An Update on Life

It is officially winter! We have snow on the ground (that hopefully won't melt), the Christmas tree is lit, and of course our utility bill just increased by $100... yep, winter must be here! I have a love hate relationship with this season. Love the snow and the joy that comes with the Christmas season, but can't stand the windy days that give you chills even when you are bundled, and of course I never actually appreciate paying my heat bill. On the bright side, I am thankful to be living in a home that has heat, even if it can be a struggle to pay.

The past few months have been kind of rough as our income has decreased substantially.  Thankfully we have not fallen behind on any bills.  We have had to put over $100 into each of our cars, which has not been fun. I had a leaking gas line in the engine area (not something to put off fixing) and today we brought Jarrett's car in to get the tires rotated so it's ready for our trip next week and ended up having to put new tires on his car. At least I have been putting extra into savings!

We are also approaching the 3rd trimester... that means Baby will be here in 3 months! We have been working hard to hang sheet rock and get the room painted, now we just need to get the carpet put in. I am hoping to be done at one of my jobs the end of January, this will save us gas money, and since I only work 17 hours a week there, we won't be losing too much income... AND I have been saving up my paid time off that we will be able to get once I'm done! My other job I will be working at through February unless I am told otherwise, but so far it has been a good pregnancy, so we are praying that no complications arise.

After the baby comes I am hoping to be a stay at home mom. We realize that this will be tough, but do not want to have our child in day care. We have been continually sharing Shaklee, as this is how we are hoping to help support our family. Please take a look at our website! I have also taken time over the past month or so to pick up a hobby that had been pushed aside a long time ago.

As I will be taking the spring semester off and finishing my A.A. next fall, I figured I would have more time to have a hobby since I am not going to be studying and working. So I have been knitting and crocheting A LOT! I have mostly been making Christmas gifts, but in between I have also been making some items for the Etsy shop I plan to open sometime after Christmas (hopefully in time for the new year!) I will keep you all posted and let you know when it officially opens. I plan to have several knitted, crocheted, and other handmade items for sale!

Oh, and I also plan to blog more once the new year starts...maybe it will be a resolution :)

Wake Up!

I just wanted to share this. We would love to help you make a difference in your home and the lives of your family. Let me know if you have any further questions or check out our website!

Baby: 20 weeks

We went in for an ultrasound yesterday!
Our baby is 12 oz. and the heartbeat was 148.
Going back in 3 weeks because Baby was uncooperative and would not position to get all measurements needed. That little stinker.

(I'm so in LOVE...)

Announcing...

Yes, I have become a horrible blogger! Between school, work, and stuff to do around the house, I don't seem to find time to update my blog... I haven't felt like I have had much to write about though. I stayed away from my blog for a month or more on purpose to avoid the temptation of the very exciting announcement of BABY SCHOTTMULLER!

(Baby @ 8 wks! I am now about 16 wks!)

We are THRILLED for the arrival of our little blessing in March 2012! The preparation is a little overwhelming as we currently do not have a place to put Baby, but I have faith that it will all be finished in plenty of time. I would LOVE advice from any mothers out there as I prepare to enter into motherhood. 

Oh and by the way, no, we are not going to find out if Baby is a boy or girl :)

Blog Makeover Give Away

Here is a great give away that I am hosting for Kelly - she is WONDERFUL to work with!

Mandatory

You must be a follower of Kelly's Avenue Designs and Beloved Wife leave a comment telling me you are on both

Leave your email address so I can get in touch with you

Extra entries

Blog about the Giveaway and post the link showing that you did

Follow Kelly's Avenue Designs Facebook Page

Giveaway will end on June 28^th at 11:30 Pm (central time)

U.S customers only and Blogger users only

ALSO... Kelly's Avenue Designs isoffering 20% off or ANY full blog makeover till July 7th at 11:00 pm Central *Blogger Users Only*

the road ahead

Today I am starting my major journey towards weight loss.  I am looking forward to it, but at the same time I am fearful of failure because of all my past struggles to be successful.  I love to cook and I love to eat...I just need to continue with the healthy/organic food choices that I have been adding to our lifestyle.  We are also taking a Fitness Walking class this summer for a requirement for our AA; hoping this will help me get outside and exercise.  One step at a time, keeping my eyes on the goal!
Any encouragement and prayers would be greatly appreciated.

weekend wrap-up

Today I returned home from a wonderful 2 days in the cities.  What a blessing this trip was.

I got to spend hours with my dear friend Catlin - what an encouragement she is! I have really been struggling lately with how I view myself.  I looked in the mirror and truly struggled to see BEAUTIFUL.  It was so saddening to me with how much I struggled to believe this with all my heart.  On our drive down to Bethany Church, she challenged me to come up with 3 things I love about myself. Man was this hard!  I was wonderful to spend time with a girlfriend and actually talk about things.  On Monday morning she and I went to Forever21 at the MOA and I bought a new wardrobe for very little money.  This is the first time in a LONG time that I have tried on clothes and actually felt good and excited about buying them, actually, this is the first time I have bought clothes for myself in a long time because I struggle so much with how I look.  God really opened my eyes and changed my heart in SOOOOO many ways.

Bethany Church was amazing, as usual.  Pastor Matt challenged us on helping the poor. Another eye opener and something laid on my heart. Check out his sermon!  I love how he is speaking to himself as well as the congregation.

We spent the afternoon at Ryan and Noelle's home sharing fellowship.  There were so many young married couples there, many of which are starting families.  We were able to talk about marriage, home buying, parenthood, and adoption.  What a rich time!

I ended my time in the cities with my sister-in-law, Raschelle.  It was nice to just relax and enjoy some time laughing and eating pizza and fro yo.

Praise the Lord for a beautiful time [despite the temperatures and humidity] and safe travels.

FAB Friday!!

So excited to have the day off my my hubby today! We are getting caught up on cleaning our house. LONG OVERDUE! Laundry, dishes, bathroom, etc! I am so excited to use all my Shaklee cleaning supplies in full force! They are WONDERFUL! 

I am hoping once the rain passes we can run to the driving range. I am learning to golf this summer! It is coming along pretty well I think. Then we are off to the fish fry! In northern Minnesota, every Friday night at every restaurant, there is a fish fry. I love to go to the Wilbert in Cotton. My mother-in-law works here and it is delicious!! 

Also this weekend I get to spend with my dear friend Catlin. She was in my core and was one of my room mates at the Honor Academy.  She was here for my wedding in August to do the reading and be my personal attendant and I was able to see her at another good friend's wedding in October! So excited to see her for a third time in less than a year :) We are heading to the cities to go to church at Bethany on Sunday and then hanging out with friends. It is going to be a wonderful girls weekend out :)

(pic by Laurel Lee)

I am also looking forward to getting coffee with Steph @ Sharing the Pages of Life. This will be the first "blog friend" that I have met!! I am also excited to hang out with my sister-in-law, Raschelle!!

This is definitely going to be a FABULOUS weekend! Hope you all have a fabulous Friday :)

I got my blog made over by Kelly's Avenue Designs! Check out her page - she is offering 20% off a full blog design through June 15th!! She is AWESOME to work with!

House Update: On Wednesday I helped install another new window in our home! The glass is so clear, and we can actually open them! 5 down; 2 to go... it is coming along! 

Tortellini and Garlic Bread

Yesterday I started my new job. It went well and I think I will enjoy it!! I came home and started to prep for dinner and for some more house projects. Hubby and I got to eat together before he was off to an all night lock-in with the youth group! I made a delicious tortellini bake and garlic bread. YUMMY!!

After he left, my father-in-law and I installed one of the windows in the living room. It looks GREAT - clear glass and a window that opens. We also worked on tearing off our cedar shake siding. This is getting old... can't wait for the finished product!!!

Here is the recipe for dinner last night
Garlic Bread

6 tsp italian seasoning blend

2 tsp Kosher salt

2 tsp parsley flakes

2 tbs garlic powder

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Mix all ingredients together and store in a sealed container.

1 1/2 tbs seasoning mixture

1 stick of butter, softened

1 Italian loaf, halved length wise

Mix seasoning with butter and spread on bread.  Wrap with foil and bake @ 350 degrees for 12-15 mins or over indirect heat on grill.

Tortellini Spinach Bake in Creamy Lemon Sauce

12 oz bag Barilla Cheese & Spinach Tortellini (from the dry pasta aisle)
4 oz bacon (about four strips--I'm telling you if you don't put in at least six you'll be sad)
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (I used a little more than this and one of my kids thought it was too spicy, I thought it was just right)
1 medium lemon
2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach, roughly chopped
3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 350 dgs. Fill a large stock pot with water and bring to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions.

Place bacon in a medium sized skillet and cook on medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan with slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain. Reserve two tablespoons bacon drippings in pan and discard the rest. Add garlic to pan and cook until fragrant and tender, about one minute. Add flour to pan and stir with a whisk for about one minute. Slowly add milk and continue to stir and whisk till smooth. Add salt, pepper, basil, and red pepper flakes and bring sauce to a simmer.

While sauce is heating, use a microplane grate or a fine-holed cheese grater to zest lemon. Then cut lemon in half and juice. Add 2 teaspoons zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to sauce. Continue to stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Drain tortellini and place back in stock pot. Reserve 1 tbs of the cooked bacon and add the rest to the pasta mixture. Add spinach, 1/2 c mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Add sauce and gently stir to combine. Place pasta mixture in an 8x8 pan and top with remaining cheese and crumbled bacon.

Cover pan with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and cool about 10 minutes.

(recipe and pic from Lemon Glaze)

MK Ladies Day

Ok ladies, today I had a MK expo had my local wellness club, and it did not go so well. I am asking for your help!! I am in need of selling some of my products and earning some money for our siding and new window project. So... I am asking that you share the news.

*Get a Timewise Miracle Set $90 now only $75*

*Get a FREE Travel Roll-Up bag with ANY $100 purchase*

OR

*25% off your order of any size (can be combined with Roll-Up offer)*

Check out my website and place an order now until June 1st!!!

blog makeover

SO... for those of you who have not noticed, I made over my blog last week. After posting last, I noticed my blog was a MESS!!! I took it upon myself to fix it... 5 hours later... this is the outcome!

BUT... I just found out about a GIVEAWAY!! Check it out by clicking the button!!

house project & other things

Well... it has been over 2 weeks since I last blogged! YIKES... Please bare with the long entry.

Nothing eventful has really happened over the past 2 weeks. I have not been going to school and only work 2 or 3 evening per week. I have been trying to clean my house, which I don't necessarily feel motivated to do most days... so I just putts around doing laundry and washing dishes.

We have been making progress on our home! This summer project is replacing all our windows and residing. We currently have 10 windows in our tiny home. One was replaced in October after a golfball went through it in August. We order 7 new windows - 2 of them are going to make more space for future cabinets in the kitchen an a coat rack in the entry way. 3 down; 4 to go!! And 2 sides of our house are torn down to the tar paper, leaving a LARGE pile of cedar shake siding piled on a tarp in the corner of our yard until we get a dumpster. So excited to get this all done!

We have lots of remodeling plans with our home and it is quite the adventure. I try to be patient through the whole thing, but it is not something I can do on my own! The flooring is missing in some places, we do not have dry wall up in many spots, my kitchen is a horrible use of space, and my oven only works half the time. This is frustrating to me, especially the kitchen because I LOVE to cook... so thankful to be getting a NEW kitchen next spring!

(my multicolored house - the back was red and white)

I have also become a Shaklee distributor. My mom thinks I'm trying to see how many companies I can become a distributor for... Mary Kay, Herbalife, Shaklee... I know, I know, its a little extensive. Mary Kay is something I am still trying to work at after over a year, but am just not very successful with. Herbalife I am only a distributor so I can get the 35% discount to buy my products. And this new Shaklee thing...I am VERY excited about! I started using the cleaning supplies last month to support a friend who has recently become a distributor. If you spend $30 you can become a member for FREE...so I did. Now I absolutely LOVE the cleaning supplies and was able to become a distributor with out paying a fee. How wonderful! I am excited to see where this goes. I am passionate about making my home a healthier and safer place for my family and I want to share it with others!!! Praying for the business to grow and help support our family that will be expanding someday in the future while being a stay-at-home mom.

Whole Wheat Pancakes

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!

Today I work and then I have the week off. My sister-in-law graduates from nursing school in North Dakota on Saturday, so we will be heading there on Friday. Until then I plan to get a lot done at home. AND it is supposed to be 60 and sunny so maybe - just maybe I can tackle the house and get some siding torn down! 

This morning I wanted to share my favorite pancake recipe with you...

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tablespoon oil

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon baking powder

2 eggs

2 cups milk

(Valentine's Breakfast)

Change...

Well, as a follow up to my last post about school... I will not be continuing on in the nursing program. I did not do well on my test and unfortunately got my lowest score of the semester. I was able to talk to my teacher and pray with my husband before making a decision whether to finish the semester and still not pass, or just be done now and spend some time working around the house. I chose the latter. It was such a hard decision, but I know that God has a plan and even though the last couple days have been hard for me, in my heart I do not feel as though I have failed!

I made the switch to get an Associates in the Arts degree for now and can always transfer or continue on somewhere down the road. Right now I am unsure if I will continue in nursing or not, but until then I can accomplish something! I have registered for fall courses and a Fitness Walking course this summer with my hubby! I am so excited that I get to take WHEEL THROWING this fall. Praise the Lord! This is something I absolutely LOVE!! And if I have everything calculated correctly, it looks as if I can finish up my AA during spring semester.

God's plans are funny. I thought I would spend these 2 years working towards being a nurse, but maybe he has something else in mind...we shall see!

*Edit*

Had to throw in an Easter pictures since I found my USB and when photo upload crazy...

great and mighty

Recently I have been very stressed and overwhelmed with school... actually, that is a lie, it is not a recent thing, but an everyday occurrence.   I am down to the last 2ish weeks of the semester, and there is a chance I may not pass. I need to have a theory test average of 78% with other factors bringing it up to an 80%. Currently I am sitting on a 75 or 76% average, so it is not impossible to raise my grade, but I have figured I need to receive 85.5% average on the next 3 tests - one of which is today. 200 note cards and 6 pages of medications later I still feel as if I know nothing. How frustrating!! "God, I just want to make it through this semester. I have worked so hard and do not want to feel like more of a failure. Please give me the strength to endure!" 

I am brought to tears trying to study these days because I feel as if nothing will pay off; hours of work will all be in vain. I know that I should not feel this way, it is not of the Lord! But I am in such a vulnerable state right now and it takes all the strength I have to get through the day not feeling like a complete failure. 

I find myself listening to worship music a lot, especially on my 30 min drive to school and the same on the way home. It brings some peace and the feeling as if I am escaping for a mere half hour, when in reality I am on my way to the most dreaded thing these days. A couple of my favorites are "Mighty to Save" by Laura Story, "One Thing Remains" by Jesus Culture, and "Holy" by Matt Gilman & Cory Asbury.  They speak truth into my life! Music has always done this for me more powerfully than anything else. I sing along and start to believe the lyrics...

"Your love never fails

It never gives up

It never runs out on me"

"Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave"

"Only one word comes to mind

There’s only one word to describe

Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
There is no one like You

You are holy, holy"

If my God is big enough and strong enough to save the world, then He is definitely big enough to give me the strength to make it through the semester. And He is even able to give me the ability to pass my classes. This may seem so cliche, but it is the truth. I don't think I could EVER make it this far without Him!

Envy My Cooking

My Salsa Chicken recipe that I posted a few weeks ago was featured on Envy My Cooking today!!

sick...

Being sick is definitely NO fun! I was up till around 11:30 last night finishing up my prep for 6:45 clinical this morning... I was up all night sick and had to call in to clinical. How disappointing! I have been working so hard to get caught up and study, then I get sick. So today I spent my day resting and now I am going to attempted to finish up a big assignment that is due tomorrow.

Can't wait for school to be DONE!

Satin Hands Winner!!

Yesterday completely got away from me.  We looked at a 2006 Impala and spend some time in Duluth.  We also bought a new kitchen table and did some grocery shopping! I got so caught up getting everything done that I forgot to announce the winner of the Satin Hands Set........ 

and it is Michelle!! So excited that she gets this set because she is a mom of 3 with a 4th on the way! What a great way for her to pamper herself! Congrats Michelle!! 

(Michelle & her husband)

FAB Friday

Today is a day off...both work AND school! I am going to clean my house a little and enjoy the sunshine! 

I work Saturday and Sunday afternoon, so we do not have much planned for the weekend.

I want to share an update on our car search...

I emailed the dealership that was selling the Saturn VUE on Tuesday.  I heard back from the guy on Wednesday morning that they were bringing the car to International Falls for someone who was interested. I started searching some more and praying more about this.  I emailed him again this morning and he said he didn't hear anything and would let me know as soon as he did... 15 mins later I get an email saying it did not sell and will be back in town tomorrow.  So we plan to go for a test drive tomorrow!!! 

(here is the VUE we are looking at)

I forgot to take a pic of dinner the other day, but here is the recipe

Salsa Chicken:

2 lbs chicken breasts
6 Tbs chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 jar of your favorite salsa
couscous 
sour cream
shredded cheese

Cut chicken into 1" cubes and put in a gallon Ziplock bag.  Add seasoning and shake until coated.  Dump contents of bag into Crock Pot and pour jar of salsa over the top (I personally love to use Archer Farms Organic Chipotle salsa!) Cook on low for 7-9 hours.  Serve over couscous and top with sour cream and cheese if desired.

P.S. - I entered this recipe in a give away at Envy My Cooking 

Out with the old...In with the new!

There have been a lot of changes going on in my heart over the past couple of months and they have begun to pour over into my living.  I desire to change, but it is so hard to do when life around me is so mundane.  I have become very aware of how I talk and the conversations I take part in.  I have noticed that my comfort level in everyday conversations around me has changed drastically.  I almost feel awkward when people around me are talking about going to the bars and other things that they did over the weekend.  My attitude and the way I carry myself has also seemed to change.  The Lord is doing something - and although I am not sure what it is - I want to be ready for it.  I wouldn't say I ever really turned from him, but the past several months of my life have definitely been consumed with other, less important things.

I have found a new friend! I feel so blessed as she too is a fellow believer in this faith that I strive to live and follow everyday of my life.  Just talking with her brings joy to my life.  It is nice to finally have people to join with that have the same beliefs as I, and she is in the nursing program, so he understands the stresses of my life far better than anyone else.  PRAISE THE LORD!!

Over the past couple months I have also been trying really hard to change the way that Jarrett and I eat.  Boy, oh boy is this a hard goal to accomplish!! I have been buying primarily organic foods and have started shopping at the local co-op.  I love it there!! Yes, it is a little spendy, but why not if it going to be better for my health in the long run.  I have been thinking a lot about our future family quite often, and this is part of the reason that I really want a change.  I do not want to feed my children things that, yet unnoticed, are harmful for their bodies.  It is a challenge for my husband to see eye-to-eye with me on this one.  He loves his food, and I have to admit that I do too.  But really eating healthy doesn't have to taste bad!! 

Oh... and one of our cars is not doing so well.  It is the car that we bought for Jarrett back in November.  Unfortunately we took it in today for some "minor repairs",  such as brakes and an oil change, and found out that the transmission needs to be rebuilt. Hm.... We are considering buying a new vehicle.  Since we only paid $450 for this car, it is almost not worth it to put in well over $1,000.  So I suggested to him that we look into a more "family friendly" vehicle for our near future and that he just take over my current Taurus wagon.  We are praying for a great deal and a great vehicle.  I am looking at a 2003 Saturn Vue that I found at a dealership here in town (what do you think Ria??)  And I also found a 2008 Honda CR-V that I really like, but it is a little bit over our price range.  Any suggestions?

Friday!

It is FINALLY here... This has been such a long and stressful week of VERY little sleep for me.  First week of clinical in long term care, an endocrine exam on diabetes melitus, a 3 pages paper to finish up, fixing my errors on my prep from this week...and today starting my prep for next week! It is a never ending cycle!! But it is now April and that means only 6 more weeks of school then its SUMMER!!

This afternoon I will be spending time at the nursing home making my assignments since I am team leader this week. Then off to a long shift at work.

Thankfully I have the weekend off :) Spending some much needed time with my hubby is on the agenda as well as cleaning my house! Saturday evening we are going to our friends' house (Seth & Renee) for dinner and hang out time! Sunday is church and then time with my in-laws; my sister-in-law will be in town too!! So, it will be a pretty laid back weekend, hopefully a bit less stressful. 

I have decided what April's give away is...

(Satin Hands in Vanilla Sugar!)

Also, 15% off all month. Stock up on anything you might be needing, or get a new "look" for Spring and Summer. 

Here is how to enter:

-follow my blog

-and leave a comment saying why you want it!

Pretty simple :) I will be doing my drawing on April 15th! And MAYBE there will be a second give away...we will see what the response is and if sales are good. Help support me and my husband as we are remodeling our house...I hope to make some extra money so we can do more with our house this summer. I am also wanting to take up one of my passions as a part time business from home, but right now finances and resources are the major problem! Praying for guidance 

winner of March MK give away

And the winner is...

My dear cousin MANDY!!

(Mandy & her husband)

Keep an eye out in the next couple days for the APRIL Mary Kay give away :)

Last Chance!

First off, sorry that I have been absent from my blog recently. School has been very stressful and time consuming.

Second, tomorrow is your LAST CHANCE to enter my March MK giveaway! Thursday evening I will announce the WINNER...so stay tuned!

Then on Friday I will be starting my April MK giveaway and discounts! 

Hope you have a great week!

busy, busy, busy

This week has been VERY busy for me with school. So I have not had a chance to blog. And tonight I have to study... so this will be a short one.

I spent the weekend with my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew since they were here from MD for a wedding. I miss this already and hope they can move back to MN soon :) 

(pic of niece & nephew from my phone)

School has been crazy and stressful so far this semester. I am hoping to do better on my tests and bring my grade up because right now it is just discouraging. I could use some prayer and encouragement in this area if you think of it :)

I got the last 2 books in the mail from the series by Karen Kingsbury that I am reading. So excited to finish them!!

I also ordered more MK stuff that just came out this season. I am excited about the new products, and building my business. If you want to hear more about the opportunity or are interested in supporting me and pampering yourself - email me! 

Well, on a note of getting things in the mail... Today I got my copy of "It Started With a Blog" by Steph Page. I would recommend checking out her blog. She is a new blog friend of mine and the sister-in-law of a dear friend from the Honor Academy. She is so encouraging and I cannot wait to meet her in person!!

(click here to check out her blog & devotional)

Well, I'm gonna hit the books till my wonderful, handsome hubby gets home from work.

Fabulous Friday & the Weekend

I'm joining my dear friend Ria @ Life as a Wife! for FABULOUS FRIDAY!!

Today my to do list consists of:

-washing dishes/cleaning my kitchen

-laundry

-trip to Target :)

-grocery shopping

-lunch w/ Jarrett at the Mexican restaurant

-making dinner (might have company, but hubby works)

-painting my nails! something for ME

-oh...and reading my book 

Tomorrow: I get to watch my niece and nephew! I am so excited to see them... I haven't since our wedding back in August. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are coming up tonight for a wedding that he is in tomorrow. Everyone else works, so I get the kids to myself for a couple hours until my hubby and father-in-law get off work and join me. I am excited for the time to spend with family :)

(Justin & Annie and their kids)

(me & my niece at the wedding...she was ADORABLE)

(one of my favorites of my niece & nephew)

Sunday: We plan to go to church and then I am going to do some studying and hopefully have a Skype date with my sister while Jarrett is at work. Then we are heading to my in-laws again for the evening. Maybe I will bring groceries and cook dinner since my mother-in-law unfortunately has to work.

YAY for weekends off work and NO school :)