18 Years Ago. . .

Surrendering heart

(I drew this in a lecture at work one day. . . there are a few incorrect pieces that Andrew picked out. I'd say from memory, it's pretty good!)

Though I dislike Halloween, today (October 30th) has a special place in my heart. You see, 18 years ago today, I made the best decision of my life. As a 6 year old processing the world and trying to figure out this thing we call life, I understood in my heart that there's something MUCH greater that I could never fully comprehend. At 6, I understood that something-greater to be God. At 6, I understood that life is not forever, there is an end. With child-like faith (and basic human fear), I decided to live my life for God. To have a relationship with Him. To devote all that I did to Him. To allow Him to guide my paths and give me wisdom. Most importantly as a 6 year-old, I decided that I wanted to spend eternity in that great place called Heaven and not Hell. At 6, it was easy. It was simple. It was clear:

God made me to enjoy my life, to take part in His creation, to follow his path and will for my life, and to share His love and gifts with others. When I die, He wants to spend forever with me because he loves and adores me. Simple right? 

Besides that, who would choose Hell? No one. . . 

That was the point though, I understood that I had to make a choice. God gave me the free will to choose. Because He loves me so much and wants to have a relationship with me, He needed me to choose Him too. What would a relationship be if the other person never chose to take part and was just there? Not a relationship I'd want to be in.

Can I just tell you that the Lord not only knocked on my heart at the perfect time in my life, but that He has never and will never leave. Later that year began my future of being the "new kid" for the rest of my life (no, really... at least until I'm 35). I needed (and still need) comfort, guidance, understanding, wisdom, love, a friend. God filled each of those needs in a way no other person ever could (even my husband). 

I'm not trying to preach, I'm not trying to convince, I'm just sharing one of the greatest parts of my life. Seriously, I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't have the Lord by my side. He gives me motivation to strive on, serving him brings me joy; His word comforts me when I'm down. 

I am reminded how clearly I knew that this was my desire for my life at six years old. I am reminded of all of the blessings God has given me. I am reminded of that commitment I made to Him and am encouraged that my hope is found in Christ alone.

Though I was young, everything I knew then stands true today as an adult. Life does bring sadness, trials, even turmoil, but His blessings are simply amazing.

 "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."  

Romans 10:9

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 Romans 6:23

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Milkshakes & Jailbirds

My hubby loves ice cream. We love milkshakes. We love each other. 

We got to spend a little bit of time together enjoying our milkshakes and watching the Office (which was all about Halloween). Speaking of Halloween, I strongly dislike this day of the year. Probably my least favorite day of the entire year. I hate scary things, I hate evil things, I don't even really like costumes-- just not my day. 

This year for Halloween,  I'll be working for the next 7 days straight. . .  So, I guess I'll be a jailbird. Maybe Halloween will be less spooky at the Hospital (Who am I kidding, It'll probably be more spooky).

This top is fitting for a jailbird costume! 

Do YOU have any fun, non-spooky Halloween traditions? What are they? 

Congrats Attorney Jordan

                                          

Congrats Jo! My sister just received her notification that she passed her bar exam. She's officially an attorney. She's worked so hard and I'm so proud of her! 

 She lives on the east coast and I'm on the west coast. So, we're thousands of miles away but we are great pen pals, email/phone & blog buddies. We each have our strengths and are quite different from each other.

These are some of her strengths and quirks:

•  She got a large portion of the smarts (hence the attorney thing)
• She is very organized
• She is great at meeting new people and making others feel comfortable
• She's a great cook (with a recipe of course)
• She dances really well. . . (ok, even she admits she can't dance. The pic above= a snap shot of her dancing and me doing gymnastic hands?) 
• She is beautiful
• She is a wonderful example of a woman living for Christ

Jordan, I'm thankful for you and I'm so proud of you and all of your accomplishments!

Bride (me) doing the Matron of Honor's hair. That's how we role. . . 

Jordan and I helping our granddad in the garden as little tots. We are both helpers and are passionate about helping others, just in different ways.

Fav Finds: Steal of a Deal

 Okay folks, I cannot even begin to explain how THRILLED I was when my friend Kaitlyn and I found these deals. On a whim, we decided to walk into Old Navy to look around. Little did we know that we'd walk out with such great deals!  

Here's the deal (literally):

 16 items of clothing = $105 

On average, each item costed $6.50

Here's the kicker. . . If I purchased all of these items for full price, the cost would have been: 

$350

WOAH

Bonus: I mostly got blouses and sweaters that can be dressed up/down/ and basically worn anywhere for anything! I am in love with all of them. 

 Andrew got some new basic T's. There goes our clothes spending budget for a while.

 

You have to admit, that's pretty darn fantastic! Rummaging through sale racks is worth it! Kaitlyn also got some great things that work perfectly for her job. 

_________________________

This also means that a certain special sis of mine will be inheriting some of my closet.  Look forward to a package from me at some point, Jordan!

Pumpkin Day with Kait & I sew: Pink Blouse

 I made this plain top just to experiment with a different fabric. After struggling through sewing with this pink, sheer/silky fabric, I have learned to avoid further use for clothes. Though it didn't go well and it's not a piece I'm proud of, I couldn't make something and not wear it. . .  so I ended up pairing it with simple black capris, a jean jacket, and scarf for church.  I basically hid the top under other clothes and felt ok wearing it in public for a few hours. 

After church, I met up with a dear college friend, Kaitlyn. Besides being a great friend and very accomplished young woman, she coordinated the day of our wedding. Kait is AMAZING and I love spending time with her.

We enjoyed pumpkin doughnuts from the farm (Lee Farms in Tualatin). I'd take one of these over a Krispy Kreme any day! They were DELICIOUS, freshly made, warm, and the perfect mid-day treat! 

We even had left overs for Andrew. 

After pumpkin patching it up (which didn't last long due to oodles of little kids and feeling overwhelmed by the germs, pig stench, and bees), we enjoyed some Starbucks, great conversation, and a shopping experience that literally blew my mind (the deals we found were spectacular). I'll share what I got in another post.  I'm so excited and thrilled with our findings!

Favorite Finds: Dragonfly Coffee House

 

I met a work friend at this great coffee shop in NW Portland off of 24th and Thurman (Also known as the Nob Hill/ Uptown/ or Alphabet District of Portland). I'm slowly but surely learning my districts/areas of Portland.  The Dragonfly Coffee House provided a warm, cozy, and perfect environment for getting some things done and meeting up with friends.

 

No, I was not reading James Joyce's A Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man,  I just had a heart flutter when I saw it on the counter because it reminded me of AP English in High school and how much I hated reading that book.  Been there, done that.

 I got this pumpkin pie turn-over. It included cranberries, pumpkin, nuts, and all things fall and delicious! It was the perfect fall treat coupled with my hot mint tea. 

Over all, I was thankful for some encouragement and support from a wonderful new friend.

Favorite Finds: Sore-No-More Danskos

I've finally given in to wearing Danskos for work. Being on my feet for 12 hour shifts means that special attention needs to be paid to my feet! I've worn tennis-shoes through nursing school and until now and have come home each day with the sorest feet, knees, and back. These shoes have literally changed my life! I got the new Dansko ProXP version (extra cushion is included in this version)  and have happily worn them for a week. I'm convinced they are what any person who is on their feet all day should at least try.

I also love these red-brown shoes below. They'd work for a teacher or someone in a more professional setting. Clogs definitely have a different look that may not be the most fashionable, but the comfort pays off! I've noticed that even my standing posture is improved just from a solid, proper shoe.

 

If you work at a hospital, many places give a discount. FYI. 

Sunny and 70's

The hubby and I both got off work/class today by 5:00 and were able to enjoy a beautiful, sunny and 70 degree Portland evening. We caught up and people-watched at the park near our apartment.  We were so excited to get to spend some unexpected time together.

 My handsome husband

PS- We've passed our 3 month mark of being married. Is it weird that it feels like it has been so much longer? In a good way of course. I can't imagine my life any other way. What a blessing to be married to my best friend. 

 We made lady-bug friends at the park!

Sunday Dinner: Brown-Sugar & Lemon Glazed Salmon

Growing up with a southern influence meant that after church on Sundays, Mom usually cooked a special meal for dinner or supper (to all of you North-Westerners, usually a dinner= large mid-day meal & supper= light evening meal). Mom would start cooking a roast the night before in the crock pot or would magically create some feast in just a matter of minutes after church. Sweet memories prompts me to try and do the same when I am not working weekends. My first Sunday Dinner consisted of Brown-sugar & Lemon Glazed Salmon served with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus. We also enjoyed sliced apples and sour-dough bread with an olive oil & vinegar dip.

 I am the last person anyone would expect to make salmon. However, I've had a change of taste buds and change of heart. So, I gave it a try and am so glad I did. It turned out exquisitely!  Thankfully, my mother & father-in-law were in the area and were able to stop by for a mid-day meal. Food is always more enjoyable when you have someone to share it with. The more the merrier in my mind!

•  Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
•  Spread lemon juice and brown sugar along the bottom of the glassware
• Place salmon in glassware
• Glaze butter and brown sugar over the salmon
• Squeeze fresh lemon over the salmon
• Season with pepper, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of paprika
• Place fresh lemon slices over salmon
• Let cook 15-20 minutes until you can flake away pieces with a fork, then allow to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes while checking texture and color of salmon for desired texture.

 Bon Appetit

I Sew: Grey Blouse

                  Finished Product  (Left)           

Un-hemmed product (right) (though I like this look better, the edges were fraying)

This grey blouse was a last minute project that really just took a few minutes (maybe 45 minutes or so). This is my first sewn top and it was so easy! Far easier than skirts at this point. I can't wait to make more tops in better fabric choices. This was just my dry, test run. But, I'd consider it a success!

 

All I did was fold the fabric in two, cut a neck hole in the top and cut the rest of the top into a shirt shape. I sewed the sides and hemmed up the edges and Tad-ah, I had me a blouse!

 Soon after I completed the top, we got a call from our friend Adam to meet up downtown for dinner. We enjoyed dinner with Adam and spontaneously met up with my brother and sister in law! Great fun for a Thursday night.

 

"Mad Dog" faces

 Awkward . . .

Sometimes we make the same face. . . Love it!

Mini- Vaca : Surprise Trip to the Mountain

 Quite a few weeks ago, I planned this surprise trip for Andrew. He's been working so hard and studying so diligently.  When I found a weekend that I had off from work and that he didn't have an exam following, I took advantage of it!

The best part about it was that he had absolutely no idea what we were doing, and I enjoyed every minute of getting to unveil surprises!

Surprise #1-  McDonalds on the drive. McD's is Andrew's absolute favorite. Me, not so much. I feel awkward and guilty when I drive through for him. But, he's worth it and he loved his junk food treat and first surprise.

Surprise #2- Mount Hood! He figured out pretty quickly with the outfit I left out for him and the direction we were headed that we were headed for a hike!

 It couldn't have been a more perfect day! Warm, sunny, and beautiful snow on the mountain.

 We definitely are not professional hikers and we didn't go too far. Needed better hiking attire for sure! But, we absolutely enjoyed every second of the peaceful, quiet, gorgeous outdoors!

 

 

Goodbye beautiful mountain!

Surprise #3- Overnight stay at The Resort At the Mountain! 

They have some great deals if you are looking for a trip to book!

We drove up to the resort and Andrew said, "Ohhh, I know what we are doing..." He thought we were just getting a massage at the spa and then heading back to Portland. So, we went into the main entrance of the resort and I had him go sit down while I made sure they were ready for us. The lady was so great when I whispered that he thought we were just here for a massage. She secretively got the info she needed from me and showed me on a map where the "spa" was and circled where our room was. Then she increased her volume giving us spa instructions. Oh, she was fabulous!

So, we headed toward the spa and then I turned us off to our room. He was so surprised!

 We played some lawn bowling while waiting for our massage time. He was right on that part, we did have massages scheduled!

 

Surprise #4-  All inclusive massages for the two of us!  This was the most amazing spa experience I've ever had! I can't even begin to explain how relaxing the entire experience was from the moment we stepped into the facility to the moment we left. I highly recommend the Resort at the Mountain Spa. 

 Surprise #5- All inclusive dinner! We could order anything on the menu. So, naturally, being the cheap-os that we are, we took advantage of this and ordered close to the most expensive items on the menu! Boy, were they delicious! 

(They had much fancier names and delicious sides, but this is the basically what we ate)

Andrew:  Peppercorn Crusted New York Steak

Jenna: Flat Iron Steak and Smoked Salmon 

I've never eaten so much meat in one day in my life. BUT, our meals were probably the best meals either of us has ever had. Truly a treat!  And, Andrew couldn't get over how excited he was that they brought him a Henry Weinhard Root Beer (his favorite drink). 

Nice face Babe!

 Our cozy robes! 

 Surprise #6- All inclusive Breakfast

Also, absolutely delicious! No photos of the food, but we enjoyed the nice fireplace in the lobby!

 Overall, we both had such a great time! Andrew couldn't stop smiling the whole trip and we were reminded that it doesn't require a week's vacation or even an entire weekend. Just 24 hours of being together and doing something out of the ordinary away from schedules and studying was all it took. I also learned how much I love surprising him! So much fun!