Fall {Winter?} Lovies

Sorry I have been MIA.  Not that I have established the precedent that I post often, but I haven't even touched this in over a week (maybe 2?).  I came down with some wicked sick stuff last Tuesday and it all but wiped me out.  I trucked through it because we had a ton of stuff planned over the holiday, but the lack of sleep caught up with me Sunday and I spiked a fever and had to stay home Monday (which would have been the perfect time to blog, but did I?  No.  I mourned that fact that I couldn't do laundry because I was out of detergent and felt too nasty to leave the house to get some.. and watched youtube vids for hours in my fat pants.  But, seriously, I almost cried over the whole out-of-detergent thing).

Holidays are just flat out hard to handle.  People assume that holding babies and going into stores with baby things are the hardest.  Sure, they can be difficult to handle (depending on my mood- we have been known to just stroll Babies 'R Us and pick out our "would have" things), but holidays are by far the worst- even Halloween.  So, this last week wasn't the best on top of being sick, but it was still nice to not have to work and relax.

I'm usually so so excited this time of year.  It is, by far, my favorite.  I am still loving it, but this year is a little different.  We try and focus on the things in life we are thankful for- which is not hard to do, because they are abundant- but sometimes my guard is let down and I can't help but feel sadness for so many things.  It doesn't mean I'm not thankful for the blessing I do have- it just means I am still learning how to balance.  I am learning to dance through it.  I am learning how to live life, worship my Savior, love my husband, go to work, and miss my baby.

Here are some fall things I am definitely loving this fall (winter?)-

• Youtube.  Clearly.  I talk about it all the time-pretty pathetic actually.  Love the vlog world- so much so that I hardly read blogs anymore.  Meh, I never cared much for reading anyway.  Still sketchy on whether I want to start one.  
• Scarves.  You into scarves and pashminas?  You should.  When I don't feel like wearing jewelry (often), I just grab and scarf and go.  Some days wearing day-old slacks, a long sleeve T and a scarf is all my kiddos are getting.

And, I got makeup all over the collar.  Nope, can't tell.  Khols Black Friday $8

• Boots and Leggins.  Glorified sweatpants with ultra wide waste band to hold it all in.  No need to find fancy socks for Toms or flats.  Need I say more?  No.
• Clear Shampoo and Conditioner.  I'm not sure why, but I have some awful breakage around the crown of my head.  Oh wait, maybe it's because I wash, dry, and curl my hair every day?  Sure.  It's terrible.  I have fine hair and always need a volumizing shampoo, which doesn't tend to be very conditioning.  I love this stuff.  My hair is so soft and my little midge hairs aren't sticking up in the back.  My curls don't fall and I smell yummy clean shampoo every time I turn my head.  Woo hoo!

$4 each at Walmart

• New York!  Daniel and I are going to NYC for our 5 year anniversary.  We have never taken a vaca for the fun of it- we've been places, but they've been visits to see family, go to weddings, or vacas taken with our families.  We have been putting away money here and there and are almost finished planning our trip.  Just bought our tickets to Wicked!

• Audrey Assad.  Check her out- I listen to her during my plan times and before school.  LOVE her.  Favorite album- The House You're Building.  That Sparrow song is on Christian radio right now (so so great), but I like the album before that one better.  It's super chill and mellow-

Here is what I'm playing now:

Restless is also so great right now.

• G-O-D.  Yes, there have been times and stages in our mourning where we have been- sorry for the language- pissed.  There have been dark days when my view of a holy, sovereign  almighty God was replaced by the image of a judge stamping his approval on our lives as if we were bills to be paid.  Bills come across- bills that declare what will happen in our lives- and he doesn't even read it.  He just says sure.  Let their baby die.  Next?  Hello?!  God, do you see us?  Do you hear us?  It happens.  We lower our eyes from Christ and set them on ourselves and forget who God is and who He declares Himself to be.  He sees me.  He hears me.  He quiets me with His love.  He is Almighty, He makes and upholds.  His majesty is endless.  I don't know what is in our future- except that I know He is already there.  My salvation is secure.  My home is in heaven and God is worthy of my praise!

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:2

20 Unweeks

Sweet Baby, you would have been 20 weeks today.
We would have found out whether you were a boy or a girl today.  Your Daddy and I always thought you'd be a boy.  It doesn't matter what you are, we would have been excited to find out.  We'd had your name picked out for a long time, but we were going to keep it a secret until everyone could meet you.  It'll be a little longer than we thought before we get to see you, but we can't wait to find out what your name is.  We know the Lord has named you with a beautiful name and that you get to hear him call you by it while you sing and dance for Him.  How envious we are of you!
We think about you everyday and want you to know we miss you.  We miss you a lot today.  Tonight starts our many of Thanksgiving dinners.  We will get to spend time with our Church family.  You would have loved them.  Your Daddy and I had dreams of taking you there and letting all of those people love on you. We were looking forward to taking you to Sunday school and learning about Jesus from our best friends.  We are thankful for you and how you have changed us.  While we miss you and wish you were here, we know the Lord has been faithful and produced much fruit in us.  The Kingdom is plenty enough to long for, but we yearn to hold you when it comes.
Momma

Crockpot Turkey Stock

Do not throw your turkey carcass in the trash Thursday!
Make turkey stock in your crock pot.
Overnight.
You know, when you are out shopping, spending money you would have had to spend on chicken broth for the next month or two.

Crockpot.
Bones.
2 carrots.
2 ribs celery.
1 onion.
Fill with water.
Cook on HIGH while you sleep and strain.  Let sit in fridge so that the fat rises to the top and skim off.
Freeze in batches.

We do this with chickens every time we have them.  We had 2 Thanksgiving dinners at school this week and last, so I have 5 turkeys worth of stock to make.  Will be subbing it for chicken broth for the rest of our lives!

  Click here for the original post and recipe!