Not Your Typical Fruit Salad

I called to find out what we could bring to the Easter dinner we were invited to... and fruit salad was the answer. Suuurrreee, let me head to the kitchen and whip up some good ole fruit salad.

Yeah right. Fruit salad? I have no idea how to make fruit salad.

In fact, I don't even eat fruit salad.

So, this is my idea of a  fruit salad (adapted from all recipes).

It's more of a dessert.

Layered Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

About a cup or two of your 5 or 6 favorite fruits--> it depends on how big your bowl is as to how much fruit you want to use (we used frozen blueberries and peaches, but the rest were fresh)

1 eight ounce package of low fat cream cheese

1 eight ounce tub of whipped cream

1/2 cup of powdered sugar

1/4 cup pecans or almonds

Cute glass bowl :)

Cut up your fruit

Layer in the glass dish

Mix the sugar and cream cheese until smooth

Fold in powdered sugar

Spoon over the fruit

Add nuts

Like I said, this is not your typical fruit salad.

It's better.

Seriously.

And prettier.

My Christmas Post

I had the "Ahha!" moment. I usually have it once a year when I am reminded of what Christmas is.

My sweet husband put off Christmas shopping for a few of his family members until Saturday. The Saturday before Christmas. Realizing this about noon, we put on our shopping faces and headed to the mall. It was packed. More packed than black Friday. People were frantically running from store to store. I even witnessed a few people pushing others out of their way. It was ridiculous.

This got me thinking. Why is this what Christmas is? Why is it that there are so many people(including myself) running around like crazy trying to find that perfect gift. Spending more money than necessary to celebrate Christmas. Now, don't get me wrong- I LOVE gifts. And I love giving them, but it has become the focus. Chris and I have gone over our list many times to make sure we don't forget anyone, but have yet to sit down as a family and read the Christmas Story- the real one.

Isn't that what this time of year is about? Isn't it about celebrating our Savior's birth?

I got a call from my mom the other day explaining that Christmas was going to be a little scarce this year since she quit her job in September. This totally threw me off. It took me a minute to understand that she was talking about presents. Once I realized this I was frustrated. Not really with her alone, but also myself. Is this what we have let Christmas become? My family is so focused on gifts that Christmas seems worse because there won't be as many presents under the tree. Pathetic.

As I write this I start to think about how much Chris and I spent on each other. Last year was ridiculous, so we cut back this year. The goal was 50$ each, but that didn't happen. I spent $130 on Chris and I am guessing he spent about 80$ on me. We were $110 over what we planned. Sadly this is still much better than last year. We spent about $300 on the rest of our friends and family. I am sure many think this is still not much, but to us it is. This is a large sum of money for a teacher and grad student. This doesn't include everything else that comes with Christmas.
Let me also say that I wouldn't change all of this. I wouldn't change going home, buying a tree, making treats for others, or buying for our family members; I would change how much. Most importantly I would change the fact that gifts have been the focus.

I am almost embarrassed that as a Christian I have not read the Christmas story yet. I have not taken time to focus on the reason for Christmas.

I hope that all of you find joy in the Savior this week and throughout the year. I hope that the giving spirit sticks with you- not just with gifts- but your life. I hope that as you spend time with family and friends you are a light for Christ. I also hope that you take a minute (hopefully more) to spend time thanking God for sending his Son for us. Read his story- all of the accounts the Bible gives us, and share this story with those around you.

"These will be his royal titles: 'wonderful,' 'counselor,' the mighty God,' the Everlasting Father, 'the Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9:6

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas shopping began a while ago for me, only to be finished on Black Friday. Black Friday started early;Hailey, Becky, and I headed to Old Navy at 1:30. Next stop was Kohl's, Dicks, Limited, and Gap! We had a blast, and as you can see in the picture we spent our fair share of money!

My buff hubby carrying the tree!

Putting it up
Putting the lights on the house
Chris and I don't do well with waiting until Christmas to begin giving gifts. We gave Hailey and Joey their gifts early.


I don't have a finished picture of the tree yet, but let me tell you- it's special.... It is kept "straight" by a weight and fishing line. :) But it isn't really straight. Just don't tell my husband I said that.

The decorations are up and plans are made for a visit home! I love the holidays!

My Christmas Wish List

Here it goes...


An Ipod Shuffle to use while running




A watch that has a heart rate monitor


Or I would gladly accept one that would track my run...




I would also like the new Taylor Swift CD. As well as the New Nicholas Sparks book, Safe Haven.


Oh, and a red Kitchen aid Mixer!

Thankful? At Thanksgiving? And a few additional thoughts.

"She thought about everything she wanted to say to God, and it always started with, Thank you."

This is my desk calender quote of the day. It got me thinking about how blessed I am and how often I forget to be thankful. I get so worked-up about school, grading, running, softball, and other things that tend to use a lot of my time. I focus on how busy I am. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I honestly don't think I have thought about giving thanks. I am too focused on whether I want to use my China or regular dishes. How will I do the place settings? Do I even want to have place settings? It's been a while since I stopped and thought about the blessings the Lord has showered on me. So here it is. My list of of blessings (in no particular order).

1. Chris- my husband is my best friend. He makes me smile and he makes me coffee. Two very important things. He also has taken care of me while I recover from a recent surgery. I am so blessed.

2. Sharon and Becky- these two ladies get me through the school day. They keep me positive and keep me sane. They also shop with me. :)

3. Katie and Casey- I don't know what I would do without my two best friends. They know me better than anyone (other than Chris, of course). I miss them terribly, but am thankful for the phone chats!

4. My momma- she loves me- unconditionally- which is hard. She also gives good advice. I should listen more often.

5. And I can't say my momma without mentioning my daddy. And yes, I call him daddy. I am just like him. Of course, I only hope I can be as giving as he is.

6. My job- I complain, but I love it.

7. My church family. For obvious reasons. :D

8. My dog, Dixie- she loves me. Even when I push her away because she is licking me too early in the morning, she always comes back for more. I wish I could love like her...

9. West Lafayette- yes, the whole town. I love it. I love the people, the atmosphere, and my life here. I love my life in general, but I really love living here. Being able to move has been a bigger blessing than I could have every imagined.

10. My health. As always. Especially as I hear of others my age who are suffering. I am blessed.

11. My faith and the people everyday who encourage it.

12. My new black boots. They're super cute. And I got them for 70% off.

13. My students, and all of the things they teach me.

14. Being able to run- even though the doctor has me resting for three weeks.

15. My Under Armour running Capri's. They are awesome.

16. Our Element.The box car. I love it.


* I started this post yesterday, with plans to add today. I wanted time to think about all I was thankful for. But I didn't add. It's the same as when I stopped writing yesterday.
After softball practice yesterday I called my mom as always. She informed me that my dad, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes, was being recommended for further testing. That didn't sound too bad. I mean, I have had further testing with different things. The more questions I asked, the more reality set in. This could be serious. Like this could be really, really serious. Or it could be nothing but diabetes (not that diabetes isn't serious itself, but compared to the options...). I didn't know what else to do but cry. And so I did. I don't think I have been that scared in a while. Once I got off the phone I just sat down on the couch. I didn't really know what to do. And then I asked the questions that I have so often answered for others: "Why is God doing this to my family? Why could this even be an option? My parents are good people. My dad doesn't deserve this." I have answered it before, but I couldn't answer it now. It was different. It was real. I began questioning God's motives. I tend to expect the worst and especially with this. Not that my dad has been diagnosed with anything- but just the fact that they're testing him for conditions so serious terrifies me.

On my way to school this morning I was thinking about my dad. I was thinking about how I would get through the next few weeks not knowing what's going on. And then I heard a song. I don't remember who it was by or what it was called, but it talked about the "God of perfect Peace." And I thought, "Duh. The God of perfect Peace. Why am I running from him now? Why am I irritated now? Why am I not running to him? Why am I not seeking his peace? The peace that passes all human understanding?" It hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed to have faith. I needed to be hopeful and stop expecting the worst. I needed God. I needed his peace.

And so here I am... trusting. Or trying to. And so I reflect on my thankfulness of yesterday, and I realize that maybe I am not thankful enough for the PEOPLE in my life. Black boots? Seriously. I mean I do really like them, but why am I not focusing on those things that cannot be replaced. And place settings? What is happening to me? Why am I not more thankful for the people who have made me and continue to make me who I am? I focus on material things so much. I want this and I want that. And in the end- who cares? These "things" mean nothing when it comes down to it. They are pointless.

I pray for all of you, my 11 readers, that this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, are able to see the beauty in your life. That you are able to see and appreciate the people that God has blessed you with. And that your families are healthy and happy.

I also ask for your prayers for my dad's health. That the tests are able to be done quickly and results are made known. Pray that whatever the results say, treatment can begin and health restored. That God would provide my family with peace and comfort knowing that he is in control. That his plans are perfect.

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension (understanding), will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 5:4 "Remind each other of God's goodness and be thankful."

Christmas Pictures

Here are a few pictures from Christmas. :)

Our door decoration.

The decor on the bookshelf

Our first tree!

Christmas parade in West Lafayette

Chris's tool organizer.

His new hoodie.

His headlamp from me and Drew.

My new sleeping bag. I also got new boots, but they aren't pictured because I got them early.

Ice Skating

My strawberry cake that I made for Ben's birthday

We celebrated Christmas the Saturday before so we didn't have to haul all of our presents home. And also because we wanted to start our own traditions. We had Screwdrivers and breakfast casserole. Classy, I know. But it was oh so good! Then we opened gifts and stockings as we watched it snow. :) We watched movies and were super lazy all day. Just like it was Christmas!

My Christmas Wish List

These are just a few things I am asking for this Christmas... :) Mainly this is for my wonderful hubby (who will have a copy of this everywhere he looks as the holidays get closer.) The only questions is if he will care, or will do his usual, "I can't get you what you ask for because then you will know what you're getting."

I want boots. :) They don't have to be these, although these are currently on sale at REI outlet and are pretty perfect (Hi-tec snowflake chukka boots). I want some that aren't just cute, because I want them to be practical. These are good because they have a good sole, waterproof, and warm! Size 8, light brown/tan is a must.

I would love a Kavu Bi-Coastal Shoulder (not regular) bag- in black preferably.

I don't necessarily want this sleeping bag... any would be fine. Chris says I need one I can take backpacking, but I am not too sure about that yet.
These are the main things, I think.