saving the apples

Yesterday I went grocery shopping and found a "Manager's special" bag of yellow apples for 99 cents. Alex informed me later that they were old.

Today my wonderful mother-in-law cut my hair, so I decided to ask her about cooking them as an alternative to eating them raw. She said I can put them in the crock put and make apple sauce! Not whole of course, so I peeled and cored the whole bag, added some water, and put them on "low" in my cute red crock pot. I love using that thing.

I really enjoy eating the peeling, but these were a little wrinkled, so I tried frying them. I added some cinnamon, but now sugar. I'm trying to not add sugar since apples are sweet anyways. they're pretty good, but I think they would have been better baked. I'll remember for next time!

weddings

In the past week (ish) I have been to two weddings. These weddings were for some lifelong friends, and I felt so excited because I love them dearly and they are with wonderful people.

uncreatively "healthy"

So I was making meal plans for the week, and remembered that we still have sandwich meat we haven't eaten. One of Alex's favorite meals to eat used to be sandwiches and chips. Since going low-carb, we have rid the house of breads and chips, but not the meat. So I decided to tear the meat in pieces, cook it up a little in the frying pan, and put it on a salad. The veggies were healthy, but the meat probably wasn't the best option. However, it is cheap, so it's an easy option when I feel like I'm running out of ideas.

Last night I made spaghetti without the noodles. It was cooked chicken, squash, and peppers with marinara sauce. And salad on the side. I'd been craving Italian, so I thoroughly enjoyed it! I even put a bit of Parm cheese on top :D

feeling

I feel happy.

As I thought about this small statement that has run continually through my head this evening, I began to realize the heavy significance behind it: I FEEL...

Tonight I went to Kelli's bridal shower. I was honestly nervous, because I had not seem some of these girls in some time, and was not sure of my emotional response to seeing them. However, it was such a pleasant time, and I had nothing to worry about. I found myself being drawn to the women and girls in the room, allowing myself to emotionally connect with these friendly people.

I was also nervous to move to Columbia, where I knew a couple of well-meaning families. As I have spent more time around my new family and friends, I have also felt welcome, loved, and a newborn desire to love back.

I remember when I strongly felt my calling in life to connect and show God's love to others. I wanted to show the love that I felt.

This past year has really been a strange year for emotions. For a while I felt mostly nothing, then I felt timid excitement, then committed to doing right. I sometimes felt sad and frustrated because I could not feel the deep emotional connection that I had in the past. I wanted to connect, and was terrified to feel hurt. It has been a year of healing and learning and rebuilding.

I feel excited that God has these relationships in my life. I have such wonderful family and friends surrounding this new life. These relationships are safe, and challenge me to do what is right and good.

Feelings should not control life by any means, but it's so good to feel love.

Return and a First

Today I went to karate and it was fun :) I was a little hesitant to go at first, because I enjoy it so much more when I go with Alex. I did enjoy seeing my family-Donny, Mom, and most of the Barberis.

Today I baked a whole chicken. First time Ever :) Pretty Proud.

Puppy and diet

Piper had an interesting time looking into the mirror in out bedroom. She kept looking into the mirror and then looking back at me and then looking at me in the mirror and then looking at herself. I think she was a little confused. Also, I am starting to teach her to sit! So that's exciting. When this dog is potty trained I am going to throw a party. Seriously.

Alex and I are changing the way we eat-again. Back to more "low carb" habits, which really just means meat, veggies and fruit. I am not going quite as extreme, because I want to be able to always keep up a healthy lifestyle. Just not eating lots of junk like I have been. We're both happier people when we eat better.

Also, it's storming.

Happenings

Its been an August filled with both expected and unexpected happenings.

I was in a beautiful wedding for a dear friend.

I had dinner with a new friend.

I went on a trip (last minute for Alex and I) to Florida for "Gram's" memorial service. It was beautifully done. She was a very loving person, and it showed throughout her family.

It's still hard to believe we just got back today. It feels like yesterday, or maybe even a week ago. We drove Saturday, more on Sunday and then attended the memorial service and family time. We drove into the night Sunday night, and started again Sunday morning. We returned to Columbia shortly after noon, giving Alex and I time to prepare for him to go to work tonight.

After he went to work, I drove to Nashville to see Bethany and her new apartment. She's getting married on Friday, and I couldn't be more excited for her. Her little boy was running all around the house, and he almost said my name! It was lovely being back in Nashville and catching up with my best friend for a short bit.

I have ended my night with grocery shopping. I had intended to do this deed early Saturday morning, but this changed with the Florida trip. I did all my shopping at Kroger, which happens very rarely. I usually hit Aldi first, and then get whatever else I need at Kroger. Being that Kroger was the only place open at the late hour, I decided to pay a little extra so that I don't have to go out again this week. That's the plan anyways.......

God decides

the most delicious drink/Alex is amazing

Yesterday my dear husband made the most delicious coffee drink. Yes ladies and gentlemen, this drink is even better than Starbucks. Incredibly rich, and incredibly yummy! He told me that he was going to get bagels (because I decided that a bacon, egg, and cream cheese bagel sounded delicious) and to get ingredients for a surprise. He comes up with wonderful surprises.

We had them again today. It's like an iced mocha with whipped cream on top.

Yum. Thanks wonderful husband :)