10 on 10 {May}

One thing that I struggle with is finding the life and beauty while I'm at work for 9 hours of my day.  However, this month, I pushed myself to find it.  It really is a great thing.

I'm so grateful for many things, whether it's a snack, a little bit of peace and quiet on my lunch break, a seat warmer for my aching back, an evening full of shooting, or just sitting around talking with our Life Group...the ones who've welcomed us in with open arms and treated us like we've always been here.

There is beauty in everyday life.  Have you found it?

 

Liebster Award

Abbi, over at Seasons of a Homemaker, has nominated me for a Liebster award!  I have actually been nominated before, but I really didn't know what it was.  I'm appreciative to Abbi for defining it more for me.  Thank you, Abbi, for nominating me.  It's such an honor.

What is a Liebster Award?

The Liebster award is not an actual paper award or trophy of any kind. It’s a kind of chain award that is given by anyone to anyone deemed worthy. Here are few things about it:

• The Liebster Award is given to up-and-coming blogs of less than 200 followers.
• It is a blogger to blogger award, you  nominate 5 bloggers with less than 200 readers, “liebster” is "dearest" in German.
• It’s quite an honor to be chosen by another blogger for this award! 
• It’s also another way for bloggers to get themselves “out there” and to meet other bloggers.

What do you do?
Write a post about it including the following:

• Answer the 11 questions posted by the nominator on her blog.
• Give 11 facts about yourself.
• Nominate 5-11 other new up and coming bloggers with less than 200 followers.
• Make up 11 more questions to pass on to the bloggers that you choose to nominate.
• Thank your nominator in your post with a link back to her blog.
• Upon your post going live, contact your nominees about your nomination for them.

My 11 Questions, answered:

1. Why did you start your blog? What were your goals?   I started my blog right before I got married.  I wanted a way to remember my life...to track what I was learning...and to just be a "journal" for me to write in.  I didn't have many goals, other than I wanted to be committed to it.
   
2. Who are your blogging role models?  I don't know if I'm a fan of the term "role mode," because I feel like it puts a lot of pressure on people...especially after someone has deemed you their role model.   I have a lot of bloggers that I look up to, learn from, and love how they write.  Those are the ones that I look most forward to reading.  Those blogs would include Top of the Page, The Honey Pot, and Take the Cannoli.
   
3. Your perfect day would be?  At this moment in time, my perfect day would include being surrounded by my family and doing something (not working) together all day long with no interuptions (ie cell phones).  We are scattered among the state and rarely home at the same time, so I would love to all be together.
   
4. Food you would pack for one year?   This one would be a hard one...I like food (if you couldn't tell by all the recipes I post).  There would be a lot of food I could pack for a year, but the most important would have to be peanut butter. :)
   
5. Favorite quote?  "Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10
   
6. Blog post or posts your proud of?  I might say that my posts I'm most proud of might be this one or this series.  Oh and this one, too!
   
7. What made you fall in love with your husband?  I don't know that there would be one particular thing that made me fall in love with him...it was more of a process for me:  knowing that he was my best friend, that I could tell him anything and he wouldn't judge me for it, and my secrets were not only safe with him, but that I could be myself around him and not have to put on a facade around him (which you shouldn't do).
   
8. Money was no object and you already had the education necessary, what would you do when you grew up?  I believe that one day I will have the opportunity to live out my dearest dreams.  When that time comes, I will be a stay-at-home momma taking care of my babies.  I would also like to keep pursuing my etsy shop so that I can still do that while I'm at home.
   
9. Guilty pleasure?  I think that I would unashamedly admit that it would be watching The Bachelor/The Bachelorette and texting my mom throughout the entire show. :)
   
10. Favorite charity to donate to? Why?  I don't necessarily donate to a certain charity per se, but rather we give to our church and where God leads.
    
11. What is the BEST thing about you?  Oh wow, this one is difficult.  I don't like to blatantly (haha) brag about myself...but I WILL brag on the One that should be bragged on.  The best thing about me is that I know Jesus Christ.  He is the One who makes me who I am.  Without Him, I am nothing. 

My 11 facts about me:

1. I love accounting.
2. I hate wearing shoes, but I love shopping for them.
3. I love butterflies...I've loved them since I was 10 years old.
4. I'm some-what musically inclined.  I played the flute (and still do when I get a chance) for 8 years in band, and I also played the piano for more than that...I preferred flute over piano.
5. I've wanted to learn how to play the violin since I was in college.  It hasn't happened yet, and it probably never will.
6. I have more friends via instagram and blogging than I do in real life.
7. I call my mom every day and talk to her.  She's my best friend.
8. When my daddy gave me away at my wedding, he didn't say "Her mother and I."  He wrote me a poem and recited it.  It's framed and sitting on my mantle.  I would love to share it, but I'm afraid someone would steal it and copy it for themselves...however, it is all about me, so I might *think* about sharing it.
9. One thing that really annoys me:  when I'm wearing socks around the house and there might be a spot of water on the floor and I step in it. UGH!  Then I have to go change my socks!
10. I'm not ready to be a mom.  There is still so much about life that I want to enjoy without kids.  Kids are forever, and I'm not ready for that commitment yet. :)  So that whole "stay-at-home mom" comment up there...just remember that it's far in the future. ;)
11. Someday I hope to take a mission trip to Africa to work with people who have AIDS. 

WHEW!  I made it!

So here are my nominees for the Liebster Award.  Choose to participate or not, it's your choice!  I think it's a little fun getting to know y'all a bit more! :)

Joy @ Small Town Joy

Kaysi @ A Joyful Noise

Cindy @ A Mom Raising Her Boys

Kara @ Sunrise & Sunset

Rachel @ The Faithful City Mouse

Ladies, here are my questions for you:

1. Why and when did you begin blogging?
2. What is your best blogging tip?
3. What is your biggest accomplishment?
4. What do you do in your free time?
5. How did you meet your husband/significant other?
6. What books have you read recently?
7. What is something that you have learned recently?
8. What is something you want to learn?
9. What is your favorite food?
10. How is your typical Friday night spent?
11. Who are your blogger "inspirations?"

Random Tidbits {and a giveaway}

This rain that we've been having is getting old, real quick!

I don't know what happened to our warm weather and sunshine!

Please come back!!

I hear we may have some sun for a couple of days...

and then more rain!!

I think my dad might be planting corn in June...hmmm.

My husband fixed my car this week.

Wanna know how?

...Google and Youtube. 

Seriously.

I've had this "hum" since last fall.

I got my tires rotated because I thought that might have had an effect. Nope.

Then I got all new tires {not to see if that fixed it, well, sort of...but also because I needed them}. Nope.

Finally, a couple weeks ago, it was so bad...like I can't go 70 mph because it "hums" so bad.

As in...I have to drive 62 mph or 73 mph.  There's no in between because it's so bad.

My husband...the smart, resourceful, techy person that he is, googled my problem.

Sure enough, other people had the same problem.

So Monday evening, he went out there, jacked up my car, took my brake drum off, and finally took the wheel bearing off.

He wanted to make sure that's what it was before he spent money on the part.

It was.  The part stores didn't have the part we needed.

Good thing too, it was $30 more than just ordering online ourselves.

And that's what we did.

He changed it out in the rain, too.

If that ain't true love, I don't know what is. :)
I love him, and I'm so thankful for him!

I won this phone case from the amazing Lindsay over at Pen and Paint.

How amazing is that?!?   I never win!!

This is her artwork on a phone case!!

I think it's pretty incredible.

Oh, you want one too?

You can get yours here.

She also has amazing artwork in her shop, which you can find here.

Last week, I mentioned that I wanted to do some organizing.

Saturday morning, Tyler and I went out to do some shopping, and I was in luck.

I found what I wanted!

I'll be sure to show you the finished product soon!!

I also got some new shoes for my workouts!

So far, I like them.

{I've only worn them once.}

Oh, and more of that home improvement?

Welcome to my front door, Cute Rug. :)

Ignore the dirty concrete...there are workers doing some exterior updates to our apartments and it's not the cleanest.

I put some new things in my shop this weekend!  

The Summer Fun Jar is the newest addition!

You can find them here.

Oh and get 25% off with code SPRING.

**Oh, and I forgot to mention that I'm giving a Summer Fun Jar away!!**

This Summer Fun jar has 35 fun ideas for your kids to participate in throughout the summer!

See below for rules and how to enter!

Speaking of shops...

You have GOT to check out Joy's shop!

She has new things in her shop including Scripture Slates and Mini Wreaths!

She is also giving away something from her shop on her blog today!!

Check it out!! :)

Oh and did you hear?
My Mini Pink Bow Garland was featured in a publication!!
To see the publication in its entirety, click here.

Photo used with permission

Also, I'm not a morning person.

I don't like getting up any earlier than I have to.

So preparing lunches in an evening "to-do" for me.

Sunday evenings are spent de-stemming grapes, cutting cucumbers, and preparing yummy strawberries for the week.

Then I bag them and put them in the fridge so all I have to do is "grab and go."

What did you do this weekend??

Summer Fun Jar Giveaway

To enter:  just leave me a comment!

For extra entries (leave a comment for each one):

1.  Check out my shop and tell me what your favorite item is!

2.  Share this giveaway on your blog, facebook, instagram, twitter, etc.  

Giveaway open until 5/10.  

Winner will be picked (using random.org) on 5/11.

Contest opened to US residents only at this time.

Linking up with Carissa and Sew, Mama, Sew today!

Greek Quinoa Salad

Today's recipe is brought to you by this whole eating healthier thing. :)
This week I really wanted to do my best in making good eating choices.
I did have a cookie or two at a friend's baby shower, but other than that I've done a good job.
Oh, and I've cooked supper every, single night this week!
I'm so proud of myself!

I had purchased some quinoa a couple weeks ago.
Have you heard of it?
It's all the rage now.
I also had a quick recipe that I had previously printed off.
Wa-la!

Without further ado, here it is!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 seedless cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• the juice of one lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds (optional)

So I'm a rule-breaker.  I can't help it...it comes naturally.

I used a {normal} cucumber instead of seedless, a yellow pepper instead of a green, and table salt instead of kosher salt. 

Sue me.

Directions:

Cook the quinoa according to the package, with water.  

My directions said to rinse the quinoa with cold water until the water is clear.  Add the 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.  Turn to a simmer and cover for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, add all the other ingredients to a large bowl.

I cut up all the veggies while the quinoa was cooking...it took me just about 15 minutes.

When the quinoa is cooked, add it to the bowl with your ingredients.  

Let it set for about 15 minutes before serving so that the flavors can combine.

I took it for my lunch the next day, so it had all night to meld together. :)

It was delicious and super easy to make!
Not to mention, it's healthy! :)

Alright

Awhile back, I mentioned my struggle with living in the city.
I've really struggled with the why part of why we're here.

Before we moved, I shared my feelings on moving.

But all along we've trusted that this has been God's plan for us.

In the past year that we've lived here, I've been:

• homesick
• content
• joyful
• sad
• thankful and hopeful

I have had many emotions while here.

I'm sure I've had these emotions while in college as well, I just didn't document them for all the world to read.

You know that saying, "What goes up must come down?"

Yep...that's been my life for the past year.

I feel as if all is going well, then all of a sudden I'm in a valley.

In those valleys, I always wanted to move back to Springfield.

Back to our "home."

See, to get to where my parents live, we have to drive through Springfield.
Each time we drove past, my heart ached to be there.
It felt as if a piece of my heart broke each time we went by.
I wanted to drive the familiar streets and call it home.
Oh, and did I mention that both of my brothers go to school there?

Springfield is where Tyler and I met.
It holds so many dear memories.
So, of course I would want to move back.
We've tried a couple of times to get jobs there and move back.
But for some strange reason, God has shut that door.

Just recently, I was trying to sort through all of my emotions.
I wanted to be a realist about it all, rather than a dreamer.
A few weeks ago, I may have written that I was okay with visiting Springfield.
That my heart didn't hurt...and I was content with just visiting.
Through other people, God has shown me why living in St. Louis is okay:

1.  The people we were friends with in college have moved on...
     ...it doesn't matter whether they moved to a different city or have just in general moved on with their life. Other than a few that we went to church with, there's not many people left.

2.  We couldn't find a good paying job there to save our life...
     ...while we were both in agreement about taking a slight pay cut to move back to Springfield, we couldn't even find jobs that would supply our needs!  We've lived frugally before (when I was unemployed), so I knew we could cut things out that we didn't need, but when the job was barely meeting those needs, we knew that we should stay with our comfy lifestyle in St. Louis.  That may sound very egotistical and I don't mean for it to, but God was showing us that He blessed us with jobs here.

3.  We started going to the Saturday night service at church with some people in our small group...
     ...against my "traditional" ways, we now go to church on Saturday evenings.  This has been so great for us!  We have gone out with our friends several nights after church to eat and fellowship with each other.  It has helped me feel like I'm not totally alone here and has helped combat the homesickness.

So even in the midst of trial, bad attitudes, and a grieving heart, God was showing us His plan.
He revealed to me recently some other reasons we're here in St. Louis:

• Tyler's grandpa just passed away.  Living here meant we were only about 80 miles from his grandparents, so we've gotten to see them more often than if we lived in Springfield (about 4.5 hours from them).  That in itself is and was a blessing.  
• My aunt was recently diagnosed with cancer, and the doctor she chose for her treatment is here in STL.  We've gotten the chance to eat supper with her and my uncle a couple of different times while they've been here.  I count that as a blessing as well (not that she has cancer...just that we're close by). 

As you can see, it's been a rough journey for me to get to this spot.

That's okay...God didn't say life was going to be easy.

He's taught me a lot about myself along the way.

The other night I had a dream...I dreamed that Tyler had gotten a job in Springfield, and we were telling our family and friends we were moving.  Someone asked me if I was excited to be moving back, and I got teary-eyed and said that I was a little sad, because our small group (our friends) has been so great and I would miss them so much.

I've thought a lot about that dream this week.

And last night as we gathered in a home with our small group, I felt a sense of peace.

I may talk a lot in group...giving them more details than they want to know and making that story longer than it should be...but they accept me no matter what.

And I knew that everything is going to be alright.