man do I just keep dreamin', hopin', and prayin'. I know God has our house out there somewhere for us. I just pray that He will open my eyes to it when it comes along.

 

Tete-a-Tete Tuesday

Good morning friends and family! Today is just another rainy day in paradise. Yay. I really do love fall.

We had our second meeting of our small group last night. Long story short, we are talking about the ins and outs of money and living within your means. It has made me think a lot. On top of small group discussions, I just got done reading this book. Surprisingly they talk a bit about their financial situation and how investing in real estate has allowed their family to be 100% debt free for many years. All this has been making my mind reel. Romans 13:8 says, "Owe no man any thing." This verse has really had me thinking. As believers, are we called to live within our means and to go against the grain by having no debt?

Another thing on my mind as of late is Christmas. Yes, Christmas. I have been scheming and pondering ideas to make Christmas extra special this year. I want to start traditions. I want to host a Christmas party. I want to decorate. I want to find an extra special way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I want to be unconventional. Christmas is just a special time of the year for me; for all Christians. I have so many happy memories from Christmas. I don't want this year to be any different.

Well, I am off to start my Tuesday! It looks like a bit of work and errands are in my near future. Oh and I am also starting week four of my 5k training. Wish me (well us) luck!

For a Marine

This morning I put together a care package for my brother-in-law. He is a Marine, overseas, protecting our country. It was really fun buying everything and putting this box together! The whole time I pictured what it would be like to get a package of goodies from home. I really hope he finds this box a blessing. I have been in constant prayer as I put it together, thinking of his family, him, and the rest of the Marines in his platoon. May God protect all of them and give them a peace that is past understanding.

For my family, here is a list of what the box included:

-4 gun-related magazines
-a blanket
-a package of baby wipes
-2 boxes of propel drink mix (i think there were 10 packets in each box)
-4 toothbrushes
-a tube of crest toothpaste
-chapstick
-2 bottles of Bayer back and body (50 ct)
-Axe Clix Anitpersperant
-Batteries (AA and AAA)
-6 packs of Trident gum
-Rook
-6 bottles of five hour energy
-Twizzlers
-A book of 1 minute devotionals
-10 2-packs of foot/hand warmers
-10 pairs of socks

Also, Jonathan and I each wrote him a letter and then I included a few pictures just for something fun to look at.

Happy Monday everyone!