Lessons in White Elephant Gift Wrapping......

I realize it has been almost two months since I have blogged, but the past two months have been CRAZY. More on that another day. I am just popping in to write about something that's been on my heart lately.

The other night Scott and I attended a Christmas party where we had to take a white elephant gift. I love these because it is fun to wrap the gift to the prettiest I can get it. I spent lots of time getting the perfect paper and wrapping it beautifully and topping it with a huge toule bow on top (and yes, there may have been glitter involved). You see, the goal is to make the gift as pretty as possible to cover up what's on the inside-usually some version of a tacky gift-and to woo others to pick the pretty gift, in hopes that they will unveil the gift in all its outer beauty to the monstrosity within.

How often do we judge something or someone based on what's the outside? Or make ourselves appear beautiful on the outside while doing very little to take care of what's on the inside? I am reading The Greatest Gift, a Christmas devotional by Ann Voskamp. A portion I read today spoke to me, and since her words are much more eloquent than mine, I will share portions of it below:

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

"It's strange how it affects us-from housekeeping to soul-keeping: if it's mostly the surfaces that absorb us, then we're mostly superficial. When my priorities aren't the things seen-when my priorities are rather all things unseen-it's only then that my life begins toy ave substance and weight."

"Your God never stops turning things inside out, seeking all things unseen, reversing the ways of the world. God never stops looking on the heart. God never stops looking for the world's second, the unseen unimportant, and calls them the important firsts. Which means He raises Abel instead of Cain, Jacbo instead of Esau, Isaac instead of Ishmael, Moses instead of Aaron, David instead of Eliab."

"Which means he raises the unseen and forgotten: Sarah instead of Hagar, Leah instead of Rachel, Tamar, Hannah, Ruth, Rahab."

"Which means that long after the unseen and forgotten son of Jesse was anointed king in Bethlehem, there was another unseen and unimportant One born in Bethlehem-One who was left out with the sheep because no one made room for Him either." 

"He who was the most beautiful One became the most ugly...that our ugly hearts might become beautiful in the eyes of God. Who knows of another love story like this?" 

So, there you have it. God loves you as you are-we are beautiful in His eyes and that's all that matters. To put it metaphorically, he takes the gifts that have the worst gift-wrapping job and opens it to something beautiful. And that's what makes this season the most wonderful time of the year. 

Until next time be blessed.....

Gender Reveal & A Baby Update

I promise this blog will not become a blog that blows up with all things pregnancy. Because let's be honest, most people don't really care that much about seeing sonograms, or hearing about what I am craving (or not craving) or reading about how much weight I have gained (or lost), or learning what fruit my baby resembles on a particular given week. And to be honest, I really don't want to divulge that information or weekly pictures of my pregnant self for all the world to see. So, I will try to spare my readers all the pregnancy details. However, we have received quite a few inquiries about whether Baby Stier is a boy or girl, so I thought I would do a quick post on the gender reveal and Baby Stier.

Basically, this sums it up best:

Yes, It's a girl. I don't know why I thought it might be anything but a girl, but there you have it. It, is a she! When we went to the doctor, we had the sonographer (who is the best sonographer on the planet by the way) write it on a card. Scott and I then went to lunch and opened the card together. This allowed us to have a little moment of finding out the gender just the two of us. He was shocked. However, I had a little feeling "it" may be a she! The funny thing is the first words out of Scott's mouth were, "Well, I guess we better start saving for the wedding now." You can say that again. He then proceeded to say, "I have a feeling this means that we are going to have a house full of girls." Me too......

The question then becomes, "So how did you reveal the gender?" We didn't want to have a big gender reveal party. It was stressing me out just thinking about it, and who needs stress? So we called Scott's family via Google Hangout and held up two outfits, one pink and one blue and dropped the blue one leaving only pink. It was very cute and fun. It was fun that despite the distance, we were able to all be face-to-face and share in the exciting news. Technology knows no state boundaries. It is a beautiful thing.

Next, we had plans to get together with my family and just decided to tell them when we saw them next, which just so happened to be almost two weeks away! At first, it was difficult to wait that long, but the longer we waited, the more fun it was. Everyone was guessing. And the anticipation was building. My sister, Jenifer, even said I slipped and called "it" a "he" when we were chatting on the phone. She told her husband but "promised they wouldn't tell a soul," except that she proceeded to tell the whole family. So, everyone thought we were having a boy except Dad and Patrick. Which made the reveal that much better. It was a blast.

As Scott and I were talking about how we wanted to tell my family, I thought some balloons coming out of a box or pink cupcakes would do the trick. However, according to Scott, "that would be boring and anti-climatic." Thus, the brainstorming session began.

After many interesting ideas, most of which I will spare you the details, Scott lands on the idea of a live dot race. You know, the kind that they play at the seventh inning stretch? All I could think of was pregnant lady running around the yard, the same pregnant lady who has barely been able to get out of bed some days. Great idea. As I sat there, getting ready to veto another idea, Scott starts talking about it with such enthusiasm. It's like he read my mind because he liked this idea so much he said, "Don't veto it yet." So we drove and talked and somehow, someway, he convinced me it was a good idea. So there you have it: in my parent's back yard, we ran around, he dressed in blue and me in pink, doing a live dot race. And he was right, it was a good idea. It was hilarious, creative, and kept everyone guessing right down to the minute I passed the fallen blue horse and ran across the finish line! It was pretty epic if I do say so myself. And the family that was convinced it was a boy because I "slipped and called 'it' a 'he'" was in shock. Pretty great.

Moral of the story: There is never a dull moment being married to a man with a carefree spirit who lives with child-like wonder. He is always busy, never quiet, and always making me laugh. And so sometimes, you just have to roll with it because I am learning life is more fun that way. Not only are there lots of laughs, but great memories are made. Plus, when your husband is convinced something is a good idea, sometimes rolling with it is a good idea, especially when you realize he is about to be outnumbered and may or may not be vetoed a lot more in the days to come.....

So, yes, if my husband wants a dot race, I will run my pregnant self amuck around the yard and let my child-like spirit run free. And make a memory that we have for many years to come. And yes, in case you were wondering, it was way better than balloons coming out of a box or eating pink cupcakes. This little Stier family takes entertainment value very seriously.....

The natural next question we get is: "Is that what you thought it was going to be?" Or, "Is that what you wanted?" To be honest, we both had "thoughts" on whether we would have a boy or girl. However, this pregnancy has not been the easiest thing I have ever done. I guess I had visions of sugar plums and fairies where I would be glowing during my pregnancy and be able to eat whatever I wanted with no excuses. However, I have experienced quite the opposite. I have had a bit more complicated pregnancy than expected on top of being super sick most of the time. Needless to say, I have not yet seen the "glowing" and definitely not been able to eat whatever I want, or even much at all. With all that being said, we are just praising God that we have a healthy baby. Boy or girl, we feel very blessed to be at the point we are at today....so yes...we are excited we are having a girl!

The final question we get is "Have you picked out a name?" Or, "Have you talked about names?" Or, "What is her name?" To answer these questions, yes, we have talked about names. No, we do not have a name yet. In all honesty, with me being so sick on top of trying to keep up with work and all the other activities going on in our lives, we really haven't talked too seriously about it. We have a very long list. So unless we are able to somehow reduce the size of that list, this Baby Girl may not get a name until three days after she is born. Moral of the story: naming a baby is hard. I mean it is something she will live with for the rest of her life, so it is something "we" are taking very seriously...or in other words....it may take us a while to agree or decide on a name. And truth be told, once we do have a name, we will probably wait until her arrival to reveal the name. So stay tuned....

So there you have it. The Stiers are having a baby girl. For all those readers out there, thank you for reading and for your interest in what is going on in our lives. We so appreciate your love and support and are excited about the next stage of becoming parents. We covet your continued prayers for a continued healthy baby.

Until next time, be blessed.....

We Need a Little Peace

Lately, my soul has been at unrest. Perhaps it is the heightened hormones from pregnancy. Perhaps it is all the emotions that come with the reality that we are becoming parents. There will be a little human being completely dependent upon us for everything. That.is.daunting. Perhaps it is that there is already the tendency to compare myself to other moms. Cloth diapers or not. Bottle feeding or not. Organic food or not. To work or not to work. The list goes on. I have a feeling this is only the beginning. Or perhaps it is the fact that there have been quite a few people who have lost loved ones around us. Yes, the reality of death looming has been at the forefront of my mind. So, my soul has been at unrest.

Perhaps one day, I will do a blog series about peace and things that cause unpeace in our lives. (I think I just made that word up, but we'll roll with it). However, for now, I will share a song that spoke to me this morning. 

Until Next time, be blessed......

Football Food Friday

Well, it's official: it's September 5! In my mind, this means Fall is about to be in full swing. I.love.fall. It is officially my favorite season. I have living in Virginia to thank for that one. And just because we now live in Texas and don't have the mountains, crisp morning air (yet), and leaves changing doesn't mean I can't still enjoy the season!

With fall comes one of my other favorite things: college football, Baylor football in particular. I have my best friend to thank for this. I never imagined that 6 years ago, I would fall in love with football. Katie, thanks for taking the time to sit down with a girl at a football game who "didn't know what inning we were in." Because of your patience and teaching me the game, I am forever changed! (And Dad said just yesterday, he never would have imagined he would have thought I would love football this much). So thanks! It has become one of my favorite past times and something Scott and I enjoy watching together. And on the occasion I get to go to a game, a place where great memories are made. We can't wait for BU Homecoming 2014 and watching our Bears in the new McLane Stadium!

So, in honor of football season, I thought I would start a new Friday Football season tradition and post some of my favorite football-watching snacks-let's just call it Football Food Friday! Hopefully it will be a good place where I can share some of my favorite recipes before the start of the weekend and all the football-watching we will partake in the upcoming weekends ahead! So, here goes Football Food Friday: Edition 1.

1) Buffalo Chicken Dip:

I made this for the Super Bowl party we attended, and it was a HUGE hit. It.was.gone. It is a recipe I got from a friend, so sorry it is so long and I couldn't link to it, but it is worth it, I promise!

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks to help cook faster)

1 C ranch dressing

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened

1/3-1/2 hot pepper sauce (I use Texas Pete's…use whatever amount you want for heat…I lean more toward the 1/3).

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place chicken into a saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat until chicken is tender enough to pull it apart with a fork. Drain and cool until you can touch it to shred it, but you don't want it too cool that it's difficult to shred. Shred of chop chicken.

Mix the cream cheese into the chicken until well blended, then stir in the ranch dressing and hot sauce. Pour mixture into a 1 to 2 quart casserole dish. (I typically use a 9x9 pyrex). Then, top mixture with cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered 15-20 minutes until cheese is browned and sauce is bubbly. 

I served this with french bread, which I cut up, spread with butter, and baked on 350 for 3-5 minutes. I also served celery, which both hold up to the density of the dip. ENJOY!

2) Saltine Toffee

One of my college roommates used to make this, or a similar recipe and it was always SO good. So I needed an easy recipe this past weekend for our BU watch party and came across this. It was another hit! I used saltines, but I think next time I make it, I will use Keebler Club Crackers. Also, I saw one recipe where they used Hershey bars instead of chocolate chips, and I think I will also try this next time too. I also saw where some people used 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of chocolate chips and some recipes where people crushed Heath Bars and sprinkled those on top instead of pecans. I only put pecans on half for those that weren't huge pecan lovers! So, feel free to take this recipe, get creative, and make it your own. But it is perfect for football-watching because it's a little grab and go snack! 

3) Chex Mix

I make this all.the.time. And it is a hit every time. Bottom line: you can't go wrong with chex mix. If you want to get creative try adding ranch. It's also a hit! 

4) Caramel, Marshmallow, Chocolatey Goodness Chex Mix

Another one of my college roommates introduced this to me and it is SO delicious. Another one that is a complete hit! So yummy! 

5) Spinach Dip

I made this for another party recently, and again, HUGE hit and it is SO easy I almost feel bad! Honestly, it is super easy to make but has the taste of something that took hours to make! And it's a crock pot recipe, so it is a definite win-win! I promise it will be a hit at your football watching party too! And be sure to check out Shay's foodie blog for more wonderfully tasty recipes. I tell everyone I know about this because it really is full of wonderfully tasty and easy recipes! 

Hope everyone is enjoying the start of Football and Fall as much as we are and Sic Em Bears!!!!!!

Southern Charm

Last week, Scott and I took a little trip down south. We had plans to go visit his family, so we decided to go a few days early and take a little trip to Charleston, SC to have a mini anniversary celebration. We always fly in and out of Myrtle Beach when we visit the Stiers, which is only a couple hours from Charleston. So we rented a car and were on our way! It ended up being the perfect little getaway. We were only there for three days, but it was just the right amount of time. We soaked in the Southern Charm, had so much wonderful food, and saw some beautiful sites (College of Charleston, I'm looking at you). It was some much needed R&R and we cannot wait to go back again!  

Where we Stayed: Inn at Middleton Place (Highly recommend)

Places we Ate: Blossom. Market Street Deli. California Dreaming.

Sites we Saw: Gardens at Middle Place. College of Charleston. Charleston City Market. Battery Park. Rainbow Row. The Citadel. 

Until next time be blessed.....

Three Years and Counting

Three years ago today, this happened:

It is hard to believe that three years have gone by already. Boy has it flown! Most days it feels like we just got married, and then other days it feels as if we have been married for years. But I really cannot believe we are three years in already! 

I recently had a friend get engaged, and she asked me if I had any marriage advice. As I sat there and thought, my first reaction was, "I am not the person to be giving marriage advice. I still haven't gotten this thing figured out and we are almost three years in!" The longer I sat there and the more I thought about it I realized, no, I do not have any "good advice" to give. However, I have learned a few things along the way. And while I don't know much about marriage, I definitely know more than I did the day I walked down the aisle. Boy, do I know more. In fact, that day I basically knew nothing,  which is funny because Scott and I thought we were so prepared for marriage. But as much planning and premarital counseling as we did, nothing quite prepared us for what lie ahead. Like nothing. Except maybe a vision from God into our first year of marriage. But I guess some things you just have to learn as you go. Here's a few things I have learned along the ride......

1) Don't sweat the small stuff. I am so far from perfect in this category, mostly because I am type-A and can be a little stuck in my ways (and maybe sometimes think others should be stuck in my ways too). However, I recently had someone tell me a story of an elderly lady she had recently met. The elderly lady told a story about how her husband had recently died, but when he was alive, he would spill his coffee every morning on the table and leave it there and she would have to come behind him and clean it up. Every. single. day. I can imagine that would be annoying. However, now that her husband was gone, she missed cleaning up that coffee spill every day. This was a kind reminder not to sweat the small stuff, because there are more important things in life than coffee stains. As the old saying goes, there's no use crying over spilled milk......... 

2) Let your spouse be themselves. This one has probably taken me the longest to figure out. For those of you that know me and Scott, we could not be more opposite. We also have so much in common, but on the external, we could not be polar opposites. I am an introvert to the extreme. In fact, I would be happy being in a room, by myself, writing and reading pretty much 95% of the time. When we go out in public, I would be fine going in, not talking to a soul, and then leaving to go about my day. In fact, I have been known to be called a wallflower, and if you see me in public, you may see me standing against a wall waiting on my husband. Because Scott, he talks to everyone. In fact, he could talk to people for days. And when we go somewhere, he will work a room and make sure he has talked to everyone. And on top of that, he sometimes talks loud, is very gregarious, and most people know when he (or we) enter a room. For the longest time, this was so hard for this girl who just wanted to slip in quietly somewhere without being seen or noticed. And on top of that, he eats weird things. Like really weird things. However, I have learned that when I tried to squelch that gregarious spirit or tell him what he can and cannot eat and try to form him into a mold that I think is the right mold, I was only squelching his spirit. So, while I far from perfect at this, marriage has taught me to let my spouse be who he is. God created him to be that way, so God wants nothing else! 

3) Have fun and be spontaneous but realize romance isn't everything. I wish I would have learned this about 15 years ago. It would have made my life so much easier. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge romantic. I mean Scott proposed to the tune of Pride and Prejudice, complete with a Mr. Darcy outfit. If you don't know I am a hopeless romantic by now, well, I am at a loss. I love it when Scott brings me flowers and takes me on dates and surprises me with getaways. There really is not much that makes me happier. And it is important to continue to date each other in marriage, have fun, and be spontaneous. Do things like dance in the kitchen or go on a picnic or eat cake at 10 at night. Because you are creating memories and memories are good. But honestly, while I love these moments, marriage has been teaching me to appreciate the mundane with Scott and not to expect the flowers and presents all the time. Because honestly, about 85% of our time (if not more) is spent on the mundane, like groceries, dishes, laundry, cleaning the house, going to meetings, getting the oil changed in the car, running errands, taking care of each other when we are sick (which has been a lot lately for this pregnant self), and finances. I have realized that the mundane tasks of everyday life are acts of love too and can convey things that flowers and fancy dinners and surprise getaways cannot. Being romanced is fun, but the everyday activities of life are good and meaningful too. And can be fun if you make them. Just add ice cream. Ice cream makes everything better.....well except finance meetings. That calls for something a little stronger than ice cream around the Stier home.....like lots of Diet Coke and a little tuning out by this spender. 

4) Find something you both like to do and do it together. Take a walk. Play a game (our favorite is rummikub). Travel. Canoe. Ride a bike. Whatever it is, find something you like to do together and do it. Traditions are fun and another way to make memories. Oh, and Taco Tuesday is a highly recommended Tuesday tradition from the Stier household. You won't regret it. 

        

5) Love deeply. This has really hit me hard lately. I learned about an acquaintance that recently lost her husband at age 27. Ever since I heard about this, it has weighed heavily on my heart and mind. The night I found out about it, I lay in bed next to my husband realizing that this young widow would never lay next to her husband again. Tears started rolling down my face, mostly because I was convicted. I realized in that moment, I do not do the best job at loving my husband well. I do not do the best job of loving him deeply. I do it to others around me, but at times when I am called to love the person I am closest to, I fail, mostly because I know he will be there with open arms to take me back in, while I cannot say the same for others. In addition, on that particular night, Scott and I had gotten in a fight before bed. That night, I was given some perspective, very deep and grave perspective. Then I began to think, "What if that was the last thing I said to him?" And it hit me like a ton of bricks. Love well. Love deep. Because the Lord gives and the Lord takes away and let's make the moments count while we have them. 

Last, leave room for grace, lots and lots of grace. Like limitless amounts of grace. Because we all make mistakes. And marriage lasts a lifetime. That's a lot of mistakes that call for a lifetime amount of grace. And I am not saying grace is easy. It is hard and marriage is sometimes really hard. But with a lot of grace (and a lot of laughter), you will teach each other more about the heart of Jesus and show each other the love and grace of Jesus in ways that no one else can and that's pretty neat. 

Happy Anniversary Love. Here's to learning more about life and marriage and to learning how to love better and more deeply with you by my side. It really is a privilege to journey alongside life with you. 

Until next time be blessed..................

Stier Family Update

Because It's Just Too Beautiful Not to Post

Well, back to the airport again. This time, I was dropping off my better half. One the way to the airport, we got to talking about flying. I think Scott mentioned how terrifying it really can be when you really think about it. (to which I murmured, "I'd rather not at the ungodly hour of 4:30). This then led to my discussion of a recent video I watched about two ladies who flew for the first time.

With all my flying woes and travel stories lately, I hesitated to watch this video for fear that it would give me another thing to fear during travel. However, it kept popping up on my Facebook news feed, so I figured it must be pretty good. What I found was not disappointing.

Sometimes it is easy to see the negative in things, like traveling, flying, work, other people, or just life in general. And then that negativity can lead to anxiety, worry, and flat out terrifying thoughts (aka: plane going down). But watching this video gave me a much needed fresh perspective. I found this video inspiring. I hope it inspires you too. All you have to do is insert something that you have considered mundane or boring or even terrifying. Then watch this and realize that sometimes those things that you do all the time, others don't get to experience, so you might as well relish the moment and enjoy it from a different perspective. Because God's handiwork does look pretty beautiful from that angle.

Until Next Time Be Blessed…...

With a Side of Brussels Sprouts

Well, I suppose I have officially hit adulthood or something because I officially admit to liking brussels sprouts. You know, those things kids usually turn their noses up at. But alas, my "nose turning" at brussels sprouts has ended, thanks to a very tasty recipe from one of my favorite restaurants in Greenville, SC that we eat at occasionally when we travel there for work.

So since I thought some of you might like to get on the brussels sprouts bandwagon, I thought I would share three of my favorite brussels sprouts recipes for your tasting pleasure.

Before getting to the recipes, I should mention that I originally priced sprouts at the grocery store and they were a little more than I wanted to pay. But then one day I was at Costco browsing their produce and saw a large bag for only $4! So, if you are looking for somewhere to buy your sprouts at a more affordable price-try Costco! (I realize that when you divide how much a Costco membership cost over the price of everything we buy there in a year's time, combined with the fact that I can never seem to get out of there without spending $100 may not make the items purchased there "cheaper," but enlighten me….) (I should also mention that I realize I shop at Costco when we are feeding a mere two and not a family of oh say ten or twelve, but we go through a lot of food, and I cook for four most meals….that is a different blog for a different day, but it basically sums up to the fact that my husband is on some protein kick where he only eats a can of tuna (gross) and yogurt for lunch and is starving when he gets home) (I should also note that when he says he is "starving" I sometimes (most of the time) remind him that African children are starving, he simply hasn't eaten in 4 hours….)

So without further adieu, the recipes:

1) The Lazy Goat Recipe: This is the recipe that turned my taste buds onto brussels sprouts. Were it not for the lazy goat and their delicious brussels sprouts, I would not have gained the courage the branch out, try them, and play around with the following two recipes below. I have only made this recipe once because some of the ingredients are pricey, and it takes a little bit of time. But if you have the time and money, it is well worth it. Also, I made it with asiago and bacon to give it a slightly less expensive flair, and that was good too!

Side Note: if you are ever in Greenville, SC, give The Lazy Goat a try-it is on the river, has a nice atmosphere and, is very delicious! It is a little pricier than my usual dining dig, but I like to simply eat appetizers and there are enough to share and fill you up! A few of my other favorites are fried goat cheese and toasted garlic shrimp. Oh and olives. I like to get olives. I'm salivating as I write. Why is The Lazy Goat so far away???? Where is that lazy goat when you need her?

2) Soy Sauce Brussels Sprouts:  I made these with pork chops rubbed in soy sauce and brown sugar, so it was a good side for that dinner (along with some brown rice). Very tasty.

3) Balsamic Vinegar Brussels Sprouts: These are the ones I cook most of the time. They are super tasty and SUPER easy and quick. I cook these probably once a week with some seasoned chicken (my favorite is to marinate the chicken in Italian dressing) and some couscous. SO yummy. I usually just cut up half a bag, toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and balsamic vinegar and bake them for 15-20 minutes. They are delicious!

So that's all for the sprouts recipes! Side note: I had no clue brussels sprouts had an "s" on the end of "brussel" until this blog. Which led me to thinking of saying that three times fast before signing off….and made me think of how grateful I am that I don't have a lisp because that is a hard word to say…...okay enough shenanigans…….

Happy Cooking and Until Next Time….Be Blessed………….

My Jet Plane Is Back

Well, I am sure that most of you have been on pins and needles since my last post just wondering if I made it home safe.

I had a wonderful week in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for work. I should clarify: things are always good once I get to my destination. I love my job, and I always love the time I get to spend with my co-workers. Not only because we all work well together, but because it is the nice change-up from my typical days working from home by myself. It is just the getting there that can sometimes be anxiety-filled.

Best rest assured, I made it home safe and sound. It was not without a few mishaps, a delayed flight, and a run through the airport, but other than that, it was relatively smooth sailing. So thanks for the prayers and encouragement as I made my way to North Carolina by way of 35,000 feet. It was felt and much appreciated. Despite the smooth sailing, I did come away with a story:

I was sitting in the gate area waiting to board the plane. As I sat there reading my book and "minding my own business," the lady came on overhead announcing that the plane was too small to fit rolling bags in the overhead bins (side note: this typically means prop plans, which are not my favorite, but this time I was lucky that the plane was just small). Anyway, we were told to please check any rolling bags at the gate and to remove any items we needed from the bags, as well as lithium batteries for safety reasons (can anyone explain why lithium batteries are a safety hazard underneath the plane but not in the cabin-this has always confused me and slightly terrified me) (also, who carries lithium batteries on a plane anyway….I digress…..)

Luckily, I had already checked my bag at the previous gate. But those around me started unloading things from their rolling bags (such as medicines and stock piles of lithium batteries) that they didn't want to go under the plane. Thus began my people watching. In addition to my neo-flight anxiety, frequent traveling has also given me a new affinity for people watching in the airport. Yes, I am the girl that stares (actually I have always been the girl that stares and mom would always say, "Amy don't stare," but we will blame it on the frequent traveling as of late). But honestly, people fascinate me and sometimes do the oddest things in public places. And I am of the impression that you can't miss a beat because as Dad always says, "Stories are all around you." Boy isn't that true. So I stare.

Anyway, the couple sitting across from me gained my attention. They starting pulling all sorts of things out of their rolling bag, like medicines (they literally had enough to fill an entire pharmacy), books, and even a purple plastic bin. I wondered how that fit in the rolling bag small enough to fit in the overheard bin in the first place, but that is neither here nor there. It was in this moment when the man said to the woman, "Will you hand me my purse?" And said wife reached inside her carry-on bag, pulled out a purse, and handed it to him. And he put it on like a purse (a cross-body purse if you must know). And I stared, slightly in amazement and slightly in shock and slightly in embarrassment for him. Now, I have heard about a man carrying a murse (man bag for those of you that are behind), but this was not such item. A murse is almost like a satchel, a book bag, a laptop case, or even a briefcase. And most men who carry a murse call it a "bag." And carry it as such. And that is completely normal for a man to have a bag or satchel. Nothing odd about that.

Not this bag. And not this man. He called his bag a purse and wore it like one. And did it unashamedly. As if it were completely normal for a man to call his "bag" a purse and wear it as one. I kept wanting to say, "It's a bag!!! Please call it a bag! Wear it however you want, but call it a bag!!!!!" No such luck. But hats off to him….I actually admire his confidence and ability to be comfortable in his own skin…despite societal norms….

So, there is my story of the man that carried a purse and called it such and wore it as such. And did so proudly in gate D18 of the Atlanta Airport.

See…traveling isn't all about anxiety. It can be fun too….and funny…and enlightening…and if nothing else, it gives me something to write about on this blog…because stories are all around you….

Until next time be blessed…….

Leaving on a Jet Plane and a Weekend Recap

Well, this weekend was a great one. The past few weekends Scott and I have really gotten spoiled with just being able to spend lots of time together and relax. To say it has been nice is an understatement.

Friday night we shopped (I am looking for the perfect flats and have come up empty handed-boo). Then we came home, popped in a California Pizza Kitchen pizza and watched basketball. Last year, I did a bracket with the men on Scott's side of the family. I am not trying to brag, but I basically dominated. This year, we decided to extend it to the men on my side of the family. Basically our brackets are all messed up due to the crazy wins (Need I say more?). Anyway, despite a few missteps and the fact that I did not win a billion dollars, I have been holding my own in a bracket group full of men. I currently stand in second place, however, if Florida takes it all, I think I will too. Basically, every time one of my teams win, I just look at Scott and say, "And boom goes the dynamite." We'll call it my way of rubbing it in...

Saturday Scott went to fulfill his civic duty of block walking to Keep Texas Red. I was supposed to go with him, but I begged my way out of it and in turn, paid my civic duty to the economy and went shopping. (remember said quest for the perfect flat? Nordstroms, Dillards, and all other 50 stores I tried turned up short as well, and now I am depressed). Anyway, we met up that afternoon back at the house for lunch and just hung out until church. Yes, that's right, you heard it, church on a SATURDAY!!!!

Our church is in the process of building a new building, but in the meantime, there is a shortage of parking and seating on Sunday morning. So, we decided to do our civic duty and attend and serve on Saturday night. (Did I mention Scott is a greeter? He pretty much rocks at it). Anyway, at first, Saturday night was difficult for two people who grew up going to church on Sunday, but it took all of two weeks where we got to sleep in on Sunday and we are LOVING it. Saturdays have become so busy these days with Scott's events, weddings, baby showers, etc. that Saturdays pretty much seem like an extension of the week. However, now that we attend church on Saturday night, that frees up SO much time on Sunday. And we get to treat it like an actual Sabbath. It is heavenly. If you are looking for a church in the Keller area, come visit Milestone! And if you come on Saturday night, you just might be greeted by a super friendly face!

So, what did we do today on our Sabbath? Well, we stopped by Subway and headed to the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. We had a picnic, played some Rummikub and then walked around for a bit. It was the perfect little afternoon date. So much fun. We are really looking forward to summertime and concerts in the garden. Can't wait! :)

This leads to the last point of this blog: tomorrow I'm leaving on a jet plane. Isn't there a song about that? I think the words go something like, "I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again…" Those are my sentiments exactly! And here's why. Ever since I started this job, I started traveling quite a bit, sometimes as much as 1-2 weeks out of a month. Ever since then, my travel anxiety has gotten exponentially worse. As in I didn't have it before and now I do. You see, before, I loved traveling because it was a relatively rare occasion. There was something exciting, fresh, and adventurous about it. For the most part, the newness has worn off. However, I suppose the "adventure" aspect of it has not. And by that, I mean going through security is an adventure in and of itself. That combined with the alerts every ten seconds warning us what color the terror alert is on and "please do not leave bags unattended." One time recently, as I was going through security, the security lady YELLED (I mean yelled) at the top of her lungs, "Everybody get down!" I literally almost died of a heart attack right there. And thought a gunman had come in to take my life. Basically, I had a quick come to Jesus meeting right there on the airport security floor. (the cleanliness of my soul was much more important at that point than the uncleanliness of that sick airport floor). After a solid two hours (okay maybe ten seconds) she relayed that it was simply a drill. SERIOUSLY!?!?! Are you smoking crack??? Is this April fools??? Could you not yell, "This is a drill!" first???? I mean seriously. We already have alerts every ten seconds warning us of how dangerous things are and you make us basically get undressed and step into an x-ray machine where we are exposed to all kinds of radiation. I know it's for our safety. I get it. And I agree. But for the love of any little bit of sanity and peace we have left in traveling, just let us know it's a drill! And I am pretty sure that was the day my travel anxiety started…and I fear it isn't going anywhere soon…..

As if the security shenanigans don't create enough anxiety, there is the whole actually getting on a plane and going 35,000 feet into the air part. With the increased travel frequency, I feel as though my chances of being on a highjacked or malfunctioning plane has gone up, hence the (slightly irrational) anxiety. It was even so bad at one point that I literally leaned across the counter, told the ticket lady that the bag (and perhaps the man) that was in front of me was suspicious (I mean he had a black duffle bag and the guy wouldn't hold his bag. He shuffled it with his feet as if he wanted to keep some distance from it, so clearly there was some sort of shenanigan going on there) (I should also mention this was the day after the Boston bombing, which already had my antennas WAY up and didn't those guys have a black duffle bag of some sort???). Anyway, the lady assured me that it goes through three stages of security and screening once it gets checked and that it was all going to be okay. And then I am pretty sure she flagged my ticket with "crazy lady coming through-BEWARE!" Needless to say, as of late, flying+Amy=lots of stress and crazy stories. I really wish I could say here that I'm exaggerating to make a good story better, but I'm afraid its all true (and I didn't even tell the worst stories mostly due to lack of time, space, and political correctness). Yup, it's that bad…..

Anyway, I have not had to travel since November. So, things have been pretty calm. Until Malaysian Flight 370. Kill me now. I cannot even handle this. 9-11, heightened security, drills, unattended bags, and the color wheel of safety was bad enough, but now a huge jet 777 has disappeared into nothingness never to be found again?!?!? How do you lose something that big!?!? I don't even understand. So now, not only do my flight thoughts go places they shouldn't regarding terrorism and malfunctioning wings and the pilot forgetting to put down the wheels (did I mention irrational anxiety and perhaps too much Fox News), I now have to worry that my flight might literally disappear off the radar never to be seen again. And needless to say, I am beside myself. Can't even handle this. I am going to need some serious Xanax tomorrow. Or sedatives. Or something. Anything. Anybody? Okay, maybe it's just me…..

So, tomorrow I will leave on a jet plane. I am supposed to be back Friday, but if I don't, please know that the song "Oceans" has been playing on repeat on my iTunes. It is my happy place. So, if the plane does disappear into nothingness, you all know what I was listening to when I disappeared or went down or whatever happened….and that song just took on a whole new meaning….

Okay, that's enough shenanigans for today. I hope everyone has a great week.

I'm leaving on a jet plane……..and I WILL be back Friday…….

Until next time, be blessed…..

Happy Spring and Some Random Things I'm Diggin…..

Greetings to all. All my teacher friends are on spring break. And since spring break was SO much more fun when I was in school, I had to do something to bring some spring cheer! Below are a few things that I have been totally digging (aka: obsessed) with lately. And even though I may not have much of a break around here, I am SO glad it is finally starting to feel like SPRING!

1) THIS SONG is ROCKIN ME. Every.single.time. He's never failed and He won't stop now…..

2) THIS TALK. And then THIS TALK. My husband has recently become obsessed with Ted Talks. And by obsessed, I mean he listens to one nearly every night before bed. Clearly, I am probably behind the curveball on this one, but a friend told me about Brene Brown's talks. So naturally, I went home and listened to them before bed. Because apparently that's when you listen to Ted Talks. These were both short talks that I found so interesting. I am looking forward to finding some more talks on Brene. It is almost like free therapy from my computer screen. Side note: apologies in advance for any language.

3) THIS SITE. Okay, so I have a slight obsession with Pick Your Plum. In fact, I am borderline needing an intervention. But those deals that occur on a daily basis are just too hard to pass up! All you do is sign up for the daily emails and you will get two deals sent to your inbox daily. Enjoy, but beware-it is slightly addicting! 

4) THIS BOOK, Oh this book….I ordered this book online because I COULDN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE IN STOCK IN STORES!!! Like not a single copy at not a single store for many, many weeks. I got so fed up, I finally sucked it up, paid for shipping, and ordered it online. (for those of you thinking I am behind the times and need to get on the Kindle bandwagon and have it delivered to my iPad, I am and I do…but sometimes I just can't knock the desire for an actual book in my hands-this was one of those moments and it was out of stock...). Anyway, now, I know why it was out of stock EVERYWHERE (did I mention it was out of stock?). I digress….I started this book as soon as I got it and have not wanted to put it down since. I was reading it last night on the couch while Scott was sitting next to me doing some work, and I literally was laughing out loud-at one point I was in tears I was laughing so hard. Scott asked what was up and so I then had to read it out loud to him. HYSTERICAL. I totally relate with SO many of her hilarious stories. This is a must read. The author's blog is pretty great too. Go buy it. Then read it. And prepare to laugh your head off. 

5) THIS BLOG. I cannot get enough of this blog. This is Sean's (The Bachelor) sister, Shay, and I have fallen in love with her! Like I want to be her friend. Her faith, her fashion (totally went out and got myself a military jacket…), and her food (spicy spinach artichoke dip to die for). I love it all. I could go on for days, but I'll stop there. Become a follower and a fan. You will look better from all her great fashion advice and feel better from all her tasty (and SUPER simple I might add) recipes. 

Until next time…be blessed and Happy Spring (Break)!!!! 

Be Still My Soul....

Well, it is February and the newness of this year has officially begun to wear off. However, my thoughts of all coming up in the year to come has not. I am excited about what this year has to offer!

I wrote last summer about a book I read. Last year I focused on Euchariesto, learning the art of Thanksgiving. It was so enriching to meditate on one word for an entire year. Just yesterday during the menial task of vacuuming, I found myself thanking God for having a little place to call home in which to vacuum, which is quite the feat considering how much I hate vacuuming.

I feel like the Lord is calling me to slow down this year. However, He is not calling me to slow down and browse Facebook more, or watch more mindless TV (although I may do that at times). I feel the Lord is  calling me to slow down to focus on Him; to lean into Him; and spend more time doing things that He has given me the passion and giftings to do. Hopefully in slowing down, I will gain more clarity for the path the Lord wants for me in my career and in areas He wants me to give back in my spare time. I definitely don't want to waste this life. I am hoping that slowing down will help me gain a deeper love for Jesus and a more clear view for God's plan and will for my life.

When thinking about my goals for the year, there were many words that came to mind: simplify, renewal, identity. However as I prayed and thought about it more, I realized that I cannot do any of those things until I slow down and become

Still.

So this year I am choosing to be proactive in taking time to still my heart, soul, mind, and body.

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 (ESV). 

"Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes." 1 Samuel 12:16 (ESV)

So, as the snow falls outside my window, I am at peace. It is the perfect day to begin practicing the art of being still. 

Until next time, be blessed.........