Almost done

I thought I'd share what our house looks like. However I'm not ok with showing you the pile of dishes or clean clothes that are everywhere. But this has been our lives for the last couple days. Happy finals, it's almost over.

Somebody stole november!

Hello People.

Somebody stole my november, somebody is also stealing my december but I thought I'd try and write anyway. I'm waiting for monkey bread to finish in the oven so I can go to class. Dont you wish you went to Bible college? She's feeding us and we are watching a movie in her house. I'm as of now 13 minutes late because I forgot to wake up and the monkey bread didn't get cooked... I think B was about to kill me.

ANYWAY

September was filled with.. Birthday's and Baby showers and my last days of work (WHOO HOO) and school and everything else you can think of. Leading worship, childrens play-- yes i was in the children's play. I just need to learn to say no.

Anyways with one week exactly (hopefully) left in my undergrad career I am here to say

I'm BACCCKKKKKK.

See my Rudolf nose? My husband has one too I think he gave this to me, although I'm not entirely sure how you give somebody a GIANT PIMPLE! I thought these things were suppose to go away after you graduated high school.

Anyways, Pray for me. I HAVE to pass all my classes, take an interview with my Department Head (which its Earl -- AWESOME!) and take a test about what I know about the Bible. All between now and next week. OH and Field Education. (Stupidest thing EVER!)

Have a good weekend. IF you're looking for something to do, bring some chili and come watch our kids play flag football!

Okay my mokeybread is done. Officailly 22 minutes late to class. oops.

_thats all for now

-j

An Excellent Wife, who can find?

Hey Everyone, Sorry there was no weekend roll out. Currently, I am sick and I want to die. However Brian and I did get to spend time with his family. Some much needed colligan family time.

ANYWAY

I am a very blessed girl. My engagement right is BEAUTIFUL. It is the exact type of ring I've always wanted...

Our culture has made weddings into a Billion Dollar Industry. Girls care more about the look of their wedding then they do anything else. We have theknot davidsbridal brides.com etsy. You can have two wedding dresses, you can have two cakes. You can have a wedding registry at target, khols, and bed bath and beyond. You can have you own personal website. You get engagement photos taken. You send out save the dates. You have to make sure those who come to your reception do not sit next to people they dont get a long with.

There is so much excitement and stress that go into preparing for a wedding. But why is it that we "prepare for weddings"? Shouldn'twe be training up our "brides to be" to be wives, not brides?

Think about it. I see SO many photos on facebook that girls post of their 'dream wedding'. We want this dress, this ring, this cake, these flowers and the list infinitely goes on. How many girls do you see studying the word of God to find out with HE says about marriage.

I did not realize the importance of this until a few months before the wedding. (If you know brian and I you're probably laughing because our engagement was just a couple months.)

The Bible doesn't say how to arrange the flowers for center pieces, it gives no advice on hair styles. It also does not say "Thou shall marry Brian on July 24". ( I don't believe in soul mates or "one person" but thats not important here)

Those of you who are married, we need to speak up! While yes, a wedding should be fun and exciting - If you are putting more thought into bouquets than you are your duties as a wife, than something is wrong.

We see Proverbs 30:31 plastered on every christian coffee mug. However, we totally end up missing the rest of the proverb. A mother is telling her son exactly what to look for in a woman. I could go into it, but this post would never get done. Maybe I'll save it for next time.

The Bible has this "cuss" word in it "Submission" 1 Peter 3. We as women ( or at least I do) tend to think of that word with negative connotations. However, I believe (just my false doctrine feel free to test this) that it's not JUST obedience it's obedience WITHOUT an ATTITUDE! !!

My friends, if you know somebody who is getting married soon, or plans to ever in their life. Encourage them. Encourage them to pick up the Bible and read through Scripture. If you are married, you know that marriage is hard, and is rough and you know that (maybe this was just me) you felt a little over whelmed at first.

Tell them to prepare their heart for marriage. Tell them to guard their hearts from the lies and misconceptions of marriage.

I was blessed to have the wedding of my dreams.

I was also blessed by the fact that I started praying for my MARRIAGE.

I pray you take this to heart all of you. Share with those unmarried.

Thats all for now

-J

Weekend Roll Out.

This weekend I will hang out with her

and other people. but mostly her. She is my bestie, or well one of them.

I will do nothing but hang out with her and look cute.

thats all for now

-j

Spa?

My bathroom looks like this

actually at the moment it looks worse because he's worked out a lot this week. There isn't anything I can do about it. I rather have a messy bath room than a smelly closet full of sweaty clothes.

However, I have this.

I know it doesn't look like much. But this is a Yankee candle in the sent of Pumpkin Spice. It's in a repurposed spaghetti jar. And it turns my bathroom into this

Sometimes you need to find the little things to get through.

Thats all for now

-j

Ministry Opportunity

Hey friends,

Are you interested in helping a ministry that could potentially (and already has) grow our church and our school?

The Branch needs your help.

We need adults to make meals and or donate money to provide meals for students.

We have students that wait all evening after school so they can come to youth group. Most of them play sports right after school and are starving by the time youth group rolls around. Also, most parents do not bring their child home before youth group starts at 6. These kids usually do not get home until after 8pm! That is a LONG time for a growing teenage to be with out food.

PLEASE help us. Even if you do not have the resources, we ask that you pray that God will provide.

* While the meals have been approved by the church, there is not a separate "meal budget" approved by the church. You can make a donation to the youth budget or directly to Pastor Brian for specifically youth meals.

Thanks for reading this and PLEASE pass this on.

thats all for now

-j

Weekend Roll Out

For those of you who listen to the radio, you know I stole that (Weekend Roll Out) from The Kane Show.

And I stole this Idea from a blogger friend.... But remember, I'm ok with plagiarism?

This weekend I will watch my husband coach for this school:

I will made this:

I will do more of these: Because they NEVER END.

I will try and rest. But I doubt it. sundays are not our day for rest and today wont be either.

I need a break

thats all for now

-j

whoopie pies take 2

Ok, So I tried Making whoopie pies again. and this is what they look like

YUMMY

As soon as they started baking my whole house smelled like pumpkin.

Now for those of you who actually read this, you know that last time I TRIED to make Chocolate whoopie pies with orange food coloring. This time I just ended up making Pumpkin Spice ones.

They are pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

HOLLA!

Here is were I got the recipe

I did however change it up a bit.

For the Cake part: Instead of Ginger I added pumpkin spice, and a little bit of nutmeg. I probably could have used more nutmeg and maybe a little bit of all spice. They are Spicy but not enough to be like, "OMGSH These are SO good" Just. "Oh, these are good" But I also like spicy things.

(Hence me wishing I was hispanic.)

ALSO.

For the Icing, I cut back on the butter and added more cream cheese. I added a little bit of milk in the beginning I mean like 1/4 tsp. and The icing came out running. It's different consistency than regular whoopie icing. But I guess thats ok because it's cream cheese frosting. I also added more sugar than it called for. Dont judge me.

Lastly I piped leaves and vines and use pits of pretzel for the stem. SO cute.

For those of you who are familiar with REAL whoopie pies. These are a little different, (mainly because of the cream cheese frosting) They are more like a pumpkin muffin sandwich with icing.

Now.... This is what's left. Would you believe me if I told you I did dishes in between baking and icing?

Happy Friday

Thats all for now

-j

Check it out!

Today I'm over here. Check it out!

"Harvest" Pumpkins

Did I mention I love fall? Like really love fall.

Did I also mention that I go through periods of time of when I build up blog posts in my head because I don't have time to post them? This is one of those times. Dont Judge me, I'm Part time student, almost full time worker and overtime wife.

ANYWAY

I love fall. And I madethis

I'm not a big fan of halloween decorations, or halloween for that matter. But really Buttons and a bow? Could it be cuter?

I THINK NOT.

Heres what you need

1 Fake Pumpkin

Why you ask? well my dear. so you dont waste good buttons on a real pumpkin that will go bad. you can put it in storage and take it out next year!)

I got my pumpkin at Michaels for 6 bucks.

A Various assortment of black bottons

I got mine at Michaels for 1$ a bunch. I spent 3$ (one bunch for each letter).

1 Spool of ribbon

ok you actually dont need a spool just maybe a foot and half to make a pretty bow. I bout this at .... you guessed it MICHAELS for. A BUCK!.

HOLLA!

So cute non-scarey pumpkin? 10 Bucks. I know. I'm awesome.

Ok I can't lie to you, I found it in a Magazine and just copied the idea. I'm Ok with plagiarism.

Thats all for now

-J

Orange Whoopie Disaster

Ok so I'm addicted to this new site; cookiesandcups . The person who writes it is pretty funny and she usually has good recipes.

I.

Love.

Whoopie.

Pies.

I mean I love them. So when somebody posted on my wall I thought I would give them a try.

Look at how cute and perfect these are. Perfectly pumkiny orange. They are actually Chocolate whoopies just dyed to look orange.

Did you know there is a difference between liquid food coloring and gel food coloring?

Me either.

Did you know that if you put enough food coloring in, it'll mess with the recipe?

Yeah, I thought it might. But I wanted to take my chances anyway.

Last night (after i added almost all of my orange food LIQUID coloring) at 9:30 Brian and I went to safeway to find Orange Gel food coloring. Praise the Lord we found some.........But they still came out like this

They look more like Potato Shaped window clings than they do pumpkin shaped whoopie pies.

needless to say they were a fail. They are rubbery and gross.

I may try this again tonight. Or I may give up, it depends on how tired I am.

And if i do try to make these again. I am going to use my families whoopie pie recipe. Cuz well, it's awesome. For now I am just going to stare at the picture and dream. Less calories this way.

Thats all for now,

-J

The County

Fall is always the worst season for me as far as getting homesick. and yeah, I get home sick. But you would too if you're home town looked like this.

HAPPY FALL EVERYONE!

thats all for now

-j

Surprise!

Yesterday B told me that he was going to make dinner for me after I got off of work. It made me happy, it's nice to come home and not have to cook supper. Usually he makes pancakes, which is fine he makes awesome pancakes. So naturally I was expecting chocolate chip pancakes when I got home.

I know the quality of the pictures is aweful. But you get the point. He had gone and boughten me flowers. And for supper he cooked steaks, twice baked potatoes, green beans and later he even made a cake. I came home and cried. It was so sweet. I love my husband.

p.s. this is the first time EVER he bought me flowers. :)

thats all for now

-j

Obedience is better than Sacrifice

Sunday I had the opportunity to talk to a lady in our church who recently visited her daughter in college. She told me of a church that she went to; the church was larger. She told me that the church had many ministry groups, colorful posters and she said the worship was amazing. Then, a great sadness covered her face. She told me that the church wasn't preaching scripture. That while on the outside it looked great, at the heart of things it wasn't. She couldn't believe that all of the people sitting in the sanctuary had boughten into the lie of the church.

During the service at our church on sunday, the speaker talked about obedience. And how Obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15). (This was also the same lesson I taught my little ones two days before). I really meditated on this during the service.

I realized that our church preaches scripture every sunday. It values the authority of the scripture above all things.

I also realized that our church body, really loves each other. I know I'm still new so I dont hear all the drama. But I do know that for the most part they love each other. They'd be willing to do anything for one another. Just today I had somebody offer a room in their house for us this weekend because we'll be down there on Saturday and Sunday.

THATS what matters most.

While worship music is important. Good music isn't the most important thing in a church. Yes, churches probably have a lot more small groups than we do and are better at doing them. But those small groups that we have, focus on studying scripture!

I am SO blessed by our church.

Yes, not all of our services are perfect. People mess up. The speaker isn't always interesting. We might need things. We might need more money. Our church office might be leaking.

BUT

Our foundation is sturdy. The church was built by men who fear the Lord. And that will NOT change. We have valued obedience over sacrifice and that encourages me.

My prayer for you is that your church is preaching scriputre. That the Lord will open your eyes past the glitz and the glam of ministry. Is his name being proclaimed? Are they matching what they say with what scripture says? Does your congregation REALLY love each other? Is your church preaching doctrine. Do YOU as a person know what your church believes? I see so many people get sucked into a church that believes false doctrine and it makes me sad.

That is whats most important. Not good music, or fun small groups. But the authority of scripture and loving one another like Christ did.

thats all for now

-j

PUMPKINS!

It's (almost) fall and you know that means.

FALL DECORATIONS.

and

MICHAEL'S DISCOUNTS

I went shopping this afternoon. And I bought a few decorations. I told myself I can't put out my pumpkin until Oct 1. but thats only 10 days.

I'll post pictures on our around Oct. 1. knowing me it might to get posted until november, But i'll try. :) Happy Decorating! I love fall. I especially love the little mini pumpkins that safeway sells.

I LOVE FALL!

soon i will be bying apple juice and cinnamon sticks. yummy!

a good spanking never hurt anyone.

She will deny this. But I promise it's true.

When I was in elementary school and my mom would ask me to do something, I would always ask her "Why". It could be ANYTHING. And I would still ask her why. So one day she had had enough of me and when I asked "why" after she told me to do something- She said and I quote "One of these days you're going to be playing in the middle of the road and when I tell you to move you will ask "why" and get hit by a truck because you didn't just obey". I love my mom.

Also, I remember once I got spanked. I got spanked good and I can't remember why now. But I do remember that the next day, I walked down the hall to my moms room in tears, turned around, pulled down my pants and screamed "LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO ME". (mind you she was on the phone with her mother at the time). My mom had spanked me so hard the night before that her hand print was still on my butt the next morning. At this point in my life I can only imagine that it took everything inside of her to not laugh at that moment. In fact I almost remember her laughing, but I'm not 100% sure.

I love my mom.

I started a new job a month ago. I work for a before and after school care program in bowie. In the last month I have never been so grateful for my parents.

I remember I was in middle school and I had stayed home one day from school because I was sick. However, there was a dance later that night that I wanted to go to. And my mom despite all the mean things I said to her and the manipulating I tried, she wouldn't let me go. She said that 1. No means no and 2. If you're too sick to go to school, you're too sick to do anything else.

It wasn't until I graduated that I realize all the good it did me. And every day I work at my new job I realize more and more stuff that my parents taught me. Mostly because I see kids who their parents haven't taken the time to teach them these lessons. Like about how to listen, and how to be obedient. Lessons about how we say we are sorry when we kick somebody and that no means no. No doesn't mean maybe, or yes, or keep asking, no means no.

Although I did learn that when my dad said "we'll see" it usually meant a no. (I hated that one)

I know that parenting is hard. And I know that I know NOTHING about it. But I do know that I will train my Child to the best of my ability in the way of the Lord. And so help me I will beat them if they disobey. I also know that I had pretty good parents growing up. I think I turned out ok, even if she did want to send me to boarding school when I was 14.

I love you mommy :)

P.S. I'm NOT pregnant.

thats all

-j

a little catching up to do.

ok. two things.

1. Over the summer I made this YUMMY tart. I guess I forgot to post it and I just found the pictures.

The recipe came from a magazine that I have. It was soo yummy. It's pie crust, a layer of chocolate. Cream cheese and whipping cream (i think) and strawberries. ohhh so delicious.And I can't even lie, that looks so awesome. I was so proud of myself.

Ok Next, We are suppose to get this Hurricane and Brian and I still aren't eating meat. So... I decided to make pizza.

Yah, thats right. be jealous. I made a margarita pizza. mmmm. Ok, so I made the pizza crust that I always make. Then while it was rising I cut up some Roma Tomatoes and in a bowl with salt, garlic, and olive oil let them sit in the fridge till I was done with the crust. I also wilted some spinach. Brush the crust with oil mixture. Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, spinach, feta, and parmesan. I also added oregano and basil for extra goodness.

It was oh so good. I'm thinking about making some bread today. However I have homework I should do, so we will see.

oh yes and that is a pampered chef pizza stone.

thats all for now.

happy eatings :)

-j

A washer for a tea pot

Wanna hear a funny story? I took a TAZO tea the other day, because I love it. It's the passion tea flavor that is Oh So Delicious. I put it in my pocket and thought nothing of it.

Guess what.... I washed it in the washer.

I thought that when I took the load of laundry out, it felt different then it should.... Probably because it had tazo tea bag flakes in it. Thankfully the packaging for the bag had plastic on the inside, so my clothes aren't tea colored. and if they were thank the Lord I like purple.

I thought you guys might get a kick out of it. I REALLY need to start looking in pockets before I throw things in the washer...Because now I'm out a delicious cup of passion tea.

thats all for now

-j

From a Box to a Mansion

B and I right now are house sitting for a friend. And I can't lie, I'm a little over whelmed.

For those of you who dont know, we live currently in a box. I'm really not being dramatic (shocker). Our apartment is about the size of most people's living rooms and it really is just one room. Our Sink, T.V. Bed and Stove are all in the same room.

Needless to say, I never get away from Brian. And, He never gets away from me.

Right now we are staying in a 4 room 2 and 1/2 bath house. Saying it's a mansion would be dramatizing it, however it is just that compared to what we are use to. From my bed at this house, I am unable to read the clock on the stove... You laugh... but it's true. If I'm mad I can slam a door if I want, because there are doors to slam (haven't actually done it yet tho).

However, I can't lie. I kinda miss my box house. I like seeing brian. If I want to lay in bed and he wants to play on the PS3, we are a whole floor apart! I don't even know what to do with myself. Not to mention the cleaning. However due to the amount of space our messes do look smaller than they do in our box house. Also, theres something to be said about the small space and how quickly it makes you work things out. In the box house, you can't just walk away from the argument, where ya gonna go? The corner of the room?

Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to move into a house. But I think I do like the coziness of our little Box house.

Anyway, I guess the point of this was just to rant. I'm not sure what I'll do with all the new space when we move. But for the next 3-4 months I will be thankful that I can make dinner and take a nap all in the same room.

thats all for now

-j

Maine girl - Meat = death

For the last 13 days Brian and I haven't eaten meat. We are doing this for the whole month of August. It's been interesting.

Growing up the only kind of meal I knew was meat and potatoes. Thats really all we dad every night. If I was lucky my mum wouldn't feel like cooking and then it would either be pasta or tacos. Now, I've grown out of that cooking style. But still, what kind of meal is it if you dont have some type of meat. ... Like I said the past 14 days have been interesting. Unfortunately there have been a few repeat meals. And surprisingly we've only had maybe two salads.

Anyway the whole point of this post is to brag at my cooking skills .. well maybe not skills but rather guts at trying new things.

Yesterday for lunch Brian and I made this sandwich. And it was awesome! Yeah, it would have been more awesome with some chicken in there. But it was still good. You have to check it out. Even if to just be impressed that a all veggie sandwich could be that good.

Also: just a tip i left out the squash. because i dont believe in eating things that are named squash... because really if thats what you're putting in your body, what is it going to be called when it comes out... just at thought

thats all for now

-j

These are my confessions - yes it is an usher song

Ok. So I realize it's been like 3 months since I posted. My mom said I should start again. And I just got a new mac so I'm using any excuse (besides homework) to be on it. These are my summer confessions.

-I'm lazy

- Summer Classes are aweful

- this is the first time since being married that I've really gotten to "play" wife

-i can spend more money in Michael's than I can in a clothing store

-i've gone through at least 3 different series of t.v. shows

-summer isn't summer until you have a grill.

.....i think thats it for now

-j

Oatmeal Molasses Bread

I really missed my nana and mom the other day. I really can't remember my Nana making this bread, but I know she did. However, I do remember my mom making this ALL the time growing up.

My Nana was the kind of woman who made EVERYTHING from scratch. I mean everything. She had to because she was a farmers wife and didn't have the money to buy things. So she made donuts and bread and cookies and pies and. and. and. and. The list goes on. She passed down her recipes to my mom and now my mom has passed them on to me.

This is the Oatmeal Molasses Bread. it was SO delish! I can't post the recipe because then I'd be killed. BUT, I suppose if you Emailed me I could probably give it to you, if you so desire.

mmmmmm I can still smell it
Thats all for now
-j

her wife life.

One of my best friends is getting married this summer. She was my maid of honor. She's been with me through my changes and she's been the force that has kicked my butt. She is moving in 4 weeks back to Florida. (She's the one in the middle)

Last tuesday night a bunch of girls (minus one special one) went to a Greek restaurant in D.C. These are the pictures. Enjoy. Because I know we did.

best french toast i've EVER had





I am really going to miss her. Pray for her wife life. She's moving, not going to have a whole lot of friends around her and she'll be trying to finish school.

Oh and I highly recommend this restaurant
http://cavamezze.com/