Friday, December 20, 2013

Vacancy + A Last Post


[ J O Y garland c/o: The Parcel Post Company ]

Advent (noun) // the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event

Here we are, the last few days before Christmas - simmering away as a swirl
or cinnamon, balsam pine, and melted chocolate wrap us up as we wrap up the presents,
the work, all the to-do lists. The kettle is whistling - steam, fire, roaring it's time - it's time!
The Lion of Judah is coming to be born once again in the Bethlehem of our hearts.

A sense of urgency overwhelms me. I've hustled and bustled, sang songs about silver bells
and drummer boys, kissed, always kissing, "Santa Clause", baked, bows, bowing my head to
pray each night - the Jesse Tree - retracing the steps of salvation history with my little
ones in tow, confessing my sins - praying to be made white as snow - snow for a baby Savior.



"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her
firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was
no guest room available for them."
- Luke 2:6-7

No room.

No room?

Turned away in the fullness of pregnancy, at the first Advent. Left to a cave or a shelter
for livestock - I see poor, dear St. Joseph running his calloused, worn from work, hands through
his hair - shaking his head, trying so hard to hold it together, to BE the shelter for Mary and the
Mystery she carried in her womb. I see Mary laughing - throwing up her hands in praise because
she knows that wherever they rest - they will be resting with the King of kings!

And HE comes.

No room, but He comes anyway... seeking room in our hearts.

I am hanging out the VACANCYsign.
Be born in this heart, Lord. I have room.
Be born in all VACANT hearts this Christmas -
fill every nook, cranny - and in Your mysterious ways
never let us be FULL, but always longing for more -
always seeking to invite those in our lives into
the J O Y of a vacant, but never empty, Christ-filled life.

May you and yours have a blessed and full -
MERRIEST OF CHRISTMASES!!!

In the spirit of being VACANT - expectant -
I will be on vacation until after the New Year!!!
This is my last post of 2013.
It's time to disconnect to reconnect, to make memories, celebrate,
work on new projects, and re-group for The Lily Field 2014!!!
Don't worry, I'm coming back - you better come back too.

The Christmas Waltz by She & Him on Grooveshark [ ornaments c/o: The Parcel Post Company ]
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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Appetizer || gluten free bbq chicken pizza



Welcome to Grand Flavor Station! Where your tastebuds go for the ride of their life...
and I will stop talking now because this sounds like a reeeeally, really stupid commercial.
Possibly Super Bowl Sunday worthy, but I'm not sure.

This is a quick + festive + flavorful appetizer! Or meal - if your conscience tells you that
pizza is a well-rounded, touching all the food groups, dinner! My conscience lies to me too. It's ok.

So yes- I cheat with Bob's Red Mill gluten-free pizza crusts.
They come in the frozen section and it costs about the same to make a g-free crust at home.
I like it when Bob cooks.

And if you aren't gluten-free, NO. WORRIES. A regular, gluten-filled crust will work just fine!
P.S. if you are dairy-free too, LUCKY. YOU. There's so much flavor going on here,
you don't miss the cheese.

Makes TWO small pizzas >>>

FOR THE BBQ //

1 C. ketchup (I use Organic with no funny syrups or weird sugars added - not sure if you care,
but if you use a regular ketchup it might taste different from mine... just saying.)
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. worchestire sauce (soy or tamari adds a nice flavor too)
2-3 tbls. honey (you can play with this to your liking - I give you my blessing)
2 tbls. molasses
A dash of sea salt and garlic powder
SECRET WEAPON: 2-3 tbls. of Frank's Hot Sauce
Never make BBQ sauce without it. I suggest you don't either.

This BBQ sauce will be lighter than what you are probably used to seeing
at the grocery store. And hey, if you want to REALLY cheat - pick up a bottle of
BBQ sauce and don't even worry about this step!!!

Spread sauce on crusts.

FOR THE TOPPINGS //

Red onions, sliced
Yellow peppers, sliced
Spinach, chopped
Mozzarella + Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Grilled chicken:
Pour 2-3 tbls. extra virgin olive oil in medium skillet, medium heat.
Add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook on both sides until done.
Sea salt, garlic powder, pepper and a dash of red pepper flakes to season.
Remove and let sit until cool. Slice and add to top of pizza.


BAKE //

425 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Top with fresh, chopped cilantro and try not say
"BAM!" like Emeril... because I'm pretty sure he copyrighted that exclamation and
we don't need a lawsuit on our hands over some pizza! Can he even do that?!


It's the Merry to the Christmas in your mouth.
Aaaaaand I'm done.







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Monday, December 16, 2013

Announcement: The Writing of My Heart



I don't know when, but it's coming.

So many words have welled up inside my heart,
and they are spilling forth onto PAPER;
desperate to be bound into a BOOK.

It is a call that God put on my heart a long time ago.
A call that I lovingly patted on the head for years, hoping it would go away.

The song I shared above played in my home a few weeks ago for the first time.
I could feel that ache in my chest, warning of tears that would soon break forth
from my baby blue dams. This song is a perfect expression of what I hope to capture
in sharing the stories that broke me, and of the God who bent and bruised and bled
to bind up my pieces - making me new.

Please pray with me? For me?
Every excuse in my arsenal has been dispelled, and I'm standing
here, sharing this announcement, wanting to claim braveness, but
honestly confessing that I am SCARED, OVERWHELMED, but moving forward...

because Jesus Christ has overcome and He has risen from the dead.
And so this endless, mercy tree is my song of hope. I'm writing a book.



::: STAY TUNED :::












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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Natural Family Planning: A Two Way Street


I quit buying pregnancy tests four months ago.
Another month, another negative, another stick in the garbage and a husband asking, "So?"
No pressure of course. Just loving expectancy. Both of us.

Before we got married, Nathan and I made a commitment to not use birth control or sterilization
in our marriage. Whaaa? Yea, we had visions of a dozen kids, a 15 passenger van, and appearances on
Good Morning America. And who knows - maybe that will still happen! I'm young. Hopeful.

But if it doesn't, I am learning to be ok with that.
Why God has not given us another baby - I do not understand.
At the rate we started out, 2 babies - 15 months apart, I admit I was worried we'd beat the Duggars!

After Judah was born, we chose to use Natural Family Planning for a time; watching, noting the signs of
my cycle and abstaining when fertile. Each month brought a new prayer, things to discuss, to discern
to the best of our ability, with God, what was right for our family. And then last Spring, all the "issues"
the "hold ups" dissolved and we were excited that God seemed to be opening the door for baby #3.

I just knew we would be pregnant right away, and most likely with twins - as we were obviously
a fountain of fertility right out of the gates! No, those who use Natural Family Planning are not
always called "PARENTS" in the ways that some people expect.

The funny thing is, in this brief time of no conception - in the grand scheme of things - compared to so
many others I know who have longed for just one baby- I have LIVED what I PREACH and that is:

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING IS A TWO WAY STREET.

We have to trust God either way; in times of abstaining and in times of conceiving.
And that's terribly hard. Whichever way you are walking. I get that now, more than ever.


I never saw big gaps between my children. I never dreamed of a "small" family.
And yet, His ways are better than my ways. His dreams are bigger than my dreams.
He sees it all and knows... on this street of ours.

That doesn't mean I don't cry every now and then when I realize we are still not pregnant.
It just means that I know God is God and I am not. My brain gets it. Someone, tell my heart.

And in the words of so many loving, well-intentioned people,
"Maybe God is giving you this time of not being pregnant or with a newborn for a reason."

Yes... but that is just SCARY! For a reason?! What reason?
"You're not having a baby because you've got a disease!
...or you're going to lose your house!...or you know?!"


I'm really just being funny here, because I DO have to laugh and rejoice
in the LIFE that IS given!!! And trust that no matter what - it's all working out for His glory.





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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

My Journey to Normal + Roasted Tomato-Gouda Pasta

Today I took a bath in apple cider vinegar. I may or may not smell like a walking pickle.
No, I have not lost my mind, but I do feel like I'm losing a battle I've been fighting for about
3 years now. I can tell you that it all began with 5 days of intravenous antibiotics that I needed back
when I was pregnant with Isaiah. I remember my GP at the time shaking his head as I walked out of the
hospital room that day...

"I hope you have a good probiotic... because there's no way you'll
ever be able to eat enough yogurt to fix the damage that's been done."


I didn't understand then - because I was feeling better! But I understand now.
It all sounds so witch-doctor-y or as if I've started reading WebMD like it's my job.
Even if I do, don't judge.

Last year I began a journey to STOP the cycle of infections - the PMS, psoriasis, rashes,
and the mountain of allergies that seemed to grow every month. A severe diet change and a
"good probiotic" seemed to be the answer! Remember this post? It was all true.

Over this past summer, since I was feeling so much better, I let some of the diet slide.
With no adverse effects, it really seemed like I had returned to "normal." And by the time October
rolled around I could feel myself craving, needing certain foods to get through the day.

Now that I'm detoxing again, I FEEL LIKE AN ADDICT! Oh. My. Gosh.
I find myself scrolling quickly past pictures of food on Instagram and walking through the grocery store
with blinders. Don't look - don't look - don't look! I sat at the mall last night with my husband whining
about the grande chai latte that I NEEDED, but couldn't have. #firstworldproblems

This November I took a heavy hit and got set back. All the issues came flooding back - as if the dam
I had so desperately tried to build a year ago was made of toothpicks.

And so I begin again. Another detox, purge, strong probiotics and a good nutritionist to hold my hand.

NOW - let me share this recipe that DOES NOT qualify for my detox diet, but is SO yummy!!!
Please make and eat for me!!! And sing this song while you are doing it.




FOR THE TOMATOES:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees //

1 carton of grape/cherry tomatoes, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2-3 tbls. of extra virgin olive oil

Toss tomatoes and garlic in olive oil and place on cookie sheet.
Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes.

FOR THE CHICKEN:
Sauté 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in 2-3 tbls. of olive oil on medium heat //

Sea salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
(all to your preference)

Chicken will take 25-35 minutes to cook depending on the size. Cook until the meat is
white when cut open and the juices flow clear. Slice chicken into small pieces.

FOR THE NOODLES:
I used gluten-free rice noodles //

Boil 3-4 C. of noodles in hot water until done.
Drain and set aside.

PUT IT TOGETHER:
Gently mix the roasted tomatoes (and their juices), grilled chicken, and noodles together.
TOP WITH SHREDDED GOUDA CHEESE, FRESH, CHOPPED BASIL,
and a good squeeze of LEMON!!! Oh is it good. //



Don't miss our current GIVEAWAY!!!
$20 to shop Bizzy B Crafts is up for grabs this week!!!







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Monday, December 9, 2013

My Boys WEAR || Bizzy B Crafts + GIVEAWAY

It might as well be Christmas with Bizzy B Crafts scarves in our home!
My boys ripped, because that's what boys do, open the package, put on their "gifts",
and I just knew there were going to be tears at bedtime when they had to take them off.

Soft, stylish, and sewn together with such talent!
My only regret is that I didn't get a scarf too!


You're in luck - and just in time for Christmas too...
Brittany from Bizzy B Crafts is giving away $20 credit to shop this week!
All of her work is so beautifully crafted - you're going to want one of everything!

Check out these darling, child-size, infinity scarves!!!
||| ENTER TO WIN BELOW |||





CONNECT WITH BIZZY B CRAFTS

Etsy // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway


open to U.S. residents ONLY // giveaway dates: 12/9/2013 - 12/15/2013 //
winner will be notified no later than 12/17/2013 and will have 72 hours to respond
to claim prize // failure to do so will result in forfeiture and a new winner will be chosen //





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Friday, December 6, 2013

Steward of a Dream



I had so many plans for this December.
Things, good things, that I wanted to do, orchestrate, create for family and friends.
I've already cut back in so many areas; saying "no" more often so that I can say "yes"
to some specific things that God has put on my heart. And yet, even those things seem
to be falling from my hands, spinning out of my control, and getting cozy on the back burner.

"YOU ARE THE STEWARD OF A DREAM!"
words from Jeff Goins, shared at The Influence Network conference this past fall that
still ring in my ears every second of every day.

I don't doubt that God wants me to answer the knocks at my door, but it is the time frame,
the fashion, and details of getting to the door, opening it up, and stepping out into the adventure
that are the issue. My issue, my plans running up against God's. Release, Brittany. Let go. Trust Him.

release. let go. trust Him.

At the end of November I landed myself in the ER with a severe infection that won me a round
trip, all antibiotics included, for two weeks. It was the answer, the right answer to fix the problem,
but antibiotics always leave me with a mighty host of other problems that make the first problem
not seem so bad after all. It feels like I lose either way.

And yet the beauty in it all is that I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN.
Silver lining, wonderful. So cliche. So comforting.

I've spent many hours cuddling with my kids this week. Reading books, watching movies,
playing games. My mind is effected by detoxing; concentration is a joke. I feel so small,
so child-like... processing things very slowly, waiting for toxins to pass. Helpless really.
Surrendered to something so much bigger than me.

Those words of Jeff Goins come to me in a different way today.
"HE is the MASTER of the dream..." and I am the steward. One who is appointed,
subject to a greater plan from the Higher Up. And so I release with J O Y...

soaking up the extra time, that the Master has called for, with my family
as we travel to Bethlehem in our hearts once again this Advent season.

release. let go. trust Him.

((( our Thanksgiving )))













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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Socialization: A Homeschooled Girl's Two Cents


I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I think one way of schooling is better or more
right than wrong than the other. I am, however, going to drag out my soapbox and go to town on
addressing a topic that puts my undies in an instant bunch every time I hear someone say:

S O C I A L I Z A T I O N

I have only ever heard the worry and concern directed towards homeschooled children, and I
truly wonder why that is. Maybe I haven't lived long enough or been around the block enough times?
Or perhaps it is because I was the homeschooled girl - trying to NOT act shocked,
appalled, offended when the general public makes the most popular comment:

"You're normal!" as if they were so worried and suddenly relieved.
What do you even say to that?
"Hey! You're normal... too? YEA!"
High fives all around.

There seems to be abnormal anxiety (the skeptic in me is shining), perhaps one that is
purposefully orchestrated from opposing parties, that homeschooled children are somehow
denied or incapable of developing normal social behaviors because they are
privately educated in their homes. Am I wrong?

I'm sorry, but I know plenty of "regular" school kids who have socialization problems.
Who was the socially awkward kid in your class? Right, that's what I'm saying.

Ultimately I think the awkwardness that everyone is so interested in talking about is probably an
issue of nature and nurture rather than an issue of classroom status. Personally (key word here),
I think it's all how parents raise their kids. Whether they are in "regular" school or "home" school -
don't we all run the risk of being a little socially awkward from time to time or for life in some cases?!


Here's the thing:

Homeschooled kids interact all day, every day with at least one parent, sisters, brothers, and
neighbors - all of various ages - tutors, extra-curricular activity instructors, librarians, employees of
the grocery store, post office, coffee shop, etc. - maybe possibly being exposed to more, but definitely
the same amount in "normal" cases, public opportunities to socialize because they are home and
get to spend the day doing school and regular life at the same time.

I'm not saying that "regular" school kids DO NOT get this same attention or opportunity,
but the main difference is that they are in a classroom filled with kids ALL THE SAME AGE.
It's a fact, not really something to argue about.

Socialization comes differently. That's my point. And again, I'm not putting one way of schooling
over another. Each family, child, situation is very different and I'm not claiming to be Jesus with
all the answers. I suppose it is an art, a fine practice held together with love and discernment to
"shepherd",
as opposed to the wildly negative idea of
"sheltering",
our children in this post-modern world.

I personally believe it is IMPOSSIBLE to be objective when it comes to this topic -
so I think we should all just clap our subjective hands together and pray for our fellow brothers
and sisters who are raising up the next generation! I mean this with the most sincerity though -
we need to pray for each other and our families.

I guess I'm just wanting to put to bed some fears for my general public peers. Rest assured, and quit
buying into the anti-homeschooling propaganda that uses the argument of "socialization" as one of its
favorite, and I'll give them "riveting", arguments.

Homeschooled or not, I've met my fair share of socially awkward people.
In fact, I'm probably one of them. With that, I'll put away my soapbox,
and pray I didn't stir up too much trouble with this interesting topic!












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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Childrenisms

Here's your monthly dose of comic relief.
Either that, or reassurance that you and your kids aren't the "only ones."
Whatever you need. We are here for you.


When my baby sister was 3 and I was 17, I told her that a monster lived in the mailbox
and ate all the mail. Yea, she cried every time we pulled into the driveway after that.
My dad made me walk her to the mailbox every day for a week to de-bunk the terror.
She was also deathly afraid of water, loud noises, and her own shadow.
With 4 older siblings, she's lucky she's not in therapy.

The legacy of fun continued with my own children in the bathtub one night...
Isaiah: Jubee, see that drain? You gonna go down it."
Judah: "What?"
Isaiah: "Yup. You are gonna go down the drain."
Judah: "I don't und-a-stand."
Isaiah: "You. Down the drain."
Judah: "Huh?" #scarredforlife



Me (slightly losing my cool): You guys are VERY crazy.
Judah: We not that crazy.

Isaiah: "Why you cleaning the house, momma?"
Me: "Because we live here and make messes."
Isaiah: "Why?"
Me: "Because that's what we do."
Isaiah: "Why?"
Me: "I don't know."
Isaiah: "Why?"
Me: *banging head on wall*
I fall for the "why" cycle EVERY. TIME.

Me: "Judah, we only use scissors at the table."
Judah: "Whaaaat?"
Me: "You heard me. Table. Scissors."
Judah: "What in the world?"
Me: "I'm going to take them away if you can't listen."
Judah: "What da heck?"
two going on twelve.


On our way out of Target:
Me: "Don't touch the bags, Isaiah!"
Isaiah: "Knock it off, you're driving me nuts!"
wonder where he heard that before.

Judah sleep talks. It's proven to be quality entertainment.

Out of a dead sleep one night:
"I want my coffee!"

During naptime:
"Gimme M&Ms... the ones in your pocket!"


Whilst using the bathroom...
Me: Isaiah, please close the door so I can have some privacy.
Isaiah: "Um. Of course. Sure, mom."
Joy erupted in my heart... prematurely.
He stepped INTO the bathroom and THEN closed the door.



Judah: Dwamn it.
Me:
Judah: Only mommas say that word?
Me:


GIVING AWAY $200 worth of Visa gift cards this week!!!
ENTER TO WIN BEFORE YOU GO!!!









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Sunday, December 1, 2013

$200 Visa Gift Card GIVEAWAY


Tis the season for

hustle, bustle
tinsel, lights
deck the halls
silver bells
shop, wrap, bow, repeat
check bank account
dream-filled sleep
waiting, longing for a Savior
preparing hearts
best behavior
snow fall, mystery
rosy cheeks, and family...

it is such a blessed season. Advent. Anticipation.
We all try to slow down, but our hearts are rushing to Bethlehem -
wanting to create, curate memories around the birth of our Lord!

In the spirit of giving, blessing, gifting, and merry-making -
in the shadow of our God giving the world the GREATEST gift of all...

I am so excited to help giveaway, bless, gift, make someone merry,
and remember that WE give because HE always gives!!!

WIN one of TWO $100 Visa gift cards this week!!!

Please share this post and pass along the merriness, the opportunity to a neighbor!





The Lily Field // Life on a Mission // Trusty Chucks // Mercy Ink // Teressa Jane



Waiting with Joy // Unfading Grace // Sweet Home Santa Barbara // Heather Boersma // See You There



a Rafflecopter giveaway

open to U.S. / Canada residents ONLY // giveaway dates: December 2nd - 8th, 2013 //
winner will be notified no later than Tuesday, December 10th and will have 72 hours
to claim prize - failure to do so will result in forfeiture and a new winner will be chosen //
TWO winners will receive $100 Visa gift cards // this giveaway is NOT sponsored by VISA //
best of luck










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