Big things could be happening soon.

Wow. Lots going on right now in my life! Casey could have her baby any day now, and I’m ready to up n’ leave at the ring of my cell.

Espn ate our living room carpet – I’m talking all the way down to the cardboard layer that’s under the foam that’s under the carpet. Yeah, not so happy with him. But that means we have to leave him locked in his cage all day, which stinks. At least I can go home at lunch and let him romp around outside for a bit. I just always have a guilty conscience when I leave him locked up.

Ok, enough with the vagueness. I feel comfortable sharing a bit now. Our big decision that Eugene & I are praying so hard about is the possibility of purchasing our first home. We’ve found a place we like, and our parents have toured it as well {and none of them said that we are out of our minds - *praise!*} And so right now we’re still in the thick of the question-asking and detail-thinking. There’s a lot that still needs to happen for us to actually get this house, but God’s big and we’ve certainly seen Him work in crazy ways in our lives already. We’re just really praying for Eugene to get his job offer this week {he’s interviewing this week, supposedly.} We’ve specifically prayed that God will close the door if it’s not a wise decision for us, so I fully trust that He’s going to work it out the way that’s best for our good.

So the weekend recap – Friday, Eugene and I visited 7 more homes to be sure we were happy with the home we had in mind.  Then, Saturday, I worked a memorial celebration during the day and that evening we had dinner with my parents and let the pup run around to release his devious energy. After dinner, we went to Peaches in Yellow Springs to celebrate the 21st birthday of Eugene’s friend, TJ. I sure did get some happy pictures! ;)

 
*Look at Jordan laughing so hard in the background!*

  
Such a great couple!

Sunday was spent going to five more open houses after church and taking our parents to see our one of interest at 6:00. {Exhausting process.}

We’ve had so many discussions and played out so many different financial scenarios just to be sure it’s wise for us. I’m honestly so happy with how well Eugene & I have worked through the process of decision making for this. Patience and selfless thinking, along with tempered words have really been so key. I’m really thankful for the way our marriage works. Definitely a wondrous thing!

Blooming

This morning’s walk with Espn was beautiful. I took these with my cell phone, so ignore the poor quality, but imagine it about 5 times prettier. At least I can show you my wondrous thing{s} for today.



Busy day. Mind’s flying. Wound tight. But…it’s Friday, and a nice breeze is coming through my living room.
 

We were rich!

How funny is this? Last night we were given free box seat tickets to the Cedarville Baseball game at the Dayton Dragon’s Stadium…and free vouchers for food. Lol. Now, keep in mind it was for a little hot dog, chips, and a drink, but nonetheless, we at dinner at the ballpark! Not quite what I had in mind – I was thinking soft pretzel, lemon chill, sausage, etc – but hey, next time I’ll be more specific! God’s so cool.

 

We enjoyed the game and beautiful weather. We seriously thought Eugene might have to be the ump, but luckily they were able to get two guys to hustle over to the field last minute. I really enjoyed cheering the guys. The team’s made up of some really great guys – their momma’s should be proud!

We had some quality time in the car, riding to Dayton, to talk about possible questions that Eugene might face in his upcoming interview. {Lord, please let him get that job! } We also were able to talk more about our pending decision. I’m thankful for his calmness and clear thinking despite the stress. I have a tendency to get a bit emotional when I mix stress with decisions. ;)

 

I wasn’t able to sleep at all last night. Too much on my mind, but it’s okay. I was given great advice this morning from my sister – definitely worth posting so I remember it later:

“   there comes a time
when you have to trust
rather than fear   ”

Just a few sermons ago, I distinctly remember Pastor Mounts saying, trust takes the plunge  and destroys fear. Good reminder for this week. Thanks, Casey.

Wondrous thing yesterday = a text from my good friend Melissa saying she’s praying for me. Loveit. {so much.}

Oh, and the strawberry update {as if you were waiting on the edge of your seat for it}, delicious smoothies.

 

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

4-5 {more or less} fresh strawberries, washed
1 banana
1/2 c. vanilla yogurt {or another flavor}
3 Tbs milk {just a splash}
3-4 ice cubes

Throw it all in the magic bullet cup, no need to cut anything. Blend it, shaking the magic bullet to chop the ice easier. Add a straw and slurp it up.

 

Trust & lean

It’s probably not a good time for me to write a blog entry. The only word I can think of is “OVERWHELMED.” That dumb word, that feeling, keeps circling me and hitting me like an annoying pestering fly today. I’m utterly confused and yeah, overwhelmed. That pretty much sums it up for today! But, I’m reminded of Proverbs 3.
Proverbs 3:5-18
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
       and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
       and he will make your paths straight.
⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
       fear the LORD and shun evil.
⁸ This will bring health to your body
       and nourishment to your bones.
⁹ Honor the LORD with your wealth,
       with the first fruits of all your crops;
¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
       and your vats will brim over with new wine.
¹¹ My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
       and do not resent his rebuke,
¹² because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
       as a father ^[b] the son he delights in.
¹³ Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
       the man who gains understanding,
¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver
       and yields better returns than gold.
¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies;
       nothing you desire can compare with her.
¹⁶ Long life is in her right hand;
       in her left hand are riches and honor.
¹⁷ Her ways are pleasant ways,
       and all her paths are peace.
¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
       those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
I just keep begging God for his wisdom and direction for our lives. I’m pleading that he slams a door shut if we’re not supposed to go that direction. Or makes it obvious that we’re supposed to proceed. I desperately need clarity, and pray for His grace in this situation. And He is faithful, so I will keep believing.
On a lighter not {well, not lighter as in less calories!} I made nacho dip last night and we basically devoured it.
The thing about nacho dip is that it must be eaten right out of the dish. No plates, no silverware accepted. I promise, it tastes better this way {so much!}, and I’ve even converted Eugene to this style of feasting…just for this meal. He’s not going to be happy when he sees this picture! :)

He really likes this meal, most likely because it has bacon. He’ll eat anything with bacon.

Nacho Dip {recipe from my mom!}
*you can use as much of each ingredient as you want…adjust it to your tastes – Eugene would use 2 packages of bacon if he made it!
1 can of refried beans {I used fat free}
3/4 jar of salsa
1 cup of sour cream {or so…I didn’t measure}
1/2 cup {or so} of mayonnaise
1/2 head of lettuce
1 package of shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 package of bacon, cooked {I used turkey bacon)

Simple directions. Just spread you refried beans in a 9x13 dish, layer the salsa on top. Then mix together the sour cream and mayo, and layer it on top of the salsa – the salsa and sour cream will mix together some, but that’s fine. Then chop up your lettuce in bite-sized pieces and layer that on. Then your cheese, and finally your crumbled bacon. Devour with nachos using NO plates or silverware! ;)

 Yum, so delish and it’s definitely that dish that I get a craving for come Summer time.

Pray as life speeds by.

I have a vague prayer request. Please pray that Eugene & I make wise & God-honoring decisions, and for God to make his path for our lives super obvious in the next few days. We’re {possibly} facing  a very big life decision {yet again…story of the 9 months of marriage we’ve had!}, and while I don’t want to share details right now, I would covet prayers for us.

He coached in Mechanicsburg yesterday, so it was just me at our small group meeting. We carefully discussed the topic of intimacy in marriage using a chapter in John Piper’s book This Momentary Marriage. Two things were mentioned that I think have good application to life in general:

• Contentment is the antidote to the love of money and the antidote for all sexual sin. And I would even venture to take it further, saying that contentment is a great cure for many more issues and areas of sin in life.
• “The goal is to outdo one another in giving what the other wants” {Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”}

I bought the ingredients to make my mom’s nacho layered dip, and I’m really craving it. So expect the recipe soon! {Although, it’s a pretty common recipe.} Also, the Magic bullet’s back in action. Meijer had strawberries for $1 a carton! So, smoothies here I come!

P.S. I’m really thankful for all the hard work and time Eugene’s putting in to supporting our family. Between teaching, coaching, mentoring players, and helping with keeping our living going, he has had zero time for himself. And I appreciate it. I’m so thankful for him and what he gives to and for our family. {Hopefully he’s rewarded with a much-deserved job offer soon!}

Someday when we’re rich.

Eugene and I had a nice time at the Dayton Dragons game. We joked that someday when we’re rich, we’re going to actually have dinner at the ballpark – soft pretzels, lemon chills, nachos, you name it! Ha, our big plans for when we’re rich!

I took a picture of Eugene & I, but we looked pretty rough, and this mascot looks much better!

This is Eugene’s favorite player’s father. ;)

Sunday, we taught our kindergarten class that God made plants, and that “Everything God created is good” 1 Timothy 4:4. Oh, I can do hand motions for you to help you memorize it if you’d like. ;) And we went to a bunch more open houses again. It was perfect weather to drive around town.

I’m all packed for whenever Casey decides to go into labor. I’ve read over her {very educated} birth plan, and I’ve made the “baby’s comin” playlist. I’m excited to meet my new niece and give my sister a long-overdue hug!

Oh, and on a completely random note, I have a shortcut/tip for making muffins. I whipped up a batch of muffins just using a grocery store mix {mine were apple cinnamon"}, but they didn’t have a topping, and I love toppings on muffins. So I just poured a little granola raisin bran crunch cereal on top of the batter, and wallah! Perfect! {And so stinkin easy!}

Missed a Friday!

Yesterday was busy, and I missed my usual weekday post, so I’m making it up to you by posting a special Saturday story. Ok, so the story’s not special, just the fact that it’s on Saturday makes it special! ;)

I worked a memorial service in Urbana yesterday, which included a meal cooked by little old church ladies. Seriously, no one can compete with the cooking talents of church ladies. A.mazing. Then I booked it back to Springfield for a meeting with a bride and her family, and then drove out to my parents to ride with them to West Jeff to go out to dinner.

We met these three beautiful women at Anne & Tony’s restaurant for conversations, updates, and laughs. It was just what I needed – to get away from responsibility, ride in the back seat, not reach for my wallet {thanks, Dad!}, and walk away full and not stressed! I love my Grandma Goldie {far right} and it was wonderful to visit with her sister, Aunt Bert {middle} and Aunt Bert’s daughter, Marsha {far left.} Last time I saw Marsha was at my wedding. {Another great evening!} :)

I had angel hair pasta with shrimp and sundried tomato alfredo sauce. It was so delicious! Oh, and my mom bought me an early birthday present: Lemon Lavender scented candle. OH it smells SO good! {Which I really appreciate since our condo neighbors smoke and stink up our place. UGH!} But I’m loving this candle – burning it right now!

Today’s been nice. And tonight’s Eugene and I are going on a date to the Dayton’s Dragon baseball game. Should be fun!