Giving Thanks!

As I look back on this last year, I am so thankful for so many things!

1. Brenden! My husband continues to amaze me and the life we are building is more than I would have hoped for. I love and adore him, he is my best friend!
2. Job! I do not like every single second of my job (but who does) but it is a great job, steady, great benefits, fun people, etc. I am very thankful for it!
3. Family! My family continues to grow! We welcomed lil Jax and are soon to welcome a new niece/nephew. PLUS we get to spend Thanksgiving with my dad and his lady companion!
4. Health!
5. Bandit! I just love my little, wild puppy. He brings so much laughter to us!
6. Future! I am so thankful for the future that lies ahead of us. It won't be without its struggles but the joys ahead far out weight the challenges.

I could go on and on.....

My First Thanksgiving Prep

This year I am making my very first Thanksgiving meal! I feel so grown up! Ha ha. As I am mentally thinking up a fun menu, I realize that I need more ovens! I want to keep it simple, (there will only be four of us) and I am not so keen on leftovers (weird, I know). So I am thinking ham instead of turkey (Brenden and I don't care for turkey), seared green beans with pepper garlic and almonds, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato biscuits, and a cranberry/blue cheese salad. Oh and pie (pumpkin and pecan)! Hm, maybe I'll buy the pies (shhhh don't tell).

Can't wait!

My Fav Quote from Brenden

"Why do lazy people always claim to be perfectionists?"

Camping June 10

There is nothing like camping in the PNW. We love it!

Hard Times

We've hit some hard times professionally. Financially, we are hanging in there but the down-turn economy is bearing its weight on us. I know that some of you will nod in understanding while others will thank God (or your karma or your lucky stars) that you don't understand. But I thank God for these hard times. It's through times like these that I see the strength of my marriage. It's through times like these that I realize how much I trust and love my husband. It's through times like these that my faith is strengthened. No, I will not thank God for what He has spared me, I will thank Him for what He was brought me through. It is an honor.

Excellent Reminder

"Keep life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have for He has said, 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.' So we have confidence to say 'The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.'" Hebrews 13:5-6

Homemade and healthy

Toppings: mushrooms, green pepper, tomatoes, and I used some spinach, basil, and rosemary from our own garden!

Whole wheat dough

A very curious pup!

Ready for the oven (I used fresh mozz, just love it)

So delicious!