Hello friends!

Terribly sorry for the lack of posting lately. But in between the move and a crawling baby, amongst other things, life has been somewhat hectic.

But, there is something I’d like to talk about.

I’ve never had the most self-confidence. Had I met him when I was 18 or so, I would have never believed that I could have won the heart of such a wonderful, handsome man. I just would have thought he was way out of my league. This is just how I was. I would have had an ENORMOUS crush on him (yes, I’ve seen the pictures) and he says he would have on me, as well (and yes, he’s seen mine… strange!) But I just think he was way too good looking for me to even have a chance.

Case in point: a “to-do” list. Apparently, at the Captain’s high school, all the girls had formed a “to-do” list. Of sorts. This wasn’t your typical task list. No, my friends, you see, this was a ranking of who the girls wanted to do. As in, have sex with. Well, my dear old husband was right there at the top. That’s right, he was number one on that list.

What does that say about him? Certainly not that he was promiscuous. Quite the opposite. It says he was so good looking, so smart, so kind and devoted, that he was prime real estate.

And here I am, married to him. What does that, in turn, say about me? Does it boost my self-esteem? Most definitely. But I could care less about that, really. It’s awesome. I’m proud of it, for sure. I won, you see? I was smart enough, kind enough, all of those things that he was looking for, and I won him we won each other.

I may not have been the most popular, the most beautiful, but I’ve always been deserving of something special. Everyone is.

An old friend once said that she had had a few relationships, but none where she felt that she and the guy deserved each other. It was always one being better than the other, and she wanted to feel matched with someone. I took that statement to heart. And guess what? I’ve found it. We deserve each other. Neither of us feels better than the other, feels less than the other. We are equal, we are partners. And man, does that feel good.

Random Thoughts.

I know it’s been a while since I last updated, so I’ll just kind of go through what’s been in my head.

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Babies getting ready to crawl are HILARIOUS. Simply hilarious. It’s like ‘Oh! I think I can reach it!’… FAIL. Commence tantrum throwing.

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Tantrums thrown by 7 month olds are frustrating, to say the least. She’s learning when things don’t go her way, and how to tell us just that.

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Seven months goes by ENTIRELY too fast.

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You know your daughter’s gorgeous when tourists come up asking to take pictures with her. A little strange, yes, but totally flattering. I mean, think about it: it’s your genes in that kid, and people stop in their tracks to comment on her beauty. Incredible.

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On another note, we’ve recently joined the group of people threatened by the economy. Captain lost his job this week, so we’re forced into this whirlwind of unemployment, government assistance, and the like. We’re faced with some tough decisions coming up, mainly the choice of where to move to, as our lease is up at the end of May. We may end up going to Mississippi to live with the Captain’s family, but honestly, hopefully not. Not that his family isn’t amazing, I’d just rather stay here, thankyouverymuch.

Despite all the obstacles recently thrown our way by this, we’ve been leaning on our Savior more than ever. We know that He has a plan for us, and that plan is probably better than we can imagine right now. We have faith in that knowledge, and so we’re trying not to panic! (Although between you and me, it’s easier said than done!)

I have a job interview with Target on Tuesday morning. Pray that that goes well! I’d actually love to work there… I mean, who wouldn’t love a discount in heaven on Earth?

Product Review, and a giveaway!

Have you ladies ever struggled with finding something to REALLY remove your makeup, without having to do a 5 minute routine every night? I hate having to wait on the water to warm, then lather up, then rinse off… I hate wasting all the water required for it to stay warm.

Introducing Clean and Clear’s new line of makeup dissolving products. Another BzzAgent campaign of mine, I got a couple packs of wipes and some liquid eye makeup remover.
I’ve tried wipes before. They just don’t work. And the eye makeup remover? Typically baby oil, essentially.

Well, these are totally different. They’re oil free, for one. And so quick! I simply wipe off my face , fold it, wipe again, etc… EACH WIPE pulls off more makeup! And what’s even better? My face doesn’t feel all oily after… it’s not all dry and flaky either… it’s just clean! I’ve been using these at night instead of my Clean and Clear Continuous Acne Control Foaming Cleanser (I still use that in my morning shower) and you know what? It’s so quick and simple. Which, you know, I’m all for when it comes to getting me into bed at night. What’s even better is that in the morning, when I wake up, my face still feels clean. It’s incredible, really.

The eye makeup remover (which is liquid) looks as if it has oil in it, so I was skeptical. I dabbed some on a cotton ball and swiped it over my eyes… it was slippery, as most of these products are.. but strangely enough, it was more like a lubrication (ummm…) than oil. While it had some of the characteristics of the typical eye makeup remover, a quick rinse like the directions say washes it all away- what a relief! I sure hate that oily muck on my eyes all night…

These products are fabulous. I’ve found something that will really make my nighttime routine so much healthier for me, without taking u much time at all. I really think you all should try them.

So, to help you do that, I’ve got a giveaway. All it takes is for you to comment on this post giving me a caption for this here photo:

I’ll pick my favorite, and that winner will receive a 25-ct pack of makeup-dissolving wipes, along with a coupon for $2 off any Clean & Clear Makeup Dissolving products. I’ll randomly pick 3 others using the generator to receive $2 off coupons for these products.

Ready? GO!

Fun!

Chili’s Guiltless Grill

A few weeks back I signed up for this thing called bzzagent. Through it, I get to try out all sorts of products for free, and share them with my friends and family! Pretty awesome, huh?

Anyway, my first campaign was for Chili’s Restaurant- specifically their Guiltless Grill items. It’s not surprising to learn that such a large chain has healthier options, really- but what WAS surprising was just how tasty they are!

The options range from steak to fish to chicken sandwiches, all served with veggies on the side. I know, you might be thinking “Veggies? I want fries!” Remember, folks… this is healthy. Anyways, the veggies taste GREAT! I’m not sure how they cook em, but they are definitely yummy.

The Captain and I went out with a friend to try out some of the menu items- Steak and chicken sandwich. I had had both of these before, but I’m not a fish fan, and he hadn’t had either, so we split them. Both meals came quickly, were steaming hot, and absolutely to-die-for delicious. I mean, seriously, folks. It made my mouth water. Go try it out. Now. (Unless they’re closed, then wait until lunchtime tomorrow!)

My only complaint with these menu items is that the portion sizes are a bit on the smaller side. But that’s coming from me, who could eat other unnamed breakfast conglomerates out of business. I don’t take my eating lightly, people. This is a fact. Chili’s portions, however, lend just enough satisfaction to those who are watching what they eat, or just wanting to make healthier choices- no grumbly tummies afterwards, and satisfied taste buds.

What do you think, folks? Have you ever tried Chili’s Guiltless Grill? If so, what did you like about it? If not, would you be willing to?

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

So while on vacation this week, we did not overbuy in baby food so much that I had a hard time packing it into our suitcase for the road home. I know exactly how much my daughter needs to eat and I don’t get totally excited about seeing her face with new foods.

While shopping for said baby food, I absolutely did not walk into the men’s restroom while taking the Master to get her diaper changed. I would never just walk into a restroom without checking the sign simply because I’m used to the way a certain major chain discount retailer has theirs laid out at our local branch. And if I had, I certainly wouldn’t post it on the world wide web for people to know how embarrassed I was.

The Captain and I most certainly did not get into a major disagreement with family members. And we weren’t plotting revenge all week long or anything, I promise. We are way too kind to ever hold a grudge.

I most certainly did not cry like a baby while watching Marley and Me! That movie is sad, folks!

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

As a few close friends know, I’ve struggled many times with my faith. I’ve sort of flip flopped with believing, and sometimes, even acknowledging, my beliefs. Especially publicly.

Yet ever since I became pregnant, all I want is my God. All I want is for my heart to be nearer to Him, to know Him better.

I was speaking with the Captain the other day about how I desire a more personal relationship with God- I mean, I crave it. I’m not quite sure how to achieve it, however. I just know that when I turn to my Lord in times of need, I feel so much stronger and better able to handle things. And oh, how good it feels to praise Him at the end of the day with my daughter in my arms.

I think a big part of this, believe it or not, is inspiration from strangers. Complete and total strangers, people who could essentially be fabricating every word, because c’mon ya’ll, it’s the interwebz. But these people have such a genuine faith, it’s incredible. These people have been through so much in their sweet lives, so much heartbreak, so many trials… yet they continue to be SO BLESSED! I have NEVER seen such faith, and in such unexpected places.

So let me introduce you guys to my inspiration.

First, there’s Ian.

Ian was the victim of a terrible car accident in September of 2006. He was in a comatose state for a very long time, and is still in recovery. He has had to learn to eat, move, smile, talk… everything, all over again. Yet he continues to praise God for the blessings in his life. He has a wonderfully supportive family, multitudes of friends, and a woman who has stood by his side through every ounce of this heartbreaking ordeal.

Then, there’s Angie.

Angie and Todd Smith are the parents of 3 fabulously adorable little girls here on Earth, and 2 sweet babies in Heaven. If I’m not mistaken, the first was an early miscarriage… and then there was beautiful little Audrey. At their 20-week ultrasound, they were informed that their baby girl would not survive. They opted to carry the pregnancy as long as possible, and Audrey ultimately spent the most precious 2 hours here with her family before going to meet Jesus. Oh, but how Angie and Todd use their story for the glory of God! Now don’t get me wrong, folks, it’s not that it’s easy for them. Quite the contrary. It’s the fact that they take comfort in our Savior and His hand in everything. That He’s using their little family to spread His word among thousands. That’s right. THOUSANDS.

And then there’s MckMama.

Beautiful, funny, MckMama and her MSC (Many Small Children). First off, this woman is brave. She has FOUR children four and under! Can you believe that? And that’s not even the beginning… well, really, I guess it is, because she had to start somewhere, right? And the real miracle of it all is her fourth baby, a little boy named Stellan.
You see, when MckMama was pregnant with little Stellan, she, too was told that he would not survive. His little heart had a terrible condition that was unfixable in utero. The prepared for the worst, and she and her Prince Charming prayed for strength through that devastating time. They prayed for little Stellan to be healed and guess what? He WAS!! Stellan is the world’s happiest little miracle baby. As I write this, however, we’re all in deep prayer for this family. Stellan is currently in the hospital- his heart is in SVT (a very dangerous condition in which th heart beats incredibly fast and can lead to heart failure), and they can’t seem to flip him out of it. You know what, though? SHE NEVER QUITS. While her little boy is fighting for his life, she has an overwhelming peace about her.. because she knows that Stellan is ultimately not hers, but God’s, and that this story will be used to glorify Him, no matter the outcome. She has a strength that I dream of having, one day, eventually.

And these are just a few! There are so many people that I’ve come to love in my blog reading, and pray for on a daily basis. I laugh with them, I cry with them and for them, and I just wish I could hug ‘em. But that’s probably gonna have to wait a while.

All this to say, I want more. I need more. I want to teach my daughter how to be strong, I want to show her *true* grace, I want her to know who her Creator is. But I can’t do that without a more personal relationship with Christ.

So what do you think, readers? Where do you stand today, and what do you do to grow stronger in your faith?

What, you didn’t know I’m a chef?

I like to cook. A lot. Meat, pies, (I don’t, however, know about meatpies… as I’ve never had one. Oh wait! Shepherd’s pie is tasty. I should make that one day. I’m babbling…) cookies… I guess I really like to bake.

But one thing I’ve gotten into recently is baby food. Yup, I make all the master’s food by hand… I love to do it, as time consuming as it may be. It proves to me that I can do something really good for her, and it means a lot to me that I am able to. It’s a little (sometimes a lot) cheaper than buying jarred, I know there’s no added ingredients, no preservatives, etc… And I know that I’ve put all my love (and sweat) into it.

The Captain and I went shopping today to get her some food for me to whip up, and we did pretty good… Chicken, beef, sweet potatoes, beets, mustard greens, lentils, spinach…

I enjoy taking the time to make all this, I really do. However, when I have to enlist the help of my sweet mother-in-law, it takes us an hour to prepare, and it all boils down to, well, darn near nothing, it exasperates me.

You all know what I’m talking about. Don’t act like you don’t. I spent darn near an hour de-stemming (is that even a word) a bunch of tiny spinach leaves only to cook em up and have em boil down to what will probably amount to 2 servings. I’m so mad I could *spit*.

I think I’ll stick with buying jarred spinach from now on.

And I wish she was *always* this cute.

Seriously? Already?

Apparently, this was just a sneak peek of what was to come…

But, man oh man can this kid pitch a fit!

What’s that, you say?

A kid this cute can’t possibly be so rotten?

Oh, but yes. She can.

The Master has apparently hit her terrible two’s… at six months. I say this knowing that it may *possibly* be the fact that she got a shot yesterday. However, she’s never had a bad reaction to said shots.

All day today was spent trying to stop her from screaming. If she wanted something and you didn’t give it to her, the child was simply writhing in protest. We’re talking throw herself out of your arms, twist in half backwards, high-pitched, headache-inducing sort of tantrums.

Yeah. Those kind.

Ah, well.

At least she’s cute when she’s sleeping.

She & Him- Album Review

I love Zooey Deschanel. I mean, absolutely adore her. I think she’s a quirky, beautiful, talented individual and I truly enjoy her work. If you don’t know who she is, go rent Elf or Tin Man. Two very different sides of her.

Her band, She & Him, has released an album titled Volume One:

Zooey and M. Ward’s venture into the music world took me my surprise- I’ve loved her voice for quite a while now and hoped that we would hear more from her. So upon news of this (and I may be WAY behind, as I just heard of this today) I decided I HAD to have it. Let the downloading begin!

The first song I heard off the album was a cover of “You Really Got a Hold on Me”. This song fits marvelously with Deschanel’s classic vocal talents, I mean just REALLY showcases it- not to mention is a fabulous song in general.

The rest of the album, however…

Deschanel and Ward have presented a nice mix of sounds. Some songs bring a nice doo-wop beat and melody to it, making you want to put your hair in rollers and sing along into a hairbrush. Others are reminiscent of Regina Spektor and other female vocalists of that nature. Yet none of these songs is a TRUE manifestation of her talent. I don’t know much about M. Ward, or his side of it all, but I do know that, while tasty, I’m still sorely disappointed in the choice of style. I really wanted to hear more of that classic, raspy voice I know to be hers and didn’t get it. I will, however, still spend the next day and a half listening and learning all the songs!

Overall rating- 4/5

Wordless Wednesday