Let It Snow!

Yesterday, I was in bed recupping most of the day...so pup and I enjoyed watching the snow fall from the open window most of the time. But, we did venture out once or twice to enjoy the beautiful snow we were getting!

Pup LOVED rolling in the snow!

 

We had to blow dry the icicles off of his legs once we got inside!

Grace was made for lives like this

525,600 minutes

Today, I have been married to my best friend for 31536000 seconds, or 525,600  minutes, or 365 days. Each of those seconds, minutes and days have literally flown by. 

I am more in love today than I was one year ago. And more than I ever knew I could be when we went on that first date 7 years ago this week.  People always said, "You will learn so much more about your husband once you get married." And in my head I laughed.  There are lots of things I didn't believe about marriage until this past year. But now I know more about that amazing man than I ever have, and every day I continue to find out things, big and small, that never cease to amaze me.  

Our first year of marriage has been no piece of cake.  It started out with Mark's company shutting down two weeks before our wedding. Talk about a rough start.  Along the road, my car decided that it was not going to cooperate, so we had repair bills, and the stress of an unreliable car.  We also moved 2 hours from all of our friends, most family, and all of the comforts we knew.  

Our first year of marriage was also full of some of the most special moments.  We were forced to rely upon each other, instead of friends or family in so many ways this year.  We grew in our relationships with the Lord in so many ways.  We learned how to fight fairly.  We had "married" dates, and learned to be frugal but fun.  We got to make decisions together, and learned to become "grown ups" together.

And through it all, good and bad, I had my best friend by my side.  I am so grateful that I have such an amazing husband. Someone who makes me laugh. Who knows how to help me stop crying, but also knows when I need to cry.  He pushes me to become a better person, a stronger person, and a more Christlike woman--even when I don't want to be. Especially when I don't want to be. He supports me and encourages me in all that I do.

I am so excited to begin year number two, and every year after that. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for our marriage, our future and a future family!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Just wanted to jump on really quick to wish my mom a ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

My mom and I have been through SO much together! She was always the "cool" mom in high school, and I have so many amazing memories from the crazy things she, my brother and I did when I was growing up! From late night slumber parties and fast food runs, vacations, and "rolling", to serious talks and teaching me what it meant to be a Christian, and a godly young woman.  My faith would not be what it was if it were not for my mother. And even through the teenage year "wars" and our ups and downs, she has always been there for me and Shane.  

I love you mom and hope your day was wonderful!

(No picture, because well...they are on f.b. and I can't get on there right now!)

Taco Soup

We had a delicious and easy taco soup for dinner tonight, so I thought I would share the recipe!

Taco Soup

 1 lb. beef

1 med. onion

1 can pinto beans (drained)

1 can black beans (drained)

1 can chili beans (drained)

2 cans Rotel

1 can corn (cream or whole kernel-drained)
1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 packet of taco seasoning

Beef broth*

1. Brown beef and onions in skillet

2. In soup pan, mix beef and onions with all other ingredients. (Add in beef broth to bring the soup to desired consistency)

4. Simmer on med. low for 20 to 30 minutes

(*We used 2-3 beef bouillon cubes and 3-4  cups of water)