The Ellis' Are Back In Town

Do you ever get that feeling, the one that makes you sort of want to hide in a cave and dwell on the good things in life? Escape from the rest of the world and just be with the ones you love.

Over the course of this last year, I’ve had sporadic urges to hop on my laptop and blog my heart out, but something pulls me back every time. I think it’s that feeling. The need to take a break from sharing life with the entire world, and instead just share it with family for a little while.  Bliss is always doing funny little things that I could compose a novel over, but I’ve enjoyed just holding them in my heart and then pulling them from my memory at night as I’m lying in bed. Things that make my soul smile.  I’ve always loved writing, and I especially have a significant amount to write about now that I have this little bundle of sugar in my life named Bliss. So, all in all, my point is: I’ve shied away from blogging about our life for a year now so that we could have, in a way, our private family time. I frequent facebook to tattle tid bits about Bliss and the animated world that she has created in our home, but nothing too terribly extensive.  And well, now I’m back. Bliss is wildly too inspiring and simply cute to not write these things down and share for our family and friends to enjoy as well. I’ve also missed the journalistic side of photography, so I hope to get my creative juices flowing again and capture some moments from Bliss’ point of view (which I must warn, is a mere 28 inches off of the ground, haha).  So, you can be looking forward to reading about the antics of Bliss Amelia and the colorful, sometimes irrational, world of the Ellis Family Circus. We’re back Blog, we’re back!

 I’ve managed to keep myself at this laptop until the way-too-late hour of 1:00 AM, and so this will end my first post of the year, and my most boring post of the year. I’ll be back soon (maybe even tomorrow) to jot down some of the funny, nonsensical things that occur around our home and start my real blogging. Now, I’m going to wrangle myself and drag down the hall, check on my sweet Bliss and then join my sleeping (probably snoring) husband in the land of sleep.

 One last thing, I did want to share that we ventured into the “Breakfast for Dinner” thing tonight and had a feast of pancakes, biscuits with jam, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and chocolate milk for dinner. Bliss had her first taste of REAL breakfast foods, she ate almost a whole pancake and some good bites of scrambled eggs. She was full before I got to the biscuits and jam, but rest assured her little taste buds will be getting a workout in the morning, come actual breakfast time. I’m excited for this girl to taste grape jam, I believe she’s going to think the world of it. She and I have a fun day full of coloring and dancing ahead of us, and maybe even a nap! I’ll need it more than her tomorrow!

"If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children."
-Ghandi


All Our Love,
The Ellis Family

Week 35...I could eat a horse!

My wrinkled (from washing dishes) fingers find themselves blogging at almost 3:00 a.m. tonight as an attempt to fill some of the time I have until Bliss and my body are ready to go to sleep. If you’re someone I talk to regularly, you’re well aware that sleep has become a long lost art to this 35-week-pregnant soul. I lost the art about 3 weeks ago and have a feeling it may be a while before it is found again. Our Bliss has outgrown her small compartment in this 5’2” body of mine and is making it much known. I’ve become well acquainted with her sweet little feet, and if we could see me from the inside out I believe my ribs (and entire right side) would resemble something of this color:

An old photo from a project at school in color class. My promise ring from
Eric that he gave me over 6 years ago...on our 2 year anniversary. 

Although it’s not so fun being kicked and poked all day and night, I am ever so thankful and would endure it until the end of time to know that our baby is healthy and active. I’ve come to the conclusion that she’s probably stuck in this position from here on out, with her head down and her feet and legs buried into my right side (sometimes they kind of float to the middle, but always return back to the ribs). This is exciting because she is now the length that she will be when she’s born, spanning somewhere around the 20 inch mark. In the next few weeks she will be gaining her last bit of baby weight and preparing to enter our world. I’m prayerful that she gains to a healthy weight, but is still a smaller baby as to allow for a ‘less painful’ (if that’s possible!?) birth. As many have asked and responded in astonishment, yes…I am going to try to have a natural birth with the absence of epidural. Go ahead, I know you’re rolling your eyes or shaking your head, haha. Everyone else has, you mind as well too! I give a disclaimer when I tell people this, which is… “I’ve never had a child before, so I’m not saying I know what it’s going to be like or how it’s going to feel. I don’t know how I’m going to react to the pain or how I will handle it. But I’m simply going in with a positive attitude and a prayerful heart that I can endure the process as holistically as possible and have a natural birth.” And that’s all. With the help of my Father God I believe I can do it. It will be a time of faith and a time of extreme commitment, and a challenge that I’m looking forward to conquering (Prayers are always welcome regarding this matter!).

In other news, I think it’s absurd (however, not surprising) how the American people reacted to Osama bin Laden’s death. Can we not take a step back first and look at how we are acting before 3,000 people gather in celebration in the middle of the night in front of the white house as the news was just broadcasted? Is this scene not the spitting image of those who were on the streets in their country celebrating the fall of the twin towers and the death of Americans? We think it’s ghastly to celebrate the death or destruction of the foreign, yet we do the same. Yes, he led the mission to kill hundreds of innocent people and should rightly be punished for it. And Yes, I say God bless our troops, just like every other American soul does. But to act in such a way of celebration and elation at the death of a lost soul is appalling to me. We teach our children that killing is wrong by killing them before they kill us? It’s like teaching small children about hitting. “You hit your sister, so I’m going to hit you to teach you that hitting is wrong and you shouldn’t hit anyone else.” Does 2+2=5? This doesn’t make sense and seems very elementary to me. Everyone has their opinions and I respect them all, and this is simply mine. I think our nation’s reaction was very hypocritical to what we ‘preach’ to the other nations of the world, and I think it was uneducated and somewhat embarrassing.

“I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live.”
-Ezekiel 33:11

I’m not.. and never have been.. and never will be.. one to be involved or even interested in politics or national affairs. I hated Political Science and passed the course only because I crammed before the tests. However, things of this nature make me raise an eyebrow now that I’m going to have a little one in the world. There will come a day when she is here and we are not, and the world that is being built now is the one she’ll be living in then. I fear for the worse and hope for the best.

On another note, Eric fell asleep on my belly earlier this evening and it was the sweetest thing. (I’m having to pause for a deep breath. Bliss has both feet shoved as high into my ribs as they will go and she’s not budging! Ouch!) We were watching a baseball game and as his eyes got droopy he ended up sliding over and crashing for a nap next to Bliss. He eventually started snoring and woke himself up, but for a good little while I had the two most important things to me in the world right in my arms. She was kicking and moving around the whole time under his head, but he was asleep and couldn’t feel it apparently. (I think she was telling him he was in her space! Haha). I simply cannot wait for the little lovebug to be here so we can hug and kiss her and hold her all day (and night, I’m sure).

Something I wasn't really prepared for or expecting was being so hungry. About 5 times a day now I feel like I'm literally starving to death! haha. I've done well with my weight all through the pregnancy, and I haven't had any crazy cravings or eating sprees....and I guess it's all catching up to me now. The fact that I have a 6 lb human inside of me eating all my food comforts my decision to eat a big bowl of Blue Bell ice cream in the middle of the night :). And follow it with an orange and a glass of Braum's chocolate milk. And possibly a banana! I'm trying to make smart, healthy food choices, but I'm not kidding...I think I could eat a horse sometimes I'm so hungry! Speaking of which... I think I might have a little snack now, haha. Turkey sandwich, anyone?

It’s nearing 4:00 a.m. now, and I sure do miss sleeping at night. I just can’t sleep (which is common near the end of pregnancy). But as several people have assured me, this is just God’s little way of preparing me for when the baby comes. I can now endure the crazy up-and-down nights and days, and function on just a few hours of sleep. I sleep when Bliss sleeps, and her schedule is backwards right now. She’s up moving around, getting the hiccups, and being active all night long. However, usually around 9:00 a.m. she quiets down and becomes still and that’s when we sleep! I usually wake for Eric’s lunch break and then return to bed for a couple of hours for an afternoon nap. She’s awake all night and sleeps all day….already! Go figure.

I think I’ll wash a few more dishes and put up some laundry, and then try to lie down for an hour or two before Eric rises at 6:00 a.m. We have breakfast together most every morning before he goes to work, and then I proceed to try to get some actual sleep after he leaves. Hopefully little miss wiggle worm feels like sleeping soon!

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."
-Peter Drucker
 
All Our Love,
JenEric

Memory Lane

Ever have those out-of-nowhere moments in life where you suddenly find yourself bursting with memories that lead you down Happiness Avenue? As I sit here, looking at my wedding ring resting on this couch arm, I’ve found the urge to write again almost uncontrollable. This evening was going as usual, busy and ‘normal’ until it took a random turn for the better. I wish this ring would fit on my finger, but it’s not budging. I’ve squeezed and twisted, but the poor little beautiful thing…I’m going to have to sacrifice for the love of Bliss. My fingers are swollen, and my normally size 6 feet are beyond swollen. This 90-degree-in-the-middle-of-April Oklahoma weather is not being kind to my 8-month-pregnant body. But all is well in the land of Ellis…because there is a sweet little girl kicking me in the ribs right now, bringing a huge grin to my pudgy, pregnant cheeks.


Back to what I was saying, this evening took a turn for the better. Eric got off of work, we ran some errands, met with a lovely couple for a short photo shoot, and headed home.


Photograph from the pregnancy shoot this evening


My banana, turkey sandwich, and chips had worn off and I was starving, as was Eric. We’ve been eating at home, but decided to splurge and order a pizza. As Ardmore would have it, the order got messed up and confusion ran ramped, so rather than the planned delivery, we had to go pick up the pizza ourselves (which was fine, we were just tired and thought we’d try delivery for once). Upon picking up our delicious, bubbling hot pizza pie, Eric was hit with another one of his spontaneous crazy moods and with a raise of the eyebrow said, “You wanna eat IN the car!?” Now, for most people this is no big deal, nothing out of the ordinary. But we’d planned, as usual, to get our dinner and return home to eat. I reminded him that we didn’t have drinks, so with a smile he suggested we go to the nearby gas station and just buy some….and I could get an icee (which I’m hopelessly addicted to at the moment, along with snow cones). “What!!? Order a pizza, eat IN the car, AND get an icee….this was turning out to be a fun evening!” My sister would have a heart attack if this is what her ‘fun’ evenings consisted of…but for us this was spontaneous and exciting. We got our drinks and as we skipped back to our pieced-together-barely-hanging-on car…Eric’s head was filled with yet ANOTHER crazy idea! Next door was the Carmike 5 Theater (which is closed). The theater has been stripped and gutted and is set to be demolished this next week. So with a twinkle in his eye he said, “Want to eat in the parking lot of the Carmike? It’s our last chance.” As we pulled into the dark, vacant lot my heart was filled with memories and love…this is where Eric and I had our first date. Now it’s about to be demolished…crashing to the ground and never to be seen again. I can still see him. I remember where he was standing and what he was wearing. He had both of his hands in his pockets and his cheeks were blushing red with nervousness. His Levi’s and his nice leather shoes dawned their faces, along with an ivory colored, long sleeved shirt. His hair was combed and he smelled good. I remember asking Mom to park and let me walk up to the theater, rather than having her drop me off at the door. I remember walking up to him and feeling so nervous I could die. He was so cute, and very noticeably about to faint, haha! We watched the movie “DareDevil” and my sister and her boyfriend took us home afterwards. The person driving took a sharp turn on the way home and I was sliding all over the slippery back seat. Eric put his arm around me and tucked me by his side. I remember every single tingly feeling that rushed over my skin. This was something different. Something special. That was over 8 years ago. February 21, 2003. Here we were now, sitting in the empty parking lot of the dark, vacant building staring at the spot we first met for our first date. Eating pizza out of the box, windows down, cool breeze blowing through, married and pregnant. College degree. Eric working full-time. Living back in Ardmore in our own house. Wow. If you’d told me that very first night that 8 years later I’d be sitting in that parking spot possessing all of those things, I’d have thought you were crazy. Little did we know we were meant to be, would fall madly in love, and be about to bring a beautiful baby girl into the world together. How lovely. How wonderful. We sat in the car and ate our pizza and drank our icees and stared at the building, talking about all the sweet and crazy memories we could think of. Things that no one knows about, and things that we will never forget. Being 15 years old and falling in love. Sneaking around the corner in high school to give each other a goodbye kiss at the end of every day. It seems like a million years ago. I can’t imagine what life is going to look like in 8 more years. Anyhow, after enjoying the beautiful breeze and eating and talking, Eric realized we were basically on a date. The first date we’ve been on since moving back to town. It was an evening that I simply could not have planned…spontaneous and sweeter than sugar. All of those young feelings of love and romance came rushing back into our hearts and we were as happy as two lovebirds. I cherish evenings like this. They bring you back down to Earth and help you to remember all the things the good Lord has blessed you with. Now, my self-awareness brings to my attention that, yes, this could all be chalked up to me being pregnant and mushy-gushy emotional, but whatever I owe the pleasure, I’m thankful. It was a much needed evening and I, once again, feel more in love than I’ve ever felt in my entire life.

Not being able to shimmy my wedding ring on isn’t so bad in looking at the big picture. Maybe I’ll just tie a string around my ring finger and call it a day. Life’s about not sweating the small stuff, right?


"Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted."
-John Lennon


All Our Love,
JenEric

Everyone Jump On The Peace Train

My heart rate is gradually slowing, now that I've sat down to write a little. Nothing beats a nice dance break in the middle of the living room with the love of your life on a Friday afternoon. The gray, cold day has taken us indoors and put a warm cup of hot chocolate in our hands. We're feeling musical today, so AOL radio is gracing our environment with some party hits. I love days like today. Nothing in life is really in place, and we're feeling quite lost. But smiles are showing upon our faces and there's a twinkle in our eyes. Nothing will get us down today...we have love and life and a little life on the way. God has blessed us and we will not ignore that. Our heater will warm our quaint home for now, but tonight we'll be warming our chilly toes by the fireplace, and I am in love with that idea. I have to break in on this thought and share that our baby is going crazy in my belly right now. This laptop on my lap playing music must be encouraging him/her to get his/her jiggy on in there...which is exciting. Maybe it'll be a music fan...or even better maybe he/she will inherit Eric's dance moves (and prayerfully, not mine! haha). I just get lost thinking about how our little one is going to blossom. Will it be a boy or a girl? Will it have Eric's hypnotizing blue eyes and crazy, curly hair? Will it have chocolate eyes and long, straight hair? Will it have Eric's gate, or mine? Whose smile, teeth, nose, and feet will it have? What a thing to think about...I could daydream for weeks imagining how he or she will turn out! It will be another of God's beautiful creations and I cannot wait to lay my eyes on it.

I want to raise our child to dance in the streets barefoot and love everyone they meet. A little hippie, perhaps? To feel free to explore trees and nature, to love those who are different than us. A child who loves music and friends and family and food. To eat dinner as a family, and then dance off our dessert in the backyard when we're done. One who gives more hugs in one day than most families do in a week. Who loves Jesus and talks to his or her little friends about Him. A child who doesn't know or think about money and chooses fun over material possessions. Whose kindness shines like the sun. I think we can have an amazing child and an amazing family if we set our eyes on these goals. Keeping our relationships number one and love in our hearts, life will be good.

I dug out an old recipe card of Mom's Homemade Brownies last night, cranked up the oven, and broke out my new cookware that I got for graduation. These brownies make me gleam, for they remind me of childhood. They aren't like the boxed brownies, or most any other brownies I've ever had. They are thick, light, and cakey. Not thin and chewy and gooey, like most are today. These are tasty and delightful. I particularly love these because I can eat one or two and not feel sick. Unlike most other brownies, they are not overwhelming. Rather, simply delicious and fulfilling. The top bakes into a crunchy, cracked treat while the inside is soft and chocolaty. I will happily admit that my belly and baby were both greeted by one of these first thing this morning (however, it was accompanied by a banana, haha). Don't worry, this is not my normal diet. I don't usually feed the little one this way first thing in the morning! But today was a special occasion (I slept well last night and felt great when I woke) so I celebrated.

We've found our spots on the sofa and we're sharing warmth under grandma's quilt. I'm practicing patience and trying to wait a few hours to start the fireplace, as we will be using the last of our supply of wood tonight and I don't want it to go out early in the night. It's New Year's Eve and I'm celebrating by being thankful. No parties or large groups of people. Just us. Enjoying the night in our home. Together. Frequently sitting still so I can feel our precious blessing kicking and moving around in my belly. I hope to spend the majority of the evening in conversation with the Lord, remembering where we've been this past year and what He's given us and taken from us. I believe that 2011 is going to be a great year. Our world is going to change forever and we are so very excited about it. Life as we know it will no longer be, and we will be starting our own family. I think it's going to be one of those years that we'll remember and talk about when we're old and gray. 2011...I can't wait for this year full of blessings and teachings.


"The steps of a man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him."
-Psalm 37: 23-24


All Our Love,
JenEric


-----------------------------
Mom's Homemade Brownies
-----------------------------

1 c. butter            
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter and sugar. Add well-beaten eggs. Sift the dry ingredients together and blend together the entire mixture. Spread thin in a greased 13x9 dish. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until top is cracked and and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

The Mom Factor

There is something special and simple about Moms. Now, this is no surprise. Nothing unknown; it's not a new discovery or something shocking. It's not like reaching into your just-unpacked-winter-coat and finding a crumpled up kleenex and a twenty dollar bill from last season. There is nothing surprising about that unique characteristic that only Moms hold. We all know it's there; it's evident in their every move and moment of existence. I could easy write this entire post without explaining what I'm speaking of, and you would be thinking of the same exact thing I am in describing this. It's the Mom factor. They are more caring than normal human beings. They keep us kids fed, even after we're moved out, married, graduated, and expecting a child of our own. Who does that? haha. Moms do. They hear the two frightening words from us on the phone, "I'm sick" and immediately offer to drop their plans, take off work, pack a bag, and drive two hours to come take care of us. They still get excited about Christmas morning, and still buy us a sweet present and stuff our stockings with goodies. We still gather at her house and all wake on Christmas morning to retreat to the foot of the Christmas tree (with that same giddy feeling), just like we did when we were five. The same special sensation is rushing through each of us, and it's not because we're excited about what's wrapped within those beautiful red boxes or what's tied up in the silver and gold ribbon. It's because we're family. We're doing what we've done every year since we've been alive, and we're with the people whom we love more than life itself. It's because our Mom has spent days preparing plans for our arrival, stocking the fridge and putting up the tree, vacuuming the carpets and cleaning the kitchen. These precious deeds are what create and foster that love and happiness (among the million other characteristics she holds). Moms are distinguished and important all in their own way. And I love that. There is nothing like a Mom.

I don't gush about my Mom because I wish to brag or boast. This is the farthest possible declaration from the truth. It's just that I'm sitting here eating a homemade chocolate chip cookie that she made and brought to us  and it's affecting more than just my stomach. It's got my heart and my mind. I've always appreciate her, and always been aware of her endless amount of caring and loving nature. But I guess I'm pregnant and really thinking about things now. I can't imagine doing some of the things she's done for her children. It seems unimaginable to be as giving and selfless as she was when we were small and life was tough. She is still that amazing Mom, and it's been 25 years. Everyday. Every minute. How does one commit like that? I simply cannot imagine, but I know that I hope to be like her one day. I believe I can be, with the example that she's given me and with the help of our Lord. It would be a blessing and an honor to be thought of like I think of my Mom. So, I say all of these things simply to express my gratitude and love for her. I've written about my grandparents, my sister, and many other people. But some how my Mom slipped through the cracks, and now is my moment to recognize her in my writing. I'm praying for all the Mom's around the world today and all those who have been blessed with a Mom. I'm also praying for those who have not had a Mom, that they may know the unique, sweet love of a Mom someday. That they will be one, or be married to one...for it is the greatest love on Earth.




Mom and I at my UCO graduation yesterday.

 The fire is burning bright, and the little one in my belly is enjoying a nice chocolate chip cookie from his/her Gran (Mom's "grandma" name) right about now. Eric's watching a football game where snow is covering the screen, and Beau is playing with his cute little puppy in the sunshine that's flooding through the window. My sister is praying for safe travel back to America in 4 days, as blizzards are currently shutting down airports all over Europe. (Please pray for her to be home by Christmas day!) I feel happy and that my cup is full. Yes, our life is full of road blocks and struggles all the same, but I just can't ignore all these wonderful characteristics that are filling up our little world also. There are too many good things to look at the bad things. I have faith that our Heavenly Father takes care of His children, and seeming that we are two of His children, I believe He has a plan for our life and will lead us down the right road in His time.

It's a cool, blustery afternoon and I'm planning on enjoying the rest of this incredible Sunday. I don't have to cook dinner tonight because Mom left us with a fridge full of food yesterday. The one show on TV we actually watch, Survivor, is airing it's live finale tonight (which I am SUPER excited about!). I got sick at 2:00 a.m. last night, but I'm  feeling really great today. My sister comes home in 4 days (hopefully). Christmas is in 6 days (the most wonderful time of year!). We find out the sex of our little one in 15 days. And most importantly, I'm feeling spiritually happy today. I'm learning to trust God and rely on Him rather than Earthly things. I am finally wrapping my mind around the fact that He is in control of all.

"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts."

-Charles Dickens


All Our Love,
JenEric

Changes of Life

Ah, how I love a winter morning. Eric's off to fetch the day's breakfast ingredients, and I've woken up with the itch to write a little. My crowded mind is flooded with words so I'm giving my fingers back their freedom. Thanksgiving is at our backs now, and most everyone we love knows our blessing of good news so I'll bring it here now to share with those who have not yet heard. We are pregnant. Yes, the pregnant where I am eating an entire jar of dill pickles by myself. Yes, the pregnant where I am wearing stretchy pants that go up to my ribs. Yes, the pregnant where I am sleeping 12 hours every single night, with some napping in the afternoon. It's a funny, wondrous adventure. One that I feel like I've still just begun, even though I'm 14 weeks along. I say "we" are pregnant simply because..I am physically and Eric is mentally. We both agree that if he were able to carry our sweet child in his tummy- he would be the one to do it! haha. I would gladly take care of him, as he is of me, and I would gladly allow him to take on the rather, uhm, fascinating task we like to call 'child birth'. He is mentally pregnant because he is right there with me the entire way, every leg of the journey. He gets the grumpy and the crazy happy, and takes them both with a loving grin. I am beyond blessed to be carrying our child, and so thankful. I'm glad men are not the chosen ones to do the job, but it's still fun to think about sometimes, haha! We are pregnant, we are expecting, we are in it for the long haul....and so so happy about it.

As we gradually shared the good news with close friends and family, reactions were mixed and I was really forced to take a step back at some moments. We have reached this amazing, joyous time in life and there are a handful of souls who seem genuinely shocked and confused with our pregnancy. It really takes a strong marriage with our spouse and with the Lord to get us through some days and some reactions. Bewilderment floods me sometimes as people shake their heads or ask you "why?" when you share the good news. I will state my case here and it will leave my lips forever. I will not discuss this again, as we are blessed with this child and negativity has no place in our lives. Eric and I have been together for nearly 8 years. I am about to be 24 years old, and Eric is 25 years old. I am graduating from college in 2 weeks. We have been married for 11 months; we feel like we've been married for 8 years. We have a great marriage and a great support system behind us. We get our strength and direction from the Lord, and are always looking for guidance. All this said, I feel that it is a blessing that we're pregnant, and that we should be happy and positive and jumping with joy. I am not a 16 year old high school girl, pregnant by a drug-dealing boyfriend who beats me. We are in a wonderfully created, God-centered marriage and we believe that this sweet child is going to enhance our joy and our quality of life beyond measure. Nothing but good can come from this. I ask that the next time you see us or speak with us, that you draw from your heart and give us some words of encouragement or love. It will go a million miles. Negativity simply breaks down the soul, and we are really in the business of building up our lives at this point! Preparing our home, our souls, our minds, and our entire lives. We would love a smile and a hug and a good story if you've got one.

Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I might be classified as someone a little 'obsessed' with Christmas and the holiday season. It brings a warmth to our society that seems to be less present in our everyday lives. Change is being donated as you enter the monopoly on our society we like to call Wal-Mart, and beautiful little children are singing Christmas carols as they hold onto their mom's grocery basket. The shelves are stocked with an array of red and green cracker boxes and cake mixes, and families are loading up on once-a-year goodies. The street lights are wrapped with sparkling lights, and plush wreaths are on every door. Cookies are being baked, and warm hugs from grandparents and old friends are being had. Something happens to our hearts this time of year, and I really adore it. Focusing on the real reason for the season, Jesus, is what really brings it to life for me. Yes, I know that Christmas is commercialized and such. But I will stand by this time of year until the day I die, for I think it is the most wonderful time of the year. Everyone is more lovey and cuddly and sweet. Smiles are shared more, and giving is a priority. It's a precious time that I cherish.

We put up two trees this year, one big and one small. We had a whole box of brand new ornaments and bows that we got on clearance at Target after Christmas last year, and that is what went on our little tree. We got these things for pennies. It was all 90% off.

 The small one is in our bedroom, and I'm just in love with it. It's illuminated with clear lights, and we trimmed it with chocolate brown and sparkly gold glass ornaments. I would not normally agree with such an untraditional tree, however I've found that, once again, variety is the spice of life- and I like it. It matches the chocolate brown curtains and sheets in our room, among other things, and it just adds a new spark of joy to the space. Much like this cold glass of chocolate milk that I'm sipping on right now, adding a little bit of extra merriment to this blustery morning.

Our big tree is in the living room in front of the window for all the world to see. It's our traditional tree, adorned with our ornaments dating back to 2003 (when we started dating). We treasure these ornaments, having a story that goes with each and every special one. Hanging up our wedding and honeymoon ornaments sparked a particular feeling of happiness in my soul. It's the first year that we've been able to unpack them and hang them on the tree. The resplendent words,"Our first Christmas 2009" shine on several of the ornaments, as well as "Breckenridge" and "Honeymoon" and "Love". I can't wait for the day when we're sitting in our quaint little old home, in our 70's, with our grandchildren, decorating the tree, and we can tell of the stories that go with these lovely pieces of glass.

Eric has always loved Christmas villages. It was always his "thing" growing up to set up his family's big village and hook up all the lights and arrange the snow, placing each piece of the little world in just the right spot. My family never had a village, we had other decorations and never really got into the whole village thing. So, this was something that I was interested in after our first Christmas together 7 years ago. One day several months ago, as Eric and I were taking our usual weekly stroll through the thrift stores of Edmond, low and behold....for a mere $10 was a beautiful, dainty, ceramic Christmas Village. We snatched this treasure up and made our way to the cash register, hoping to not get robbed before we got there. Our arms clinched around the large box, we paid for it and left. It is now set up in our living room and bringing happiness to all who enter. It contains many pieces, a few of which are a post office, chapel, people, trees, etc...



Another aspect that has changed in our lives lately is breakfast. We've become splendidly acquainted with cooking this delightful meal, one which we usually satisfied with a bowl of cold cereal or a granola bar. This is yet another reason why winter is my favorite time of year, cranking up the stove not only serves as a cooking element, but also a nice early-morning hand warmer as you wake up. I look forward to mornings now because the night-before-plans of a great big breakfast fill my heart with happiness and I wake with a smile on my face. We've explored things like omelets, blueberry muffins, pancakes, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, etc... and we've adored them all. Breakfast IS the greatest meal of the day, I now see. Throughout this pregnancy, many food aversions have shown their ugly faces, but thankfully breakfast foods have not been a part of this and I hope it stays that way! I'm enjoying this new facet of life and the world of breakfasts.

Yes life is tough, and a yes life is short. But I must say, I am enjoying this tough, short life. Having a sweet baby will not be the easiest thing in the world, and being young and just beginning in the 'real world' will not necessarily be a joyride...but you know, I think we can make it through with joy in our hearts and a big grin on our faces. Concentrating on the good and not the bad, seeing the best in difficult people, and living everyday like it were our last...these are things we want to strive to surround ourselves with. I am a true true believer that everything happens for a reason, so with each new happening I find adventure and excitement. We must know what bad is to know what good is. Taking tough times with a smile and enjoying the best times with a laugh will take us farther than embracing any pessimistic, gloomy moment that tries to swallow our joy. I may never have a white-picket-fence around my house, but I've got one around my heart, and that's all that matters.

"The most significant change in a person's life is a change of attitude. Right attitudes produce right actions." 

- William J. Johnston

"The reality is that changes are coming. ... They must come. You must share in bringing them."

- John Hersey

All Our Love,

JenEric

Saturdays are for Sweethearts

Amazing. Today was just that. Nothing adventurous, un-ordinary, or epic. Just a serene day filled with cool Autumn breezes and love love love. Finding joy in the small things, the simple things, is what is going to give us a life full of happiness and peace. I want to always remember where I came from and those who helped me get where I am today. We don't shape ourselves, but those around us shape us. Days, like today, make me stop and look up at the beautiful blue sky and realize that I need to stop and take a minute. Take a minute to feel the temperature of the air and allow your arms to goose bump over. Let the little hairs on the back of your neck stand on end from the chills dancing over the surface of your skin. Realize how small you are in this great big world...and then realize how big you are in so many peoples' lives.

I woke up this morning (or about noon, rather) to Eric hustling around getting things ready to grill out...which is a wonderful 'good morning'. As the crunching of the charcoal bag and the chime of the front door sounded I hopped out of bed (okay maybe I didn't hop, haha, I'm not much of a morning person so I peeled myself from the soft, dark sheets) and slithered my way to the sunshine filled window. It was going to be a good day, I already new it. We had grilled hamburgers and baked beans as we watched football and baseball all afternoon. Eric was extra smiley, and it made me have a abnormally pleasant flutter in my heart. The afternoon was restful, and we simply enjoyed each other's presence...while appreciating the grill and sports! Once again, I felt like an Oklahoman (and I liked it for once haha)! Football and food, gotta' love it! (Side note: I WAS rooting for Texas...so maybe I felt like a Texan rather than an Oklahoman, haha)

 However, for us to know what good is, we must know what bad is. It pokes it's ugly little face out for a few minutes whenever we're having a really good day, we deal with it, and then go on with our lives. Trying to aid in the kitchen, I offered to form the hamburger meat into patties for Eric to grill. Having the house opened and the air-conditioner off, our refrigerated condiments were forming condensation on the outsides as they sat about the counter. And as I went to place the full, new glass bottle of worcestershire sauce back into the fridge, it ever so lightly slid right out of my hand and came crashing onto the hard kitchen floor. Shattered. Everywhere. Possibly the worst break I've ever experienced (I tend to break things often! haha). There is nothing that will take you back quicker to feeling like a little kid than devastatingly breaking a glass bottle of something all over kitchen floor. Nevertheless, there is nothing that will bring you back out of that bad feeling than loving arms coming in, saying "It's okay...you go take care of yourself and I'll clean it up." And spending the next 20 minutes on their hands and knees picking up shards of glass and mopping a sticky floor. What a sweetheart. Saturdays are for sweethearts, and mine was super sweet today. Thank you Father God for letting us endure the bad, so we can enjoy the good. How clever You are.

This evening we took a lovely walk and gathered some fireplace kindling for our first fire of the season. We haven't decided when we'll light the first one just yet...however, I can insure you it will be soon! We are projected to hit 42 degrees this week, which is plenty cool for a fire! How very exciting. We gathered a good amount, arranged it in our kindle basket, and set it comfortably next to the fireplace. Eric made the joke of the word "kindle" and I thought it was pretty funny. Amazon's Kindle is the electronic "book" that many people in our generation enjoy. This is an electronic alternate to paper books (which help save the trees!). We like to think of ourselves as a little bit old-timey (haha)...so as much as I would love to own a Kindle myself...there's a good chance I'll never break down and buy one, and will be forever dedicated to my paper books. Here is our life story in a few photos....

 Our "Kindle"                                           Modern day "Kindle"



Haha...maybe we're nerds, but we thought it was funny! We love our kindle....as it brings us nights filled with warmth and glowing light, smores and Christmas movies.

 

 

Life has been calm lately, and rather than put it in the boring basket we're enjoying this time of peace and solitude....as life always has a way of turning itself around and taking you on a roller coaster ride just as you're not expecting it. We're always up for an adventure, but we'll enjoy this season of still times just the same. It's nice to rest and enjoy the small things in life. Something is bound to turn up, and shake our little world around. Plus, the holidays are growing ever so near...which means a touch of chaos is right around the corner. Happy October to all!

"Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away."
-Robert Fulgham

All Our Love,

JenEric

Life Is In Session

Life has been busy and life has been full, but most of all our life lately has been full of fun! Over the past several weeks we've been spending lots of time with my sweet sister. Days packed with 3:00 p.m. "good mornings" and hardy evening dinners. Late night movies and pounds of sunflower seeds. All night (really, all morning) board games that result in...surprise (no surprise)...Jess winning Trivial Pursuit at the crack of 6:00 a.m. Yes, I come in last, but after all, I am the youngest (can I still play that card? haha). Sitting in the floor like a bunch of little Indians, playing through board game after board game. Laughing so hard we are quite literally gasping for air, our cheeks rosy and soaked from tears! Being three fairly-intelligent 20-somethings and not catching on to the clues for the easiest, cheesiest questions. Eric using his prime distraction techniques on Jess (making ridiculously odd faces during a timed question). Getting ourselves into philosophical debates that go on for hours... about Lord knows what. Sisterly quick-trips to the neighborhood Starbucks provided for evenings full of lattes and Letters to Juliet (a movie we do not recommend. Cute story line, but horribly produced!). Doing some major damage at every store within a 20 mile radius (damage to our bank accounts, haha!) and coming home with department store bags and beautiful button-downs blooming with red roses and laced collars. Car rides and sharing crazy news stories....she always has the latest scoop on the most outrageous news. I don't know how she has room in that head of hers for all the news, ha ha! Hitting the AMC 24 for the late showing of the newest chick-flick, sipping on icees and munching on candy corn the whole movie through. Leaving with wide eyes and a little sugar high, back to the homestead for some more 'Scene It' trivia games.

I could share every detail of the hours I've been blessed to spend with my dear sister. But, all of these moments, all of these joys, all of these memories, I lock away in my mind and in my heart. And on a rainy day when I'm feeling blue, I go to that place, pluck one out and a smile dawns on my face. The quirks and the fantastically bizarre oddities that make up our relationship make me so happy. I love every flavor of every mood and every little black bobbie-pin I find in the carpet after she's gone (Jess' signature trail). Such a natural, organic relationship our Father God has gifted us with...it's one of those things I want to personally thank Him for one day when I'm in His Presence.

To give her the best Oklahoma, last taste of redneck, dirty, smelly send-off we could, before she leaves for the UK.....we went to the Oklahoma State Fair! There's nothing better to make you want to run to the other side of the world than this circus full of crazies (well, fair full of crazies, I guess I should say!). Eric and I purchased some tickets and rode a few rides, we walked around for 3 hours and took in the sights-the lights-the sounds, but most importantly, we scouted out the eccentric selection of appetizing fried morsels of "food". This was entertaining. This was unusual. This was belly-ache good.

The first selection of the evening was roasted corn. This was my favorite "real" food of the night. To top it all off  (and by that I mean to clog the last little space left open in your arteries) they pull this ear of corn off the grill, and swirl it around in a big vat of melted butter right before they hand it to you! But it's a vegetable right :)?

Next, we fell victim to the turkey leg. If anyone has been contemplating one of these things...don't do it! haha! We'd always seen them at big events and wondered about them, and the smell of them on the grill was to die for! But, sadly, after about 3 bites you want to slap someone and declare the code of vegetarianism. Too much meat too much meat. Whew...we were regretting this one for about an hour!

Out of respect for our ancestors (haha), we dutifully purchased an Indian taco. It was loaded with cheese, beef, beans, lettuce, and who knows what else....all on the beautiful sight we like to call INDIAN FRY BREAD! This was Eric's first taste of the delightful nourishment, and he was a fan. Welcome to the family my friend, welcome to the family.

Our next mistake, I mean, food venture, was the almighty hand-dipped foot-long corn dog! Hallelujah! This is always a favorite of ours and was quite delicious. Our taste buds were dancing but our tummies were beggin' for mercy! I would buy one of these again, a good choice for the not-so-venturous souls out there.

Yes. Yes, this IS what you think it is. A battered, deep fried, chocolate drizzled, sugar covered...fried twinkie on a stick. As we were naively about to exit the fair gate, Jessica with her keen eyes spotted the little stand dawning the fried twinkie sign. Like moths to the fire, our spirits were drawn to the window, our last $4 (made up of change and random dollar bills) pulled from our pockets, and surrendered to the man with the hot oil. Going out with a bang...that's what life is all about right? Well, this night we hit that nail on the head and went out in glory! Fantastic, it was simply fantastic! With each of our first bites, came shock and awe, them "mmmmmmmm. oh my gosh. that's good" and a large grin.

Well my sister, I hope you got your fill of the great state of Oklahoma and its people, sights, and food for a while! I don't think you'll be finding any savory, fried twinkies on a stick where you're going! I love the memories we made at the fair this year, and I'm going to miss you every single day you're gone. I miss you already! (Bring me back something cool and maybe I'll get over it! haha just kidding) I know you're going to have the time of your life and I love you to pieces!

Quickly, I also wanted to share a neat, easy recipe I made just a bit ago. It's an absolutely lovely dessert, full of Autumn spice and cool delight! The recipe was simply on the side of the pudding box, which I never pay much attention to, but this time -the Lord knowing my love for Autumn- I took a look and found a real piece of joy! It's called Pumpkin Spice Mousse! Doesn't it just sound delicious? It's because it is! Using the recipe on the box, low fat milk, and low fat Cool Whip...you end up with a delicate, sweet treat to welcome in the new season with! It's a quick comparison of pumpkin pie without the crust! A little creamier and a little sweeter...but just as tasty!

This little box of "seasonal release" Jell-O pudding mix packs a lot of punch. After making this recipe and tasting it, I would have been just shocked that it came from a box if I hadn't known better. Mix up the pudding with 1 cup of low fat milk. Whisk until your arm feels like it's going to fall off and the pudding is thick. This is how you know it's mixed well :)

Fold in one container of Lite Cool Whip. Do not over mix, do not whisk. Fold it in to keep the light, airy texture of mousse present! You'll be happy with your result!

Break out the most beautiful pieces of porcelain china you own, spoon the mousse out into 4-5 servings, and enjoy what an easy, festive dessert you've just created in under 10 minutes! (Covering each and refrigerating for about an hour before eating allows for the best taste!)  This would be great for kids and adults alike, and is quite a snazzy show when it's all finished. A gorgeous mousse, straight from a box, and low fat too!

To further add to our celebration of the first day of Autumn, and the month of October arriving in about 9 days, we ventured into the Halloween aisle at Wal-mart the other night and bought our first bag of Halloween chocolates. Needless to say, I am going to be putting myself on a strict gym regiment if I want to enjoy all of the scrumptious treats this season and still be able to fit into my jeans on Christmas day!

"He that has the spice may season as he pleases."

-America Proverb

"Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."

-Jim Davis

All Our Love,

JenEric



Fall Arrangements

I embarked upon an adventure today, one I've often pondered but always shied from....I created my very own arrangement. Not so much a flower arrangement, but rather a Fall arrangement. Hobby Lobby has dedicated an entire 2 aisles to the materials, and needless to say, these are the two aisle in the store that I constantly avoid while roaming the entire rest of the heavenly place (My name is Jennifer, and I am a Hobby Lobby addict). So today I was feeling venturesome, fearless even, and thought I'd take on the task. We've had the same table arrangement since we got married (almost 9 months, which is a long time for me to leave something decorated the same, haha) and I thought a nice Autumn arrangement would be refreshing. I've emerged our life in the season already, sporting jeans and cardigans and baking warm, sweet treats. I would not have dared purchase all the materials needed to make an arrangement (can we say $ expensive $) but Hobby Lobby has everything in that department 50% currently, so I didn't spend much at all, and ended up splendidly satisfied with my final result! I used a vase that I already had, and went to town (literally and figuratively).

Each one of the pieces in the vase are separate. I just inserted a piece of floral foam into the vase and arranged the pieces how I felt, and basically got it on the first try for most of the pieces. My favorite pieces are the pumpkin and the ear of corn. So many yellows and oranges, reds and brown. It just makes me happy. I simply can't wait until I can look out the window and our little slice of earth boasts these colors! So warm and inviting.

To accompany this vase of happiness, I bought a few other pieces. I have Christmas decorations, yes lots of them, but my Fall decor consisted of two little figures that sit on the fireplace mantle and an acorn welcome sign. I had managed to skip decorating for Fall in the past due to my premature excitement for Christmas decorating. Well, I'm not ignoring you this year Autumn. You fill my heart with feelings of blessing and harmony, and I like you too (haha). So, I purchased (50% off, of course. Resulting in paying less than $5 for every piece. $3 for most.) a couple of charming pumpkins and two little harvest people, who strongly resemble Eric and I. After searching through the gathering of all of them, nestled in the back were these two. I think they look like us, Eric with his long brown hair, and I with my braids.  Maybe I'm reading more into this than there really is, but these little people are so symbolic of us. I'm an Indian (Chickasaw, woop woop!), 6 out of 7 days a week I have some sort of braid somewhere in my hair, my favorite thing to eat on a regular basis is fruit (daily) and she's holding a cornucopia overflowing with fruit. Eric has longer brown hair, loves wearing hats, he was born on Thanksgiving and the only type of meat he will touch around the holidays is turkey. Since the day I met him, he always gobbles (haha) and says he's a turkey (it took me a while to figure out why he would say that!) This little guy is holding a turkey. I'm holding my fruit and Eric is holding his turkey. We always joke about me being the Indian and hin being the white man (he has Indian blood too, but he doesn't have a CDIB card so I tell him he doesn't count, haha! He argues that "his people" were too proud to give into the "white man" and get a card. ...sounds like a typical white man. haha!)

Below, are the two little people I have sitting on our fireplace mantle. They are splendid little pumpkin people, who have brought me much joy over the past 2 years. Before we married, I lived with one of my dearest, sweetest friends, Julie. We bought these and had them in our apartment when we lived together. Not wanting to split them up (haha) she told me to take both of them. So, now they adorn our mantle and I think of her every time I see them. We named them Pete and Penelope.

And last but not least, to round out our explosion into the Fall season, we visited our local Goodwill and plucked the best two sweaters from their assortment of new and old. Eric has never owned a sweater, for the almost-eight-years we've been together. I have never seen the soul in a sweater, but dreamed that one day I would. If anyone can break that habit, it would be me! Sweaters= a vital part of the holiday season. Sweaters= cozy and comfy. Sweaters= warmer hugs. Needless to say, you will be seeing Eric in sweaters this year :). He officially purchased his first sweater (since he was a little kid) and will be sporting it in a city near you. I bought a cardigan (new, with the tags on it still!). Cream colored, with silver sequins bordering the front pockets. It's "boyfriend" cut (old style) and unlike anything I have. I'm a fan of both, and very fond of the idea of us both in sweaters, taking a stroll through the park, watching the trees shed their colorful leaves. Ahh, Lord you've made us such a beautiful place to live. We are thankful.

As you can see, our home is decorated for Fall and we're ready for the holidays. We're ready for family time and hardy, home-cooked meals. We're ready for friends and time with loved ones. We're ready to spend our first Thanksgiving together as husband and wife :)! Both of our families are now in the same town, so this year we're especially excited that we will get to visit EVERYONE for every holiday! It's just lovely. Thank you dear Lord for all your many blessings this season!

"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."
-Charles Spurgeon


All Our Love,
JenEric

p.s.
  We've uploaded a new song, so turn up your speakers and enjoy! Go all the way to the bottom of the blog where the playlist is. Click on the first song. It's called, "The only thing I want for Christmas is to keep the things that I got." It's an old, wonderful song about having arms around you and a good friend or two. ...the things that really matter in life!

Beautiful Saturday Afternoon

A wise man once said, "You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice." I think this is so great; life should be filled with joy and peace. This is not to say that valleys don't come with the mountains, or that we will not have struggles and persecutions, but rather that every moment that we are allowed to enjoy, we should. Eric and I have taken to the Oklahoma tradition and made a day out of this football-filled Saturday. Welcome, football season! The first game came on at 11:00 a.m. (which we didn't see, the bed was just too comfy this morning) and there's been a game on all day ever since. We took a break from football to watch baseball at about 3 o'clock (Rangers v. Twins). Something about Minnesota just makes us want to move there. It seems like our kind of state!

Per Eric's request, I made Puppy Chow (a Chex snack) to put the final touches on our traditional football day. For several years now I've made this snack, starting around this time of year through the holidays, and it's always a favorite. He's been asking about it for a few days now, and after he made himself sick on it (haha) this afternoon, he thanked me and gave me a big sugary smooch. 

 

It's a tasty, chocolaty, sweet snack that would rot your teeth out if you didn't own a toothbrush, haha! A few pieces does me in, but Eric can eat several hand fulls of it before he gets a belly ache. Our friend Steven (Eric's best man) loves it, and I think about him every time I make it. And once more, thanks to Mom and my grandparents for providing us with several of the ingredients, bowls, and utensils.

Recipe card holder from Grandpa

Melt the chocolate chips. Side note: do not buy off-brand chocolate chips. I'm a loyal customer to Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips for baking, but in an effort to save money I purchase Best Choice brand....bad idea. They don't melt smoothly and are much too dry to melt and pour over the Chex. Choose Hershey's or Toll House. Add 1/4 cup of butter to this chocolate and heat until melted. Make sure to not over heat and burn the chocolate.

Then, measure the peanut butter and add it to the melted chocolate. You may want to heat this mixture as well, so that it meshes well.

Next, measure the vanilla and add to the melted mixture. Pour Chex cereal into large bowl. Pour chocolate mixture over Chex and stir until covered. Then pour powdered sugar over coated Chex and mix.

And it's that simple. You're done! This is one of those foods that makes you crave vegetables. It's so much sugar your body goes into shock. A word of advice, eat it over a period of several days, only a few pieces at a time...alternating with fruits and vegetables :).

Well, now that I've potentially heightened your chance for diabetes, I hope you try this recipe and it turns out great! I just finished brewing a steaming hot pot of tea, so I think I'll pour a glass and have a sit in my favorite comfy chair. We've turned off that stubborn old air-conditioner (it's stubborn because it never shuts off, leaving us with electric bills you could choke on) and opened up all the windows. I absolutely adore the smell of cool night air in the living room. The sound of a train rushing through Edmond is in the distance, Eric is humming Deck the Halls, and my Better Homes and Gardens magazine is awaiting me (I know...this apple didn't fall far from the tree, haha). Eric is full and happy (literally) and I am full and happy (mentally).  Goodnight to all, and to all a goodnight!

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
-Robert Louis Stevenson


"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."
-Jimmy Johnson


All Our Love,
JenEric
 
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Puppy Chow
 
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. butter
1/2  tsp. vanilla
9  c. Chex cereal (I usually only do about 8 though)
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
 
 
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