Crockpotalooza!!!! Cheesy Potatoes!

Its all the rage! Crockpot cooking. Its on facebook and not I'm linking up to Kelly's Korner to join in Crockpotalooza!!!! Cheesy Potatoes are one of my favorite recipes that I use my crockpot for. Super easy and a great dish for brunches, holidays or just a side dish.

Cheesy Potatoes
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of potato soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 lbs shredded hash browns (one bag of frozen shredded hash browns isn't quite 2lbs, but its all I use).
1 pint sour cream (I used 1 pint or 16oz of plain greek yogurt)

Mix all together in a large bowl. Put in crock pot and cook on low for 7 hours. The best advice I would give is to use one of the crockpot liners for this b/c its sooooo much easier to clean!!!!

Hope Now...Again

Almost three years ago I wrote the following blog. Its funny how you can go back to something and know the circumstances are completely, 100% different, but know that God is still the same. His Word is ALIVE! It comforts us in every situation in life.

I have to say that this has been one of the most joyous years I've had. No particular reason, except last year was filled with so many trials, that I am learning to trust God more than ever.

Life brings disappointment. It comes in our circumstances. It shows up due to others' sins. It can humble us because of our own sin. It can be from tragedy. Or, it can simply be because you trusted someone with your heart, and not necessarily in a romantic sense. Sometimes, you can see it coming from a mile away, but you just don't want to admit it yet. Sometimes it catches you so off guard, it takes your breath away. And, sometimes you're the only that sees it...at least for a little while.

The latter can be really hard. To be disappointed by someone you trust. To sit back and pray that it never happens again...but knowing, full well, that a person's consistent character will always come through. To keep your mouth shut because no one would believe you or because its hard to believe yourself. To watch this person hurt someone you care about. To watch them belittle others and be so puffed up with pride that you think they'll explode. My prayer was that it was a one time thing. That these two people just butted heads, didn't "click".

I was wrong. Yet again, I let that same person surprise and shock me. I let my heart get too close, knowing their character. This time it was worse. Even though it wasn't with someone that I worked closely with and I didn't walk through each individual trial, it was someone that is precious to me. Friends that are a solid foundation for my family.

It seems as adults, we come to crossroads. For a long time, the pros can outweigh the cons, but one day you realize that a person's character is so much more important than a job they do very well. To some, that person may be "the best" in the business. But, at what point do we stop overlooking the true character and integrity of a person and stand up for what is right?

Through the disappointments that have met us recently, I can still laugh and have joy because my God reigns! In my life and the in the lives of the people I love! No person can bring us down unless we allow them to. Choose to keep your eyes on the Lord. As long as we do that, our vision stay clear and, most importantly, maintains an eternal perspective.
______________________________________________

Hope Now by Addison Road

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of?
When I call out your name something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I’m yours
I’m not my own
I’ve been carried by you all my life
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I’ll be ok and make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
I’m not my own
I’ve been carried by you all my life
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You’ve become my heart’s desire
And I will sing your praises higher
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

This song has really spoken to me the last few days. Everything comes down to God loving us. He sent His only Son b/c he loved us so much. So if everything comes down to Him loving us, doesn’t that mean that He will always take care of us? And, that everything He does, He does in LOVE? So what are we so afraid of? Why do we think that He will just “forget” us? Why do we think He will just leave us to fend for ourselves? Why do we think He will just, all of the sudden, stop guiding us? We have nothing to fear since He is on our side! He is ALWAYS there for us to call upon! Just like the song says, “How quickly I forget I’m yours.” I’m not my own and I have been bought with a price…He has carried me the moment I believed! We have hope in Him that no one else and nothing else can give! We can step out in faith and trust Him! Trust that He has our best interest at hand. Trust that He is working EVERYTHING for His glory!!! Even when we can’t see it; even if its not the “perfect” circumstances; even if it comes in a completely different package than you expected…we can trust that He knows EXACTLY what He is doing. We just have to trust Him. A few years ago, I told my best friend that I wish she could see into my future (and I into hers), just so she could tell me that everything is going to be "okay". She looked right at me and said that she CAN tell me that everything is going to be "okay" b/c God is in control. The funny thing is, after I thought about that statement later, it made me wonder why I would need HER to look into my future? God knows EVERY single step I take and He is there! That is enough to know that everything is going to be "okay"...better than "okay". If I trust her to tell me the truth, why would I even question trusting Him? He is TRUTH! He is completely sufficient. If I (or anyone else) could see the future, we wouldn’t need to trust Him.

I love the line that says, “When the world has broken me down, Your love sets me free.” The world breaks us down all the time. Unmet expectations. Fallen, sinful friends and family. Jobs. Being busy. It tears us down, but He sets us free from the world and all the bondage of it. His love sets us free to live beyond the unmet expectations; to love others through grace…letting them be exactly who God created them to be; to do our jobs unto the Lord; and to glorify Him in our busy lives. We are FREE! We do not live by the “rules” of this world…we are not bound to it! We don’t live by it! We belong to Him! I am not my own! I am here to do what He has called me to do, whether it seems easy or hard…whether I think I can do it, or not. He didn’t ask….He called me to be obedient. So when unexpected turns in life occur, I have to trust that He will never leave or forsake me. Not only will He not leave us, He is our Shelter! He is our Protector, our Provider! He takes care of His children in the good times and the bad! He wants and desires for us to grow…and we grow the most in trials. He wants us to build character and become more like Him. If we go through a trial, and at the end are no more like Him, we went through it for nothing!

He is my heart’s desire! Sometime I get so worried about being obedient that I miss exactly what He is doing. As long as He is the center of my life, He will guide me where I need to be. He has a plan for my life…a plan to touch others lives for Him. It may not be where I expected to go, but its where He’s called me to be FOR HIM!

We have HOPE in Him! We have to trust that He is in control…even when everything around us is falling apart or everything is amazing or something is just in a different package than expected…He is there! His love sets us free to walk with Him and to love others!

33

My birthday has come and gone. This year was really great. No big party, just celebrating with people I love!

My birthday fell on a Sunday, but somehow the celebration extended through the whole weekend. Friday, we went to Tulsa to spend the day. I got there around lunch time and met my sister-in-law at Cheesecake Factory. It was really good to catch up and just visit. From there, I met my mom for some shopping-therapy. I was soooo excited to get a few new things from Forever 21. I just love Fall clothes and can't wait to pull out all my new stuff. After shopping, my mom and I went to a women's ministry event at my brother and sister's-in law church. It was really fun!!! Great food, fellowship...and even more shopping! They had this "mall" set up and we were able to get some goodies. Then it was off to meet the boys for dessert at Cheesecake Factory.

Saturday, we had a pretty lazy day. This was mine and Kenny's day to be together. He did a great job this year...not only did I get a card from him, but from our kids (our dogs) as well. Plus, he wanted me to have something to open from him (b/c I told him I just wanted money to go shopping) so he bought me a NICE tripod for my camera...AND he wrapped it himself! His wrapping skills are impressive! I had no idea!!! Our plan was to go to OKC for a date-night. On our way out of town, we stopped by to see our friends, JJ and Tommie Lee. It had been way too long and we were in need of a visit. We stayed longer than we expected, but loved every minute of it. We left there house around 8pm and headed south. Dinner at the Deep Fork Grill and then dessert at Nonna's. We headed home after dessert and had a nightcap at Louie's. Sunday, my parents came to take us to dinner. I'm so thankful and humbled that they are so willing to drive to see us just for dinner. Definitely, made my birthday special! That's it in a nutshell. Not the most glamourous of events, but I have to say that it is one of the most memorable for me. Not sure why, but I was reminded over and over again how blessed I am.

Blast From the Past

My aunt sent me these pictures of my grandparents' wedding.
And, when they were newlyweds. I just love seeing these pictures...they show a life that I never knew of them. Its funny when we're little, we think our parents' lives started when ours did. I'm sure I thought the same thing about my grandparents. Its so fun to see their life before kids. How much fun they had and see them doing things I do with Ken.

Latest Project

Our latest home project was to fix this "window" in our living area. I don't know why this look was every trendy...its just so weird! Anyway---the only picture I have to show the "before" look was when I took a picture of our Christmas tree this last year. In the picture, you can see the wooden bars in the "window" cut out. I hate them! I really just don't get it. Its been on out list since I moved in, but just wasn't a priority. Finally, we had most everything else finished so we could focus on this. It actually was much easier than we though. Ken cut out the bars, measured for the new wood, then I stained and put a gloss on it. I love the way it turned out!!!

Bridal Luncheon and Prayer Shower

My last bit of wedding sweetness was a Bridal Luncheon that my sister-in-law's mom, Linda (next to me), and a long time friend, Judy (next to my mom), graciously threw the day before the wedding. It was such a blessing to have my family and bridal party there. To just spend some down-time before the big schedule started. To enjoy some girl time with all of them before I didn't have time to sit down. Linda and Judy truly were so very gracious! They served us in every aspect! It was just beautiful!!! Every place setting was perfect. There were hor'dourves, a main course of these yummy chicken pockets, and dessert. We sat outside and the weather was just BEAUTIFUL!!!! We had come off a week of straight rain and God gave us the most perfect weather for the weekend! My aunt gave this really great devotional about being salt in world and sharing Christ through the ministry of marriage. Before we all left, we did get to take some fun pictures of us girls! I also had a really special shower two days before the wedding. My mom's bible study friends threw me a Prayer Shower. I really wish I had taken pictures. I honestly can't remember if I forgot the camera or what. Not only was there lots of coffee and yummy goodies, it was just a time to collect and pray before the wedding.

With the invitations, they included stationary for people to write our prayers for Ken and I. Each person brought them to the shower. One by one, they read their prayer and prayed over us before the big day! It was incredible. Yet again, I was humbled by these women who love my mom. I didn't know all of them...there were a few there that have been friends for my life, but quite a few were new to me. Precious prayers prayed over our marriage. Here are some things the ladies wrote/prayed for us:

"My prayer for you is that you would be fully present on your wedding day. I pray you will be fully aware of the beauty and significance of entering into a covenant relationship with Ken and God."

"Father, in their marriage, let there be love, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and grace. May you be found in the very center of their relationship."

"Let them always think of ways to please the other rather than themselves, giving, loving, understanding, affirming, overlooking faults, building up and not tearing down, laughing together, and most of all praying together, worshipping and seeking you together."

"May you both always see each other as God's perfect choice for you and may you treat each other like a precious gift from God every day of your lives."

Because of this shower, I've had the privilege of throwing Prayer Showers for two of my friends (and another coming up next week). The time was intimate, a time of worship, and just a complete blessing! Its my favorite shower!!!!

Wedding Showers, Part 2

I had 3 more wedding showers that were just so wonderful, and I was so blessed by each one that I wanted to share them as well. My very first shower was thrown my some women that I have known forever (at least, it seems like that), Nancy, Linda, Paula and Fran. The shower was at The Travoli Inn in Broken Arrow. I had been there once before b/c we took our engagement pictures on the same grounds. I hadn't been inside though. It was so cute and elegant. The hostesses and the Inn did such a great job! The tea sandwiches and desserts were so good! Each table was set beautifully! And, my mom did a little devotional too. I was able to see some of my college friends too! It was fun to have them there. And, I was so excited to have my sisters-in-law as well! For hostess gift (for every one of my showers), I made coasters. Ken and I had gone to visit his family in MN before any of my showers started and his mom helped me make them. We took tiles from Lowe's and stamped them. One set had bible verses and the other set were for Christmas. After stamped them all, we sprayed an adhesive on them, and once they dried, we added the felt stickers to the back so they could set on furniture. They turned out really, really well! This shower, my mom gave me one of my favorite gifts! She and my dad definitely went above and beyond in their generosity. This was the first thing they gave me and I had NO idea! It was awesome!!!!! She had one of our engagement pictures matted and framed with a bible verse plaque on it. Love it! This shower was the most humbling to me. The ladies at that attended were friends of my mom. I think I met at least 1/2 of them THAT day. They were so overly generous!!! What I walk away with is know how much my mom is loved by her friends. But, also, a confirmation of the love we all have in Christ. So many of these women have served in ministry with my mom or are in bible studies with her now. The act of grace they showed us through the giving of gifts for mine and Ken's house was just overwhelming! Learning that so many had prayed for me as I was single was humbling. Such a blessing!

My next two showers I blogged about here.

My fourth shower was my bachelorette party. All us girls met in OKC at my best friend and maid-of-honor's house. She had lingerie hung all around the house. It was soooo cute! We had appetizers, drinks and I opened some fun personal gifts. :) From there, we headed to Bricktown and to Red Pin. We had dinner and drinks there and enjoyed a few games of bowling. Its not the traditional bachelorette party, but this was perfect for me. I'm not really the "going-out" kinda girl, so just enjoying some fun with my girlfriends was exactly what I wanted. Yet again, Michelle did a fantastic job putting this together. She is so creative and it was perfect down to the last detail! My last shower was my church shower. Some of my best girlfriends (Lorinda, Tommie Lee, and Toni) from church threw a sweet shower on a Sunday afternoon at Toni's house. It was so much fun to get with all the women from church who I love so much (below is the pastor's wife, Jean). Countryside very much became a home to me after college. I love that my mom and Millie were able to be there too. I love the prayer/advice box they did for us. I still have it sitting out in my living room. Its such a great reminder of how many people prayed for us (and still do).
Such blessings...each one of them. I'm so thankful for each gift that has made an impact on our home. Its humbling and yet overwhelming to realize how many people love and care about and pray for you as you get married and start your new family. So thankful for relationships and friendships.