Why Hunter and I will make good parents:

God really knew what He was doing when He brought me and Hunter together. It’s crazy when I stop and think how well we balance each other out. We’re so much alike in so many ways, yet we’re two totally different people that complete each other perfectly. I am the common sense side of our marriage, while Hunter holds the huge heart of our marriage. We’ve taught each other SO MUCH through out the 6 years that we’ve been in love. For example:

I’ve taught Hunter how to:

-know when to get the oil changed in his car
-know when it’s time to get his tires rotated and balanced
-write a check
- pay a bill
- wash a car (actually, my dad taught him that one)
- use the ATM
-cook and clean (“properly” is the key word here)
-do our tax return (even though I’m pretty sure he still doesn’t know how)
-be a good steward of our valuable things
-manage our bank account

Hunter has taught me how to:

-love
-forgive
-have faith and hope
-be humble
-trust
-rock climb
-be adventurous
-properly write a song (and understand why it’s the proper way)

I’ve taught Hunter about the bible and he’s taught me how to put it all into action. Hunter introduces me to comedy while I introduce him to history (if you know me, you know I’m fascinated with historical movies, especially based on war). He has taught me how to love all different types of music and I’ve taught him about the people behind the music (especially the Beatles. He might know more than he wants to know…) I’ve taught him when to be serious and he’s taught me when to be light-hearted. He teaches me when to relax and I teach him when to be passionate. I guide him and he corrects me.

We have two separate types of knowledge, but put together I know we will be the exact parents that Gummy Bear needs us to be. Not for a second do I worry about the kind of dad Hunter is going to be, because I’ve been with him since the summer of 2005 and have watched him grow into a better, stronger and more loving person. I also know that having 4 solid years of marriage under our belt will make a huge difference in the kind of parents we’re going to be. And because Hunter and I love each other so much, Gummy Bear will constantly feel that love and know our love for him/her.

Now here’s the fun part! Hunter and I together share physical traits that Gummy Bear will inevitably inherit.

- Freckles
- Flat feet (it’s ok, I’m not worried about this one. With how athletic Hunter is and my ability to run long distance- I think baby will be just fine)
- LOTS of hair (I just hope the baby gets straight hair like Hunter, instead of my stupid kinky hair)
- Full lips (I mean… both of us just have huge lips…)
- A BIG appetite

But I really hope Gummy Bear is so much like Hunter. Dark hair, tan skin, musically talented and I hope Gummy Bear has a perfect little single freckle on the very tippy-tip of his/her nose JUST like Hunter :)

The Unexpected Expecting Mother

"And yet, O Lord, You are our Father.

We are the clay, and You are the Potter. We all are formed by Your Hand."

-Isaiah 64:8

So.........

This is currently growing inside me.

The moment I realized I was pregnant is a funny story that I'll definitely post about one of these days.

Of course, I was in denial....

That is, up until I was sitting in front of a sonogram with my husband watching this tiny little life move and wiggle and dance.

I. Am. Scared. To. Death.

Hunter and I don't have maternity insurance because the agent told us to "just" save between $5,000-$7,000 (the cost to deliver a baby) and we'd be better off not spending the extra $100+ a month it cost to make your health insurance a maternity plan.

Well, that was about a year and half ago soooo..... no. Not enough time to save that much money on our tiny little budget.

So on top of our humble income, we are now about to completely change our lives that we thought we had quite a bit more time to plan out.

This morning, I was reading in my devotional, and the last line really stuck out to me.

It read:

"I in you, and you in Me. This is the intimate adventure I offer you."

The word 'adventure' brought a different sense to our situation.

What exactly is an adventure?

According to dictionary.com it is:

1. an exciting and very unusual experience

(yup, I would say our situation is unusual)

2. a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome

(risky- check. hazardous- check. action of uncertain outcome- definitely check.)

3. to take the chance of; dare

The last definition sunk in. God wasn't just telling me to see this completely new, completely different adventure as exciting. He was telling me that it's going to be mountainous and risky BUT the thrill of it is to TAKE THE CHANCE and to DARE to trust in Him so we can watch how He is going to make this adventure unfold into complete joy and fulfillment.

Bangarang, Peter!

Confession: I kind of love this song.

Ok. Not kind of.

I REALLYYYYY love this song!

and I love that it samples the Modest Mouse song.

It makes me want to get married all over again

just so I can have it on my dance playlist.

yup.

I heard this song on the radio today and it made me SO HAPPY!

I couldn't stop cheesing because so many memories came flooding in.

It reminded me of me and my sisters when we were little

on a super hot summer day, playing in the backyard for hours and hours in the sprinkler and water hose, just blasting country music.

I remember when my sister bought this song as a single on a cassette tape

along with Billy Ray Cyrus "Achey Breaky Heart."

We loved Patty Loveless!

Our favorite part of this song is when it stops and she goes

"Uuhh, come on, Patty. Get it together..."

90's country is the best.

Patty Loveless - I Try To Think About Elvis (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Patty Loveless

oh my goodness!

LADY ANTEBELLUM IS SOOOOO GOOD!!

{bella & vito}

:my babies:

both white.

both covered in a ridiculous amount of hair.

ok, ok, ok, ok ..... a couple weeks ago I shared a bitter tone in a blog towards the music business.

BUT I will say that with Hunter being in the business, he has made some

CRAZY TALENTED friends!

I just watched this video for the first time

and it absolutely blew my mind.

It's a recent release from the band Wavorly.

Please check them out- they are SUCH good dudes with big hearts

and tons of talent.

"A Message"

My song is love

Love to the loveless shown

And it goes on

You don't have to be alone

Your heavy heart

Is made of stone

And it's so hard to see you clearly

You don't have to be on your own

You don't have to be on your own

And I'm not gonna take it back

And I'm not gonna say, "I don't mean that"

You're the target that I'm aiming at

Got to get that message home

My song is love

My song is love, unknown

But I'm on fire for you, clearly

You don't have to be alone

You don't have to be on your own

And I'm not gonna take it back

And I'm not gonna say, "I don't mean that"

You're the target that I'm aiming at

And I'm nothing on my own

Got to get that message home

And I'm not gonna stand and wait

Not gonna leave it until it's much too late

On a platform I'm gonna stand and say

That I'm nothing on my own

And I love you, please come home

My song is love, is love unknown

And I've got to get that message home

{Coldplay}

yesterday I took Kasen to see the movie "Cars 2"

& naturally, he loved it.

he was given a balloon after the movie

& you might as well had given him a brand new fluffy puppy.

when i dropped him off at his dad's house,

he accidentally let go of his balloon

as he was getting out of my car.

immediately sensing his crushed heart,

i told him that when a balloon floats into the sky

you're supposed to make a wish

& it will come true.

excited, he closed his eyes tight & made a wish.

thinking i had patched over the tragedy,

he spoke up when the balloon was but a speck in the sky.

"ok, can i tell you my wish now?"

"sure buddy. we can barely see the balloon,

so it's safe to tell us what you wished for."

"well, i wished that my balloon would come back."

kids are so cute.

"If, in His original creation of humans, God had created two persons of the same sex, there would not be a human race in existence today."

"The church should be a haven of forgiveness and healing."

Those are two thoughts I'm chewing on this morning. The first statement was taken from a piece I was reading on bible.org and the second is from commentary in my Life Application study Bible.

As everyone knows, the New York state senate voted friday to legalize same-sex marriage. Since then I have read a whirlpool of opinions on the internet, most through social media. It really bums me out to read how Christians, specifically, are responding. If you are a part of the body of Christ, you should have knowledge of what the bible says about homosexuality. It's in there: both in the Old and New Testament. I say I'm bummed because I've read christians' opinions that have praised New York's new law and christians' opinions that clearly express judgement on New York. I'll address the second part of that sentence first.

If you are a believer and you have used harsh words to express how you feel about New York's same-sex marriage law, believe me- you are NOT, absolutely NOT making a difference. No one is going to listen to you. No one is going to change because of what you've said. In fact, you are making it worse and giving nonbelievers yet another reason to hate christianity. It completely blows my mind when christians think they have the authority to judge so harshly. Listen, I've been there. I've judged to the point where all I did was cause hurt and do you think I felt better about it? No, the word isn't "better" it's "bitter." As a result of judging again and again and again, one grows bitter. And people don't look at you and think "Man, when I think about him/her I think about love." Most likely, it's the extreme opposite.

WE MUST BE CAREFUL TO DISAPPROVE ONLY THE PRACTICE AND NOT THE PEOPLE.

In no way, shape or form does God's Word tell us not to love a person because of who they are or what they're doing. Not once does the bible mention to look down upon a person and make them feel lesser. I don't recall in the New Testament Jesus walking up to a sinner and saying "You're disgusting." But, at the same time, He didn't accept or approve, BUT THE DIFFERENCE IN HOW HE SHOWED THIS was He LOVED.

There is not an ounce in me that says "I'm never gonna hang out with someone who is gay because I think being gay is a sin!" That is a person created by the very hands of God and I KNOW God loves that person with a love beyond comprehension, as He loves all of His children.

So yes, while it is offensive to those who disagree, homosexuality goes against my beliefs. But there are christians everyday who partake in things that go against my beliefs, but we are called to respond in love. Does this mean I'm saying to hold their hand and stroke their hair and say "It's ok. Everything's fine." No, but it certainly doesn't mean to throw daggers that do nothing but fuel the fire. If you're a believer and you want to know how we are called to respond, open your bible and read about when Christ walked the earth. Use that as your example.

Now for the believers who are celebrating this new law. I don't really have much to say but to repeat what I said earlier. The bible does speak about homosexuality in both the Old and New Testament-- the important thing to know is that when it does mention it, there are also several other acts of sin grouped with it. There is no bullying in these verses towards homosexuality, as I said, when it's brought up other sin is stated along with it (prostitution, slave traders, adultery, etc.) and I think that it's so there is absolutely no cloudy areas toward these lifestyles pertaining to those who follow Christ.

God gives us free will. He loves us SO MUCH that He lets us make our own choices. And when we do make our own choices, we will experience life happening based upon our choices. God doesn't sit up there with a lightening bolt that He strikes down upon us whenever we don't choose His way. He just allows life to go the way it's going to go as a result of our choices, however, He is always there to guide us and to show us the way. We can choose to take His hand and we can choose not to.

So again, if you're a believer and you want to know how we are called to respond, open your bible and read about when Christ (AKA Love) walked the earth. Use that as your example.

Josh and Maria Teige

I had the privilege of serving wine at my friend's

brother's wedding on Saturday.

I've been to A LOT of weddings over the years, and I have to say,

this wedding is definitely in my top favorite.

It was held on a beautiful piece of property in the country area of Columbia.

Earlier that day a big storm came through, which dropped the

temperature about 15 degrees, so the evening was absolute perfection.

The setting was eclectic, vintage and every detail was amazing.

Josh and Maria got married right before sunset

and their ceremony was, by far, one of the sweetest I've ever heard.

Brandon Porter married them and he told the story of

how Josh and Maria met.

He then told what Josh and Maria loved about each other,

and the list was so precious.

I adore meaningful ceremonies that reveal how much

the bride and groom love each other.

Then we moved onto the reception.

By then, the sun had set and we ate amazing food,

drank wine and danced with the fireflies.

Hands down, one of the sweetest weddings I've been to in a long time.

It was a smaller wedding, but extremely personal, warm and humble.

I am so glad I got to witness these two lovebirds tie the knot!

I can't wait to see all the details that the wedding photographer captured!

The reception was beautiful. Each table had a different antique tablecloth and multiple styles of vintage chairs. We were also surrounded by amazing landscaping and greenery.

After the sun went down, we lit the bonfire

(where the red lawn chairs are set up).

It was perfect because the bonfire was set back by the creek and was so relaxing.

I was lucky enough to be able to bring home one of the center pieces

from the reception. Aren't they pretty?? I love the jars they're in.

You can't really tell in this picture, but in the center is the bride

and groom's table

and directly behind it is a stone fireplace covered in vines.

Like I said, every detail was BEAUTIFUL!

This was at the ceremony.

It was set further back on the property nestled by the tree line and creek.

The benches were hand-made with tree stumps and natural cuts of wood.

I LOVED what the bridesmaids were wearing.

They had on cowboy boots and pretty little cotton dresses.

They also carried paper flowers.

Such a cute idea!

Here comes the stunning bride :)

Her dress was AMAZING! She found it at Anthropologie.

I also loved the details at the end of the benches-

Coke bottles filled with little white flowers and wheat,

tied to posts with thin rope.

"Josh, you may now kiss your bride."

He kept picking her up like this to kiss her.

It was so sweet because Josh is very tall and Maria is teeny!

Mr. & Mrs. Teige!

She wore cowboy boots with her dress- LOVE IT!

The reception was so warm and welcoming.

I wish you could see all the little details better-

there were lots of antique pieces, natural wood and their engagement pictures.

They served tons of yummy food- shrimp and orzo salad, salmon bruschetta, pinwheel sandwiches, spinach artichoke dip, tons of fresh fruit and veggies, stuffed tomatoes, chicken salad... just to name a few!

I helped serve the drinks. They had wine, sweet tea, pink lemonade cocktails (in mason jars!! AMAZING!) and old-fashioned bottles of RC, Coke, Sunkist, Sundrop, rootbeer...

This was the cutest thing- for dessert, there was just tons of

homemade pies. I love this idea!

This is the cherry pie Katye made- gluten free and so good!

And so starts the dancing :)

The little boy break-dancing in the middle was soooo good!

Congratulations, Josh and Maria!!!

Your love for each other really shined last night

and God's presence was so apparent.

They're off to Hawaii now!

I heard Josh left his cell phone at home.

Thatta boy, Josh :) Who needs phones when you're in Hawaii?????

{photography by Katye Anderson}

If you've never listened to Tyler James' music,

you should definitely check it out!

He's a local artist who's doing really well so far in his career!

I love this cover he just released.

He will be playing at Live on the Green in September

in Nashville- I want to go!

Check here for updates on this concert series.

Did anyone catch the sunset tonight?

It was breathtaking.

All day long, we had nasty storms that produced hail through out the day.

And then finally at 7:30 tonight, the sun decided to come out

just so we could see it set :)

And the weather is PERFECT at 71 degrees.

Here's some sunset pictures if you missed it.

going...

going....

gone.

I gave my baby chicken fuzz a bath tonight

and now she's so soft and smells like a baby bunny

And here's a picture of the long lost Vito!

He was gone for 10 months...

Love having him home.

found this post today

i love it

here ya go :)

In case you didn't get my memo....

Hunter said she hits every note perfect live :)

that boy...

This boy makes my heart melt....

Can you blame me? LOOK AT HIM!!!

I love being a homeowner.

Hunter and I bought our town home in August of 2008,

and I am still in progress of making it feel like a home.

Sometimes I wonder if that process ever stops?

You find little things, pieces, pictures, art that represent you

and give it it's very own corner to reside along with you in your home.

This is our latest piece. We originally bought it for our TV console,

but decided we like it in our room.

The wood has a dark, natural and rustic look with

iron posts for the legs.

The art on the table was a gift from my brother-in-law and I love it!

I also recently put up the wall art, which says "For we walk by faith not by sight.

-2 Corinthians 5:7"

(The word 'faith' is in gold, so it's hard to see in this picture)

This is my favorite piece in the whole house.

I found it at a thrift store and it reminds me

of something you'd find on a pirate ship, haha!

I finally hung some art over it, which is a collage

one of my best bud's, Katye, made me and Hunter

as a wedding gift. I love it!

This is also a new addition.

This was my mawmaw and pawpaw's console, but she recently

bought a huge, beautiful one so we got her old one!

I think it fits really well with our taste.

I took the time to pick some pretty summer flowers today :)

I put them in old bottles and love how rustic, but pretty they make the kitchen feel.

This little magnet is the cutest! My sister gave it to me for my birthday.

It's a teeny tiny jar that I can put a single mini flower in.

It makes me happy :)

I really needed this today...

So I'm sharing it!

Trust Me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song. Do not let fear dissipate your energy. Instead, invest your energy in trusting Me and singing My Song. The battle for control of your mind is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable to the enemy. Therefore, you need to be vigilant in guarding your thoughts. Do not despise this weakness in yourself, since I am using it to draw you closer to Me. Your constant need for Me creates an intimacy that is well worth the effort. You are not alone in this struggle for your mind. My Spirit living within you is ever ready to help in this striving. Ask Him to control your mind; He will bless you with Life and Peace.

"See, God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; He has given me victory."

-Isaiah 12:2

"So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. "

-Romans 8:6

{From my Jesus Calling devotional}

I posted the live version of this song last night

and have been obsessing over it for the past 24 hours.

I can't believe I've never listened to

Coldplay's "The Blue Room" ep before.

It's incredible and I'm definitely buying a copy!!

Anyways, I was reading the lyrics to "See You Soon"

and they reminded me of a misunderstood family member we

sadly lost in early 2010.

Here's the album version and lyrics:

"So you lost your trust
& you never should have
No you never should have
But don't break your back if you ever see this
But don't answer that
In a bullet-prove vest
With the windows all closed
I'll be doing my best
& I'll see you soon
In a telescope lens
& when all you want is friends
I'll see you soon

So they came for you
They come snapping at your heels
They come snapping at your heels
But don't break your back if you ever heard this
But don't answer that
Cause in a bullet-prove vest
With the windows all closed
I'll be doing my best
& I'll see you soon
In a telescope lens
& when all you want is friends
I'll see you soon

Noo you lost your trust
Noo you lost your trust
Noo don't lose your trust
Noo don't lose your trust"

I'll see you soon, Beau.

coldplay live 2003

"see you soon"

(this video completely mesmerized me)

stuck in my head tonight

"nobody said it was easy..."

(then I saw that Avril Lavigne covered this song, so I listened to it... and... yyyyyyyyeeeeeaaaahhhhh. no.)

re-post :)

Bare with me, because I promise I'm going somewhere with this post...

My husband has a heart of gold. He has been in my life for 6 years now and when I think about being married to this man, the word "blessing" doesn't even do him justice. I honestly feel so undeserving to be his wife because he is the epitome of what it is to love unconditionally. He has seen me at my worst- places that no other person has had to see me- and he has only loved me stronger as a result. He takes the blows I've given him, and while any other man would rightfully shut down towards me in response, he turns the other cheek, then apologizes for something I did. He has witnessed me broken and weeping in my defeat and has cried along side me in my brokenness. He takes the blame for things he hasn't done. He has a huge heart. He is silly and happy and always looks on the positive side of situations.

My husband is in the music business. Music made up a huge part of who I was in my teenage years and early adulthood. But for the past 6 years, I've been exposed to so much in the music business that my passion for music has almost deteriorated. People in the music industry can just be so shameless sometimes, and unfortunately we've experienced a lot of that over the years.

But his heart is so unconditional that he constantly reminds me to trust the good in people. Something I so prematurely got worked up over the other day worked out. The people in the situation DO CARE about Hunter and DO WANT to look out for him. I felt silly for getting angry over something that hadn't even happened yet, but it was my natural reaction to assume that the people Hunter works just might not care. It was SO REFRESHING to hear that THEY DID want what was best for Hunter. And I thank God for where he is right now.

Hunter has ALWAYS encouraged me to trust in the Lord with the way things are or aren't turning out, because that's what keeps him believing--- his trust in God. And I truly believe Hunter's continuous faith has allowed God to guide his footsteps. Though he's felt thoroughly confused at times, he is always quick to thank God for where He has him. Because of his faith and reason to believe that God had something better, God has placed him in a current situation in which he absolutely feels loved and appreciated. Though his current work is hard, it's rewarding because he is reminded again and again that he is surrounded by love and people who want him there. And since this more recent transition, other opportunities have sprung from it and I see Hunter excited about music again. I've gotten so upset in past times having to see him disappointed again and again, and now seeing him being loved, being offered opportunities, having his talent wanted is such a breath of fresh air for both him and me. If we chose to believe, then God will show us that His plans are always better than our own.

Now onto my main point!

For the past 2 days, God has shown me the same verse 3 different times. Yesterday, I though about my 20th birthday and the verse God gave me. It was a time I felt unwanted. And the morning I turned 20, God showed me Psalm 37:4:

"Delight yourself in the Lord,

and He will give you the desires of your heart."

I took this verse to heart full on and one short week after my 20th birthday, Hunter waltzed into my life.

This morning, I was having my quiet time and one of the verses in my devotional was Psalm 37:4. I smiled and thought "Hey, I thought about this verse just yesterday!" Then later on, I walked over to my refrigerator and glanced at my calendar. I just turned to the month of June the other day, but hadn't read the verse for June until today. Yup. It was Psalm 37:4. I laughed and said "Ok, God. This isn't coincidence! Teach me again what it is to delight myself in You."

I have been discouraged lately for different reasons, but I have the privilege of being married to a man who is the prime example of being fully content in where God has him. I also have the privilege of believing in a God who reminds me loud and clear as day how to find joy in wherever life has me (Psalm 37:4).

happy thoughts

i've been bumming the past 24 hours.

but today i ate taco bell,

peanut butter m&m's (too many, at that)

let bella take a shower with me (she didn't like it)

heard my husband's sweet voice on the phone

& was reminded of a movie i used to love.

it's the little things...

do you remember a movie called "Angus"?

it's a teen flick from 1995 that me & my sisters used to watch over & over & over

because we loved it so much!

& who could forget the song angus & his secret crush danced to together for the first time?

it's quite the 90's-esque song..... but i love it :)

As most of you know, a monster storm that produced almost 200 tornados hit the south this past Wednesday, April 27. I have watched all of 1 video amongst the thousands of footage taken of the tornados because it absolutely hurts my heart to have to see what those people were going through that night. I've avoided thoroughly reading the damage that's been caused because it's almost as though not knowing all the details have kept me from breaking down. But I do know that the tornados have taken over 300 lives, wiped out communities and that close to 600 people have been reported missing.

As today is the 1 year anniversary of the historical and tragic flood that hit Nashville last year, I know we are thinking about how our communities came together to bring fast restoration and relief to those who were affected. As burdening and overwhelming as the flood was to our communities, I cannot imagine what the communities are going through who have suffered from the tornados that hit parts of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. I heard on the news last night that at one point, one of the tornados stayed on the ground for almost 80 miles. I can't even fathom such a storm... but I do know that it is a storm that has made American history, and that is history that you wish never had to be made. So I encourage you to remember the strength our Nashville and surrounding communities formed by coming together to relieve the damage and losses of the flood, and let's find that strength again to be there for our neighbors in the south.

I've listed some sites that you can search and find ways to help:

- Nashvillest has put together a list of sites to check for opportunities to serve in the disaster relief. View that list by clicking here.

- Hands on Birmingham: find a list of shelter needs, be a part of missing person searches, volunteer in Tuscaloosa and Jefferson County. Click here (find tab labeled "Tornado Relief" and sign up as a volunteer. Hands on Birmingham will send constant updated emails to your address with relief projects as they are formed. You will also receive lists of donation needs. Projects will fill fast, as they did with the Nashville May flood, so you will need to literally sign up for the projects you choose...)

- World Vision donation site is here

"URGENT: World Vision is responding to the devastation left by deadly storms in Alabama, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Mississippi, as well as the levy break in Missouri. We are working with local partners to distribute first aid kits, hygiene supplies, and other essential products to some of the hardest hit communities. An assessment team is also preparing to survey the damage in Alabama and look for ways to partner with churches and other local organizations to help the most vulnerable children and families."

- Here is a site on how the American Red Cross is responding to the tornado victims across the south.

"If you would like to help, there are several ways that people can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief: Visit redcross.org to donate online, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013."

- Alabama Possible has also created a list of ways to contribute to the disaster relief. That list can be found here

- This morning, Pastor Steve Berger of Grace Chapel (Leipers Fork) announced that the church will be getting involved in the disaster relief. If you would like to be in the know of the opportunities as they come, send a quick email to disasterresponseteam@gracechapel.net

Learning to Breathe

I felt renewed after church service this morning.

I love when you are reminded that there is restoration found in Christ.

I tend to forget this and come to the point of growing weary, dragging my feet around, KNOWING I am weak and that my weakness is getting the best of me.

Palm sunday and this morning's church service could not have come at a better time for me.

I found myself singing this song tonight:

Hello, good morning, how ya do?
What makes your rising sun so new?
I could use a fresh beginning too
All of my regrets are nothing new

So this is the way
that I say I need You
This is the way
This is the way

That I'm learning to breathe
I'm learning to crawl
I'm finding that You and
You alone can break my fall
I'm living again, awake and alive
I'm dying to breathe in these abundant skies

Hello, good morning, how ya been?
Yesterday left my head kicked in
I never thought I could fall like that
Never knew that I could hurt this bad

I'm learning to breathe
I'm learning to crawl
I'm finding that You and
You alone can break my fall
I'm living again, awake and alive
I'm dying to breathe in these abundant skies

So this is the way
that I say that I need You
This is the way
That I say I love You
This is the way
That I say I'm Yours
This is the way
This is the way

As you all knooooooow, Switchfoot is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my favorite band. With all the crap on the radio today and all I've been exposed to in the music business, they are the only hope I find in the good of music anymore. I was introduced to them when I was 14 after having just moved to Tennessee. It was a time when my heart needed to be nourished with something much deeper than I had been feeding it. Switchfoot's album literally landed in my hands with me not having a clue who they were and I've never looked back. I have never listened to more inspiring, raw, original, heartfelt music in my life. After watching their latest documentary, I think I fell 20 times more attached to their songs than ever before. It's as though every single song has spoken to me personally and gotten me through some kind of event in my life. I literally cannot think of another band that comes even close, and I thank God for their music and the passion He has placed inside of those men.

"Learning to Breathe" is a song that reminded me today that when I'm broken, full of regret, struggling, I am still learning to crawl and learning to "give up" and just admit "God, I need You."

Thank you, Switchfoot.

I hope you find restoration this Easter.

spring time recipe!

The other weekend, my mom and I created a recipe.

Really??

Really.

There is a cookie recipe that I got from Semi-homemade with Sandra Lee, and I have made probably baked 20 dozen of these cookies because they're requested all the time, PLUS they're soooo easy. They're chocolate toffee cookies and what makes them so easy is that you use chocolate cake mix to bake them. No, I wouldn't call them cake cookies- I'm not a huge fan of cake cookies... When you bite into the cookies I make, you get more of a brownie consistency, which I really like! So I was at my mom's house cleaning and figured I would ask her if she had a box of chocolate cake mix to keep me from going to the store. She had about 6 other cake mixes except chocolate......... go figure :)

But she had a strawberry cake mix and suggested that, but then quickly changed her mind, seeing as how strawberry and toffee might not be very good together. I agreed, but I did like the strawberry cookie idea. I asked her if she had chocolate chips and she had both milk and white chocolate chips!

I took the chocolate chips and strawberry cake mix home, not knowing what to expect, but man.... the results were better than I thought!

I made a batch and took them to Birmingham and let me tell ya, they were a hit. Yay!!! A family recipe!!!

Though it may be unbelievably simple, I'm proud of this recipe me and my mom brain-stormed up.

If you have time, try this recipe out. You'll find yourself in love with how simple it is and how yummy the cookies turn out!

Strawberry chocolate cookies:

1 box of strawberry cake mix (I used Pillsbury moist supreme)

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

2 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1 cap full of vanilla extract

Mix ingredients. Spoon into small-sized dough balls onto greased cookie sheet about 1.5 - 2 inches a part. Bake for 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. Once cookies are baked, leave them on the cookie sheet (they're very delicate) and let them cool completely before removing from cookie sheet.

OOOORRRRRR!!!

If you want a really creative cookie, here's a little alternative recipe:

1 box strawberry cake mix

2 eggs

1/2 cup oil

1 cap full of vanilla extract

1 bag of milk chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli brand)

Mix cake mix, eggs, oil and vanilla extract together. Spoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cookies cool completely on cookie sheet (remember, they are delicate!!) In a double broiler (take a medium pot, fill just under half way with water and bring to a LOW boil. Place a large glass mixing bowl directly onto pot and pour in bag of chocolate chips. Stir until chips are melted.) melt the chocolate chips. Remove melted chocolate from heat and dip cooled cookies half way into chocolate--- be careful! The cookies are DELICATE (are the cookies delicate? The cookies are delicate). Place cookie on wax paper and allow chocolate to harden before serving.

As you see here, I made a CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY cookie. So cute, huh???

I was out of wax paper, so I had to place my cookies after I dipped them onto plates greased with cooking spray. Works just fine, but you dirty up a lot of plates.

Also, if you really want the cookies to pop, drop in a couple drops of red food dye.

Since I suggested small-sized dough balls, the recipe made 3 dozen for me. But if you spoon the dough into medium-sized balls, expect 2 dozen.

And there ya go! A really simple cookie recipe that is really, really good..... AND CUTE!!! Make them for Easter :) They're a pretty cookie, too!